Parking lot security cameras are at risk of cyber attacks—learn what you can do to protect your systems.
Security cameras in parking lots have become a staple—a ubiquitous presence that we hardly notice anymore. The goal of these parking lot cameras is to offer surveillance and increase safety, but what happens when even the cameras themselves are at risk of being breached and violated?
Even the most technologically savvy of humans is not immune from the reach of scammers and hackers, and neither is their hardware.
Example: In 2008, researchers from Ben-Gurion University revealed that a U.S. military network faced a security breach when a foreign intelligence agency provided infected thumb drives to retail kiosks near NATO headquarters in Kabul, Afghanistan. Once malware infiltrates an air-gapped system, the next step for a hacker is to establish a communication channel, and this is where security cameras play a crucial role.
The BGU researchers illustrated how a potential hacker, positioned in a parking lot, could send and receive data using the infrared LEDs of a security camera. Through this method, they could access information such as passwords, PIN codes, and encryption keys.
Furthermore, the researchers demonstrated the reverse process, showcasing the establishment of a two-way communication channel with a network that was considered "off the grid."
It’s crazy what hackers can do today when there are gaps in cybersecurity. Not only is a business likely to suffer with a leak of their intellectual property, but their customers are likely to be victims as well.
Cybersecurity is an increasingly vital part of successful and effective surveillance, customer trust, and good business. Without it, the people and places businesses want to protect with their security cameras are more vulnerable to potential threats. This article explores the challenges faced by parking lot camera systems in the realm of cybersecurity and outlines measures to be taken to improve parking lot security.
According to Cisco, cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and programs from digital attacks. These cyberattacks are usually aimed at accessing, changing, or destroying sensitive information, extorting money from users, or interrupting normal business processes.
A businesses’ security data is important to their operations, the safety of their employees, and general awareness of the goings-on of their property.
Any device connected to the internet can be hacked, and that includes parking lot security cameras.
The importance of cybersecurity in parking lot security extends beyond the protection of sensitive data. Hacked security cameras can lead to an infringement of privacy for businesses and customers.
When it comes to retail crime and specifically organized retail crime (ORC), bad actors will often access parking lot security cameras and manipulate the camera positioning so they’re not seen while they commit their crimes. They’ll also often access the camera’s archives and delete footage to erase any evidence of their crimes.
Recognizing and prioritizing cybersecurity is so important to ensure these systems operate seamlessly, providing the intended level of security.
While there are a number of things you can do to make sure your cybersecurity processes are top notch and functional, the following are a few of the key measures that most professionals recommend, especially for business security cameras:
Implementing strong and thorough encryption protocols for data in transit is essential. This prevents unauthorized access to the footage and ensures that sensitive information remains confidential.
Keeping software up-to-date is crucial for addressing vulnerabilities. Regular updates and patch management help mitigate potential exploits, enhancing the overall security of the system.
Implementing strict access controls and user authentication protocols limit the potential for unauthorized access. Only authorized personnel should have the ability to view, control, or modify the security camera system.
Segmenting the network isolates the security camera system from other devices, minimizing the risk of lateral movement by cyber threats. This adds an extra layer of protection against potential breaches.
To protect the data from your enterprise video surveillance cameras, we’ve come up with a few suggestions for best practices.
Engaging with cybersecurity experts ensures that security measures are designed and maintained by professionals well-versed in the evolving threat landscape. Trust the professionals!
Educating employees about cybersecurity best practices enhances overall system security. Employees should be aware of the potential risks and how to contribute to maintaining a secure environment.
Implementing continuous monitoring practices and having a well-defined incident response plan is essential. Quick identification and response to potential threats can minimize the impact of a cybersecurity incident.
At LVT, cybersecurity is a top priority. Our customers trust our mobile security units to protect the areas they frequent and to keep that data safe. We are Soc2 compliant, which means that we’ve been reviewed by a third party to audit our security practices and found to be following industry best practices.
As part of our cybersecurity practice, we secure the transmission of all video footage from the mobile surveillance unit to the cloud, where the footage is stored and kept safe.
Companies like LVT who are offering security to businesses are more vulnerable to cyber threats than others because of the nature of what we’re trying to deter—criminal activity. We’re trying to secure a space where people are intentionally going to cause damage or harm or commit crime. This raises our profile because we are actively deterring criminal activity—oftentimes ORC groups.
By knowing about possible threats, putting in important cybersecurity measures, and keeping up with what's new, businesses and organizations can make a safe environment that does what it's supposed to without sacrificing safety and privacy. In your business operations, make sure cybersecurity is a top priority and strengthen the digital defenses that keep physical spaces safe.
To learn more about LVT’s parking lot security offerings, schedule a demo here.
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