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A proactive concern for safety often motivates people to install security cameras for their homes or businesses to protect their property and loved ones or employees and customers. However, as technology advances, so do hacking techniques. We’ve probably all seen the viral videos that look like indoor cameras are being invaded by someone outside the home, so let’s talk about this. Can a home security camera be hacked, and if it has been, how could you tell?

A home security camera can be hacked in several ways, depending on the camera type and how much attention you pay to keep it secure. One way to get hacked is via weak passwords or using default credentials. Another risk is vulnerability to malware or viruses that can infect your camera and allow unauthorized access.

This post will explore all the ways your security camera can be hacked, how you can tell when your system is hacked, and some preventive measures you can take to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

Understanding Security Camera Vulnerabilities

What does hacking a security camera mean? Hacking is unauthorized access to your camera system and controlling its functionalities. In most cases, hackers use malware or viruses to infect the camera’s software, giving them remote access.

Hackers may take over your security camera for malicious purposes, such as spying or gaining access to your network and personal information. They may also use your camera as part of a botnet attack, where they control multiple devices to carry out cyber attacks.

They can also survey your property and gather sensitive information, such as your daily routine or any valuables in your home.

Are There Home Security Cameras That Can’t Be Hacked?

While some security cameras are more secure than others, no system is entirely immune to hacking.  Wired systems, for example, reduce the attack surface compared to Wi-Fi cameras, as they don’t transmit data wirelessly. However, even wired systems can be compromised through vulnerabilities in the network they’re connected to or through physical access to the recording device.

The key is to minimize vulnerabilities through a combination of strong security practices, such as using strong passwords, keeping firmware updated, segmenting your network, and careful equipment selection. Look for the best home security system with cameras that offer features like encryption and two-factor authentication.

Common Reasons Cameras Are Vulnerable to Hacking

  1. Weak Passwords: If your camera has a default password or if you use simple and easily guessable passwords, it becomes an easy target for hackers.
  2. Outdated Software: Manufacturers regularly release software updates to fix security vulnerabilities in their cameras. If you don’t update your camera’s software, it may remain vulnerable to hacking.
  3. Unsecured Network: Again, if your camera is connected to an unsecured network, hackers can easily access it.
  4. Phishing Scams: Hackers may also try to gain access by sending phishing emails or messages that trick you into providing login information for your camera system.
  5. Social Engineering: This term describes when hackers use personal information they find online to manipulate you into giving them access to your camera system.

Implications of A Hacked Security Camera

If your security camera is hacked, the consequences vary from inconsequential inconveniences to serious safety concerns. Here are some of the potential implications of a hacked security camera:

1. Privacy Invasion

One of the most significant implications of a hacked security camera is the invasion of privacy. Hackers can access live footage from your camera and see what’s happening inside your home or office without your knowledge, making you feel vulnerable and violated.

Moreover, with indoor cameras, hackers can also see private conversations and activities that were never intended for anyone else to see. They could intercept sensitive information like credit card numbers or personal documents, which could lead to identity theft.

They could also use the information they gather from you to target your contacts with social engineering attacks, leading to even more severe privacy breaches.

2. Threat to Security

If hackers can access your security camera, they can also bypass your home or office’s physical security measures. They can learn about your routines and the layout of your property, making it easier for them to plan a break-in or other criminal activities.

They could also manipulate the footage from your camera, creating fake evidence that could be used against you. It could lead to legal implications and damage your reputation.

They could also overrun your smart devices connected to your camera, such as smart locks or alarms, leaving you vulnerable to physical attacks. Some even scare your house occupants by pretending to be ghosts or other supernatural entities, causing fear and anxiety.

3. Corporate Espionage

For businesses, hacked security cameras could potentially lead to corporate espionage. Hackers can access sensitive information about your company’s operations, trade secrets, and financial data.

They could also use the footage to monitor employee activities and gather insider information that could be used for malicious purposes. The damage to your corporate reputation, competitive advantage, and financial losses could be significant.

4. Malware Distribution

Security cameras connected to the internet are susceptible to malware attacks. Hackers can infect the camera with malicious software that can spread to other devices on your network, leading to a full-blown cyberattack.

They could also use the camera as a bot in a larger network of infected devices, participating in DDoS attacks or mining cryptocurrency without your knowledge.

How to Tell If Your Security Camera Has Been Hacked

Given the potential risks associated with hacked security cameras, you must be vigilant and know how to tell if your camera has been compromised. So, what are some signs that your security surveillance is hacked?

1. Unusual Camera Movements or Changes in Settings

If you notice your camera moving independently, zooming in and out, or changing settings without your input, someone could be hacking you. Hackers can manipulate the camera’s controls remotely.

2. Strange Noises or Voices From the Camera

If your kid complains of mysterious voices from their baby monitor, you must investigate immediately. It’s definitely a red flag when strange noises or voices come from your security camera’s audio feature. 

Such occurrences could indicate that someone has accessed your camera to use your audio features to listen to conversations or scare you.

