Foscam Wireless IP Camera Setup & Port Forwarding

[MaHoTex]

Im running four FOASCAMS three FI8910W and one 8921W. All running through NO-ip and I can access via my phone etc. I have a synology server that I am planning to use for storing images etc, I guess I will prob set up FTP for that?

Yep. Set up a local FTP server and dump images to it.

[atc4usmc]

Thanks MaHoTex!

[lanwarrior]

Yep. Set up a local FTP server and dump images to it.

If you have cloud based file service like Box, Dropbox, etc.. point the ftp folder there so if the thief stole your server, the images are still saved.

[MaHoTex]

If you have cloud based file service like Box, Dropbox, etc.. point the ftp folder there so if the thief stole your server, the images are still saved.

That has an upside and a downside. While the benefit of having a remote FTP is so it can not be stolen, the downside is your files are on the public network. Sure, they are secure, but so was the credit data for Target shoppers.

I have never been a fan of the cloud based services, well, except for Steam Games that is.

Ultimately, either will fill the need to have a place to collect the images. I figure since I have a server running 24/7 anyway, it is the perfect place for my application.

[atc4usmc]

I agree with you TEX...I do weekly back ups of my server and keep them off site for data security. I understand the dropbox idea for images from the FOSCAM though. May need to look at this a little more.

[lanwarrior]

That has an upside and a downside. While the benefit of having a remote FTP is so it can not be stolen, the downside is your files are on the public network. Sure, they are secure, but so was the credit data for Target shoppers.

Dropbox, like other reputable cloud-based service, is pretty secure. These are hybrid cloud service and no one have access to your folders (NSA not included ). There is a reason many companies start using these, including Box.net and Google Drive.

It's the same with email - it's more efficient and secure to use Gmail than hosting your own mail server.

Ultimately, it's the type of data you're putting on these cloud-based service. I don't put important files, like tax return, in DropBox. I archived and encrypt this using TruCrypt on separate drives that I put in safety deposit box. It's all about balancing security, cost and convenience and depends on the risks (likelihood X impact).

Regarding Target, that's a different situation IMHO. I have multiple credit cards and I don't used it on shady websites or places. Yet, I had a situation where the CC company called me about attempted fraudulent charges in a city I never been to. It's really hard to stop this - the waiter can scan your credit card for one without you knowing it.

[Zedrek]

I bought the Foscam FI8910W and it looks pretty good but the software that came with it really sucks. I can't get it to work properly. I ended up using Sighthound and it's OK for free software but I might just break down and pay for it.

[Toyman321]

Subscribed for future reading, I picked up a foscam off woot a while back and gave up getting it to work with my router...

[Zedrek]

The Awkward Hamster video's that Pitbull30 linked above were really helpful. I found that it was easier to use Internet Explorer then it was to use Chrome. My camera linked up with my router right away but the monitoring software that came with it sucks.

[pitbull30]

The Awkward Hamster video's that Pitbull30 linked above were really helpful. I found that it was easier to use Internet Explorer then it was to use Chrome. My camera linked up with my router right away but the monitoring software that came with it sucks.

Glad it helped.

[Fizz]

Interesting on the popularity of foscams. I recently bought one one on Newegg Flash because the price was good and I got a stack a Promo from American Express ($10 rebate on $50 or more at neweggflash.com). I only use it as a garage door monitor, so I just have it email me when it detects motion.

I got it setup easy enough (but I do these kinds of setups for a living).

Gotta say; I would NOT ever put a Foscam open to the internet!

Short googling and you'll find some serious vulnerabilities. My model (FI8910w) was affected. Essentially, browsing a specific URL (http://x.x.x.x//../proc/kcore) will cause the camera to display a memory dump; revealing passwords, configuration, etc. information. I was able to confirm it on my model.

This was patched with the latest version of the firmware I applied... but that's just a discovered vulnerability. Doesn't mean there aren't other ways to do the same thing. Baby monitor? This guy was using it for the same thing.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2013/08/27/baby-monitor-hack-could-happen-to-40000-other-foscam-users/

Combine this vulnerability with something like shodanhq.com and you see why this is an issue. I've confirmed with a couple foscams (or similar rebrands) across the globe that this vulnerability is possible on unpatched cams.

Try it for yourself! http://www.shodanhq.com/search?q=netwave+ip+camera

For example, the third result. http://109.173.170.74//proc/kcore (Complete memory dump!) Click that and wait a while, eventually you'll start getting plain text info.

Anyway, guys advocating VPNs and the like are on the right track. It's one of the few cases where I'll say that techies aren't over complicating simple functionality.