Months after a report outing Eken video doorbells as hackable, a fix is here. Bad guys can access video doorbells that work with the Aiwit app and take control of the device. And with no encryption, your Wi-Fi and IP address could be exposed. Double-check your Aiwit app to make sure you’re up to date. Go to Devices and tap your doorbell name. Look for a firmware number of 2.4.1 or higher.
3 common mistakes when installing security cameras
Security cameras give us peace of mind that our homes and valuables are safe when we’re away. A doorbell camera can be a significant deterrent for sneaky thieves.
They aren’t failsafe, though. Crooks can jam Wi-Fi-connected video doorbells and rob you before you realize what happened. It’s rare but possible. Tap or click for smart ways to stop them in their tracks.
The good news is you can take steps to protect the devices that protect you.
1. You cheaped out.
We all want to save a buck, but going for the cheapest option is never savvy regarding tech. I don’t just mean you’ll miss out on essential features, either. Cheap brands are more likely to cut corners regarding security, too.
Here are the features I think are essential:
- Audio recording and HD video (you’ll wish you had this in case something happens and you need the footage)
- A privacy shutter that covers the lens when you don’t want the camera filming
- At least seven days of storage
- Regular security and firmware updates
My pick is SimpliSafe, a sponsor of my show. I prefer DIY options that allow you to order what you need online and set it all up yourself without paying for installation or a costly annual contract.
Speaking of saving money, these five mistakes are like flushing cash down the toilet.
2. You just plugged it in to get it to work.
Repeat after me: Default passwords must be changed. This step is vital when it comes to your security system or even just a standalone camera.
There’s no excuse for using a weak password, either. Even if you don’t pay for a password manager, the major browsers have built-in tools that generate and store unique passwords for you.
7 clever uses for your smart doorbell camera
Smart doorbell cameras add a ton of value to your life. Not only do they make you feel more secure in your home, but they can deter criminals, too. If you let a burglar know you’re watching them, they may be too spooked to try anything.
Roblox scam targets kids, employee-tracking shocker & text message hack
Plus, deepfake videos are spreading — how to spot them. Lost kids found through video doorbells, dozens fall for Facebook scam, and ways to hide your phone number.
How to upgrade to a video doorbell without wiring it
Video doorbells are one of the best investments you can make for home security. It’s been shown they can deter up to 43% of criminals from actually causing problems. Tap or click for seven clever new uses for your smart doorbell camera.
Shopping for an outdoor security camera? 5 things to look for
In today’s world, you can never be too safe. There are many ways to secure your property, from locking your doors to keeping hackers out with antivirus software.
Take outdoor security cameras, for example. This popular technology helps you protect your home and loved ones from whatever may go bump in the night.
3 ways to get more life out of your video doorbell battery (and 1 way you're killing it)
Before video doorbells, you had to peek through peepholes to see strangers standing on your front porch. If vengeful exes or armed robbers are waiting on the other side of the door, standing too close can put you in danger. Luckily, with video doorbells, you can see who wants to come in from your smartphone.
Kim's pick: My favorite video doorbell to keep an eye on what's happening out front
If you want to secure your home, video doorbells are a no-brainer. They’re a great way to get a little extra peace of mind. You can check in to ensure your front porch is safe if you’re at the office or the grocery store.
Is your video doorbell picking up private conversations? Here’s how to tell
Technology has allowed us to move from the traditional two-tone doorbell to something far more complex. A staple of Hollywood sci-fi films, video doorbells first appeared for commercial use around 2013.
The nifty gadgets let you see who is at the front door without getting off the couch, and you can even talk to whoever visits. As with much technology, there is a dark side that most people don’t know about.
3 things you didn’t know you could do with a video doorbell
In the olden days, nobles hired guardsmen to catch castle burglars in the act. Highly-trained sentries would kick any wannabe Robin Hoods off the property. Nowadays, our homes are like our castles — but since few folks can hire a 24/7 guard, we turn to tech gadgets to protect ourselves.
Ring just made its biggest security change in years - Here's how to enable it
Ring cameras are incredibly useful to see what is going on in your house or in the backyard. By connecting them to your Wi-Fi network, you can see who is at the front door right from your mobile device.
While these video doorbells are a great way to fend off porch pirates, you shouldn’t leave your total home security up to them. Tap or click here for our home security comparison: DIY options vs. traditional home security.
How to build a smart home at any budget
Smart homes feel pretty magical. Walk into a room, say the word and a light turns on or a lock slides into place. They’re also great for security: Out goes an SOS or medical emergency alert with a touch of the button.
Ring privacy: Here's how many video requests police and fire departments made last year
Footage captured by video doorbells could help police departments solve criminal cases. That’s the reasoning behind Amazon’s Ring network, which helps law enforcement in almost every state. Ring is partnered with over 2,000 police and fire departments across the U.S.
Ring adds end-to-end encryption - See if it's supported on your system
Most Americans have multiple smart gadgets in their homes. These tech toys make it easy to automate day to day tasks — which often make them worth the investment.
But while smart gadgets can make it simple to automate your lights, vacuuming or other chores, they can also leave you open to privacy and security issues. If your smart device includes a camera, hackers could even use these vulnerabilities to spy on you.
Video doorbell settings you must change
When it comes to smart devices, you have a ton of choices. Not only are smart speakers and assistants affordable and easy to obtain, but so are smart plugs, smart lights, smart thermostats and a ton of other smart devices, too.
Recall alert: 350K video doorbells are a potential fire hazard
Ring video doorbells are the latest gadget to be recalled for fire safety. In a notice filed with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, users are warned that incorrectly installing the doorbell can lead to overheating and burns.
Ring is forcing you to make this security change after recent privacy issues
Ring video doorbells have become a popular way for people to protect packages that get delivered and left on the porch. If you have one installed, you can see who’s approaching your door or if someone is trying to steal from you.