In 2020, a family in Mississippi woke up to a nightmare. Their eight-year-old daughter heard a man’s voice coming from her bedroom, but it wasn’t her father. A hacker had gained access to their Ring camera and was speaking to her through the device, taunting her and playing music until the parents rushed in to unplug it. Later, Ring confirmed that the family’s reuse of an old, breached password compromised the account.
Why Smart Camera Security for Small Businesses Can’t be Ignored
Stories like this are unsettling, but they aren’t rare or limited to residential uses. Still, smart camera security for small businesses is an often overlooked issue. For small businesses, they’re an affordable way to add an extra layer of protection—whether it’s monitoring the front door, monitoring an inventory room or checking in after hours. However, these devices can also introduce serious risks if you don’t secure them properly.
Not all cameras are created equal. Many inexpensive models reduce costs by not including security features like encryption or updating the software. Even trusted, well-known brands can be vulnerable if users leave default settings in place. Hackers often look for weak spots such as default passwords, outdated firmware or unsecured Wi-Fi connections. Sometimes, attackers have even hijacked cameras to view footage or gain deeper access to networks.
If you’re considering buying a new camera or reviewing the ones you already own, it’s important to know what to look for. Stick with reputable brands that provide regular security updates. Check whether the device encrypts footage before sending it to the cloud, choose a model that offers two-factor authentication for logins; and consider cameras that give you the option of local storage besides cloud backups.
Of course, the way you set up these devices matters just as much as which ones you buy. Change the default usernames and passwords immediately, and keep firmware and apps updated so known vulnerabilities get patched quickly. Many devices allow you to enable automatic updates, which is the safest approach. It’s also wise to segment your network so smart devices don’t sit on the same Wi-Fi as your business systems. This way, if hackers compromise one device, it doesn’t grant easy access to more sensitive data. And don’t forget your router! Make sure it’s set up with the strongest security settings available so outsiders can’t easily get in.
Step‑by‑Step: Locking Down Smart Camera Security for Small Businesses (10‑Point Checklist)
- Place cameras on their own VLAN or IoT SSID (no access to POS/accounting PCs).
- Change default credentials; use a unique manager account; enforce MFA on the app.
- Update firmware on first boot; enable auto‑
- Disable P2P, UPnP, and port forwarding; prefer vendor relay/VPN or reverse proxy.
- Require HTTPS/TLS for viewing; prefer RTSP over TLS when supported.
- Lock down the router (WPA3, strong admin password, disable WPS; separate guest Wi‑Fi).
- Limit outbound access from cameras to vendor domains only; block unsolicited inbound.
- Set privacy zones, motion-only recording, and retention limits by policy.
- Log and review access attempts; rotate keys/passwords quarterly.
- Document a response plan (how to factory reset, revoke access, and re‑onboard).
Cloud vs. Local vs. Hybrid Storage: Which Offers the Best Smart Camera Security for Small Businesses
Choosing where your camera footage lives has real implications for security, latency, cost, and recovery. Here’s the short version, followed by guidance on when each model fits.
| Storage Model | Security | Latency (Live/Playback) | Cost | Recovery/Resilience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud | Strong vendor controls, MFA, and off-site redundancy; broader internet exposure if accounts are weak. | Dependent on the internet; live view is typically fine, large downloads can lag. | Ongoing OPEX (per camera or per GB). Lower upfront cost. | Excellent for disasters (theft, fire). Fast to replace hardware and reconnect. |
| Local (NVR/NAS) | Smaller external attack surface; must harden LAN, keep firmware updated, and restrict ports. | Lowest latency on site; smooth live view and scrubbing. | CAPEX for NVR/NAS + disks; no/low monthly fees. | Vulnerable to theft/ransomware unless you back up off-site. Recovery depends on your backups. |
| Hybrid | Best balance: local performance + cloud backup/MFA; complexity requires disciplined setup. | Local speed for daily use; cloud for remote access/recovery. | Mix of CAPEX + modest OPEX (cloud tiers). | Strong: local for quick access + cloud for disaster scenarios. |
Quick Pros & Cons
Cloud
- Pros: Off‑site redundancy; easy remote access; simple scaling; MFA support.
