Users of IP CCTV surveillance systems should consider network security, BSIA warns

Organizations using IP CCTV surveillance systems should also seriously consider the issue of network security, members of the BSIA (British Security Industry Association) have warned.

While the integration of video surveillance with IP networks carries significant benefits – including offering potentially cheaper and easier installation, the ability to distribute video images more widely and the ease at which additional cameras can be added to the network at a later date – these systems are also potentially vulnerable to cyber attacks, as unsecured cameras can become the weak link that provides hackers with an entry point to a network.

The BSIA believes that mitigating these risks must be a priority for each party involved in the supply chain and that manufacturers should ensure that accidental design or implementation errors are kept to a minimum and that systems are regularly scanned for vulnerabilities.

They should be proficient in secure coding and testing procedures and should ensure that their products are capable of supporting the stringent controls necessary for secure network communication, which may include end to End Encryption with SHA-2 & TLS, encrypted database communication system auditing, alerting and management, DDOS protection, restriction of ports, protocols and services and highly customisable user access and permissions.

Tensor – delivering an expert service in the maintenance, systems takeover, design and deployment of IP CCTV solutions

Tensor plc is an active affiliate member of the BSIA and an UK market leader in the field of access control, time and attendance, visitor monitoring and CCTV solutions.

Tensor plc designs, manufactures, installs and an perennially maintains CCTV and integrated security systems for industrial, commercial, and public sector sites across the UK. Our systems produce cost effective evidence quality CCTV and activity monitoringthat is tailor-made to meet your requirements. Where we do not manufacture particular pieces of equipment, we used products manufactured by some of the most important technology companies in the video surveillance segment.

Furthermore, our WinTA product is the most comprehensive software package for combined T & A, Access Control and personnel management. Moreover, we’re constantly innovating and developing new products. In fact, since Tensor.NET‘s launch in 2009, Tensor has integrated facial recognition systems, hand scanning, re-developed our entire fingerprint reading systems for both Access Control and Time and Attendance, designed and developed many links including into Oracle HR, Microsoft AD and many other database driven applications & data management tools.

If you’d like to find out more about any of the products from our diverse, reliable, yet affordable product line-up, just contact our dedicated product team or book a demo.