Can My Security Cameras Get Hacked?

With everything connected to the internet today, it is natural to think, can my cameras get hacked?. Security cameras are a convenient way to watch your home. No matter where you are, you can feel confident that your home is protected. But that hasn’t stopped 28 percent of Americans from feeling uneasy about this technology. 

At Hive, a premier home Automator, we acknowledge our clients' concerns about installing cameras in their homes. It’s vital that you feel safe and secure in your products and installation. 

In this article, we provide you with the knowledge of how to protect your system and your home. 

Can Security Cameras Get Hacked? 

Unfortunately, nothing is hack-proof. If it connects to the internet, it can be compromised. Products like Ring, Arlo, and others that are often self-installed are also at risk. 

As with any security product, you’re only as strong as the weakest link. Unless you have expertise on both the hardware and software sides of the product, it's easy for hackers to exploit security vulnerabilities.

You might remember a security video that went viral in 2020. The case involved a hacker who stole a Ring subscriber’s username/password from a third-party website. Then, they accessed a camera installed in an 8-year-old’s bedroom. Even though what happened was not a case of actual hacking, it preyed on consumer habits around complacency. 

Ring has since rectified the situation. The video doorbell encourages all users to enable its two-step verification. You can find the official statement from Ring below: 

Customer trust is important to us. We take the security of our devices seriously. Our security team has investigated these incidents and we have no evidence of an unauthorized intrusion or compromise of Ring’s systems or network. Upon learning of these incidents, we took appropriate actions to promptly block bad actors from known affected Ring accounts and affected users have been contacted. Consumers should always practice good password hygiene. We encourage Ring customers to change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

How To Protect Your Cameras

There are several ways to protect your cameras and your home.

• Your first line of protection is a strong and secure password. No matter who provides your security, it’s imperative to secure your account. Make sure this password wasn't used in the past or is a modified version of an existing password. 

• • Consider using a password manager, like LastPass or Dashlane. These services provide unique, strong passwords for your various needs. They also keep track of your existing passwords for easy access. 

• Keep your firmware up to date. Camera manufacturers routinely release updates to their systems. Some cameras will automatically download these updates, but others require you to accept them manually. Check your security system app to see if they are automatic or manual.

• Use a two-step verification login. In addition to your username and password, companies like Ring and Alarm.com require users to verify their telephone number or email address. These companies send a special code each time the user logs in, ensuring only you can access the system. 

• Review the system’s device access. Many companies offer clients the ability to see who has logged into their account and from where. Keep an eye out for any suspicious access. 

How Do I Know If My System Has Been Hacked?

Unless the hacker acts right away, then you might not know when your system is compromised. Keep an eye out for signs like:

• Strange noises or voices.

• Cameras panning or tilting when not accessed by you or others in your home. 

• Suspicious device access.

• An increase in data traffic.

• Account passwords are being changed.

If your security system is compromised, contact your provider immediately. Disable your cameras until the provider can reset your account and establish verification. 

Your home's safety is essential. There are many ways to ensure your system stays online and protected. By following these tips, you can sleep soundly knowing no bad actors will be accessing your system. 

Want to install your high-tech security system? Call our Hive representatives at (813) 938-1585 or through our contact page to schedule a free consultation today. Check out our blog for more information on security systems, smart home installations, and more!