Tag Archives: security

Wireless Security Camera buying guide

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As a small business owner, you watch over your business carefully. You ensure process is working, you count the money etc. However, do you actually watch over your business literally when you are not there?  In this wireless security camera buying guide, we will look at why you would install one, what you need to know and how to make a buying decision.

A wireless security camera is a surveillance camera that can capture video images and transmit those images with no wires back to a recording devise either on premise or to the cloud. A power cable or battery will be required to provide electricity.

WHY should you consider a surveillance camera?

The ability to watch what is going on remotely within your business means you are always in the know.

Once you may have installed a burglar alarm to protect your business or home, a security camera can do so much more.

Benefits of installing a wireless security camera:

Deterring crime– A thief does not want to be caught on video

Video proof – If an incident does occur, footage can be reviewed, and police can use images

Check up on the business remotely – Is the store busy at the moment

Employee safety– Watch and review staff member behaviour to ensure safety procedures are being followed.

Insurance claims – Camera footage can validate a claim, or the camera may lead to a discount

Notification – Be alerted a customer has entered your showroom

Progress or conditions – What is the weather or progress on a building site.

WHAT do you need to know about wireless security cameras?

There are wireless and wired camera solutions. A wireless camera solution uses a wireless network solution such as your Wi-Fi network to transport the video. A wireless camera may also have a battery enabling it to be completely wireless. A wired camera will require you to install cables running from a central recording box as well as power cables.

A wireless camera will record vision once motion is detected.

Advantages of wireless over wired camera
  • No cables need to be run back to a central recorder
  • Video surveillance can be stored in the cloud. This means images can be easily accessed from anywhere, and even if thieves remove the camera, images are preserved.
  • Installation is simpler, and a completely wireless solution may give you additional placement options to increase visibility.
  • Cables cannot be cut.
  • DIY solution. An electrician or tradesman is unlikely to be required.

Disadvantages include possible limits to live viewing and maximum resolution.

Wireless Cameras come in 3 forms:
  1. Battery operated mobile networked cameras – This product can be placed anywhere with mobile phone reception and will run until its battery runs out. The video vision is transmitted back to the cloud via mobile data.  Perfect for surveillance of a building site with no internet or power.
  2. Battery operated Wi-Fi Cameras – This is the most common type of camera which will use W-Fi to communicate back to the cloud or a base station and a battery to power the unit. This solution is truly wireless.
  3. Mains connected Wi-Fi cameras – Mains power is required, but the video signal is transferred via Wi-Fi. With a power point likely to be close by, this type of camera will allow continuous recording, which requires more electricity.

An optional Solar panel may be available to power and battery-operated charge cameras, potentially removing the need to remove the camera for mains recharging.

Wi-Fi coverage needs to be good – If you mount a camera outdoors, chances are the Wi-Fi coverage will be poor. Wireless cameras need good coverage to work properly. Wi-Fi congestion can also be an issue. Video uses a lot of bandwidth. If there is a lot of other internet traffic, the transfer of video may be interrupted. Some vendors use a dedicated Wi-Fi network to transfer the footage, but most use your shared Wi-Fi network. Most cameras will also have an SD card slot where a storage card can be inserted. This allows for local storage of images and acts as a backup if cloud storage is interrupted or not used.

All wireless cameras will be supported by a free smartphone app. This App will enable you to receive alerts, live view and watch historical recordings. The App will also allow you to customise camera settings.  Depending on features, you can also trigger alarms, turn on a spotlight and engage in a 2-way conversation.

Cloud storage enables recorded footage to be stored off-site and accessed from anywhere.  Vendor-specific, this may be free, or a fee may apply.

HOW do I use and choose a wireless security camera?

Wireless camera setup

The setup of a wireless camera is very much a DIY exercise:

  1. Connect the camera to power with the supplied USB cable. For battery models, this will charge the battery.
  2. Download the App for your smartphone.
  3. Open the App and follow the instructions.
  4. Select suitable locations for your camera, considering whether the camera can capture what you want to record and the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough.
  5. Use the App to customise settings (such as alerts) and enable cloud recording if applicable.
  6. Familiarise yourself with playback settings and how you can view live video versus recorded video.

