{"content_id":"cbuw8yok1r","slug":"home-camera-security-settings-checklist","locale":"en","schema_type":"HowTo","category":"how_to","category_name":"How-to","title":"10-Minute Security Settings Checklist to Reduce Home Camera Hacking Risks","summary":"If you use an internet-connected home camera, first check its password, two-factor authentication, and firmware updates in the manufacturer's official app. Then review its storage method and encryption, remote viewing, shared accounts, and lens cover to reduce the risk of privacy exposure.","sponsorship_disclosure":null,"affiliate_disclosure":null,"commerce_disclosure":null,"author":{"name":"Injoys Editorial Team","url":"https://injoys.com/ko/about"},"key_points":["Open the manufacturer's official app and change the home camera's default password and the password for the linked account to separate, unique values.","Enable two-factor authentication for the home camera account, and check the recovery email address and phone number as well as the list of logged-in devices.","Update the firmware and app to the latest versions, then enable automatic updates.","Check whether footage is stored in the cloud, on a microSD card, or on an NVR, along with video encryption, server location, and retention period.","If you do not need external access, disable remote viewing, unnecessary sharing, and open ports, and cover the lens when the camera is not in use."],"content_markdown":"Internet-connected home cameras are useful for checking on children or pets, but footage can be exposed through account theft, outdated firmware, or incorrect sharing settings. The steps below are not product-specific menu instructions, but common security items that should be checked on most home cameras.\n\nAnyone who uses an internet-connected home camera should perform these checks. There is no separate deadline, but it is advisable to check immediately after installation and again after a security incident notice. Before starting, prepare the **manufacturer’s official app, home camera account information, recovery email address or phone number, and router administrator information if needed**. Settings and firmware should be downloaded only through the manufacturer’s official app or official support page, not through seller links or unofficial files.\n\n## 10-Minute Home Camera Security Setup\n\nMenu names vary by product, but these settings can usually be found under `Account`, `Security`, `Device Settings`, `Privacy`, `Storage`, or `Firmware`.\n\n### 1. Change Default and Reused Passwords\n\n1. Open the manufacturer’s official app or the camera’s local administration interface.\n2. Change the cloud account password to a long password that is not used for any other service.\n3. If there are separate passwords for `Device`, `Administrator`, `RTSP`, `ONVIF`, or `NVR Connection`, check all of them and change the default values.\n4. Do not share one account; use the invitation feature to create access for each family member.\n\nIf you reuse the same email address and password across multiple IoT devices, login information leaked from another service may also be tried on your home camera. Attackers can log in with reused credentials without exploiting a vulnerability in the camera itself.\n\n### 2. Check Two-Factor Authentication and Account Recovery Methods\n\nFind and enable the `Two-Factor Authentication`, `2FA`, `MFA`, or `Login Verification` option. If an authenticator app is supported, compare it with the option provided alongside text messages, and store recovery codes in a secure location separate from the home camera.\n\nAlso check the following:\n\n- Whether the recovery email address and phone number are current\n- Whether any unknown phones or browsers are logged in\n- Whether notifications for logins from new devices can be enabled\n- Whether all existing sessions can be logged out at once\n\nIf the product does not support two-factor authentication, it is especially important to use a strong, unique password. If external access is not essential, disable remote viewing and consider replacing the product in the long term with one that supports two-factor authentication and security updates.\n\n### 3. Update the Firmware and App\n\nCheck whether the device is up to date under the app’s `Device Information`, `Firmware`, or `Software Update` menu, and enable automatic updates. Update the home camera app on your phone through an official app distribution channel as well.\n\nIf the manufacturer publishes an end-of-support date, it is advisable to record it. Even if the app still works, a camera that no longer receives security patches may not be protected against new vulnerabilities. Do not manually install firmware files from unclear sources, as they may contain malware or cause device failure.\n\n### 4. Check the Storage Method, Encryption, and Server Location\n\nCloud, microSD, and NVR storage have different security and recovery characteristics. No option is automatically the safest; account protection and encryption must also be considered.\n\n| Storage Method | Main Advantages | Main Risks | Items to Check |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| Cloud | Footage may remain available even if the camera is damaged or stolen | Affected by account theft, service outages, and the provider’s retention policies | Encryption in transit and at rest, two-factor authentication, retention period, deletion method, server country |\n| microSD | Can record during internet outages and reduce external transmission | May be stolen with the camera, or the card may be removed and the footage read | Card encryption, loop recording, failure notifications, backup method |\n| NVR or NAS | Makes it easier to manage footage from multiple cameras directly and define retention policies | If the NVR account or internal network is compromised, footage from multiple cameras may be exposed together | Administrator password, updates, access permissions, separate network, backups |\n\nThree types of video encryption must be distinguished:\n\n- **Encryption in transit:** Check whether footage is encrypted between the camera, app, and server.