How to Secure Your Security Camera
A security camera can show the inside of your home to anyone who gets into its account or your network. The good news is that the most effective protections are free settings you can switch on today. This guide walks through seven steps, based on guidance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and camera makers' own support pages, plus three products with useful security and privacy features.
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The short version
- Use a long, unique password for the camera account, and change any default passwords.
- Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA).
- Keep camera firmware, the app and your router updated.
- Secure your router, and consider a separate network for cameras.
- Use local-only options where they fit, and switch off features you do not use.
- Use a privacy shutter or privacy mode for indoor cameras.
- Share access through the app's sharing feature, never by sharing your password.
How we built this guide
The advice below comes from the FTC's consumer guides How To Secure Your Home Security Cameras and How To Secure Your Home Wi-Fi Network, CISA's Secure Our World program, and support pages from Ring and TP-Link (Tapo and Deco), all checked on October 23, 2026. Product features come from each maker's own pages. We have not tested these products in person.
1. Use strong, unique passwords
The FTC says not to use a camera's default username and password, and not to reuse a password from another account, because default and reused passwords are easy for attackers to find online. CISA's advice is that a strong password is long (at least 16 characters), random and unique, for example a passphrase of four to seven unrelated words, and that a password manager is the easiest way to create and store them.
- The camera app account: this is the login that controls live view, recordings and settings. It matters most.
- Any separate camera login: some cameras have a second login for local viewers. Tapo, for example, says its camera account is a separate login used for NAS devices, RTSP/ONVIF software or PC viewers, which keeps your main TP-Link ID credentials separate. Give it its own strong password.
- Your Wi-Fi and router admin passwords: the FTC lists both as passwords to change from the defaults.
2. Turn on two-factor authentication
The FTC recommends turning on two-factor authentication for a camera's cloud account where available, and CISA says that with multifactor authentication, someone who steals your password still cannot meet the second step. How it works at two popular brands:
- Ring: Ring says all Ring accounts require two-factor authentication. In Control Center you can choose to receive codes by text message or an authenticator app.
- Tapo: TP-Link says you can turn on Two-Step Verification in the Tapo app under Me > View Account > Login Security; new phones signing in then need a code sent to a trusted device or your email. TP-Link lists the same login-security setting in its Deco and Kasa apps.
After turning it on, check the list of signed-in or trusted devices and remove any you do not recognize. Ring and Tapo both offer this in their apps.
3. Keep firmware, apps and your router updated
CISA says many software updates fix security risks and recommends installing them as soon as possible and turning on automatic updates. The FTC adds that camera firmware may need updating from the manufacturer's website or app, and that the app you use to watch your camera should be kept up to date as well. Your router counts too: the FTC recommends keeping it updated and, if it only offers outdated WEP or WPA security, updating it or replacing it.
4. Secure your router and separate your cameras
Most cameras reach the internet through your router, so the FTC recommends a strong router password, the firewall turned on, current router software and WPA3 or WPA2 encryption. It also suggests turning off remote management, WPS and UPnP if you do not need them.
The FTC also suggests putting cameras on a separate network from computers and printers, so that someone who gets into one does not have easy access to the other. Two common ways to do that:
- Guest network: many routers offer one with its own name and password. It isolates devices well, but TP-Link's smart home community FAQ notes that devices on a guest network cannot see or connect to other devices, which can break features such as viewing a camera on a smart display.
- IoT network: some routers and mesh systems offer a dedicated network for smart devices. TP-Link's Deco app has an IoT Network option under More > IoT Network, with its own name, password, security setting and band.
If your camera signal is weak once you move it to a separate network, our Wi-Fi dead zones and Wi-Fi router buying guide can help.
5. Use local-only options and turn off what you do not use
The FTC suggests considering a camera that lets you disable remote viewing, especially for private rooms, and disabling features you will not use. Practical options:
- Record locally: a microSD card or local hub keeps recordings off a cloud service. See our local vs cloud storage guide.
- End-to-end encryption: Ring offers optional end-to-end encryption, and says shared users and features that need cloud processing are unavailable with it on. Apple's HomeKit Secure Video encrypts recordings end to end; see our HomeKit Secure Video cameras guide.
- Check access logs: the FTC suggests checking a camera's access logs for IP addresses or login times you do not recognize.
6. Use a privacy shutter or privacy mode indoors
For cameras in living spaces, a physical lens cover is the most visible protection: you can see at a glance that the lens is covered. Software privacy modes also stop recording, but you have to trust the app's status. Both of the indoor cameras below have a physical option. Our indoor and pet cameras guide covers more models.
7. Share access safely
The FTC suggests choosing a camera with different permission levels if other people will watch your feed. Never hand out your own login; instead:
- Ring: Ring says owners can invite shared users at Limited, Standard or Advanced permission levels and choose which devices each person sees. Only the owner can delete recordings or manage subscriptions. No subscription is required to add shared users.
- Tapo: TP-Link says cameras can be shared with up to five TP-Link accounts. With Device Sharing 2.0, which is rolling out gradually, owners can choose Live View Only, Basic or Advanced permissions and stop sharing at any time.
Review your shared users from time to time and remove anyone who no longer needs access.
Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen): manual privacy cover and required 2FA
Who it is for
Households that want a simple indoor camera with a physical cover and strong account protections switched on by default.
