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CCTV security systems have become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes in recent years. With the rising number of thefts, burglaries, and vandalism cases, it has become necessary to implement adequate security measures to safeguard the business’s assets, employees, and customers.

It is crucial to note that while CCTV cameras provide enhanced security, they can also expose your business to risks if not properly secured. It is vital to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of your business and your employees.

The Risks Associated with CCTV Security Systems

Businesses that implement CCTV security systems are also exposed to various risks, including hacking, data breaches, and unauthorized access. In 2020, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) issued a warning to businesses about the potential risks of cyber-attacks on CCTV systems, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, with cybercriminals taking advantage of the remote working trend.

To ensure that your business security system is not breached, here are some things you should do for a safe CCTV security setup:

• Ensure Your Network is Secure

The first step in securing your CCTV security system is to ensure that your network is secure. When you access a CCTV camera through the internet, any commands going to the system or footage coming from it go through your network. Therefore, you need to ensure that your network is adequately secured.

Hackers often breach networks to gain access to the devices connected to that network. To prevent this, ensure that your network security protocol is no lower than WPA2, and if possible, upgrade to the next generation, WPA3. These protocols govern the protection of data transmitted through the wireless network.

Also, give your network a strong password that is at least 12 characters long. Passwords of only eight standard characters can be easily cracked by software, while a 12-character password with at least one uppercase letter, number, and symbol takes 34,000 years.

• Change the Default Username & Password

A strong password for your CCTV security system’s admin account is crucial. Additionally, you should also change the default device and username. Hackers often have lists of all these device defaults and use them to break into systems. Changing the default username and password for the device should be one of the first things you do.

• Make sure the System Uses SSL/TLS Or Other Encryption

When selecting a CCTV security system for your business, one of the essential features you should look for is encryption. Encryption ensures that the data transmitted between your CCTV cameras and the monitoring software is secure and cannot be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized persons.

SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) are two encryption standards that are commonly used in CCTV security systems. Both SSL and TLS use a combination of public and private keys to encrypt data, making it virtually impossible for hackers to intercept or access the data.

Without encryption, a hacker can easily breach your device and access sensitive information. As such, it is crucial to ensure that the CCTV security system you choose has SSL/TLS or another encryption.

• Ensure Software is Updated

Software updates are critical in ensuring that your CCTV security system remains secure. Unfortunately, many users fail to think about updating their device software, leaving it more vulnerable to hacking. Software updates often include vital security fixes for found vulnerabilities. Keeping your CCTV security system updated ensures that any security issues are patched, reducing the risk of a breach.

• Use Access Levels for Multiple Users

If you have several people accessing your CCTV system, it is essential to set up access levels. Not everyone needs to be at an administrator level, and giving lower-level privileges to most users can improve security. Hackers can breach an admin login and gain more privileges, such as changing settings. Giving lower-level privileges, like “view only,” to most users improves security and reduces the risk of someone having access to the business.

• Enable Camera Security Features

Ensure that all available security features are enabled when setting up your CCTV system. Manufacturers may not enable all security settings by default, so it is up to the user to turn them on. Restrict sharing options as much as possible!

• Secure Your Mobile Device

Most people access their CCTV systems through their smartphones. Ensure that your mobile device is secure and updated with the latest operating system, mobile anti-malware, DNS filtering, and a screen lock. Hackers can gain access to your CCTV system through a device with weak safeguards.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your business’s CCTV system is secure and that your premises and assets are protected.

Looking for Assistance Protecting Your CCTV Systems?

Setting up a CCTV system can be overwhelming, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. A security breach can be disastrous, and it is essential to ensure that your security system is set up correctly.

If you are looking for help protecting your CCTV, contact us! Our experts can help you ensure that your security system is set up correctly and provide recommendations for improving your CCTV. You can contact us at info@theoasis.co.za & (011) 784 9167 or find us at 117 11^th Street, Parkmore, Sandton, Johannesburg.

Has your computer or laptop been acting kind of strange? If you can’t pinpoint the issue, your system may have a virus or malware. There are many different signs that something could be wrong, and it is all dependent on what type of malware is affecting your system. 

Malware can include viruses, ransomware, spyware and unwanted software that is secretly and maliciously installed onto your device. Criminals will use malware to steal information, send ads, demand payment for data taken hostage by malware and make your device vulnerable to other attacks. 

In this blog, we discuss what signs you should look out for that show that your system is infected with something nasty. 

Signs of malware and viruses

Unexpected pop-up windows & spam

Pop-up ads aren’t used as much as they once were, but they are still an easy way for criminals to get you to click on something you think is safe. Once you click on the ad or link, it can link to malicious websites that will attempt to download nefarious software or malware onto your system. This malware can wreak havoc on your system if it is left unchecked and has full access to your data. 

Unexplained file or folder changes

Your system most probably has a virus if you notice that your files or folders are corrupted, have moved around, or have disappeared. Double-check that whoever else is using your computer or laptop isn’t moving things around. If that isn’t the case, unfortunately, you may have a virus disrupting your system. 

Your computer or laptop’s performance is slow.

A sign that something is not right is if your laptop or computer is running slowly for no reason. Your systems resources could be directed away from legitimate programs and operations by malware. Your laptop’s fan should not be running at full speed all the time, and there may be applications you aren’t aware of that are running in the background. These signs show that your system is processing as much as it can but is overrun because malware has taken over. 

Sudden lack of hard drive space

Is your hard drive full when it shouldn’t be? That is a symptom of a virus. Some viruses fill hard drives by rapidly duplicating copies of themselves, and a lot of times, these files are invisible under normal file browsing settings. Malware has adapted to stay undetected so that there is more opportunity for malware and harmful activities. 

Strange running processes

You can check what processes are running in the background of your computer/laptop by going to the task manager. The task manager will show you exactly what is running and consuming your system’s processing speed. Your system’s resources could be tied up with unfamiliar software that is affecting your CPU, memory and disk space. If your processing speed is slow, your computer likely has a virus affecting it. 

Frequent and unexplained program crashes

Laptops and computers can have program crashes because of a host of reasons – your laptop may overheat, and the processing capacity may be overloaded. If your programs and apps keep crashing regularly, you may have a virus disrupting the system. Even if you don’t have malware, your computer or laptop should not be crashing regularly. That is still a cause for concern, and we suggest servicing it before it becomes a serious issue.  

All of these symptoms don’t have to be because of malware; it could mean that something else is wrong with your computer or laptop. Running diagnostics and a scan from your antivirus is a good idea to see if there is something you can do to fix the situation.

If you are still experiencing annoying conditions, our best advice would be to bring your device in to get it looked at by our skilled technicians.

Oasis Intelligent Solutions can aid you and your business with laptop and computer maintenance. You need your device to work for you, so let us do some work by fixing your problems. Our friendly staff have the knowledge and expertise to assist you regardless of the problem. Bring in your device to get a smooth-running system that is malware free!

Visit us at 117 11^th Street, Parkmore,  Sandton, Johannesburg or contact us at info@theoasis.co.za & (011) 784 9167.