\n- **Encryption of stored data:** Check whether files stored in the cloud, on a card, or on an NVR are encrypted.\n- **End-to-end encryption:** Check whether the system prevents intermediaries, including the service provider, from decrypting footage, and who manages the encryption keys.\n\nA lock icon in the app does not guarantee end-to-end encryption. Check the manufacturer’s privacy policy, security guide, or support documentation to determine whether `encryption in transit`, `encryption at rest`, and `end-to-end encryption` are each supported.\n\nWhether the server is located domestically or overseas may affect applicable laws, data transfers, support requests, and deletion procedures, but security cannot be judged by the server’s country alone. Along with the server location, check encryption, access controls, retention periods, and how footage is handled after account deletion.\n\n### 5. Remote Viewing and Physical Recording Prevention\n\nIf you do not need to view footage from outside your home, disable the app’s `Remote Access`, `External Viewing`, `P2P Connection`, or `Cloud Access` features. If you have configured port forwarding directly on the router or UPnP is enabled unnecessarily, consider removing or disabling it. However, disabling UPnP may also affect how game consoles or other smart devices connect.\n\nWhen the camera is not in use, you can prevent recording itself in the following ways:\n\n- Close the product’s built-in physical lens shutter.\n- Use a power cutoff switch or smart plug.\n- Do not install it in places where exposure could cause significant harm, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or changing areas.\n- Rather than covering the status light yourself, check the manual to determine whether it is linked to the camera’s actual recording status.\n\nA lens cover prevents video recording, but it does not block microphone input or the device’s network communications. If audio must also be blocked, check for a microphone disable or power cutoff feature.\n\n## Check the Router and Home Network as Well\n\nChanging only the home camera settings can reduce risk, but weak router security may allow access through other routes.\n\n- Change the router administrator’s default password.\n- Update the router firmware and enable automatic updates if possible.\n- Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and do not use the outdated WEP standard.\n- If supported by the router, isolate the home camera on a guest or dedicated IoT network.\n- Disable remote administration that allows access to the router’s administration interface over the internet if it is not needed.\n- Check for unknown port-forwarding rules and connected devices.\n\nA dedicated IoT network helps reduce pathways from a compromised home camera to personal computers or storage devices. However, some home cameras must be on the same local network as your phone for initial setup or local playback, so check the manufacturer’s instructions first.\n\n## Configure Family Sharing and Audio Features\n\nIf multiple people share one administrator account and password, it is difficult to track who accessed the camera, and one person losing a device can expose the entire account. If possible, invite each user with a separate account and grant only the permissions they need.\n\n- Do not grant administrator privileges to someone who only needs live viewing.\n- Remove permissions for temporary users, former residents, and former caregivers.\n- Disable two-way audio, sound detection, and facial recognition if they are not needed.\n- Check whether expiration times or passwords can be set for video-sharing links.\n- Manage the camera’s location and scope of use so that children and visitors are aware they are being recorded.\n\n## What to Do When You Suspect Hacking\n\nOne point frequently omitted from existing guidance is how to respond after noticing signs of a breach. The following incidents do not necessarily confirm hacking, but they are grounds for an immediate check:\n\n- The camera moves or its status light changes when it is not being used\n- You receive unknown login or password-change notifications\n- Unfamiliar shared users or connected devices appear\n- Stored footage is deleted or settings change repeatedly\n- Unknown voices are heard through the speaker\n\nIf you are suspicious, respond in the following order:\n\n1. Disconnect the camera from the internet or unplug its power.\n2. Capture screenshots of notifications, login records, unfamiliar users, and settings screens.\n3. Change the passwords for your email account and home camera account using a trusted phone or computer.\n4. Sign out all login sessions, remove all shared users, and reconfigure two-factor authentication.\n5. Check security notices and the latest firmware through the manufacturer’s official support channel.\n6. After preserving necessary records, perform a factory reset and configure the device again with new account information.\n7. If you suspect a privacy violation or crime, consult your local police or cybercrime reporting agency.\n\nIf evidence may be needed, preserve login records and notifications before performing a factory reset. A factory reset may erase the device’s settings, but it cannot recover footage already copied to the cloud or a compromised email account.