Protecting Surveillance Technology from Cyber Threats: A Guide to Secure Monitoring

In my family, it’s tradition to rewatch the 1992 movie Sneakers at least once a year. It’s a little bit heist, a little bit spy thriller, and a whole lot of ‘90s hacker vibes. But what stood out on my most recent watch is how relevant it is to cybersecurity today. A ragtag team of security experts breaking into systems, stealing data, and testing vulnerabilities—often without anyone realizing they were ever there. 

Back then, the idea of security systems being hacked felt like a movie plot. Today, it’s just part of the reality we live in. These security setups are smarter, faster, and more connected than ever, but that connectivity brings risk. The very tools we use to monitor and protect physical spaces can themselves become targets.

As the lines blur between physical and digital security, organizations need to think beyond camera angles and motion detection. Securing your surveillance system now also means securing your network and your data. In a world where everything is connected, protection doesn’t stop at the fence line—it extends all the way to the cloud.

In this post, we will review the most common cyber threats to security and explore how to protect your system.

Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Surveillance

A cloud-based system allows you to access your feeds anytime, anywhere. However, this convenience has also opened the door to a range of threats that can compromise your security. Here are a few of the most common threats. 

Unauthorized Access and Hacking

Any system connected to the internet—whether it’s a mobile surveillance unit or another type of monitoring technology—can become a target for hackers if not properly secured. Unauthorized access can allow outsiders to view live feeds, disable cameras, or pivot deeper into an organization's network.

Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that enters a system, encrypts the data, and locks users out until a ransom is paid to the hacker. In the context of surveillance, this can mean that critical video footage or even access to live camera feeds is suddenly unavailable to the authorized users who need it. Attackers may demand payment in exchange for restoring access, leaving organizations in a vulnerable and often high-stakes position. The average cost of a ransomware attack is $1.8 million. The damage can linger long after the system is back online.

Data Breaches and Leaks

Surveillance data often contains sensitive information—video footage, public events, license plates, timestamps, business knowledge, and behavioral analytics. When systems aren’t properly encrypted or access isn’t restricted, this data can be exposed or stolen, leading to privacy violations and regulatory consequences.

But not all breaches are caused by sophisticated cyberattacks. Sometimes, the biggest potential safety risk comes from human error. Employees may share login credentials over unencrypted emails, use weak or reused passwords, or fall victim to phishing attempts. These seemingly small actions can create major openings for attackers.

Interference with Real-Time Feeds or Recordings

In some cases, attackers don’t steal data—they disrupt it. Tampering with video feeds, disabling motion detection, or corrupting recordings can leave your security system blind during critical moments.

Real-World Consequences

Weak cybersecurity impacts every level of a business. One of the most high-profile examples came in 2021, when hackers breached a cloud-based security company and gained access to over 150,000 live security camera feeds. The compromised footage included sensitive locations such as hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, and corporate offices. The breach exposed not only live video but also user information. The company was fined millions of dollars and completely lost customer trust. Incidents like this one are becoming more and more common, bringing tragic consequences. 

When surveillance systems are left exposed, the consequences ripple across operations, legal compliance, and public image. Whether it’s a retail chain, a healthcare provider, or a critical infrastructure site, a vulnerable surveillance system puts everything else at risk.

Best Practices for Cyber-Secure Surveillance Systems

As future-facing security systems become more connected and data-driven, ensuring they are secure from cyberattacks is essential. Below are best practices every organization should follow to protect monitoring technologies from cyber threats.

Secure Connectivity

One of the most common weak points in a surveillance system is how it connects to the internet and transfers data. Even the most advanced camera setup is vulnerable if the data it collects is handled carelessly or left exposed to public networks. There are a few key considerations for ensuring your connectivity is airtight. 

