Are you thinking about installing IP security cameras in your house or company? Is it a good idea? Here are the pros and cons of these video surveillance systems. These systems are gaining followers because of their ease to adapt to facilities where there is a data network that can be used.
Do not forget that IP security cameras are characterised by being an IoT (internet of things) devices and without an internet connection their operation would not be appropriate. It is, in short, a very comfortable technology for the user and with certain advantages when it comes to being installed, but we must bear in mind the drawbacks of such internet-connected devices
Positive factors of IP security cameras
There are two main advantages over other systems: savings and comfort.
It is a security solution that can be cheaper because it avoids expensive installations, as it does not require hard wiring. As long as there is a network cable nearby to connect it, there will be a saving on the traditional wiring for the installation of conventional cameras.
Its simpler installation makes it appealing for many homes or companies to decide on these security systems. The ability to be able to see the cameras from other places is much simpler, as it is inherent to the installation itself. The video signal travels through network cabling and only needs a recording/storage system that can also be in the cloud, saving another physical device.
This guarantees a greater degree of security against physical threats since there is no recorder to steal or disable. Although you should know that not all the content is recorded, but events triggered by movement are recorded.
The quality and speed of such systems make it is necessary to choose to upload images with worse quality than the ones that can be conserved continuously in a recorder, so this must be taken into account.
Negative factors of IP security cameras
If the system is open to the internet, IP security cameras, as with other connected electronic devices, are not immune from computer attacks, and this may cause potential security risks.
They are completely vulnerable to sabotage or being hacked, leaving exposed the information of the building, even the sensitive data of the company. They can be infected by malware, as a way to access the network.
If hackers manage to enter the system, their manipulation of it can be simple and fast, showing false content and therefore altering all the functionality of the cameras. The security at that moment would be null, so the strength of not having a physical system is also its greatest vulnerability to external and cyber threats (system hacking).
As with the IoT, it is not exempt from receiving an attack, but these disadvantages can be remedied by adopting adequate security measures, adapted to the level of perceived threat. Professional IP network security systems have computer firewalls and adequate security barriers.
In this sense, if you are a medium-sized or large company, you may be interested in having your own server, so only you will have access to it to maintain and protect the information that is stored.
If you are a small company, you may prefer to trust the storage systems proposed by an approved security company such as Oxford security services with its own servers that keep the information encrypted and with adequate security measures.
Correct physical and computer maintenance of the cameras helps to detect or predict possible failures that might leave your security vulnerable.
Do not consider installing the security system of your home or company yourself; instead, rely on experts in electronic and cybersecurity. Always use an approved security company that can advise, install and maintain such devices.
