What to Know Before You Plug In Your Security Cameras and IoT Devices
In 2020, a family’s Ring camera was hacked, allowing an intruder to speak to their child. This story isn’t rare. Smart cameras and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices bring security convenience to small businesses, but they also introduce serious IoT security risks if not properly secured.
Your affordable security solution could easily become a backdoor into your entire business network.
The Problem: Cheap Devices, Dumb Security
Many low-cost smart devices cut corners on security, skipping essential safeguards like strong encryption and regular updates. Even reputable brands can be vulnerable if you rely on default settings.
Hackers often target weak spots like:
- Default usernames and passwords.
- Outdated firmware.
- Unsecured Wi-Fi connections.
A compromised camera doesn’t just show a video feed to a hacker; it can be a pathway to deeper network access, potentially exposing your client data, financial records, and other critical business information.
Your 3-Step Security Action Plan
To lock down your smart camera security and other IoT devices, follow these critical steps:
- Buy Smart, Check Features: Only purchase devices from reputable brands that provide regular, long-term security updates. Ensure the device offers Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for logins and uses encryption for data being sent to the cloud.
- Change Everything Immediately: When you plug a device in, the first thing you must do is change the default username and password. Then, enable automatic firmware and app updates so known vulnerabilities are patched instantly.
- Crucial: Network Segmentation: This is non-negotiable for small business cybersecurity. Your smart devices (cameras, thermostats, voice assistants) must be placed on a separate Wi-Fi network from your main business systems (servers, workstations). This prevents a hacker from using a cheap camera as a stepping stone to your sensitive data.
Don’t Leave Your Business Exposed
All smart devices connected to your network—not just cameras—are potential security risks. The more you connect, the more carefully they must be managed.
Techspert Data Services, LLC specializes in securing small business networks and implementing essential defenses like network segmentation and MFA.
Schedule a free discovery call today, and we’ll help you review your IoT security setup before hackers do it for you. https://techspert-data.com/discoverycall/