Home security cameras: 8 questions to ask yourself before installing them

are

a home protection tool.

 such as home surveillance, troubleshooting, and remote monitoring.

These cameras can also be used to prevent burglaries, detect intruders, alert homeowners to dangerous situations, and assist emergency services.

Connected to home Wi-Fi networks, these devices also allow owners

,

for later playback, and receive alerts when they're away from home.

However, these same features can also

if the camera is compromised and/or images are leaked, and not all providers are as focused on security or privacy.

“Today, thanks to technological advances,

, connect it to the internet and check it from an application on a mobile device.

There are several things to  consider before purchasing a

home

And, as in any purchase, the more research is done before, the better," warned the Head of the ESET Latin America Research Laboratory,

.

Connected to home Wi-Fi networks, security cameras can also expose you to new dangers.

Photo.

Archive.

In this context, ESET, a company specialized in proactive threat detection, details the

to ask yourself before installing a

home

1. Do I really need a security camera in my home?

First of all, it is time to decide if a home security camera

 because many acquaintances installed them in their houses.

And once you decide to buy one, then it will be time to evaluate what type of configuration to choose.

Whether you need a

that requires professional installation or a

that can be easily connected and controlled via a smartphone app.

2. Am I aware that security cameras are also a risk?

Although home security cameras are meant to protect your home, purchasing one could also

.

In the worst case, hackers could access live feeds to

to see if it's empty.

Both situations can be disconcerting, especially since you are not always aware that this is happening.

One of the ways hackers could

to these sources is

, perhaps by guessing or breaking the Wi-Fi password.

However, a more likely scenario is an attack where they guess or crack account passwords or take advantage of a security flaw to break into the keys.

3. Have I checked the security of the provider?

It is worth

of the various

.

Ideally, aim for a brand that has a strong track record of building reliable products and good consumer ratings for security and privacy.

What are the most important safety aspects?

Fast patching

strong

, enhanced login security, and tight privacy policies.

Check them thoroughly.

4. Did I find out what happens to the images and data my security camera records?

Another potential element of risk is related to the provider itself.

Consider whether the

is

data center

.

Analyzing privacy policies is a good exercise to be comfortable with the information.

5. Do I know how to secure a camera?

Once you are aware of the main security and privacy risks, it is worth familiarizing yourself with what is necessary to ensure that the device works securely.

The

to something unique and strong.

For added security, use two-factor authentication whenever available.

In addition, the device must be regularly updated with the latest firmware (computer program that controls the electronic circuits).

It's important to choose a

with a history of building properly protected devices and shipping firmware updates.

Disabling remote viewing of

video recordings will offer greater peace of mind and minimize the chances of a hacker accessing them.

For greater security, the passwords that come with the equipment should always be changed to a unique and strong one.

Photo: Shutterstock

6. Do I know how to configure the correct smart home settings?

It's not just about the settings of the camera itself.

The

is the

and could be a source of security risk if not configured properly.

UPnP and port forwarding features, which allow devices to find others on the same network, could be hijacked by hackers to access smart cameras.

This is why they should be disabled on the router, although it might prevent some apps and devices from working.

7. Do I know how to check if the camera was hacked?

Two points to pay attention to is if the camera makes abnormal movements or strange voices are heard coming out of it.

If it suddenly

because the account password has changed, that's not a good sign either.

Another potential pathway to consider is

.

If an unauthorized user gains access to the device,

due to limited memory and CPU power.

However, this is not foolproof: it can also be the result of something more everyday like a bad Internet connection.

8. Am I aware of the impact my security cameras can have on other people?

Buying a home security camera is not just about your own security and privacy.

In fact, it could have an

if the camera captures images of people outside the property lines.

Under the 

, these individuals also have privacy rights that must be respected.

It's a good idea

to minimize any intrusion and to be as transparent as possible with your neighbors.

LN

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