Nationwide, many Americans use video doorbell cameras from Ring and other companies. In doing so, they're counting on these devices to reveal who's approaching their property. These cameras can also come in handy for warding off would-be package thieves and other unscrupulous characters.

For quite some time, it's been widely assumed that this form of home security is safe and reliable. Amid reports of rising crime over the years, Americans understandably want to take steps to protect themselves and their homes.

Unfortunately, there may be more to video doorbell cameras than meets the eye. According to a new release from Consumer Reports, homeowners relying on these devices could have a very big problem.

A substantial risk of being hacked

Days ago, Consumer Reports revealed that thousands of the aforementioned cameras are accessible to individuals other than the homeowners. Hacking these video doorbell devices can be as simple as physically accessing them, setting up an account on the Eken mobile app, pressing the doorbell's button, and then connecting to the device via pairing mode.

Americans who've purchased doorbell video cameras from companies like Amazon, Walmart, Shein, Temu, and Sears should be aware of this. Among the brands directly called out by Consumer Reports are Tuck, Eken, and Fishbot; however, each of them is an offshoot from the same manufacturer.

Consumer Reports' technology policy director Justin Brookman believes the sellers of these doorbell cameras have a responsibility in all of this. Brookman therefore called upon platforms such as Amazon to be mindful of complaints and consider who can trade merchandise on their platform.

It is also his view that the online retailer neglected to take necessary action and simply banks on customers purchasing products simply because they're on Amazon. As such, Consumer Reports has notified the Federal Trade Commission of its findings.

A serious threat to homeowners

Americans who have their video doorbell cameras compromised via hacking remain at serious risk. Stalkers, vengeful ex-partners, and other dangerous individuals could easily get unlawful access to these machines and begin using them to surveil people without their knowledge.

One might even argue that since these security systems are so susceptible to hackers, homeowners are safer without video doorbell cameras than they are with them.