Key specs from Ring
- Manual privacy cover: Ring says sliding it over the lens turns off video and audio recording, Live View and motion detection.
- 1080p HD video with night vision; 143° diagonal field of view.
- Two-way audio with noise cancellation.
- Single-band 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi; plug-in power with a Micro USB cable and adapter.
- Account security: two-factor authentication required on all Ring accounts, optional end-to-end encryption and shared users with permission levels.
Keep in mind
Saving and rewatching recordings requires a Ring Protect subscription, sold separately. If you would rather not pay a monthly fee, see our security cameras without a subscription.
View the Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) on Amazon (affiliate link) →
We have not independently tested this product. Availability, specifications and the maker's subscription terms can change; confirm the details on the product listing and the manufacturer's site.
Tapo C260: physical lens-blocking privacy mode, no subscription needed
Who it is for
People who want a pan/tilt indoor camera that records locally and can physically block its lens.
Key specs from TP-Link
- Privacy: turn on physical privacy mode in the Tapo app and the lens is blocked by the camera housing; custom privacy zones keep chosen areas out of view.
- 4K video with a starlight sensor; 360° pan/tilt with smart motion tracking.
- On-device AI detection; TP-Link says facial recognition data stays on the camera rather than in the cloud.
- Local recording to microSD up to 512 GB (card sold separately), or optional Tapo Care cloud storage.
- Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and SmartThings; 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi.
- Account security: Two-Step Verification in the Tapo app and permission-based device sharing.
Keep in mind
It is an indoor camera and does not list Apple HomeKit support. Privacy mode is controlled from the app rather than a button on the camera. We also cover it in our indoor and pet cameras guide.
View the Tapo C260 on Amazon (affiliate link) →
We have not independently tested this product. Availability, specifications and the maker's subscription terms can change; confirm the details on the product listing and the manufacturer's site.
TP-Link Deco X55: mesh Wi-Fi with an IoT network option
Who it is for
Homes that want to put cameras and other smart devices on their own network while improving Wi-Fi coverage.
Key features from TP-Link
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (AX3000) mesh system; this listing is a 3-pack.
- IoT Network in the Deco app under More > IoT Network, with its own Wi-Fi name, password, security protocol and band. TP-Link's firmware notes list the IoT network for Deco X55 from firmware 1.2.x.
- Guest network and two-step login security in the Deco app.
Keep in mind
TP-Link says features vary by Deco model and firmware, and in a mixed Deco system only units that support the IoT network will broadcast it. Update the firmware before setup. See our mesh Wi-Fi vs. router guide to decide whether you need mesh at all.
View the TP-Link Deco X55 (3-pack) on Amazon (affiliate link) →
We have not independently tested this product. Availability, specifications and the maker's subscription terms can change; confirm the details on the product listing and the manufacturer's site.
Quick security checklist
- Unique 16+ character password on the camera account (a password manager helps)
- Two-factor authentication on
- Automatic updates on for camera, app and router where offered
- Router: WPA3 or WPA2, firewall on, default admin password changed, remote management, WPS and UPnP off if unused
- Cameras on a guest or IoT network where your smart home allows it
- Privacy cover or privacy mode used indoors
- Shared users reviewed; unknown signed-in devices removed
Not sure a camera will work with your phone, voice assistant or hub? Try our Smart Home Compatibility Checker.
Deciding how to power your camera? Compare battery vs wired security cameras.
Want every side of the house recorded 24/7 on a local hard drive? Our guide to PoE camera and NVR kits explains how wired camera systems work.
Mounting a camera soon? Our guide to where to place outdoor cameras and fix weak Wi-Fi at the mount spot covers height, angles and signal testing.
Smart locks need the same account hygiene; see best smart locks with Matter for lock-specific security tips.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single most important step to secure a security camera?
Protect the account that controls it. Use a long, unique password and turn on two-factor authentication for the camera app account. The FTC recommends two-factor authentication for camera cloud accounts, and CISA recommends multifactor authentication on every account that offers it.
Should I put my cameras on a guest or IoT network?
The FTC suggests putting cameras on a separate network from computers and other devices, so a compromise on one does not give easy access to the other. A guest network isolates devices well but can stop smart home features that need devices to talk to each other; a router's dedicated IoT network, where offered, is designed for smart devices. Check your router maker's instructions.
How often should I update my camera's firmware?
Install updates as soon as they are offered, and turn on automatic updates if your camera or app supports them. CISA notes that many updates fix security risks. Also keep the camera app on your phone up to date, as the FTC advises.
Does a privacy shutter really help?
A physical shutter or lens cover gives you a visible way to know the camera is not watching. Ring says sliding the Indoor Cam (2nd Gen) privacy cover over the lens turns off video, audio, Live View and motion detection, and TP-Link says the Tapo C260's physical privacy mode blocks the lens with the camera housing.
Is it safe to share my camera with family members?
Yes, if you use the app's sharing feature rather than sharing your password. Ring and Tapo both let you invite other people to use their own accounts with limited permission levels, and you can remove access at any time.
Can I use a security camera without the cloud?
Many cameras can record to a microSD card or a local hub, and some can be watched only on your home network. That reduces what is stored online, but you still need to secure the app account, the router and the camera's firmware. Our local vs cloud storage guide explains the trade-offs.