Features you should consider when buying a wired security camera:

Outdoor or indoor– If the camera is located outside, it will need to be weatherproof|
Wi-Fi vs Mobile of 4G cameras – as discussed above
Camera types – beyond the power choice options (battery or mains power), cameras can be bought as a fixed direction or a pan & tilt model. The fixed version view can only be changed manually versus a pan and tilt model that can be rotated to change the view remotely. Some cameras will offer optical zoom, which will provide an enlarged picture without deteriorating resolution.
Battery – On battery models, what is the expected operating time between recharges
Resolution of the camera – The higher the resolution, the better the quality of the picture and the greater ability to zoom in digitally to see details such as faces and number plates. You can choose between Standard Definition (SD), High definition (Full HD) or Ultra High Definition (UHD or 4K). Each resolution jump is 4 x the number of pixels or dots.
Viewing angle of the camera – This refers to the field of vision of a camera. The larger the number represented in degrees means the camera will record a wider view in tight locations. A camera with a 90-degree viewing angle would see everything 45 degrees left and right from the centre.
Low light – Also referred to as night vision, is the cameras ability to see in the dark.  Most modern cameras will support this but look for the distance from the camera it will see. E.g. 10m.
Technology to stop false alerts – Normally based on measuring a heat source in the camera view, this technology is critical in reducing false alerts, especially on a windy night with moving vegetation. Alerts can also be programmed only to occur at certain times, like outside business hours.
Mounting kits – A magnetic mount will allow easy removal for recharging. Mounting straps allow easy installation on tree branches or poles.
Other –  various other features may be attractive to you like Siren, strobe, 2-way audio or a spotlight
Remote functionality of an App – A smartphone app will allow you to receive security alerts as well as provide live views from anywhere with internet coverage.  This can potentially remove the need for expensive security monitoring with you having the ability to review and call the police if necessary. The App will also notify you of low batteries. Multiple people can be given access to share the responsibility.
Storage – Camera’s or base stations will support an SD card to record vision on-premise. In addition, cloud backup is available from most vendors on various pay per use plans (some free).
Solar Panel – Is it available for your model, and can it be installed to orientate to the north?
Solution price and bundle options – Once you choose a brand, you will have to stay with that brand unless you start again.  Price will increase with functionality, and we do recommend you go with a known brand.  Once you know the number of cameras you need, you may buy a bundle to suit. Different compatible camera types can be purchased and added separately, assuming you have available channels.

HINTS

Once you commit to a specific brand of cameras, you cannot mix and match different brands of cameras as they will not work on the same smartphone App.  You must either start again with a new vendor or run multiple Apps.

Use the QR code to easily find the right App.

Handy features include the ability to mask a section so no video is recorded or no motion alerts triggered within a specific part of the field of view.

Are Wired security camera buying guide can be found here.

SUMMARY – Wireless Security Camera

A wireless security camera allows you to keep an eye on your business 24/7. The system can act as a burglar alarm, evidence of an event or even safety monitoring. The available solutions are simple to install yourself and can be located anywhere you have a Wi-Fi signal. Via a smartphone App you can receive movement alerts and also view cameras in real-time.  This access can be shared with others.

A configurable solution allows you to mix and match different cameras to suit your requirements, including totally wireless products that use the sun for power and the Mobile phone network.

Wireless security cameras can be purchased directly from vendors or from office supply, hardware and electrical retailers.

Access files remotely – anywhere anytime

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When you are on your work or home network, it is very easy to share files between PC’s but what happens if you want remote access to files?. This guide will look at why you would access files remotely and understand what is possible and how we can set up a solution to access files remotely.

Remote file access or remote file sharing is the ability to access your computer files anywhere and anytime you are connected to the internet.

WHY would I want to access files remotely?

