In brief: modern CCTV connects to your network and often to the internet. Treat it like any other connected device: separate it from your main network, change default passwords, keep it updated, and control remote access.
Why this matters now
CCTV used to be a standalone box in a cupboard. Today it’s a set of network devices, often with remote access, sitting on the same infrastructure as everything else. Left unmanaged, a camera system can become the weakest point in an otherwise secure network. For schools and organisations holding sensitive data, this is often picked up in an IT security review after installation, when it’s harder to fix.
The basics
- Separate networks: keep CCTV traffic apart from your main business network.
- No default passwords: change them on every device.
- Keep firmware current: apply security updates on a schedule.
- Control remote access: set it up securely, don’t leave it open for convenience.
None of this is unusual. It’s basic hygiene that gets skipped when nobody is responsible for it.
Choosing equipment that helps
Look for manufacturers who build security in from the start. That means secure default settings, strong authentication, encrypted communications, a published way to report vulnerabilities, and a stated support period for security updates. The terms “secure by design” and “secure by default” describe this approach. Treat a manufacturer’s claims as a starting point, and check them against documented evidence and support commitments.
These manufacturer terms are not the same as police “Secured by Design” accreditation or Cyber Essentials certification, which are separate schemes.
Part of the design, not an add-on
Considered from the start, cyber security costs little extra. Added later, it costs more and is rarely as good.
Electronic security for over a decade, after an early career in IT networks.