Latin America. According to figures from Security Research of ESET Latin America, so far this year more than 8,000 vulnerabilities have been detected in the computer systems used by financial institutions, governments and companies in Mexico and around the world.
Faced with the increase of technologies such as IoT, which facilitates the connection of several devices that can even be controlled remotely, security and vulnerability issues are also growing, from malware, viruses, hacks, to information hijackings called ransomware. Today more than ever, protection and security are vital both in the cloud, in connected devices, in intelligent cameras, network audio and video systems, since they are attack doors; however, all people must be involved in the process.
This year, Mexico is located in the fifth position as one of the countries in the sights of cyberattacks in the world and the second in Latin America, and is that today this type of attacks have been evolving in terms of method and severity. One of the largest and most aggressive attacks in history during 2016 was the malware called Mirai, which infected routers and IP cameras to perform DDoS (distributed denial of service attack) attacks, to use them later and launch distributed denial-of-service attacks against infrastructures; however, it's not all bad news, as all of this can be avoided with the right mix: processes and technology.
And it is very important to consider that cybersecurity is a process, not a product. Threats must be managed at the system level and the responsibility for protecting the network, its devices and the services it supports lies with the entire supplier's supply chain, as well as those who manage the network and the users themselves. Technology is important, but it will never eliminate all risks or threats.
How to keep your IP camera safe from hackers
Today cybersecurity is an essential element for physical security to be successful. Axis Communications – a leading company in network video surveillance cameras and making a safer and smarter world – shares 3 levels of protection for security systems to be effective:
Security management: Choosing network video products with built-in protection, where you can apply security controls you need to mitigate the threats you face.
Vulnerability management: When critical vulnerabilities are found, fixing them quickly and issuing security warnings can be one of the advantages of defenses against these attacks.
Training and collaboration: Understanding the threats you face, their potential cost, and how to protect yourself will be your best defense. There are tools and documents that will help you establish effective protections.
"As with any effective security system, cybersecurity depends on the depth of your defense," says Francisco Ramírez, Managing Director of Axis Communications for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean, adding: "It's about protecting your IP camera network at all levels: from the products you choose and the partners you work with to the requirements they or you establish."
Effective cybersecurity in surveillance devices and IP cameras, among others, is based on the assessment of risks and their consequences, and on adopting the necessary measures. It's about the products, people, technology and processes in place and partnering with a supplier that is prepared to contribute at all levels.
There are many stages in the security process, from the implementation of software, cameras, downloads of information, where companies and individuals must be sure that suppliers and staff are reliable.
"Safety is everyone's responsibility. The objective of a company and all people should be not only to implement security strategies for themselves, but to be aware that the entire network must be protected," concludes Francisco.
