October 20, 2025
In 2020, a Mississippi family experienced a chilling breach when a hacker infiltrated their Ring camera. Their eight-year-old daughter heard a stranger's voice through the device—not her father. The intruder taunted her and played music until the parents intervened to unplug the camera. Ring later confirmed the breach resulted from the family reusing a previously compromised password.
Unfortunately, incidents like this are more common than you'd hope. Smart cameras and connected devices have surged in popularity among homeowners and small businesses alike. For small business owners, these gadgets offer an affordable way to enhance security—whether monitoring entrances, overseeing inventory, or checking in after hours. However, while they enhance convenience and protection, improper security can expose you to serious cyber threats.
Not all security cameras offer the same level of protection. Budget models often skimp on crucial safeguards like encryption and timely software updates. Even popular, trusted brands can be vulnerable if default settings remain unchanged. Hackers exploit weaknesses such as default passwords, outdated firmware, and unsecured WiFi networks. Some attackers have even hijacked cameras to access live feeds or infiltrate deeper network systems.
When choosing new cameras or auditing your existing devices, prioritize brands with a proven record of regular security updates. Confirm that your camera encrypts footage before uploading it to the cloud and supports two-factor authentication for user logins. Whenever possible, select models offering local storage alongside cloud backups to protect your data.
Equally critical is how you set up your smart devices. Immediately change any default usernames and passwords, and maintain current firmware and app versions to patch vulnerabilities swiftly. Opt into automatic updates if available, as this is the most secure practice. It's also smart to isolate smart devices on a separate network from your primary business systems. This containment helps prevent a compromised device from jeopardizing sensitive information. Lastly, secure your router with the highest level of encryption and security protocols to keep intruders at bay.
Remember, cameras are just one piece of your smart device ecosystem. Doorbells, thermostats, and voice assistants also connect to your network. If left unsecured, these devices can serve as entry points for hackers targeting your business. For small businesses, this risk extends beyond unauthorized video access to potential exposure of client data, financial information, and other critical assets. As you add more smart devices, disciplined management becomes essential.
Smart technology can greatly enhance convenience and security at your home or workplace, but only when safeguarded properly. Taking a few proactive security steps today can shield your smart devices from becoming easy prey for hackers.
Concerned about your business device security? Take control today. Click here or give us a call at 817-589-0808 to schedule a free 30-Minute Discovery Call today, and we'll help you review your setup before hackers do it for you.
