CCTV system prices have dropped substantially over the last few years and the addition of low cost IP camera products, allow people to purchase and set them up quick and easily on there own. These types of cameras are being used for many purposes from security around and outside the home, 24 hour office surveillance to even being used as a camera baby monitor.

At first glance these systems seem to have it all and as they are available for as little as £30, much of the public are investing in them to give them piece of mind and added security. But there are some issues that have come to light that need to be weighed up before installing an IP camera. These cameras rely on an internet connection to function therefore if your internet goes off, so does your camera and as with any online connection it is possible for an outsider to hack in if the security is not adequate. There have been reports of people hacking these cameras and actually streaming the footage live on the internet for all to see which is a massive invasion of privacy and can be very distressing to those concerned.