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Are you not entertained?

You will notice that your parcel from Hi-Tech Security Solutions this month is a bit larger than normal. In addition to the April issue you will also receive the CCTV Handbook 2018, consisting of 104 pages of insights into the world of surveillance. One of the hot topics in the handbook is cybersecurity, which will come as a surprise to nobody.

Coincidentally, cybersecurity is also a feature in the April edition (again, no surprise) and one of the articles highlights how cameras from one manufacturer put customers at risk. Fortunately, by the time you read this the problems will be fixed.

But this is where the real cybersecurity issue comes into play. The vendor and the security company worked together to sort out the problem quickly, before the news was made public – which is as it should be. Software today is far too complex to never have a problem, so the ability and willingness to deal with issues quickly as they arise is crucial.

However, although we all complain about Microsoft and its regular, horrible updates and bug fixes, surveillance cameras have no auto-update feature. This means it is up to installers and integrators (or the end users themselves) to update the firmware of their systems. So the question is, in an environment where price often makes the sale, will your service providers be paying attention to your installation and making it a priority to come and update your firmware? Similarly, will the end users even be aware that there is an update available, and if they are, will they install it with the necessary urgency?

When you’re talking about large installations, things will probably get done, but what about the smaller installations? Will your SME or residential market, for example, be as proactive?

This month we also cover security in the entertainment industry, which we hope is functioning as required, as some of us may need to go and watch a game to forget about all our cyber stresses. Or you could peruse Hi-Tech Security Solutions in the comfort of your own home with a glass of your favourite beverage. The physical magazine doesn’t require battery power, won’t crack if you drop it and should be free from viruses unless the person delivering it didn’t wash their hands after having polony for lunch.

I’ll leave the non-South African readers to google what that’s all about.

Andrew Seldon

Editor

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