Back in 2020, a Mississippi family got the scare of their lives when a hacker broke into their daughter’s bedroom through a compromised smart camera. The attacker spoke directly to the child and played music before the family could disconnect the device.
The cause? Reusing an old, breached password.
For architecture firms in Salt Lake City, this story isn’t just unsettling—it’s a red flag.
Smart cameras and IoT (Internet of Things) devices are becoming staples in modern design studios and architecture offices. They're used to monitor equipment rooms, oversee project sites remotely, or keep tabs on studio access after hours. But with their benefits come hidden cybersecurity risks that most architecture firms aren’t prepared for.
If you're using or considering installing smart cameras at your firm, here’s what you need to know to protect your team, your intellectual property, and your clients.
Not All Smart Cameras Are Created Equal
Just because a camera has 4K video doesn’t mean it has enterprise-grade security. Many low-cost or consumer-grade models skip essential protections like:
- End-to-end encryption for video footage
- Regular firmware updates
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Secure onboarding processes
Even reputable brands can become security liabilities if settings are left on default. That means your firm could be one weak password away from a major data breach.
Hackers Love Weak Entry Points
For architectural firms in Salt Lake City, smart cameras can inadvertently serve as access points into your larger network. Once inside, attackers can pivot to client files, BIM models, cloud storage, and even accounting software.
Here’s how these attacks typically unfold:
- Default credentials are never changed.
- Firmware is outdated and vulnerable.
- Smart devices are connected to the same network as business-critical systems.
This kind of access is gold for hackers—especially when your projects involve sensitive site data, proprietary design files, and confidential client communications.
What Salt Lake City Architecture Firms Should Do Before Installation
Smart devices are useful—if you treat them like part of your IT infrastructure, not just plug-and-play gadgets. Here’s how to stay protected:
- Choose smart camera models from vetted, enterprise-ready vendors.
- Enable 2FA on every connected device.
- Use models that offer local storage as a backup to cloud options.
- Create separate network segments for IoT devices and business systems.
- Immediately change all default usernames and passwords.
- Enable automatic firmware updates (and check regularly if that’s working).
- Ensure your router has current security protocols in place.
It’s Not Just the Cameras
If your Salt Lake City architecture firm uses smart thermostats, smart doorbells, voice-controlled assistants, or other connected tech, those are vulnerable too.
Each connected device can become an entry point to your firm’s most sensitive data.
An unpatched thermostat could give a cybercriminal access to your server. A compromised voice assistant could record client meetings. Even smart lights can be exploited if they’re on the same network as your BIM files.
Smart technology should support your firm’s operations—not create new security risks.
Secure Smart, Design Smarter
At Qual IT, we specialize in managed IT services for Salt Lake City architecture firms. We understand your environment: remote project sites, high-value design files, and the increasing reliance on smart tech. We help you protect it all.
Smart cameras and IoT tools can improve visibility and control—but only if they’re properly secured.
Click here to book your free network assessment.
Let’s make sure your studio is protected before someone else decides to access it.
