October 19, 2025

Are Your Smart Cameras Protecting You—Or Spying On You?

In 2020, a family in Mississippi lived through a nightmare. Their eight-year-old daughter heard a man’s voice coming from her bedroom—but it wasn’t her father. A hacker had broken into the family’s Ring camera, speaking to the child, taunting her, and even playing music until her terrified parents rushed in to unplug the device.

Ring later confirmed what had happened: the account was compromised because the family had reused an old, stolen password.

Chilling? Absolutely. But stories like this are far from rare.

Why Small Businesses Need To Pay Attention

Smart cameras and other connected devices have exploded in popularity—not just in homes, but also in small businesses. They’re affordable, convenient, and practical:

Keep an eye on the front door.

Monitor inventory rooms.

Check in after hours.

But while these devices offer peace of mind, they can also open the door to serious cyber risks if not properly secured.

Where Smart Devices Go Wrong

Not all cameras are created equal. Many cheap models cut corners on security, skipping essentials like encryption or software updates. Even trusted brands can become vulnerable if default settings are left in place.

Hackers know this—and they look for weak spots such as:

Default usernames and passwords

Outdated firmware

Unsecured WiFi networks

In some cases, attackers have hijacked cameras not just to watch footage, but also to use them as an entry point into entire business networks.

What To Look For In A Secure Camera

If you’re buying a new camera—or re-evaluating the ones you already own—keep these essentials in mind:

Reputable brands that issue regular security updates

End-to-end encryption for footage sent to the cloud

Two-factor authentication (2FA) for logins

Local storage options, not just cloud backups

Setup Matters As Much As Hardware

Even the best camera won’t protect you if it’s set up carelessly. Some best practices include:

Change default usernames and passwords immediately

Enable automatic firmware and app updates

Segment your network so smart devices don’t share the same WiFi as sensitive business systems

Lock down your router with the strongest security settings available

That way, even if one device is compromised, it won’t put your entire business at risk.

Cameras Aren’t The Only Risk

While cameras get the headlines, other smart devices are just as vulnerable. Doorbells, thermostats, and voice assistants all connect to your network. If unsecured, they can act as back doors into sensitive areas of your business.

For small businesses, this isn’t just about a hacker watching a video feed. It’s about the potential exposure of:

Client data

Financial records

Business-critical files

The more devices you connect, the more important it is to manage them carefully.

Secure The “Smart” Side Of Your Business

Smart devices can absolutely make your life easier and your workplace safer—but only if they’re secured the right way. A few proactive steps now can prevent your “smart” tools from turning into easy wins for hackers.

👉 Don’t leave it to chance. Schedule a free discovery call today, and we’ll help you review your setup before hackers do it for you.
Schedule your call now Click here or call at 866-766-1313 x 5005