Physical Security Systems Become Cyber Risks as IT and Security Teams Remain Disconnected

For many years, physical security systems operated independently from IT departments. Video surveillance and access control systems were managed on closed networks, primarily overseen by facilities and physical security teams. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically. Today, these systems are interconnected and run on IP networks, integrating seamlessly with business applications and data. This evolution has made them a part of the broader IT landscape and the attack surface. Despite this integration, many organizations still view physical security as outside the purview of their IT teams, creating significant blind spots in network visibility and cybersecurity.

Understanding the Disconnect

The origins of physical security lie in operational functions aimed at protecting people and property, while IT has traditionally focused on managing data and connectivity. As devices transitioned to digital formats, the systems began to converge. However, in many organizations, the teams responsible for these systems did not.

Facilities and physical security teams often procure and maintain cameras and access control systems independently, frequently excluding IT from the process. This disconnect can lead to a lack of tools or expertise for managing firmware updates, certificate renewals, or network segmentation. Concurrently, IT teams may lack awareness of the number of connected devices on their networks and the associated risks.

The Cybersecurity Implications of Physical Security

Physical security devices may not resemble traditional computers, but they operate similarly. Each device has an IP address, firmware, and credentials that require protection. Neglecting these aspects can create vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

Common weaknesses include unchanged default passwords, outdated software, expired certificates, and devices left unmonitored for extended periods. For instance, if a single connected camera is compromised, an attacker can move laterally through the network, potentially accessing sensitive business systems. The risk escalates significantly when physical security systems operate on the same network as corporate IT without proper segmentation.

Expanding the Attack Surface

Implementing video surveillance and access control systems offers numerous benefits, such as centralized visibility and data-driven insights. However, each new device also increases the attack surface. Every sensor and camera becomes an endpoint that requires monitoring and protection. In the absence of clear ownership or consistent oversight, vulnerabilities can proliferate rapidly.

This reality underscores the necessity for IT departments to take an active role in securing these systems.

Key Security Fundamentals

Securing physical security devices does not necessitate reinventing the wheel. Many best practices already employed by IT can be applied here as well.

1. Use Unique Passwords: Integrators often set identical passwords for every camera to simplify setup and maintenance. However, if that password is compromised, all cameras become vulnerable. Utilizing unique passwords and implementing certificate-based or multifactor authentication is advisable.

2. Keep Firmware and Software Updated: Regular firmware updates are crucial as they often include essential security patches. Establishing a schedule for updates is more effective than waiting for an incident to prompt action.

3. Encrypt Communications: Employ encryption methods like HTTPS to secure data in transit. Unencrypted streams can be intercepted or manipulated, particularly in systems transmitting sensitive video or access data.

4. Network Segmentation: Position physical security devices on their own virtual local area network (VLAN), distinct from core business systems. This measure ensures that even if a camera or badge reader is compromised, attackers cannot easily access critical assets.

5. Conduct Regular Maintenance and Audits: Firmware, certificates, and access credentials should be reviewed and updated on a defined schedule. Integrating these steps into IT workflows can help mitigate vulnerabilities over time.

Fostering Collaboration Between IT and Security Teams

It is unrealistic to expect physical security teams to become cybersecurity experts overnight, nor can IT be expected to master the intricacies of video surveillance or access control immediately. The objective is collaboration, which begins with shared visibility.

IT can provide insights into connected devices, identify existing vulnerabilities, and monitor data flow. Conversely, physical security teams can offer context regarding mission-critical systems, maintenance windows, and operational requirements.

To strengthen this partnership, organizations can take several practical steps:

• Involve IT Early in Procurement: Including IT and cybersecurity departments in the early stages of procurement allows cybersecurity teams to define operational needs while IT establishes cybersecurity standards.

• Clarify Ownership for Updates and Credentials: IT can manage the technical aspects of patching and certificate renewals, while security teams focus on monitoring and operating the physical security system.

• Establish Shared Security Policies: Even if physical security systems are not governed by ISO 27001, adopting similar best practices—such as strong authentication, encryption, and regular audits—ensures consistent security across the organization.

When both teams align, updates can be implemented more swiftly, and risks can be significantly reduced.

Designing Secure Networks

When managing physical security devices, it is crucial to design systems that are secure, efficient, and resilient from the outset. These systems present unique demands that traditional IT infrastructure may not be equipped to handle.

• Bandwidth and Latency: Video traffic is often data-intensive and unpredictable. Network planning must account for the bandwidth requirements of cameras, especially in large deployments.

• Storage Management: Organizations must choose between on-premises, cloud, or hybrid deployments based on their specific needs. Some may opt to keep recent footage on local servers for quick access while archiving older video in the cloud for scalability. Cloud platforms can also facilitate updates and minimize the need for on-site maintenance.

• Redundancy: Security systems must remain operational. Redundant links and failover paths are essential to ensure critical functions remain online, even if a network segment fails.

• Privacy and Compliance: Regulations such as the EU’s GDPR classify video as personally identifiable information (PII), necessitating secure storage and retention only for as long as necessary. Organizations operating across multiple jurisdictions must align their storage policies with local privacy laws.

The convergence of physical security and cybersecurity is increasingly evident. Cameras, sensors, and access readers are now as interconnected as laptops and smartphones. This integration falls under the expertise of both IT and physical security teams, whose collaboration can fortify defenses across the organization.

Source: securitymiddleeastmag.com

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