Can Anyone Look At CCTV?
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is a valuable addition to any security system, offering 24/7 monitoring of homes and business premises. As well as being an effective deterrent to would-be intruders, the images captured can assist law enforcement in bringing criminals to justice.
But just how secure are the images captures by CCTV cameras? And who is allowed to view them? Below, we look at who is able to view the footage.
How does CCTV work?
A CCTV or video surveillance system consists of one or more cameras placed within the interior and/or exterior of a property. These cameras capture activity within their scope. The system also features a digital recorder and a monitor to allow the footage to be viewed. Nowadays, this footage can often be viewed remotely via a mobile device.
In addition to deterring intruders and protecting individuals and property, CCTV footage provides evidence in criminal investigations. For businesses, CCTV can also support employers and employees accused of wrongdoing.
Who is able to view CCTV footage?
As the footage obtained by CCTV can be of a sensitive and personal nature, it should not be viewable by just anyone. To view the images and video captured by surveillance cameras, a person needs access to the monitoring system, which must be password protected.
In most cases, for commercial systems, this means access is limited to the business owner and relevant employees, such as the security team. For residential systems, it means the homeowner.
Additional stakeholders who can potentially access CCTV footage and images include:
- Law enforcement: Police and other law enforcement agencies might request private CCTV footage to support their investigations.
- Individuals: In certain circumstances, individuals may have the right to request access to the CCTV footage in which they feature.
- Hackers: Unsecured surveillance systems are vulnerable to unauthorised access by computer hackers.
Surveillance cameras and the law
CCTV falls under the remit of data protection and privacy. As such, certain rules and laws need to be followed when it comes to retaining and viewing the footage. These cover such things as the length of time the footage can be kept and a requirement to inform people they are being recorded if the cameras are positioned so that they capture public spaces.
If you have, or plan to install, CCTV at your home or place of business, you can find out more about your legal obligations in this guidance note published by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Bermuda.
Steps to ensure your CCTV system remains secure
It goes without saying that you want to avoid hackers accessing your CCTV footage. You can keep your camera systems and the data they capture secure by introducing some basic but important measures, such as:
- Choosing modern CCTV technology which incorporates advanced security features.
- Using strong passwords, changing them regularly, and limiting who has access.
- Keeping anti-virus software updated to protect your system from the latest threats.
Find the right CCTV solution for your needs with Selectron
At Selectron, we offer the latest CCTV technology from the leading brands, providing security and peace of mind to clients across Bermuda. Contact us today to find out more about our products and services.
Selectron Ltd
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