The advancement of tech has allowed unprecedented opportunities for surveillance and security. From smart-integrated cities to private, tech-infused enterprises, leveraging the cloud enables you to conduct real-time monitoring and scale your business. The accessibility across diverse locations allows for improved asset management. Explore how cloud-based security solutions can empower you and your organization to enhance your security across the board, without borders.
What is Cloud-Based Security and Surveillance?
Cloud-based surveillance is the method of storing and accessing security data via off-site servers. Rather than hosting this data on-site and bogging down your company servers and devices, you can tap into a larger, distributed, and more secure network. The type of data sent and received includes live and recorded feeds from surveillance cameras, as well as reports from various smart sensors. You need adequate, secure business internet to access this data, as well as a plan from a cloud-based security software provider.
Benefits of Cloud-Based vs. On-Site Surveillance
The key benefits of cloud-based security and surveillance over traditional methods include:
- Reduced hardware costs;
- Lower maintenance;
- Easier scalability of your surveillance system;
- Remote access at all times;
- Enhanced access management;
- Increased data security;
- Intelligent analytics;
- Automatic software updates and backups.
These are attractive attributes that can only add to the effectiveness of your business and will be discussed in detail further in the article. You may want to switch completely to off-site surveillance or implement a combination of traditional and cloud-based operations.
On-site surveillance typically includes wired or wireless devices like routers, sensors, and cameras that are connected to your data network. Then, the data from those devices is stored locally on hard drives or other on-premises storage. This gives you greater control but also involves more administrative work than cloud-based systems, such as updating outdated hardware and ensuring network security. The more storage you need, the greater your costs will be with on-site surveillance.
Whether you choose to go completely cloud-based or have a mix of traditional and modern surveillance systems depends on your budget and goals. Paying a monthly subscription fee to cloud-based security software is preferable in most cases over shelling out thousands on surveillance and storage hardware. You will still have to purchase the devices, but they are monitored and managed via the cloud-based company you choose to work with.
Enhancing Security
Monitoring your security systems and storing surveillance data in the cloud means that you are receiving automatic updates. If you work with a reputable third-party provider, they are required to keep software up-to-date and prevent any vulnerabilities that could leave your data open to hackers. Your data will also be encrypted in the cloud, providing robust protection against unauthorized access.
This level of security is easy to maintain and safeguards your assets and employees effectively with little overhead and effort. For instance, Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a massive cloud operating out of global data centers. Its Video Management Systems solutions use AWS servers to store, stream, and share access to videos like surveillance system footage.
AWS partners with large companies like XProtect that specialize in business surveillance systems via the cloud. They use Identity and Access Management to give you the power to revoke access for any user at any point, as well as grant it to those who need to access your files. These files are stored in a Virtual Private Cloud that separates your company’s video files from those of other businesses and encrypts them for privacy.
Security Considerations
Even with all of those safeguards in place, it is still possible to have security issues with cloud programs like AWS. If you are going with a reputable company, any security issues will likely be due to user error. With AWS, that would include forgetting to enable CloudTrail, their system to track all activity in your API, or allowing too many people to access your data. Access management is crucial for security. With it enabled, cloud-based storage systems like AWS will be able to alert you of any suspicious activity and take proactive measures to prevent any malicious attacks.
Adding Flexibility
A major aspect of cloud-based surveillance is the ability to access security footage, live or recorded, from anywhere at any time. Especially when you operate with several different physical locations or have remote staff, it’s crucial to have a system that allows you flexibility like this. Whether it’s a warehouse in a different state, a construction site at night, or your second retail location, cloud accessibility ensures seamless monitoring across diverse environments.
This agility allows your business to react swiftly in case of emergencies and make informed decisions based on the data collected. For example, you could notice suspicious activity on the cameras at your construction site after hours. With remote access, you can alert the authorities and the closest people to the location about the incident and begin remediation of any stolen or damaged property.
