In 2020, a family in Mississippi woke up to 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 their Ring camera and was speaking directly to her, taunting her and even playing music until her parents rushed in to unplug it. Later, Ring confirmed that the account had been compromised because the family was reusing an old password that had already been exposed in a breach.
Stories like this are unsettling, but they aren’t rare. Smart cameras and connected devices have become incredibly popular in homes and small businesses. For small businesses, they provide an affordable way to add an extra layer of protection, whether it’s keeping an eye on the front door, monitoring inventory, or checking in after hours. But while these devices bring peace of mind, they can also create serious risks if they aren’t properly secured.
Not all cameras are created equal. Many low-cost options cut corners on security and skip important safeguards like encryption or software updates. Even trusted brands can be vulnerable if users leave default settings in place. Hackers often look for weak spots such as default passwords, outdated firmware, or unsecured WiFi connections. In some cases, they’ve even hijacked cameras to watch live footage or use the device as a doorway into larger networks.
If you’re buying a new camera or reviewing the ones you already have, there are a few things you should look for. Stick with reputable brands that provide regular security updates. Make sure the device encrypts video before sending it to the cloud, choose a model with two-factor authentication for logins, and whenever possible, look for options that let you store footage locally in addition to the cloud.
The way you set up your devices matters just as much as which ones you buy. Change default usernames and passwords right away and keep firmware and apps updated so known vulnerabilities get fixed quickly. Many devices allow you to enable automatic updates, which is the safest option. It’s also smart to put your devices on a separate WiFi network so they don’t share space with your business systems. That way, even if one device is compromised, it doesn’t create a pathway to more sensitive information. And don’t forget your router. Configure it with the strongest security settings available so outsiders can’t easily slip in.
Cameras might grab most of the attention, but they aren’t the only smart devices worth thinking about. Doorbells, thermostats, and even voice assistants connect to your network, and if they’re not secured, they can become back doors into your business. For small businesses, that could mean much more than a hacker watching a video feed. It could mean exposure of client information, financial records, or other sensitive data. The more devices you connect, the more important it is to manage them carefully.
Smart devices can absolutely make your life easier and your workplace safer, but only when they’re set up with security in mind. A few proactive steps now can prevent your “smart” gadgets from becoming easy wins for hackers.
Want to make sure your business devices are secure? Don’t leave it to chance. Schedule a free discovery call today, and I’ll help you review your setup before hackers do it for you.