The Double-Layer Defense: Securing Cloud Video Data from Cyber Threats - Prudential Alarm
For years, security cameras were seen as purely physical assets, lenses recording to a local box.
Today, modern surveillance systems rely on the Cloud for management, storage, and advanced analytics.
While this shift offers incredible flexibility, it also means your valuable video footage is now digital data, making your physical security system vulnerable to cyber threats.
For IT managers and business owners in Michigan and Ohio, securing your Cloud Video Data is no longer an IT problem alone; it’s a security imperative. At Prudential Alarm, we focus on providing a secure, double-layer defense that protects your physical assets and the digital video data they create.
The Cyber Threat to Physical Security
Why should a security video feed be treated like financial data? Because a security lapse can be worse than simply losing footage:
- System Hijacking: Weak passwords or unpatched software can allow hackers to hijack cameras, turning your surveillance system into a tool for spying on your operations. Evidence
- Deletion/Manipulation: An intruder could remotely delete or compromise video evidence stored in the cloud, covering their tracks after a physical breach.
- Network Entry Point: A poorly secured camera or Network Video Recorder (NVR) can serve as an easy entry point into your entire corporate network, bypassing firewalls.
Layer 1: Hardening the Physical Edge (The Camera and Recorder)
Cybersecurity for surveillance starts with securing the hardware that connects to your network.
Strong, Unique Passwords: The single most important step. Change all default manufacturer passwords immediately. Use complex, unique credentials for every single camera, recorder, and access point.
Network Segmentation: Your cameras and Video Management System (VMS) should be isolated on a separate Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN). This containment prevents a compromised camera from being used to access sensitive servers, employee data, or POS terminals on your main business network.
Regular Updates and Patches: Like any other network device, camera firmware requires constant updates. An outdated camera is a known vulnerability. Our Managed Security Services often include automated, remote patching for all camera firmware and NVR software. This means your system is continuously protected from new zero-day vulnerabilities without relying on your internal IT team to manually update dozens of devices.
Layer 2: Securing the Digital Cloud (Data & Access)
Once the video leaves your premises, it moves to the cloud. You must ensure that data is encrypted and access is strictly controlled.
End-to-End Encryption: Ensure your system uses strong encryption protocols (like AES 256-bit) for data both in transit (when the video is uploading) and at rest (when it’s stored in the cloud). This protects the integrity of the video, making it admissible evidence.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Any user accessing the video feed or VMS platform (including managers and monitoring agents) must be required to use 2FA. A stolen password is useless without the accompanying physical device.
Principle of Least Privilege: Limit user access to only the cameras and features they absolutely need. For instance, a retail manager may need access to the floor cameras but not the corporate data center feeds. An integrated system allows for granular control over who sees what.
Vendor Trust: Who Has Access to Your Data Center?
In an integrated system, you are entrusting a vendor (and their cloud platform) with potentially sensitive video footage. When evaluating your surveillance provider, ask these critical questions to ensure true security:
Where is the Data Stored? Ask about the physical location and security of the data centers (e.g., are they Tier IV, redundant, and geographically separate?).
Data Ownership and Retention: Who legally owns the recorded video data—you or the cloud provider? Ensure your retention policies (e.g., keeping footage for 30/60/90 days) are clear and legally compliant.
Compliance Certifications: Does the monitoring center and cloud platform carry required certifications, such as UL listing and SOC 2 Type II reports? These certifications verify that the vendor follows strict physical and digital security procedures, protecting your data with audited standards.
Supply Chain Security: Confirm that the cameras and hardware you install are sourced from reputable manufacturers with clean supply chains, avoiding generic devices that could harbor built-in, unpatchable vulnerabilities.
Prudential Alarm: Your Secure Partner
Securing a modern surveillance system requires expertise in both physical installation and network security. By partnering with Prudential Alarm, you benefit from a system designed for a double-layer defense:
Professional Hardening: We don’t just install cameras; we configure them securely on your network, isolating them from mission-critical systems.
Compliance Support: Our secure monitoring and data protocols help your business meet industry standards and, increasingly, Cyber Insurance policy requirements.
Disclaimer on IT Security:
Important Note: While our systems contain strong security features (encryption, 2FA, etc.), Prudential Alarm is not a replacement for your company’s dedicated IT or cybersecurity team. We secure the physical security devices; maintaining the overall health and defense of your corporate network (firewalls, internal patching, end-user security) remains the responsibility of the client’s IT department.
Don’t let your investment in physical security become a liability for your IT team. Take a proactive stance to secure your surveillance data.
Ready to secure your video data with a double-layer defense? Contact Prudential Alarm for a Commercial Security consultation today. Visit prudentialalarms.com/contact-us or call us at (800) 252-0368.