Internet of Things
Why is ‘CCTV’ IT’s blind spot?
Ben Durrant, sales engineer team leader at Genetec explains why IT teams and physical security need to work together.
V
ideo surveillance cameras, commonly referred to as CCTV (closed-circuit television), have undergone a remarkable transformation in today’s digital world. Tese devices
have evolved from passive observers to powerful computers, interconnected with core networks and the internet. Tey now play a pivotal role in providing valuable insights and contributing to business operations. However, the integration of CCTV systems with IT infrastructure
has oſten been overlooked, creating a significant blind spot in terms of security. IT security teams too oſten remain siloed from their physical security functions, with insufficient oversight into one of the most extensive soſtware systems deployed across their business. Te situation calls for urgent education on the need for increased
IT involvement in managing video surveillance cameras, the importance of cyber-hygiene, and the necessity of a cohesive security framework that addresses physical and cyber security in a unified plan.
The changing landscape of video surveillance In recent years, the capabilities of video surveillance cameras have expanded exponentially, revolutionising the way we perceive and utilise this technology. Gone are the days of basic analogue systems; today’s video surveillance cameras have undergone a remarkable transformation. Tese devices now boast advanced features such as high-resolution imaging, intelligent analytics, and seamless internet connectivity. Te advent of digital technology has propelled video surveillance
cameras beyond their traditional role as passive observers. Tey have evolved into sophisticated devices that are monitoring, and real-time analytics. Tese cameras are no longer confined to closed circuits within isolated systems. Careful attention must be paid to their on-going management to ensure all of this functionality doesn’t come at the expense of additional cyber vulnerability. Te current terminology may also be part of the problem.
Rebranding this technology as ‘IP-based video surveillance’ or ‘networked surveillance systems’ would better reflect the integration with IT infrastructure and emphasise their expanded capabilities.
30 | July/August 2023 It is an open secret that hackers are successfully targeting video
surveillance cameras and other IoT devices. Tey account for just 1.2% of all devices but a staggering 24% of malicious activity. Tis is because they are too oſten delegated to the facilities team or the physical security function, without the necessary support from colleagues in IT. To draw a parallel, every large organisation has dedicated systems
in place to protect endpoint devices such as laptops and mobile phones. HR might issue them to new employees, but it’s unthinkable that the IT department wouldn’t have some involvement in ensuring they were secure. However, that’s not yet common practice with security cameras and other physical security hardware. Too oſten it is delegated to the facilities or physical security function, with little or no IT oversight. One notable example that serves as a stark reminder of the risks
posed by unsecured video surveillance cameras is the notorious Mirai botnets. Tese botnets exploited vulnerabilities in numerous unsecured IoT (Internet of Tings) devices, including video surveillance cameras, to launch large-scale distributed denial-of- service (DDoS) attacks. Te sheer scale and impact of these attacks demonstrated the potential harm that unsecured cameras can inflict on networks and the internet infrastructure as a whole. Te Mirai botnets not only disrupted websites and online services
but also exposed the broader security implications of neglecting the cybersecurity of video surveillance cameras. Tis incident highlighted the importance of securing these devices and ensuring their proper integration into the broader IT infrastructure. With the increasing prevalence of connected devices, it is crucial to recognise that video surveillance cameras can serve as potential entry points for cybercriminals, enabling unauthorised access, data breaches, and even the compromise of critical systems. To mitigate these risks, organisations must prioritise the
involvement of IT departments in the deployment, configuration, and ongoing management of video surveillance cameras. IT professionals can ensure that these devices are properly secured, with regular firmware updates, strong authentication mechanisms, and proper network segmentation. Additionally, IT oversight can
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