A detailed synopsis of the Ubiquiti AirCam default password
Among Ubiquiti’s many cost-effective yet strong network cameras, AirCam has been designed for easy use in security and surveillance. The US-based company manufactures a range of wired and wireless security cameras with rich specifications, including a full high-definition video, PoE (Power over Ethernet), and the ability to work with other Ubiquiti products. Even so, the use of any network device brings its own concerns, especially in the case of security.
This is probably the most basic step after purchasing or installing any network camera system including the Ubiquiti AirCam, changing the default settings. The AirCam like several other network devices has a default factory password that is present to allow for quick installation. Though applicable to quick start processes, the unmodified default password present very serious security threats. This article will discuss everything that is the Ubiquiti AirCam default password – its purpose and place in the security structure, dangers of not altering this password, the procedure for altering it, and its effect on other aspects of the network security.
Reasons to Care About the Default Password
When Ubiquiti AirCam devices are shipped, they come with a default IP address and login credentials to allow users to quickly set up the camera. The default password is usually found with a username ‘ubnt’. This username and password combination has been around for quite some time and is quite common among IT administrators, installers, and other unscrupulous personalities as well.
The purpose of a default password is to facilitate the preliminary configuration of the device in such a way that even the users who are not technically gifted can readily use their cameras. After logging in using the default password, the user is allowed to set and use a unique password to thwart any possible unauthorized access. However, in actual situations, this train of thought is disregarded by most of the users. This omission presents enabling security issues especially in situations where a camera is actively connected to the internet.
Why Default Passwords Are Dangerous
1. Credentials Which Are Common Knowledge
Default passwords are not device specific. They do not come in one Ubiquiti AirCam model, it comes for every possible model, therefore people who know Ubiquiti products well can guess or research the default settings without a challenge. Whenever a default login is set up on any device, it does not take long before an ill-intentioned person accesses the system; in this instance, the camera and most likely, the network attached to the camera.
Default passwords for systems like the Ubiquiti AirCam can be fetched from the internet without much effort. A mere lookup brings up a wide range of how-to articles, brochures, and discussion platforms with default login information for multiple appliances’ including Aircam. This is a perilous scenario to users who still operate in their defaults.
2. Exposure to the Internet
One of the main factors that makes it so easy to hack into a system whose default password has not been changed is that a majority of the users place their cameras on the open internet for remote access. In the absence of configurations, such exposure makes the camera easy prey to brute force attacks or scanning equipment being used by hackers in search of weak devices. An attacker with even a basic level of operational competency will find it laughably easy to take control of the camera, once they have located the default access codes.
When allowed access, malicious agents can do a lot more than watch the videos. They may change some preferences, switch off the camera and sometimes even go as far as to use the device as a means for getting into other machines attached to the same network. Many devices such as Ubiquiti AirCams often form part of bigger networks and hence the compromise of a single device puts many more at risk and becomes more of a problem.
3. Botnet Enrollment of Network Cameras
Network cameras are often captured easily into the known botnets because the factory default passwords are usually intact. A botnet is a collection of devices infected with malware and manipulated by an attacker. It also refers to the several comprises exploits, such as spamming, ddos attacks, or any other illegal activities. The year 2016 saw the rise of the Mirai botnet which attacked hundreds of thousands of digital devices like IP cameras and created an avalanche of attacks that can only be compared to that of the largest DDoS attacks in history. The main weakness that was utilized by Mirai was devices’ insistence on default passwords like the Ubiquiti AirCam.
4. Loss of Privacy
In the case of typical home users, the results of a breached Ubiquiti AirCam might be rather disconcerting. Some unfriendly people are able to hack the home camera and abuse it. People are capable of spying in certain places, filming specific situations, and even changing the video clip in question without the permission of the owner. In some instances reported to the authorities, the abused camera was used by criminals to assist in the harassment and extortion of the victim through the use of video footage of them.
How to Change the Default Password
Though changing the default password on a Ubiquiti AirCam is not a hard task ad every individual should do it straight after the purchase, many do not bother at all. The following are the instructions to update the default password to a stronger one.
Step-by-step instructions
Get Hold of the Camera’s Web Interface: Take your Ubiquiti AirCam out of the box and connect it to the network, find the camera IP. You can do this from your router’s connected devices pages or with the help of Ubiquiti’s tools for finding devices.
Once the camera is installed, open any web browser and type in the IP address of this camera located in the address bar.
Log in Using the Default Log Details: Default ubnt, default ubnt was a accessed to the camera. After which, he provided the above statuette.
Go to the Camera Settings: Once logged in inside the camera interface, go to the settings, or administrative panel. It is usually found under the tab called “Settings,” “Configuration” or “Admin.”
