Yes, Hackers Can Watch Your Security Cameras (Here's How to Stop Them)

Hackers can watch your security cameras by exploiting weak passwords, outdated firmware, and unsecured network connections, giving them the ability to view live feeds, access recorded footage, and even disable your entire security system. The good news is that you can stop them with simple security measures—changing default passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping firmware updated, and properly configuring your network. Most security camera hacking happens because businesses skip basic cybersecurity steps, not because the cameras themselves are fundamentally flawed.

Understanding how hackers access cameras helps you protect your business. Professional security camera systems with proper security configuration are extremely difficult to compromise.

Yes, Hackers Can Access Your Security Cameras

Security camera hacking isn't just theoretical—it happens to businesses every day. Hackers target cameras to spy on business operations, disable security systems during break-ins, access your broader network, or build botnets for large-scale cyberattacks.

Competitors or criminals watch your cameras to learn when you're vulnerable, when cash is handled, or when the building is empty. Hackers also use compromised cameras as entry points into your business network, reaching computers, servers, and sensitive data. One unsecured camera can expose your entire network.

The threat is real, but it's also preventable with proper security measures.

How Hackers Watch Your Security Cameras

They Exploit Default Passwords

The easiest hacking method targets default passwords. Security cameras ship with factory-set usernames and passwords like "admin/admin." Hackers maintain massive databases of default credentials for every camera brand and model.

Automated scanning tools try these default passwords on every camera connected to the internet. If you never changed the default password, the hacker gets immediate access. This method accounts for the majority of security camera hacks.

They Target Outdated Firmware

Camera manufacturers release firmware updates to fix security vulnerabilities. However, many businesses never install these updates, leaving cameras vulnerable to known exploits.

Hackers specifically scan for cameras running outdated firmware and exploit the unpatched security flaws. These exploits are publicly documented, making them easy for even amateur hackers to use.

They Scan for Exposed Cameras

Many cameras connect directly to the internet without proper firewall protection. Consumer cameras often enable "easy remote access" features that automatically expose cameras to the internet. Professional systems avoid this by routing access through secure VPN connections or properly configured firewalls.

They Intercept Weak WiFi

Wireless cameras transmitting over unsecured or weakly encrypted WiFi networks are vulnerable to interception. Hackers within WiFi range can capture video streams or steal login credentials transmitted without proper encryption.

For Albuquerque businesses concerned about camera security, professional security camera installation from Wired NM includes proper network configuration, strong encryption, and security hardening that prevents unauthorized access.

How to Stop Hackers from Watching Your Security Cameras

Change All Default Passwords Immediately

The single most important security step is changing every default password during installation. Create strong, unique passwords for each camera, the recorder, system software, mobile app, and cloud account.

Strong passwords contain at least 12 characters mixing uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Never reuse passwords across different systems.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication Everywhere

Two-factor authentication requires two separate verification steps—typically your password plus a code sent to your phone. Even if hackers steal your password, they can't access cameras without the second authentication factor.

Enable 2FA on camera software, mobile apps, cloud platforms, and admin accounts. This single security measure blocks the vast majority of hacking attempts.

Update Firmware Regularly

Install firmware updates as soon as manufacturers release them. Set up automatic firmware updates if your system supports this feature. Otherwise, check for updates monthly.

Professional camera systems often include centralized update management that pushes updates to all cameras simultaneously.

Isolate Cameras on a Separate Network

Never place security cameras on the same network as guest WiFi, personal devices, or public computers. Create a dedicated VLAN specifically for security cameras.

According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, network segmentation is critical for protecting important systems from broader network compromises.

Use Strong Encryption

Enable encryption for all camera communications. Video streams should use encrypted transmission protocols, cloud connections must use SSL/TLS encryption, and WiFi networks need WPA3 or minimum WPA2 encryption.

Unencrypted video can be intercepted and viewed by anyone monitoring network traffic.

Disable Unnecessary Features

Review camera settings and disable everything you don't actively use—cloud access, remote access, two-way audio, UPnP, and port forwarding. Each enabled feature creates a potential security vulnerability.

Limit Access with User Permissions

Create separate user accounts for everyone who needs camera access. Assign minimum necessary permissions—viewers can watch feeds but can't change settings, while administrator access should be limited to IT staff only.

Individual accounts create audit trails showing who accessed cameras and when.

Professional Security Cameras vs Consumer Cameras

Professional business security cameras are significantly harder to hack than consumer-grade systems. Commercial cameras include advanced authentication, automatic security updates, and secure-by-default configurations. Professional installation ensures cameras are configured with security best practices from day one—strong passwords, network segmentation, encryption enabled, and unnecessary features disabled.

Stop Hackers from Accessing Your Security Cameras

Yes, hackers can watch your security cameras, but you can stop them with proper cybersecurity measures. The vast majority of camera hacking exploits preventable vulnerabilities—default passwords, outdated firmware, and poor network configuration.

Protecting your cameras requires a multilayered approach combining strong authentication, regular updates, network segmentation, encryption, and access controls. These practices working together create robust defenses against unauthorized access.

Ready to upgrade your Albuquerque business with secure, professionally installed security cameras? Contact Wired NM today to discuss commercial security camera systems designed to prevent hacking while effectively protecting your business.