Boosting Employee Productivity
Beyond protecting your assets, cloud-based surveillance can help with productivity. Tools to monitor employee productivity include activity trackers, GPS, and surveillance cameras. If utilized correctly, cloud-based surveillance can offer helpful remote monitoring of workplace activities. This can be especially useful for remote or distributed teams, allowing managers to track work progress, identify bottlenecks, and address any issues promptly.
Surveillance data can reveal patterns in work hours, breaks, and time spent on certain tasks. By analyzing this information, your organization can optimize schedules and allocate resources where they are most effective. This is all in addition to keeping your team safe.
Cloud-based surveillance provides real-time monitoring of physical spaces, so immediate alerts can be sent to relevant parties in case of emergencies. Video footage can also help diagnose the issue that caused the emergency in the first place. For instance, you could notice an employee entering a restricted area without proper authorization before the incident. This could help you identify where to ramp up security and access management.
It’s also important to remain cognizant of respecting your employees’ privacy. There’s a fine line between helpful surveillance and micromanaging. Aim to strike a balance between useful monitoring and individual privacy. Employees should always be informed about your surveillance practices and asked to give consent.
Cloud-based surveillance software can also help limit video access only to authorized personnel. If your employees feel like you are watching them too much, this can erode trust and their sense of autonomy. Aim to focus on specific metrics rather than constant monitoring.
Gaining Business Intelligence
Cloud-based surveillance can also give you insight into operational efficiency beyond monitoring employee behavior. You can, for example, track the movement of goods within distribution centers and manufacturing facilities. By analyzing this data, you can gain visibility into areas for improvement in inventory flow or processing.
Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors into your cloud-based surveillance plan can also allow you to track real-time movements and performance of equipment. For example, IoT motion sensors for warehouses can be installed on forklifts to detect unauthorized usage or potential malfunctions. With cloud-based software, you can receive timely alerts and react accordingly, reducing downtime for maintenance.
Reviewing your surveillance footage on the cloud can also highlight patterns related to space utilization. This way, you can optimize the layouts of offices and warehouses, stock inventory accordingly, and identify underutilized areas. This can also give you insight into how your spaces adhere to safety regulations. Footage can let you check compliance with safety regulations like employees wearing personal protective equipment or fire exits being easily accessible. This can help you mitigate risks and maintain a secure environment, no matter where you are.
Improving Reliability
Any downtime can be costly for your business. Cloud-based surveillance allows you to remain vigilant and respond to security breaches, on- and offline. Plus, you will always have access to cloud-based data since you aren’t relying solely on in-house servers that can fail or lose access to power.
Cloud-based surveillance companies typically also use multiple data centers for redundancy. This ensures that even if one location experiences issues like hardware failure or natural disasters, your data remains safe and accessible. These regular backups and fail-safe methods enhance reliability and help you recover quickly from any disruptions.
Just remember that cloud-based tech requires a solid internet connection. Having a backup internet connection for your business is crucial to keep costs down, staff productive, and data secure. Luckily, you’re already practicing network diversity by using cloud-based surveillance — your data is backed up on an external server regardless of the current state of your internet connection.
Tapping Into the Future of Surveillance
Cloud-based surveillance is future-minded, bringing you the features you need to keep up in the ever-changing business world. In addition to remote monitoring and access management, these services can provide AI-powered analytics. Systems have advanced enough now that they can use facial recognition and object classification to identify threats in real-time.
Plus, you can have all of this information at your fingertips from a single dashboard. Cloud-based security systems allow you to be prepared for future threats but also future growth. It’s easier to scale with cloud surveillance that can be upgraded at any time by adding cameras, storage, and users without changing your infrastructure.
Choosing a Cloud-Based Service
When selecting a cloud-based service, take stock of your business size and growth plans. Of course, most cloud-based surveillance software can grow with you, but choose the plan with the right amount of user access and that’s within your budget. Above all, it’s important to prioritize reliability and data security. Make sure your provider offers robust encryption, regular backups, and seamless upgrades when you’re ready to scale. A well-chosen, cloud-based surveillance system ensures the safety of your business and can lead you toward increased success.
