Smart Cameras and Video Doorbells: Security and Privacy Basics

Video doorbells and smart cameras have become common on porches, in driveways and inside homes. They can deter package theft, let you see who is at the door while you are away and help you check on a pet or an aging parent.

They also create recordings of your family's daily life, often stored online. A camera that is easy to break into, or set up carelessly, can expose exactly what you meant to protect. Here is how to choose, set up and use them wisely.

The main risks to understand

• Account takeover. The most common way strangers gain access to home cameras is through the owner's account, often because of a reused password and no two-factor authentication.
• Weak device security. Some inexpensive cameras receive few or no security updates.
• Cloud storage of recordings. Footage stored online is only as private as the account and the company's practices.
• Oversharing. Shared access for relatives, house sitters or former partners can linger long after it should end.
• Recording others. Cameras that capture neighbors' yards, public sidewalks or audio of conversations can raise privacy and legal concerns.

What to look for before you buy

• A track record of security updates and a clear statement of how long the device will be supported.
• Two-factor authentication for the account.
• Encryption of video, and end-to-end encryption options where offered, which keep recordings unreadable to anyone without your devices.
• Local storage options, such as a memory card or home hub, if you prefer not to keep everything in the cloud.
• A readable privacy policy explaining what data the company collects, how long it keeps recordings and how it responds to requests for footage.

A secure setup checklist

1. Use a unique, strong password for the camera account, stored in a password manager.
2. Turn on two-factor authentication for the account. Our comparison of two-factor authentication methods shows the strongest options.
3. Update the firmware and turn on automatic updates if available.
4. Put cameras on a separate network, such as your router's guest network, so they are isolated from your computers. Our guide to securing your Wi-Fi router explains how.
5. Limit shared users to people who truly need access, and review the list every few months.
6. Turn off features you do not use, such as audio recording or remote viewing for a camera you only check at home.
7. Set a retention period for recordings that fits your needs, and delete what you do not need.

Placement and privacy

Where you point a camera matters as much as how you secure it.

• Focus on your own property: your door, driveway and yard. Use privacy zones or motion zones, offered by many cameras, to block out neighbors' windows and yards.
• Avoid private spaces indoors, such as bathrooms and bedrooms, and think carefully about cameras in shared living areas.
• Tell people who are recorded indoors, including house guests, babysitters, cleaners and caregivers. It builds trust and may be legally required.
• Be careful with audio. Laws about recording conversations vary by state and country, and some require everyone's consent. If you are unsure, turn audio off or ask an attorney about your situation.
• Renters should check their lease and talk to the landlord before installing cameras, especially outside the unit.

Cameras for businesses and ministries

Small businesses, churches and nonprofits use cameras for safety too. Post visible signs where cameras are in use, avoid areas where people expect privacy, tell staff and volunteers how footage is used and who can view it, and set a retention policy. Rules for workplace monitoring vary, so check local requirements.

When you get rid of a camera

Before selling, giving away or discarding a camera, remove it from your account and perform a factory reset. Delete any stored recordings you no longer need from the cloud service.

Frequently asked questions

Can someone hack my security camera?

It is possible, most often through a reused or weak password on the camera account. Unique passwords, two-factor authentication and updated firmware block the most common attacks.

Is it legal to record my neighbor's yard?

Laws vary, but pointing cameras primarily at your own property and using privacy zones to block neighbors' private areas is the respectful approach. Audio recording laws can be stricter, so check local rules or ask an attorney.

Should I store recordings in the cloud or locally?

Cloud storage keeps footage safe if the camera is stolen, while local storage keeps it off company servers. Some people use both. Whichever you choose, protect the account and set a sensible retention period.