Can security cameras be hacked?
Any connected device can carry risk when it has weak credentials, outdated software, exposed services or insecure remote-access settings.
Security advisory
Your Cameras Are Working.
Your Cameras Are Working.
But Are They Secure?
Most business camera systems ship with known vulnerabilities that let someone watch your video, disable your cameras, or break into your network — sometimes without a password. Hi-Tech finds those problems before someone else does.
⚠ Government warning: IP cameras are under active attack
In 2021, CISA (the U.S. Cybersecurity Agency) and the FBI issued emergency alerts about critical vulnerabilities in IP cameras from Hikvision, Dahua and other major brands. Automated botnets scan the entire internet 24/7 looking for them. If your cameras haven't been updated since installation, they are almost certainly vulnerable.
The real risk
What someone can do with your cameras
These aren't theoretical. They're real capabilities confirmed on cameras identical to ones installed across Northeast Ohio.
👁
Watch your live video
Pull your feeds in real time from anywhere — customers, staff, inventory, the register.
🔴
Disable your cameras
Turn off recording before a break-in. Your NVR shows nothing.
🔓
Lock you out
Change your admin password so you can't get in — and they can.
🌐
Break into your network
Use one camera as a doorway to computers, POS systems and files.
🎙
Listen through the mic
Many cameras have microphones an attacker can eavesdrop through.
💀
Install permanent malware
Plant software that survives reboots and joins a criminal botnet.
Real findings
Proof from real cameras
Found during a live audit on cameras identical to what's installed in businesses across Cleveland, Akron and Canton.
Critical
CVE-2021-36260 — Full remote takeover, no password required
This Hikvision camera accepts commands from anyone on the network — no username, no password, no authentication. One web request gives full root access.
Camera: Hikvision OEM, Firmware V5.5.2 (2018) · Severity: 9.8 / 10 (Maximum)
PUT /SDK/webLanguage → HTTP 200 OK
Response: statusCode=1, statusString="OK"
Result: Unauthenticated command injection confirmed
Critical
CVE-2017-7921 — Config file download without login
Internal configuration pages accessible without any login — exposing device settings, network config, and potentially stored credentials.
Affected: Hikvision cameras with firmware before 2017 security patches
GET /doc/page/config.asp → HTTP 200 OK
Result: Full config interface served without authentication
Critical
Known default credentials — Xiongmai / generic IP cameras
Camera responds to widely-known default username and password. Anyone who Googles the model can log in. ONVIF management interface also open.
Camera: Xiongmai XM530 · Impact: Full admin access, live video, config changes
ONVIF GetDeviceInformation → 200 OK (no auth)
Manufacturer: "General", Model: "IPC", FirmwareVersion: "3.0.3.2"
Result: Full device control without credentials
9.8
Top CVE severity (out of 10)
80%+
Cameras never get firmware updates
0 sec
Time to exploit an unpatched camera
The audit
How Hi-Tech tests & hardens your system
Scan & discover
We identify every camera, NVR and recorder on your network — open ports, firmware, exposure.
Test for vulnerabilities
The same techniques attackers use: default-password checks, CVE tests, unauthenticated access attempts.
Report with proof
A clear Pass / Warning / Fail scorecard per device — with actual evidence, not guesses.
Fix & harden
Update firmware, change passwords, isolate cameras, disable extra services — then re-test.
Sample report
Every camera gets graded
| Camera | Brand | Firmware | Default password | Known CVEs | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front Door | Hikvision | V5.5.2 (2018) | Changed | CVE-2021-36260 | FAIL |
| Warehouse | Xiongmai | V3.0.3 (2020) | Default | Multiple | FAIL |
| Office | Dahua | V2.8 (2022) | Changed | Patched | PASS |
| Parking Lot | Hikvision | V5.4.5 (2017) | Default | CVE-2017-7921 | FAIL |
Options
Straightforward pricing
Start with a quick remote check, or go full on-site. Every tier ends in a plain-English scorecard.
Remote
Quick Assessment
$295
- Remote scan of your camera network
- Default-password & exposure checks
- Pass / Warning / Fail scorecard
Most popular
On-Site Audit
$795
- Half-day on-site assessment
- Full CVE & credential testing
- Remediation plan with priorities
- Proof for every critical finding
Comprehensive
Full Network Audit
$1,495
- Full-day camera + network assessment
- Segmentation & isolation review
- Hardening + re-test included
- Ongoing monitoring options
Recurring monitoring and annual reassessment plans available. Call for a quote tailored to your site.
Answers
Camera security, explained
Can security cameras really be hacked?
Yes. In 2021 CISA and the FBI issued alerts about critical vulnerabilities in IP cameras from Hikvision, Dahua and other brands. Automated botnets scan the internet constantly for cameras with default passwords or unpatched firmware. If your cameras haven't been updated since installation, they are likely exposed.
What is a CVE?
CVE stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures — the official global database where researchers publicly report security flaws, like a recall notice for technology. Insurance companies, government agencies and auditors all reference CVE numbers. A known CVE left unpatched raises your breach and liability exposure.
What does the audit include?
We scan every camera, NVR and recorder on your network, check open ports and firmware, test for default passwords and known CVE exploits, then grade each device Pass / Warning / Fail with proof. We then update firmware, change default passwords, isolate cameras on their own network, disable unnecessary services, and re-test to confirm the fix.
Do you only audit systems you installed?
No — we audit and harden existing camera systems from any installer or brand across Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Northeast Ohio. If we didn't install it, we'll still tell you exactly where it stands.
Find out if your cameras are exposed
Most businesses don't know they're vulnerable until it's too late. A 30-minute check tells you where you stand.
Hi-Tech Security Solutions · Cleveland • Akron • Canton · Serving Northeast Ohio since 2000