\n\n## Security Requirements to Check When Buying a New Home Camera\n\nIn addition to price and image quality, include the product’s support structure among your purchasing criteria.\n\n- Does it require the creation of a unique password during initial setup?\n- Does it support two-factor authentication and login notifications?\n- Does it provide automatic security updates and an end-of-support date?\n- Can it be used with local storage only, without the cloud?\n- Does it clearly explain its encryption methods for data in transit and at rest?\n- Does it disclose the country where video servers are located, the retention period, and the account deletion procedure?\n- Does it have a physical lens shutter and a microphone-off feature?\n- Does it provide a channel for reporting security vulnerabilities and an official support page?\n\nWhen selling or disposing of a used device, unlink it in the app, delete cloud footage, and then perform a factory reset. The microSD card must also be removed and securely erased or kept in your possession.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eInternet-connected home cameras are useful for checking on children or pets, but footage can be exposed through account theft, outdated firmware, or incorrect sharing settings. The steps below are not product-specific menu instructions, but common security items that should be checked on most home cameras.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who uses an internet-connected home camera should perform these checks. There is no separate deadline, but it is advisable to check immediately after installation and again after a security incident notice. Before starting, prepare the \u003cstrong\u003emanufacturer’s official app, home camera account information, recovery email address or phone number, and router administrator information if needed\u003c/strong\u003e. Settings and firmware should be downloaded only through the manufacturer’s official app or official support page, not through seller links or unofficial files.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#10-minute-home-camera-security-setup\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"10-minute-home-camera-security-setup\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e10-Minute Home Camera Security Setup\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMenu names vary by product, but these settings can usually be found under \u003ccode\u003eAccount\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003eSecurity\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003eDevice Settings\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003ePrivacy\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003eStorage\u003c/code\u003e, or \u003ccode\u003eFirmware\u003c/code\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#1-change-default-and-reused-passwords\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"1-change-default-and-reused-passwords\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e1. Change Default and Reused Passwords\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen the manufacturer’s official app or the camera’s local administration interface.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChange the cloud account password to a long password that is not used for any other service.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf there are separate passwords for \u003ccode\u003eDevice\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003eAdministrator\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003eRTSP\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003eONVIF\u003c/code\u003e, or \u003ccode\u003eNVR Connection\u003c/code\u003e, check all of them and change the default values.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not share one account; use the invitation feature to create access for each family member.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you reuse the same email address and password across multiple IoT devices, login information leaked from another service may also be tried on your home camera. Attackers can log in with reused credentials without exploiting a vulnerability in the camera itself.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#2-check-two-factor-authentication-and-account-recovery-methods\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"2-check-two-factor-authentication-and-account-recovery-methods\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e2. Check Two-Factor Authentication and Account Recovery Methods\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFind and enable the \u003ccode\u003eTwo-Factor Authentication\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003e2FA\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003eMFA\u003c/code\u003e, or \u003ccode\u003eLogin Verification\u003c/code\u003e option. If an authenticator app is supported, compare it with the option provided alongside text messages, and store recovery codes in a secure location separate from the home camera.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso check the following:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhether the recovery email address and phone number are current\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhether any unknown phones or browsers are logged in\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhether notifications for logins from new devices can be enabled\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhether all existing sessions can be logged out at once\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the product does not support two-factor authentication, it is especially important to use a strong, unique password. If external access is not essential, disable remote viewing and consider replacing the product in the long term with one that supports two-factor authentication and security updates.