October 20, 2025
Back in 2020, a Mississippi family faced a chilling breach when their eight-year-old daughter heard an unfamiliar man speaking through their Ring camera in her bedroom. The hacker had taken control of the device by exploiting the family's reused, compromised password, taunting their daughter and playing music until the parents unplugged it. Ring confirmed the account was hacked due to this password reuse.
Such incidents are alarming but increasingly common. Smart cameras and connected devices have surged in popularity for both homes and small businesses. For businesses, these gadgets offer an affordable way to enhance security — whether monitoring entry points, inventory rooms, or after-hours activity. However, without proper protection, these conveniences can open doors to significant security threats.
Not all smart cameras provide the same level of safety. Many budget-friendly options sacrifice crucial security features like encryption and timely software updates. Even reputable brands can be at risk if users leave default settings unchanged. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities such as default passwords, outdated firmware, or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. In some cases, attackers hijack cameras to gain unauthorized access to video feeds or infiltrate broader networks, as detailed here.
When purchasing or evaluating your cameras, prioritize models from trusted manufacturers that offer consistent security patches. Ensure they encrypt your video data before storing it in the cloud, support two-factor authentication to strengthen logins, and, if possible, provide options for local storage to complement cloud backups.
Equally important is how you set up your devices. Immediately replace default usernames and passwords, and keep all firmware and applications current to close known loopholes. Enable automatic updates if available for the best protection. It's also advisable to segregate your smart devices on a separate network from your business systems. This separation ensures that even if a device is compromised, hackers can't easily access sensitive business data. Lastly, secure your router with the strongest settings possible to block unauthorized intrusions.
Remember, security concerns extend beyond cameras — smart doorbells, thermostats, and voice assistants connect to your network too. If these devices lack proper safeguards, they risk becoming vulnerable entry points that put your customer information, financial records, and other sensitive data at risk. As you add more connected devices, managing their security grows critically important.
Smart technology can significantly simplify your daily routines and boost workplace safety — but only when configured with robust security measures. Taking proactive steps now can help ensure your "smart" devices remain an asset, not a vulnerability, against cyber threats.
Ready to secure your business's smart devices? Don't wait for hackers to find a way in. Click here or give us a call at (646) 989-9900 to schedule a free Business Technology Alignment Assessment today, and we'll help you review your setup before hackers do it for you.
