There’s been a series of security camera hacking recently, and it’s a little disturbing, to say the least.
If you’ve noticed, this week we’ve created a short infographic covering the bare basics, but we here at Elinz believe in absolute security- so here’s a quick guide detailing the steps on how you can secure your security cameras against any possible breach.
The victims- regular homeowners, and small children were subjected to sudden video-feed hijacking from hackers online. Since some cameras offer a two-way intercom, the hackers were also able to hijack the audio on the camera, saying things over the internet and terrifying the owners and their children!
It’s true that it only happened to one brand of security cameras recently- there might have been an exploit for that brand in the underground online community that has been shared among different hackers; resulting in some odd things happening to homes with those kinds of cameras.
But we here at Elinz recognize the importance of complete security. While our security cameras are completely secure from outside tampering, we’d still like to provide some tips and tricks here that will help keep your security cameras safe from hacking.
Here are some of surefire ways to protect your wireless security cameras against outside threats:
Secure Your Home Network
Always make sure that your home network is safe and secure. If you don’t have a password for your WiFi router- set up one right now. And make sure that whatever password you set in, that it’s long and fairly complicated to help keep it safe from hackers.
If you have a password already, make sure that you’re updating it every 15-30 days to keep any possible intruders guessing (not that there are any and not to alarm you, but its best to keep safe especially if you have kids and if you have security cameras set up indoors looking at some very private areas of your home.)
Why do this? A lot of security cameras require connection to the internet these days, particularly for connecting the cameras and remote viewing from a different device (such as a mobile device for when you’re out and about). This is where hackers force themselves into and it is this connection that they use to view devices.
By keeping it updated and well-encrypted, you’re barring access to your home network and by extension, to your security cameras. If your ISP (Internet Service Provider) offers an additional layer of security via a subscription module, take it.
If you can get a VPN, take it as well to make all your interactions completely private and thus cloaked from any kind of potential entry from a hacker. Most are very, very affordable albeit paid every month.
The need to protect your security camera feed and access is more pronounced for 10 camera wireless security system set-ups, one that’s usually used for businesses. Some cameras employ 1080p HD security cameras, so they can make for a very, very clear picture- that’s to the detriment of business owners as some proprietary information can be caught on the camera, which can leak online if the network isn’t protected.
The same concept of security should still apply- make sure that you have an encrypted private network. If you run a restaurant or any kind of service place that offers free WiFi, make sure that that is separate from the network that your customers use as any might tap into the same devices that are within the same network.
Rule of thumb- isolate your wireless security camera network or protect it under lock and key to prevent entry.
Protect all that footage by securing your network!
Remote Monitoring
Another important factor is remote monitoring- if you don’t need it turned on, then don’t turn it on- at least for now. Only turn it on if you have kids at home waiting for you, and when you’re at work.
For businesses, remote monitoring can be turned on, but follow the same principle as mentioned above; make sure that you have its network isolated, and if you do open the monitoring app to view your security camera’s feed, make sure that you’re using a private network (such as your mobile device’s mobile data), or that you’re accessing it from a trusted private network.
Avoid viewing your security camera’s feed from a public network at all costs- you don’t know who could be on the same network, and you don’t want to risk it. Besides hijacking your security camera’s feed, they could take any other important information that’s on your device.
Public networks to avoid are libraries, cafes and other free WiFi stations that are open to the public and have no encryption whatsoever.
Buy Your Security Cameras ONLY From Trusted Sources
It goes without saying but buy your security cameras only from actual trusted sources. Buy from trusted brands but more importantly, buy from brands that have received some form of accreditation from a very trusted giving body.
One such example here in Australia is the SAA, which provides trustworthy accreditation to all electrical products that need it - provided that the products DO pass the test for accreditation.
These accreditations are for the consumer’s peace of mind, and you’ll find that our security cameras here at Elinz are SAA accredited.
If you’re ever curious about the SAA and how it works when it comes to accreditation, follow this link. If you’re looking to check our selection of SAA-approved security cameras, simply follow our listing here.
Remember- always look for the seal of approval from SAA to make sure that you're not only buying a quality security camera (or a security camera system), but you're also buying a completely safe one. If you haven't heard about a brand and it's really cheap, ask yourself this- is the few extra dollars you saved really worth your family's safety and security? Go with a trusted brand and one that's accredited by the SAA while you're at it.
Another point to remember is that you should never, ever buy second hand security cameras- again, we'd like to stress that the security of your property, family and/or business is on the line here; a secondhand security camera might have some unknown damages, or may have been tampered with especially if you bought it online from a stranger.
There you have it- these three simple pointers should help keep your security cameras safe from hacking or tampering. If you're looking for safe and SAA-accredited security cameras, be sure to check out our security camera category here.
Stay safe, and have a Merry Christmas!