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#3-update-the-firmware-and-app\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"3-update-the-firmware-and-app\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e3. Update the Firmware and App\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck whether the device is up to date under the app’s \u003ccode\u003eDevice Information\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003eFirmware\u003c/code\u003e, or \u003ccode\u003eSoftware Update\u003c/code\u003e menu, and enable automatic updates. Update the home camera app on your phone through an official app distribution channel as well.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf the manufacturer publishes an end-of-support date, it is advisable to record it. Even if the app still works, a camera that no longer receives security patches may not be protected against new vulnerabilities. Do not manually install firmware files from unclear sources, as they may contain malware or cause device failure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#4-check-the-storage-method-encryption-and-server-location\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"4-check-the-storage-method-encryption-and-server-location\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e4. Check the Storage Method, Encryption, and Server Location\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCloud, microSD, and NVR storage have different security and recovery characteristics. No option is automatically the safest; account protection and encryption must also be considered.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStorage Method\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMain Advantages\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eMain Risks\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eItems to Check\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Storage Method\"\u003eCloud\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Main Advantages\"\u003eFootage may remain available even if the camera is damaged or stolen\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Main Risks\"\u003eAffected by account theft, service outages, and the provider’s retention policies\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Items to Check\"\u003eEncryption in transit and at rest, two-factor authentication, retention period, deletion method, server country\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Storage Method\"\u003emicroSD\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Main Advantages\"\u003eCan record during internet outages and reduce external transmission\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Main Risks\"\u003eMay be stolen with the camera, or the card may be removed and the footage read\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Items to Check\"\u003eCard encryption, loop recording, failure notifications, backup method\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Storage Method\"\u003eNVR or NAS\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Main Advantages\"\u003eMakes it easier to manage footage from multiple cameras directly and define retention policies\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Main Risks\"\u003eIf the NVR account or internal network is compromised, footage from multiple cameras may be exposed together\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Items to Check\"\u003eAdministrator password, updates, access permissions, separate network, backups\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree types of video encryption must be distinguished:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEncryption in transit:\u003c/strong\u003e Check whether footage is encrypted between the camera, app, and server.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEncryption of stored data:\u003c/strong\u003e Check whether files stored in the cloud, on a card, or on an NVR are encrypted.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnd-to-end encryption:\u003c/strong\u003e Check whether the system prevents intermediaries, including the service provider, from decrypting footage, and who manages the encryption keys.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lock icon in the app does not guarantee end-to-end encryption. Check the manufacturer’s privacy policy, security guide, or support documentation to determine whether \u003ccode\u003eencryption in transit\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003eencryption at rest\u003c/code\u003e, and \u003ccode\u003eend-to-end encryption\u003c/code\u003e are each supported.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether the server is located domestically or overseas may affect applicable laws, data transfers, support requests, and deletion procedures, but security cannot be judged by the server’s country alone. Along with the server location, check encryption, access controls, retention periods, and how footage is handled after account deletion.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#5-remote-viewing-and-physical-recording-prevention\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"5-remote-viewing-and-physical-recording-prevention\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003e5. Remote Viewing and Physical Recording Prevention\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you do not need to view footage from outside your home, disable the app’s \u003ccode\u003eRemote Access\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003eExternal Viewing\u003c/code\u003e, \u003ccode\u003eP2P Connection\u003c/code\u003e, or \u003ccode\u003eCloud Access\u003c/code\u003e features. If you have configured port forwarding directly on the router or UPnP is enabled unnecessarily, consider removing or disabling it. However, disabling UPnP may also affect how game consoles or other smart devices connect.