Strengthening Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Digital World

 What is security hacker?

A security hacker is someone who explores methods for breaching defenses and exploiting weaknesses in a computer system or network. Hackers may be motivated by a multitude of reasons, such as profit, protest, information gathering, challenge, recreation, or to evaluate system weaknesses to assist in formulating defenses against potential hackers. The subculture that has evolved around hackers is often referred to as the "computer underground".

Can security camera can be hacked??

Yes security cameras can be cameras can be hacked. One way security cameras are vulnerable to hacks is through a technique called “credential stuffing.” Hackers use usernames and passwords from other data breaches (that other hackers share online) to gain access to accounts. The combination of large data breaches, such as those at Equifax and Target, and consumers reusing the same passwords—52 prevent of internet users reuse or modify the same passwords—make the work easy. In recent years hackers have made the log-in credentials for over 8.2 billion online account available on the internet. This type of hack doesn’t require the breach of a security camera company’s system, so every brand is at risk. “These companies aren’t technically at fault,” says Robert Richter, who leads security and privacy testing for Consumer Reports. “Most companies offer a two-factor authentication system that acts as an extra deterrent against attacks like this. But there is more that these companies could do, like encouraging people to use that added security feature by default.” 

How to be safe from being  security cams being hacked??

Data breaches and subsequent credential-stuffing attacks won’t be going away anytime soon, but there are simple steps you can take to reduce the chances your security camera will be hacked.

1. Keep your camera's firmware up to date.

 Manufacturers that are serious about protecting their cameras will routinely release firmware updates that fix software bugs and patch security vulnerabilities. Some cameras will automatically download and install these updates, while others require that you check for them on your own. (You'll usually find an update button under the Settings menu in your camera's app.)

2. Change your camera’s password.

 In a nationally representative CR survey on data privacy conducted in May 2019, 13 percent of respondents with at least one online account said they used the same password for all of their accounts. That makes it a cinch for hackers to gain access to multiple accounts. Always create a unique password for each account. Here’s the best way:

Do:

Use something long and complex—like a random phrase or string of characters—with numbers, symbols, and uppercase and lowercase letters.

Don’t:

 Include any personally identifiable information, such as names, birthdates, etc. Hackers can often get this information from public social media profiles, such as those on Facebook and Instagram, and then use it to guess your passwords and gain access to your accounts. You also want to avoid simple, commonly used passwords, such as SplashData's 100 worst passwords of the year. For more tips on strengthening your passwords, read our tips for better passwords.

3. Set up a password manager. 

These program s generate incredibly strong, random passwords for your digital accounts, securely store and remember them for you, and even automatically insert them into log-in prompts. Many password managers are free to use and available on an array of devices and web browsers.

4. Set up two-factor authentication if your camera offers it. 

This is an extra layer of security. You opt to have the camera company send you a single-use passcode via a text message, phone call, email, or authentication app that you use in addition to your username and password when you log in to the account. That way, if hackers crack your password, they still won’t be able to access your camera unless they also gain access to your passcode.

But not all camera companies offer two-factor authentication. Among the models in CR’s  home security,camera ratings, only three major brands currently do: Amazon, Nest, and Ring.

All of these methods can improve your chances of avoiding a hack, but they're not foolproof. “None of these methods will work perfectly on their own,” says Richter. “But right now, these measures are our best tools. Use them all!”