Ways To Make Your Home Security Camera Safer

Burglars aren’t the only ones you should be very careful of. As a matter of fact, there can be intruders inside your home who could be watching your every move. It may sound creepy but it can possibly happen- even with an armed home security system.

Home security cameras are very useful in helping you secure your home better. With a camera, you’ll be able to see what goes at home even if you are on the other side of the world. You’ll be able to see your baby in the nursery even without getting out of bed. You can also take a look at what your dog is doing while you are still at work. Unfortunately, it is also possible that you aren’t the only one checking out your home. Hackers have the capabilities to see what’s inside your home, with or without your permission.

To avoid letting a stranger take a peek inside your home, you can take note of the following list. It can help you toughen up your security cameras from clever hackers.

1. Do your research well.

Not all home security cameras are the same. Make sure you do your research first before you make any purchases. Here’s a list of things you should be looking out for:

Data and connection encryption
- You should be aware of how your security camera protects your data. By making sure that your camera uses an effective and reliable encryption, no unauthorized person can have access to your information.
Information storage
- You need to know what type of information your camera collects from you including where and how it stores them.
Recording storage
- You have to get a clear idea of where your videos get stored. They shouldn’t be easily accessed by unauthorized people.

2. Make proper use of your passwords.

When you purchase a security camera, particularly if it can be remotely accessed, the first thing you have to check is its default password. Most people aren’t aware or don’t pay enough attention to this but default passwords are relatively easy to decode. Hackers can simply search for it online.

To prevent hacking, you should change your camera’s password as soon as possible. You have to think of a unique code, preferably one that does not involve your birthday, your security numbers or any other data that can easily be guessed and linked to you. A combination of letters and numbers is also a good idea.

You should also keep in mind to secure your home network. Other than your camera, all your files and even your credit card number can be at risk of being intercepted. Make sure that your network uses Wi-Fi Protected Access II or WPA2.

You should also take note of your camera’s account name and never use whatever name it comes as its default. Usually, your camera’s default name is set by your camera’s manufacturer and hackers can simply browse over the manufacturer’s website to figure it out.

3. Take care of your access points.

Two of the conveniences of having a security camera at home are its remote video surveillance and mobile monitoring capabilities. These features are what allows you to view what happens at home in real time. You can either use an app or a web browser in accessing your camera.

However, although these features can really make you feel at ease, they are also what make your security camera vulnerable to hackers. By default, most security cameras are set with these features armed. If you think you won’t be using these features frequently, you need to make sure that they are turned off. However, if it is inevitable for you to access your camera over the internet, always secure yourself and your home with a good password.

4. Always keep your firmware up to date.

Firmwares are set of instructions that are embedded on a hardware device, such as your camera. They are essential in keeping your device working efficiently and secured. Firmwares need to be updated to enable new features, particularly in terms of security. Firmware updates can help make sure your camera can keep up with the most recent advancements in technology, particularly hacking.

5. Consider where you will be putting your cameras.

There are several good locations at home where you can put your security cameras. Keep in mind to aim them where they can see intruders better. Avoid focusing your camera at your bedroom or any other areas you won’t feel too comfortable letting other people see. In case you have a safe or a valuable property in your bedroom, you can aim the camera directly at it.

If a hacker is too determined to get access to your cameras, make sure they won’t see anything private. Instead, you can have your cameras placed at the following locations:

Your front door is the first place you have to consider as this is the most common entry point for burglars.You can mount your camera or put it on a shelf across your door. Take note of how high the shelf is to make sure you get accurate visuals of any intruder who might crash in your home. You should also be careful about backlight.
You should also set another camera at your backdoor just in case a burglar decides to evade the front door.
You can also aim at your windows, particularly those at the first floor. If a burglar is to check on your home, there’s a good chance he’ll try to take a peek through your windows first. Make sure your camera is ready to capture this peaking moments.
The garage is a good place to monitor as well. Because you can be storing several valuable equipments and personal possessions, you have to make sure your items are safe. You can mount the camera high to get a good view of your garage. You must keep in mind, however, to put consideration of the backlight.

A home security system or even just a security camera, no matter how expensive or efficient it is, is still dependent on its owner. This simply means that if you fail to eliminate or at least lessen human errors, you can be your own system’s weakest link.