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Are Today's Cameras Cybersecure? 10 Tips to Avoid Camera Hacking

ARE TODAY'S CAMERAS CYBERSECURE? 10 TIPS TO AVOID CAMERA HACKING With the advent of the external webcam (a camera that attaches to a computer via USB), the tech world has graced us with tons of products with built-in cameras that can connect to the internet. If your network is hacked, cameras in laptops, baby monitors, wireless security systems, or any camera with a network capability can be accessed. In 2010, a school district in Philadelphia was sued for spying on students in their homes via school-provided laptops. The suit accused the school The Lower Merion School district of violating the federal District settled for $610,000. Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA). In 2013 (and the years following) a number of wireless Foscam baby monitor cameras were hacked. Hackers could access the Foscam issued a firmware cameras to view and speak to children and parents. update to address these vulnerabilities. In 2014, a class action lawsuit against ADT Security alleged that the company's wireless security systems were susceptible to easy exploits. The suit also alleged that hackers could take over home security cameras to spy on people. In 2014, files leaked by Edward Snowden revealed details that the National Security Agency (NSA) developed a number of malware tools. One plug-in, named GUMFISH, could take over people's webcams and take pictures. RAPIDD In 2015, IT security firm Rapid7 tested 9 internet-connected baby monitors. 8 of the 9 cameras got an F. One got a D-. Researchers found serious design flaws and security problems in every camera tested. = D- MAKING HEADLINES IN 2016 A Chinese security camera maker called Hangzhou Xiongmai Technology Co. reported that its products were used in a cyber attack that led to internet outages for millions of people. amazon.com The attack, which used malware known as Mirai, took down sites such as Twitter, CNN, Amazon, and Spotify. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted a photo to his Facebook account. Viewers noticed that his computer, which was in the background of the photo, had tape over the camera and microphone jack. During a Q&A session at Kenyon College, FBI Director James Comey announced that he covers his laptop webcam with tape to help prevent secret surveillance. Security experts say that while covering video and audio portals isn't foolproof, it's a cheap and easy security measure. Cameras can be hacked in a number of ways, including via: An open A malware attack iFi that is not password protected ice with no password PROTECT YOUR IDENTITY 10 TIPS TO DEFEND YOURSELF FROM CAMERA HACKING Most of these tips apply to webcams, security systems, and baby and pet monitors. KEEP YOUR INTERNET PRIVATE Install a full-service internet Protect your wireless network with a strong, security suite and keep it updated. unique password. CREATE SECURE PASSWORDS Change the default password that comes with your wireless Incorporate numbers and capital letters. If punctuation marks are allowed, use multiple. network and devices. 12 Try to use 12 digits. Avoid names and Use a password checker to see how secure places. your password is. KEEP SOFTWARE UP TO DATE This can help patch software vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain access. MONITOR THE INDICATOR LIGHT If your camera indicator light goes on without your permission, there's a high chance your computer has been compromised. But don't assume your camera is safe if the light is off. Research shows hackers can infiltrate and turn on webcams without the indicator light turning on. COVER CAMERAS WHEN THEY ARE NOT IN USE There are a variety of patches, stickers, devices, and other products you can For an immediate fix, masking tape will do the trick. use to cover your cameras. DON'T CLICK ON SUSPICIOUS LINKS If you're unsure of a link in an email, do not click it. Only download attachments and click on links from people you trust. AVOID USING UNSECURED WIFI Public WiFi networks are more prone to hackers. CHECK YOUR CAMERA LOG If you notice a suspicious IP address on your log, change your access codes immediately and notify the security company. For many security systems, users can check the IP addresses that accessed the cameras. MANAGE CAMERA SETTINGS Security cameras are typically set for remote online monitoring so you can check on cameras via an app or website. If you can do without online monitoring, turn this feature off. CONSIDER A SEPARATE NETWORK Consider using one network for your phone and computers and a separate network for security systems and other monitors. Today's cameras are not cybersecure. Being aware of the cyber vulnerabilities of our personal, connected devices-such as cameras- however, substantially improves our security. Like locking the front door to the house when you leave, these simple precautions go a long way toward safe use of personal technology. SOURCES: wired.com nytimes.com bloomberg.com computerworld.com topsecurityreview.com fusion.net safebee.com theintercept.com pastemagazine.com theguardian.com pcmag.com us.norton.com thehackernews.com phone.instantcheckmate.com rapid7.com foscam.us huffingtonpost.com ipvm-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com Brought to you by: In partnership with: Vound O Intella GHERGICH&Co. %24

Are Today's Cameras Cybersecure? 10 Tips to Avoid Camera Hacking

shared by Ghergich on Jan 16
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Cameras can be hacked several ways such as through Wi-Fi that is not protected, an open device without a password, or even a malware attack. Check out this infographic to better safeguard your devices.

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Technology
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