Ever wonder what happens to all that footage your security cameras capture? Traditional systems store it locally, but there’s a new wave of surveillance on the rise: cloud based video surveillance.
Unlike conventional security systems that rely on local storage devices like DVRs or NVRs, cloud-based video surveillance transmits video footage captured by your cameras to secure remote servers over the internet.
It can watch over your property day and night, be accessed from anywhere globally, and even send you smart notifications when it detects something out of the ordinary.
Interested? Prepare yourself—this blog is for you if you want to learn more about the components and working of a cloud-based video surveillance system.
What is cloud based video surveillance system?
A cloud-based video surveillance stores, accesses, and manages your surveillance data on remote servers.
It means cloud video surveillance systems use internet-connected cameras that transmit captured video to secure off-site servers for storage and management.
Why are businesses choosing cloud storage over local storage?
Because the videos are kept in secure off-site storage, cloud providers have solid security measures to protect your data.Â
And because there is no physical storage in between it means you can be sure that you can access files from anywhere with an internet connection, which is ideal for remote work and collaboration!
And what’s more is that even if your local recorder or cameras are damaged or stolen, your footage is safe in the cloud. A fire, flood, or other disaster at your property won’t destroy your video evidence!
Cloud systems automate the process. No need to manually swap out hard drives or worry about backup failures.
NVR vs. Cloud based video surveillance systems:
Here, we’ve outlined several reasons to show you the advantages of cloud-based storage, regardless of the size of your business!
| Feature | NVR (Local Storage) | Cloud-Based Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Data Control | You have complete control over your data. | Data resides on servers owned by a third-party provider. |
| Accessibility | Requires internet access to view footage remotely. | Accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. |
| Scalability | Limited by the storage capacity of your NVR. Expanding storage requires buying new hardware. | Highly scalable. Easily add more storage as needed (pay-as-you-go model). |
| Security | Less susceptible to hacking if your network is secure. | Relies on the cloud provider’s security measures. |
| Cost | Upfront cost for NVR and storage devices. | Ongoing subscription fees for cloud storage. |
| Maintenance | Requires maintenance and occasional upgrades of the NVR. | Cloud provider manages maintenance and upgrades. |
| Reliability | Footage can be lost if the NVR malfunctions. | Data redundancy in the cloud protects against hardware failure. |
| Offline Access | Can access footage even without an internet connection. | Requires internet connection to access footage. |
Components of a cloud based surveillance system:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Hardware | |
CCTV Security Cameras | To capture video footage and transmit to the cloud you can use bullet cameras (outdoor), dome cameras (discreet, wider view), 360-degree cameras (panoramic view), PTZ cameras (remote control of pan, tilt, zoom), night vision cameras (low-light), HD/UHD cameras (superior image quality). |
| Internet Connection | Reliable internet connection to transmit video footage to the cloud. |
| Software | |
| Video Management System (VMS) | The brain of the system. Receives video streams, manages cloud recordings, and allows viewing of live feeds and recordings. It may offer features like motion detection, facial recognition, and video analytics. |
| Cloud Storage | Secured servers provided by the cloud service provider to store recorded video footage. Offers scalability and redundancy. |
| Mobile App/Web Interface | User-friendly interface for remote access (smartphone, tablet, computer). Allows viewing live feeds, playback recordings, adjusting settings, and receiving alerts. |
| Security Software | Robust security measures employed by cloud providers (encryption, access controls) to safeguard video data. |
How does cloud-based video surveillance work:
These are the 5 steps for how cloud-based video surveillance operates:
- Step 1: Hardware installation.
- Step 2: System setup.
- Step 3: Video recording and transmission.
- Step 4: Cloud storage and access.
- Step 5: System maintenance.
Step 1: Hardware installation.
- Security cameras: Professional installation or DIY setup, depending on the system and your comfort level. Cameras connect to your internet network (Wi-Fi or wired).