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the camera is not in use, you can prevent recording itself in the following ways:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClose the product’s built-in physical lens shutter.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse a power cutoff switch or smart plug.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not install it in places where exposure could cause significant harm, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or changing areas.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRather than covering the status light yourself, check the manual to determine whether it is linked to the camera’s actual recording status.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lens cover prevents video recording, but it does not block microphone input or the device’s network communications. If audio must also be blocked, check for a microphone disable or power cutoff feature.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#check-the-router-and-home-network-as-well\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"check-the-router-and-home-network-as-well\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCheck the Router and Home Network as Well\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChanging only the home camera settings can reduce risk, but weak router security may allow access through other routes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChange the router administrator’s default password.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUpdate the router firmware and enable automatic updates if possible.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and do not use the outdated WEP standard.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf supported by the router, isolate the home camera on a guest or dedicated IoT network.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisable remote administration that allows access to the router’s administration interface over the internet if it is not needed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck for unknown port-forwarding rules and connected devices.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA dedicated IoT network helps reduce pathways from a compromised home camera to personal computers or storage devices. However, some home cameras must be on the same local network as your phone for initial setup or local playback, so check the manufacturer’s instructions first.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#configure-family-sharing-and-audio-features\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"configure-family-sharing-and-audio-features\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eConfigure Family Sharing and Audio Features\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf multiple people share one administrator account and password, it is difficult to track who accessed the camera, and one person losing a device can expose the entire account. If possible, invite each user with a separate account and grant only the permissions they need.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo not grant administrator privileges to someone who only needs live viewing.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemove permissions for temporary users, former residents, and former caregivers.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisable two-way audio, sound detection, and facial recognition if they are not needed.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck whether expiration times or passwords can be set for video-sharing links.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManage the camera’s location and scope of use so that children and visitors are aware they are being recorded.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#what-to-do-when-you-suspect-hacking\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-to-do-when-you-suspect-hacking\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat to Do When You Suspect Hacking\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne point frequently omitted from existing guidance is how to respond after noticing signs of a breach. The following incidents do not necessarily confirm hacking, but they are grounds for an immediate check:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe camera moves or its status light changes when it is not being used\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou receive unknown login or password-change notifications\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnfamiliar shared users or connected devices appear\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStored footage is deleted or settings change repeatedly\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnknown voices are heard through the speaker\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are suspicious, respond in the following order:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisconnect the camera from the internet or unplug its power.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCapture screenshots of notifications, login records, unfamiliar users, and settings screens.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChange the passwords for your email account and home camera account using a trusted phone or computer.