In 2020, a family in Mississippi woke up to a nightmare. An eight-year-old girl heard a man’s voice coming from her bedroom—but it wasn’t her father. A hacker had taken control of their Ring camera, speaking to her through the device and playing music until her parents rushed in to unplug it.
The cause? A reused password that had already been exposed in another data breach.
Scary, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t a rare story. Smart cameras and connected devices are everywhere now—in homes and in small businesses. They make it easier to check the front door, monitor an inventory room, or keep an eye on things after hours. But if they aren’t set up securely, those same devices can open the door to hackers.
Let’s walk through what to watch for before plugging in your next “smart” device—and how outsourced IT support in Delaware can help you stay protected.
Not All Cameras Are Created Equal
Cheaper smart cameras often cut corners on security, skipping basics like encryption or software updates. Even big-name brands are vulnerable if you leave default settings in place.
Hackers look for easy targets:
- Default usernames and passwords
- Outdated firmware
- Unsecured WiFi connections
Once they get in, attackers can hijack the camera feed—or worse, use it as a stepping stone to access your business network.
Pro tip: Stick with reputable brands that push regular updates. Look for cameras with two-factor authentication (2FA) for logins and encryption for footage.
Setup Matters as Much as the Device
Even the most secure camera won’t help if you don’t set it up correctly. Simple steps go a long way:
- Change default usernames and passwords immediately.
- Keep firmware and apps updated (enable auto-updates if possible).
- Segment your network so smart devices don’t sit on the same WiFi as sensitive business systems.
- Don’t forget your router—lock it down with the strongest security settings available.
If all this sounds overwhelming, you don’t have to figure it out alone. A managed IT services provider in Wilmington, DE can review your setup and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
It’s Not Just Cameras
While cameras get the headlines, they’re not the only risk. Doorbells, thermostats, smart speakers—even the “helpful” voice assistant on your desk—all connect to your network. If they’re not secured, they can turn into back doors for hackers.
For small businesses, this risk is bigger than a stranger watching a video feed. A compromised device could expose:
- Client information
- Financial records
- Confidential business data
The more smart devices you add, the more important it is to manage them carefully.
Don’t Let “Smart” Devices Make You Vulnerable
Smart devices can make your life easier and your workplace safer—but only if they’re set up with security in mind. A few proactive steps today can prevent tomorrow’s crisis.
Schedule a free discovery call today with Wilmington’s trusted IT support company near you. We’ll help you review your setup and lock down your smart devices—before hackers do it for you.
