Understanding and Preventing Zosi Unauthorized Access
Receiving a notification that reads "Unauthorized Access" from your Zosi security system can be alarming. Your peace of mind depends on knowing your system is secure. This guide will explain what this alert means, why it happens, and provide a clear, step-by-step process to secure your Zosi cameras and protect your privacy from potential intruders.
## What Does 'Unauthorized Access' Mean?
This alert is a security feature. It's designed to inform you that someone, or something, has tried to log into your Zosi DVR, NVR, or individual camera with the incorrect username or password multiple times in a short period.
While it's easy to assume the worst, it's not always a malicious hacker. Common causes include:
- A forgotten app on an old phone trying to connect with an old password.
- A shared user entering the wrong password repeatedly.
- Automated network security scanners that probe devices for vulnerabilities.
Regardless of the cause, you must treat every unauthorized access alert as a genuine threat and take immediate action to secure your system.
## Immediate Steps to Secure Your Zosi System
If you receive this alert, follow these steps immediately to lock down your account and devices.
Step 1: Change Your System's Admin Password This is the most critical first step. The password on your actual DVR/NVR or camera is the master key.
- On the DVR/NVR directly: Right-click, go to Main Menu > Setup > Users (or Account). Select the 'admin' user and choose 'Modify Password'. Create a new, strong password. A strong password should be over 12 characters and contain a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
- On the Zosi Smart App: The process can vary by device, but generally involves going to Device Settings > Modify Device Password.
Step 2: Change Your Zosi App / Account Password The password for your remote viewing account is separate from the device password. You must change this as well.
- Open the Zosi Smart App.
- Go to 'Me' > 'Account and Security'.
- Select 'Change Password' and follow the prompts to create a new, strong, and unique password for your account.
Step 3: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) 2FA is a powerful security feature that adds a second layer of protection. Even if a criminal steals your password, they cannot log in without a temporary code sent to your trusted device (usually your smartphone).
- In the Zosi Smart App, go to 'Me' > 'Account and Security'.
- Find the option for Two-Factor Authentication and enable it.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to link it to your phone number or an authenticator app.
## Advanced Security Health Check
After securing the main access points, perform these checks to ensure your system is fully protected.
### Review User Accounts
- Go back to the 'Users' or 'Account' section on your DVR/NVR.
- Delete any user accounts you do not recognise.
- For all remaining users (including ones you've shared with family), ensure they also have strong, unique passwords. Avoid using default or simple passwords like '123456'.
### Check for Firmware Updates
Manufacturers release firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities and improve performance.
- On your DVR/NVR, go to Main Menu > Setup > System > Upgrade.
- Use the 'Check for update' feature. If a new version is available, install it immediately.
- Also, check for updates for your Zosi Smart App in the App Store or Google Play.
### Secure Your Home Network
The security of your camera system also depends on the security of your Wi-Fi network.
- Change your Wi-Fi password. If someone has your Wi-Fi password, they are on your local network and can more easily attack your devices.
- Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption for your Wi-Fi network. Avoid the outdated and insecure WEP standard.
- Consider enabling a guest network for visitors so they are not on the same network as your security cameras.
By taking these proactive and decisive steps, you can be confident that your Zosi security system is secure, your privacy is protected, and those 'unauthorized access' alerts will cease.