- Cons: Ongoing fees; reliant on the internet; vendor lock‑in; must manage account security carefully.
Local (NVR/NAS)
- Pros: Fast local viewing; predictable one‑time cost; minimal internet exposure.
- Cons: On you for patches, disk health, and backups; physical theft = data loss without off-site copies.
Hybrid
- Pros: Local speed + cloud resilience; flexible retention; layered security.
- Cons: More moving parts; needs a clear policy for what stays local vs. what syncs to cloud.
While smart camera security for small businesses gets most of the attention, they aren’t the only smart devices you should think about. Doorbells, thermostats and even voice assistants all connect to your network, and if they’re not properly secured, they can become back doors into your business. For small businesses, this could mean much more than a hacker watching a video feed—it could mean exposure of client information, financial records or other critical data. The more devices you connect, the more important it becomes to manage them carefully.
Network Segmentation Mini‑Guide: The Why and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Smart cameras (and other IoT devices) should never sit on the same network as your laptops, POS systems, or file servers. Segmentation limits lateral movement, so a compromised camera can’t pivot into your business systems.
Why It Matters?
- Containment: If a camera is breached, segmentation keeps attackers away from client records, accounting, and email.
- Cleaner policies: You can tightly control what IoT devices can talk to (e.g., only DNS and vendor cloud).
- Better visibility: Separate subnets/SSIDs make it obvious if devices behave oddly (talking where they shouldn’t).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Port forwarding of cameras/NVRs from the internet. Use vendor relay/VPN or secure cloud access with MFA instead.
- Leaving UPnP enabled (it can silently open inbound ports).
- Mixing guest Wi‑Fi and IoT on the same SSID. Keep them separate.
- No backups of local storage. If the NVR is stolen, your evidence goes with it—use hybrid or off‑site copies.
Smart devices can absolutely make your life easier and your workplace safer, but only if they’re configured with security in mind. A few proactive steps now can prevent your “smart” gadgets from turning into easy wins for hackers.
Want to make sure your business devices are secure? Don’t leave it to chance. Schedule a free discovery call today, and we’ll help you review your setup before hackers do it for you. Schedule your free discovery call now.
FAQs: Smart Camera Security For Small Businesses in NC, SC, and Southern VA
Can hackers watch my security cameras?
Absolutely—if your cameras use default passwords, old software, or have open doors like UPnP or port forwarding, hackers can sneak in. The good news? You can protect yourself by changing passwords, turning on multi-factor authentication (MFA), and keeping your devices on a separate network. If you’re unsure, our network assessment can help spot risks.
Do I need to forward ports to view cameras remotely?
Nope! Port forwarding can make your cameras visible to the whole internet. Instead, use your camera brand’s secure app (with MFA), or ask your IT provider about safe remote access options. This keeps your business safer from unwanted visitors.
Is cloud storage safer than keeping footage on-site?
Cloud storage is great for backup and disaster recovery, but it depends on strong passwords and account security. Local storage (like an NVR) is fast and private, but you need to keep it updated and backed up. Many businesses in the Carolinas use a mix—local for speed, cloud for safety. If you want help choosing, our managed services team can guide you.
What router settings make the biggest difference for security?
Set your Wi-Fi to WPA3 (or WPA2 if that’s all you have), turn off WPS and UPnP, and use a strong admin password. Create a separate network for cameras and smart devices, and block them from talking to your business computers. These steps go a long way toward keeping your network safe.
What is an IoT VLAN and do I need one?
An IoT VLAN is a special lane on your network just for smart devices like cameras and doorbells. It keeps them separate from your business computers, so if one device gets hacked, the rest of your network stays safe. Even a separate Wi-Fi network helps—ask your IT provider which option fits your business.
How long should I keep camera footage?
Most small businesses keep footage for 14 to 45 days, depending on their needs and any legal rules. Use motion-based recording to save space, and set privacy zones for sensitive areas. If you’re not sure what’s right for your business, our experts can help.
What should I do first if I suspect a camera compromise?
Disconnect the camera from your network, change all passwords, and check for software updates. Factory reset the device if needed, and re-connect it to a secure network. If you think sensitive data might be at risk, reach out for professional help—our team is here for you.
