Tips to Prevent Your Security System from Being Hacked
The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security and other DIY security systems can leave your home as a potential target for hackers or thieves. When you are investing in a security system, you are hoping for peace of mind, and you are trusting this technology with your safety and property.
Have I Been Hacked?
A hacker may send you ransomware messages or request money in exchange for your information. In unfortunate and scary cases, hackers may make sounds or speak via two-way communication features of a system.
In more covert cases, there may be subtle signs that your security system has been targeted in an attack. Cameras often have small LED lights or signals that tell you when a camera is being accessed remotely. If you are not actively watching a camera but the light is on, it could be a sign that your security system has been compromised.
Similarly, if your camera moves without your control, take immediate note.
Increases in your login activity on your security system or significant increases in your streaming or download activity can also be a red flag.
Paying attention to your accounts and activity in your home is a way to make sure that your security system is doing what it was meant to do.
How to Avoid Being Hacked
As with any online accounts or services, updating your passwords with strong, unique passwords or passphrases is key to avoiding online hacking. This is true for everything from your Alarm.com account to your banking, so we recommend changing your online password regularly.
Securing your Wi-Fi network also keeps the information and your online activity safe as well. If your cameras are attached to your Wi-Fi system, anyone who gains access to it will be able to hack into your camera feeds very easily.
For someone to hack into your security system, they first need to know that you have one. By hiding your cameras, you can keep them private. We have a blog of ideas for where to hide your cameras so that you can keep an eye on your property, without burglars or potential hackers being able to see them.
Tech and software companies are constantly updating their services to counter new threats or to fix security bugs. By maintaining the most recent updates and software, you can ensure that you are protected by the latest additions to their security.
Some security systems include apps that allow you to access your system remotely. Having biometric security and other passcodes on your phone can help you protect your mobile information. Additionally, most experts recommend adding two factor authentication to your accounts, such as a phone number, email, or security question that is prompted when someone tries to access the account.
Hardware is frequently improved to increase security. Pay attention to the news from the company that manufactures your hardware to see if there are ever recalls or security concerns.
One of the biggest keys to deterring a potential hacker is to work with an expert security team, like the one at FSS Technologies. We are always paying attention to the latest technology and focus on keeping our customers safe. When there are updates or improvements, we make sure our clients are the first to know.
Moreover, with monitoring solutions, we can be there when you can’t. Our monitoring team can respond to emergencies for you, no matter what.
Explore Our Other Blogs
Has My Home Security System Been Hacked?
With more DIY security systems than ever available with the touch of a button, families around the world are choosing to protect their homes with easy to install cameras and alarms. The expert team at FSS Technologies aims to help homeowners make the right choice for their families when selecting a home security system. A…
Avigilon Alta: The Industry’s Leader in Commercial Access Control
With the rise in popularity of hybrid workspaces and flexible scheduling, more business owners are turning to access control systems to secure their investments. Not only are access control systems the latest standard for commercial security, but FSS Technologies is a proud partner with Avigilon Alta, the leading access control system manufacturer. Why Avigilon Alta?…
Fire Systems for the Manufacturing Industry
Few industries face as many fire safety concerns as manufacturing does, and the consequences of poor fire safety can be catastrophic. From 2017 to 2021, roughly 36,784 fires occurred yearly at industrial or manufacturing properties, causing $1.5 billion in direct property damage. With materials prone to combust or explode, industrial businesses must take extra care…
What Causes False Alarms on Home Security Systems
False alarms on home security systems are not only an annoyance for homeowners, but they take up the valuable time and resources of our local law enforcement officials. In fact, many cities and towns now charge homeowners a fee for false alarms. In order to save you the frustration and potential financial hit, let’s look…
Can Motion Sensors be Triggered by Light?
Motion sensors are a common part of our world today. Wave your hand under the faucet and the water runs. Pull open the closet door and the light turns on. Walk near the doors of the grocery store and they automatically slide open. Motion sensors are devices that detect movement. They are common features in…
Why Fire Alarm Monitoring is Essential for Your Business
We’ve talked about the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in previous blogs and how it is essential to understand and obey their standards when installing, testing, and maintaining fire alarm systems. Fire Alarm Monitoring is the Law Your business might need to include monitoring as part of its fire safety system due to NFPA 101® . NFPA…
The Ins and Outs of Installing a Security System as a Landlord
Buying a home is one of the most significant investments a person can make. You upgrade your home in many ways—a fresh coat of paint, a landscaping project, or possibly adding a security system. If you go a step further and invest in rental properties, you have to do all those things and more to…
How Much Data Does a Wifi Security Camera Use?
Internet Speed Bandwidth Internet bandwidth is a significant issue nowadays. Everything is tapping into the internet— from our phones to our refrigerators. If you’re installing internet protocol (IP) security cameras, they will inevitably use some of the bandwidth from your network. The question is, how much? When you purchase home internet service, you typically…
What are the Different Kinds of Security Video Storage?
Security Video Recordings Storage How much storage does a security camera have? It is a seemingly simple question, with a surprisingly complicated answer. Security and surveillance cameras can use a variety of storage types, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To choose the right security video storage for you, you will need to consider…
Best Security System Setups for Senior Citizens
According to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), nearly 90% of senior citizens want to stay in their homes as they age even if they need day-to-day assistance or have ongoing health issues like early-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia. Unfortunately, criminals often target senior citizens as victims. Thieves assume older people will not be able…