Home video surveillance systems, designed to protect families, can transform into tools for covert monitoring. Experts warn that hackers or unauthorized individuals may view video streams in real time, access recordings, and track residents' daily habits without being noticed.
The vulnerability of such systems is often linked to weak passwords, outdated software, or residual access rights left active after installation. Specialists in the UAE note that the threat goes beyond privacy infringement, as compromised cameras could potentially be used to attack other devices on the same Wi-Fi network.
A more alarming aspect is that homeowners might never realize someone has access to their cameras because the devices continue to operate normally, even when an unauthorized user is viewing the footage.
Risks Associated with Device Settings
Luis Santos, co-founder of First Class Property Management, stated that internet-connected security devices become vulnerable if homeowners do not change default passwords, install updates, or control who has access to the systems. He emphasized: 'Any device connected to the internet can be obtained by an unauthorized person if it remains with its standard password, is not regularly updated, or uses credentials shared with others.'
Santos clarified that the threat does not always come from hackers. In some cases, access is maintained by people who were previously granted permissions long after their involvement ended. 'In a suburban home, the big danger is usually not a hacker, but access that is quietly passed from one person to another: a previous guest, contractor, former operator, and no one notices it,' he noted.
Example of Unauthorized Access
Bhavneet Kaur Sachni, founder and CEO of Belvedere Marketing & PR, reported that unauthorized access can occur through compromised passwords, software vulnerabilities, shared accounts, or rights established during installation. Depending on the system configuration, the person with access can view the live video stream or extract recordings without triggering obvious warnings.
Sachni shared a personal experience where her family discovered that a stranger had retained access to their security cameras. In 2023, they installed the system with a specialist who configured the devices, uploaded the application, and connected the system to their phones. About eight or nine months later, in 2024, a technical issue with the recording system led them to discover that this same specialist still had access.
When contacted, he admitted to viewing the recordings, explaining that he kept the access as a backup in case of the family's technical difficulties. Sachni noted: 'What was particularly alarming was that we never shared our personal credentials with him, and we consciously did not allow him to retain access or monitor our home.'
She explained that the family still does not know the exact setup scheme for the access, especially since there were no signs that their phones were compromised. 'It was frightening to realize that someone outside our home could be watching what was happening inside our home without our knowledge.'
Consequences of Unauthorized Surveillance
According to Sachni, this case demonstrates that unauthorized surveillance does not always require a complex cyberattack. 'Sometimes the vulnerability lies in not knowing who actually has access to your security system,' she said.
Besides viewing live video, unauthorized access to cameras can reveal detailed information about residents' movements and habits. Sachni warned that cameras can show when family members leave for work, when children return home, who visits the property, and when the house is empty. If the camera is equipped with audio recording, it can also capture private conversations. She added that even cameras installed in common areas, not bedrooms, can reveal confidential information about the family's daily life. 'We install cameras to protect our families, but we rarely think that the same technology could potentially be used to monitor us without our consent.'
Another issue is whether a compromised camera can expose other devices connected to the same home network. Sachni pointed out that attackers can use camera vulnerabilities to attack other connected equipment, depending on the device and network configuration. However, she clarified that access to the camera's video recordings does not automatically give anyone control over the entire Wi-Fi network.
Santos also cautioned that a compromised camera can become an entry point for attacks against other devices using the same network, including phones and laptops. He mentioned that his company implements the measure of separating guest Wi-Fi from property management systems to reduce these risks.
How to Detect Unauthorized Access
Experts warned that one of the biggest problems is detecting unauthorized access, as compromised cameras can continue to function without any noticeable changes. Sachni recounted that her family's cameras looked normal even when another person retained access. 'Our cameras worked fine. We could access the recordings, and initially, nothing indicated that someone else was watching,' she explained. She added: 'Just because a camera works normally doesn't mean it is safe.'
According to experts, possible signs include: unexpected login notifications or unfamiliar devices connected to the camera account; unexplained changes in camera settings or access rights; movement or activation of cameras without commands; unexpected flashing of indicator lights; and notifications or unusual activity that residents do not recognize. Nevertheless, Sachni stressed that some systems may not show any warning signs, making regular review of account access rights extremely important.
Experts advised residents who suspect unauthorized access to immediately secure their camera systems, check connected accounts, and remove unknown users. Santos recommended disconnecting suspicious devices from the network before further investigation. 'If a camera is doing something you didn't ask for, moving on its own, lighting up, sending a notification you don't recognize, disconnect it from the network and ask questions later.'
Risk Mitigation Measures
Both experts highlighted several steps homeowners can take to reduce the likelihood of unauthorized surveillance:
- Change Default Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for cameras and associated accounts.
- Check Access: Regularly review the list of users and connected devices, especially if the system was installed by a third party.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Activate additional account protection wherever supported.
- Update Software: Install camera firmware and application updates to eliminate security vulnerabilities.
- Secure Wi-Fi Network: Check router settings and consider separating surveillance systems from personal devices.