The requirement to work from anywhere is not something new. However, recent events have certainly accelerated the need to be able to work from home. The modern business world is all about collaboration and sharing information, and having files just on 1 PC goes against that. It also creates a security and continuity issue. The sharing of files and remote access ensures workers are always up to date and can immediately respond to business needs. Typical drivers for remote access include:

  • business travel
  • working from the client’s premise
  • working from home
  • work whilst commuting – meaning you get home sooner.

Remote access to files creates a security issue. If you can access those files remotely, who else might also be able to access those confidential files?

WHAT do I need to understand about remote file access?

If you are unfamiliar with a network or file sharing, read our guides on a computer network for small offices and storage and sharing files.

There are many ways to access files remotely using the internet.  The real challenge is to ensure that your files are kept secure, and the solution is easy to use.

There are two key methods to secure those files: to encrypt the individual file or create a secure connection for traffic between your office and your PC over the internet.

The technologies to secure files are:
  • To protect the individual file by encryption or the use of a secure sockets layer (SSL). This essentially means if someone could get a copy of your file, they could not read it.
  • Creating a secure connection to your office is most likely done with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPN uses the internet to create a secure pipe between your device and the business files/systems as if you were actually sitting in your office.

Keep in mind that hackers continue to exploit security vulnerabilities. Your choice of a remote access solution should be influenced by the importance of the data that can be accessed remotely. E.g. a customer quote letter falling into the wrong hands is an inconvenience versus the design plans for a new widget which could send you broke. Always ensure your tech devices have the latest security patches loaded.

A scenario can also be created where you cannot download a file. Still, through a secure link, you can view the information whilst you are connected only.

HOW do I access my files remotely?

The key factor here is the place/devise where your files are stored must be available all the time. Thus if the files were stored at the office on a PC and that PC was turned off when someone went home, you can no longer access those files.

For this reason, we recommend that you have a dedicated solution specifically designed to share files. Also, see our guide to file sharing where we compare Cloud vs NAS. The three options you should consider are:

Cloud Storage Solutions

You will be familiar with Google Drive, iCloud, Microsoft One Drive, DropBox etc. All of these allow you to set a special folder on your PC that automatically synchronise files between your PC and the cloud storage location. Any authorised users can also share this file to their PC, tablet or smartphone. Note you are relying on an outside company to store and protect your file. The file within your business is only a copy. Being a cloud service, you will pay a monthly subscription based on the amount of storage you require

Networked Attached Storage NAS

A NAS Device allows you to share files and backup files and computers within your office (or home) network. In addition, it can also allow those files to be shared anywhere anytime, just like the cloud storage solutions. The key difference is that you have full control and responsibility for your own files rather than risk being stored in another country like cloud solutions. NAS boxes are simple to set up and maintain and offer the flexibility to provide additional functionality and customisation for those more technical. A NAS must be purchased upfront, with solutions being available from Officeworks or electrical retailers. We strongly suggest you buy a system capable of using 2 or more hard drives.

Router

This solution is a little more complicated, and we only recommend it to those more technical. Assuming your router supports this functionality, you can attach a hard drive to the router. You can share files from that hard disk both within your network and out to authorised people via the internet through setting changes. This is a cost-effective way to access files remotely but is not a dedicated solution like the above two, which will be simpler.

HINTS

It is possible to share a single file with a 3rd party outside of your business on a one-off basis. This is commonly used to transfer files too big for email.

Small Business Answers has remote access to files vis a Synology DiskStation DS420+ NAS. This access can be achieved via two methods. The Synology NAS can be used as your own private cloud with 100% data ownership and zero additional cost. Like the cloud solutions mentioned above, you download an application called Synology drive, which sets a folder up on your desktop that seamlessly synchronises files to your NAS. These same files can also be accessed from a web browser, smartphone App or another Synology NAS. The second method is to use the Synology File station to customise access permissions to optimise security to share your files across multiple platforms. Whether it’s Windows, macOS, and Linux computers or mobile devices.  File station will also allow you to have a hybrid storage configuration allowing duplication with public clouds like Google drive.

