We tend to talk a lot about appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and electric stoves and how no modern home feels complete without them. What we don't always consider is how our homes are protected. A good security system can be just as important as most of your other appliances, but it needs to be kept secure. Many of today's security cameras have a feature that allow you to access them from a smartphone or some other device, but that can also make them vulnerable to hackers. If you don't want a tech-savvy criminal to see into your home through your brand-new security camera, take the following steps to make sure that your security system really is secure.
- Change your password from the system's default, which is often as simple as 1-2-3-4 or even 0-0-0-0. Anything is better than those.
- Choose "encryption" as an option if you have the ability to upload security camera footage to the cloud.
- Download a firmware update for your wi-fi router.
- Keep your security camera's hard drive updated. You should be able to go to its manufacturer's website for any new software updates.
- Keep cameras out of bedrooms. You might think you're keeping your baby safe by putting a camera in their room, but a good hacker will be able to look in on your child just as easily as you can. This goes for cameras in your own room as well. Would-be intruders do not need to know when you're fast asleep.
As alarming as this sounds, try to remember that this boils down to using common sense. The most important thing you can do when you're keeping your home and your belongings safe from intruders is to remain diligent. Check in on your security cameras to make sure that they're working properly and that they are properly updated, and they should keep you and your family safe.