I'm considering getting some security cameras for my house but most of them are viewed and controlled via a WiFi connection which in turn requires some sort of app created by a country famous for its balloons. I don't like the idea of installing such a system...but am I being paranoid not wanting to do so? Are there any measures I can take to reduce the computer security risks from these cameras?
-Blast
Quote from: Blast on February 07, 2023, 10:09:47 PMI'm considering getting some security cameras for my house but most of them are viewed and controlled via a WiFi connection which in turn requires some sort of app created by a country famous for its balloons. I don't like the idea of installing such a system...but am I being paranoid not wanting to do so? Are there any measures I can take to reduce the computer security risks from these cameras?
-Blast
You can also run the cameras via network cables, and supply power to them the same time (PoE). As for the app, the vast majority of the cameras that use an app, the app is a branded and customized version of the Tuya Smart app, which is a company in that country known for its warm and cordial relations with Taiwan. The app integrates with so many different platforms and third parties that you're right to be concerned for security. You
will, however, need that app to view the cameras, or one of the many others in the Play store. Things get confusing very quickly once you go down that third-party app road though, so I don't recommend it.
As you probably are aware, I have multiple cameras covering the entire perimeter of my house, and some inside as well. Your biggest security hole is going to be the app/viewer and there's little you can do about that other than using a robust password on each camera. Even doing that I'd strongly recommend not aiming the camera at anything you wouldn't want a random bored hacker on the internet to see. Anyone looking to specifically target and hack your system is going to likely have the tools and skills to do so no matter what you do, short of a completely isolated direct wired system, so don't aim one at the dial of your safe (cover the room if you want, just not the safe specifically), you probably don't need one in your bedroom, and children's bedrooms are a toss-up. While it's good to be able to monitor the kids at night or during naps, as they get older how much of their privacy you want to invade is going to be something to consider.
And yes, I know how rambling and disjointed this came out. I have a big, floofy, orange cat who thinks it's a lot of fun to come running into my office while I'm typing, scream at me, and then see if they can exit the room and get around the hallway corner before I can spray them with the bottle on my desk. Rinse/lather/repeat. He's been doing this for two hours now and the hall carpet is getting pretty soggy.
I use Bing cameras as well as wired cctv. So my comments are with that brand in mind.
I have found the Bing cameras amazingly useful and at the same time flawed.
First of all these cameras are all outside. I do not have Alexia or similar devices in my home. I do not trust any such device inside.
Lets talk useful. By using the cloud i do not have to worry about, wires, power or having the DVR stolen to cover up a crime. I can move the cameras and i use a few much as i would a game camera. There is a lot of flexibility.
Then there is low cost. Buy a Bing set it up pay subscription fee and you have means to provide camera coverage.
Lets talk disappointment. The image quality is adequate but not great. The cctv cameras are 4K and have good quality optics. The Bing is good for seeing people but not faces at more than 20 feet. The other disappointment is that Bing only records movement. This is useful to call attention to events but it is limiting at the same time. If you use Bing for security you may lose events. A cctv runs continuously and catches everything the camera can see. But you then have to through the footage to find what you want .
If you want 24/7 continuous coverage pay for a wired installment. Add a few Bing cameras to the mix and you can get the best of both worlds.