Understanding the Risks of IP Video Surveillance
IP Video Surveillance systems offer robust security and monitoring solutions for businesses and households, but they also bring certain risks if not properly configured. The increasement of connected devices has opened new avenues for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in these surveillance systems.
When IP Video Surveillance cameras are not properly configured, they become an easy target for hackers. They can gain unauthorized access, hijack the camera feeds, or even install malware that could spread across your entire network. This means that a single compromised device can potentially jeopardize the security of your entire digital ecosystem.
One of the primary vectors for these attacks is the failure to change default passwords. Many users, and sometimes even IT administrators, neglect to alter factory settings. Hackers are well aware of this and often scan IP ranges looking for these default settings, making it easier for them to gain control over the system. Therefore, changing default passwords is a critical first step in securing your IP Video Surveillance cameras.
In addition to password vulnerabilities, outdated firmware can also pose a significant risk. Manufacturers regularly release updates to patch known security flaws. When these updates are not applied promptly, the cameras remain exposed to known exploits. Regularly updating the firmware of your IP Video Surveillance devices ensures that you are protected against the latest threats and vulnerabilities.
Another crucial aspect is securing the local network itself. IP Video Surveillance should ideally be segmented from other network traffic. Using VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) to isolate the cameras can prevent them from communicating with unauthorized devices on the network. This makes it harder for cybercriminals to move laterally within your network even if they manage to compromise one camera.
Moreover, strong encryption should be used for data exchanged between cameras and the central monitoring system. Transport Layer Security (TLS) can protect the integrity and confidentiality of your video feeds. Without proper encryption, sensitive footage can be intercepted and modified by attackers, leading to severe privacy breaches.
Network monitoring tools can also play a vital role in securing your IP Video Surveillance system. Implementing intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) can help identify and mitigate suspicious activities in real-time. These tools can alert you to unusual behaviors, such as a sudden spike in data transmission from a camera, enabling you to take swift action.
Furthermore, consider conducting regular security audits and penetration testing. These proactive measures can help you identify potential vulnerabilities before they are exploited by malicious actors. A comprehensive audit will scrutinize every aspect of your IP Video Surveillance setup, including camera configurations, network settings, and user access controls.
Lastly, user education cannot be overlooked. Training employees on the importance of cybersecurity and best practices can significantly reduce the risk of accidental exposures. Users should be aware of the potential consequences of using weak passwords, neglecting software updates, or inadvertently connecting to unsecured networks.
In conclusion, while IP Video Surveillance systems provide enhanced security and peace of mind, they require proper configuration and maintenance to safeguard against malware and other cyber threats. Understanding the potential risks and implementing robust security measures can protect your network and ensure the integrity of your surveillance systems.
Hacking a locally stored video surveillance machines and network video surveillance cameras is often easy. Some video surveillance cameras, DVR and NVR machines come from the manufacturer with spyware, Trojans and or viruses already installed. Further, most networks will allow outbound connections from any device on the local area network. Files from computers on local network, video images and passwords can easily be transferred to hackers by infected cameras. Hackers can obtain confidential and personal information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers and other personal identification information. Hackers are also interested in gathering company related information such as a client database, client information, financial statements and proprietary data. Network video surveillance cameras, DVRs and NVR’s are an ideal target for hackers because they are simple to exploit. Hackers use bots ran by botnets to preform automated tasks within infected network cameras, network DVR’s and NVR machines.
Hackers have and can encrypt sensitive company information and halt operations to demand money for unencrypting.
Most video surveillance cameras come from foreign countries and are manufactured by companies with unknown political and governmental affiliations. Many cameras are manufactured by one company, then labeled and sold by several different companies, making it difficult to determine if the cameras have been modified or the original manufacturer and country of origin. Further, manufactures of video surveillance cameras often times or accidentally included backdoor access and often published factory default camera passwords are not changed when cameras are installed. In addition most installers configure passwords that are easy to guess, leaving video surveillance cameras wide open to hackers.
Eagle Eye Networks is the recommended cloud video surveillance solution. Eagle Eye Networks cloud video surveillance service solution will always continue to improve. Eagle Eye Networks is a software / firmware solution that can be updated / upgraded for future technology, better analytics and higher retention formats. Eagle Eye Networks cloud video surveillance is encrypted, reliable and very secure. The cameras are encrypted behind the video machine, not available thru the local area network.
Currently recommend turret style 4MP turret style 2.8mm cameras with microphone. Cameras also available with motorized lens adjustments are 2.8mm to 8mm and 2.8mm to 12mm. The lenses on cameras can be adjusted remotely thru the Eagle Eye Networks application. Cloud Video Surveillance Storage depends on resolutions and retention, each camera can be independently configured for retention and resolution. The cloud video surveillance retention can be adjusted after install thru Eagle Eye Viewer application.
