October 20, 2025
In 2020, a Mississippi family woke up to a nightmare. Their
eight-year-old daughter heard a stranger's voice coming from her bedroom Ring
camera. The hacker taunted her and played music until her parents rushed in to
unplug the device. Later, Ring confirmed the account had been compromised
because the family reused an old, breached password.
Scary story, but not a rare one.
Smart cameras and other connected devices have exploded in
popularity for both homes and small businesses. For small businesses, they are
an affordable way to boost security: keeping an eye on the front door, watching
an inventory room, or checking in after hours. But while these devices provide
peace of mind, they can also create serious risks if they are not properly
secured.
Where Things Go Wrong
Not all cameras are built with the same level of protection.
Many cheaper models skip safeguards like encryption or regular software
updates. Even well-known brands can be compromised if users leave default
settings in place.
Hackers look for easy entry points:
- Default
usernames and passwords
- Outdated
firmware
- Unsecured
WiFi networks
In some cases, attackers have hijacked cameras to view live
footage or even dig deeper into the network behind them.
What To Look For in a Secure Camera
If you are shopping for new cameras or auditing the ones you
already own, here are some key features to check:
- Reputable
brands that release regular security updates
- Encrypted
video feeds before footage is sent to the cloud
- Two-factor
authentication for logins
- Local
storage options in addition to cloud backups
Setup Matters Just as Much
The most secure device in the world can be compromised if it
is set up poorly. To stay protected:
- Change
default usernames and passwords right away
- Keep
firmware and apps updated, ideally with auto-updates enabled
- Place
smart devices on a separate WiFi network from your business systems
- Lock
down your router with the strongest security settings available
Cameras Are Not the Only Risk
Cameras may get the headlines, but other smart devices like
doorbells, thermostats, and even voice assistants connect to your network too.
If they are not secured, they can serve as back doors for attackers. For a
small business, that could mean much more than someone snooping on a video
feed. It could lead to exposed client information, financial records, or other
sensitive data.
Smart Devices Can Be Safe If You Secure Them
Connected devices can make your workplace safer and more
efficient, but only if they are installed and managed with security in mind. A
few proactive steps now can keep "smart" gadgets from becoming easy wins for
hackers.
Want to make sure your smart devices are helping, not hurting?
Schedule a free discovery call today. We will review your setup, lock down weak
spots, and make sure hackers are not the ones watching.
