We live in a world full of advanced technology. It speeds up the pace of our lives, but it also comes with certain risks that need to be understood. This is particularly true in the world of residential and commercial security. It seems that all technology can eventually be hacked, but some products are easier than others. Vulnerabilities exist because the developers or manufacturers of a product overlooked these flaws. These are the flaws that malicious hackers take advantage of.

Security cameras, like all technology, can be vulnerable to a hack. However, there are companies that continually work to patch and prevent flaws, and many cameras are now encrypted, which adds an extra layer of protection from hackers.

Cameras That Are Unsecured

There is a list of IP (wireless) cameras that are  unsecured. There are an astounding 73,000 cameras that are unsecured in the IP camera domain. This means criminals can hack the cameras and monitor your home without your knowledge. What you thought was a good idea could be used against you if you are using an IP camera system. Cameras have been hacked in a total of 256 countries around the world. The following manufacturers may be supplying unsecured cameras that can be easily hacked:

• Axis

• Panasonic

• PanasonicHD

• Linksys

• Mobotix

• Sony

• TPLink

• Foscam

• Netcam

• Defeway

• Webcam XP/7

This list was compiled by security professionals and others who have been monitoring this situation.

How to Tell If a Camera Has Been Hacked

There are some ways to tell if your security cameras have been hacked, but unfortunately you may not notice if someone has already hacked your camera until they live stream the footage on the Internet. This was  reportedly  an incident that has already taken place in Houston, Texas. This was possible because hackers can easily hack into some kinds of security cameras and download or stream that video footage from your security cameras at home.

Protect yourself from hackers

One of the best ways to keep yourself safe from hackers is your password. Do not use simple passwords or default settings. This is one of the easiest ways a hacker can gain access. If you have found that security or other settings have been changed, or if you notice your equipment making noise or doing things that you did not set it up to do, there is a good possibility that your security cameras have been hacked by someone.

Wi-Fi Cameras Prone to Hacking

Wireless or Wi-Fi-based cameras are the easiest to gain access to from the hacker perspective. This is because they have access to the connection point, and then all they must do is figure out a password or find a vulnerability to get in. In these scenarios, there are some things you can do to protect your cameras from being hacked. One option is to get more advanced security cameras that use good encryption methods, so it’s harder for hackers to gain access.

Keep the devices that have access to this equipment limited. Only use one computer to access them, for example. Also, secure your router. There are a number of other tips as well such as upgrading firmware, installing antivirus software, and installing a firewall on your wireless network.  Interested in monitored home security? Get a free quote from Brinks Home™.

Krista Bruton is a DFW-based writer who covers smart home security and consumer protection.