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSign out all login sessions, remove all shared users, and reconfigure two-factor authentication.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCheck security notices and the latest firmware through the manufacturer’s official support channel.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter preserving necessary records, perform a factory reset and configure the device again with new account information.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you suspect a privacy violation or crime, consult your local police or cybercrime reporting agency.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf evidence may be needed, preserve login records and notifications before performing a factory reset. A factory reset may erase the device’s settings, but it cannot recover footage already copied to the cloud or a compromised email account.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#security-requirements-to-check-when-buying-a-new-home-camera\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"security-requirements-to-check-when-buying-a-new-home-camera\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eSecurity Requirements to Check When Buying a New Home Camera\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to price and image quality, include the product’s support structure among your purchasing criteria.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes it require the creation of a unique password during initial setup?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes it support two-factor authentication and login notifications?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes it provide automatic security updates and an end-of-support date?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan it be used with local storage only, without the cloud?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes it clearly explain its encryption methods for data in transit and at rest?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes it disclose the country where video servers are located, the retention period, and the account deletion procedure?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes it have a physical lens shutter and a microphone-off feature?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDoes it provide a channel for reporting security vulnerabilities and an official support page?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen selling or disposing of a used device, unlink it in the app, delete cloud footage, and then perform a factory reset. The microSD card must also be removed and securely erased or kept in your possession.\u003c/p\u003e\n","tags":["Personal data","Personal data protection","Home camera","IoT Security"],"faqs":[{"question":"Can changing only the home camera password prevent hacking?","answer":"Changing the password is a basic measure, but it is not enough. Use a unique password together with two-factor authentication, and also check firmware updates, logged-in devices, shared users, remote access, and storage encryption."},{"question":"Why is it dangerous to use the same password for a home camera and other IoT devices?","answer":"Because email addresses and passwords leaked from other services can be entered automatically. If the information for one device is exposed, the home camera and other smart devices using the same credentials can be compromised in a chain reaction."},{"question":"What should I do if my home camera does not support two-factor authentication?","answer":"Set a long password that you do not use anywhere else, and turn off remote access if you do not need to view the camera from outside your home. Also check whether the manufacturer provides security update support, and if you are using it in a sensitive area, consider replacing it with a product that supports two-factor authentication."},{"question":"Which is safer, cloud storage or microSD storage?","answer":"Neither method is always safer. Cloud storage makes it easier to recover footage even after the device is stolen, but it is affected by account theft and the provider's retention policy. microSD can reduce external transmission, but footage may be exposed or lost if the card is removed or the camera is taken, so you should check whether card encryption and backups are supported."},{"question":"Is a home camera safe if it uses servers located in Korea?","answer":"Safety cannot be determined by server location alone. Whether servers are located in Korea or abroad can affect applicable laws and data transfer and deletion procedures, but actual security requires examining transmission and storage encryption, access controls, two-factor authentication, retention periods, and update policies together."},{"question":"If the app displays a lock icon, does that mean the footage is end-to-end encrypted?","answer":"Not necessarily. The lock icon may indicate only that transmission between the app and the server is encrypted. Check the manufacturer's documentation to see whether storage encryption and end-to-end encryption are each supported and who manages the encryption keys."},{"question":"If I turn off remote viewing, can I still view the footage at home?","answer":"If the product supports local viewing, you can view it on the same home network, but some products rely on the cloud for all playback. Before turning off remote access, check the manufacturer's manual to see whether local viewing and recording features will remain available."},{"question":"Is closing only the lens cover enough to protect my privacy?","answer":"A lens cover is effective at physically blocking video recording, but it does not turn off the microphone or network communications. To block audio capture as well, use the microphone disable feature or disconnect power to the device."