How can you stop your home security camera from being hacked?

If you have come across the headline ‘more than 100,000 wireless security cameras in the UK are at risk of being hacked’ then you could be forgiven for feeling a little hesitant about having a CCTV system installed. Yes, home security cameras can be hacked, but so can all of your other devices. If you have internet-connected cameras installed without effective security then you may become an easy target to hackers, potentially enabling a stranger to either spy on your home or access your personal information. However, what you also need to remember is that there are multiple ways you can protect yourself. With the right security protocols  and a clear understanding of what to do, you can ensure peace of mind in your home. So how can you stop your home security camera from being hacked? What are the best things to do?

How to know if you have been hacked

Your home security camera could be hacked as a result of numerous things. It could be something as simple as having weak or generic default passwords or having your camera sending unencrypted data. In  the worst case, an attacker may have been able to get through and take full control of your camera – this is known as a ‘full camera takeover’. It can be hard to know whether you have been hacked. Unless your camera starts to move without you touching it or you start to hear noise from the speakers, you may be clueless to the fact someone has got in. However, there are a few things to look out for. These include:

• Notifications that your account was accessed from an unknown device
• If your log-in details stop working
• Any strange noises coming from the speakers
• LED lights starting to flicker
• If your camera moves, pans or tilts unexpectedly

What happens if you do get hacked?

The impacts of being hacked are devastating, whether that is intrusion to your privacy or potential compromises of other connected devices you have at home. Many people often do this for criminal purposes, which is why it’s important to know how to protect yourself. But what will happen if you do get hacked?

Smart home spying

If you have purchased a ‘dodgy’ camera then the chances are that it can be hacked from absolutely anywhere – including from across the globe. By getting through your security system, a hacker may be able to pinpoint your location or even talk to you through the device itself.

Online botnets

A botnet is a collection of internet-connected devices that an attacker has compromised in order to mount large scale online attacks. A weak security camera is a prime target for hackers as they can be easily loaded up with malware. Despite this not always having a direct impact on you, it can still contribute to wider cyber-crime.

Home network exploitation

Your other devices – including laptops or phones – may become compromised if your camera lacks basic security or is connected to your home network. This is because a hacker may be able to initiate local attacks, resulting in the possibility of your data being stolen.

How to keep yourself safe

Despite this sounding incredibly sinister, you’ll be glad to know that in most cases, there are things you can do to help keep your home security cameras secure.

Change your passwords

Most security cameras come with a default password and username and more times than not, they are simple and easily guessed by hackers. Changing your passwords to be long, complex and secure can be a simple way to keep yourself safe.

Set up two factor authentication code (2FA)

Not only is this an easy way to add an extra layer of security, it also helps to stop hackers before they even begin. 2FA allows you to request a password, separate from your actual log in details you have already set, in order to get into your account. This passcode will be sent to a device of your choice so it’s only you who will have the details. The purpose of this is to stop a hacker from having the chance to even guess your details.

Keep your device updated

Hackers are always trying to create new malware and hacking techniques, which is why hardware makers are constantly pushing out firmware updates – these are what provide vital new protections against security threats. If your device supports automatic updates then ensure this is always switched on. Otherwise every month you need to be checking your manufacturer’s website for new updates.

Do your research

When choosing any form of security for your home, you need to do your research. Ensure you are taking a thorough look into brands and whether or not their cameras will provide you with the best level of encryption. Security companies will – well, they should – review the complex code that powers their security, helping to prevent any ‘backdoor access’.

From taking a look at both the threats posed and what can be done to help, it’s easy to see that there are ways you can stop your home security camera from being hacked. Your home safety and security is what matters most. By taking steps like password changes and keeping your device up to date, you can help to ensure hackers are stopped in their tracks. It’s important to be alert and aware of the risks but it is in no way a reason to not have them installed as they help to deter crime and keep you and your family safe at all times.

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Here at SecurePro, we offer a range of comprehensive, high-quality CCTV packages as well as a host of security services. Our expert team is on hand to answer any queries regarding how we can help to keep you and your property safe;  ring us today on 01384 378300 for more information!