In 2020, a Mississippi family had the shock of their lives when a hacker spoke directly to their eight-year-old through a bedroom Ring camera. The cause? A reused, compromised password. It was a wake-up call—and a warning to anyone using smart surveillance technology without the proper security in place.
Now fast-forward to your jobsite in Salt Lake City. Smart cameras have become standard equipment on construction projects across the Wasatch Front. They help monitor materials, track deliveries, and even provide visual documentation for change orders or safety compliance.
But just like that Mississippi family, if you’re not securing these devices correctly, you might be giving hackers a front-row seat to your entire operation.
As a construction IT provider serving Salt Lake City, we’ve seen firsthand how unmanaged devices become gateways for ransomware, project delays, and compliance violations. Here's what to know before you plug in another camera.
Not All Cameras Are Created Equal
Construction budgets are tight. We get it. But cutting corners with surveillance tech can cost you more in the long run.
Cheap, off-brand models often lack basic security features like:
- Encrypted video streams
- Regular firmware updates
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Even top-tier brands become vulnerable if settings are left at default. We’ve seen multiple Salt Lake area GCs use cameras with admin passwords still set to “admin.” That’s not just careless—it’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.
For any jobsite in Utah, look for smart cameras that:
- Offer secure encryption before footage is uploaded
- Allow for local storage (not just cloud)
- Support 2FA for admin logins
- Come from vendors who provide regular security patches
Setup Matters More Than You Think
You wouldn’t let a subcontractor skip PPE training—so don’t let your team skip camera security protocols.
Every smart camera on your network should follow this checklist:
- Change default usernames and passwords
- Keep firmware updated (enable automatic updates)
- Isolate smart devices on a separate network from your core systems
- Use secure, construction-grade routers with up-to-date firmware
This is especially critical when you’re running construction management tools (like Procore, Autodesk Build, or Bluebeam) on the same network. One breach through an unsecured smart device can expose everything—bid documents, financials, subcontractor data, and more.
It’s Not Just Cameras You Need to Worry About
Any connected device is a potential risk:
- Smart locks and access controls
- Voice assistants used in trailer offices
- Smart thermostats and sensors on energy-efficient builds
Without a smart IT strategy, each device becomes a digital backdoor into your operation.
Smart tech absolutely has a place in modern construction. But without proper security policies and the right IT support in Salt Lake City, these tools can put your entire project at risk.
Don’t Let a $79 Camera Cost You a $790K Contract
Smart surveillance can be a huge win for construction—but only if it’s implemented securely. We’ve seen too many Salt Lake firms deploy devices with good intentions, only to get burned by bad setups.
Let the Qual IT team help you lock down your network, audit your smart devices, and prevent jobsite surveillance from becoming a liability.
Want to Make Sure Your Cameras Are Watching the Right People—and Not Letting Hackers Watch You?
