What is a Smart Security Camera?
Smart cameras are often used around the home to monitor front doors, gardens and garages. And they usually connect to the internet using your home Wi-Fi. This enables you to watch a live camera feed, receive alerts, and usually record footage.
However, as with any smart device that can connect to the internet, you should take a few steps to protect yourself.
What is the problem with Smart Cameras?
Another possibility is that the camera has software flaws that make it possible for someone else to access your camera.
How to Choose a Smart Security Camera
There are many different brands of security cameras available on the market. No company has a perfect track record, but you are more likely to have a better experience when using a device from a well-known supplier.
- Cheaper cameras often have basic components and software that offer easy ways for other people to spy on you. And manufacturers might not provide any fixes for security flaws for cheaper models.
- Look for a camera with a physical way of telling you that it is switched off. Many security cameras come with a cover that can be placed over the lens when powered off, or a flashing light to let you know the camera is actively watching. These are safer than those without, as they take away the need to trust that the device is off.
How do you keep your Smart Device Safe?
Replace the manufacturer’s password with a new password
You can usually change it using the app you use to manage the device. When you change the password, make sure you avoid using common passwords.
Ensure your camera is regularly updated
Set your device to automatically update if possible. Check your device settings for 'software' or 'firmware' update options.
Disable features that let you remotely view camera footage if you don't need it
Keep in mind that doing this may also prevent you receiving alerts when movement is detected, and could stop the camera working with smart home devices (such as Alexa, Google Home or Siri).
Turn on end-to-end encryption, if possible.
Although encryption is being widely adopted by manufacturers, many companies will not turn it on by default. This feature must be enabled by going directly into your settings after the initial setup. By turning end-to-end encryption on, files of recordings taken by your security camera cannot be viewed by hackers, in the event that they have accessed your camera.
Are your WiFi router settings safe?
Many routers use technologies called UPnP and port forwarding to allow devices to find other devices to connect to within your network. Cyber-criminals can exploit these technologies to potentially access devices on your home network.
Consider disabling UPnP and port forwarding on your router - some routers may already have these disabled by default.
Note: Disabling UPnP may prevent certain applications and devices from working, such as online gaming, media servers, and other smart devices.
This page was last reviewed on 29/01/2024