A few years ago, a Mississippi family woke up to every parent’s nightmare.
Their 8-year-old daughter heard a strange man’s voice coming from her bedroom, coming through her Ring camera.
The hacker taunted her until the parents rushed in and unplugged the device.
Ring later confirmed that the account had been compromised because the family reused an old password from a previous data breach.
It is a chilling story, and one that happens more often than most people realize.
Today, smart cameras, thermostats, and doorbells are everywhere. For many Milwaukee small businesses, these tools have become an easy and affordable way to keep an eye on the office, the warehouse, or even the front door after hours.
The problem is that the same devices that protect your business can also expose it, if they are not set up securely.
The Hidden Risks Behind Smart Cameras
Not every smart device is designed with security in mind. Low-cost cameras often skip encryption or operate for years without updates. Even trusted brands can become risky if you never change the default settings.
Hackers love easy targets. They often look for:
Default or reused passwords
Outdated firmware
Unsecured Wi-Fi networks
Once they find a way in, they can do much more than spy through a camera. They can use that access to move deeper into your network, searching for client data, financial details, and other sensitive information.
How to Choose Safer Devices
If you are thinking about upgrading your security setup, pay attention to more than just picture quality. Look for:
Brands that provide regular software updates
Devices that encrypt footage before sending it to the cloud
Two-factor authentication (2FA) for logins
Local storage options as a backup
That last one is important, because cloud accounts can be hacked too.
Setup Matters Just as Much as Hardware
The best equipment in the world will not protect you if it is set up carelessly.
Before you connect anything, make sure to:
- Change default usernames and passwords right away
- Keep firmware and apps updated by turning on automatic updates
- Put smart devices on a separate Wi-Fi network from your main business systems
- Check your router security since it acts as your network’s front door
Following these steps keeps one compromised device from giving hackers a path to your accounting software or other critical tools.
It Is Not Just Cameras Anymore
Smart thermostats, doorbells, and even voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home all connect to your network. Each one adds another entry point for attackers.
For a small business, that could mean much more than a hacker watching a video feed. It could mean exposing client data, financial records, or employee information. Those breaches are costly to fix and can damage your reputation.
Smarter Devices Need Smarter Security
Smart technology can make your business safer, more efficient, and more connected, but only if it is secured from the start. Taking a few simple precautions now can save you from serious trouble later.
If you are not sure whether your smart devices are secure, we can help.
Schedule a free security assessment today and we will walk you through your setup before hackers find the gaps.
