We use Closed Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) to monitor our homes, businesses and government organisations. We think we are keeping our assets safe by having remote access to live footage, but how do we know we are the only people watching? This article will discuss the issues surrounding CCTV cameras and how to ensure they are used safely.
CCTV cameras can be manufactured with hidden security flaws that mean they are vulnerable to attack. Successfully exploiting these vulnerabilities could give threat actors access to sensitive live feeds. CCTV cameras can also be used by threat actors to get into a company’s network using pivot attacks, this could allow them access to other devices. Investigation by Panorama found vulnerabilities, discovered in 2017, in CCTV cameras used by many businesses and even government organisations [1].
This issue is important for many reasons including:
- Personal and Public Safety – CCTV cameras are widely used in homes, businesses and public spaces to enhance security. Ensuring the cyber security of these devices is vital for protecting assets. A compromised CCTV system can lead to unauthorised access to live feeds which could expose sensitive information.
- Data Privacy and Confidentiality – CCTV cameras capture a vast amount of visual data. If these systems are not secure, sensitive information such as customer data may be exposed.
- National Security and Infrastructure – In the case of critical national infrastructure such as airports and government buildings, secure CCTV is crucial for national security. Any breach in these CCTV systems could result in consequences for public safety and economic stability.
- Economic Implications – Companies that fall victim to cyber-attacks on their CCTV systems may face financial losses, damage to their reputation and legal implications.
You can protect yourself by using the following methods:
- Thorough Research – Conduct in depth research into the manufacturers’ reputation and security track record.
- Avoiding Default Settings – Many security breaches occur due to failure to change the default passwords (such as 0000) that are set by the manufacturer [2]. Cyber criminals can use these default passwords to access the cameras remotely.
- Software Updates – Regularly checking for any software updates for CCTV cameras is vital to ensure secure systems. Companies that consistently release updates to address vulnerabilities demonstrate a commitment to security.
Whilst the threat to cyber security risks from international manufacturers is a valid concern, the benefits of CCTV very much outweigh the risks. The key is to strike a balance between cost effectiveness and security by conducting thorough research and selecting reputable manufacturers. By taking a proactive approach, you can ensure that your surveillance systems remain secure and safeguarded from cyber security threats.
