Blink cameras enable you to watch every movement inside and outside your property. Thanks to wireless connectivity, you can do it from home and remotely. But can Blink cameras be hacked?
To tell you the truth — it can happen! Hackers are targeting smart CCTVs like Blink to spy on homes.
Luckily, you can secure your devices and protect your privacy. We’ll explain how below!
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Can Blink cameras be hacked?
Cybercriminals can hack Blink home cameras if they’re misconfigured.
Moreover, security researchers have found several exploitable vulnerabilities. Hackers may also use brute force attacks to break into Blink accounts with weak passwords. They rely on tools that generate countless passphrases to find the right one.
Once logged in, malicious actors can go through your history of CCTV recordings. They can even switch to live view to look at footage in real time.
Hacking your home network provides another way to access Blink cameras. Attackers could guess your router’s password.
Your devices may also get infected by malware such as spyware and keyloggers. They could steal sensitive data like your Blink login details and forward them to hackers.
There’s also the risk of using outdated software and firmware on your devices. Security vulnerabilities may exist, increasing your chances of getting hacked.
And one more thing:
Hackers can use social engineering tricks like smishing and phishing to get you. They may convince you to accidentally reveal your Blink account credentials.
How can I tell if my Blink camera has been hacked?
There are several telltale signs that your smart CCTV device has been breached:
- Unusual activity — That includes your camera randomly turning on/off, LED blinking, panning, tilting, etc.
- Strange sounds — You may hear random voices, whispering, office sounds, and movements.
- Camera setting changes — If no one in your household is responsible for them, you probably have intruders.
- Password notifications — Keep an eye out for messages telling you that someone tried to change your password.
- You’re locked out of your Blink account — If you can’t access your profile with your current password, it’s probably hacked.
How to protect my Blink camera from being hacked
The best course of action when dealing with cybercriminals is prevention. Here are some easy-to-follow security tips:
Update your device/app
You should always keep your Blink camera’s firmware up-to-date. Amazon regularly releases new versions bundled with security patches. That way, you can significantly decrease the chances of getting hacked.
You should do the same for the Blink iOS and Android apps. You also shouldn’t neglect your internet router, and antivirus or firewall.
Use strong passwords
Weak passwords could endanger your Blink account.
They need to be at least eight characters long and include letters, numbers, and symbols. That way, cybercriminals won’t be able to brute force them.
You should also never reuse passwords.
However, complex combinations can be tricky to remember. You should get a password manager to safely store them.
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of protection to your Blink account. When activated, you’ll need a one-time passcode (OTP) alongside your password to log in.
The code is usually sent via SMS and email. It also auto-expires after 40 minutes.
This feature comes in handy whenever you lose your credentials to hackers. They’ll need the OTP to reach your account.
Disable remote access
Alternatively, you can disable remote access on your camera. This will definitely prevent malicious users from eavesdropping on you.
However, it’ll also let you view your live feed only at home. Any access to the CCTV will be cut when you’re away.
Despite the inconvenience, it’s worth a shot if you care about privacy.
Phishing scams
During a phishing attack, you might receive a legitimate-looking email from Blink, asking you to click a link. It also might request your login details.
In reality, actual company representatives would never send you a message like that.
Always make sure the emails come from a verified account. Should you feel suspicious, contact Blink’s support team for help.
Conclusion
So, can Blink cameras be hacked? As you’ve read, it’s possible!
The devices support remote access, which hackers can exploit. They can also crack weak passwords to access Blink’s cloud accounts.
Moreover, improper Wi-Fi configuration at home may compromise your camera as well.
The good news is that following our security recommendations will discourage attackers. These include setting strong passwords, updating your software and firmware, disabling remote access, and more.
