When Smart Devices Get a Little Too Smart

A few years ago, a family in Mississippi had one of those “worst nightmare” moments. Their 8-year-old daughter was playing in her room when a strange man’s voice started coming from the Ring camera on the wall. He was taunting her and even playing music through the device — all while her parents were completely unaware. It turned out a hacker had broken into the family’s account using an old, compromised password.

Creepy? Absolutely. And unfortunately, stories like this aren’t as rare as you’d hope.

Smart cameras and other connected devices have become popular in homes and small businesses for good reason — they’re affordable, convenient, and make us feel a little more secure. Whether it’s a doorbell cam, a camera in the back office, or one watching your inventory room, these gadgets help keep an eye on things. But here’s the catch: if you don’t set them up securely, you could be inviting trouble right through the front (digital) door.

Not All Cameras Are Created Equal

You’ve probably noticed the massive range of prices when shopping for smart cameras. Cheaper models might save you money upfront, but they often cut corners on security. Things like encryption, two-factor authentication, or even basic software updates are sometimes missing altogether.

Even big-name brands aren’t immune to risk if you don’t change the default settings. Hackers know to look for weak spots — like default usernames, outdated firmware, or unprotected WiFi networks — and once they’re in, they can do a lot more than just watch.

Thinking About Buying a Smart Camera? Here’s What to Look For

If you’re shopping around (or reviewing the devices you already have), here are a few smart security must-haves:

Brand reputation matters. Stick with companies known for regular security updates.
Encryption is a must. Look for cameras that encrypt footage before sending it to the cloud.
Two-factor authentication. This adds a second layer of login protection.
Local storage options. Cloud backups are handy, but local storage gives you more control.

Setup Matters Just as Much as the Device

Even the best camera won’t protect you if you leave it on default settings. Take a few simple steps to boost your protection:

Change the default username and password right away.
Turn on automatic updates so you’re always protected against the latest threats.
Update the companion apps too — not just the camera’s firmware.
Consider separating your smart devices from your main business network (this is called network segmentation). That way, if something does get compromised, it doesn’t take everything down with it.
And don’t forget about your router — it’s the gatekeeper to all your connected devices. Make sure it’s using strong security settings.

It’s Not Just Cameras You Have to Worry About

Smart doorbells, thermostats, voice assistants — they all connect to your network. And if any of them are unsecured, they can act as entry points for attackers.

For a small business, that could mean way more than someone spying through a camera. It could mean access to sensitive files, financial records, or client data. The more connected devices you add, the more important it becomes to manage them properly.

Bottom Line: Smart Devices Are Great — But Only If They’re Set Up Smartly

Used correctly, smart devices can absolutely make your life easier and your business safer. But they need to be configured with security in mind.

If you’re not sure how secure your setup really is — or if you’ve never reviewed your devices since plugging them in — let’s fix that before a hacker finds the gap. Schedule a free discovery call, and we’ll walk through it with you.

🔒 Get a second opinion before your smart tech becomes a smart target. Schedule your free discovery call today.