Security level of Wi-Fi security camera system

In previous posts we all know that Wi-Fi cameras are very handy, but this convenience sometimes has to be exchanged for your security and privacy.So what bad guys can exploit from your Wi-Fi camera system?How to deal with this?

Basically, on the market today there are two types of Wi-Fi security cameras: traditional IP cameras and modern 'smart' cameras such as Alphabet's Nest Cam and Amazon's Cloud Cam types.

Most of the common security scandals you hear are often related to IP cameras.In theory, there is no problem with IP cameras at all.These are simply security cameras that connect to the network through either Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet connections.Camera manufacturers provide a web interface that you can access to review your records.The cameras can also be connected to online video cameras or computers, mobile phones, allowing you to view images from the camera wherever you are.Some Wi-fi cameras may have built-in memory, but usually the logs will be stored online on the vendor's cloud.

In fact, many when Wi-Fi cameras are not set up and installed really safely.Many users don't even pay attention to this issue.The camera is in configuration with the default username and password, then connect them to the internet.This means that anyone can easily view their feeds by simply accessing the camera's IP address.There are even search engines like SHODAN that are designed to help people find feeds on these "sloppy" cameras, as well as other vulnerable internet devices.

If you are just an ordinary user looking for a simple security camera system and are not too concerned about the security enhancement tips, skip the IP camera because they will not be suitable for you. .If you are a self-made person, like creative tinkering, you can completely improve the security of your family's Wi-Fi camera system.

What is the difference between 'smart' cameras?

Modern security cameras today are different from traditional IP cameras.They are designed as easy-to-use smarthome devices.

Instead of providing users with a pre-configured web interface with the default username and password, this smart camera requires you to use the online account system.These accounts allow you to access live video feeds and recorded video clips available through those online accounts.Sometimes this account can be configured with two-factor authentication to enhance security, which means that even if an attacker knows your account's password he will still cannot view data from your home camera system.

These smart cameras are also automatically updated with the latest firmware periodically.You will not have to manually update them manually to fix security issues.

In other words, you won't have to waste time on complicated settings or settings.You just need to plug in the camera, create an online account and then connect the camera to the account you just created.As long as you have a strong enough password and then set up two-factor authentication, there is no way an attacker can easily access your system.

Beware of cheap cameras

Basically Wi-Fi cameras will automatically upload logs to the manufacturer's archive, so sometimes big brands, slightly higher prices will give you the ability to store them safely. Fuller.

For example, Nest is owned by Alphabet, Alphabet is a subsidiary of Google.Using the Nest camera, you're basically using Google stuff, the reliability will be more secure.In addition, other major security camera manufacturers, such as Amazon, Netgear and Honeywell, are also highly regarded for their security and services.These big companies have a reputation, a brand and a safe service, so the price of their products is of course more harsh than the lesser-known brands.

Some types of Wi-Fi cameras, such as Wyze's cameras, cost only $ 26, while similar products from other reputable manufacturers often cost around 100. dollars to 200 dollars.Not that this Wyze Cam is good because it's cheap, in fact the Wyze Cam works quite well, to say great in price range.However, Wyze does not provide two-factor authentication support for users and that is the difference.In addition, the feed for your videos is provided by a Chinese company called ThroughTek.

Whether you trust a company like Wyze is up to you.For example, it doesn't matter if you use Wyze cam for locations outside your home, but you probably won't want to put it in your living room or bedroom.Of course, if 'pestle', you can still use SD memory card for Wyze cam instead of Wi-Fi connection to store online records.

Another example of the insecurity of low-cost devices from less-named manufacturers is that in 2017, many Foscam Chinese security cameras were discovered to be vulnerable. public.Some of its cameras contain hard-coded backdoor passwords that allow an attacker to view the feed directly from your camera.In summary for security camera systems, it is worth investing a little more in exchange for the necessary safety.

Choose to buy a camera that supports two-factor authentication

As mentioned many times in the article, two-factor authentication is an important security feature required for accounts associated with smart security camera systems.Note that not all of the brands' brands have this feature, so research the product carefully before deciding to buy.

For maximum security and privacy, it's best to choose a camera that supports two-factor authentication.

How to keep your security camera system safe

Here's how to choose a truly secure security camera system and keep your video feed private:

1. Buy 'smart' security cameras, instead of traditional IP security cameras.
2. Choose products from trusted and famous brands.
3. Use a strong enough password when you create an online account for your camera.
4. Enable two-factor authentication.

If you comply with all of the above tips, your system will be completely safe, except in the worst case that the servers of providers like Google or Amazon are compromised, but the probability of extreme occurrence little, and if so, these systems will be fixed immediately.

See more:

1. How to set up security cameras that can be accessed remotely
2. Instructions for installing a wired security camera system
3. Surveillance camera: Should buy wired or Wi-Fi?
4. How does night vision camera work?