Modern surveillance systems are smarter and more connected than ever, which makes surveillance system cybersecurity a real business concern. From small storefronts to large commercial properties, cameras now rely on internet connectivity, cloud storage and remote access for real-time monitoring and peace of mind. That convenience brings a growing risk: cyber threats.
If your cameras connect to the internet, they can be a target. Attackers may try to access your cameras, disable your system, steal sensitive footage or use your network as a gateway to other business data. The good news is that the right strategies significantly reduce that risk.
Here’s how to protect your system from cyber threats.
1. Change Default Usernames and Passwords
Default login credentials are one of the most common weak spots in surveillance systems. Many cameras and recorders ship with factory usernames and passwords that are widely known and easy to find online.
As soon as your system is installed, replace every default credential with a strong, unique password. A secure password should:
- Be at least 12 to 16 characters long
- Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
- Contain numbers and special characters
- Avoid common words or predictable patterns
Use a reputable password manager to generate and store complex passwords for every user. CISA’s Secure Our World program recommends the same basics: strong passwords, a password manager, multi-factor authentication and prompt software updates.
2. Keep Firmware Updated for Surveillance System Cybersecurity
Manufacturers regularly release firmware and software updates that patch vulnerabilities and improve performance. If you skip them, your system stays exposed to known exploits.
Make it a priority to:
- Enable automatic updates whenever possible
- Schedule regular manual checks for firmware updates
- Keep your video management software (VMS) up to date
A trusted security provider can manage updates for you. Our CCTV maintenance services keep firmware current so your system stays secure and compliant.
3. Secure Your Network
Your cameras are only as secure as the network they run on. If the network is compromised, your cameras and recorders are vulnerable too.
To strengthen network security:
- Use a business-grade firewall
- Enable network encryption (WPA3 or WPA2 for wireless networks)
- Put your surveillance system on its own VLAN or separate network
- Disable unused ports and services
Network segmentation is a cornerstone of surveillance system cybersecurity for businesses. Isolating cameras from other systems limits the damage an attacker can do if they get in.
4. Enable Encryption
Encryption protects data in transit and at rest. Without it, video sent between cameras, recorders and remote devices could be intercepted.
Look for systems that support:
- HTTPS for secure web access
- SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
- Encrypted hard drives or secure cloud storage
Properly configured encryption keeps intercepted data unreadable and unusable. If you’re deciding where footage should live, compare cloud vs local storage.
5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Passwords alone are no longer enough. Multi-factor authentication adds a second verification step, such as a one-time code sent to a phone.
If your platform supports MFA, turn it on for every user, especially administrators. It’s one of the simplest surveillance system cybersecurity upgrades, and it sharply reduces the risk of unauthorized access even if a password leaks.
6. Limit User Access and Permissions
Not everyone needs full control of your cameras. Assign roles carefully and follow the principle of least privilege: give each person only the access their job requires.
For example:
- Managers may need live viewing and playback
- IT staff may need configuration rights
- General employees may not need access at all
Review accounts regularly and remove access for former employees and contractors so old logins don’t linger.
7. Monitor for Suspicious Activity
Proactive monitoring catches threats before they escalate. Many systems keep activity logs that track login attempts, configuration changes and system events.
Watch for:
- Repeated failed login attempts
- Logins from unfamiliar IP addresses
- Unusual reboots or configuration changes
Good surveillance system cybersecurity means someone actually reviews these logs. A professional security provider can keep an eye on your system’s health around the clock.
8. Work With a Professional Integrator on Surveillance System Cybersecurity
DIY installations often miss critical cybersecurity safeguards. A professional integrator understands camera placement and coverage, plus secure configuration, network hardening and compliance.
At Phoenix Security & Technology, we design systems with cybersecurity in mind from day one. As low voltage integrators, we handle secure device setup, encrypted storage and ongoing maintenance, so your business stays protected against physical and digital threats.
Never Open Your Recorder to the Internet
The fastest way to get a camera system hacked is “port forwarding”: opening a port on the router so the recorder can be reached from anywhere. It’s how many older systems were set up for remote viewing, and it leaves the recorder’s login page on the public internet, where automated scanners find it within hours.
Safer ways to get remote access:
- The manufacturer’s cloud relay or app, with a strong password and multi-factor authentication turned on.
- A VPN into your network, so the recorder is only reachable once you’re connected.
- A cloud-managed system where the cameras connect out to the provider and nothing listens for incoming connections.
When we take over an existing system, checking the router for open camera ports is one of the first things we do.
Choose NDAA-Compliant Cameras and Recorders
Section 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019 bars U.S. federal agencies from buying video surveillance equipment from Hikvision, Dahua and Hytera, along with Huawei and ZTE, and from contracting with companies that use it. Private businesses aren’t bound by that rule, but many follow it anyway. Government contractors have to, and it’s a reasonable bar for any equipment that sits on your network and sees inside your building.
The equipment we install is NDAA-compliant. If you’re not sure what’s on your walls, the label on the recorder usually tells you. Some equipment is sold under other brand names (“white-label”); we can tell you who actually made it.
Retire Cameras That No Longer Get Updates
Every camera model reaches an end of support, after which the manufacturer stops fixing security holes. An older camera that still shows a picture can still be the weakest device on your network. Keep a simple list of every camera and recorder with its model and firmware version, check it against the maker’s support notices once a year, and plan to replace anything that’s out of support.
A 10-Minute Surveillance Security Check
You can check most of this yourself:
- Log in to the recorder. If it still accepts the factory password, change it today.
- Check that every person with access has their own login, and remove former employees.
- Look for a firmware version and date. If it’s more than a year old, ask about updates.
- Check the router for forwarded ports pointing at the recorder or cameras.
- Turn on multi-factor authentication in the camera app if it’s offered.
- Confirm the recorder’s clock is correct. Footage with the wrong time is hard to use as evidence.
If any of these turn up a problem, our security camera service team can fix it, including on systems another company installed.
Surveillance Cybersecurity: Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone really hack a security camera system?
Yes. The usual ways in are default passwords, unpatched firmware and recorders exposed to the internet through port forwarding. All three are preventable.
Are wireless cameras less secure than wired cameras?
Wireless adds one more way in, through the Wi-Fi, but the bigger risks are the same for both: weak passwords and outdated firmware. Wired cameras on their own network segment are the most controlled setup, which is why we use them on most commercial jobs.
Do we need to replace our cameras to be secure?
Not always. Many systems can be secured with new passwords, current firmware and a closed router. Replacement makes sense when equipment is out of support or isn’t NDAA-compliant and your contracts require it.
The Bottom Line on Surveillance System Cybersecurity
Your cameras are meant to protect your property, not create a new vulnerability. As cyber threats evolve, a proactive approach to surveillance system cybersecurity is essential.
Change default credentials, keep software updated, secure your network, enable encryption and limit access, and you significantly reduce your risk. Partnering with an experienced provider makes sure your system is configured correctly and maintained over time.
Not sure whether your current system is properly secured? Contact us or call (602) 248-8477 and we’ll assess your setup and recommend ways to strengthen your defenses.
Related services from Phoenix Security & Technology: video surveillance systems, commercial security camera installation in Phoenix, security system service and repair. Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Glendale and the East and West Valley. Call (602) 248-8477 for a free site assessment.