How to protect 'smart' security cameras and baby monitors from cyber attack
How do I make sure my smart camera is safe?
This guidance explains how you can set up your smart camera to protect it from common cyber attacks.
Smart cameras (the security cameras and baby monitors used to monitor activity in and around your house) usually connect to the internet using your home Wi-Fi.
Therefore, as with any 'smart' device that can connect to the internet, you should take a few steps to protect yourself.
Taking the following steps will make it much harder for cyber criminals to access your smart camera.
1.
If your camera comes with a default password, change it to a secure one - connecting three random words which you'll remember is a good way to do this. You can usually change it using the app you use to manage the device. When you change the password, make sure you avoid the most commonly used passwords.
2.
Keep your camera secure by regularly updating it, and if available switch on the option to install software updates automatically so you don't have to think about it. Using the latest software will not only improve your security, it often adds new features. Note that the software that runs your camera is sometimes referred to as firmware, so look for the words update, firmware or software within the app.
3.
If you do not need the feature that lets you remotely view camera footage via the internet, we recommend you disable it. Note that doing this may also prevent you receiving alerts when movement is detected, and could stop the camera working with smart home devices (such as Alexa, Google Home or Siri).
Check your router settings
You should consider disabling UPnP and port forwarding on your router, as many routers use this technology to allow devices to find one another, within your network. Cyber criminals can exploit this to access certain devices within your network, such as smart cameras. - check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for details about how to do this.
Note that:
- Some routers will have UPnP disabled by default; if this is the case you don't have to do anything.
- Disabling UPnP may prevent certain applications and devices from working, such as online gaming, media servers, and other smart devices. If you decide that you need these applications, you'll have to decide whether to give up some security by allowing UPnP and port forwarding.
MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO PROTECT 'SMART' SECURITY CAMERAS AND BABY MONITORS FROM CYBER ATTACKS, CAN BE FOUND BY VISITING THE WEBISTE:- 'Smart' security cameras: Using them safely in your home - NCSC.GOV.UK
