Security Snafu: 7 Spots You Should Never Install a Security Camera

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  House and Home on Wed, Nov 19th, 2025 by CNET

Security Snafu: 7 Spots You Should Never Install a Security Camera

When it comes to protecting a home, many homeowners turn to security cameras as the first line of defense. While cameras can be a powerful deterrent, the wrong placement can not only reduce their effectiveness but also create security risks or legal complications. CNET’s “Security snafu: 7 spots to never install a security camera” cuts through the noise and gives homeowners clear, practical guidance on where to avoid installing cameras, backed by real‑world examples and expert advice.

1. The Bathroom – Privacy is Paramount

The first and most obvious no‑go zone is the bathroom. Even the most discreet “privacy‑first” cameras can inadvertently capture intimate moments, making them prime targets for cyber‑criminals. CNET cites several cases where attackers exploited exposed camera footage to blackmail or extort homeowners. The article stresses that if a camera is ever installed in a bathroom, it must be an “eyeless” model that only records motion‑based triggers and never stores live video, but the safest route is to keep cameras out of these rooms entirely.

2. The Kitchen – Fire Hazards and Smoke Sensors

Kitchens are a hot spot for fire hazards, and many modern smart‑home systems wire cameras to the same circuits that power smoke detectors and other safety devices. CNET notes that a camera placed in or near a stove area can interfere with smoke detector sensors and potentially trigger false alarms. Worse, the heat generated by a camera’s infrared LED can, over time, damage nearby electronics. The recommendation is to keep cameras at least 10 feet away from cooking appliances and to double‑check that the camera’s power draw does not overload the kitchen circuit.

3. Inside the House – Blind Spots and Overkill

While an inside‑house camera can give a “panorama” of activity, CNET warns that many homeowners over‑extend their coverage, installing cameras on every hallway, stairwell, and living room. This results in an overwhelming amount of footage that’s difficult to sift through, and it raises privacy concerns for family members and visitors. Instead, the article suggests focusing on entry points and high‑traffic areas outside the home, using interior cameras only in critical zones (e.g., a front‑door camera that can see inside for a few feet).

4. Over Doorways – Privacy Invasions

Placing a camera directly over a door, especially a sliding glass door, can expose people’s movements into your home. The article points out that a camera mounted on a doorframe can capture both the inside and outside of a private space, leading to potential violations of privacy laws in some jurisdictions. If a doorway must be monitored, the camera should be angled to avoid capturing interiors or be placed behind a privacy filter that obscures interior rooms.

5. In the Garage – Low Light and Dust

The garage is often overlooked, but it’s a tricky environment for cameras. CNET highlights that garages are notorious for low light conditions, dust, and constant motion from cars, all of which can degrade footage quality. Moreover, many garages lack a stable power source, forcing homeowners to rely on battery‑powered cameras that may run out mid‑night. The article recommends using a high‑gain camera with infrared night vision and ensuring that the device is dust‑sealed to avoid sensor failure.

6. On the Roof – Weather and Accessibility

Installing a camera on a roof might seem like a good idea for a wide field of view, but CNET underscores the practical challenges: weatherproofing, cable routing, and the risk of accidental falls during maintenance. Moreover, rooftop cameras often violate HOA or city building codes that limit the height and appearance of external hardware. The piece advises opting for a lower‑profile solution that still captures the front entrance but is easier to maintain.

7. Near a Wi‑Fi Router – Signal Interference

Many homeowners install cameras close to their Wi‑Fi routers for convenience, but CNET warns that the camera’s internal Wi‑Fi can create interference, reducing bandwidth for other devices. In addition, if the camera and router share the same channel, you could experience dropped streams or latency. The article recommends placing the camera at least 15–20 feet from the router, and if signal strength is an issue, using a wired Ethernet connection or a dedicated mesh network.

Follow‑Up Resources for Smart Camera Set‑Up

CNET’s article links to several supplemental guides that give deeper insights into choosing the right camera system and ensuring optimal performance:

• “How to choose the best security camera for your home” – A step‑by‑step breakdown of sensor types, resolution, field of view, and connectivity options.
• “Protecting your smart‑home from cyber‑attacks” – Offers actionable security best practices such as changing default passwords, enabling two‑factor authentication, and segmenting home networks.
• “5 DIY hacks to improve camera battery life” – Practical tips for extending battery performance without compromising coverage.

These resources help homeowners avoid common pitfalls, secure their cameras, and maintain a streamlined workflow for reviewing footage.

Takeaway

CNET’s “Security snafu: 7 spots to never install a security camera” reminds us that an effective security system is not just about installing more cameras; it’s about smart placement, robust power management, and respecting privacy laws. Avoiding bathrooms, kitchens, interior blind spots, doorways, garages, roofs, and router proximities can drastically reduce the risk of legal trouble, technical failures, or compromised footage. By following the article’s recommendations and supplementing them with the linked guides, homeowners can set up a camera system that offers reliable surveillance without turning their own homes into a liability.