Securing Your Dahua System Against Unauthorised Access
Dahua security systems provide robust protection for homes and businesses, but like any network-connected device, they can be a target for unauthorised access if not properly secured. Seeing your cameras move on their own or discovering settings have been changed can be a deeply unsettling experience.
This guide will teach you how to identify the signs of a potential breach, the immediate steps you must take to lock down your system, and the crucial preventative measures to keep your Dahua devices secure for the long term.
Telltale Signs of Unauthorised Access
Hackers or unauthorised users often leave subtle traces. You need to know what to look for.
- Unexpected Camera Movement: If you have PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras that move or zoom without your command, this is the most blatant sign that someone else is in control.
- Configuration Changes: You notice that camera names have been changed, motion detection zones have been altered, or the recording schedule has been turned off.
- New User Accounts: You check the user list and find accounts that you did not create.
- Unfamiliar IPs in Logs: The system log shows successful logins from IP addresses you don't recognise. This is the most definitive proof of a breach.
- Increased Network Traffic: You notice an unusual spike in your network's upload data, which could indicate someone is streaming your camera feeds.
Immediate Steps to Take if You Suspect a Breach
If you notice any of the signs above, you must act immediately to regain control.
1. Disconnect the System from the Internet
Your first priority is to cut off the intruder's access. The quickest way to do this is to unplug the ethernet cable from the back of your NVR (Network Video Recorder) or DVR (Digital Video Recorder). This takes the system offline, giving you a safe environment to work in.
2. Change All Passwords
This is the most critical step.
- Log In Locally: Connect a monitor and mouse directly to your NVR/DVR.
- Navigate to User Management: Go to the main menu, then to Account or User.
- Change Every Password: You must change the password for every single user, starting with the 'admin' account. Do not just change your own password. The intruder may have created their own backdoor account.
- Use a Strong Password: Your new password should be long (at least 12-15 characters) and complex, using a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g.,
!@£$).
3. Delete Unrecognised User Accounts
While you are in the User Management menu, carefully review the list of all users. If you see any accounts you did not create (e.g., 'guest', 'user1', 'system'), delete them immediately.
4. Review System Logs
Before you reconnect the system to the internet, review the logs to see what the intruder did. Go to System > Log and look for login events and configuration changes. Take note of the IP addresses used by the attacker.
5. Reboot Your System
After changing all passwords and deleting rogue users, perform a full reboot of the NVR/DVR.
Long-Term Security Best Practices
Once you have secured your system, you must adopt best practices to prevent it from happening again.
- Update Your Firmware: Regularly check the official Dahua website for firmware updates for your specific model. These updates contain critical security patches that fix vulnerabilities.
- Disable UPnP: Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) is a network feature that can automatically open ports on your router, making your system visible to the internet. Disable UPnP on both your Dahua device (under Network > UPnP) and in your router's settings.
- Avoid Port Forwarding: While port forwarding allows direct remote access, it's a significant security risk. A much safer method is to use Dahua's P2P (Peer-to-Peer) service, which is enabled by default. It allows you to connect via the mobile app without opening ports.
- Use a Strong, Unique Password: This cannot be overstated. Do not reuse passwords from other services.
By taking these proactive steps, you can ensure that your Dahua security system remains a tool for your protection, not a vulnerability to be exploited.