Cameras connected to the internet can be hacked. Whether you are concerned about the camera on your Mobile Device, Computer or Security cameras, we will discuss it here. This information describes what the vulnerabilities are, and how you can be better prepared to prevent this from happening to you.
With advances in technology, Cameras have become part of our daily lives. For most of us, we are surrounded by cameras every day and even carry at least one around with us wherever we go on our mobile devices. It has become such a part of our daily lives, that we often do not give it a second thought.
Unfortunately, this leave us vulnerable to camera hacking, and to not realize if it is happening. Because of this we may fall victim to Camfecting, which is the term used to describe the act of hacking webcams. When this happens, hackers can see you through your phone, tablet, computer, or security camera.
Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated every day. They are constantly working on ways to bypass security measures that are designed with the sole purpose of keeping them out of devices.
Product and software developers are constantly improving their security measures to protect end users against Cyber-attacks.
There is a constant tug of war between product and software developers and cybercriminals, to try to outsmart one another.
What is Camfecting
Camfecting is the act of accessing the webcam of a device without the owner’s permission, or the owner’s knowledge.
The person gaining the unlawful access is referred to as the Camfecter.
How are Cameras Hacked
Cameras are often hacked by infecting the device with Malware. RAT, which stand for Remote Access Trojan, is often used by camera hackers. This malware program provides the hacker with administrative access to the infected device.
The RAT malware is typically delivered through email attachments, or by getting the victim to download seemingly innocent files that has the malware imbedded into it.
Hackers sometimes pose as remote technical support for the device that they are targeting. These Cyber Criminals can be very convincing. They then scam the user into allowing them access to the device.
Why do Hackers Hack Cameras
It goes without saying that if a camera is hacked, it does not bode well for the victim. There could be several reasons why someone would want to hack someone else’s camera.
Many people may think of a camera hacker as a creepy guy watching someone getting dressed. This does happen, but there is more to the general phenomenon to camera hacking than that.
Sophisticated hackers do not just hack cameras to aimlessly sit and watch people. The end goal of the surveillance that is being done through the camera is often part of a bigger scheme to commit an even bigger crime. Most often it is done for financial gain.
Schedules and habits can be monitored, as well as everything in view of the camera.
When a camera is hacked, the hacker may also gain control over the rest of the device. This means that they often also have access to other functions of the device. Depending on the type of device that was hacked, and the method used, they could also access things like the microphone, personal files, passwords and other information on the device.
How to Prevent Camera Hacking
Tips to prevent PC and Laptop Webcams from being Hacked
Enable a Firewall
Ensure that the Firewall on your device is enabled. If you have a Windows operating system, you will find it under your Control Panel settings. For a MAC devices it will be in the Apple Menu under the Security and Privacy settings.
Keep your software up to date
Ensure that software like your operating system and Anti-Virus software is kept updated to the latest version. These updates usually include the latest patches to help protect your device against Cyber Attacks.
Install a strong Anti-Virus Program
Ensure that you have a good anti-virus program installed on your computer. The program should update itself regularly on your device to also identify the latest malware and threats. It must be able to protect your computer in real time. Make use of reputable brands like Norton, McAfee, or Bitdefender.
Perform frequent scans on your hard drive and data storage devices. Do this at least once a week. This can be set as a scheduled task or done by running the scans manually. It is preferable to run it as scheduled scans, as this will eliminate the risk of forgetting to run the scans.
The reason for running these scans, is that your computer may have been infected with a new type of malware, but it could still be dormant on your device. Your anti-virus program will update from time to time to identify the latest malware. By running the scan, it will check for dormant malware as well.
Always use strong passwords.
In some Cyber Attacks, your password may be the only thing preventing the hacker from gaining full access to your device. Always use strong passwords. A strong password should have more than eight characters. Use something that will be hard to guess. Use uppercase and lowercase in your passwords and include numbers and symbols.
Avoid clicking on links and attachment from unknown sources
Hackers and other Cyber Criminals often use email attachments and links to their malware to infect devices. These are cleverly disguised and worded to entice the victim to click on it. Do not let them deceive you. Always check that it is from trusted sources.
Be cautious of tech support scams
Cyber Criminals sometimes pose as Tech Support to “help” you with a problem on your device, that you did not know you had. They then convince the user to give them the log in details to the device.
Only download apps from official stores
Malware can be embedded into Applications. Only download apps from trusted app stores, as they frequently check the apps for malware. When downloading an app check what the requested permissions are, before granting the permission.
Check your security settings
Check the security settings on your applications and ensure that you make use of this in the best possible way to protect your privacy.
Turn your computer off when you are not using it
When a computer is in hibernation or sleep mode, hackers could turn it on. The best practice is to shut it down completely when you are not using it.
Only connect to Secure Wi-Fi
Ensure that you only connect to secure Wi-Fi.
To secure your Wi-Fi router, check the security settings on your router. There are many different routers, so check your router manual to familiarize yourself with the setting options available to you.
Two of the things to check are:
- Make sure that the password is not set to the default password from the manufacturer. If it is, change the password to a strong password.
- If your router has encryption capabilities, ensure that this is turned on.
Avoid using public Wi-Fi
When connected to public Wi-Fi, you cannot be sure how secure the W-Fi network is and who else is connected to this. Cyber Criminals often use public Wi-Fi to target potential victims by connecting to the public Wi-Fi and intercepting other user’s traffic.
Another tactic used by Cybercriminals is to create fake public Wi-Fi and hotspots. These often have the same name as a popular establishment close by.
If you do have to use public Wi-Fi, make use of a reputable VPN service provider like NordVPN.
Turn external Webcam off when not in use.
