By Jay Jason Bartlett, CEO, Cozaint Corp.

In 2008, the physical security market when through a convergence. That convergence was digital IP-cameras becoming the de-facto surveillance camera technology. It would actually be 2012 before that really occurred. Today, the physical security market is undergoing another convergence. Cybersecurity as a integral component of the physical security / video surveillance infrastructure.

The convergence of physical security and cybersecurity is no longer a futuristic concept but a critical reality. As physical security systems become increasingly digitized and interconnected, they become susceptible to cyber threats. This necessitates a holistic approach to security, where physical and cybersecurity measures are integrated and continuously evaluated.

Previously analog and mostly isolated, video surveillance systems are now IP-based, interconnected, and delivering powerful analytics. Increased security capabilities are made possible by this interconnectedness, but it also creates risks. 

These risks can be used by cybercriminals to alter video feeds, obtain unauthorized access to private information, or even stop vital processes. Hackers can, for example, remotely turn off cameras, change video, or exploit the system as a springboard for additional network attacks.

This convergence was presciently recognized by Pierre Racz, President of Genetec, back in 2018. He emphasized the growing importance of cybersecurity in the context of physical security systems. Racz highlighted the need for a shift in mindset, urging security professionals to consider the digital dimension of their physical security infrastructure. 

He stressed the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, including strong passwords, regular software updates, and secure network configurations, to protect these critical systems. 

Racz is the first I have known, again back in 2018, to introduce the “Zero Trust” concept for physical security and implementing cybersecurity measures.

To effectively address this evolving threat landscape, physical security managers must take several crucial steps:

1. Establish a Zero Trust Foundation: In the context of physical security, a Zero Trust approach means never implicitly trusting any device or connection within the system. This requires continuous verification and authorization before granting access to any resource. Implementing micro-segmentation, where the network is divided into small, isolated segments, is crucial. This limits the impact of a successful attack and prevents lateral movement within the system.
2. Conduct a thorough risk assessment: A comprehensive risk assessment should identify all potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the physical security infrastructure. This includes analyzing network connections, identifying potential entry points for attackers, and assessing the sensitivity of the data handled by the systems.
3. Implement strong access controls: Restricting access to the physical security system and its data is paramount. This involves implementing strong passwords, utilizing multi-factor authentication, and enforcing least privilege principles.
4. Regularly update and patch systems: Keeping the physical security system software and firmware up-to-date with the latest security patches is crucial. Regular updates address known vulnerabilities and mitigate the risk of exploitation.
5. Invest in cybersecurity training: Educating security personnel about cybersecurity best practices is essential. Training should cover topics such as recognizing phishing attempts, identifying suspicious activity, and following secure operational procedures.

A proactive approach guarantees the continued efficacy of physical security measures while protecting sensitive data and preserving operational continuity. The convergence of physical security and cybersecurity is a continuous process and the threat landscape is always changing, so constant monitoring, adaptation, and a proactive approach to security are crucial to maintaining a robust and secure environment. Physical security managers can greatly increase the resilience of their systems against cyber threats by adopting these cybersecurity best practices, including the fundamental principle of Zero Trust.

Source: cozaint.com