},{"question":"If I think my home camera has been hacked, should I immediately perform a factory reset?","answer":"It is best to first disconnect it from the internet and capture the login history, notifications, and unfamiliar accounts. After preserving the necessary evidence, change the account password on a secure device, sign out all sessions, and then reset the camera after installing the official firmware."},{"question":"What should I delete before selling a used home camera?","answer":"Unlink the device from the manufacturer's account, delete cloud footage and shared users, and then perform a factory reset. Remove the microSD card and securely erase it or keep it yourself, and do not give the buyer your existing account information."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-secure-your-home-security-cameras","title":"Federal Trade Commission — How To Secure Your Home Security Cameras","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/use-strong-passwords","title":"CISA Secure Our World — Use Strong Passwords","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/turn-mfa","title":"CISA Secure Our World — Turn On MFA","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.cisa.gov/secure-our-world/update-software","title":"CISA Secure Our World — Update Software","type":"source"},{"url":"https://owasp.org/www-project-internet-of-things/","title":"OWASP Internet of Things Project","type":"source"}],"images":[{"id":1022,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTQyNzIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--1df502c01592e2ce0a8b6237a243225ed5d7c462/ai-f8fb446a.webp","is_representative":true,"generation_method":"ai_photo","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"스마트폰 설정 화면을 보며 홈캠 렌즈를 조정하는 여성과 뒤쪽의 무선 공유기","caption":"여성이 스마트폰으로 홈캠의 보안 설정을 점검하고 있습니다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Woman adjusting a home security camera while holding a smartphone, with a Wi-Fi router behind her","caption":"A woman checks her home camera settings on a smartphone.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"スマートフォンを持ちながらホームカメラのレンズを調整する女性と奥のWi-Fiルーター","caption":"女性がスマートフォンでホームカメラのセキュリティ設定を確認しています。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Mujer ajustando una cámara de seguridad doméstica con un móvil y un router Wi-Fi al fondo","caption":"Una mujer revisa en el móvil la configuración de seguridad de su cámara doméstica.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Perempuan mengatur kamera keamanan rumah sambil memegang ponsel, dengan router Wi-Fi di belakang","caption":"Seorang perempuan memeriksa pengaturan keamanan kamera rumah melalui ponsel.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Mulher ajustando uma câmera de segurança residencial com celular e roteador Wi-Fi ao fundo","caption":"Uma mulher verifica no celular as configurações de segurança da câmera residencial.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"女子手持手機調整家用監控攝影機，後方可見無線路由器","caption":"女子正透過手機檢查家用攝影機的安全設定。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Frau richtet eine Heimkamera ein und hält ein Smartphone, im Hintergrund steht ein WLAN-Router","caption":"Eine Frau prüft die Sicherheitseinstellungen ihrer Heimkamera auf dem Smartphone.","description":null}}},{"id":1023,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTQyNzgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--dc5116096bb070b1542d9a324c9502df4c20a369/ai-ca205f6a.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_image","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"홈캠을 중심으로 스마트폰, 자물쇠, 업데이트, 클라우드, 공유기 보안 설정을 연결한 인포그래픽","caption":"홈캠 해킹 위험을 줄이는 주요 보안 설정과 연결 기기를 한눈에 보여준다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Home camera linked to phone, lock, updates, cloud, router, recorder, and user security controls","caption":"The infographic summarizes key settings and devices for reducing home camera hacking risks.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"ホームカメラを中心にスマホ、鍵、更新、クラウド、ルーターの安全設定を示す図","caption":"ホームカメラのハッキングリスクを減らす主な設定と接続機器をまとめている。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Cámara doméstica conectada a controles de móvil, bloqueo, actualizaciones, nube, router y usuarios","caption":"La infografía resume los ajustes y dispositivos clave para reducir el riesgo de pirateo de la cámara.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Kamera rumah terhubung ke ponsel, kunci, pembaruan, cloud, router, perekam, dan kontrol pengguna","caption":"Infografik ini merangkum pengaturan dan perangkat utama untuk mengurangi risiko peretasan kamera rumah.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Câmera residencial ligada a celular, cadeado, atualizações, nuvem, roteador, gravador e usuários","caption":"O infográfico reúne configurações e dispositivos essenciais para reduzir o risco de invasão da câmera.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"以家用攝影機為中心，連結手機、鎖定、更新、雲端、路由器、錄影機與使用者安全設定","caption":"資訊圖整理了降低家用攝影機遭駭風險的重要設定與連接裝置。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Heimkamera mit Smartphone, Schloss, Updates, Cloud, Router, Rekorder und Nutzerkontrollen","caption":"Die Infografik zeigt wichtige Einstellungen und Geräte zum Schutz der Heimkamera vor Hackerangriffen.","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-09-02T23:18:52+09:00","updated_at":"2026-09-02T23:18:52+09:00","license":"cc_by","translation_status":"reviewed","available_locales":["ko","en","ja","es"],"data_locales":["ko","en","ja","es","id","pt","zh-hant","de"],"url":"https://injoys.com/en/articles/home-camera-security-settings-checklist"}