Guide for Growing Importance of Cyber Security

The internet continues to become a critical aspect of our daily lives. In fact, it is not uncommon to hear about people using the internet to study, work, find a job, observe or monitor their property, do their research, shop, perform their banking duties, pay their bills, play games, and stay in touch. The increasing use of smart phones and tablets have made the cyber world a frequently visited place. However, as long as you are online, there is always the risk of having your privacy invaded and your security compromised. So, it makes sense to know about cyber security and take the right measures to implement it.

As incidents of hacking are rising, the more you should pay attention to your internet security, too. Everyone is at risk, even government agencies and private organizations. You can increase your risk of getting hacked when your computer is infected by a virus or malware, which you can get when you gain access to a malicious website, email attachment, dangerous link, or a harmful program or software.

Cyber security is important to everyone who goes online, regardless of how often and how you use the internet. Simple measures like having strong passwords, ensuring a secure connection, and not giving away your passwords and personal details to anyone can already make a difference when it comes to protecting yourself. Of course, you need to take extra measures, too, like installing a reliable antivirus, firewall, and anti-malware software on your devices, visiting only trusted websites, shopping in secure and reputable online stores, and being vigilant every time you are online. Keeping your software up to date, educating your family or employees, and having formal security policies can help, too. That way, you can avoid being hacked and you can be more confident and feel safe when using the internet.

3 Things to Know About IP Surveillance

Internet protocol (IP) cameras can be practical for your security surveillance system. If you are looking to upgrade from your analog CCTV or you are setting up your own surveillance camera system for the first time, IP cameras are a good choice for their good image resolution, flexibility, dependability, and ease of installation. If you are still not sure about them, here are three basic yet important things that can help you make an informed decision:

1. How they work – IP surveillance cameras allow you to access the video from anywhere with internet access, unlike with analog CCTVs that cannot send or receive data. They are either decentralized or centralized. The latter requires a network video recorder (NVR) to capture video into digital format and save it into a storage device, like a hard drive. Decentralized IP surveillance cameras do not require NVRs, as they have built-in recorders, which save videos directly into a digital storage media. 

2. You can use as many IP cameras as you want, too. There is no limit to the number of cameras that you can install within an IP surveillance network, as long as each camera can receive good broadband strength or signal to transmit images clearly and efficiently.
   
   
3. They let you view footage in real-time - Basically, IP cameras can do just about anything an analog CCTV camera can, but with the additional benefits of live streaming and remote viewing. High-quality IP surveillance camera systems typically come with an app that you can download into your smartphone or tablet to remotely view the footage live, or you can log into a certain website provided by your CCTV provider and observe from your browser.
   
   
4. There is a camera for every application – Most HD digital cameras have counterparts that can provide IP surveillance, such as bullet, dome, PTZ (pan tilt zoom), box, and thermal cameras. Reputable providers of IP surveillance systems carry fisheye cameras, too. So, you should be able to find and install an appropriate camera for your needs.

Are Security Cameras Really Needed for Homes?

Technological advancements and the rising demand for efficient surveillance devices are driving down the prices of security cameras and home surveillance systems, making them viable options for those who want to increase security at home. With safety threats constantly looming, here are just some of the many reasons why you need to install security cameras in your residence: 

• Even the safest neighborhoods are no longer safe. Even celebrity homes in exclusive gated communities are being broken into. It’s certainly worth it to have security cameras installed in your home and around your neighborhood, as this can help identify robbers and other dangerous characters should they infiltrate your streets. Security systems can give you as a homeowner peace of mind and can even help deter thieves and criminals from trying in the first place. Visible security devices have been proven to discourage crime. Having reliable security cameras that record all activity in important areas around your home is the best way to protect your property and your family from harm.

• Surveillance footage taken by security cameras can be used as court evidence, should you decide to pursue criminals who have robbed your premises or done damage to your property. These videos can be used by law enforcement agencies to trace culprits and put them in their rightful place.

• Security cameras are also excellent tools for monitoring nannies and caregivers as well as the quality of care they are providing to your loved ones. Whether you are an anxious parent or a careful son/daughter, security cameras can serve as a watchful eye on your loved ones and the people you leave them with while you are away. This will give you 24/7 access to their activities and help you ensure their safety in the hands of paid help.

Are Analog Camera Systems Easier to Install Than IP Camera Systems?

When looking for video surveillance systems, you are likely to come across two types: analog and IP camera. Both have their own set of advantages, and one might be better than the other depending on the application.

IP camera systems may seem like the better choice if you want modern and high-end cameras, but they require some technical and networking expertise, making them more challenging to install. They may not be the best option if you do not have a technician on board. 

As for analog camera systems, there are certain factors that make them easier to install. They may be the better choice than most IP camera systems in certain situations: 

• Availability – Analog cameras have been around for quite some time, making them widely and easily available. Just be sure to buy them from an established and reputable supplier that carries the products of well-known brands of security and surveillance equipment.
  

• Quick deployment – There is no need to assign IP addresses on analog camera systems. The IP address of a camera may change when you use DHCP, too, and you will need to it again.
  
