Secure a home security camera or doorbell

A smart camera is both a network device and an account with access to video. A strong home Wi-Fi password does not protect a camera account whose password is reused, and a secure account does not fix outdated device software.

A practical camera audit​

1. Open the manufacturer's official app. Update the app and camera firmware; turn on automatic updates when supported. If the camera no longer receives security updates, plan a replacement.
2. Use a unique password for the camera account and turn on MFA where offered. Check the list of people or devices with viewing access and remove former guests or installers.
3. Review whether remote viewing, microphone and cloud recording are needed. Adjust privacy zones and retention settings to match what you intend to record, including neighbors and shared spaces.
4. Check the router's connected-device list, update the router and use a separate guest or IoT network if it supports proper isolation. Do not expose a camera's admin interface directly to the internet for convenience.

Verify the outcome​

Sign out of an old viewer device and confirm it no longer has access. Check that a legitimate household member can still use the camera, then document who has access. The FTC camera guide covers updates, account protection and device settings. Our router checklist handles the network side.

If an unknown viewer appears​

Revoke that viewer, change the camera-account password, end other sessions if the service allows it, and inspect shared access and recovery details. Save relevant activity records before they expire. A camera resetting itself or changing its view can also have benign causes, so compare with the app's activity history rather than assuming an intruder from one symptom.