How To Tell If Your Security System Has Been Compromised

Summary:When your security device behaves oddly, do not disregard it. Create robust passwords and regularly update them. Do not click on or open emails that you consider strange. If you suspect hacking, immediately detach the device, change the passwords, and seek help without delay. It takes so little effort to ensure the security of your home and system.

Securing our residences and commercial places is of utmost importance. However, along with the technical innovations, the security systems have become very easy to compromise. 

The most serious one among them is the hacking of the security cameras, which may result in letting unauthorized people in and a breach of privacy. To ensure maximum protection for yourself against such activities, it is very important to have knowledge of the different ways through which a hacker gets access to your security system, and also to know when your cameras are being hacked.

How Hackers Gain Control

You are coming to understand the online threats to your system and thus, the security measures that will be installed. Technology has changed at an astonishing pace, and along with it, security has been compromised by inviting hackers and their allies to perpetrate even the most elaborate cybercrimes. 

In this piece, we will revolve around how far the criminals go to invade your security network and seize control of it.

Weak Passwords: The Gateway To Intrusion

Weak passwords still account for a significant proportion of hackers’ entry points. A lot of the time, users do not realize how important a good password is and, therefore, do not mind using easily guessable combinations. However, hackers are just waiting for such a situation to occur since it will be in their favor. 

As a security measure for your security system, the first thing you should do is to secure all the access points with strong and unique passwords. Such passwords should include a combination of upper and lower case letters, digits, and punctuation marks as well. The complexity will keep brute force attacks, which involve hackers trying all the combinations one by one, from succeeding, to the point where it is extremely difficult for them to come close. 

Besides the creation of strong passwords, regular changes in passwords are also very important. Change them periodically and don’t use the same password on different systems. 

If your network has multiple users who can access it, inform them about the necessity of choosing strong and different passwords.

Firmware Vulnerabilities: Keeping Software Defenses Fortified

Firmware acts as software that determines the working of devices such as cloud security camera systems. Nevertheless, this critical part is not free from weaknesses. Hackers usually take advantage of these flaws as the easiest way to get into your security system, which leads to it being compromised. 

The risk posed by firmware vulnerabilities can be greatly reduced by the timely and constant updating of your security system’s firmware. The manufacturers never stop putting money into their research to discover and deduce the possible loopholes. With the help of firmware updates, they release fixes and improvements that are specially crafted to protect your system against the threats of the future. 

If you do not keep up with the firmware updates, it is just like you have the main entrance to your business open for anyone to come in. Each postponed update can be seen as a longer time span, during which the cyber attackers can take advantage of the system to gain access through the vulnerabilities that have already been identified.

Remote Access Backdoors

Remote access provides users with the chance to oversee their properties from nearly any place. Nonetheless, this benefit proves to be double-edged, revealing possible vulnerabilities that require proactive measures to be taken.

Hackers usually target the easiest spot, which is default usernames and passwords. Manufacturers usually provide devices with standard credentials to facilitate setup, but if no changes are made, access for unauthorized users is granted. 

The first thing you should do to secure your virtual perimeter is to instantly change the default usernames and passwords upon setup. If you do not use remote access features regularly, you can take the approach of disabling them. Each enabled feature can be a target for exploitation. 

Besides, it is a commendable practice to periodically verify and monitor the individuals who possess remote access rights in your network. 

In the end, two-factor authentication (2FA) is the method that offers an additional video security solutions layer. The use of 2FA may be regarded as a considerable enhancement of the security for remote access since it obligates the user to perform another verification step, e.g., submitting a code that has been sent to his or her mobile device.

Malware & Phishing: Guarding Against Deceptive Tactics

Malware is a general term that refers to a majority of malicious software including viruses, ransomware, spyware, and so on. Concurrently, phishing, which is a form of deception that tries to entice people into divulging sensitive information, is a human-centered threat that could jeopardize the entire security of your system.

The first line of protection against malware and phishing is always not to open unverified links, or, in the worst case, to download files from dubious sources. In addition to that, the installation of reliable antivirus and anti-malware software can be compared to an invisible wall that is always there, detecting and eliminating possible threats even before they are able to reach your security system. 

In spite of technology having its defenses, human awareness is still a necessity. An organization that wants to protect itself from phishing must train all the users who have access to its network on how to recognize phishing and avoid it. Phishing most often comes in the form of false emails or texts, and a careful user group is the first layer of defense for the organization. 

As the last stage, users ought to attend security awareness training sessions regularly to receive the latest information on new phishing methods and malware trends. 

Wi-Fi Network Exploitation

Eavesdropping on a Wi-Fi network gives hackers direct access to your security system. Depending on the severity of the case, unauthorized users may either get access to your data or even take over your entire network. 

The first thing you should do is to create a very strong and unique password for your Wi-Fi network. Furthermore, if you have the option, you can also take advantage of the WPA3 encryption’s high-security features by using it.

Additionally, it is ever so important to monitor the devices consistently connected to your Wi-Fi network. It is essential that unknown or unauthorized access be looked into and eliminated right away.

Network segmentation is another option, or setting up a dedicated network just for your security cameras. When devices are isolated, the threats are also isolated; thus, even if one segment gets compromised, the security of the other connected devices is still assured.

How to Determine If Someone Has Hacked Your Security Camera

Apart from safeguarding against unauthorized access, being able to detect the signs of a compromised system is a necessary requirement for the preservation of security integrity in case of a breach. The following are some subtle cues and obvious red flags that point out that your security camera has been compromised.  

Unusual Camera Behavior: Identifying Anomalies

Unusual behavior is the most common sign of a compromised security camera. If you see that your camera is moving, tilting, or zooming in and out without any user command, then it probably is under outside control.  

Regularly reviewing recorded footage will be a good practice. This will allow you to discover any unexpected movements or actions that occurred and weren’t caused by the authorized users on your network.

Suspicious Network Activity

Always scrutinize the logs of your network activity very closely. An immediate increase in data usage or connections to suspicious IP addresses could be a sign that your system has been hacked. 

Conduct periodic checks on all the devices that are linked to your network so as to spot any unfamiliar or illegal users.

Strange Or Unauthorized Notifications

First and foremost, security cameras are meant to be your eyes and ears when it comes to possible threats in the area. Besides the usual notifications, alerts for activities not set up, like capturing motion in inactive areas or unpredicted camera shut-off, have to be considered as a signal of trouble and therefore need immediate attention.

Take action to investigate such alerts immediately to eliminate any doubt about the security of your system.

Safeguard Your Digital Watchdogs with Resolute Partners

The security system that you have set up is the most important aspect of overall safety. Learning the methods hackers use to take control and watching the signs of intrusions will allow you to strengthen your security by taking preventive measures. 

It is doable to ensure that your security cameras are not vulnerable by being always vigilant and applying the best practices. 

You can consider getting in touch with Resolute Partners to have everything done for you with the right tactics and legalities taken care of.

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