Surveillance and security systems can be crucial when it comes to protecting an organization’s private and sensitive information. New networked physical security systems are rapidly being adopted to enhance effectiveness and operational efficiency. These systems are a smart investment, but they also bring with them an increased potential for malicious activity if the network and the different components aren’t properly secured. Security and IT directors need to work together to ensure that the network is secure both internally and externally to minimize the possibility of malicious intrusions and attacks.
For video surveillance infrastructure, it’s necessary to make sure that both a secure wireless transmission and secure network transmission are established. Encryption, translating information into a secret code, is pivotal when it comes to keeping data confidential. Wi-Fi Protected Access and Internet Protocol Security are two methods that can be used to encrypt a router and Internet connection, respectively.
Regularly updated firewalls and antivirus software should be used to block any malicious intrusions into the network. Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of a challenging password. An article in Network Worldtitled, “Peeping into 73,000 unsecured security cameras thanks to default passwords” mentioned a website from where anyone can get access to cameras on the Internet simply by using default passwords.
Once a security system is installed, the easiest way to monitor activity is by getting alerts on incidents. Notifications should be sent to the appropriate personnel immediately when a potential system failure or risk arises. Immediate attention to the slightest issue can contribute to the success of the entire structure.
It’s also important to remember that the individual assets of a security system are often spread across different locations, and this can lead to a variety of undesirable issues that may be difficult to pinpoint. Remote sites are relatively more vulnerable to tampering or disconnection if neglected, so it’s critical that all remote components of the system be monitored carefully. Further, no security software updates/upgrades should be downloaded without approval from the security and IT managers.
Don’t count out physical protection, too: tamper switches can indicate suspicious activity, and unplugging all unused technology that’s connected to the network can decrease the likelihood of intrusion.
Keeping surveillance video protected at all times is important, but the stakes are raised in criminal investigations. An individual’s fundamental right to privacy must always be acknowledged, and unofficial access to these videos could lead to the unlawful sharing of personal information. The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Security Policy outlines a set of security measures, like access control and authentication, in place for those handling confidential evidence.
Although cyber attacks and data breaches are becoming more frequent and complex, these basic safeguards and security measures can be taken to defend against them.