Security cameras are the most common element of ensuring safety. Most such cameras have an Internet connection through Wi-Fi, allowing their owners to access them remotely and view the records. It is convenient, but it can cause big problems.
A device connected to the Internet is in jeopardy, as hackers can access it. Considering the popularity of CCTV cameras, it is worrying. While such a security system should grant your safety, who will secure that system itself? Of course, there are methods to protect your security from possible attacks. They aren’t even very complicated.
Securing the security cameras on the Internet
Most frequently, security suffers in successful hacking attacks happen to cheap, low-quality systems. Their developers simply did not provide enough protection, leaving the backdoor open. Another common reason is using weak passwords that are easy to steal.
So, does it mean that you only should compose a strong password and invest in a high-quality security camera? It is necessary, but not enough to grant security. For example, one of the popular means is using VPN. Therefore, let us review why use a VPN in regards to surveillance cameras. We all understand what VPN is and how it helps in Web surfing, it is as useful when we deal with CCTV cameras.
Protect your security with a VPN for cameras
One of the most common security mechanisms for CCTV cameras is deploying them within a closed network. Then, remote access is prohibited from any IP addresses that don’t belong to this network. You can omit this security measure by applying VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access your cameras remotely.
Your service of VPN assigns you an IP address belonging to that closed network. The system will consider you its “inner” member, no matter where you are located in the world. Besides, using VPN ensures that you are connecting to the cameras through a safe encrypted tunnel. Therefore, hackers can’t interfere and steal your details.
Using VPN is quite easy, especially when you are using solutions from reputable providers. For instance, VeePN can be installed on desktops and mobile devices with any OS. So, you can access your security camera from all such devices checking their work. But also, check the routers at home – their VPN capabilities vary. In any case, you’d better refer to a powerful router with a strong processor, especially if you want to connect several cameras.
Create strong passwords for security systems
The most common mistake that can eliminate all your efforts to protect your security is using simple passwords. The password length is not the most crucial factor here. Long passwords may have elements related to the user’s personal details. Thus, they are easy to break.
A good password should match the following criteria:
- Include at least 12 characters;
- Include letters in the upper and lower case, symbols, and numbers;
- Avoid any personal information, such as names, last names, meaningful dates, email addresses, etc.
You should never reuse the same password – this is the most common case in hacking CCTV cameras. And you should change it regularly. If the password is long and sophisticated enough, changing it once a year is sufficient. However, you may – and it will work better – change it more frequently.
Online password generators can help you get a long and complex password. Then you can change them additionally and save them. One more rule – never store passwords in Word files, Google spreadsheets, Dropbox accounts, etc. – they are vulnerable. Instead, you may use the password managers that encrypt your passwords and store them securely.
Use 2-factor authentication
This security measure adds more protection to the password. It means that having a password is not enough to get into your account. After entering it, you must enter a one-time code that the system sends you via email, messenger, or phone call. Thus, even if a hacker obtains your password somehow, they won’t be able to access your account.
Of course, it is not an ultimate solution to protect your security because such messages with one-time codes can also be intercepted. Still, it improves the security of accessing your CCTV cameras, and it is better to enable 2-factor authentication. Modern systems provide this option, and you should not ignore it.
Update the Firmware of the Cameras
Any modern security camera is a computer – the software runs it, and it is also responsible for protection from external attacks. The companies which produce such cameras also track various Internet threats and methods used by hackers. Like it works with other software, the firmware of such cams gets updates with patches and means to protect your security.
The trouble is, that many security cameras don’t get such updates automatically. You should take care of that yourself and develop a habit of checking for updates, downloading, and installing them.
Conclusion
IP cameras are popular devices for ensuring home security. But they also require security insurance to protect your security and not put it in jeopardy. So, apply all means – create appropriate, strong passwords, apply VPN, set the 2F-authorization – the combination of such factors increases the security of your CCTV system tremendously.