Possible Downsides of Wireless Video Doorbells

We all know how comfortable and versatile it is to install a wireless video doorbell, which by the way, making it super popular in the smart home security trend. With just a single tap, you have eyes on who’s at your doorstep without having to physically open the door. However, while any smart doorbell for home offers many benefits, some potential downsides are ready to upset you.

These make us question whether we should be more aware before installing this gadget in our home. In today’s post, we will shed some light on the possible dangers of wireless video doorbells and how they could impact your security and privacy. So buckle up and read on.

Potential Targets for Hackers

One of the most significant downsides of wireless video doorbells is that they can be potential targets for hackers. As these devices are connected to your Wi-Fi network, there’s a risk that cybercriminals could gain access to them and use them for malicious purposes.

Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in the software or firmware of your wireless video doorbell, which allows them to control it remotely. Once they’ve gained access, they can use the device’s camera and microphone to spy on you and your home. They could also use it as a launchpad into your other devices on the same network.

Phantom Visitors

Did you know that, as video doorbells’ popularity is rising, the occurrence of phantom visitors’ rate goes up? But what are these visitors? These refer to false alarms or notifications triggered by non-existent people or objects. It might seem like a minor glitch, but it can become frustrating and affect your trust in the device.

There are several reasons why phantom visitors happen. One common cause is motion detection sensitivity set too high, which means that even small movements, like leaves blowing in the wind or passing cars, can trigger an alert. Another reason could be glitches in the software or hardware of the device itself.

Privacy Concerns

Let’s get real. Privacy is a major concern with wireless video doorbells as they can capture images and videos of anyone who comes to your doorstep. While it’s great for security objectives, it poses a privacy risk if the footage falls into the wrong hands.

Hackers could gain access to your video feed and monitor all activity around your home. This puts not only your privacy but also your safety at risk. Moreover, many wireless video doorbells rely on cloud storage services which may not be secure. If these services are hacked, all recorded footage could potentially be accessed by unauthorized individuals.

Third-Party Trackers

Okay, we all know that wireless video doorbells come packed with a vast range of features, such as real-time notifications, motion detection, and cloud storage. But did you know that these devices come at a price beyond the purchase cost? One of the potential downsides of using wireless video doorbells is the presence of third-party trackers.

Third-party trackers are data collectors who gather information about your online activities for targeted advertising. These trackers can be embedded in different parts of your wireless video doorbell’s software or hardware components without you knowing it. They can gather personal data such as IP address, location, browsing history, and device type.

Final Verdict

After discussing the potential downsides of wireless video doorbells, it is important to remember that these devices also have advantages. They provide convenience and enhance home security by allowing you to monitor your front porch remotely. But nothing’s wrong with being more aware of the risks regarding the use of this technology.

If you’re considering purchasing a wireless video doorbell or already own one, make sure you take necessary precautions like enabling two-factor authentication and regularly updating firmware. Staying vigilant is essential when protecting your home security and personal data.