Having a baby monitor installed in your child’s nursery is something that many parents find really helpful. It provides an extra layer of safety by giving you a convenient pair of eyes in the areas that you choose to install it in.
It even comes with other helpful features, such as camera panning, which allows you to move the camera in whatever direction you choose. There’s also remote access, which grants you visibility access through your mobile phone and other digital devices. Unfortunately, though, baby monitors are not foolproof.
The Vulnerability of Baby Monitors
There are two particular factors that can make your baby monitor vulnerable.
The Default Password
There are baby monitors linked to their company’s online portal, which can then be accessed using the password you set. This password is usually made up of an eight-digit number combination.
The problem is that a lot of parents don’t actually bother to change their default passwords into more personal and secure combinations. Neglecting to do so will allow hackers to get into your device using the default password as a key.
Finite Number Combinations
Another issue is that even if you do remember to replace the password with a combination of your own, there are only so many eight-digit number combinations. It is a piece of cake for hackers to go through all these combinations using a particular program or software and gain access to your baby monitor.
The Bigger Problem
As if having complete strangers being able to see your home and check out your young one is not troubling enough as it is, what’s more problematic is that their access into your baby monitor can actually grant hackers access into your private network.
This means that given the right knowledge, tools, and motivation, they will be able to access every device connected to your network. More often than not, these include your mobile phone, laptop, and other digital devices. In turn, your sensitive personal and financial information is only a step away from falling into the wrong hands.
Another potential security issue is having the layout of your house exposed. Baby monitors equipped with cameras will allow people to see where the home’s residents are and which rooms are closer to windows and doors.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Baby Monitors
We understand if these security threats are enough to convince you to simply skip baby monitors altogether. Our stand? If there’s always a parent or an equally responsible and trusted relative at home to care for the baby, you can skip getting a baby monitor. You probably don’t even need it anyway.
However, if you do entrust your young one’s care to a sitter and you want to ensure your baby’s safety against potential negligence and abuse (because you can’t really fully trust people these days), then having a baby monitor with remote access is going to be worth it despite the risks.
What If We Already Have a Baby Monitor Installed?
Fortunately, there are ways in order to boost your baby monitor’s security against digital threats. Here are just a few:
- Set a difficult password. If the manufacturer allows, combine letters, numbers, and special symbols when creating your password.
- Remove the default password. There are baby monitor models that allow you to delete the default credentials.
- Change your password regularly. We recommend doing changing the password every month and avoid sharing it with anyone.
- Update your router and baby monitor firmware regularly. Finally, networks and baby monitor manufacturers are always developing new methods to keep their systems more secure, so make sure that you always keep your units updated.
Knowing When Your Baby Monitor’s Been Hacked
Still, the above did not answer the question: how do you know when your baby monitor’s already been hacked? There are three tell-tale signs.
1. Your Log-in Credentials Have Changed
The first sign that your network has been compromised is when you receive an alert that your log-in credentials have been changed, even if you don’t remember changing them. You might also discover this if you suddenly found yourself locked out of the account, though you’re sure that you have logged in the correct password.
2. Random Access Dates
There are baby monitors that show you when they were accessed remotely. Do you notice any strange activity from unknown users or IP addresses? If so, be sure to contact your baby monitor customer service line and disable remote access as soon as possible.
3. Weird Camera Panning
If you notice your camera moving on its own even if you’re not doing anything, it’s not haunted! There might be someone controlling it elsewhere. Turn off your device immediately and seek further assistance on how to make your unit and network secure again.
Keeping Monitors Safe
The main reason we get baby monitors installed is to keep our young ones safe. Unfortunately, there are people out there who will do just about anything in order to cause harm
Don’t make your baby monitors vulnerable. There are methods that can keep your network, baby monitor, and, ultimately, your family secure against malicious digital attacks. You don’t have to trade baby monitors in exchange for your peace of mind. Instead, perform the said methods with care and due diligence, and we’re confident that everything will be just fine.
