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Information Security Tips Series |
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Nowadays, people like to set up a surveillance system in their home for various purposes like observing their maids taking care of their babies, monitoring their flats during vacation and preventing crime. Thanks to the rapid development of Internet and digital video technology, remote control and operation of such system with any computers or mobile devices on Internet at anywhere in the world have become possible and affordable. Home surveillance via Internet can be as simple as an Internet Protocol (IP) enabled camera directly connected to Internet. Via Internet, people can remotely connect to a camera for live monitoring. Remote control of the camera like zoom, pan and tilt movement is also possible. Using the built-in storage capability or external storage devices, the captured images or videos can be stored and reviewed in future. The images or videos can also be viewed directly using web browsers. Some advanced surveillance systems can even automatically upload the captured images or videos to Internet like "Cloud Storage". No matter how sophisticated it is, the basic fact is that this kind of surveillance system is connected to Internet and is allowed access from Internet. Like other websites, it is subject to the risk of Internet attack or information leakage. Do not assume nobody knows the existence of your surveillance system. You should understand the risks while enjoying its benefits, and bear the following questions in mind: * Is the remote access to the surveillance system restricted from other Internet users? Have username and fairly complex password been setup properly? * Do the images or videos need encryption when transmitted in Internet? Can secure connection (e.g. SSL or HTTPS) be used when viewing images or videos in Internet browsers? * Do I need to upload the captured images or videos to Internet? Are the images or videos safer when stored in Internet? * Do I need to store the captured images or videos separately from my other data in another storage device? * Would other computers in my home network be open to Internet too? Does the firewall in my broadband router allow remote access to surveillance system only, not other computers? * Are there any other issues to be considered like privacy or legality? Think twice before setting up the home surveillance via Internet and compare the products carefully. Although many products offer similar surveillance capabilities, their features in information security and default settings may not be the same. Do not let the information security loopholes in your home surveillance system compromise your home security. In the meantime, you should also consider whether your actions are ethical and legal. |
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