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Show HN: Open-source private home security camera system (end-to-end encryption)

(github.com)
551 points arrdalan | 4 comments | 30 Nov 24 22:13 UTC | HN request time: 0.775s | source

I needed a security camera inside my house, one that would send motion notifications to my smartphone and would allow me to livestream remotely. However, I could not find one that I could trust due to privacy concerns. Many of them upload the plaintext of videos to their servers and none is fully open-source as far as I know. Therefore, I decided to use my spare time to build one from scratch. Called Privastead (as in Private Homestead), it uses OpenMLS for end-to-end encryption (between the camera local hub and the smartphone) and is mostly implemented in Rust (except for part of the Android app that is implemented in Kotlin). The system is functional now and I've been using it in my own house for the past couple of weeks.

Based on some of the discussions I've seen online, it seems like there are other users who are also concerned with the privacy implications of home security cameras. Therefore, I decided to open source my solution for everyone to use. If you need a privacy-preserving home security camera, please give it a try and provide feedback. Note that trying out the system requires you to have a supported IP camera, a local machine connected to the IP camera, a server, and an Android smartphone. I have put together detailed instructions on setting up the system, which I hope makes it easier for others to get the system up and running.

In addition, consider contributing to the project. The prototype currently has a lot of limitations: mainly that it has only been tested with one IP camera, only allows the use of one camera, and only supports Android. I'll continue to improve the prototype as time permits, but progress will be much faster if there are other contributors as well.

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modeless ◴[01 Dec 24 07:41 UTC] No.42286902[source]▶
I've been wishing for a self hosted alternative to cloud cameras. My house was recently robbed and it was incredibly frustrating to know that criminals were literally in my house but not be able to see them due to the general crappiness of modern big tech software.

Seems silly to pay to upload all my video of my own house to who knows where and struggle to download it back with absurdly sluggish proprietary software when I have perfectly good computers here already. I should be able to check my cameras without waiting 10-30 seconds for loading spinners and I should be able to scrub through time instantly instead of waiting for interminable loading every time I touch the seek control.

What camera hardware are people using for custom setups? Is there anything out there that is wireless but with high quality/security firmware and reasonably priced?

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9x39 ◴[01 Dec 24 09:25 UTC] No.42287294[source]▶
If you insist on 'secure' firmware, you're fighting uphill and probably going to be disappointed with the ecosystem out there. Tunnel back to your home network to access cams if that worries you.

I recommend either Ubiquiti or Reolink cameras, both are power-over-Ethernet. Both offer an app that allows connecting back to your equipment. UI will require their Protect software running on one of their local platforms in your house with storage on 1 or more disk drives, while Reolink offers direct storage on microSD on the camera itself, capped at 256GB.

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1. modeless ◴[01 Dec 24 09:31 UTC] No.42287315[source]▶
Unfortunately my house is not wired for Ethernet and it's a rental so I can't install it. Wireless is a must and security is obviously important for wireless. But I think you are correct that I will be disappointed by what's out there.
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2. 9x39 ◴[01 Dec 24 09:51 UTC] No.42287398[source]▶
Unfortunate. Reolink even has wireless cameras, but they will require a DC input, so you'd need an outdoor electrical outlet if you can't drill any holes and sneak either a power or UTP Ethernet cable.

Given the strict physical requirements, you might be looking at battery-backed wireless cameras of the type often found on Amazon, but afaik they will never offer the local storage or control you want.

I will say that surprising things can be accomplished with small drilled holes and a fishtape. Your risk tolerance and how nice the rental are obviously very important factors.

3. kdmtctl ◴[01 Dec 24 10:00 UTC] No.42287437[source]▶
I used a Reolink Argus with a battery and Wi-Fi connection. The one I used is probably EOL now, but a quick look at the site shows even solar chargeable options. So, it is possible.
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4. ryandrake ◴[01 Dec 24 13:44 UTC] No.42288427[source]▶
I've got a Reolink Argus 2E which look like it's been replaced by the 3E, but it works great without any wired connection to the house. I've got it solar powered and strapped to a tree, unprotected by the elements. 2 years and still working.