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

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.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • 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.