Synology provides a handy NAS selector to help you determine which model is right for you.

SUMMARY – remote file sharing

The ability to collaborate and have the most up to date information via a shared file saves time and effort in this fast-moving connected world. A shared file is also one that is backed up in the event of a disaster.

Securing files that are shared is a critical consideration ensuring non authorised people cannot read what is contained.

The two simplest methods of remote file sharing are investing in a NAS solution or subscribing to a cloud storage solution.

Wired security camera for 24/7 surveillance

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Wired security cameras have been around for a very long time. Once, they were only for those with deep pockets and lots of technical know-how. Consumerism has changed everything, and an indoor wireless camera can be purchased at your tech retailer from $50. This guide will look at why you would use video surveillance, what you need to know and how to make your purchase decision.

A wired security camera system is one that not only has a physical cable connection but also a recording devise onsite. There will be one or more cameras and the system can be connected to the internet to review remotely.

WHY should you consider a security camera?

 To secure your business or home business where once you may have installed a burglar alarm, security cameras will do this and more.

Benefits of a wired security camera
  1. Deterring crime- A thief does not want to be caught on video
  2. Video proof – If an incident does occur, footage can be reviewed, and police can use images
  3. Check up on the business remotely – Is the store busy at the moment
  4. Employee safety- Watch and review staff member behaviour to ensure safety procedures are being followed.
  5. Insurance claims – Camera footage can validate a claim, or the camera may lead to a discount
  6. 24/7 recording – A mains power supply and onsite large storage device means all cameras can record all the time, providing you with a complete record.
  7. Realtime large-screen viewing of camera footage. Onsite you can have a large monitor versus a small smartphone screen.

WHAT security camera technology do I need to understand?

There are wireless and wired camera solutions. A wireless camera solution uses a wireless network solution such as your Wi-Fi network to transport the video. A wireless camera may also have a battery enabling it to be completely wireless.

Advantages of a wired camera over wireless
  • No batteries to keep charged
  • No monthly fees for cloud storage are required as you have your own onsite storage
  • Higher quality and  more reliable video versus using Wi-Fi to transport
  • Cables are less likely to be hacked versus a Wi-Fi signal
  • A cable length can reach far further than a wireless (Wi-Fi) signal

Disadvantages include installing the cable and power outages (blackouts).

There are two types of modern wired security camera systems. A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) requires an analogue coaxial video cable and a power cable. The newer NVR (Networked Video Recorder) systems use a single ethernet cable to power the camera and carry a digital video signal. Both DVRs and NVRs can connect to the internet via an ethernet cable. NVRs have the latest technology and are capable of recording at a higher video quality. NVRs also incorporate features found in wireless camera solutions, such as two-way talk and smart detection. An NVR with its extra features will be more expensive than a DVR.

HOW do I use and choose a wired security camera?

NVR/DVR setup

The setup of a wired surveillance system is very simple, except for running cables.

  1. Select a location for the video recorder box (DVR/NVR) that has power and can accommodate a TV or monitor with an HDMI cable. For remote monitoring, you will also need internet access.
  2. Select suitable locations for your camera, considering whether the camera can capture what you want to record.
  3. Run the cables between the cameras and the video recorder. You may need longer cables or extensions and the assistance of an electrician. Consider the aesthetics and the vulnerability of an exposed cable being cut.
  4. Connect your monitor via HDMI cable and the mouse to the DVR/NVR.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to customise settings (such as alerts) and enable remote viewing from a smartphone app.
  6. Familiarise yourself with recording settings and how you can playback live video as well as recorded video.
Features you should consider when buying a wired security camera:

