Security and IT Teams Collaborate To Ensure Physical and Digital Security
Over the past few years, a growing number of customers, security industry players, and system integrators have displayed a heightened awareness of cybersecurity risks associated with their video surveillance systems. In the past, it was typical to see security and IT departments operating entirely separately. Now, however, we often deal with the two divisions collaborating closely to fortify their defenses against vulnerabilities.
“Security teams and IT teams used to be only very loosely intertwined,” said Lindsay Jones, Manager, MCAs Central and South Texas Service & Client Support Center. “But now we’re seeing them collaborating on a much deeper level to ensure the security of their organization’s entire infrastructure. As security teams rely more heavily on automation, AI, and advanced analytics to ensure the security of their physical spaces, they also recognize that the IT team has a vested interest in ensuring that the security infrastructure and software are secure, tamper-proof, and in line with the rest of their digital security objectives.”
Unsecured Network Devices Can Lead To Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities
Malicious bots can infiltrate unprotected computers, harnessing the digital resources of their hosts to execute a range of cyberattacks on various Internet targets. In the infamous Mirai Denial of Service (DDS) attacks, an army of bots collaborated to inundate multiple websites with hundreds of millions of fake requests, overwhelming these sites with traffic and rendering them unable to respond to genuine requests.
A significant portion of these attacking bots found their home in IP-enabled cameras and digital video recorders that were part of the video surveillance systems of their targets. The bots exploited video security solutions’ digital capabilities on various networks and launched a massive cyberattack.
As physical security devices become more deeply integrated into a business’s overall technology infrastructure, the involvement of IT departments in addressing security concerns has grown. As a result, IT departments are increasingly interested in the video systems connected to their networks and consider them on par with the other Internet of Things (IoT) devices within their facilities.
Some of the reasons that IT departments are specifically focusing on security surveillance equipment as part of their cybersecurity measures include:
Protection of Surveillance Systems
Cybersecurity ensures the integrity and availability of surveillance systems. Unauthorized access to surveillance cameras or tampering with the footage can compromise safety operations. Strong access controls and encryption help prevent such incidents.
Preventing Unauthorized Access
Cybersecurity measures like authentication and authorization protocols prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to surveillance feeds or control systems. This ensures that only authorized personnel can view or manipulate surveillance data.
Data Privacy
Surveillance systems often capture sensitive data, such as video footage of individuals. Effective cybersecurity safeguards this data, ensuring it remains private and compliant with data protection laws.
Preventing Tampering
Hackers may attempt to manipulate surveillance data or disrupt operations by altering camera feeds or deleting critical footage. Cybersecurity measures like data encryption and tamper-evident technology help prevent such tampering.
Protecting Network Infrastructure
Surveillance systems are often connected to networks for data transmission and remote monitoring. Securing the network infrastructure that supports these systems is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and data interception.
Defense Against Cyber Attacks
Cyber attacks on surveillance systems, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks or malware infections, can disrupt operations and compromise safety. Robust cybersecurity measures, including intrusion detection and prevention systems, help defend against such attacks.
Ensuring Data Integrity
Maintaining the integrity of surveillance data is vital for safety operations. Cybersecurity measures like digital signatures and hash functions can be used to verify the authenticity and integrity of recorded footage.
Incident Response
In the event of a cybersecurity breach or tampering with surveillance systems, incident response protocols, and teams must be in place to investigate and mitigate the issue promptly. This ensures that safety operations are not compromised for an extended period.
About MCA
MCA is one of the largest and most trusted integrators in the United States, offering world-class voice, data, and security solutions that enhance the quality, safety, and productivity of customers, operations, and lives. More than 65,000 customers trust MCA to provide carefully researched solutions for a safe, secure, and more efficient workplace. As your trusted advisor, we reduce the time and effort needed to research, install, and maintain the right solutions to make your workplace better.
Our team of certified professionals across the United States delivers a full suite of reliable technologies with a service-first approach. The MCA advantage is our extensive service portfolio to support the solution lifecycle from start to finish. www.callmc.com