Protecting video involves many of the same strategies and protocols as those used to protect any other type of data. In the world of IP cameras and systems, video can be transmitted anywhere in the world to anyone who needs to see it. But what about access by outsiders who are not authorised to view the video? Or what if heaven forbid, the video is accessed by an unauthorised user who later posts it to YouTube? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What safeguards are in place to avoid unauthorised access to video?
A comprehensive approach to both physical security and cybersecurity is necessary to safeguard video content and ensure that it is only accessible by authorised individuals. First and foremost, strong authentication mechanisms such as complex passwords, two-factor authentication, and biometrics must be employed to ensure that only authorised users obtain access to the collected video. Encryption is also used to protect video content from unauthorised access during transmission and storage. Additionally, role-based access control is used to ensure that users can only access the video that is necessary for their job functions. Audit trails are also used to monitor access to video so that any unauthorised access attempts can be quickly detected and investigated. Finally, physical security measures such as surveillance cameras and secure storage facilities, and restricted access to NVRs are implemented to protect against theft, tampering, or other physical threats to the video data.
To ensure that unauthorised individuals are prevented from accessing video data in the cloud, several safeguards are put in place. Encryption is used to secure the video data during transmission and storage while access controls are implemented to restrict access to authorised individuals only. Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security by requiring a second level of authentication while monitoring access logs and user activity can help detect and prevent unauthorised access to video data. Regular software updates and security patches are also essential to ensure that security vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. These safeguards work together to provide a multi-layered approach to protect video and ensure it is protected for future requirements.
Modern video management systems (VMS) offer built-in tools to safeguard private data and assets. These tools help ensure data remains available to those with the proper authorization but is not leaked or tampered with by unauthorised individuals. For example, encryption helps protect private information and sensitive data. When the video is encrypted, even if an unauthorised person or entity gains access to it, it will not be able to read it. Likewise, a modern VMS can enable administrators to control access to information through authorization and authentication measures. Watermarking deters users from leaking video information, and digital signatures help ensure evidence remains untampered. Combined with audit trails and supervised exports, these tools prevent your video and sensitive data from getting into the wrong hands.
The first safeguard that should be in place is encryption. Video data needs to be encrypted both at rest and in transit. An organisation may also choose to add a hash to the video to verify it has not been modified. Even with encryption, if the camera is not sufficiently hardened, it’s still possible to view the video if someone gets access to the device. The protocol used to stream the video is also a major component that determines how easy it is to access. Some devices use HTTPS, while others are using RTSP. A popular technology that certifies a connection is secure is SSL or the more updated version known as TLS (Transport Layer Security). It’s crucial to use a robust authentication method when accessing the stream as well. For example, an NVR essentially authenticates to the camera so that the device knows it's a trusted source.