While a big focus of 2021 has been on cybersecurity and all of the threats posed to everything from personal smartphones, to company email accounts, to major government systems, it’s easy to overlook the seriousness of one’s physical security.
Today there are countless ways to protect your home or your business, with a wide range of high-quality security cameras and systems designed to keep you, your loved ones, your company, and your valuables safe and secure. Of course, in our age marked by Internet-connected devices, the threat of hackers is hitting even our security systems.
David Priest and Taylor Martin of CNET present a comprehensive overview of ways in which your home security cameras might be vulnerable to hacks — and ways you can mitigate that risk:
• What vulnerabilities exist — As with most Internet-connected devices, security cameras should always be updated whenever a security patch comes along. Martin and Priest reference the fact that cameras from major developers like Wyze and Google Nest come with high-end, sophisticated encryption. To make the best use of these capabilities, you should be vigilant when an app or security update comes along.
When a technician arrives to make a repair, industry standard from companies like ADT and Comcast is to “simply limit the actions technicians can take while assisting customers” to make sure no one compromises your system or data.
In short, update your software and be aware of what policies your security company has for third-party interactions with your device and data.
• What threats are out there?: Aamir Lakhani, a security expert at FortiGuard, told CNET that hackers can get hold of your camera locally if they are in the right range of the Wi-Fi network the camera utilizes. If they access the network, this could be a serious problem, especially if you have an older camera installed that might not come with the most modern encryption protections.
Lakhani added that remote hacks prove a graver threat. A data breach of the security company at large could compromise your login credentials.
One safeguard for the negative impact a compromised password could have is tied to common sense cybersecurity etiquette: Don’t reuse your password across devices and accounts. You don’t want someone to hack into your security camera as well as get access to your bank account because you use the same password for both.
• Detecting a hack: It might be very easy to be hacked and have no idea it occurred.
Lakhani told CNET that if your camera’s feed seems interrupted or isn’t working properly, you may have been compromised. This might also be a flaw in the technology. If something seems off, contact your security camera provider right away and make sure your system hasn’t been hacked.