Can the Ucam Blockchain Encrypted Security Camera Protect Your Home?

Networked security cameras that you can use to observe your property when you’re away, or late at night, are increasingly popular. They generally record to a microSD card, or upload to the cloud for you to access remotely.

I’ve reviewed six home security cameras in the past couple of years. Perhaps it’s natural paranoia, but there’s always a niggling feeling that the feed isn’t 100 percent private and secure, even if in fact it is.

In an attempt to dissuade this discomfort, IoTeX and Tenvis have teamed up to release the Ucam, the world’s first blockchain-secured personal security camera.

Blockchain, Encryption and Ownership

Threats to home security IP cameras have been highlighted repeatedly over the years. It’s a simple concept: if the camera is improperly secured, it can be easily hijacked. The result is that camera feeds from homes can appear online for anyone to view. Even cameras that ship with security features like passwords can be hacked if the same password (or group of passwords) are set for each device.

The Ucam presents an alternative to this risk. While manufacturers have improved their security and support passwords that must be changed on first use, the Ucam takes things to a new level.

So, you’ve got end-to-end encryption, private cloud storage, data privacy, and full ownership of your data. This is an important consideration, although if anyone were to learn your Ucam’s encryption key it would be rendered meaningless…

Ucam also boasts blockchain authorization. The blockchain-based login is provided by IoTeX, a key provider of blockchain solutions for Internet of Things products. IoTeX ‘s blockchain technology has been developed by engineers from Google, Intel, and Facebook, while IoTeX is a Co-Chair of the Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC) Blockchain Group (alongside Amazon and Huawei).

Unboxing the Ucam

Opening the jet-black box, you’ll find the Ucam staring back at you, a compact camera measuring 4 inches high and 2.5 inches wide. It weighs just 168 grams, making it ideal for placing on a shelf or mounting on even the thinnest stud walls.

The back of the camera features a Wi-Fi antenna which can be removed, although the wire inside cannot be detached. An Ethernet port and micro-USB power port accompany this. The front of the camera, when angled up, has a slot for the microSD card, and a reset button.

A small black box is included with the camera. This includes a wall mounting plate, 2x screws, 2x anchors, a “quick start guide,” and a blank card to make a note of the device’s private key.

You’ll also find a 1.5-meter USB power cable and mains adaptor.

To use the Ucam you will need an Android or iOS device. The app runs on Android 5.0 and later, and iOS 12.0 and later.

Ucam Features

The Ucam offers a mix of standard and unusual features. You already know about the end-to-end encryption and blockchain technology that limits the feed to who you authorize to access it.

The Ucam also has 1080p high definition video with night vision. This sees up to 36 feet in “absolute darkness” thanks to 12 infrared LEDs.

With Smart Motion Detection, the Ucam automatically records video clips when motion is detected. Using the mobile app, you can set detection schedules and alert types, specify scanning areas, and set a level of sensitivity for detection.

Whether using automatic motion detection mode or the remote control in the app, the Ucam has 360-degree coverage, plus up/down tilt action. There’s also two-way audio, giving you the option to use the Ucam as a baby or pet monitor. You could even remotely chat with visitors.

Footage recorded on the Ucam can be shared with family members or whoever you choose. You can toggle access as and when required. Video can be stored on a microSD card (up to 64GB is supported, but the card is not included) and cloud storage is also available. The mobile app has a timeline feature to help you easily find events to play back.

Setting Up the Ucam

Despite the heavy security angle, setting up the Ucam is surprisingly straightforward, whether mounting on a wall or placing it on a shelf.

Start by inserting the microSD card. This isn’t 100% necessary, although it makes constant observation simpler. The slot is a little tricky to access; in our test device the push-to-eject had an over-powered spring that sent the microSD card across the room. With this done, the device should be connected to the network. You have two options here: the Ethernet port, connecting it directly to your router or a powerline adaptor, or Wi-Fi.

Ultimately, Wi-Fi is the preferred option, but Ethernet is okay. It also comes in useful if you cannot connect the Ucam to your wireless network. It supports 2.4Ghz, so be sure to ensure your router broadcasts at this frequency. Newer routers are 5Ghz by default, although you can usually open a secondary 2.4Ghz network—check your router documentation for details.

Accessing the Ucam With the Mobile App

With the camera set up and online, you can access the feed only via the mobile app. While some security camera mobile apps lack important features, this is a packed collection of options.

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To start with, there is the standard camera view, with its directional buttons to adjust the view. You can pinch to zoom, view in full-screen, and even toggle 360p mode (useful for slow networks). Events can be viewed using the “police siren” button, while the Account option lets you check the private key. This should be noted down before verification and kept safe. A lost key means using the De-registration feature, which prompts the creation of a new encryption. This is a time-consuming solution however—keep the encryption key safe instead!

Elsewhere in the app you can select a preferred storage option (see below) and change the camera name. Looking for granular security options? You can set a detection schedule, sensitivity, and even specify the desired detection zone in the Event Recording screen.

Should you opt for multiple Ucams around your home, the app can display feeds and alerts from all of them. The app also features a tool to scan the QR code for a shared camera, or create a QR code to share this camera.

Cloud Storage or microSD Card?

As noted, the Ucam uses cloud storage or a microSD card to retain videos. Each has its advantages, but which option is best?

• Cloud storage: this is encrypted, with a three hour, 10-second event recording available free. This can be upgraded to a seven day or 30-day subscription, with prices starting at $1.99 a month. Payment is via credit card; the subscription can be upgraded easily from within the app.
• microSD card: this is potentially cheaper, although the 64GB limit is restrictive given the affordability of flash storage. Continuous recordings will be stored on the microSD card. Note that the card can be easily removed if the camera is situated within reach.

Given the affordability of the storage subscriptions, this seems a smarter option than relying on the microSD card. However, if continuous recording is a feature you need from your security camera, use a microSD card.

An Encrypted Home Security Camera With Added Blockchain

Tenvis’s association with IoTeX is a smart piece of business. While the use of the “blockchain” word is ­slapped onto products purely to sell them, you get the feeling that Tenvis has actually thought this through. IoTeX supports the product’s security with decentralized identity, putting you in full control of the device, authentication, and the footage recorded.

That sets the Ucam apart from other similar products, while an easy setup and intuitive mobile app makes this a home security solution you should place at the top of your shopping list.

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