Outdoor or indoor– If the camera is located outside, it will need to be weatherproof
Camera types – There are two common types of cameras – Dome and Bullet. Both can be mounted in most locations. Bullet are normally better for long-range video, whilst dome tends to have a wider viewing angle and are suited to shorter distances.  Optical zoom and pan and tilt functionality which is more expensive, will give you better live viewing options.
Resolution of the camera – The higher the resolution, the better the quality of the picture and the greater ability to zoom in digitally to see details such as faces and number plates. You can choose between Standard Definition (SD), High definition (Full HD) or Ultra High Definition (UHD or 4K). Each resolution jump is 4 x the number of pixels or dots.
Viewing angle of the camera – This refers to the field of vision of a camera. The larger the number represented in degrees means the camera will record a wider view in tight locations. A camera with a 90-degree viewing angle would see everything 45 degrees left and right from the centre.
Low light – Also referred to as night vision, is the cameras ability to see in the dark.  Most modern cameras will support this but look for the distance from the camera it will see. E.g. 10m
Wireless camera’s – Some fixed camera solutions will also allow wireless cameras to be included and recorded. This has some disadvantages, as discussed above but has a massive installation advantage.
Technology to stop false alerts – Normally based on measuring a heat source in the camera view, this technology is critical in reducing false alerts, especially on a windy night with moving vegetation. Alerts can also be programmed only to occur at certain times, like outside business hours.
Other –  various other features may be attractive to you like Siren, strobe, 2-way audio or a spotlight
DVR or NVR – As discussed above
Channels – This expressed as 4 channel DVR means you can connect a maximum of 4 cameras. Ensure you buy a DVR/NVR with enough channels for the cameras you require and also consider any future expansion requirements
Hard drive – The DVR/NVR has an internal hard drive where all the video is stored. The larger the hard drive, the more video can be recorded, often also references as hours or days of recording. Note a higher resolution camera will require more hard drive space to record the same time frame of footage
User interface of recorder (DVR/NVR) – A brochure or the marketing on a box can make a product sound very attractive. However, nothing beats doing some research to see how the user interface works and is it simple to use and will it meet your needs? Research on YouTube may prove to be useful. Display options can include rotating single images, multiple cameras at once, and 4 or 9 camera views. More advanced will be a larger image with small pictures to one side.
Remote functionality of an App – A smartphone app will allow you to receive security alerts as well as provide live views from anywhere with internet coverage.  This can potentially remove the need for expensive security monitoring with you having the ability to review and call the police if necessary. Multiple people can be given access to share the responsibility.
Solution price and bundle options – Once you choose a brand, you will have to stay with that brand unless you start again.  Price will increase with functionality, and we do recommend you go with a known brand.  Once you know the number of cameras you need, you may buy a bundle to suit. Different compatible camera types can be purchased and added separately, assuming you have available channels.

HINTS

Some wired cameras will operate independently with an internet ethernet cable and no NVR. An SD card installed in the camera will capture images, as can a cloud-based backup.

As a point of comparison, we have reviewed a DVR and NVR from two well-known brands:

Swann Enforcer Security System 4 channel DVR. This Ful HD analogue recorder comes with 4 cameras and a 1TB hard drive. That 1TB drive is quoted as being able to store up to 6 months of surveillance videos giving you plenty of time to go back to review footage. The weatherproof cameras have a 90-degree viewing angle and can see 10m into the dark. By using the Swann Security app, users can access live and recorded footage from multiple Swann cameras (from wired systems to Wi-Fi standalone cameras to doorbell) and receive alerts when activity is detected. We really like the feature that the cameras have a built-in spotlight and police like red and blue flashing lights that can be activated. This is a great all in one package for a simple surveillance setup.  https://www.swann.com/au/swdvk-446804sl $599.95. Swann has a range of other models including NVR capable of supporting 8 cameras.

