Jim Rossman: Let’s check the security on your security cameras

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This week I was in a discussion with a person who heard a stranger's voice coming through their Wyze security camera. The person said they were not sharing the camera’s feed with anyone. They unplugged the camera, and they wanted to know what to do.

It is helpful to understand the different ways people would be able to access the cameras.

The entire point of these types of cameras is to be able to monitor the camera feed remotely. Ideally, the feed is secured so that only you or people you authorize can see the video.

When you set up a camera system, you’ll be creating an account with a login name and password. The cameras work with an app that you load onto your phone or tablet. Some can also be viewed through a web browser.

To see your cameras, you’ll log into the app or web page with the account’s credentials.

Of course, this means anyone with your credentials can see the video, so it is important to keep the credentials secure. Try not to use a password that you use in other places.

Also, take advantage of two-factor authentication when it is offered.

Two-factor authentication (or 2FA) puts an extra layer of security on the account.

To log in, a person would need the login name, account password and then a second authentication method, which is usually a security code that would be emailed or sent to your phone via text message.

Email is not the most secure way to receive a 2FA code, as it is certainly possible for someone else to access your email. Getting a text to your phone is more secure, as the person logging in would need to be in possession of your unlocked phone.

Finally, some security cameras, like Wyze, allow the user to share individual camera feeds with other people. This sharing is set up in the app.

I suppose it would be possible for someone who has access to your phone to set themselves up to share your video feeds and you not know it unless you know where to look in the app settings.

So, it is important that you understand the security settings available to you when you set up security cameras. Know how to enable two-factor authentication and at least familiarize yourself with the sharing section of the app to be able to see if any unauthorized sharing is set up.

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