3. Changes in Video Quality

If you notice sudden changes in the video quality, such as pixelated or blurry images, it could be a sign that someone is tampering with your camera. Hackers may lower the video quality to avoid detection while they access and control your camera remotely.

It also means someone is watering down the video quality, so your footage can’t qualify as evidence in an investigation.

4. Unrecognized Devices on Your Network

If you see unknown devices connected to your home network, it could be a sign of unauthorized access. Hackers can remotely access your security camera by infiltrating your Wi-Fi network, so it’s crucial to regularly check for new or suspicious devices.

5. Notifications From the Camera App

Some security cameras have mobile apps that send alerts in case of suspicious activities. If you receive unexpected alerts from your camera app, such as login attempts or changes in settings, it’s essential to investigate and change your password immediately.

6. Unexpected Data Usage Spikes

If your security camera connects to the internet, hackers can use it as a gateway to access other devices on your network. One way to detect this is by monitoring your home’s data usage.

If you see a drastic hike in data usage, someone could be using your camera to access other devices.

7. Suspicious Activity Around Your Home

If you notice any suspicious activity around your home, such as strangers loitering or strange vehicles parked nearby, someone could be trying to hack you.

In such cases, always prioritize safety and contact the authorities if necessary.

How to Protect Your Home Security Camera from Hacking

Now that we’ve discussed the signs of potential hacking, here are some tips on how to protect your home security camera from unauthorized access:

1. Change the Default Password

The first and most important step is to change your camera’s default password. Most security cameras come with generic login information, making them easy targets for hackers.

Create a strong, unique password that combines letters, numbers, and special characters. Then, make a habit of changing it every few months.

2. Regularly Update Firmware and Software

Have you ever wondered why operating systems, apps, and even plugins are always updating? Updates help these platforms to fix systemic security lapses that were previously unnoticed.  

Hackers are always testing systems, patiently looking for weaknesses they can exploit. Regularly updating your camera’s firmware and software closes off potential entry points for hackers.

3. Setup Two-Step Verification

Most people who get hacked have weak or easily guessable passwords. Sometimes, a trusted individual, such as an employee or friend, may have accessed your camera and unknowingly exposed your passcode.

Two-step verification entails a secondary step, receiving a unique, one-time code via your phone or email, and using it to complete the login attempt.

Only someone with your phone or email access can complete the login process, and you’d know who it was.

4. Enable Encryption

Encryption makes your data unreadable to anyone who doesn’t have the right key. So, check if your security camera has encryption capabilities and enable it if possible.

If not, consider investing in a different model that does support encryption for added protection against hacking.

Models with encryption capabilities are mostly marketed as home security cameras that can’t be hacked. But as we agreed earlier, you still must do your part to keep your data secure.

5. Limit Access to Your Camera

If you’re using a security camera for your home or business, limit access to only those who need it. Create separate user accounts with specific access levels and passwords for each one.

For instance, if employees access the footage for work purposes, create an account solely for that purpose. This way, even if their password is compromised, hackers won’t gain full access to your camera’s features and settings.

6. Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network

Your security camera is only as secure as your home Wi-Fi network. Hackers with access to your Wi-Fi network can easily intercept the data transmitted from your camera.

Ensure that your Wi-Fi password is strong and keep it private. Regularly check for any suspicious devices connected to your network and promptly remove them.

7. Keep Camera Firmware Updated

Just like your computer or smartphone, your security camera has internal software called firmware. Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to patch newly discovered security vulnerabilities. Keeping your camera’s firmware up-to-date is crucial, as these updates often close the door on potential hacking exploits.  

Make it a habit to regularly check for firmware updates and install them promptly. Many cameras have built-in update mechanisms, so check your camera’s settings to see if automatic updates are an option.

8. Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. When you access your security camera remotely, using a VPN adds an extra layer of security. It makes it significantly harder for hackers to intercept your camera’s data as it travels across the internet. Think of it as an extra shield protecting your connection.

9. Physical Security

While many hacking attempts target software vulnerabilities, it’s also important to consider the physical security of your camera. A determined hacker might try to physically tamper with the camera itself. Mount your cameras in locations that are difficult to reach or tamper with.  

Consider using tamper-resistant mounting hardware to make it more difficult for someone to remove or reposition the camera. Regularly inspect your cameras to ensure they haven’t been moved or damaged.

Why Professional Installation Matters

One of the most effective ways to ensure your security camera is secure is to have it professionally installed.

At Kentucky Secured, we know that choosing the right security system for you depends on your unique property layout, neighborhood, and priorities. That’s why we offer personalized consultations to determine the best locations for your cameras and the most secure setup for your needs.

We’re also richly versed in the latest security camera technologies and know which indoor security camera is the best. So, we’re your best bet for installing security cameras in a way that minimizes hacking vulnerabilities.

Don’t leave the security of your home or business up to chance; Trust Kentucky Secured for professional installation and peace of mind.

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