Update your Wi-Fi security camera now to keep your network safe

Why do you need to update all devices on your Wi-Fi network?

Most people know the importance of keeping the operating system and software on their computer, phone, or tablet up to date to protect against security vulnerabilities.

However, not everyone realizes that other devices in the network ecosystem, such as Wi-Fi security cameras, routers, or Internet of Things (IoT) devices, also need to be updated regularly to avoid becoming weak points for hackers to exploit.

A recent attack shows the serious consequences of ignoring these updates. According to UK security firm S-RM, an organized group of hackers used stolen login credentials or cracked passwords to gain access to a company's network.

When they tried to deploy the malware, they were detected and quarantined by Windows security software. However, instead of giving up, the hackers searched for other weak points in the network and discovered a Wi-Fi camera and a fingerprint reader that had internal connectivity but were not updated.

Outdated Wi-Fi Camera: The open gate for ransomware

According to S-RM's report, the compromised Wi-Fi security camera is an IoT device with network access and runs the Linux operating system. Hackers took advantage of a security vulnerability on the device to deploy a Linux-based attack tool.

They then use this device as a springboard to spread ransomware to other Windows systems in the network, thereby bypassing the protections of the Windows operating system.

It is worth mentioning that the security flaw on this camera was discovered and patched by the manufacturer in advance. However, because the owner did not perform the software update, the device still has a serious vulnerability, creating conditions for a successful attack.

Update all devices on your network

Network-connected Wi-Fi security cameras have long been considered a security risk if not properly managed. This incident is a clear demonstration that regular software updates are essential to protecting networks from sophisticated attacks. If the attacked device had been running the latest software version, the attack could have been disabled in the first place.

While ransomware attacks often target large-scale corporate networks, that doesn't mean individuals or households can ignore the risk.

Automated scans for vulnerable IoT devices are ongoing, and if your camera or router is vulnerable, you could be the next victim.

How to protect your Wi-Fi network?

Regular software updates:Check and update the firmware for all Internet-connected devices, especially security cameras, routers, and other IoT devices.

Change default password:Use strong passwords and change them periodically to reduce the risk of being attacked by password guessing.

Enable additional security features:Many devices support two-factor authentication (2FA) or additional security mechanisms to reduce the risk of compromise.

IoT network isolation:If possible, place IoT devices on a separate Wi-Fi network to limit access to critical systems.

Network Activity Monitoring:Use firewalls or security tools to detect and block suspicious activities.

Updating your software may take some time, but it's one of the most important steps you can take to protect your devices and data from malicious attacks. Don't let your negligence give hackers an opening.