Security Cameras, Doorbell Cameras, and other Cameras

Cameras and surveillance devices are becoming more and more common every day, with tons of people buying them and setting them up. The Doorbell camera is the most popular and the easiest to hack into. Especially a few brands that released without updated and proper firmware, thus leaving customers information sitting out in the open.

Upon installing the doorbell cameras, it usually instructs you to “connect” to the devices wifi, then open an app or webpage to input your information to allow the camera to connect to your home network. Some of these devices did not secure the “information” that you were putting in to connect to your home network, basically storing it on the device itself. With a simple search for WiFi networks, one could easily find the “doorbell” device, connect to it, and use some scripts to gather that info. A lot of these “scripts” are readily available on several different “hacker” forums.

A quick youtube search can also show you how to use these scripts.

Don’t get me wrong, these devices are extremely useful in many situations. Most people simply get them so they can see who is at the door, without having to open or unlock the door. Another great use is for deliveries. It is perfect for seeing when the mailman or delivery company drops off that long-awaited package! Some even use it for small surveillance of their front step or driveway.

The last one, can and is causing some problems in places with people trying to use the images to find the identity of car rummagers, mail thefts, etc. Most of the time, these are successful in finding out who stole your coffee change from your car, or who egged your house. Although that is about as far as you can take it. Most of these images or clips cannot be used or submitted into a court of law, because of a thing called Chain of Custody. Now I will be doing a separate article on Chain of Custody, but I added the link so you can get the basic rundown of what it is.

You can also purchase wireless cameras that can be mounted inside or outside, and are mostly used for “security” purposes. These cameras also connect to your home network via WiFi but are a little more secure than the doorbell camera. But, once again, if you have poor home network security, and easily guessed passwords or even an open (shudder) network, These cameras can also be subject to being accessed and hacked. Not too long ago, the biggest target was Nanny cams or baby camera monitors, especially the ones that connected to your home network. Although hacking the baby monitor was relatively easy if you had the right monitor yourself. There were a lot of horror stories circulating after these were hacked. Here is a great article on baby monitors/cameras and the process behind getting into them, definitely worth a read! Baby Monitors by Groovypost.

As I’ve mentioned before, a little research goes a long way. Check out different cameras, different companies, read the reviews before deciding which is right for you. There are even security companies out there now that are offering doorbell and indoor/outdoor cameras. Again, do your research. Security companies offer these cameras as a “lifestyle” or “specialty”device and not a security feature. Which means they are not supported as security or surveillance systems. And are not monitored by the security company either. Although there are companies out there that do monitor camera systems, although not cheap. Be careful of what you are signing up for.

Also, feel free to check out my upcoming article on Chain of Custody or check out the link above to understand what it is, if you plan on using your video surveillance for legal purposes.

Video clips and Stills are a great deterrent and extremely helpful in aiding law enforcement, but now the market is getting flooded with all types of cameras. If you are serious about getting one, I’d recommend staying away from the $12 cheap cameras that are popping up all over. If it is peace of mind you want, spend the extra few dollars to get that decent camera setup.

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Sevenowl