October 20, 2025
In 2020, a family from Mississippi experienced a terrifying breach when their eight-year-old daughter heard a strange man's voice coming through her bedroom camera—not her father. A hacker had infiltrated their Ring camera system, using it to taunt her and play music until the parents quickly unplugged the device. Ring later confirmed that the breach occurred due to the family reusing an old, compromised password.
Such incidents may seem rare, but they happen more often than you think. Smart cameras and other connected devices are increasingly popular for homes and small businesses as cost-effective solutions to enhance security. These devices help monitor front entrances, inventory rooms, or provide after-hours surveillance. However, without proper security measures, they can become significant vulnerabilities.
Not all security cameras offer the same level of protection. Inexpensive models frequently sacrifice critical safeguards like encryption and timely software updates. Even leading brands can be compromised if default settings are left unchanged. Cybercriminals commonly exploit weak points such as default passwords, outdated firmware, or unsecured WiFi networks. Some attackers have even hijacked cameras to spy on footage or penetrate deeper into networks.
If you are shopping for a new camera or assessing your current devices, prioritize trustworthy manufacturers that provide continuous security updates. Opt for models that encrypt video footage in transit, enable two-factor authentication, and where possible, offer local storage options along with cloud backups.
Proper setup is equally critical. Immediately change default usernames and passwords, and ensure your devices and apps are always updated to patch known security vulnerabilities. Enabling automatic updates is the best way to stay protected. Additionally, consider isolating smart devices on a separate network from your main business systems. This segregation limits the risk if one device is compromised, keeping sensitive information safeguarded. Don't overlook your router—configure it with the strongest security settings to block unauthorized access.
While cameras draw the most focus, other connected devices such as doorbells, thermostats, and voice assistants also deserve attention. If poorly secured, these gadgets can provide hackers with unintended access to your business, risking exposure of customer data, financial information, and critical records. The more smart devices you incorporate, the greater the need for diligent management and security protocols. See this resource for securing your smart devices.
Smart technology can greatly simplify your daily life and enhance workplace safety—but only when implemented with robust security measures. Taking a few preventative steps now will protect your "smart" devices from becoming a hacker's easy target.
Want to ensure your business devices are fully secure? Don't leave it up to chance. Click here or call us at 320-310-4321 to schedule a free 15-Minute Discovery Call today. We'll help you evaluate your setup and secure your systems before cybercriminals do.
