Worried About Unauthorised Access to Your Tend Camera?
Your home security camera is there to give you peace of mind. The thought that someone unauthorised could be accessing your feed is therefore incredibly unsettling. At Tend, securing your privacy is a top priority, but user diligence is also a critical part of the security chain.
If you have any suspicion that your account may have been compromised, it's essential to act immediately. This guide will provide clear, professional steps on what to do if you suspect unauthorised access and how to proactively secure your Tend account against future threats.
Signs of Unauthorised Account Access
How can you tell if someone else might be logging into your account? Look out for these warning signs:
- Settings Have Changed: You notice that camera names, motion sensitivity, or notification settings have been altered without your doing.
- Unexplained Camera Movement: For Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) models, you notice the camera has been moved or is pointing in a different direction than you left it.
- Strange Recordings: You find recordings in your cloud storage that you cannot account for.
- Unexpected Notifications: You receive password reset emails or login notifications from unfamiliar locations or devices.
- Camera LED Activity: The camera's status light turns on, indicating it's being viewed live, when no one authorised is watching.
Immediate Steps to Secure Your Tend Account
If you suspect any unauthorised activity, follow these steps in order.
1. Change Your Password Immediately
This is the most critical first step.
- Create a Strong Password: Log into your Tend Secure app and navigate to your account settings to change your password. Your new password should be long, complex, and unique.
- Password Best Practices:
- Use at least 12-16 characters.
- Include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (e.g., !@#$%^&*).
- Do not reuse a password you use for any other service (like email or banking).
- Avoid personal information like names or birthdays.
- Consider using a password manager to generate and store highly secure, unique passwords.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is one of the most effective security measures you can take. It adds a second layer of security to your account. Even if a hacker steals your password, they won't be able to log in without a temporary code that is sent to your trusted phone.
- Activate 2FA: In the Tend Secure app's security settings, find the option for two-factor authentication and follow the on-screen instructions to enable it. This is a vital step in preventing unauthorised access.
3. Review Account Activity and Log Out Everywhere
Check for any suspicious login sessions.
- Check Login History: Look in your account settings for a section that shows login history or currently active devices.
- Terminate Unknown Sessions: If the app provides the option, forcefully log out of all devices. This will ensure that anyone who was logged in is kicked out and will need the new password (and 2FA code) to get back in.
Proactive Tips for Maintaining Your Privacy
Security is an ongoing process. Keep your account and devices secure with these habits.
- Keep Your App Updated: Always install updates for the Tend Secure app as soon as they are available. These updates often contain important security patches.
- Secure Your Wi-Fi: Your camera's security also depends on your home network's security. Ensure your Wi-Fi router has a strong, unique password and uses WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
- Be Wary of Phishing: Be suspicious of emails or messages asking for your login credentials. Tend will never ask you for your password.
By taking these proactive and reactive measures, you can be confident that your Tend security camera remains a tool for your peace of mind, not a threat to your privacy.