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Securing Your IP Cameras: How To Protect Them Against Rising Cyber Threats

Elias Bustos
October 9, 2024
6 min
reading
Securing Your IP Cameras: How To Protect Them Against Rising Cyber Threats
All posts

Securing Your IP Cameras: How To Protect Them Against Rising Cyber Threats

Elias Bustos
October 9, 2024
6 min
reading
Securing Your IP Cameras: How To Protect Them Against Rising Cyber Threats

Cyber threats targeting IP cameras are on the rise, and businesses around the world face vulnerabilities as hackers can exploit security gaps in these devices. According to recent reports, approximately 80,000 Hikvision cameras were found to be exploitable due to a critical security flaw that allowed attackers to access the devices remotely. Additionally, researchers highlight that Internet-connected security cameras, particularly in public spaces and corporate environments, are becoming a major entry point for cybercriminals.

By gaining access to unsecured camera feeds, hackers can monitor vulnerable areas, assess weaknesses, and even orchestrate criminal activities. For businesses of all sizes, from small companies to large corporations, securing these IP cameras is now a critical necessity. Angelcam, a leader in cloud-based security solutions, has developed tools that provide not only reliable video management but also robust protection against cyber threats.

The Growing Cybersecurity Risks for IP Cameras

IP cameras have become a cornerstone of modern business security, providing round-the-clock monitoring and real-time access to property and assets. But this convenience comes with a risk. When not properly secured, IP cameras can serve as gateways for cybercriminals, essentially turning what should be a protective tool into a vulnerability. Hackers can exploit these unsecured cameras to spy on sensitive areas, gather valuable information, or even disable entire security systems, leaving businesses exposed to potential breaches or coordinated attacks. Securing IP cameras is no longer optional, it's a crucial measure in protecting your business from hackers.

Many organizations remain unaware of the potential risks posed by unsecured IP cameras, and this lack of awareness is only widening the threat landscape. Cameras with weak passwords, outdated software, or open network ports are particularly vulnerable to being hijacked by cybercriminals. Once they gain access, hackers can use live footage to secretly monitor daily operations, plan thefts, and coordinate acts of vandalism—all without being detected. These security breaches can lead to serious consequences, impacting not just the physical safety of a business but also damaging its finances and reputation.

Angelcam's Secure, Cloud-Based Approach

Angelcam's approach to securing IP cameras is grounded in a simple but effective solution: AngelBox, a plug-and-play device that connects over 200 camera brands to the cloud through an encrypted connection. This eliminates the need for complex network configurations or leaving open ports vulnerable to external access. Once connected to the Angelcam platform, these cameras are secured with TLS encryption, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring that businesses retain full control over their surveillance systems.

This approach is particularly valuable for companies with numerous cameras already in place, providing them with an enhanced, unified security system without the need for a costly upgrade. It allows businesses to sidestep the expensive and time-consuming process of replacing their existing camera systems, delivering the extra layer of security needed to protect against evolving cyber threats while making the most of their current setup.

How Angelcam Makes IP Cameras More Secure

1. Secure Camera Connections with TLS Encryption

One of the primary vulnerabilities in traditional IP camera setups is the reliance on open network ports, which hackers can exploit to gain remote access. Angelcam mitigates this risk by utilizing TLS encryption to protect the connection between cameras and the cloud. This means that all data transmitted from the camera to the Angelcam platform is encrypted, safeguarding it from interception or tampering.

Angelcam's infrastructure is also hosted on Amazon Web Services (AW) and Backblaze, two of the most secure cloud platforms in the world, offering SSL protection for all stored video. By securing camera feeds at both the network and cloud levels, Angelcam ensures that footage is protected from cyber threats at all times.

2. No Open Ports, No Vulnerabilities

Many businesses inadvertently leave their cameras vulnerable by not properly securing open network ports. These ports can be easily detected and exploited by hackers scanning the internet for entry points into camera systems. With AngelBox, however, no open ports are left exposed. The plug-and-play device creates a secure tunnel for all camera communications, removing the need to open any external ports for remote viewing or management. This closed-loop system drastically reduces the risk of unauthorized access.

3. Encrypted Cloud Storage: Secure, Reliable, and Always Accessible

When it comes to securing video footage, relying solely on local storage solutions like DVRs or NVRs can be risky. Not only can these devices be physically stolen or damaged, but they also lack the robust security protocols offered by the cloud. With Angelcam, businesses don't have to worry about these vulnerabilities. All video footage is securely stored offsite in the cloud via encrypted Backblaze or Amazon S3 servers, remaining safe from unauthorized access, even during the most sophisticated attempts.

4. Enhanced User Authentication for Secure Access

Even the most secure surveillance system can be compromised if user access isn't properly managed. Angelcam offers a comprehensive approach to user authentication, integrating existing online identities (such as Google, Facebook, or Apple IDs) with secure login systems that include two-factor authentication and advanced user rights management. This additional layer of protection ensures that only authorized individuals can access camera feeds, ensuring privacy and further preventing potential breaches.

5. Safe Password Storage and Protection

To protect users' credentials, Angelcam employs bcrypt hashing for password storage. Camera credentials, including IP addresses, are further encrypted using AES, providing an additional layer of protection. In addition, Angelcam's systems are designed to prevent brute-force attacks, blocking repeated unauthorized attempts to access accounts.

6. Regular Firmware Updates

If your cameras don’t have automatic updates, manually check and update them regularly to maintain the latest software and close security gaps. Staying up-to-date helps defend against cyber threats and keeps your system secure. For easier management, consider using the AngelCamera One, which automatically handles firmware updates, ensuring the camera is always running on the latest software and protected from vulnerabilities.

7. Real-Time Notifications: Never Miss a Critical Update

Angelcam provides real-time notifications when a camera or system component goes offline, alerting users and businesses to stay ahead of potential issues, ensuring their cameras are always operational and ready to provide reliable surveillance. By combining this with cloud-based monitoring, Angelcam offers an unbeatable solution that supports long-term reliability and effectiveness.

Continuous Monitoring and Transparency

Angelcam's commitment to security extends beyond the cameras themselves. Every component of the Angelcam platform is continuously monitored for abnormalities or potential security incidents. Through services like Pager Duty and Loggly, Angelcam identifies and responds to any suspicious activity in real-time. Additionally, all outages or incidents are transparently reported on status.angelcam.com, so that users always stay informed about the system's performance.

By centralizing monitoring and streamlining incident response, Angelcam helps organizations stay in control of their security cameras. This approach gives businesses real-time oversight of their security systems, enabling them to address potential issues quickly and effectively. By staying on top of system health and activity, companies can reduce the risk of costly breaches or technical failures, making sure their security infrastructure works as intended when it matters most.

Securing Your Cameras in an Always-Connected World

In today's digital age, keeping your IP cameras secure is crucial. Whether you are a small business looking to secure your storefront or a large enterprise managing multiple locations, the threats posed by cybercriminals are real and growing. Angelcam offers an all-in-one solution that not only enhances the functionality of your surveillance system but also protects it from cyberattacks.

With Angelcam's advanced user authentication, encrypted cloud storage, automatic firmware updates and secure camera connections, organizations can easily protect their whole security camera infrastructure, confidently remaining one step ahead of cybercriminals. With a proven track record of reliability and security, Angelcam is the ideal choice for companies wishing to update their security cameras while minimizing their exposure to cyber threats.

Don't leave your security to chance. Secure your IP cameras with Angelcam and stay ahead of potential risks. Learn how to safeguard your assets by visiting www.angelcam.com or reaching out to us at hello@angelcam.com or +1 (415) 767 0758 between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm EST.