October 20, 2025
In 2020, a Mississippi family faced a terrifying intrusion when their eight-year-old daughter heard a man's voice from her bedroom—except it wasn't her father. A hacker had breached their Ring camera, taunting her through the device and playing music until the parents quickly unplugged it. Ring later confirmed the breach stemmed from the family reusing an old, compromised password.
Such alarming incidents are becoming more common as smart cameras and connected devices surge in popularity for homes and small businesses. For small businesses, these devices offer an affordable means to enhance security—monitoring entrances, overseeing inventory rooms, or checking premises after hours. Yet, while these technologies provide comfort, they can also pose significant risks if not securely managed.
It's crucial to remember not all cameras prioritize security. Many budget options sacrifice protective features like encryption and software updates. Even reputable brands become vulnerable when users leave default settings unchanged. Cybercriminals exploit weak points such as default passwords, outdated firmware, and unsecured WiFi networks. In extreme cases, attackers have hijacked cameras to access live footage or infiltrate wider networks.
When selecting new cameras or evaluating your current devices, prioritize trusted brands that offer consistent security updates. Opt for models that encrypt video before uploading to the cloud, support two-factor authentication, and, if possible, provide local storage alongside cloud backups.
Setting up your devices thoughtfully is equally vital. Immediately replace default usernames and passwords, and keep firmware and applications current to close known vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates when available for hassle-free protection. Additionally, segment your network so smart devices operate separately from business-critical systems. This containment strategy ensures that if one device is compromised, attackers can't easily access sensitive data. Don't overlook router security—configure it with the highest protection settings to block unauthorized access.
Beyond cameras, other smart devices like video doorbells, thermostats, and voice assistants connect to your network and can serve as entry points for hackers if unsecured. For small businesses, this threat extends beyond spying on feeds—it could mean exposure of confidential client data, financial records, or vital business information. As you increase connected devices, careful management becomes essential.
Smart technology can significantly enhance convenience and security—but only when set up with robust protections. Taking proactive measures today will stop your "smart" devices from becoming easy targets for cybercriminals.
Want to safeguard your business's technology? Don't leave security to chance. Click here or give us a call at 978-664-1680 to schedule a free 15-Minute Discovery Call today, and we'll help you review your setup before hackers do it for you.
