Main PC and security camera sharing same ethernet cable - is there an issue?

[gonegreynow]

Morning all
Long time windows PC user but aware there are still gaps in my knowledge.
Just acquired first Security camera (Reolink 520a) and will power over Ethernet. Currently testing using discrete 12v supply. To begin with, will rely on built in storage (micro SD card) to record footage before deciding if to acquire NVR or try something DIY (Raspberry Pi).
Had planned to buy POE switch and to connect both security camera and main PC to the switch - which would share one cable back to router.
Have read some comments (not on OC) suggesting possible security issues with this type of arrangement but must confess that I don’t have knowledge or expertise to determine if these are real issues or theoretical.
Have also tried to get my head round managed and unmanaged switches in an effort to determine if a managed switch would help overcome any issues.
Must confess to being a bit lost and not knowing if I should be concerned or not.
Very grateful for any help, not matter how basic.
Would like to try and understand issues before committing any more cash to new hardware (switch, NVR, 2nd camera, etc).
Thank you.

 

[gonegreynow]

The switch doesn't care if its a security camera, pc, server or any other ethernet device.

What people do get anxious about is sharing same IP network between security cameras and the rest of the home network. If somebody hacks the camera, they can access the rest of the devices on your home network.

Also if your home network gets hacked then they can see your camera footage if its not locked down.


You could set up a VLAN for the cameras but I would say the main thing is don't allow incoming ports to the camera and make sure you keep the firmware up to date and ensure you have a userid and password for connecting, don't use the default one.

Thanks.
The reason I was thinking about a managed switch was because I’d read that it was possible to set up a VLAN and although a bit above my head, I thought it would be straightforward to read up and learn now to set one up.
It’s at times like this I realise how many gaps there still are in my knowledge (particularly about routers. firewalls, ports and networking), so rather than not bother with security cameras at all, this was my attempt at going slow; buying the hardware in stages and take some time reading up on those issues I’m not clear about.

 

[gonegreynow]

Yeah can't really see an issue
A WiFi camera would probably be more vulnerable

Without knowing what comments you saw
Said about why it was an issue
It's hard to say that's not the case

End of the day
Anything at all connected to the Internet
Is vulnerable to some degree
Though the risk may be minute

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I’ve a few more thoughts above.

 

[gonegreynow]

Not a security issue at all. It’s no different to a separate cable, anything on your LAN is open to other devices on your LAN. You don’t need a managed switch either.

Thanks for your thoughts. It’s at times like this I realise there are still large gaps in my knowledge.

 

[gonegreynow]

I think spending some time reading up/watching videos of ports, firewalls, VPNs etc could be time well spent. Thanks for all replies received so far.

 

[gonegreynow]

Probably the place to start reading up
Would be your router capabilities
Or any router you plan to purchase if not
Already got one you plan to use

Reading up never hurts
Though can give you a headache
You may be overthinking it/worrying too much
But as we don't know what was originally said
About security risk
We can't really tell

Networking beyond slightly above basic stuff
That I have used for myself
Isnt really my strong point though
There's definitely network experts in here
Who do this sort of stuff for a living
But they would probably still not be able to say
Without seeing original comments about security risk

Though they would be able to advise hardware etc

Thanks again for your thoughts. Much appreciated.
Re your comment about over thinking/worrying too much - that/s me down to a tee!! Can’t help it.
I have had one more thought - possible workround. My router has a guest wifi network. Am wondering if I either get hold of a WAP with ethernet ports or re-purpose an old router, that I could plug the camera(s) into the RJ45 sockets and then have them communicate with the main router via the guest wifi network. I am thinking this would then isolate any cameras from my main PC.
Not looking for an answer to this - just something that I’ll keep in the back burner for now.
Thanks again.