How Can I Make My CCTV Secure?

Investing in a video surveillance system is a powerful step towards protecting your property. But in our connected world, an insecure camera system can become a liability. The crucial next step is to secure the surveillance camera system itself against both digital hackers and physical threats. Ensuring your system is robust involves layers of protection, from the software you use to the hardware you install.

At Sac Video Surveillance Pros, we believe security is a complete process, not just a product. Here are the essential steps every camera system owner should take to ensure their CCTV is truly secure.

Strengthening Your Digital Defenses

The most common vulnerabilities in security cameras are digital. Hackers often gain access not through complex code-breaking, but by exploiting simple oversights. Here’s how to lock your digital front door.

• Use Strong, Unique Passwords: This is the single most important step. Never use default passwords like “admin” or “12345”. Create a long password (12+ characters) with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Every device—each camera, the recorder (NVR/DVR), and your router—should have its own unique password.
• Keep Your Firmware Updated: Firmware is the operating software that runs on your camera and recorder. Manufacturers regularly release updates to patch security holes. A professional system from a reputable brand like Axis or Hanwha makes this process straightforward, but it’s a critical maintenance task for any system.
• Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: Your cameras are only as secure as the network they’re on. Ensure your router is using WPA3 (or at least WPA2) encryption and has a strong, unique password of its own. For businesses, we often recommend creating a separate network (VLAN) just for security devices to isolate them from your main network.
• Disable Unnecessary Features: Many cameras have features like UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) enabled by default to make setup easier. However, these can create security risks. A professional installer will disable any feature that isn’t essential for your system’s operation, reducing the potential attack surface.

Protecting the Physical Hardware

A camera isn’t useful if it can be easily disabled, damaged, or stolen. Physical security is just as important as digital.

• Strategic Camera Placement: Install cameras high enough to be out of easy reach. This prevents them from being quickly covered, knocked down, or spray-painted. However, they must still be low enough to capture clear, identifiable details.
• Secure the Recorder (NVR/DVR): The recorder is the brain of your system and holds all your footage. It should never be left out in the open. We always install recorders in a locked, secure, and well-ventilated location like a server rack, utility closet, or a locked office.
• Protect Your Cables: Exposed wires are a weak point. A professional installation involves running cables through walls, conduit, or other protected pathways where they cannot be easily cut or damaged.

The Professional Advantage: The Most Secure Option

While these steps are a great start, the most effective way to ensure a truly secure CCTV system is through professional design and installation. A DIY setup can leave unintentional security gaps that an expert can spot and prevent. A complete security strategy involves more than just passwords; it’s about understanding every component. This includes knowing how to secure a surveillance camera‘s physical installation, learning how to protect your camera from the elements, and configuring its software to understand what triggers a motion alert. A professional approach considers all these factors to create a truly reliable system.

At Sac Video Surveillance Pros, we build security into every step of the process. From selecting NDAA-compliant hardware to configuring complex network settings and physically hardening the installation, we provide a complete security solution you can trust. Don’t leave your safety and privacy to chance.