Years ago, if someone rang your doorbell, you would still need to get up and peep through a little hole in the door to see who was on the other side. Nowadays, most people let you know on a messaging app when they have arrived. There are occasions, however, where someone arrives out of the blue, and you have no idea who they are. You might not even want them to know you are there, so walking up to the door to peek through the hole would give away your presence. And what about when you are not at home? Wouldn’t it be helpful to know who has been at your door? Well, this is where doorbell cameras enter the conversation. These devices are renowned for capturing everything from porch pirates to humorous animal encounters. But what about the downsides of doorbell cameras?
Vulnerable To Hackers
Just like any other piece of modern tech, doorbell cameras can be vulnerable to hackers. Certain unknown flaws in security could potentially allow hackers to gain access of your voice controls, video footage, or even the home network. This could possibly put your sensitive information, such as banking details, at risk of being exposed. You can try to stay protected by enabling automatic software updates that will patch any potential security issues as they are found. It’s also important to change any default credentials, including your admin password. Having a strong password adds another layer of defense against hackers gaining access to your network.
Third Party Company Access
Storing your footage in the cloud comes with certain security and privacy risks, such as third-party access to your videos. Cybersecurity experts have noted that your cloud-stored footage is only as safe as the company storing it. After third-party contractors gained access to Ring videos without the consent of the users, Amazon had to pay out more than $30 million in one case. Certain companies, such as Lorex and Netatmo, use local storage and have great reputations when it comes to data security. You also have far more control when you use local storage. Another thing you can do to protect your data is to disable certain features, such as facial recognition and audio recording.
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You Are Constantly Being Monitored
We’re continuously filming each other in stores, banks, and even drive-throughs. Simply walking around town can result in your face being captured by innumerable electronic devices. However, monitoring may be taking place far closer to home. A neighbor’s doorbell camera could be pointed at your home, capturing your movements without your permission. If this worries you, check your local privacy laws—some regions require visible placement and permission to record. Experts suggest trying to communicate respectfully with your neighbors and modifying camera angles to prevent intruding others’ privacy. Transparency and collaboration can help strike a balance between safety and respect for each others’ personal boundaries.
The Police Have Access To Your Data
Porch piracy is a growing problem in the United States, along with theft in general. While doorbell cameras may help in identifying criminals, this advantage does come with a caveat. Companies such as Google, Amazon, and SimpliSafe could actually be sharing your personal footage with law enforcement without your knowledge or consent. Amazon’s Ring, for example, is known to have partnered up with more than 400 police departments in the United States. They had allowed the police to gain full access to any footage that has been stored in the cloud. If you want to protect your privacy, make sure that you review the data sharing policies of your doorbell camera. Tech experts recommend that you choose doorbell models that have local storage rather than those that automatically upload your footage to the cloud.
It Might Not Actually Prevent Crimes
Doorbell cameras are typically advertised as crime deterrents. However research indicates that their effectiveness may be overestimated. A study published in MIT Technology Review revealed that Ring cameras in a Los Angeles area did not cut crime as dramatically as Amazon claimed. In fact, it actually increased. While these cameras can warn of questionable activity, they cannot ensure that your packages or vehicle will be safe. According to security experts, your response is what makes a difference. If you see theft and fail to report it, subsequent thefts will not be stopped. Acting quickly will help apprehend the thief, deter future incidents, and ultimately protect your community.
Extra Costs
Before purchasing a doorbell camera, evaluate your budget, particularly if you don’t want to incur pesky monthly fees. Some devices, such as Amazon’s Ring or Google’s Nest Cam, require a subscription to access certain additional features, such as 24/7 video history. These added expenses can quicky add up to $200 per year. Still, experts believe the convenience – such as knowing when items arrive or filtering door-to-door salespeople – is worth it. To save money, look at companies such as Cree, Netatmo, or Lorex that provide free or low-cost storage.
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