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Securing Your CCTV Monitoring System

Top Cybersecurity Practices to Prevent Hacks

With the rise of IP-based CCTV monitoring systems, cybersecurity threats targeting surveillance networks are happening frequently. At Netcelero we have been simplifying secure connectivity for remote CCTV monitoring for over a decade, and unfortunately we are seeing an exponential increase in instances of attempted attacks.

Protecting  people, property, assets, data and reputation with a registered Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) is always best practice to ensure your surveillance system is not just always watching, but also secure. However understanding the potential risks of allowing remote monitoring, such as unauthorised access, data breaches, and hacking of video feeds, as well as the importance of cyber security maintenance, is critical for any remote CCTV monitoring or business owners security strategy.

Pentafctor of Cyber Security

The shift to IP-based and remote-access CCTV systems offer greater flexibility, efficiency, and features, however they also introduce a host of cybersecurity risks, as have opened doors to new vulnerabilities for several reasons:

1. Network Exposure

Traditional CCTV systems used analog signals and were often isolated from other networks. With IP-based systems, cameras are connected to the internet often via an organisation’s network, which means they are exposed to online threats like hacking, malware, and other cyberattacks. If not properly secured, an attacker could exploit the network connection to access the camera system.

This is why a lot of IT departments will not let any CCTV cameras on to their network. Netcelero can solve this issue as our solutions sit in parallel to any existing network and can be locked down to ensure the network remains fully protected and therefore the IT team will allow the CCTV system on the network, as long as it has Netcelero protecting it.

2. Weak Authentication and Access Controls

Many IP-based CCTV systems lack strong authentication mechanisms. Default usernames and passwords (e.g., “admin” or “12345”) are often left unchanged, making it easy for attackers to gain unauthorised access. Even when passwords are set, they may not be strong enough, or multi-factor authentication (MFA) might be missing, increasing the risk of unauthorised access. At Netcelero we don’t believe MFA is optional…it’s critical.

3. Remote Access

Remote access is a convenient feature of IP-based CCTV systems, allowing users to monitor footage from anywhere. However, this opens up a wide attack surface. Without robust security practices like Netcelero’s easy set up VPNs, encryption, and secure login methods, attackers can intercept and manipulate video feeds, or even disable systems entirely, from remote locations.

4. Vulnerabilities in Software and Firmware

IP-based CCTV systems rely on software and firmware, which can contain bugs or vulnerabilities that attackers exploit. Many users fail to regularly update their systems, leaving them open to known vulnerabilities. Hackers actively search for outdated systems with known weaknesses to target. With Netcelero’s layer 2 and layer 3 VPN’s, you can ensure all firmware updates are actioned, without the need for site visits.

5. Increased Attack Vectors

By connecting CCTV systems to other networked devices (e.g., routers, servers, smartphones), there are more potential points of entry for attackers. If any connected device or network segment is compromised, it could provide access to the CCTV system. This interconnectedness increases the overall risk. Because Netcelero solutions sit in parallel to the existing network, this interconnected risk is removed.

6. Insider Threats and Misconfigurations

Improper configuration of network or system settings can inadvertently expose CCTV systems to vulnerabilities. For instance, leaving ports open, using insecure protocols, or failing to segment networks could make it easier for internal or external attackers to exploit the system. Contact Netcelero to ensure your network is configured correctly – we are always happy to help thwart cyber attackers.

Netcelero are the Trusted Experts in Secure Connectivity for Remote Monitoring. Contact us today to find out how our hardware and software only solutions can be instantly deployed to mitigate all the risks we have outlined here.