14.04 Wireless Security System

[coljohnhannibalsmith]

Hello,

Can anyone recommend a good wireless security system for Ubuntu? I've installed Zoneminder; but
I will need to use wireless cameras, since the maximum length of a usb cable is only 15 feet. I would
like a recommendation on which cameras to use as well.

Thanks, Hannibal

[TheFu]

Some wireless cameras have terrible security. I know at a few restaurants near here, their "security cameras" are trivial to watch from nearby laptop.
http://www.networkworld.com/article/2844283/microsoft-subnet/peeping-into-73-000-unsecured-security-cameras-thanks-to-default-passwords.html

http://www.infoworld.com/article/2851854/security/thinking-of-buying-a-security-camera-read-this-first.html

http://www.networkworld.com/article/2224469/microsoft-subnet/hacks-to-turn-your-wireless-ip-surveillance-cameras-against-you.html

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2014/07/23/how-your-security-system-could-be-used-to-spy-on-you/

Wired. Definitely wired.

[coljohnhannibalsmith]

Wow, that was quite a read. So, IP cameras have the greatest vulnerability; I get it. That doesn't
make the distance issue go away. I live on a private road, on a ranch, about 1/4 mile from the main
road; so that should mitigate some of the hacking threats. Also, if I choose to use some IP Cams, they
will be mounted outside, so that no one will get to see inside my home.

The vulnerability treatise was informative; but I still need a recommendation as to which cameras or
systems are going to be right for me. I plan on controlling the system from my laptop; and will store
video locally. I'm going to need motion detection; because trying to review unedited security footage
is a nightmare. Face reocognition and IR capability are also desirable features. I have a program called
zonealarm that is supposed to be the best Linux security software available; and runs from a terminal.
I don't know however, whether or not it works only with wired systems.

Basically, I need a system that will allow me to use my laptop as the DVR, which is Linux compatible.
I can always upload it to the cloud later. I also want voice recording; so I'll need cameras that can do
that. I'm renting the property; so there's only so many holes I can punch in the walls. Can someone
explain to me how the individual components of these systems work together and how they are controlled
especially with tilt, pan and zoom cams. I've never had a security system before.

Thanks, Hannibal

[matt_symes]

Hi

I would also highly recommend wired IP cameras as well not only because of the security aspects as well but also because I have found them more reliable.

The last system I set up was in a friends house. 4 cameras in total so far but this was on a Windows 7 box.

I used 3 watchbot cameras and 1 from escam.

I also set up a VPN so he could view the cameras on his phone.

Not too much help as you are looking for a Ubuntu solution.

Kind regards

[TheFu]

A ranch? So 5-10 cameras?
And if you are using wifi - you'll want a ubiquiti AP or 3.

[coljohnhannibalsmith]

A ranch? So 5-10 cameras?
And if you are using wifi - you'll want a ubiquiti AP or 3.

This looks like a good solution, and just what I was looking for. BTW, I plan perhaps
to have two APs outside. Should I use the Outdoor + APs for this; or can I simply go
with indoor APs in my house pointed in the direction of the outdoor cameras, since
the range is 400 ft. I'm trying to save some money, if you can't tell.

Thanks, Hannibal