A Bluetooth baby monitor is a device that uses Bluetooth technology to connect to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to keep an eye on your baby from a distance. The monitor consists of two parts: a transmitter that goes in the baby’s room and a receiver that you keep with you.
A WiFi baby monitor, on the other hand, connects to your home’s WiFi network and allows you to monitor your baby using an app on your smartphone or tablet.
Both types of monitors have their pros and cons. Bluetooth monitors are generally cheaper than WiFi monitors and don’t require an internet connection to work. However, their range is limited, so you need to be within a certain distance of the monitor to receive the signal. WiFi monitors have a wider range and can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, but they are generally more expensive and may have some security concerns.
Ultimately, the choice between a Bluetooth and WiFi baby monitor depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as range, cost, and security when making your decision.
Cybersecurity is an important consideration for any device that connects to the internet, including Bluetooth and WiFi baby monitors. Both types of monitors can be vulnerable to hacking, and it’s important to take steps to protect your privacy and your baby’s safety.
Here are some tips for improving the cybersecurity of your Bluetooth or WiFi baby monitor:
- Choose a monitor from a reputable manufacturer: Look for a monitor from a well-known brand with a good reputation for security. Avoid cheap or off-brand monitors that may be more vulnerable to hacking.
- Use a strong password: Choose a strong and unique password for your monitor’s app and WiFi network, and don’t share it with anyone.
- Keep your software up to date: Install updates and security patches for your monitor’s app and firmware as soon as they become available.
- Use encryption: Look for a monitor that uses encryption to protect your data, and make sure that encryption is enabled in the monitor’s settings.
- Secure your home network: Make sure your home WiFi network is secure by using a strong password, enabling encryption, and changing the default login credentials for your router.
- Turn off the monitor when not in use: When you’re not using the monitor, turn it off to reduce the risk of hacking.
How Can Your Baby Monitor Be Hacked?
- Radio monitors: On a certain frequency, radio monitors communicate over short to medium distances. A hacker would need to be physically close to the signal and be aware of the appropriate frequency in order to communicate with radio monitoring. The majority of the reputable baby brands that we list among the top baby monitors use encrypted channels, so the hacker would also need to be able to get over that.
- WiFi monitors link up to your home network, which is likely connected to the internet. This makes it possible for anyone, anywhere in the globe, to hijack your device.Models known as Internet of Things (IoT) monitors, which transmit a video feed to your smartphone, are of particular concern since they increase the risk of security breaches. Since hackers might possibly access internet-connected baby monitors from anywhere on the planet, you wouldn’t want to let them inside your child’s bedroom.
Pros of Baby Wi-Fi:
- Convenience: Baby Wi-Fi cameras can be accessed remotely from a smartphone or tablet, allowing parents to check on their baby anytime and from anywhere.
- Multiple Viewing Options: Many Baby Wi-Fi cameras offer multiple viewing options, such as split-screen and panoramic views, allowing parents to monitor multiple areas of their baby’s room simultaneously.
- Two-way communication: Some Baby Wi-Fi cameras come equipped with two-way communication, which allows parents to talk to their baby from another room.
Cons of Baby Wi-Fi:
- Security concerns: Baby Wi-Fi cameras can be vulnerable to hacking, potentially compromising the safety and privacy of the baby and family.
- Wi-Fi connection: The reliability of a Baby Wi-Fi camera can depend on the strength and stability of the Wi-Fi connection, which can be unpredictable at times.
- Additional Cost: Baby Wi-Fi cameras can be more expensive than traditional baby monitors.
Pros of Baby Bluetooth Monitors:
- Security: Baby monitors use a closed system to transmit signals, making it more difficult for hackers to gain access to the system.
- No Wi-Fi Required: Traditional baby monitors do not require Wi-Fi, making them more reliable and consistent than Baby Wi-Fi cameras.
- Cost-effective: Baby monitors can be more affordable than Baby Wi-Fi cameras.
Cons of Baby Bluetooth Monitors:
- Limited Range: Traditional baby monitors have a limited range, making it difficult to monitor babies from another room or outside the home.
- Limited Features: Traditional baby monitors often lack features such as video monitoring and two-way communication.
- Interference: Baby monitors can be susceptible to interference from other electronic devices, which can disrupt the signal and reduce the quality of the sound.