As security cameras have increased in technological capabilities, the number of potential threats to them has risen as well. Systems from cloud-based surveillance systems, traditional systems connected to the internet, and traditional systems attached to a local network are all vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Here are 3 best practices for commercial security camera systems connected to the internet.
1. Security Camera Cyber Vulnerability:
Companies are requiring more remote access, control, and integration, as well as cloud-based systems due to perceived lower costs from cloud storage. All of these trends require internet access and thus are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks then traditional closed-circuit camera systems.
It’s critical that your security systems get the same level of attention, protection, and security as traditional IT systems. Hackers concentrate on finding systems that are vulnerable or with poor security, which make easy targets for cyber attacks and encryption viruses.
Your internal support staff should also stay up-to-date on cybersecurity trends and solutions for security systems, in addition, to their IT infrastructure.
2. Passwords for Cameras, Systems, and Networks:
One of the easiest places for hackers or a cyberattack to occur is through passwords. Here were the top 10 passwords of 2018:
23456789.
12345678.
12345.
111111.
1234567.
sunshine.
qwerty.
While it’s understandable to create a password that’s easy to remember, also note that the easier the password, the more vulnerable your system is. There are programs that run password hacking software to find your password, and simple passwords are easy to crack.
Creating passwords that contain upper and lower case, special symbols and numbers is a simple and powerful way to protect your systems. Also, establishing policies and procedures for changing passwords. For example, the root admin password should be changed every time an employee with password access leaves the organization or changes roles.
3. Operating System Vulnerabilities:
One of the other issues that create vulnerabilities for security cameras and cloud-based security systems overall is staying up to date with operating system patches and updates. Your best practice is to make sure the computers used to with security cameras and security systems have regular servicing by the IT staff, and schedules in place for patching, modifications, upgrades and security protocols.
If you’re looking for more information on commercial security cameras, or interested in a complimentary consultation with Quinlan Security Systems, please contact us at 708-478-0707.