Guardian App Cam 4KNVR8 8 channel NVR. This is a 4K digital recorder with a 2TB hard drive. It does not come with any cameras; instead, you can add up to 8 fixed or wireless cameras. When used with the App Cam solo smartphone/tablet app, you can do two-way audio and receive alerts if a vehicle or person enters the field of view.  https://uniden.com.au/product/guardian-app-cam-4knvr8/  $499.95
The recommended cameras are available in both a bullet or dome and have 87-degree viewing angles and up to 30m night vision. They are weatherproof and include both a speaker and microphone, allowing you to communicate with someone at the camera. https://uniden.com.au/product/guardian-app-cam-4k-bullet/ $249.95 https://uniden.com.au/product/guardian-app-cam-4k-dome/ $249.95

Alternative cameras must be mains connected and include the Guardian App Cam Home, which is wireless for the video signal. This indoors camera can pan and tilt as well as supporting a real-time conversation with two-way audio. https://uniden.com.au/product/guardian-app-cam-home/ $129.95.  The Guardian App Cam Spotlight + is also wireless for the video signal. This outdoor camera includes a spotlight that will illuminate when triggered, being a great deterrent to intruders. https://uniden.com.au/product/guardian-app-cam-spotlight-plus/#1493714178990-db34738f-658e $179.95

We like this NVR solution as you have the flexibility to pick the right camera, including wireless or fixed as well as supporting audio.

SUMMARY – Wired security systems

A wired security camera allows you to have movement alerts high-quality video recordings of activity at your business 24/7. The system can act as a burglar alarm, evidence of an event or even safety monitoring. Some solutions allow integration with a wireless camera. Still, fixed are likely to be of higher quality video and more reliable.  Via a smartphone app you can receive movement alerts and also view cameras in real-time.  This access can be shared with others.

An out of the box solution does not require professional installation, although you may need help running cables.  A configurable solution allows you to mix and match different cameras to suit your exact requirements. 

Wired security cameras can be purchased directly or from office supply and electrical retailers.

How Motorola is fixing business pain points

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No one smartphone suits all – a consumer smartphone may be absolutely the wrong device for a business or fleet phone. Motorola is fixing business pain points with a combination of new technology and new business-oriented services.

First, let me clarify that a consumer smartphone may also be a business smartphone. The difference – business smartphone pain points – comes down to reliability, repair time and policy, financing and the big one – security and fleet management.

For business users, the biggest pain points are similar to that of consumers – battery life is a top pain point, followed by performance, storage space, quality and speed. These features are a priority for us at Motorola, and several devices deliver them. But the one thing that stands out in business is security.

Small Business Answers spoke to Ruben Castano, Head of Customer Experience at Motorola Mobility, about how Motorola is fixing business smartphone pain points.

So, whether you are a small business or a vast corporation, an insecure smartphone is the backdoor to your network and trade secrets.

How Motorola is fixing business pain points

Enter Motorola ThinkShield for mobile

Initially developed for Lenovo as ThinkShield for PCs, this takes the mobility aspect and secures it against loss, theft, leaving it in a bar, malware, and espionage.

Its underlying principles are
  1. A clean, unalterable Android operating system that can’t hide malware
  2. Secure by Design. On top of Android’s Core Security and Policies, features such as Hardware-based Revocation, Hardware Root of Trust, Unlocked Bootloader Fuse etc.) and create a chain of trust through system security (including Code Signing, Tamper Proof Identity, Secure Boot and other features).
  3. AI-backed malware, phishing and network defence solutions
  4. Always-on manageability
    1. Zero-touch seamless deployment
    1. Certifications and partnerships with leading endpoint management solutions
    1. Enhanced enterprise support including <24hr Advance Exchange Dispatch
  5. End-to-end
    1. Trusted supply chain program
    1. Secure factory provisioning
    1. Incident response team

ThinkShield for mobile (website here)  is now part of its Android Enterprise Recommended Devices.

In Australia, these currently include Razr, Edge, and most of the existing and recent g-series smartphones.

How is Motorola fixing other business pain points?

Business is not unlike consumer – it wants reliability, battery life, decent camera, large screen, dual sim, and the speed advantages coming with 5G.

Rather than repeat the consumer pain points pop over to our sister site GadgetGuy and read what Ruben has to say here.

If you are in the market for a new Smartphone check out our Small Business Answers Guide.

