Security isn’t security when security’s not secure.
When IT people start talking about security, you probably think we mean cybersecurity, the security of computers against viruses and hackers. Well, not only, but also.
Physical Security and Cybersecurity
The thing is, security, I mean physical security, has converged with cybersecurity. For instance, think about business in general for a moment. It doesn’t matter what business you’re in these days, you need a reliable computer system. It’s vital to help you maintain productivity. Every computer user needs computer skills. Every computer needs to be managed, maintained and secure. Because, if not, the computer (and its user) will quickly become unproductive and potentially attract malware and cybercriminals.
Security camera systems, AKA CCTV, are the same. We need to manage, maintain and secure security camera systems too, especially now that they share a lot of the same networking technology with computer systems. If not, bad things can happen.
Oh Dear!
For example, if you don’t secure your cameras properly, anyone on the Internet might be able to access them. Here’s a great current example. A few days ago, anti-government agents hacked 5138 security cameras in Tehran, around Government offices and public buildings. https://twitter.com/i/status/1532303516630253569
There have been a lot of examples like this. There’s even a website that hosts unsecured security cameras around the world. Dumb huh?
http://www.insecam.org/ (sorry, if you’re using our multi-layered security you won’t be allowed to visit this site!)
If your security cameras are supposed to protect your business from criminals, but those same criminals can access them, even control them from the Internet, then they’re not much use, are they?
Ok, that’s the first ‘bad thing’ The second is that all Internet-connected ‘things’ (you’ve probably heard of the Internet of Things), have security weaknesses. If you get just some cameras guys to come along and install security cameras, they’ll simply connect them directly to your business network. If hackers can get into the cameras, they can get into your computers and files, exposing a world of pain ($$$).
The Answer
The solution to these issues, is to have your surveillance system setup by qualified network engineers. They will secure the devices properly and segregate them from the business network. As well as securing the cameras, you need to make sure that the data is secure and accessible from anywhere. You should be able to access your surveillance data, even if the worst happens, and your site is inaccessible. It doesn’t take much for the Firies or SES to string up a ribbon and say “sorry mate, it’s not safe to enter”.
Baw Baw IT ticks all the boxes when it comes to implementing CCTV properly:
- Qualified network engineers with additional cybersecurity qualifications
- Best of breed cloud-based surveillance systems
- Ongoing management and system health monitoring
- Simple monthly payment plans
In most cases, you can reuse existing infrastructure cabling and cameras.
If your business needs a new CCTV system or to arrange a site audit or demo, give us a call.
Remember, security isn’t security when security’s not secure.
