Home security cameras are installed to make people feel safer, not more vulnerable. But what if hackers could access a camera feed, spy on users, blackmail them, or plan a burglary? This is a real threat that affects thousands of Americans right now, NordVPN explained in a press release on Thursday.
In a shocking discovery, NordVPN shed light on a website called Insecam that is streaming more than 1,600 American security camera feeds (and other global feeds) without their owners’ awareness or permission.
“Research revealed that every 10th camera streams to the world from Americans’ backyards, garages, porches, and even the interior of their houses,” NordVPN said.
A NordVPN study conducted in June revealed that “camfecting” (or webcam hacking) is one of the most common online threats today.
The Risks of Having Your Security Camera Hacked
While they can go a long way to keep us safe, cameras are not impervious to security risks. Hackers can access a security camera feed by exploiting the built-in functionality that allows users to view their camera feed from anywhere. If a camera is not secured with a strong password, its feed can be found on platforms like Shodan or Google, NordVPN CTO Marijus Briedis said.
Threat actors can also breach a home’s internet connection and access the camera feed. This is usually done using malware, phishing, or brute-force attacks.
Hackers can even record compromising videos of victims and blackmail them, threatening to leak the video to the public if they are not paid. Access to a home’s camera feed also allows criminals to plan a burglary, NordVPN said.
NordVPN’s revelations come weeks after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached a settlement agreement with Amazon for violating the privacy of users of its Ring surveillance camera. Ring employees reportedly spied on users, and the company handed over surveillance footage to law enforcement agencies without users’ permission.
Protecting Your Security Camera From Hackers
NordVPN recommends using a complex and unique password to safeguard your camera. It is also critical to turn on your camera’s security features. If your camera encrypts data transmitted via the internet, ensure this feature is on.
We also recommend using a VPN to protect your internet traffic from third parties. A VPN makes it more difficult for hackers to access your camera feed or determine the location of your house. It’s best to install a VPN on your router to protect your camera traffic.
When choosing a security camera, look for one that offers end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and automatic updates. Avoid cameras that require cloud storage or third-party platforms to function — opt for local storage or encrypted cloud services instead.
It’s also important to read the privacy policy and terms of service of the camera manufacturer and the platform provider. Check what data they collect, how they use it, and who they share it with. Also, review the permissions and settings of the camera app. Disable any features that are not necessary or that could compromise your privacy, such as geolocation, file access, microphone, or facial recognition.