Tips to improve your business cyber health

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Many small businesses are struggling with taking the first steps to improve their cyber health. 

Australian SMEs know cybersecurity is important, regardless of how they rate their understanding of it. However, they face significant barriers when attempting to implement good cybersecurity practices, with 62% of SMEs, revealing they have experienced a cybersecurity incident (ACSC).

Mallika Sathi, Vice President, Cyber Security & Intelligence Solutions & Digital Identity at Mastercard APAC, has shared her top tips for small businesses to improve their cyber health.

Small businesses can also access the Global Cyber Alliance toolkit, which is a free and effective tool business can use today to take immediate action to reduce risk.

Additionally, earlier this year, Mastercard launched the Getting Back to Small Business campaign that gives business peace of mind that as they navigate and adapt to the new normal, their businesses and their consumers are safe and secure. 

The Getting Back to Small Business program offers support to businesses ranging from setting up their online retail front and ensuring their cyber health is in check, to securing payments for consumers and enhancing checkout security, and everything in between. 

Cyber Health top tips from Mallika:

  1. Use strong passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for each online account and update them regularly – don’t store passwords on your computer. 
  2. Knowledge is power: Know who you are dealing with online. Check that you are dealing with a trusted, reliable business or supplier by confirming their company details and researching online feedback and complaints.
  3. Multi-factor authentication: Small businesses should implement MFA wherever possible. The multiple layers make it much harder for criminals to attack your business. When paying anyone externally, this will ensure the transactions are secure. 
  4. Scam awareness: Even large or small businesses can be victims of scams. Protect yourself and your business by being aware of the common scams targeting small businesses. Fraudsters are using very sophisticated phishing emails to steal data or download malware to your computer.
  5. Security Tools: Install security software for your business to minimise fraud and reduce chargebacks costs & customer disputes. Protect against the ever-changing cyber threats and remember to back-up your computer and mobile devices regularly.
  6. Educate yourself: Being prepared for a data breach is a must for businesses of all sizes. Small businesses need to have a data breach response checklist in place to ensure they understand the steps to take. 

For more information see our handy guide on Internet Security and protecting from cyber threat.

Video surveillance for Security

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Securing your business can take three forms physical, visual, and digital. Physical security is the ability to lock or bar access. Digital security is all about keeping your data safe, make sure you read our essential guide on data security. Video surveillance is the subject for this guide in which we will look at your options and help you make a decision as to what will suit you best.

Video surveillance systems are one or more video cameras on a network that send the captured picture and audio information to a certain place. The images are not public like television. They can be live monitored or stored for later viewing.

WHY should I consider using video security?

Small businesses need to protect their assets by taking measures to ensure they are not stolen, vandalized, or tampered with. A video security surveillance system can provide you that peace of mind.

With a video surveillance system, you can use your camera’s motion detectors to prevent employee theft before business hours. You can record customer interactions to catch potential shoplifters during the day. And you can check-in via your mobile device after closing time to make sure your office is secure.

An extremely useful feature is receiving an alert on your smartphone if movement is sensed during certain hours allowing you to check the footage and respond appropriately.

Video surveillance can assist with the following situations:
  • Alerts of intruders
  • Prevent theft day & night
  • Video evidence of an incident
  • Audit of employee behavior
  • Night vision footage
  • Remote monitoring
  • Police evidence
  • Entry door person identification
  • Carpark security and liability surveillance
  • Congestion monitoring
  • Vandalism monitoring
  • Safety and false claim evidence
  • Progress tracking

WHAT are the video surveillance options available?

Modern innovation and mass production have meant what has been traditionally cost-prohibitive for a small business is now possible.  Traditionally you would have had professional surveillance cameras installed at great expense and have a similar cost hurdle to monitor any activity. This is still an option for you and can be explored by contacting a commercial security provider.

However, now you can buy a solution at your local electronics retailer and have it installed and operational yourself in as little as 20 minutes.  Then with the use of smartphones and the internet, you can receive real-time alerts of suspicious behavior.

