If you are away a lot, you might have a pet camera to keep an eye on your pet. In addition, pet cameras can sometimes help avoid separation anxiety. At the very least, they can help ensure your pet is safe and happy. Furthermore, if you have a little troublemaker, you can also use the two-way audio for discipline.
Pet cameras work by connecting to your Wi-Fi network for you to access the video feed from far away. This allows you to use your smartphone or tablet to view the video feed wherever you are.
You may wonder are pet cameras safe, so let’s discuss the topic of camera security concerning hackers. We’ll also give you some tips on how to keep your pet camera secure.
How Safe are Pet Cameras?
The simple reality is that a basic pet camera is like a magnet for a hacker because they provide a view of the interior of your home. Potential hackers could hack into the camera and then access other private information.
At the very least, they could also spy on you and your home. But, of course, there’s nothing better for a professional burglar than being able to case your home before breaking in.
The issue with pet cameras is that many don’t have any form of encryption. In addition, most don’t require password protection for access.
This means that anybody with Google and an internet connection could technically access an unsecured pet camera. They can do a Google search of all unsecured cameras in the area and then access yours.
This is not to say that all pet cameras are lacking, but some are more secure than others. However, even those pet cameras with passwords and encryption are still susceptible to hackers.
Clickjacking
Clickjacking is when a hacker infects your system with spyware or malware. For instance, when you monitor the camera, you may see an “allow” button next to the “play” button.
If you click on that “allow” button by accident, you’ve just given a hacker access to your pet camera. Unfortunately, this is just one example of how a hacker may gain access to your pet camera.
That said, some very high-end pet cameras are relatively secure. Moreover, there are also steps you can take to ensure maximum security.
Let’s now talk about what you need to do to keep your pet camera, and therefore yourself, safe from hackers.
How to Secure Your Pet Camera
Let’s go over some of the best tips on how to secure your pet camera. If you follow these tips, you should keep hackers from getting into your pet camera.
1. Buy a Secure Camera
The first is to buy the right camera in the first place. Higher-end pet cameras will allow you to create a password to access them.
The best pet cameras will also have various forms of encryption to protect your data. The lower-end models may not come with password protection or with encryption. This is definitely something to keep an eye out for.
2. Use a Good Password for Your Camera and Wi-Fi
Another essential security tip is to always use strong passwords. Never leave your Wi-Fi connection or your pet camera unsecured without a password.
Moreover, follow proper password creation techniques. For example, use long and complicated passwords with uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
3. Use VPN Encryption
A VPN, or virtual private network, will hide your IP address and make you anonymous. This way, even if somebody finds the pet camera, they still won’t track or access it.
4. Constantly Update the Software
To ensure your pet monitoring system is secure, keep the software up-to-date. Software is usually updated over time. Therefore, ignoring any software updates for months reduces your system’s safety.
5. Use Good Anti-Virus Software
Antivirus software is recommended to prevent hackers from accessing your phone and, therefore, the camera through your phone. In addition, having an antivirus program and security measures in place will help keep you more secure.
6. Cover the Camera When Not in Use
If you are still worried, you can always cover the camera when not used.
Conclusion
Pet cameras aren’t the most secure technology out there. That said, if you follow the tips above, you should be relatively safe from hackers.