Change the Password: The “Password” or “Security” section is one of the settings menus enabled. This particular section contains fields indicating the current password and allowing the user to change it.
Fill in the spaces with a given strong unique password. It is advisable to create a secure password that consists of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and unique symbols. It should be at least 12 characters long.
Save Changes: After entering the password, the user is expected to save his or her new password. The camera will most probably ask the user to log in again with the new credentials.
New Password Validation: Logout from the camera’s UI and try performing the log back in trials using the new password to confirm it has changed successfully.
Password Security Best Practices
1. Create Strong, Unique Passwords
In this age of cyber-crimes, the first thing that one is advised to do when they acquire a new device with potential internet connection is to change the default password. Also, do not forget to pick a strong and unique password. Do not use common passwords like ‘password123’ or even information like dates or places associated with yourself. Moreover, the use of a password manager will enhance the creation and retention of secure passwords especially where devices are many.
2. Activate the two-step verification feature (2FA)
In case the software or internet connection where your Ubiquiti AirCam operates allows it, activating two-step verification provides the added security. This means that even if someone gets hold of your password, there is still a second authentication factor to log into the system.
3. Make Sure that the Firmware of the Device is Constantly Upgraded
Make certain that your Ubiquiti AirCam has the most up-to-date firmware installed. Security fixes that deal with exploitable flaws are often included in firmware updates. By having all firmware current for the camera, one is protected from new threats.
4. Make Management of Networks More Secure
To improve usage security, it is also advisable that your Ubiquiti AirCam is disguised in a VPN (Virtual Private Network) or its access limited through the firewall settings in your router. This decreases the chances of any network activity by external devices as access is allowed to only trusted devices.
5. Turn off Features That Are Not Being Used
If you have a Ubiquiti AirCam with a feature such as remote viewing or uploading to a cloud service that you do not use, it might be best to switch it off. This will help to reduce the exposure to attack and the possibility of hacking.
Implications of Not Changing the Default Password
For users keeping their Ubiquiti AirCam default password policies, the implications could be quite damaging, especially for those whose devices are internet-facing. This could include the following examples:
1. Access to Video Footage Without Consent
An intruder cracking your camera will result in them being able to see the live feed or the saved video clips back due to the use of default passwords. In the case of companies, this could involve looking into called sensitive areas which could increase the chances of thievery, spying, or contravention of personal space.
2. Vulnerabilities on the Network
A Ubiquiti AirCam is usually within a wider system of networked devices. Once the camera is in the control of a hacker, that individual can pivot from the camera to another device in the network and hack it as well. This may cause data loss, infections with viruses, and even ransomware extortions.
3. Removing the Camera from Operation
An already hacked camera may be afflicted in such a way that it cannot operate, endangering your assets. This is more of a concern for businesses that require constant sensor output in order to minimize risks such as theft or disturbance of their operations.
4. Risks Related to Legal and Compliance Issues
In some industries, for instance, health and finance, there are strict requirements on the security of network systems. Inadequate protection of ATM camera systems such as Ubiquiti AirCam can lead to violations of the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA) or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI D.S.S). This will invite adverse legal, monetary penalties, and negative publicity.
5. Possibility of Intimidation
Individuals who use such cameras for personal purposes, risk being subjected to defamation. There are instances where individuals inappropriately used surveillance devices installed in and around homes to stalk, and even abuse them, especially in the wards of the sick and small children. This is dangerously intrusive both to one’s privacy and security.
Final Observation
To summarize, ensuring the security of the Ubiquiti AirCam involves more than just altering the factory preset of the device—though that is an important initial step. Users as well as organizations need to take a holistic approach toward security which includes things like splitting the networks, employing encryption, establishing VPNs for remote usage, surveillance and controlling the activity, and implementing security checks regularly.
Changing the default password is not the only top priority issue in securing your devices that would be connected to a network. Not doing so or worse-outs implementing its broad meaning of security practices making changes within the systems with a fixed incompatibility password endangers all the systems within the networks. Conversely, using the best security practices and advanced conversion techniques, specific to the region, one can successfully protect the Ubiquiti AirCam from being an effective tool in monitoring security.
The main learning point is the need to be alert and on the watch throughout. The digital space is a dynamic one, and so are the ways which the attackers use to take advantage of it. It does not matter if you are a domestic user who needs to protect a single camera, or an enterprise that has surveillance cameras deployed all over the building, in all such cases the most proactive security measures will serve best to counter unauthorized access and invasion of privacy, as well as compromise of the network.
Keeping track of what all the publications promote, making timely changes and upgrades on the software and hardware, and adding in something as simple as remembering to alter the default password will help in preventing any risks from affecting the Ubiquiti AirCam as well as the entire network.