Privacy Concerns: Know If Your Baby Monitor is Hacked
Hello everyone!
As you know, baby monitors are being upgraded over time. Today’s brands often focus on lullabies, bells, and other fancy elements.
Parents also look for and want these in their baby monitors. But there’s something else you should focus more on when you get a baby monitor – is it hackable, and how can you tell if your baby monitor is hacked?
After listening to horror stories involving baby monitors, I became more careful with them. Those stories truly send a chill down my spine!
So, let’s go through baby monitor security, signs of hacking, and baby monitors that cannot be hacked. I’ve also listed down some FAQs you may find useful.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
6 Signs to Tell if Your Baby Monitor is Hacked
Every coin has two sides. Similarly, baby monitors become a threat when intruders break into the system.
And dear parents, I do not want to alarm you, but I think it’s important to be aware of what can happen when a baby monitor is hacked. Here is Jamie Summitt’s post on Facebook explaining the dangers of a hacked baby monitor. Her heart-wrenching story is enough to warn mothers to be extra careful.
No matter which baby monitor you use, awareness is crucial. Here are the signs that you should watch for to know if your baby monitor is hacked:
- Strange Voices —When you notice unusual voices or noises coming from the child unit, and they do not sound like your baby’s cries, it’s time to investigate because a stranger may be invading your privacy.
- Unexplained Camera Movements — If you observe unexplained camera motions without your commands or inputs, that’s a high chance that your monitor has been hacked.
- Settings Changed Without Your Consent — Only authorized users can change settings or credentials on baby monitors. Take it as a red flag if you notice changes not made by people you trust.
- Unusual LED Activity — Be vigilant about abnormal LED activity at odd times. If it’s going on and off when not required, it may be hacked.
- Unrecognized IP Address — If you detect an unfamiliar IP address login, it’s a possible indicator that someone else is trying to use your device.
- Weird Activity on Internet-Connected Devices — Your home network may be linked to other electronic devices, including baby monitors. So, if something is amiss in one of the other devices, set up precautionary measures on your monitor before an unknown person takes control.
Learn when baby monitors are useful and read about their benefits: Do you really need a baby monitor?
The Don’ts of Baby Monitors: For Better Baby Monitor Security
- Don’t set weak credentials and passwords. It just makes it easier for hackers to gain access to them.
- Don’t use outdated router firmware.
- Don’t use downgraded firmware for your monitor’s camera (Read the manufacturer’s guidelines to update your camera’s firmware).
- Don’t forget to register your account on the manufacturer’s baby monitor site to learn about important software updates.
- Don’t turn on remote access on the monitor’s camera when you’re not at home.
It may also help to understand how a baby monitor works, whether you have an audio, video, or movement baby monitor.
What Should I Do If My Monitor Is Already Hacked?
My first advice would be to disconnect your baby monitor and turn it off. Seek customer support and see how best they can guide you.
- Relax and change the baby monitor’s password immediately.
- Modify the password for your home Wi-Fi too. If you’ve got multiple devices accessing that same Wi-Fi, hackers can also tamper with the other devices!
- It’s also good to check for unauthorized activity in your bank account, debit, and credit cards.
- Finally, report the issue to your country’s authorities as soon as you can, folks.
P.S. I’ve also written a comprehensive guide on where to put baby monitors for the best view of your baby’s room.
Which Baby Monitors Cannot Be Hacked?
There are two types of baby monitors based on the technology they use: Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi baby monitors.
Internet-connected devices are susceptible to hacking, so Wi-Fi-based baby monitors are more prone to hacking risks. But does that mean non-WiFi ones are completely safe?
No. You will still have to regularly check security settings and protect yourself from the risk of unauthorized access.
The ones that are most difficult to hack are digital baby monitors. It’s because of the FHSS technology built into them, making it challenging for hackers to hack. I also made a list of a few hack-proof baby monitors for you!
Secure Baby Monitor Options
| Baby Monitor | Description |
|---|---|
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor | One of the safest Wi-Fi options in the market with 256-bit AES encryption. |
Infant Optics DXR-8 PRO Monitor | It uses FHSS technology to provide a hack-proof signal and does not need Wi-Fi or apps to work. |
VTech VM819 Baby Monitor | A mid-range, no Wi-Fi, no app baby monitor secured with FHSS for a secure, reliable connection. |
If you need a more detailed list of the features to look for when purchasing a baby monitor, check out how to choose a baby monitor: 6 essential features.
FAQs on Baby Monitor Hacking
1. Is It Better to Not Use Baby Monitors Since They Are Hackable?
A baby monitor comes in really handy if you’re taking care of two or more children like I do. And it all depends on your needs and choices. So, if you believe that they can help your family out, try the following:
1. get hack-proof baby monitors like a digital monitor with FHSS technology or
2. follow preventive measures – set a strong password for Wi-Fi/app-based monitors, and regularly update the router firmware and baby monitor software.
2. What is the Purpose of Hacking Baby Monitors?
Here are some possibilities of why hackers target baby monitors:
1. The hacker can use your baby monitor’s camera to spy on you and obtain personal or intimate information.
2. A baby monitor that’s connected to Wi-Fi can also expose your other connected devices and even impact your financials, gaining unauthorized access to your accounts.
While these are two possibilities, there may be other reasons as well.
3. What Degree Of Hacking Risks Does My Wi-Fi Baby Monitor Have?
Wi-Fi monitors have a higher risk of being hacked.
However, you can mitigate it by changing a weak password, securing your VPN router, and reducing other vulnerabilities. Additionally, research your Wi-Fi monitor to ensure it has no past reports of hacking.
4. Should I Choose Non-Wi-Fi Baby Monitors Over Wi-Fi Monitors?
The Wi-Fi ones are more easily hackable, that’s true enough. But that doesn’t mean that non-Wi-Fi baby monitors are completely hack-proof, either! Bear with me for a second, though.
– We know that prevention is better than cure, so it’s always better to check all security features before purchasing a baby monitor to ensure your family can rest easy.
– And whether you have Wi-Fi or non-Wi-Fi baby monitors, regular checks can help you more than you can imagine. Make sure you update the necessary software and register yourself on the manufacturer’s website to know about concerns or upgrades.
Wrapping Up on Baby Monitor Hacking
Undeniably, baby monitors have made life easy for busy parents to track their little ones 24/7 remotely. I am so glad I got my baby monitor because I could do other tasks and still be all eyes and ears for my baby boy, Theo.
But we can’t forget that hackers exist, just waiting for an opportunity. So, it’s paramount to be extra careful. Fix baby monitor issues as soon as you detect unusual activities and security vulnerabilities.
Lastly, try looking for hack-proof baby monitors from recognized brands to protect your baby and family.
