Cloud-based video security is a type of video surveillance that uses the cloud to store and process video footage. This type of security solution offers a number of benefits over traditional on-premise video surveillance systems.
The benefits of choosing cloud-based video security includes:
More sustainable option
We’re all trying to find ways to be more sustainable in our work and personal lives. Choosing cloud-based video security products is a great choice to help reduce your environmental impact:
- Access video footage from anywhere. There is no need for people to travel to multiple sites to view recordings
- Use less hardware. On-premise solutions typically require multiple servers which are usually made from non-recyclable components. These products typically have a shelf life of three to five years before they need replacing.
- More energy efficient. Rather than every on-premise solution managing multiple services to store data, cloud-based security solutions can use data centres managed by global cloud-solution companies, such as Google.
- No on-site servers needing to be kept cool by expensive and non-environmentally friendly air-conditioning and fans
- Removes the need for footage to be stored on products such as USBs which are usually binned and not recycled.
Better operational efficiency
- No time wasted driving between multiple sites, footage can be accessed anywhere
- User management is more flexible. On-premise solutions at big retail operations may have thousands of licences required: from on-site security guards to head office loss prevention teams. By using a cloud-based video solution people can be provided with permissions to view one camera or any number of cameras and within the permission level you give them access to part or all of the features available in the cloud-based VMS software. It’s easy to manage who has what access.
- One of the biggest benefits of cloud storage is the ease with which footage can be shared. A request for recordings can be very time consuming, especially if it’s a multi-premise site with multiple cameras. With cloud storage, however, simply share the footage with a few clicks of a button
- The need for large teams of Security Operation Centre (SOC)s and Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC)s are gone. By using cloud-based security systems you don’t need expensive security procedures with multiple monitors and servers.
- Easy to scale up. Cameras can be integrated and if necessary, can be replaced individually, rather than a whole system if required.
- It’s so easy to set up! Many cloud-based video security solutions are simply plug and play. It’s rapidly deployable, taking 2-3 hours to set up an equivalent on-premise solution that could take 8-10 hours. The kit arrives with a camera, a switch, a router and a security system that’s ready to go with access to the cloud. Cloud video security systems use QR codes to simplify the network setup and camera configuration. It's the epitome of plug and play. This saves engineering hours and takes the hassle out of the deployment process.
- Meet security and cyber security requirements
- A common misconception is that cloud is less secure than traditional on-premise systems. It’s wrong to think that footage kept on-site, in boxes behind a locked door is more secure than sending things up to the cloud. When data is sent to the cloud, a gateway is created.
- And as soon as that data leaves the camera, you then have the gateway of the cloud software itself, which acts as a gatekeeper. Because it's cloud as well, it's only outbound traffic. If you have a security system on-premise, you have 200 sites. You have data coming out and you have data coming in. You have two-way data streams. Cloud is only pushing the data. So, because it's only outbound traffic, number one, you don't have to port forward. This reduces any IT difficulties and most importantly, because it's only outbound traffic, the classic man-in-the-middle attacks and those phishing attacks which are searching for data packets on your network, 9 times out of 10, that's on inbound traffic because it's easier to intercept because of firewalls which IT companies put into place. Data centres managed by global companies will be much more secure.
Features and benefits of cloud-based security systems
Algorithms and Analytics
- No need for footage to be monitored 24/7, algorithms and machine learning can push suspicious events:
- Loitering
- Doors being jammed
- Vehicles driving the wrong way
- People unexpectedly congregating
- Vehicles at unusual times
- Unexpected car registration plates
- If a camera has a video stream, analytics can be embedded and overlaid to display heatmaps, which negates the need for more expensive servers to use heatmapping on-premise. There is a 15 second delay, but the result is a full analytics suite without the need for localised investment.
- Cloud-based security cameras collect and understand metadata: for example, ages of people, clothes colouring, accessories etc. If an incident occurs and there is a need to find available footage of a man with glasses with a red rucksack this can be done in a matter of minutes and the software will find the frames he features in.
Direct integration with access control
Some brands will have access control and cloud-based video security systems and the products will work seamlessly together to provide easy to use and scalable security.
- ID badges can be scanned and faces recognised at the same time. This entrance to the building is logged
- If entry access is denied, footage can easily be recalled to find out why and who was trying to enter the building
- Smart sensors will complement cloud-based video. If any humidity, temperature or liquid is detected this will notify the camera software and flag it up. They also work well as a guard checkpoint.
Input/Output modules
IO modules are devices that can be used to send and receive triggers. For example, a trigger could be a motion sensor detecting movement, a door opening, or a fire alarm going off.
When a trigger is activated, it sends a message to the IO module. The IO module can then send the message to other devices, such as a video surveillance system, a fire alarm system, or a speaker.
IO modules can be used to improve security, efficiency, and comfort in a variety of settings, including:
Retail stores: IO modules can be used to detect shoplifting and other crimes. An IO module could be connected to a motion sensor that is placed near the exit of a store. If the motion sensor detects movement, it could send a message to the IO module. The IO module could then send the message to the video surveillance system, which would record the footage of the person who triggered the motion sensor.
Office buildings: An IO module could be connected to a door sensor that is placed near the entrance of an office building. If the door sensor detects that the door has been opened, it could send a message to the IO module. The IO module could then send the message to the security system, which would alert the security guard.
Residential homes: Use IO modules to improve security and comfort. An IO module could be connected to a motion sensor that is placed in the living room of a home. If the motion sensor detects movement, it could send a message to the IO module. The IO module could then send the message to a speaker, which would play a pre-recorded message, such as "Hello, is anyone there?"
Things to consider before using cloud-based video security systems
Bandwidth
By using a cloud-based option, footage needs to be uploaded to the cloud which can put pressure on networks and bandwidth availability. The good news is Mayflex supply products which consider these issues. Our cameras have clever bandwidth management and footage isn’t pushed 24/7 – it pushes events. If bandwidth continues to be a problem a lower resolution can be used.
Another option is to consider upload times. If there are times in the day when there is downtime from people not using the network – e.g. late at night this is a good time to schedule the uploads as there is more bandwidth available.
There’s always a solution available and at Mayflex we can discuss different solutions that will work best for you.
Recurring costs
While on-premise solutions still come with expensive costs, these are mostly upfront and budgeted for in initial proposals. Cloud-security solutions will generally save money over the long-term but there are recurring costs – licences and cloud storage etc that need to be considered and accounted for.
Find out more about the Avigilon Alta cloud-based video security solutions and cloud-based access control solutions.