Smart Home Alert: Is your CCTV camera spying on you? Follow these safety tips to avoid the eyes of hackers..

CCTV cameras, smart doorbells, baby monitors, and voice assistants have become commonplace in homes these days. These devices are connected to the internet, so they fall into the IoT (Internet of Things) category. If their network isn't secure, hackers can remotely view live camera feeds, record audio, remotely control the device, and infiltrate your Wi-Fi network.

Why is the threat growing?
The demand for cheap and unbranded CCTV cameras has increased in India. Many devices have default usernames or passwords that can't be changed, weak encryption, and no firmware updates are available. According to cybersecurity experts, open ports and incorrect cloud access settings make CCTV cameras easy targets for hacking.

What is a baby monitor?
Baby monitors are particularly vulnerable devices because they are installed in children's rooms. For security, change the default password immediately.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA).
Check the camera's cloud recording settings.
Avoid accessing public Wi-Fi.
Use only trusted brands and official apps.

How to secure home Wi-Fi?
The true security of a smart home starts with your Wi-Fi router.
Enable WPA3 encryption.
Change the router's admin password.
Create a separate guest network.
Update firmware regularly.
Keep WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) off.
If the router is secure, most IoT attacks can be prevented.

What are the vulnerabilities of smart doorbells?
Smart doorbell cameras are installed at home entry points. If hacked, someone could monitor activity in your home. Deliveries or movement patterns could be tracked. To ensure security, enable end-to-end encryption, limit motion alert settings, and remove unnecessary app permissions.

Cybersecurity rules for smart gadgets?
Have a unique and strong password for each device.
Ensure two-factor authentication is mandatory.
Update software regularly.
Avoid cheap IoT devices from unknown brands.
Use a network monitoring app or firewall.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.