So, you’ve likely seen or heard stories about the infiltration of home video cameras in recent news, which may make you leery about getting them yourself.
However, having video incorporated into a home security system offers numerous benefits for homeowners in addition to providing an added layer of protection from intruders.
The fear of being watched by strangers is no reason to be dissuaded from investing in video security monitoring and cameras, as the majority of privacy attacks are easily preventable with just a few steps.
Here’s what you need to know about keeping home security cameras secure from hackers and better ensure your privacy.
Be Extra Careful Using IP Video Cameras
The two primary types of cameras for home security are traditional IP Wi-Fi enabled and modernized smart cameras such as the Cloud Cam and Nest Cam. Indeed, IP video cameras are generally involved in the horror stories from the news.
While there’s nothing inherently ‘wrong’ with IP cameras, their use of wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections can leave them vulnerable to anyone who logs into the camera’s IP address.
The real issue is that most individuals use improper configuration techniques and fail to secure their camera with a unique username and strong password, which leaves it exposed to prying eyes.
If you really want to minimize your chances of becoming someone’s ‘show,’ give consideration to smart cameras that don’t rely on the Internet for video security monitoring.
Give Preference to Cameras with Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication is a valuable security feature that you’ll find offered as a feature for smart security cameras. However, not all companies provide this level of security.
Be sure to properly set up the two-factor authentication process before using the cameras, using strong passwords and usernames that no one can guess to ensure your privacy.
So, to answer the question at hand, yes, home video cameras can be perfectly safe as long as the user properly configures the unit and sets up an account with good security measure.