This is the scary scenario: a stranger gaining access to your live feed or recorded footage. This usually happens not because the camera company was breached, but because the user’s password was weak or reused from another site that was breached.

Tech-savvy users often create a "Guest Network" on their router specifically for IoT (Internet of Things) devices like cameras and smart lights. If a hacker compromises a device on the guest network, they cannot easily jump to your laptop or phone on the main network.

The fastest way to ruin a relationship with a neighbor is to point a camera at their bedroom window, even if "it's just the corner of it."

Before mounting a camera, do the "T-Shirt Test." Stand at the proposed camera location and look at where the lens points. Can you see a neighbor’s window? Can you see their front door? Can you see their backyard lounging area? If you can see it, the camera can see it.

The etiquette checklist:

Never point a camera at a space where a person has a reasonable expectation of undress or seclusion. This includes:

For your own household:

For neighbors and visitors:

Check local laws:

In an era of rising property crime and smart-home innovation, home security cameras have become a staple for millions of households. From doorbell cameras to pan-tilt indoor units, these devices offer peace of mind. However, they also raise a critical question: How do you protect your home without invading your—or someone else’s—privacy?

Not all cameras treat privacy the same way. When shopping, look for these features: