How To Know if Your Security or IP Camera Was Hacked

There are several signs that someone may have hacked your security or camera, including unexpected camera movements, increased data usage, and unrecognized logins. Vulnerable security systems and hacked IP cameras can reveal sensitive information about you and your family. 

Let’s explore the signs of a hacked security camera to look for and tips on how to protect your security camera, including securing your network with strong antivirus protection. 

6 signs of a hacked security camera

There are several signs of a hacked camera, yet you may not immediately notice that a cybercriminal gained access unless you’re attentive to the signs. Being aware of the following signs can help you catch a potential security camera hack quicker.

1. Unexpected or unplanned camera movements

Your security camera may be static or can move on demand, depending on the model you have. Some cameras can pan or tilt to give viewers better views of the surroundings. If you find that your security camera seemingly moves on its own accord in a manner you didn’t set up or plan, it can be a sign of a potential hack.

2. The previous password no longer works

Once a cybercriminal gains access to your security camera, they may change the password to lock you out. You may notice this when you try to log in but find that your password no longer works. Your security camera company may also send you an email saying that your password has been changed. This email could be a sign of a hack if you didn't change your password yourself.

3. Unrecognized logins

A hacker may avoid changing your password to minimize their footprint. That being said, some security camera accounts keep a history of logins. This history includes a record of every successful login attempt, the device used, the date, and the time. This is a valuable tool for monitoring your account and ensuring every login is authorized. 

If you notice logins you didn’t do, your security camera may have been accessed without your consent.

4. Higher data usage

When hackers gain access to your security camera, they may use a noticeable amount of data to transmit a live stream to a different location. Keeping track of your data consumption can help you notice unexpected increases. Depending on your network, you may also notice a slower internet performance.

One way to tell is to check the data traffic on your router or in your camera app. Many devices and software track how much data each device uses. You can evaluate your usage and determine whether there are any high-traffic anomalies.

5. Blinking camera light

Many home security cameras come with LED lights. When someone accesses the camera, it turns on and starts to blink. This helps people recognize if someone is viewing the camera feed live. If you notice a blinking LED light while you and other authorized users aren't checking the feed, this may indicate that your camera is being accessed by an unauthorized party.

6. Sounds coming from the camera

Some security cameras have a two-way talk feature that lets you communicate with people you see on the video feed. Some hackers may exploit this feature to play music, make strange sounds, or even talk to you.

How to protect your security camera

It’s crucial to secure your camera and regain full control if you notice any of these signs. You can also take several steps to reduce the likelihood of a security or IP camera hack in the future.

1. Secure your Wi-Fi network

An unsecured Wi-Fi network is not only a threat to your camera but also to all electronic devices connected to it. Make sure to secure your network using a strong WPA2 password. 

You can also take this a step further using antivirus software with network protection. Antivirus software on connected devices can detect if malware is being used to intercept camera feeds.

2. Create a strong camera password

Using a strong password makes it more difficult for someone to access your network unauthorized. One of the easiest and most common ways for someone to hack a security camera is to test common, weak passwords until they find the right one.

 This can include simple passwords, such as 123456, or the reuse of login credentials across different accounts or devices. Here are a few steps to learn how to create a strong password for your security camera:

• Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols
• Create a unique password you don't use on other accounts
• Change the default username and passwords right after you install your camera
• Change your password periodically
• Use a password manager to generate unique passwords and keep track of them

3. Turn on two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication is a security measure that uses two steps to confirm your access authorization. In the first step, you provide the correct login credentials. In the second step, you provide a unique code sent to your phone number or email address. In some cases, you may be asked to answer security questions.

Setting up two-factor authentication for your security camera drastically increases the difficulty of unauthorized access because hackers rarely have access to both login credentials and authentication keys.

4. Keep your camera’s firmware updated

Make sure to keep your camera's firmware up to date. Security camera manufacturers frequently release firmware updates to protect your camera against newly identified security vulnerabilities.

Set up your security camera to automatically update when a new version is released. If your camera doesn’t have this option, set a reminder to check for new updates regularly.

5. Use cameras with advanced security

Not all security camera systems are equal. That’s why it’s essential to research the security features each system supports.

Some security cameras offer high-level encryption, whereas others only provide more basic encryption tools. Some security camera manufacturers also offer more regular updates to their security features, which helps better protect your system.

6. Limit IP addresses with access to your camera

Depending on the camera model, you may be able to customize your security camera settings to allow only specific IP addresses to access it. Even if a hacker has the correct login credentials, this measure can block them from gaining unauthorized access.

18 hackable IP cameras

IP security cameras often have weak (AKA hackable) default usernames and passwords. Although you may think this is secure, it's not.

These default login credentials are widely available online, allowing criminals to access your camera. That's why it's crucial to change default usernames and passwords to unique credentials as soon as you install your camera.

The following IP cameras come with default usernames and passwords that need to be changed because the default credentials are easily found online:

Axis Brickcom Canon Dahua DVtel HIKVision

Honeywell Panasonic Samsung Sanyo Sony Toshiba

There are other IP security cameras that come without any login credentials. They remain fully exposed until you set up a password. Here are some of the IP cameras without default password protection:

IP Webcam Blueiris Bosch

Dlink Foscam Fullhan

These IP security cameras have default settings that make them easy to hack. However, you can change the default login credentials or set up password protection to make it more secure.

Bottom line

Security cameras offer many benefits, including deterring crime and monitoring your home and its surroundings. But as with any other electronic device, your security camera needs to be protected to prevent unauthorized access.

Implementing cybersecurity measures such as activating two-factor authentication, regularly updating your camera’s firmware, and using one of the best antivirus solutions can help you limit data breaches and protect your security camera.

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