Green Line Systems

The Risks of Buying Security Cameras on Amazon

Posted by Gregory DeRouanna on Nov 11, 2019

Outdoor surveillance cameras

Investing in a security camera for your property is a great idea, but quality is a critical factor. While buying security cameras on Amazon can be an attractive option for consumer-grade cameras, there are tremendous benefits to sourcing commercial-grade surveillance systems from other suppliers - even if the property you’d like to protect is residential in nature.

Manufacturers of the inexpensive Amazon security camera systems typically offer little in the way of comprehensive security or support. In this article, we’ll look at some of the risks of buying security cameras on Amazon.

Quality Control

Amazon is no place to source a security system for a business. Thousands of security products are endorsed and sold on Amazon and end up in thousands of homes and businesses, but the website cannot provide reliable oversight of these highly-technical speciality products. Consumer groups both across the U.S. and the UK have said that despite most of these products having thousands of positive reviews, quality control remains the biggest problem. While some big-name retailers may sell products whose quality is independently verified, don’t let that fool you: there are still numerous sub-standard security cameras and systems being sold on Amazon right alongside those familiar names.

More scrutiny is needed to ensure that security cameras on Amazon meet the standards required to ensure user safety. If you’re looking to buy  security cameras or a complete surveillance system, we recommend looking to established companies like CCTV Security Pros that specialize in selling commercial-grade products trusted at more than 60,000 properties around the globe, including some of the largest companies in the world.

Security Flaws

Recent news coverage has revealed that hundreds of security cameras, baby monitoring cameras, and smart doorbells available through Amazon have vulnerabilities that allow hackers to hijack the devices, spy on their owners, and even uncover sensitive personal data. In fact, over 2 million vulnerable security products have been identified online. The security flaws in some of the security cameras on Amazon pose a huge privacy risk to unsuspecting users.

Unfortunately, once problems are identified, there is no guarantee that the Amazon vendors who sell these cameras will provide you with a fix or a replacement product. These security cameras are often riddled with a range of other security problems, including lack of encryption that exposes WiFi passwords, DDoS attack vulnerabilities, and other weaknesses that could allow strangers to take remote control of the security camera feed.

How to Stay Safe

Security experts monitoring cameras

While Amazon is being encouraged to monitor customer feedback and investigate security issues that are raised by both customers and industry experts, customers need to be more cautious when buying security cameras on Amazon and other online platforms. If any concerns have been raised regarding the quality of a product being sold, don’t buy it: go to a trusted vendor instead.

Tips for Extra CCTV Camera Security

  • Change your security camera default password and WiFi password to ensure each password is unique, complex, and free of any identifying information or real words.
  • Consider your security camera placement and avoid monitoring private areas.
  • If you are concerned about someone snooping on your camera, switch it off and report it immediately.
  • Be aware of security camera laws in your state when installing cameras.
  • Be wary of purchasing Amazon security cameras and systems from brands that you don’t recognize.
  • Don’t fall for cheap prices or many positive reviews. Always go for reputable brands that prioritize customer security when buying security camera systems.

Find the Best Security Cameras at CCTV Security Pros

Security cameras have become a critical part of enhancing safety in homes and businesses. If you’re looking to buy security cameras on Amazon, but you’re concerned about quality and privacy risks, it’s time to opt for a more reliable provider. CCTV Security Pros is a leading USA direct supplier of security cameras and systems for businesses and homes.

Browse our selection of professional-grade superior products online and enjoy  free unlimited USA tech support on all orders. Talk to one of our PROS at 888.653.2288 now.