Identity Protection

Risk of Ring and Other Smart Doorbells

Smart doorbell cameras have been all-the-rage since 2019 and show no signs of slowing down. These integrated technologies are easy to install and give homeowners 24/7 remote access to surveil their home. Deliveries, visitors, and other doorstep activity can now be monitored at your fingertips.

A survey conducted by Strategy Analytics in 2020 found that one in four households across the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany are equipped with smart doorbell technologies. Brands like Ring, Nest, August Home, Vivint, Eufy, and other key players in the doorbell camera industry are reveling in their ongoing popularity. Conversely, customers have grown hyperaware of the potential security risks posed by these wirelessly connected devices.

Like other smart household technologies such as TVs, sound systems, and thermostats, doorbell cameras are connected via Wi-Fi. Several reports showed Ring configurations performed over an unsecure network, therefore allowing hackers to not only compromise the camera itself, but homeowners’ wireless network, e-mail addresses, and other personal data too.

To prevent hackers from peering through your security camera or trolling your personal network, check your smart doorbell for protected wireless protocols. You also want to update your doorbell password, preferably one that differs from your other account passwords and that contains a unique combination of letters, numbers, and other permitted characters.

Another security feature, or the lack thereof, could be putting your doorbell at risk. When purchasing a smart camera, check for the option of two-factor authentication. This two-step login and activation process is unlikely to be probed by scammers.

Lastly, always install software updates. The more up-to-date your smart doorbell is, the less likely you are to experience a breach due to outdated privacy measures.