Securing your home security cameras is a must if you want to ensure the safety of your property, family, and belongings. Understanding the various risks posed by unsecured cameras and how to mitigate them is important. This article will advise how to securely set up and maintain your home security cameras so they can be used effectively for surveillance purposes.  

Before setting up any security cameras, consider the following: 

1) Location

Where should you place the camera? Ensure it is placed in an area with good visibility and minimal obstructions. For example, avoid areas where lighting or foliage can obscure the camera's view. Also, ensure the camera is not too close to other objects or walls, as this could affect its performance. 

2) Camera Type

What type of camera should you purchase? There are various types of security cameras available on the market today, so it's important to choose one that will suit your needs. Consider factors such as resolution, night vision capabilities, motion detection capabilities, and more when selecting a camera.  

3) Connectivity

How will you connect your security camera system? Wireless connectivity is often preferred since it eliminates wires; however, wired systems may be necessary if there's an unreliable wireless signal in your area or if you need more secure connections (for example, in banks). Consider both wired and wireless options when deciding which type of connection to use for your system.   

4) Installation Time

Once you've selected a camera (or multiple cameras) and determined the best locations, it's time to install them physically. Make sure that all mounting hardware is properly secured before affixing each camera according to manufacturer instructions.     

5) Configure Each Camera

After installation is complete, it's time to configure each camera so that they are secure from hackers or unauthorized personnel attempting to view their footage. To do this:  

1) Change Default Passwords
Many security cameras come with default passwords that are easy for hackers to guess. Change all default passwords immediately after setting up each device; use strong passwords with at least eight characters containing a combination of uppercase/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, create separate credentials for each device. This way, if one password gets compromised, only one device will be affected instead of all of them.  

2) Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Many newer models support two-factor authentication (2FA), which requires users to enter an additional code or token after entering their username/password to gain access. This adds another layer of protection against hacking attempts. Be sure to enable 2FA if available on your chosen model(s).      

3) Secure Network Connections
If using wireless connections, ensure they are encrypted with WPA2 encryption - never use WEP encryption as hackers can easily break into it. Additionally, ensure that no external devices have access to your network; configure firewalls or other software protections accordingly.   

 4) Use Cloud Storage
For additional protection against hackers, consider storing video footage from your home security cameras on cloud storage services such as Dropbox or Google Drive rather than keeping it locally on a computer or hard drive. This ensures that even if someone could gain physical access into your home, they wouldn't be able to view any stored video footage without access to the cloud storage account itself.    

5) Regularly Check Camera Settings
Lastly, check each camera's settings for any changes made without authorization (such as new users being added). If suspicious changes have been made, take appropriate action immediately such as resetting passwords or disabling accounts if necessary.    

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your home security cameras are secure from unauthorized access while allowing them to provide effective surveillance capabilities when needed. With proper setup and maintenance, these devices can become invaluable tools in protecting your family and property from potential harm or theft.  

Are you concerned about the security of your property or organization's camera security systems? Schedule a security assessment with Grab The Axe today. Our team of Total Security Solutions experts will assess your security systems to identify any areas that may be at risk and provide you with options for strengthening your security posture.