A Breakdown of the Nation’s Unsecured Security Cameras

A Breakdown of the Nation's Unsecured Security Cameras

With the inundation of security cameras coming to a head, there are more security cameras in use in the United States right now than there have ever been. In 2014, Insecam listed over 73,000 unsecured cameras worldwide with 11,046 of those belonging to the U.S., making the nation number one for unsecured security cameras.

As security cameras become more accessible and easy to install, security firm, Protection 1, set out to create a map of the top states and cities that are currently running cameras that are not locked down and can be viewed by anyone.

The top 5 states with unsecured security cameras are:

  1. North Dakota
  2. Washington, D.C.
  3. Montana
  4. Alaska
  5. Wyoming

The top 5 cities with unsecured cameras are:

  1. Walnut Creek, California
  2. Richardson, Texas
  3. Torrance, California
  4. Newark, New Jersey
  5. Corvallis, Oregon

Below is a heat map that demonstrates the widespread use of privacy-threatening open security cameras.

Factors like population density and security needs in cities probably factor into the prevalence of open security cameras. Protection 1 notes that it is interesting that cities known for their high-profile activities like international trade or technological innovation having taken the extra step to put a password on their security camera feeds.

Perhaps the most troublesome finding, from a privacy perspective, is that 15 percent of the cameras found to be unsecured were found in homes.

“Open security cameras are a widespread problem and should be a top concern for Americans concerned with their own privacy,” Protection 1’s findings said. “Even if you take particular care to remove the unsecured cameras from within your home, the grocery store you visit every week might be broadcasting your shopping habits to the online world.”

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Survey: 54% of Organizations Cite Technical Debt as Top Hurdle to Identity System Modernization

    Modernizing identity systems is proving difficult for organizations due to two key challenges: decades of accumulated Identity and Access Management (IAM) technical debt and the complexity of managing access across multiple identity providers (IDPs). These findings come from the new Strata Identity-commissioned report, State of Multi-Cloud Identity: Insights and Trends for 2025. The report, based on survey data from the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), highlights trends and challenges in securing cloud environments. The CSA is the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment. Read Now

  • Study: Only 35 Percent of Companies Include Cybersecurity Teams When Implementing AI

    Only 35 percent of cybersecurity professionals or teams are involved in the development of policy governing the use of AI technology in their enterprise, and nearly half (45 percent) report no involvement in the development, onboarding, or implementation of AI solutions, according to the recently released 2024 State of Cybersecurity survey report from ISACA, a global professional association advancing trust in technology. Read Now

  • New Report Series Highlights E-Commerce Threats, Fraud Against Retailers

    Trustwave, a cybersecurity and managed security services provider, recently released a series of reports detailing the threats facing the retail sector, marking the second year of its ongoing research into these critical security issues. Read Now

  • Stay Secure in 2024: Updated Cybersecurity Tips for the Office and at Home

    Cyber criminals get more inventive every year. Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and are a moving target for business owners in 2024. Companies large and small need to employ cybersecurity best practices throughout their organization. That includes security integrators, manufacturers, and end users. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation. 3

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3