A Breakdown of the Nation’s Unsecured Security Cameras

A Breakdown of the Nation's Unsecured Security Cameras

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Jun 22, 2016

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

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

  • Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • 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.