Hacking is no joke. Having your CCTV cameras compromised could very well lead to dire consequences and seriously compromised safety. And yet, while we worry about hacking across our email accounts, many of us don’t even think twice about whether our security cameras could be at risk. That’s why we’ve put together an easy guide to explain everything you need to know about CCTV hacking.
This blog outlines the risks involved with security hacking, the signs to look out for, and how to best protect yourself. For personalised security advice, contact our team at Dorani today.
The Damages of Hacking
Nowadays, hacking is an issue we’re all taught to fear. Rightfully so – with the rise of technology in recent years, hackers have been able to develop more advanced strategies and equipment to gain access to any device with an internet connection. Networked surveillance systems and CCTV cameras are no exception, though many homeowners find themselves caught off guard when their security devices are hacked.
So, why should you be concerned about CCTV camera hacking? Well, if your networked surveillance is compromised, hackers will have access to incredibly important technology within your home. Once hijacked, there’s nothing stopping them from watching you and your family inside your home, or using the system to gain undetected access to your property. Invading privacy and providing criminals unwanted access – the opposite of what your security system should do!
Here are just a few of the risks concerned when CCTV cameras are hacked:
- Criminals can see when your property is unoccupied
- Hackers gain a full view of the layout of your property and its security systems
- Important data can be stolen (including email address and password!)
- Hackers can use the cameras to watch footage live, as well as accessing saved or archived videos
- Any devices on a shared network with the cameras could be subject to further hacking
- Harmful malware could be introduced.
How Can CCTV Be Hacked?
Hacking isn’t as simple as somebody manually entering a variety of passwords, and trying to guess their way into access for your devices. Remote hackers can work from anywhere in the world, using algorithms and techniques to guess a large number of passwords all at once. These are the most common types of hacks nowadays.
If a device is connected to an internet network, it is vulnerable to hacking. There aren’t any exceptions to this rule – your expensive, complex, and advanced CCTV camera setup is no exception. Now, there certainly are different levels of vulnerability. Cheaper DIY camera systems are more susceptible to hacking than a professional setup, but there’s always going to be some level of risk involved. IP (Internet Protocol) cameras can be the most convenient security option, but hackers can locate these systems over advanced search engines.
Should they guess the password, they have full access to your video, and your storage of footage, and can change your security settings themselves.
Signs Hacking May Have Occured
The better the hacker, the harder it is to identify when your devices may have been compromised. If you don’t know the signs to look out for, you may not realise your security system has been hacked until it’s too late. Sometimes the signs may just seem like your camera is malfunctioning or in need of some repair, but a change in performance level is something to be aware of. Here are some of the top signs you should be aware of in case of hacking:
- CCTV slowing down and operating at a lower quality than usual
- LED lights on the camera flickering
- Unexpected movement from your camera
- Odd noises coming from the speakers
- Notifications that an unknown device has been used to access your account
- Your username and password no longer working
How to Prevent Hacking
So, what steps can you be taking to ensure that your security system is as protected as possible? While internet-connected cameras are always going to be vulnerable to hacking, there are obstacles you can put in place to make hacking as difficult for criminals as possible. Here are our three top tips for hacking prevention:
#1 – Strong Passwords
The harder your password, the harder it is to hack. Strong passwords should have a minimum of twelve characters (the more, the better!) and should include uppercase characters, lowercase characters, letters, numbers, and special characters (such as: !, ?, $, or &). Beyond that, you should avoid repeating your password across multiple accounts and deices, and should routinely update/change them for better security.
#2 – Two-Factor Authentication
A solid CCTV system should offer two-factor authentication. This feature essentially means that whenever you attempt to log in to your system, you will be asked to confirm the log in through a secondary device you set up earlier. This could be an email sent to your account, or maybe an SMS sent to your phone. This extra step of security could make all the difference.
#3 – Setup Your Security with a Professional’s Guidance
Setting up a camera system yourself significantly raises your chances of being hacked in the future. Working with a security expert can ensure you’re choosing the best possible network, encryption, and CCTV devices means your property is as protected as it can be.
Contact Dorani for Secure Camera Systems
When it comes to security, you shouldn’t settle for whatever you can throw together. Hacking is a serious threat to many homeowners and business owners. Setting yourself up with a high-quality security system today could save you from serious consequences tomorrow. If you’re looking for a CCTV network with trustworthy protection systems, the Dorani team is ready to get you set up. Contact us today to discuss your security needs.