DIGITAL LIFE

If you want to turn your old smartphone into a security camera, you have to be careful

If you have an old Android smartphone lying around, it's often wise to turn it into a security camera. However, care must be taken with this.

Doing nothing with an old Android smartphone is a waste. The device is packed with technology and features that you throw away because you bought a better version. You can therefore choose to use your smartphone in a different way. For example, as a picture frame or as a security camera.

The last option is especially popular. You don't need the best video quality with a security camera. As long as you can distinguish between the shapes and see if something is moving, a lot is already possible. That's why we have you Planet Android tips on how to use your smartphone as a security camera.

However, it is important to think carefully before doing this. Especially with older devices that no longer receive security updates.

Why you should be careful...Smartphones get different types of updates. There are software updates that make the operating system more stable and offer more features. Also, there are security patches that keep your smartphone safe.

If a phone no longer receives a new version of Android, these security updates are usually still released. This is important because hackers do their best to penetrate devices and regularly find new vulnerabilities. These security patches fix these vulnerabilities.

Security updates are not released indefinitely. Samsung and OnePlus provide security patches for at least four years. Nokia devices have to make do with three years of support, while Asus usually only updates devices for two years. So it's quite different.

The moment your smartphone stops receiving security updates, it is much more vulnerable to outside intruders. This means that you run the risk of not only seeing what is happening in your home, but that others might as well.

But I have nothing to hide?...Something you often hear is: I have nothing to hide, so who cares? But if one can watch and possibly also listen with their whole life, it can cause a lot of problems. Think, for example, about where all your valuables are, which is very good information for thieves. They also immediately know when you are home or not.

You may also be blackmailed with recorded footage of your private situation, or with information from conversations you have in your own home.

What should I do?...It's not that you can't use Android smartphones as security cameras, but there are a few important things to remember.

First of all, make sure you're not using a smartphone that no longer receives security updates. To check if this is still the case, go to settings and then 'About Phone > Android Version'. There you can see how long ago you received the last security update. Security patches are released monthly by Google.

Also, it is important to actually install these updates. If you use a smartphone as a security camera, you might not care about that anymore. Keep checking and installing updates regularly.

Android Planet