October 20, 2025
In 2020, a Mississippi family faced a chilling ordeal when their eight-year-old daughter heard a stranger's voice through her bedroom Ring camera. Unbeknownst to them, a hacker had infiltrated their device by exploiting a reused, compromised password. The intruder taunted the child and played music until the parents rushed in to unplug the camera. Ring later confirmed the breach originated from the family's reused password.
Incidents like this may sound alarming, but they are far too common. Smart cameras and connected devices have surged in popularity for both homes and small businesses. For small business owners, these tools offer an affordable security boost—whether monitoring entrances, keeping an eye on inventory rooms, or checking activity after hours. Yet, without robust security measures, they can become vulnerable gateways for cyber threats.
Not all cameras provide equal protection. Many budget-friendly models overlook essential security features, such as encryption and consistent software updates. Even leading brands can be compromised if default settings remain unchanged. Hackers target weaknesses like default passwords, outdated firmware, and unsecured WiFi networks. In severe cases, attackers have hijacked cameras to spy on footage or infiltrate broader networks.
When selecting a new camera or evaluating your existing devices, prioritize trustworthy brands that deliver regular security updates. Ensure the device encrypts footage before uploading to the cloud, supports two-factor authentication for accounts, and ideally offers local storage options alongside cloud backups.
How you configure these devices is just as critical as which ones you choose. Immediately change default usernames and passwords, maintain up-to-date firmware and apps to patch vulnerabilities, and enable automatic updates for the highest level of protection. Consider network segmentation to isolate smart devices from your business systems. This limits the damage if one device is compromised. Additionally, secure your router with its strongest settings to prevent unauthorized access.
While cameras receive most of the focus, don't overlook other smart devices like doorbells, thermostats, and voice assistants. These gadgets connect to your network and can act as entry points for cybercriminals if unsecured. For small businesses, this risk extends beyond simple surveillance breaches to potential exposure of client data, financial records, or other sensitive information. As you add more smart devices, robust management becomes essential.
Smart technology can simplify your daily routine and strengthen workplace safety—but only when secured properly. Taking a few decisive steps now can protect your "smart" devices from becoming easy targets for hackers.
Looking to secure your business devices thoroughly? Don't wait for a breach to find out you're vulnerable. Click here or give us a call at (802) 331-1900 to schedule a free Discovery Call today, and we'll help you review your setup before hackers do it for you.
