The installation of IP security cameras has steadily grown for the last couple of years. An IP camera (Internet protocol camera) is a digital video camera that is used for surveillance and has the ability to send and receive data through a computer and the internet.

While installing an IP camera is relatively easy, the biggest challenge from a security point of view is how to ensure that hackers do not find your camera on the internet. Below are a few installation tips that will help secure your IP security camera from snooping eyes.

Ensure that Your Camera’s Firmware is Updated

Up-to-the-minute IP security cameras come with a customizable firmware. If a security lapse is detected, the camera’s manufacturer often fixes the susceptibility by updating the firmware. The firmware can be updated from the manufacturer’s official website through the admin console.

Thus, keep checking your IP security camera manufacturer’s website regularly for the latest version of firmware that is not susceptible to exploitation by hackers and other internet users.

Keep the Cameras Local

To avoid your camera feeds ending up on the internet; simply avoid connecting them to the internet. For increased privacy and security, keep your cameras local and lock them to a non routable internal IP addresses. Note that even with a non routable IP address, your security camera may still be vulnerable to a software that can expose it to the internet. It is imperative therefore that you check the manufacture’s official website to learn how to lock your camera exclusively to a local internet mode.

Ensure Your Cameras are Password Protected

Most IP security cameras do not come with password protection for video feeds. The manufacturer assumes that your primary objective is to get the camera running and secure it later on. Do not forget to add a password protection to your camera after the initial setup to ensure it is not open for all to access.

Most IP security cameras offer some form of basic authentication. Shield the camera feeds with a unique username and as strong password which has to be changed periodically.

Change the Default Admin Account and Set a New Admin Password

It is important to change the default admin name and password, set by the manufacturer. You can access the default account by visiting the manufacturer’s official website and clicking on the support section for the camera model. Forgetting or ignoring to change the default admin name password can leave your camera feeds exposed to even the most novice of hackers.

Turn on the WPA2 Encryption if Your Camera is Wireless

If your IP security camera is WPA enabled, you should lock it to a WPA encrypted wireless network to ensure that wireless eavesdroppers cannot connect to it or access your video feeds.

Mount Your Cameras Strategically

Avoid placing your IP security camera in areas you don’t feel comfortable being seen by strangers. There is always a possibility that some an unwanted person may see it. Try to conceal the camera even it means keeping some areas of your house or business premises out of bounds. After all, you are never sure of what strangers are capable of when it comes to your security well-being.

The IP security camera’s rate of uptake by homeowners points out that they are here to stay. It goes without saying that you are better off with the basics installation should you decide to make them part of your home or business security apparatus.