In 2020, a family in Mississippi experienced a chilling breach when a hacker took over their child’s bedroom Ring camera. The stranger spoke to their daughter directly and played music through the device—all because they reused an old, compromised password.
Now imagine that same scenario playing out in your Salt Lake City leasing office, your shared amenities spaces, or your vacant units under renovation. For property management firms, smart cameras and IoT devices offer a budget-friendly way to monitor assets and protect staff—but they also open the door to major cybersecurity risks if not handled properly.
Here’s what Salt Lake City property management professionals should know before plugging in their next smart camera, thermostat, or access control device.
Not All Smart Cameras Are Created Equal
Plenty of budget-friendly devices skip basic protections to keep costs low—and many building owners or site supervisors unknowingly install them.
Here’s what to look for before installation:
- Choose brands known for regular security updates and strong reputations.
- Prioritize devices with two-factor authentication and encrypted video streams.
- Favor models that offer local storage in addition to (or instead of) cloud backups.
If you're overseeing multiple properties, standardize your tech stack with vetted, secure hardware. This helps reduce risk and makes troubleshooting easier for your IT support provider.
It’s Not Just What You Install—It’s How You Set It Up
Even the best camera becomes a liability if it’s using a default password or running outdated firmware. Property managers are busy, and it’s easy for setup tasks to get rushed or pushed aside—but that’s exactly where attackers strike.
Here’s how to secure your smart camera environment:
- Always change default usernames and passwords.
- Keep firmware, apps, and software fully updated.
- Enable auto-updates wherever possible.
- Segment your network—don’t let smart devices share the same connection as your accounting or tenant portals.
And don’t overlook the basics: If your routers or Wi-Fi access points are outdated or misconfigured, that’s a welcome mat for cybercriminals.
Every Device Is a Potential Gateway
Smart cameras aren’t the only risk. Doorbells, thermostats, voice assistants, smart locks—anything connected to your network can be exploited if left unsecured. A breach in one of these devices could compromise everything from tenant records to leasing contracts to inspection documentation.
This is especially critical for Salt Lake City property teams managing remote locations or working across multiple offices. Without the right IT provider, it’s easy for vulnerabilities to slip through the cracks.
A managed IT services partner can:
- Vet your hardware before installation
- Configure your smart device network with layered protections
- Monitor and patch known vulnerabilities in real time
- Keep your team updated on threats relevant to property management tech
Don’t Let a Cheap Camera Cost You a Tenant’s Trust
Smart devices can make your life easier—but only if they’re managed with the same diligence as your rent roll or maintenance tickets.
If your current IT company can’t answer whether your security devices are isolated from your leasing data, it’s time for a serious conversation.
Click here to book your free network assessment with Qual IT.
We specialize in managed IT services for Salt Lake City property management firms—and we speak the language of AppFolio, Yardi, and the daily pressure of keeping operations running smooth. Let’s secure your smart tech before it becomes your weakest link.
