A study found that hackers could access car dash cams from a nearby parking lot or drive-thru in just minutes. It sounds like something out of a spy movie, but it's real.
While your dash cam is invaluable for recording evidence after an accident, the newer models with Wi-Fi and cloud features can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. These risks can potentially expose your video, audio, GPS location, and personal data to hackers.
The good news is that this isn't a reason to panic or toss your camera. With a few key security practices, you can dramatically reduce these risks and use your dash cam safely.
To understand how to protect yourself, it helps to first see how hackers actually target dash cams and the common mistakes that make their job easy.
How Hackers Target Your Dash Cam
Hackers aren't necessarily master criminals spending months cracking military encryption. They often exploit common, simple security oversights made by both manufacturers and users.
Weak Default Passwords
This is the single biggest risk. Many devices ship with ridiculously simple factory passwords (like '12345678') that users rarely bother to change. If a hacker finds your signal, they can be in instantly.
Outdated or Weak Encryption
If the data transmitted between your camera and your phone isn't properly secured, it can be intercepted and decoded easily. This is a common flaw in cheaper or older models.
Unsecured Cloud Services
If your camera automatically uploads footage to a cloud server that isn't properly secured, hackers can sometimes access large databases of user footage, creating a treasure trove of personal data.
Lack of Firmware Updates
When cheap brands abandon their devices, they stop releasing firmware updates. This leaves known security vulnerabilities permanently unpatched, exposing your device forever.
Physical Theft
A visible camera or accessible SD card is a prime target for thieves. Once they steal the device or its memory card, they have direct access to all your location data and footage.
How to Protect Your Dash Cam from Hackers
Security is an ongoing practice; here is the core advice you need to secure your device.
Wi-Fi & Cloud-Enabled Dash Cams
Change default passwords immediately. Set a strong, unique password for both the dash cam's Wi-Fi network and its associated mobile app. Don't use your name, the word “password”, or your birthday!
Disable Wi-Fi or bluetooth when inactive. Only turn on the wireless features when you need to transfer footage to your phone. An inactive signal can't be hacked.
Update firmware. They often contain critical security patches that protect against new vulnerabilities. Regularly check the manufacturer's website or app for updates and enable auto-updates if your model allows it.
Review cloud and auto-upload settings. Unless absolutely necessary, disable automatic cloud uploads. If you need a backup, manually transfer important clips to a secure, encrypted drive or service at home.
Other Dash Cams
Install discreetly. Mount your camera high up, behind the rearview mirror, and tuck away the power cables to deter thieves.
Secure your accounts. If you use cloud features, always enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and use a strong, unique password for that cloud account.
Practice general cyber hygiene. Only download dash cam apps from official app stores (like Google Play or the Apple App Store) and ensure your home Wi-Fi network is secured with a strong password.
What to Do If You Suspect a Hack
If you ever see suspicious activity, act fast!
Immediately disconnect the cam's Wi-Fi connection. This cuts off any remote access.
Change all passwords for the dash cam app and any linked cloud account from a separate, secure device like your laptop.
Perform a factory reset on the dash cam itself. This wipes the device and any potential malware.
Contact the manufacturer to report the issue. They may be dealing with a wider vulnerability and need your report to issue a fix.
FAQs About Dash Cam Security
Is it safer to use an SD card or cloud storage?
An encrypted SD card is often safer because it's localized and physically secured in your vehicle. Cloud storage can be convenient but creates a vulnerability if the service or your login credentials are hacked.
Should I buy a dash cam with built-in screens?
Screens can be convenient for reviewing footage immediately, but they also make the camera much more visible, significantly increasing the risk of physical theft. Discreet placement is generally safer.
How often should I update my dash cam's firmware?
Security vulnerabilities are found constantly. Check the manufacturer's app or website and update immediately to patch security holes.
Your Next Move
As vehicles grow smarter, so do the threats that come with connectivity. A dash cam is only as secure as the habits behind it. By using strong passwords, keeping firmware updated, managing cloud access wisely, and staying alert to suspicious activity, you can enjoy the convenience of connected tech without compromising your safety or privacy.
When it’s time to upgrade or buy a new dash cam, look beyond resolution and price. Choose one that protects your data as well as it protects your drive!
