The rise of IoT devices has introduced a wide range of conveniences. Smart cameras, in particular, have become popular among those who want to monitor their pets remotely or enhance their home security. However, as these devices become more integrated into our lives, concerns about privacy and unauthorized access have also grown, making it crucial to ensure their proper security.
Unfortunately, the device you rely on to enhance security might compromise your privacy. Numerous recent reports highlight this issue. For example, a lawsuit alleged that Amazon employees and contractors had unauthorized access to customer videos to train algorithms without consent. Similarly, smart home manufacturer Wyze has faced repeated controversies, including a security flaw that allowed hackers to access camera recordings and spy on users. These incidents reveal a growing need for stricter regulations, greater manufacturer transparency, and improved user awareness to protect personal data and maintain privacy.
If you’re not ready to give up on smart cameras, here are some steps to enhance the security of your home devices.
1.Think outside the cloud
Many privacy violations involving smart cameras occur because data is often automatically stored in the cloud or streamed online. While this wouldn’t usually be a problem, smart devices are generally considered less secure than modern digital devices, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
One way to mitigate this risk is to choose a security camera with local storage options. The simplest solution is to use a memory card, such as a micros card, which allows for the storage of a surprising amount of footage.
For those willing to put in more effort, setting up a network-attached storage (NAS) system is another option. NAS is a file storage server that can be installed at home and connected to multiple computers on the same network. It can back up various files, including documents, photos, and footage from your smart security camera.
2.Optimize privacy settings
If you prefer to stick with cloud storage, there are several steps you can take to enhance your device’s security before connecting it to the internet. These include:
- Changing the default manufacturer password to a strong one (at least 12 characters long, with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters).
- Regularly update your camera’s software and firmware (many devices can be set to update automatically).
- Enabling end-to-end encryption, if available, to protect your camera footage from unauthorized access.
- Turning off remote viewing if you don’t need it to reduce the risk of external threats.
3.Research before you buy
With the wealth of online information—from news stories and customer reviews to personal testimonials—there’s no excuse for not doing thorough research before purchasing.
Key areas to focus on include the product, its terms and conditions, and the brand’s reputation. Based on user experiences, you should quickly determine whether the product performs as advertised and how it handles security.
While the language in the terms and conditions may be complex, it will outline exactly what the company can and cannot do. Pay close attention to clauses regarding third-party interactions and data collection, and check whether opting out is an option.
Finally, the brand’s reputation is crucial. A company may advertise privacy as a key feature, but this can be misleading if it has a history of privacy violations. Look beyond the company’s website and social media channels—read news articles and user testimonials. This will give you a clearer picture of whether you can trust the brand and feel comfortable using its camera in your home.