Protect Your Camera From WebCan Hackers

Now you have seen all the news about hackers posting online live streaming from thousands of webcams all around the world, with USA, Europe having the largest number of  webcams hacked.
So if you have a webcam and to make sure that it will not be streaming for public entertainment, follow these simple rules. Curtsey of FTC.

Keep the software up-to-date. 

The software that comes with your camera needs occasional updates. Register your camera or sign up to get updates to keep the software current. Before you install your new camera, visit the manufacturer’s website to see if there’s a new version of the software available for download. And after you’ve installed the camera, download the updates as soon as you get notice.

Check your camera’s password settings. 

Some IP cameras allow you to turn off the camera’s password requirement. But unless you want to share the feeds from your camera publicly, don’t do it. Set up your IP camera to require a password. Check the camera’s user guide for directions. 

Use a strong password.

Choose a strong password that would be difficult for a stranger to guess rather than using the camera’s default username and password. Those default choices can be public knowledge.

After that, if you are checking your cameras remotely.
Before you access your camera from a phone or mobile device, be sure that the security features are in place for mobile access.

Confirm that your app is up-to-date.  

Check the app developer’s website, or use your mobile app marketplace to check for updates.

Practice secure access.

Use a strong password, and consider logging out of the app when you’re not using it. That way, no one else can access the app if your phone is lost or stolen. 

Password-protect your phone or mobile device. 

Even if your app has a strong password, it’s best to protect your phone with one, too.

Use a secure Wi-Fi connection. 

A camera’s mobile app might not provide the same level of security as its website. So, even if your camera uses https on its website, that doesn’t guarantee that the camera’s mobile app will use encryption, too.
If the mobile app doesn’t encrypt your information, and you use the mobile app on an unsecured Wi-Fi network, troublemakers could intercept your video feed or your password. To protect your privacy, resist using the mobile app from a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Instead, use your phone’s internet browser and go to your camera’s login page. Look for https at the beginning of the URL so you know your information is encrypted.
It’s also a good idea to change the settings on your mobile device so that it doesn’t automatically connect to nearby Wi-Fi.

On Guard Online (onguardonline.gov)