Home security markets around the world are growing rapidly. Experts predict the market will grow by 20.1% by 2026. This is on top of an increase of 21.6% from 2021 to 2022.

Whether it’s Ring doorbell cams or whole home security systems, consumers want these solutions. It’s never been easier to keep an eye on your front door from afar. A cloud-based video stream allows homeowners to view any part of their house from anywhere.

It is now common for neighbors to share doorbell camera footage on neighborhood social media groups. Aside from providing peace of mind, these home security systems are also affordable.

Don’t be fooled by the ease of setup. If you don’t take precautions, home security cameras can put your family at risk. In many cases, people are so excited about what they can do that they fail to think about the security of their devices.

Hacked video cameras are the subject of horror stories online. Strangers can say disturbing things to children through those cameras.

Additionally, Ring suffered a data breach in 2019. The breach exposed the personal information of over 3,000 Ring users. Usernames and passwords were included in this list.

It’s enough to make you reconsider adding extra security. Don’t let those incidents scare you away. A home video camera system can be properly secured to prevent theft.

For a safe home security setup, here are some tips.

Make Sure Your Router is Secure

IP security cameras can be accessed via the internet. It is your router that sends any commands to the system or receives any footage from it. As a result, you should ensure that your router is properly secured.

Routers are breached by hackers so that they can access devices connected to the network. Make sure your router’s security protocol is at least WPA2. WPA3, the next generation, is even better. Data transmitted over wireless networks is protected by these protocols.

Make sure the router has a strong password that is at least 12 characters long. A password with only 8 standard characters can be cracked instantly by software. It takes 34,000 years to crack a 12-character password with at least one uppercase letter, number, and symbol.

Change the Default Username & Password

For your security system’s admin account, you should also use a strong password. It is also a good idea to change the default device and username. These default settings are known to hackers, and they use them to break into these systems.

One of the first things you should do is change the default username and password. You could be hacked minutes after you connect to the internet if you don’t take precautions.

Ensure the System Uses SSL/TLS Or Other Encryption

It is not a good idea to transmit the footage from your cameras for anyone to grab and watch. Make sure the security system you choose supports SSL/TLS. A standard encryption method can also be used.

In this way, the data cannot be intercepted or accessed. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, while TLS stands for Transport Layer Security. Your device can easily be breached by a hacker without encryption.

Keep the Software Updated

Turn on automatic updates if your security system has them. Most users don’t think about updating their device’s software. As a result, it is more vulnerable to hacking.

Security fixes are often included in updates. Make sure updates are installed promptly. The best way to do this is to automate it.

Consider Access Levels for Multiple Users

Do you have multiple family members accessing your cloud-based security device? Set up some access levels if necessary. Administrators are not required for everyone.

A hacker loves it when they can breach the login of an administrator. This gives them more privileges, such as changing settings. It is safer to give lower-level privileges, such as “view only,” to most family members.

Enable Camera Security Features

Your system will come with a variety of security features. Most manufacturers do not enable all security settings by default. It is the user’s responsibility to turn them all on or some of them on.

We’re happy to help you if you’re not sure what settings should be on or off. There are some home security systems that offer generous sharing options. Hackers may be attracted to this. Whenever possible, you should limit these.

Make Sure Your Mobile Device is Secure

Smartphones are the most common way for people to access their security cameras. Keep yours updated with the latest operating system and secure it. Insecure devices can be used by hackers to gain access to security systems.

Add things like:

• Mobile anti-malware
• DNS filtering
• Screen lock
• Automated updating

Are you looking for help protecting your cloud security system?

We would be happy to schedule a visit with you. Let us help you set up a security system that follows best practices.