Everything You Need to Know before buying IP Camera Online
A network or internet camera, also known as an IP Camera, is useful for keeping an eye on your property, relatives, and domestic animals. These cameras broadcast live video and audio feeds that can be accessed remotely using a web browser.
However, CCTV security Cameras with safety systems in the industry are susceptible to virtual snooping, making protection characteristics critical when shopping for and using these internet-accessible devices.
Before Buying an IP Camera Online
An internet protocol (IP) camera allows you to monitor your home and property using software that connects to the internet directly. It does not require a computer to transmit video online instead of a webcam.
However, if the security camera you purchase does not encrypt the data it sends, others may be able to access and view your feed.
In simplest terms, you might be sponsoring the world’s largest open house! When shopping for a CCTV camera, security mechanisms should be at the top of your priority list.
Wireless Security Transmission
Your home’s security camera sends its feed to your wireless router. A reliable wireless security protocol ensures that your video feed is secure as it travels to the router. Look for a camera that is compatible with current wireless security protocols, such as WPA2.
Internet Transmission Security
If you access your camera’s video feed remotely, your camera will send data over the internet beyond your home wireless router. Not all cameras offer the same level of security for this purpose.
Look for one that encrypts your data, such as your username, password, and live feeds. Check the box label found online, or contact the manufacturer directly to see if the camera uses SSL/TLS or another industry standard to protect your data in transit.
If your IP Camera protects your login credentials with SSL/TLS, the URL for the camera’s login page should begin with HTTPS (the “s” stands for secure).
Several Customer
Recognize a camera with different levels of access if you intend to allow authorized users to share camera feeds. Some cameras, for example, provide separate settings for administrators, who can make remote changes to settings such as creating new accounts, setting passwords, and changing the direction the camera faces or the zoom function.
Another technology allows you to restrict when particular users can access the CCTV camera, for instance, you might want a friend to check on your house while you’re aside but unfortunately, your friend not be able to access the camera when you’re not in town.
Making Use of Security Features
After you’ve purchased your IP Camera, configure it with security in mind. Here’s how it works.
Maintain software updates
The software that came with your camera requires updates regularly. To maintain the software updated register your camera or sign up for updates. Visit the manufacturer’s website before actually installing your new camera to see if a new version of the software is available for download. And once you’ve installed the camera, make sure to download the updates as soon as they become available.
Examine the Log in Configurations on your Camera
Some cameras allow you to disable the password requirement. Do not do it unless you want to publicly share the camera feeds. Configure your IP Camera so that it requires a password. For more information, seek advice from the camera’s user guide.
Enable the authentication methods on your camera
Turn on this feature if you purchased a IP Camera that encrypts data transmitted over the internet. The Web address for your camera’s log-in site must begin with HTTPS. If it does not, the username and password you enter will not be encrypted, and others may be able to view them.
After you’ve logged in to your camera’s homepage, the URL must still say HTTPS. If it doesn’t, your feed isn’t encoded, and others might be able to see it.
Use a Secure Password
Rather than using the camera’s default password, create a strong password that would be challenging for a random person to guess. Those default options may be made public.
Using a Mobile Device to Access the Camera
Before you use your phone or mobile devices to connect your camcorder, make sure that the security features for cell phones are in place. Use a strong password and think about logging out of the app when not in use. If your mobile is lost or stolen, no one else will be able to access the app.
Safeguard Your Phones or Other Mobile Device with a Password
Even if your app has a strong password, you should protect your phone with one as well. To protect your privacy, avoid using the mobile app while connected to a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Instead, use your phone’s internet browser to navigate to the login page for your camera. Look for HTTP at the beginning of the URL to ensure that your data is encrypted.
It’s also a good idea to change the settings on your mobile device so that it doesn’t attach to nearby Wi-Fi immediately.
