In the News
In Ring’s home security system launches next month for $199, Jacob Kastrenakes discusses the upcoming launch of a relatively inexpensive home security system by Ring, a company owned by Amazon. Kastrenakes explains that this system can be monitored by the user themselves or professionally for an additional cost. Kastrenakes also explains that this new technology is meant to advance the current Ring Doorbell systems which lets one monitor and communicate with people at one’s home entrance.
Our Take
There are a number of benefits to a user-monitored security system–anyone whose cats have accidentally triggered the burglar alarm and a visit from a police unit knows that. However, these systems need to be carefully secured when they allow video access to your front door. As with location data, you want to be sure you’re the only one who is able to casually run back footage of when people enter and leave your house. This is especially true if you are responsible for installation and configuration of the system. The risk continues to increase as you add functionality to these systems: indoor cameras, door unlocking capabilities, etc.
Recommendations
- Make sure that cameras and devices are installed and configured by a qualified individual with knowledge of the security controls that should be enabled
- Do sufficient research before buying new technologies that have access to your personal life and personal information
- Change the default passwords for these devices–both the management interfaces on the devices themselves, and the accounts you use daily to monitor the video output
- Stay up to date on current security breaches to see if you have been impacted