UPDATE: Remain vigilant online

Both experts agreed that the easiest way to gain access to personal information online was through unsecure passwords, including the use of default passwords.

Neville Wilken, Product Manager: CCTV for ADT South Africa, explained the main difference between Analogue Closed Circuit TV cameras and Internet Protocol CCTV cameras, both used in businesses and homes, saying that analogue CCTV is slightly older technology, but is still used widely while IP is digital technology, which is newer and generally has better video quality.

He also explained that network security would always be a concern as more people are connecting their Network Video Recorders and Digital Video Recorders to the internet so they can remotely view their premises.

“Because of such concerns, it is imperative to ensure that the default usernames, passwords and ports are changed to custom ones, as failing to do this will definitely expose your system to hackers etc,” he said.

Mra Nyo, an information, security and privacy professional, echoed this, saying that breaching of systems does occur and individuals need to be aware and remain vigilant when they are online.

“Do not use identity numbers, cell phone numbers and bank accounts as passwords as there is a way to track the passwords used,” he said.

She also stressed the importance of reading the terms and conditions before entering a website, as this can give companies permission to browse through your personal information.

Finally, Nyo advised consumers to refrain from putting up information they would not want others to know, because this could have negative implications in future, while Wilken advised changing usernames and passwords, especially the default admin password and ports.

“Ensure that the installer shows you how to change passwords yourself, so you can do so on a regular basis, as this can decrease the chances of your system being hacked,” he said.

Read our previous story here:

Footage from SA homes streamed live online