- Internet connection: Ensure a stable internet connection for smooth video transmission.
Step 2: System setup.
- Mobile app/Web interface: Download the provider’s app or access the web interface using your computer.
- Camera setup: Follow the app’s instructions to add cameras to your system. This often involves scanning a QR code on the camera or entering a unique code.
- Placement and settings: Position cameras strategically for optimal coverage. Adjust settings like image quality and recording schedules through the app.
Step 3: Video recording and transmission.
- Live remote video monitoring: View live video feeds from your cameras anytime, anywhere, using the mobile app or web interface.
- Recording activation: Cameras continuously record or activate based on pre-set schedules or motion detection triggers.
- Video transmission: Recorded video footage is securely transmitted over the internet to the cloud storage servers.
Step 4: Cloud storage and access.
- Secure storage: The cloud provider stores your video footage on secure servers with redundancy (multiple copies) to prevent data loss.
- Access and management: Through the app or web interface, you can:
- View recorded footage.
- Download specific clips for further analysis.
- Adjust recording settings and manage user access.
- Receive alerts for motion detection, facial recognition (if enabled), or other events.
Step 5: System maintenance (Optional).
- Software Updates: The cloud provider typically handles automatic software updates for both the cameras and the app, ensuring optimal functionality and security.
- Physical Maintenance: Perform occasional cleaning of camera lenses for optimal image quality, especially for outdoor cameras.
How does the cloud provider safeguard data?
You might be curious about how cloud providers keep your sensitive data secure. Cloud providers use a multi-layered security strategy to protect data in cloud-based video surveillance systems.
Here’s an overview:
Encryption:
Data is scrambled using encryption algorithms like AES-256 when stored in the cloud (at rest) and during transmission between cameras and the cloud (in transit).
This makes it virtually impossible for unauthorized users to access the footage even if they intercept it.
Tighter access controls:
Cloud providers offer granular access controls, allowing business owners to define who can access the video footage and what level of access they have (view only, download, etc.).
This ensures only authorized personnel can view sensitive security footage.
Data center security:
Cloud data centers are physically secure facilities with restricted access, security cameras, and environmental controls.
Additionally, virtual security measures like firewalls and intrusion detection systems protect data from cyberattacks.
Compliance:
Reputable cloud providers adhere to strict data privacy regulations relevant to the regions they operate in.
This includes rules like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) depending on the type of data being stored.
Advantages of cloud based video surveillance system:
Additional backup:
Traditional security systems store footage on a local hard drive.
With cloud-based surveillance, footage is uploaded to secure servers over the internet.
This offers a robust additional backup because even if your local recorder is damaged or stolen, your video evidence is safe and accessible from anywhere.
Better security and monitoring:
Cloud-based video analytics enhance security by topping up the cameras with ability to detect and deter proactively!
Analytics can identify specific objects, people, or suspicious activities, like loitering or someone entering restricted areas.
No more wasted time on notifications from blowing leaves or stray animals. Analytics focus on real security threats.
The system can trigger automated responses, like turning on lights or sending alerts, when suspicious activity is detected.
Analytics can help quickly pinpoint relevant footage during investigations, saving valuable time.
Traditional security systems can be a nightmare when searching for a specific person across multiple locations.
Access anywhere, anytime:
Cloud-based video surveillance breaks the location barrier. With an internet connection, you can access your security system from anywhere, anytime.
Whether you’re on your phone at the beach or on your laptop at work, you can check live feeds or review recordings for complete peace of mind.
Centralized viewing platform:
Cloud-based video surveillance transforms your security system into a virtual command center with a centralized viewing platform.
This hub gives you the power to monitor live feeds and recordings from all your cameras, regardless of location, on a single platform. No more switching between multiple apps or interfaces.
Add new cameras, remove old ones, or manage user permissions for your entire system from one central location. This simplifies security oversight and saves you valuable time.
Makes your CCTV system proactive:
Cloud-based systems with video analytics make your CCTV monitoring proactive.