• Low cost – Analog systems are generally cheaper to buy and maintain, helping you save money in the long run.
  

• Flexibility – Analog cameras come in many different designs, such as large PTZ cameras and small, covert models. It should be easy to find the right type and style of camera that will suit your surveillance needs.
  

• Compatibility – You can easily mix and match cameras in an analog system, regardless of their brand, type, and size. This will make it easier to integrate new cameras to an existing analog camera system without worrying about changing a thing. 

That said, the only way to know what system is best for you is to consult CCTV and security camera surveillance experts. They can determine your needs and recommend the right surveillance solution for your intended usage.

All in One Security Camera: TVI, AHD, CVI, Analog

HD analog technology is a compelling and increasingly available alternative to IP and traditional analog surveillance options. With HD analog formats, video security systems deliver greater megapixel resolution rates transmitted over coaxial cabling or HD over coax systems. They are also far less complicated to install, set-up, and operate than IP surveillance. Since the introduction of HD analog technology, several formats have emerged, including TVI, AHD, and CVI. All of these HD analog options provide the same basic benefits although each offers its own unique set of compatibilities and capabilities. 

HD analog technology offers the following benefits: 

• Higher quality images, with better clarity, high signal filtering, true color reproduction, and noise reduction.

• Coaxial cable (HD-over-coaxial) transmission, which allows for signal transmission over longer distances.

• Compatibility with 960H format storage and recording equipment and future compatibility with matrix systems and analog splitters.

• Video transmission is not subject to video latency and quality loss due to compression.

• System is easy to use and operate, owing to hassle-free configurations for both back and front-end devices.

• HD analog solutions offer high quality results at low cost. 

There are also hybrid all-in-one devices such as all-in-one HD CCTV cameras that support all HD analog surveillance formats, allowing for a more flexible surveillance solution. These devices support video surveillance formats, including TVI, AHD, and CVI modes at exceptional resolutions. Users can easily choose video mode using simple control devices (usually a small joystick), attached to the video cable. Like most surveillance camera types, hybrid devices can also be enclosed in weatherproof housing for ample protection, especially when used in outdoor installations. These devices also come built-in with infrared LEDs for efficient video capturing even in low and zero light conditions. Depending on the type of mounting bracket included, viewing angles can be adjusted to the appropriate direction the surveillance requires.

Why Use Video Surveillance Cameras for Your Home Security?

Securing one’s home against crime is a reality we must live with today. As thieves and other criminal elements become more sophisticated, locks and alarms sometimes are no longer enough—and adapting a more robust security solution becomes pertinent.

Video surveillance cameras offer a lot of benefits in improving your home security setup. Closed circuit camera systems give you the unique ability to be alerted of an incoming threat, even before it happens. Linked with other security systems like alarms or motion controlled lighting, it can act as an active defense against criminality. In fact, the mere presence of cameras in a location often discourages would be criminals from committing their unlawful deeds, making video surveillance systems a kind of deterrent against criminal activity. And in case a crime is committed, recordings from video surveillance cameras provide law enforcement authorities valuable information for solving a felony or tracking down the offenders. There are thousands of documented cases where closed circuit security footage has helped the police in resolving crimes and assisted in identifying the perpetrators, often leading to the faster arrest of suspects.

Installed properly with the help of a reputable company, video surveillance systems will give your household a significant boost in terms of security. It is important that you have a professional company install your closed-circuit video systems. They can recommend the right equipment and set you up with a package that will fit your needs, and more importantly, your budget. An experienced team with expertise in security consulting, can help with the application of industry standards and best practices to give you a more secure home. It may entail a significant amount of investment, but a good video surveillance camera system for the home will give you a greater sense of security and peace of mind in the long term.

Know Which Security Camera Will Best Suit Your Industry?

A wide variety of security cameras are available in the market today. The trick is to identify which camera system is best suited for your application, based on your particular needs and requirements. There are camera systems designed to cater to different uses, each with unique features designed for a specific purpose.

Home surveillance cameras are intended to be simple to install, use, and maintain, with a basic feature set meant for domestic use. They are packaged to be affordable. They leverage NVR and IP camera technology to allow homeowners to monitor their homes over the internet via a mobile device, tablet, or laptop.

Retail security cameras, on the other hand, are designed to be integrated with the store's POS terminal for easy access by the store manager. Box cameras mounted over the counter area are also standard to monitor employees as well as to keep an eye out for burglars or criminal activity inside the store. Security cameras also act as a deterrent for thieves and robbers, as criminal elements are less likely to try anything funny within the premises with the knowledge that they are being watched.

Commercial grade security cameras are comprised of large scale system of cameras, monitors, and recorders that allow a comprehensive security watch over whole facilities. They also double as a means to monitor employees for both productivity and safety purposes. Commercial systems use special cameras with infra-red capability, giving the system the ability to see even in the dark. This ensures 24-hour video surveillance to keep an eye on the business-critical parts of your operations. Cameras for industrial use are also designed with special housings and enclosures to protect against accidents in potentially explosive environments. They are sealed off so that in case of a surge (or if the camera module itself shorts out), workplace safety is not compromised and your employees are protected.