October 20, 2025
Back in 2020, a Mississippi family faced a terrifying breach: their eight-year-old daughter heard a stranger's voice through her bedroom Ring camera — a hacker had taken control of the device. The intruder taunted her and played music until her parents swiftly disconnected the camera. Ring later revealed the breach was due to the family reusing an old, compromised password.
Such alarming incidents are more common than you might think. Smart cameras and IoT devices have surged in popularity for both homes and small businesses. For business owners, they offer an affordable method to enhance security—whether monitoring entrances, safeguarding inventory rooms, or keeping watch after hours. Yet, while these technologies add peace of mind, they can also expose significant vulnerabilities if left unsecured.
Not every security camera offers the same protection. Budget models often skimp on critical security features like encryption and timely firmware updates. Even well-known brands can be targeted if default settings remain unchanged. Hackers exploit weak passwords, outdated software, or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Some have even hacked cameras to spy on footage or penetrate broader networks.
When selecting or auditing cameras, prioritize brands that deliver consistent security patches. Ensure the device encrypts video before uploading to cloud storage, supports two-factor authentication for logging in, and, if possible, offers local storage options alongside cloud backups.
How you configure these devices is just as vital as your choice of hardware. Immediately change default usernames and passwords, and keep firmware and applications up to date to close security gaps. Enabling automatic updates is the safest bet. Additionally, segmenting your network to isolate smart devices from business-critical systems helps contain threats if one device is compromised. Don't overlook your router—set it to the highest security level to block unauthorized access.
Beyond cameras, other smart devices like doorbells, thermostats, and voice assistants also connect to your network. Poor security here can open backdoors to your business, risking exposure of client data, financial records, or sensitive information. As the number of connected devices grows, diligent management becomes increasingly critical.
Smart technology can greatly simplify your operations and enhance safety—but only when configured with security as a priority. Taking these proactive measures now can protect your business from becoming an easy target for cybercriminals.
Concerned about your business device security? Take control today. Click here or give us a call at 929-523-2921 to schedule a free Call With Our CEO today, and we'll help you review your setup before hackers do it for you.
