Protecting Your Lorex System From Unauthorised Access
Owning a security camera system gives you peace of mind, but that feeling can be shattered by the worry that someone unauthorised might be viewing your footage. While news stories about "hacked" cameras can be alarming, the good news is that the vast majority of security breaches are preventable with basic security hygiene.
This guide will provide you with clear, actionable steps to secure your Lorex cameras, account, and recorder, ensuring that you are the only one in control of your video feeds.
The Number One Rule: Change Your Default Password
The single biggest security risk on almost any new device is the default password. Many devices ship with a simple, publicly known password (like "admin" or "000000"). Attackers use automated software to scan the internet for devices that are still using these default credentials.
- Your First Action: Before you do anything else, you must change the default password on your Lorex NVR (Network Video Recorder) or DVR (Digital Video Recorder).
- Create a Strong Password: Do not use "password123", your name, or your address. A strong password should be:
- Long: At least 12-16 characters.
- Complex: A mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., !, @, #, ?).
- Unique: Not used for any other account, especially not your email or banking.
Step 2: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Your Lorex cloud account, used for remote viewing via the app, is another potential entry point. Securing this is just as important as securing the recorder itself. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a free and highly effective security feature.
- How it Works: When 2FA is enabled, logging in requires two things: something you know (your password) and something you have (a temporary code sent to your trusted device, like your phone).
- Why it's Critical: Even if a criminal manages to steal your password, they will be unable to log into your account on a new device because they will not receive the 2FA code.
- How to Enable: Open your Lorex app, go to Account Settings, find the Security section, and follow the on-screen instructions to enable Two-Factor Authentication.
Step 3: Keep Your Firmware Updated
Firmware is the software that runs on your Lorex recorder and cameras. Security researchers occasionally discover vulnerabilities in this software. Lorex releases firmware updates to patch these vulnerabilities and improve performance.
- Check for Updates: In your NVR/DVR's main menu, navigate to the System or Maintenance section. Look for an option to "Check for Updates" or "Firmware Upgrade".
- Enable Auto-Update: If your model supports it, enable the auto-update feature to ensure you always have the latest security patches installed without having to check manually.
Step 4: Review System Logs
Your Lorex system keeps a detailed log of all activity, including every successful and failed login attempt.
- What to Look For: Periodically, view the system log and look for anything unusual. Are there multiple failed login attempts from an unknown IP address? This could indicate someone is trying to guess your password. Is there a successful login from a different country? This is a major red flag.
- Location of Logs: You can typically find the logs in the Maintenance or Information section of your recorder's menu.
By taking these proactive steps, you can move beyond the default settings and create a robustly secure system, ensuring your Lorex cameras remain a tool for your security, not a threat to your privacy.