Cloud-based technologies are becoming increasingly common. Worldwide, the cloud computing market is worth $675 billion, and 94% of companies rely on it for at least one service or function. In 2020, 80% of enterprises used cloud-based systems.
The explosion of cloud computing is due to its convenience, accessibility, and scalability. These traits are attractive in almost any industry, especially those requiring a lot of computing power. For instance, physical security operations can rely on cloud-based surveillance systems to improve operations and mitigate risks often associated with onsite surveillance setups.
Cloud-based video feeds allow you to monitor the premises remotely and protect against internal or external interference or server failures that can occur with an onsite system.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the value of cloud surveillance and the advantages and drawbacks it might bring to your security operation.
What Is Cloud Surveillance?
Cloud surveillance platforms use internet-connected cameras to stream and store video feeds on cloud-based servers. This setup is meant to replace traditional digital video recorders (DVRs), which store video streams on onsite hard drives or servers.
These traditional systems need lots of hardware and local storage. On the other hand, cloud surveillance uses remote servers hosted by third-party providers. You can still use DVRs with traditional CCTV infrastructure even as you're able to store and view footage in the cloud. These systems offer flexibility, scalability, and professional management.
Remote monitoring is a key cloud feature. It lets you watch video feeds from anywhere with an internet connection. With the right login credentials, you can access the cloud server where the video is being streamed and stored, even if you are in another place.
In other words, you can monitor your home or business in real time from any location. Reliable surveillance cameras are essential for cloud surveillance systems. In addition to high-resolution video, you can find devices that offer features like night vision and wide-angle capabilities.
Video analytics software can enhance cloud surveillance. Such systems use AI and computer vision to automatically detect and analyze activities. Advanced systems have motion detection or face detection capabilities. Analytics tools usually trigger alerts that tell security personnel of a potential issue.
AI technology can add other capabilities as well. It can recognize objects, analyze behavior, and detect unusual movements. These features improve the accuracy of surveillance and create redundancies that reduce the number of false alarms.
Also, with effective analytics tools, you can reduce the amount of time you or security workers have to watch feeds. Even if you have ongoing human monitoring, the AI tools can ensure that your security pros don't miss anything due to fatigue or distraction.
Advantages of Cloud Surveillance for Remote Monitoring
If you work with a quality cloud-based video surveillance company, you can enjoy state-of-the-art security systems without expensive on-site upgrades and in-house IT experts.
Here is a closer look at three of the biggest benefits you can enjoy by switching to a cloud-based video security system.
Scalability and Flexibility
Because you don't need much infrastructure, it is easy to scale your system up or down. Cloud server space does not have the same memory limitations as onsite servers. If you open a new facility or add to your existing one, you can simply purchase additional cloud storage and add more cameras. The expansion should not take more than a few hours to complete.
You also have the flexibility to use different hardware. Cloud-bridge devices can take feeds from existing cameras and connect them to the cloud. Such options give you the flexibility to use existing cameras or upgrade as your budget allows instead of making a big upfront investment.
Accessibility
Cloud surveillance systems let you monitor live video and access recorded feeds from anywhere. You simply need an internet or cellular data connection.
This feature is useful for businesses with multiple locations. It is also ideal for security staff who need to access video feeds on the go and small business owners who don't have security personnel and who monitor video feeds themselves.
Cost Savings
Adopting cloud-based surveillance can save money. It eliminates the cost of onsite servers and the IT personnel necessary to build and manage the system.
Also, since the third-party provider manages updates and maintenance, there are no ongoing costs except for software licensing fees and cloud storage costs. Good providers may bundle these expenses into a single monthly, quarterly, or annual subscription to simplify your budgeting.
Considerations for Cloud Surveillance
Cloud surveillance is a cost-effective and convenient solution, but it has challenges. You need to consider the potential drawbacks when deciding if cloud security is right for you.
Here are two of the biggest potential pitfalls and steps you can take to lessen their impact when you deploy your cloud surveillance tools.
Internet Dependence
A stable, reliable internet connection is crucial for cloud surveillance. Remote monitoring isn't available during internet outages, causing gaps in security coverage.
Several different steps can mitigate connection outage risks. First, many surveillance cameras have SD cards to store video taken while they are offline. This saved footage can get uploaded after the internet reconnects.
If internet or electrical outages are common, you can consider using a cellular data network to transmit feeds.
Security Concerns
The number of cyberattacks has more than doubled since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cloud-based surveillance systems send feeds over the internet, and users access the videos online. Because of this setup, the system is potentially vulnerable to hackers.To mitigate cyber risks, cloud systems use encryption when sending video to the cloud. Anyone who intercepts the transmission along the way won't be able to see it without the decryption key housed on the cloud server.You can also create best practices for your security team. Multi-factor authentication and accessing feeds from secure connections can help reduce the risk of bad actors gaining access to your cloud-based system.As with any surveillance system, it is possible to miss potential security breaches if you aren't looking closely. Analytics tools offer extra protection against this problem by alerting you if they detect unexpected movement or suspicious objects.Cloud surveillance can make your security system more flexible and easier to monitor. If you have the right cameras and cloud platform, you can get enhanced coverage without the cost of an in-house setup.