How to Isolate Your IoT Cameras: Essential Tips on Securing Your Network

Home Security Systems & Network Configuration

Home security systems are becoming of standard prevalence for many households throughout the United States, as around three in five individuals report having their own home security system, a 2025 survey from NerdWallet found. While a heightened perception of safety is just one major benefit of home security systems identified by the survey, those who opted for a self-monitored system cite further advantages like “lack of monitoring costs.” For those who are in search of their own home security solution for the first time, however, setting it up can be a daunting endeavor — especially when the primary goal is enhanced security. The dangers of online cameras, coupled with the underlying potential of the right network configurations (and the options involved) are just a few key considerations to keep in mind throughout the process.

A Deeper Look Into the Dangers

Most people invest in IoT camera systems for the sake of heightened security. However, a camera that is actively online can bring a number of vulnerabilities to light. For starters, online cameras are inherently more vulnerable to the downfalls of the internet, which make them vulnerable to security concerns that include cyberattacks. An article from the Brilliance Security Magazine explores the risk of cyberattacks regarding security cameras. This includes the unintentional exposure of camera live feeds online, which unfortunately, are “viewable without a password or any firewall,” the article emphasizes. Bad actors can also intercept video streams, where they can then gain access to the system simply by listening in. Other vulnerabilities highlighted by the article include those that come from outdated technology, or systems that simply aren’t up-to-date with the latest security patches.

In light of the dangers that cameras with online access pose, it’s equally important to recognize the value that local storage can have over cloud storage. While cloud storage offers a variety of conveniences (online footage that can be accessed even if your camera isn’t functional or present, etc.), a Wired article by Simon Hill points out that this avenue does involve a “secure remote server space.” This often means encrypted footage and other safeguard features (like a secure login), though it’s crucial to remember that this online and connected method can still fall victim to cybersecurity shortfalls like hacking. Local storage, on the other hand, “is not sent to the internet,” Hill explains. Of course, there’s always a risk that the physical storage method (an SD card, for instance) can become lost, stolen, or damaged, though local storage is generally regarded as the safer choice when considering the vulnerabilities that come along with an internet-connected stream.

Considering Network Configuration Options

Correctly configuring your guest network can seem like a complicated chore, though there are a few different methods and several online tutorials that can guide you through the process in a step-by-step fashion. A VueVille article by Daniel Ross is just one helpful and detailed DIY guide that explains how to block IP cameras from accessing the internet, in which the method explored describes three key fundamental steps to achieve the goal of isolating cameras on a separate network.

The first step, according to the tutorial, entails the creation of a virtual LAN (VLAN), specifically for the use of wireless security cameras. From there, creating a Wi-Fi service set identifier, or SSID, is necessary. The third step in the VueVille tutorial is perhaps the most important for those who wish to keep their cameras local, which involves the creation of specific firewall rules in order to essentially block the camera’s internet access. It’s extremely important to note that Ross’ tutorial highlights several settings that must be adjusted in order to achieve the correct outcome, as some settings can be left to their default while others are best changed to recommended specifications.

Adjusting advanced firewall settings to block the IPs of the cameras can be one of the simplest ways to isolate the cameras from streaming via the internet, though there are other methods out there.

Creating an “air gap” network, for instance, is another technique. An IBM article by authors Mesh Flinders and Ian Smalley defines creating an air gap as “the physical isolation of computer systems or networks so they can’t physically connect to other computer systems or networks.”

The article further goes on to explain that “air gapping” holds several unique benefits, such as protecting valuable information through the secure nature of network isolation and “unidirectional data flow.” The IBM article also touches on the value of additional elements often used in conjunction with air gapped networks (like encryption), which can further contribute to cybersecurity.

While separating your IoT devices on another network is a smart thing to do and can minimize cybersecurity risks, it remains incredibly important to take into account the likelihood that no method is truly 100% impenetrable, as factors like human error can still give way to vulnerabilities. This consideration only underscores the importance of further protective measures, like continuous monitoring and smart access controls in addition to other general cybersecurity practices.

Using a Guest Network — The Hidden Advantages

When the goal is to proactively secure an IoT camera system, setting it up on a guest network is perhaps one of the smartest first moves to make. By isolating the camera system to a guest network, one can successfully maintain a foundational level of separation from the rest of the home’s activity and personal devices. This not only heightens security across the board, but also allows for minimal congestion on the network and better overall connectivity (especially for those who invest in high-quality camera systems that are rather intensive).

Isolating an IoT camera system to a guest network can be especially beneficial for individuals who work from home on company-issued devices. While these devices are typically already well-secured by the company, maintaining a level of separation among personal IoT devices and company-issued tech can help streamline network activity in key ways.

For many companies that encourage remote work, efficient laptop deployment and tracking is an essential factor that keeps security at the forefront of operations while properly maintaining devices throughout their lifecycle. Oftentimes, businesses will utilize a reputable third-party service in order to orchestrate a methodical and beneficial approach to laptop deployment and tracking, which requires routine and remote ‘check-ins’ in order to efficiently manage the tech. When a remote employee keeps their personal IoT devices on a separate guest network, they can provide a clear path to track laptops. This is especially important for those who end up configuring their guest networks with specific firewall rules, as this would likely complicate such processes otherwise.

Conclusion

Investing in a security camera system can be a great move for anyone in search of easy at-home security, though it’s imperative to recognize the vulnerabilities that improperly configured systems have. Through the successful configuration of a guest network, homeowners can enjoy a camera system that streams locally for heightened, stress-free security.

Remark

This is a guest post by Jennifer Hay.