Hackers could use home security system against you - ABC-7.com WZVN News for Fort Myers, Cape Coral & Naples, Florida

Hackers could use home security system against you

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Your home security system may not be as secure as you think. Hackers used them to cause a massive website outage last week, but a cyber security expert we spoke with said these cameras could be used for more malicious reasons.

Your smartphone, your printer, even your refrigerator - if you have a device connected to the web, hackers could have a key to your privacy.

In this age of technology, it's pretty common to have devices connected to Wi-Fi.

Even personal home security systems come web-equipped, allowing you to check on your home while you're out.

Peter Pavel is an internet user who does everything possible to make sure his network is secure.

"I make sure no one can access it freely," Pavel said, "so that I know that it's my router and I'm using my bandwidth, and nobody else is getting on to it."

Not everyone does this. As a result, your security cameras and their accompanying DVRs can become compromised.

Cyber security experts say when security cameras are connected to the Internet, hackers can use them as backdoors and possibly see what you don't want them to see.

Last week's massive website outage targeted Twitter, Amazon, and other popular sites.

Hackers used more than half a million security camera DVRS - much like one you would buy for your home - to cause the outage.

Greg Scasny of Cybersecurity Defense Solutions said hackers also tap into devices you'd never expect.

"All these things you're plugging into the network that people want to have internet access," said Scasny. "Your refrigerator, your toaster, your coffee maker, all these devices they're plugging in are all vulnerable to these types of things."

Scasny recommends regular updates to your security system and being mindful of the brand of cameras you own.

He also said not every security system is vulnerable and adds that conducting regular software and password updates should keep you in good shape.

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