The cost per camera starts around $100 and depending on your storage requirements a monthly fee may also be applicable.

Two key features will determine your search for your solution:
  1. Connection – This is how the camera physically connects within your business.
    • Wireless – Means no cables.  A camera will need power and the ability to transfer the image.  Some cameras use Wi-Fi and a battery so they are completely wireless, others plug into power but transfer the picture via wireless. These solutions are easy to install as no new cables need to be run.  They also increase your installation location options.
    • Wired – A physical cable carrying image and power is required to be run between the cameras and a control unit – a more robust solution with no battery needing to be charged and not relying on a Wi-Fi solution but harder to install.
    • 4G –4G refers to the mobile phone technology, this solution is a complete stand-alone solution allowing video surveillance to occur on a site with no fixed internet connectivity, such as a building site.  If bundled with a solar panel all that you need to also consider is a mobile data plan/SIM from a telco.
  2. Storage – All mainstream solutions will not only allow you to have a live feed but also provide various options to store recordings for later viewing. Video stored can be set as continuous or by a triggered event.
    • Local – This could be via an SD storage card within the camera or via a base station with storage. This allows for recordings up to your storage capacity i.e. a larger SD card capacity will allow more footage to be recorded (once full it starts to wipe the oldest content). The advantage is no ongoing fees and potentially having a longer archive of the recordings.
    • Cloud – This is a cloud-based solution with more details available in our cloud solutions guide. Camera vendors will offer a cloud-based storage solution which means the vision from the camera is captured in the cloud for remote viewing from anywhere even if the camera has been disabled. Some offer free storage but upgraded monthly subscriptions will allow you to have footage for longer and have a continuous record if required.

HOW do I decide which security camera is right for my small business?

There are a growing number of brands in this space and picking the right one is dependent on your business’s specific needs.

Below is a list of features you should consider when making your decision;
  • Weatherproof – Indicates the camera can be mounted outdoors as well as indoors. Indoor-only cameras are cheaper.
  • Viewing angle – represented in degrees of vision the camera sees. 180 deg would be a half-circle showing anything in front of the camera, 90 degrees would be quarter of a circle centered by the direction the camera is facing.
  • Activity zone – This is the ability to set movement triggers to activate recording only to certain portions of the screen.  If a camera has some parts of a road in its field of vision you may not wish every car passing to trigger a recording/alert event.
  • Image quality – refers to image resolution. HD or 4K resolution is best if you want to clearly see a face or number plate.
  • Motion detection – This is a sensor which senses movement or sometimes heat to trigger recording/alert –  some models can distinguish between a pet and a human.
  • Night vision – The ability to record in low light settings without a spotlight
  • Cloud storage – Review which plans if any will best suit your needs.
  • Wireless – Some cameras will use your Wi-Fi, others will set up their own separate wireless network. The latter will mean less congestion on your Wi-Fi network.
  • Battery life – With battery models understand how often the battery will need to be removed and charged.  A spare battery can simplify the process.
  • Solar Panel – Allows a battery camera to work outside without charging.
  • Playback options – Review the smartphone app to ensure it meets your needs. Some additionally support Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa.
  • 2 way – This may allow light or a siren to be activated or speech via 2 way talk.
  • Expandability – Check the number of cameras each solution will support.
  • Specific solutions –  May be available including baby monitor, doorbell, security light, and camouflage options.
  • Support – If you need help or things go wrong what support is available?

HINTS

A surveillance camera is not just about having the ability to watch and record footage. It is also the fact that individuals can see they are being watched, so it acts as a deterrent as they believe they may get caught doing the wrong thing.

Position camera’s so they will protect what you want to secure like cash registers, entrances and items of value.

SUMMARY – Economical business video surveillance

Beyond locking the door and protecting your computer files a video surveillance solution can help protect your business, your staff, and your customers.  Economical self-installed solutions are available with easy smartphone access.  Visit our sister site Gadget Guy for reviews on different models available.