Is Your Guardzilla Camera Secure? A Guide to Preventing Unauthorized Access
The peace of mind your Guardzilla camera provides can be instantly shattered by the fear that someone unauthorized is watching you. Camera security is a serious issue, and while the thought of a "hacked" camera is alarming, there are concrete, practical steps you can take to secure your device and protect your privacy.
This guide will help you recognise the warning signs of a compromised account, take immediate action to lock down your camera, and follow best practices to ensure your home security remains private and effective.
## Warning Signs of Unauthorized Access
A compromised camera isn't always obvious, but there are several red flags to watch for. If you notice any of the following, you should take immediate action.
- Strange Noises or Voices: Hearing unfamiliar voices or sounds coming from your camera's speaker is the most direct sign that someone else has access and is using the two-way talk feature.
- Unexpected Camera Movement: If you have a pan-and-tilt model and you see it moving or re-orienting on its own when it's not supposed to be tracking motion, someone could be controlling it remotely.
- LED Indicator Light On: The camera's status light often turns on when the live stream is being viewed. If the light is on when no authorized users are watching, it's a cause for concern.
- Changes in Settings: Finding that camera settings—such as motion sensitivity, notification preferences, or the camera's name—have been changed without your knowledge.
- Unusual Login Notifications: Receiving emails or push alerts from Guardzilla about new logins from devices or geographical locations you don't recognise.
- Suspicious Recordings: Finding recordings in your history that you can't account for, or noticing that recordings have been deleted.
## Immediate Steps to Secure Your Account
If you suspect your account has been compromised, do not wait. Follow these steps in order.
### Step 1: Change Your Password Immediately
This is your first and most important action.
- Log in to your Guardzilla account through the app or website.
- Navigate to the 'Account' or 'Security' settings.
- Choose the option to change your password.
- Create a strong, unique password. A good password should be long (more than 12 characters) and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not reuse a password you use for any other online service.
### Step 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is one of the most effective security measures you can enable. If Guardzilla offers 2FA, turn it on immediately. This means that even if someone steals your password, they will not be able to log in without a second code that is sent directly to your phone.
### Step 3: Review and Revoke Access
In your account settings, look for a section that shows 'Active Sessions' or 'Logged-in Devices'. If you see any devices or sessions you don't recognise, use the option to 'Log out all other devices'. This will force anyone who is logged in to be kicked out, and they won't be able to get back in with the old password.
### Step 4: Factory Reset Your Camera
To be absolutely certain that no unauthorised configuration remains on the device itself, perform a factory reset.
- Find the physical reset button on your Guardzilla camera. It's usually a small, recessed button you'll need a paperclip to press.
- Press and hold this button for 15-20 seconds until the camera gives an indication (like a chime or flashing light) that it is resetting.
- After the reset, you will need to delete the camera from your Guardzilla account and then go through the setup process again from the beginning, connecting it to your Wi-Fi and linking it to your newly secured account.
## Proactive Security Best Practices
- Secure Your Home Wi-Fi: Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for your home network and protect it with a strong password.
- Keep Firmware Updated: Always install firmware updates for your Guardzilla camera as they become available. These updates often contain critical security patches.
- Be Wary of Phishing: Never click on suspicious links in emails claiming to be from Guardzilla. Always log in directly through the official app or website.
By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and ensure your Guardzilla camera remains a tool for your security, not a threat to your privacy.