Prevent hackers from breaking into your security cameras with 6 simple tips

When smart devices are monitoring your valuable living spaces, it’s smart of you to ask about their hacking and security issues. Security cameras have faced disasters in the past, like an ADT employee spying on customers’ cameras for years before ADT fixed the problem, or Wyze’s video flaw that allowed strangers to see other people’s home videos.

Some Reddit users found this out the hard way: one person with a cheap home security camera discovered his data was out is routed to multiple IPs abroad before taking back control of their network.

Fortunately, home security hacking is very rare and is usually caused by someone you already know. But to protect yourself from remote connections or snooping by unreliable people who could gain access, there are several tips you should follow.

1. Do not buy counterfeit camera models or used cameras

No matter how good the deals are, quality is more important when choosing a security camera. Avoid buying unknown brands, buying products that are clearly a copy of the real deal, or buying from electronic companies that are on the official US no-no list. including Huawei, ZTE and others.

A similar and frustratingly common problem is buying used cameras on eBay, Craigslist or other listings. You don’t know what software is still on that camera, no matter who promises it will be erased. This is one of the few ways an enterprising cybercriminal can gain access to random homes, so stay away from used models.

2. Look for companies that implement end-to-end encryption

End-to-end encryption simply means that data from your device is encrypted before it goes anywhere. If that data is intercepted through Wi-Fi hacking, or stolen online, thieves won’t be able to understand it, watch video in it, or use it for anything. That also makes it more difficult to identify and take over devices such as cameras. Additionally, this means that companies keep the data encrypted on their servers until you or another authorized entity gains access to it, so random employees can’t snoop through it.

Companies like Ring and Arlo offer the option to enable full end-to-end encryption, which is always a good idea. Companies like Arlo and Nest use partial end-to-end encryption, but decrypt the data at certain points for analysis and other purposes, which is good, but not that robust.

3. Look for brands with a good track record of data security

At CNET, we try to keep you informed when companies have data breaches, change security policies (for better or worse), or encounter unexpected security issues on their devices. But it’s also a good idea to check security brands yourself before purchasing to see if a vulnerability has been recently found, if there has been an employee data breach, etc. If a company has had repeated or very recent security issues you should probably find another option. Keep in mind that some brands, like Lorex, keep video data completely out of the cloud and only analyze it with built-in algorithms to help reduce video tampering.

4. Practice good password management for WiFi and apps

If a cybercriminal can gain access to a weak home Wi-Fi system, he or she can often find and attempt to use many connected devices, including security cameras. Strong router security is the first line of defense against any of these problems. Choose strong passwords for your WiFi and your camera app, enable WiFi encryption, and enable any firewalls you can live with. Consider enabling a VPN and creating a guest network for further protection.

Finally, if you’re going through big changes in your life, like a big move or a breakup, it’s a really good idea to change your passwords as well.

5. Always update your camera and hub with the latest patches

Enable automatic updates, if available, and check your phone or tablet to make sure updates always get through to your security camera app. Log into your camera app regularly so it can check for updates as needed. These updates not only fix bugs or add features, they also patch security issues and improve overall security.

6. Enable 2FA (two-factor authentication) if possible

If your security camera uses two-factor authentication for logins, enable it. Logins then require authentication via another channel, such as text message, email or facial recognition. This makes it more difficult for a stranger or someone remotely to log in to the camera app.

How risky is buying a home security camera?

It’s not risky at all. Encryption practices and security measures are better than ever before, and no random cybercriminal really wants to hack into security cameras. It’s a waste of time compared to other activities. You are much more at risk of a data breach if the camera company itself is attacked, which still happens sometimes, for example when hackers stole the addresses of some ADT customers in the summer of 2024. However, many cameras offer local storage and other measures to keep as much information offline as possible, and indoor cameras often come with lens covers for extra protection. Our guide to cameras without a subscription has more information.

What kind of people even try to hack into a security camera?

Not much. Usually it’s an angry ex or family member who already has access to the security camera credentials, or a perverted control center employee who ends up getting caught (and new encryption practices are now working to prevent the latter). Sometimes a neighborhood kid takes advantage of terrible wireless security management to mess around. But cybercriminals aren’t interested in spying on your cameras, and burglars simply hide their own cameras.

Are there signs that my security cameras have been hacked?

If your camera has an LED indicator light, you can see if the indicator comes on at odd times. Or you can search your app for unexpectedly captured videos if you’re using video storage. When other people gain access to security cameras, they also like to mess with the two-way audio to scare or confuse owners.

For an even deeper dive into home security cameras, take a look at the places you never want to install a camera, the right way to install cameras, and the best overall wireless cameras.

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