• Public networks pose risk: If surveillance data travels across public networks, it increases the chance of interception or attack. It’s like sending a confidential letter without sealing the envelope. If your devices are accessible through public IP addresses or rely on internet-facing platforms, it’s far easier for bad actors to find and exploit them.
• The role of encryption in transit: Even within private systems, encryption is crucial. When surveillance data moves from one point to another, like from a camera to a cloud server, it should be protected in transit using strong encryption protocols. One of the most widely recommended is TLS 1.2 (Transport Layer Security), which creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for information to travel through. Think of it like sealing that envelope with tamper-proof tape and sending it in a locked box.
• Ask vendors the right questions: To evaluate how secure your surveillance system is, and how well your vendor protects your data, start with these critical questions:

• Does any part of your surveillance data travel over public networks?
• Are any devices or systems accessible through the public internet?
• Is all data encrypted in transit using TLS 1.2 or higher?

If the answers aren’t clear, or if you’re hearing anything less than full encryption and private network architecture, it might be time to reassess. Your surveillance data should never be floating unprotected through cyberspace.

Everyday Cyber Hygiene: Small Steps with Big Impact

While strong structures and encryption standards are critical pieces of the puzzle, cybersecurity doesn't stop at the server room. Some of the biggest vulnerabilities in surveillance systems come from everyday oversights—things like weak passwords, untested systems, or simple human error.

Use Strong, Unique Passwords

It sounds basic, but default or recycled passwords remain one of the most common ways hackers gain access to surveillance systems. A strong password should be:

• At least 12 characters long
• A mix of letters (upper and lowercase), numbers, and symbols
• Unique to each system or device

Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords so you're not relying on memory or reusing old credentials.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Whenever possible, turn on two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification when logging in. It’s a simple way to stop unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.

Regularly Audit and Test Your Systems

Just like you test fire alarms or backup generators, your surveillance systems should be reviewed regularly for weaknesses. That includes:

• Running scans to detect outdated software
• Checking access logs to spot unusual activity
• Reviewing user permissions to make sure no one has more access than they need

It’s also smart to perform a mock breach to see how your team would respond to a cyber incident.

Keep Software and Firmware Updated

Surveillance systems run on software that can have bugs or security flaws. Manufacturers release updates to fix these, but the updates don’t help if you don’t install them. Enable automatic updates when possible or set a regular schedule for manual checks.

Train Your Team

Security is a shared responsibility. Anyone who accesses your surveillance system should be trained in cybersecurity basics, like spotting phishing emails, recognizing suspicious login prompts, and following password best practices.

How LVT Prioritizes Cybersecurity

At LVT, we know that cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s foundational. Protecting public and workplace safety means nothing if the systems behind them are vulnerable. That’s why we’ve built cybersecurity into every layer of our mobile surveillance units, from hardware design to network architecture to user access controls.

Here’s how we safeguard your surveillance investment:

Secure Cellular to the Cloud

LVT is the only mobile surveillance provider with its own private cellular network. Your data never touches the public internet—eliminating exposure to common web-based threats and ensuring a clean, secure pipeline from the edge to the cloud.

Proprietary Software, No Third Parties

Unlike vendors that rely on third-party platforms, LVT builds and manages its own software. We only allow integrations via API, so your data stays inside our secure ecosystem—unless you intentionally export it.

Industry-Leading Certifications

We don’t just talk about security—we prove it. LVT is certified in SOC 2 Type 2, which demonstrates rigorous controls around data privacy. These certifications validate our ongoing commitment to compliance and continuous improvement.

Proactive Monitoring and Updates

Cyber threats evolve quickly, and so do we. LVT systems are continuously monitored for anomalies, and we regularly release firmware and software updates to address new vulnerabilities, maintain system health, and stay ahead of emerging risks.

Partner with LVT for End-to-End Surveillance Security

At LVT, we believe your surveillance technology should be as secure as it is effective. That’s why we’ve built our platform with security at its core. Whether you're protecting a remote site, a busy parking lot, or critical infrastructure, LVT delivers continuous protection—physically and digitally.

Because in today’s world, ensuring workplace safety means defending both the camera and the connection behind it. Contact us to see how our mobile surveillance units can fortify your security system inside and out.