Can doorbell cameras be hacked? Experts reveal the threats you should know about, plus how to keep yours protected

Ever asked the question can doorbell cameras be hacked? Whether it’s come to mind already or you’ve never even considered the matter up until now, you should be aware that it is a legitimate consideration.

That’s because video doorbells can be hacked, so it pays to know what the risks are if one of these is part of your security system. The better news is that it is possible to protect yourself against hacking by choosing well when you buy a doorbell camera and by adopting good security measures.

Below, we’ve put together all the knowhow you need on why doorbell cameras can be vulnerable to hacking and what the consequences could be. And, of course, we’ve included advice on the ways to avoid becoming a victim of hacking.

Can doorbell cameras be hacked?

Yes, doorbell cameras can be hacked. “Any device connected to the internet has potential entry points for hackers if it’s not properly secured, and that includes your video doorbell,” says Carlos Dhunay, security expert and owner of home security company Telcam.

“But what makes doorbell cameras uniquely vulnerable is that they’re always on and connected, and often overlooked when people think about cybersecurity.”

Whether or not your doorbell camera records all the time, find out what’s at risk if a doorbell camera is hacked, below, along with what their vulnerabilities are as part of your home security system, and how to deal with them.

Carlos Dhunay

Carlos Dhunay is a fully qualified electrician, and director of operations at Telcam, a company specialising in safety and security solutions for homes and businesses. With over 25 years of experience, he helps clients protect their properties using a blend of physical and smart technologies.

What’s at risk if a doorbell camera is hacked?

If a doorbell camera is hacked, a host of serious consequences can be the result.

First, the video doorbell can be manipulated. “Hackers might be able to disable the camera, turn off features, or even use the two way audio to harass residents,” says Anthony Neary, security expert at Safe.co.uk.

What’s more, since the hackers can know when the house is empty or who’s coming and going, it could aid in the planning of burglaries or other criminal activities, he advises.

A doorbell camera hack could also cause loss of privacy. “Hackers could view live streams or recorded footage, allowing them to spy on residents and their routines,” explains Anthony.

And it’s not just the doorbell that’s at risk. “A compromised doorbell camera could serve as an entry point for hackers to access other devices on the home network, potentially leading to data theft or further attacks,” he says.

Anthony Neary

Anthony Neary is the founder and security expert at home and business security retailers Safe.co.uk. With over 15 years of industry experience, he specialises in security solutions and how to keep properties safe.

Why are doorbell cameras vulnerable?

As noted above, doorbell cameras are vulnerable in the same way that other internet-connected devices are.

“One of the biggest weak spots is the wi-fi network itself,” explains Carlos Dhunay. “If your home network has a weak password or uses an outdated security protocol, it’s vulnerable to potential risks.”

Doorbell cameras can also be exposed because of password issues. “A lot of people reuse passwords across multiple online accounts, which means if your credentials are leaked elsewhere, through a data breach, for example, hackers could use them to access your doorbell or smart home system remotely,” says Carlos.

It’s also down to the doorbell you buy, so maybe think twice before trying to find ways to cut your home security system costs too far. “There’s also a growing problem with some of the cheaper, off-brand devices on the market,” Carlos advises. “These often lack basic cybersecurity features like two-factor authentication or secure data storage, and in some cases haven’t even passed the minimum safety testing standards you’d expect. We’ve seen cases where third-party apps can be paired with a doorbell, allowing a stranger to essentially take control of the device without the owner knowing.”

There’s also the issue of security updates to the doorbell. “Firmware can be a point of vulnerability,” says Carlos. “If it’s not regularly updated or patched, hackers can exploit known weaknesses to gain access.”

How to choose a secure doorbell camera

There are a number of things you can look out for – as well as doing some research on – before buying in order to enjoy maximum video doorbell security. Carlos Dhunay explains what’s key:

• End-to-end encryption “That means the footage is encrypted before it even leaves your doorbell, and only your personal device can decrypt it. Without that, your video data could potentially be intercepted in transit,” Carlos says.
• Robust authentication options “A good system should offer two-factor authentication as standard and ideally with support for biometric login if it’s part of a broader smart home ecosystem. This extra layer means that even if someone gets hold of your password, they still can’t access your camera without verifying it through another method.”
• Footage storage and data control “Look into how the footage is stored and who controls that data,” says Carlos. “If it’s cloud-based, make sure the company clearly explains how long the footage is retained, who has access to it, and under what conditions. You’d be surprised how many companies are vague in this area but transparency around data privacy is just as important as technical features.”
• Manufacturer reputation and how they’ve responded to security concerns in the past when vulnerabilities were discovered are also important, he says.
• Buy from reputable retailers and certified distributors “Avoid buying from third-party sellers where possible,” he says. “It’s not uncommon for counterfeit or unvetted devices to slip into online marketplaces, and those are often the ones missing critical security features.”

Shop for doorbell cameras with added security

Doorbell camera set up and maintenance

As well as buying a secure doorbell camera model, you’ll also need to set up and maintain the device to prevent hacking. This is Anthony Neary’s advice:

• Use strong, unique passwords This goes for both the wi-fi network and the doorbell camera itself, he advises.
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Keep software updated “Regularly install firmware and app updates from the manufacturer,” he says.
• Secure your wi-fi network “Use strong encryption (WPA2 or WPA3), change the default router password, and consider a separate guest network for smart devices,” he suggests.
• Be wary of public wi-fi “Avoid accessing your doorbell camera through unsecured public wi-fi networks,” Anthony says.
• Be cautious of phishing attempts “Never click on suspicious links or provide login information in response to unsolicited requests,” he says.
• Physically secure the device “Where possible, use security screws or protective covers to prevent easy removal or tampering,” he recommends.

“If you’re going to install a smart doorbell, you’re also taking on a small cybersecurity responsibility,” says Carlos Dhunay. Your to-do list? “Keep the device updated, use a strong password, and secure your network,” he says. “Those three steps alone drastically reduce your risk.”

It's also important to make sure you know the latest rules on video doorbells so you don't fall foul of the law when installing one. And if you want to boost your front door security further, adding a smart lock to your set-up can be a wise move.