October 13, 2025
Back in 2020, a family in Mississippi faced a chilling experience when their eight-year-old daughter heard a strange man's voice coming from her bedroom camera—not her father. A hacker had breached their Ring camera and was taunting her through the device, even playing music until the parents hurriedly unplugged it. Ring later confirmed that the breach occurred because the family reused an old password that had already been exposed in a data leak.
Unfortunately, incidents like this aren't isolated. Smart cameras and connected devices have become highly popular among homeowners and small businesses alike. For small businesses, these devices offer an affordable layer of security—monitoring entrances, safeguarding inventory rooms, or providing after-hours surveillance. However, while these gadgets offer reassurance, they also create significant security vulnerabilities if not properly protected.
It's important to recognize that not all cameras are designed with security in mind. Budget models often sacrifice critical safeguards like encryption and timely software updates. Even well-established brands can be at risk if users fail to change default configurations. Cybercriminals typically exploit weak points such as default passwords, outdated firmware, or unprotected WiFi networks. In some extreme cases, hackers have hijacked cameras to spy on footage or infiltrate wider networks.
When purchasing or evaluating security cameras, prioritize reputable manufacturers that consistently deliver security updates. Look for devices that encrypt video data before uploading to the cloud, offer two-factor authentication for user logins, and provide options for local storage alongside cloud backups.
Equally critical is how you set them up. Always change default usernames and passwords immediately, and keep the device firmware and software apps up-to-date to swiftly patch vulnerabilities. Enabling automatic updates is the safest strategy. Additionally, segment your smart devices on a separate WiFi network from your critical business systems. This limits hackers' ability to move from a compromised gadget to sensitive data. Don't overlook your router—configure it with the strongest possible security settings to block unauthorized access.
Cameras aren't the only smart devices requiring attention. Doorbells, thermostats, and voice assistants all connect to your network and can serve as potential entry points for cyber attacks. For small businesses, this risk extends beyond surveillance footage to include exposure of customer information, financial records, and other vital data. The more connected devices you have, the more essential it becomes to manage their security diligently.
Smart technology can transform your home and workplace safety—but only when secured properly. Taking a few proactive security measures now will protect your "smart" devices from becoming easy targets for hackers.
Looking to safeguard your business devices? Don't leave your security to chance. Click here or call us at (502) 473-9330 to book a free 15-Minute Discovery Call. We'll help assess your current setup and shield your systems before cyber criminals do.
