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How To Tell If Your Wyze Camera Has Been Hacked
The use of smart home technology has become increasingly popular over the years, with more and more people using gadgets like cameras, doorbells, and speakers to keep their homes connected and secure. One of the most popular smart cameras is the Wyze camera, which offers budget-friendly options with great features. While these devices can make life easier and more convenient, they can also be vulnerable to hacking attempts. The possibility of a hacker gaining access to your Wyze camera means that they can have access to all the live footage of your home, which can pose significant risks.
If you have a Wyze camera, it’s essential to ensure that it’s secure. In this article, we’ll cover some steps you can take to identify if your Wyze camera has been hacked and some measures to protect your device from these cyber threats.
How can hackers gain access to your Wyze Camera?
Hackers usually gain access to Wyze cameras through Force Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) messages, which makes it easy to exploit the camera without the user’s knowledge. The attackers can also launch a brute force attack that targets the Wyze camera’s login portal, using the login credentials to gain access to the camera’s settings. Once they gain access, they can view or take control of your camera, including adjusting the camera’s angles, obtaining real-time video footage, and even cloud storage information.
Signs that Your Wyze Camera has been hacked
The following are common signs to look out for to determine if your Wyze camera has been hacked:
Unusual sounds coming from the camera
If you hear strange sounds that you’ve never heard before, like unfamiliar voices, there is a high probability that your camera has been hacked. The most alarming part about this is that the hackers may use these sounds to trick you into thinking you’re hearing naturally occurring events such as voices or the sound of people walking around when it’s not. It’s essential to ensure that your microphones are working correctly and that you perform a factory reset. Consider updating the firmware version to the most recent one.
The camera is not functioning correctly.
If the Wyze camera’s functionality is not as usual, it could be a sign that someone has taken control of the camera. For example, if you usually have your camera placed in a specific position and you notice that it’s pointing in a different direction, this is a clear indication that someone has hacked into it.
The camera pans by itself
If you notice that your camera is moving by itself, it could be a sign of hacking. The camera could be responding to the commands of the hacker who has taken control of it. This is where the hacker is panning and zooming the camera and not you. Make sure you check the log data to see if someone is accessing your Wyze camera outside of normal hours.
You receive password reset requests that you did not initiate.
If you receive password reset requests from your Wyze account, it could be because someone is trying to gain access to your account. Suppose you have not initiated this request, it means someone else has access to your email. Ensure that you are using a strong password and use two-factor authentication for added security. You can also delete your account and create another one to be on the safe side.
The camera keeps disconnecting from the internet
If your Wyze camera keeps disconnecting from the internet, it could be a sign of manipulation, and this occurs when a hacker is accessing your camera, causing the loss of the network connection. If this happens, you will not get any notifications since the camera is no longer connected to the internet. To resolve this, ensure that you have a strong internet connection and check your router settings to ensure they are correct and have not been tampered with.
You notice a reduction in storage capacity.
If you notice a reduction in storage space on your Wyze camera, it could mean that someone has access to your camera’s storage footage, and they may be deleting certain clips as they feel necessary. Again, your camera logs are a critical tool in determining whether this is the case. When you have technology at home, try as much as possible to keep an eye on all your home gadgets.
Steps to Secure your Wyze Camera against Hacking
When it comes to securing your Wyze camera from hackers, the following are best practices:
Update the firmware regularly
Always update your Wyze camera’s firmware to the most recent version. The updates usually come with significant bug fixations and security patches, which can help to prevent hackers from exploiting any weaknesses. You can configure your camera updates to be automatic, so you don’t have to worry about checking periodically for any new updates.
Secure your router
The Wyze camera is connected to your home Wi-Fi network, which is also a potential vulnerability. Ensure that your router is secure and updated regularly, and use a strong password to protect your Wi-Fi network. The use of WPA3 security ensures that your network is secure and encrypted. Using a virtual private network (VPN) can also add an extra layer of security to your Wyze camera.
Use Two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is a must-have for all of your online accounts, including your Wyze camera. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring two different means of authentication. You can use either a text message or a unique one-time code to verify any sign-in requests. This ensures that only you have access to your accounts, reducing the vulnerability to hacking.
Use a strong password
Many people use the same password for every account, making it easy for hackers to gain access once they have either figured out your password or obtained it from a data breach. Use a strong, unique password that is not easily guessable. Ensure that you change your password regularly and never use the same password for your different accounts.
Disable unused features or services
If you’re not using some of the features or services on your Wyze camera, disable them to make it less vulnerable. For example, if you don’t need the two-way audio feature, turn it off as it could be potentially hacked. Be mindful of this feature as well if the camera has access to your local network as a hacker could use it to get access to your Wi-Fi passwords.
FAQ
Can hackers access my Wyze camera through the Wyze app?
No, hackers cannot access your Wyze camera through the Wyze app. The app uses secure communication channels to communicate with the camera, making it difficult for hackers to access the camera through the app. Hackers usually gain access through the camera’s login portal or brute-forcing the login credentials.
How can I ensure that my Wyze camera is secure?
Ensure that you update your Wyze camera firmware regularly; use a strong password that’s not easy to guess and use two-factor authentication. Also, disable any unused features or services on your camera and secure your Wi-Fi network.
Can hackers use my Wyze camera for botnets?
Yes, hackers can use your Wyze camera for botnets. A botnet is a group of hijacked devices used for malicious purposes such as launching a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. Hackers can gain access to your Wyze camera and use it in a botnet without your knowledge. Always ensure that your camera is secure.
Is it safe to use Wyze cameras in my home?
Yes, it is safe to use Wyze cameras in your home as long as you follow the best practices to ensure that your camera is secure. Always update your Wyze camera firmware, use a strong password, enable two-factor authentication, and disable any unused features or services on your camera. Also, secure your Wi-Fi network and ensure that you are using the appropriate security features.
Closing Thoughts
Keeping your Wyze camera secure should be a priority. You must ensure that you follow best practices such as updating your firmware regularly, using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and disabling unused features or services on your camera. Also, secure your Wi-Fi network and router. Remember, the signs of a hacker gaining access to your Wyze camera include unusual sounds, the camera panning by itself, reduction in storage capacity, password reset requests, and malfunctioning cameras. Always follow these steps to keep your home secure and peaceful.