Instead of passively recording, the system sends instant notifications when something suspicious is detected, allowing for a quicker response.
Some systems can trigger automated actions, like turning on lights or sending alerts to security personnel, when threats are identified.
Notifications when your security system fails:
The cloud can constantly monitor your cameras and recording system for issues like power outages, internet disruptions, or camera malfunctions.
If a problem is detected, you’ll receive immediate notifications, allowing you to address the issue before you miss crucial footage.
Using active monitoring systems adds an extra layer of security and keeps you constantly informed.
Scalability and savings on hardware devices:
Cloud-based video surveillance offers a scalable solution, allowing users and businesses to perfectly match their storage capacity to their exact needs.
It’s like a pay-as-you-go model for security footage – you only pay for the storage you actually use.
This eliminates the risk of overspending on unnecessary hardware and lets you easily adapt to changing storage demands.
Automatic backup of your data:
Automatic backups are a major advantage of cloud-based video surveillance. Cloud providers take data security seriously and typically implement redundancy measures.
This means they create multiple copies of your data on different servers, often even in geographically separate data centers.
With this redundancy, you can rest assured that your video footage is safe, even in case of hardware failure or natural disasters. This automatic and robust backup strategy is a strong selling point for cloud-based security solutions.
Is cloud-based video surveillance cost-effective?
Unlike traditional systems where you need to buy NVRs, storage devices, and potentially additional hardware, cloud-based systems often require minimal upfront investment. You might just need the cameras themselves.
Best cloud-based video surveillance system providers handle system maintenance and upgrades, eliminating the need for your IT team to manage these tasks.
Cloud systems are generally easier to set up and manage compared to traditional systems, potentially saving on installation and configuration costs.
To access storage and features, you’ll need to pay a monthly or annual subscription fee to the cloud service provider.
Additionally, uploading high-resolution video footage continuously can strain your internet bandwidth. Therefore, if you have limited bandwidth plans, you might incur additional charges.
Cloud based video surveillance system costs: Big businesses vs. Small businesses:
| Cost Factor | Big Businesses | Small Businesses |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Costs | Potentially lower: May already have some server infrastructure | Potentially lower: Lower number of cameras needed |
| NVRs & Storage Devices | May already own some NVRs, additional purchases can be expensive | Typically lower cost due to fewer cameras required |
| Cloud Storage Fees | Potentially higher due to larger storage requirements | Potentially lower due to less storage needed |
| Subscription Fees | Can be significant for high-resolution video and extensive features | Typically lower due to potentially fewer cameras and features needed |
| Installation Costs | This may be higher due to the complex system with multiple locations | Potentially lower due to a simpler setup with fewer cameras |
| IT Staff Costs | May have dedicated IT staff for system management | Less likely to have dedicated IT staff, may require outsourcing management |
| Maintenance Costs | May still require in-house maintenance for existing infrastructure | Typically lower due to less on-site hardware to maintain |
Can cloud based video surveillance systems get hacked?
Major cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS) offer a massive advantage – automatic backups with redundancy.
They store multiple copies of your data across geographically separated data centers, minimizing the risk of losing footage due to hardware failure or disasters.
AWS has the strongest security measures in the world. This significantly reduces the chances of someone hacking your individual footage within their secure environment.
Cloud-based video surveillance eliminates the need for risky “port forwarding” on your network. Traditional systems often require exposing specific ports to access them remotely. This creates security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
Cloud-based systems, on the other hand, keep your network secure. Cameras connect directly to the cloud service, and you access everything through a secure web interface or mobile app.
Conclusion:
Cloud-based video surveillance offers a modern alternative to traditional security systems. Unlike local storage solutions, it transmits footage to secure remote servers for access from anywhere.
Cloud-based video surveillance offers businesses a secure, scalable, and cost-effective solution. Ready to find the perfect cloud-based video surveillance system for your business?
Contact us today for a free consultation!