If you are using a desktop computer or laptop that does not have a built-in camera and you are making use of an external webcam, disable it when not in use. If it does not have an on/off switch on the webcam, then rather unplug it from your device when you are not using it.
Cover your onboard webcam when not in use.
Webcam covers can be bought to cover built in webcams. These may be available at your local Computer accessory outlets, or from online shops.
Close your laptop when not in use.
Some users use pieces of electrical tape to cover their built-in cameras. If you do this, do not stick it directly on the lens of the camera, as this can leave glue on the lens. If you use tape, rather place a small piece of paper, or cloth in the middle of the tape to act as a barrier between the tape and the lens.
Tips to prevent Cameras on Mobile Devices from being Hacked
Keep your device in your possession
Do not leave your phone, or Tablet lying unattended, especially when you are in public places. If someone with dubious intentions gets hold of your device, even for a few minutes, they could download malware, or spyware onto the device.
Lock your device
Always be sure to lock your device when you are not using it. This will help to protect you, if someone gets hold of your device without you knowing about it. For example, someone could take a device out of a bag when the owner is not looking, load malware onto it and put it back again unnoticed.
Use a strong password
Use a strong password for unlocking your device. A strong password should have more than eight characters. Use something that will be hard to guess. Use uppercase and lowercase in your passwords and include numbers and symbols.
If you use a pattern unlock instead of a password, be sure that your screen is clean. By running your finger over your screen, you may inadvertently leave finger marks on your screen in the form of your pattern.
Check your security settings
Check the security settings on your applications and ensure that you make use of this in the best possible way to protect your privacy.
Keep your device updated
Updates are released from time to address software bugs and security vulnerabilities. Always update this as soon as possible after a new update is released.
Only download apps from official app stores
Malware can be embedded into Applications. Only download apps from trusted app stores, as they frequently check the apps for malware. When downloading an app check what the requested permissions are, before granting the permission.
Install Security Software
By installing additional security software from a reputable brand, you will increase the layers of security on your devices. Always use reputable brands like Norton Antivirus or McAfee.
Turn off your Wi-Fi when not in use
Hackers can target Public Wi-Fi networks, or devices connected to these Wi-Fi networks. Hackers could load phishing pages, or other malware onto connected devices, that they can use to compromise your device.
Turn your Wi-Fi off when you are not using it. If you make use of public Wi-FI, rather connect through a reputable VPN service provider like NordVPN, when connecting through public Wi-Fi.
When you connect to Wi-Fi networks, your device stores these networks as trusted networks. Over time, your device will contain a list containing these network names. When you are in range of these networks, your device will automatically connect to them if your Wi-Fi is turned on.
One of the tactics that Hackers use is to create networks that mimic other networks. They create public Wi-Fi networks with the same names as popular coffee shops and similar establishments. When mobile devices with this name in their trusted network list comes into range of this network, it will identify it as a trusted network and connect to it.
Turn off your Bluetooth when not in use
Disable “discoverable” in your Bluetooth settings on your device and turn your Bluetooth off when you are not using it.
Bluetooth hacking is carried out by using software and hardware that was especially developed to target vulnerable devices with active discoverable Bluetooth connections. They can then access private information and infect the device with malware that can give them further access to the device.
Tips to prevent Security Cameras from being Hacked
Do your research, before buying
The Features on security cameras vary. Not only they vary between different manufacturers but features also vary between different models from the same manufacturer. Consumers often only look at the mechanical features of the cameras, but not so much at the software security features.
When considering which camera to buy, it is important to also ensure that it has the necessary user security features.
Features that you may want to consider when buying security cameras:
- Two-Factor login Authentication. This will typically require your password and a one-time pin (OTP) to log in.
- Ability to turn off remote online monitoring
- Remote login failure lock-out.
- Video encryption
- Encryption to secure users’ passwords, the data transmission, and the storage.
Change your default password
Security cameras and systems typically come with factory default passwords. Change to your unique password. Always use a strong password. Do not include any personally identifiable information in your password. Avoid using things like names, birthdates, etc.
What is a strong password:
- A strong password consists of at least eight characters.
- It is a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols
- There are uppercase and lower case letters.
Keep the firmware up to date
Good manufactures generally take the security of their systems seriously. They want to avoid negative publicity if their systems get hacked. They release new updates from time to address software bugs and vulnerabilities. Check to confirm if your system does automatic updates, or if you would need to initiate updates manually.
If you use a mobile App to monitor your cameras remotely, ensure that you keep that updated as well.
Set up your security features
Familiarize yourself with the security features of your cameras and ensure that they are enabled.
Secure your Wi-Fi network
Ensure that that your Wi-Fi router is password protected and that the security features are active. Also ensure that all your devices that regularly connect to your network is well protected against malware, that hackers can use to spread spyware and other malicious software.
Avoid using your remote monitoring App through Public Wi-Fi
As mentioned previously in this article, public Wi-Fi can be targeted by Cyber-Criminals. If you use a mobile app to monitor your security cameras remotely, avoid doing so through public Wi-Fi. If you must make use of public Wi-Fi, rather connect through a reputable VPN service provider like NordVPN.
Do not give out your username and password
If you need to give friends, family or even a house sitter access to your cameras for whatever reason, do not give them your username and password. Create secondary login credentials instead that you can give to them. This will enable you revoke their access as soon as they no longer need to be able to access it. This will prevent your login credentials from falling into the wrong hands, either intentionally, or non-intentionally.
Be on the lookout for suspicious activity on your cameras
If you have functions like pan, tilt and zoom, get into the habit of leaving your cameras on the same settings when you are not actively monitoring them. If you need to adjust them while monitoring, return them to same setting every time once you are done. This can be done by selecting an object in view of your camera, that you can center the camera on. This will make it easier for you to notice if somebody with unauthorized access has changed the view settings on your cameras.