Does Vivint Spy on You?

Several security cameras pointed at womanSeveral security cameras pointed at woman

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Vivint smart home and security products come with professional installation and professional monitoring. However, the use of professional monitoring may cause some users to worry about being spied on through their security cameras.

Vivint monitoring center agents monitor Vivint security systems 24/7 to respond to alarms, but the agents do not access anyone’s camera streams or video recordings. However, if a Vivint system is hacked, the hackers may be able to spy on those in the home by controlling the security cameras.

If you use Vivint or are considering it, you will want to know how to keep your security system safe from potential hackers. To keep your system fully protected, you will also want to know how to determine if your system has been hacked, and how to fix it quickly.

Do People with Vivint Spy on You?

Vivint has its own professional monitoring center with staff working 24/7. For some customers, this may bring up an image of a stranger in an office watching you through your security cameras, but rest assured, this isn’t happening.

Vivint agents will never access the live feed or recorded videos from any of your security cameras. They are only monitoring for alarms being triggered. When an alarm is triggered, an agent will contact your and the appropriate emergency services if needed. But even in an emergency, they won’t access your cameras.

Can Vivint Be Hacked?

Vivint works hard to ensure that all their devices are secure. They use 1024-bit encryption, and you can hide the IP addresses of connected devices. However, there have been reported incidents of Vivint systems being hacked.

Vivint was also successfully hacked by the cybersecurity researcher named Logan Lamb in a test on the vulnerability of many top-rated security systems. Read the full story of the test here.

When a Vivint security system is hacked, outsiders can access your security camera feeds to spy on you in your home. They can also stop your alarm from being triggered during an intrusion or emergency by jamming the system’s detection ability.

How to Know If You’ve Been Hacked

Your home security system being hacked is definitely cause for alarm. Luckily, there are some simple ways to check your system for hackers:

  • Check your system’s settings for any changes that you didn’t make.
  • Vivint security cameras have remote panning and tilting capabilities. When your system is hacked, hackers can control your cameras’ movements. You can watch your cameras’ recordings for unusual movement.
  • Strange noises coming from your cameras may also be a sign that your system has been hacked.
  • If you have any smart home devices such as light bulbs or thermostats connected to your Vivint system, hackers may gain access to those as well. Keep an eye out for any unauthorized activity from these devices.
  • Vivint cameras and doorbells have an LED light, which can give you valuable information about what’s going on with your security system. If you notice a Vivint camera with no light or a light that isn’t solid white, your system may be hacked. The table below explains what each light means:
Solid white lightThe Vivint camera is functioning normally.
No lightThe camera is either in privacy mode or has no power.
Solid green lightYou will see this light during set-up. It means the camera is ready to pair with your system.
Solid yellow lightThe camera is rebooting.
Solid red lightThe camera isn’t connected to the smart hub.
Blinking white lightThe camera isn’t connected to the Internet.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Been Hacked

Check to see if remote access was gained from one of your authorized users. In the Vivint app, select a user, and tap “Mobile access activity.” Confirm with that user that their activity was actually from them. If it wasn’t, turn off mobile access for this user or remove them from your account. You can add them back later after your system is secured. 

If you suspect your Vivint system has been hacked, change your Vivint password. Sign out of your Vivint account on all authorized devices, and sign back in. You should also contact Vivint customer service for additional support.

Keeping Your Wi-Fi Network Secure

Your Vivint system is connected to your home’s Wi-Fi network, so keeping Vivint secure starts with a secure network. The tips below will help prevent potential hackers from accessing your devices via your Wi-Fi:

  • Don’t use the default IP address and password that came with your Wi-Fi router. They are more susceptible to hacking.
  • Create a unique, hard-to-guess Wi-Fi password and change it often. Your Wi-Fi password should be different from your Vivint password.
  • Enable encryption on your Wi-Fi router and other devices connected to your network when possible.

In Summary

Vivint comes with 24/7 professional monitoring, but the monitoring agents do not access your cameras’ streams or recorded videos. However, Vivint can be hacked by outsiders who can control your devices from another location and spy on you through your cameras. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs that your system may be comprised and check them regularly.

Knowing that this security risk can happen, if you decide that Vivint isn’t for you, check out our articles on how to cancel your account and alternative smart home security solutions.

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