What is Secure Remote Access?
With traditional video camera security, a company would typically set up, manage, and operate its entire surveillance system onsite. Today, these aspects are often handled remotely and secure remote access is the key to it all. Remote management is especially common among enterprises with multiple locations — and modern technology makes it easy to deploy such a system at scale.
There are some fundamental factors that must be addressed with remote surveillance, and security is by far the most important. Then come other considerations such as software management platforms, mobile apps, and user permissions, among others. But none of these aspects need to be seen as barriers. With the right system, nothing should stand in the way of accessing and managing a remote camera security system from anywhere.
Jump to each section to learn more:
Features to Look for in Secure Remote Access
• What is remote surveillance?
• How do remote security cameras work?
• What are the potential risks associated with remote access?
• How do you secure a remote connection?
• How can I remotely access my NVR, DVR, CCTV, or IP Camera from the internet?
Remote Access Features to Look For in a Security System
Web-Based Software Platform
To provide remote access, you will need a capable web-based software platform that can be used offsite and is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices. In some cases, this can be the same software platform as your onsite system (if you have one). But in all cases, enabling this feature will require configuring user permissions and proper security settings that allow for remote camera security access and determine who can control which aspects of the video security system.
Centralized Management
Centralized management within a remote access context is what empowers you to view and manage video from any device — from desktops and smartphones to tablets and other devices. While web-based software platforms designed for desktop viewing are a suitable option, you will generally want a system that offers native apps, on both iOS and Android, for the best user experience. Another key feature is link sharing, which enables easy and instant access for anybody who receives a live-feed alert on any type of device.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Data security is especially vital when you are using remote access to view and manage a video security camera system. Two-factor, or multi-factor authentication, has become the leading standard and provides an optimal balance between ease of use and enhanced security. In an ideal security environment, the IT department can customize the settings to provide the two-factor authentication through SMS text, an authentication app, or single sign-on provider (such as Okta, Onelogin, and Google Business Apps, among others).
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Secure Remote Access FAQs
What is remote surveillance?
Remote camera security surveillance is the ability to view, manage, and operate video cameras from afar. In some cases, this just means looking in at a live feed on the go, while some systems are set up to be managed entirely offsite. Such capabilities were rare with traditional video security but are now easy with many modern camera systems.
How do remote security cameras work?
Remote security cameras largely function the same way that traditional wired surveillance cameras have always worked. The key distinction is secure remote access — to both the live feed and archive footage — powered by a centralized management platform. With the right system, this is a built-in feature designed to provide easier management and a better, more flexible user experience.
What are the potential risks associated with remote access?
Security is the biggest potential risk with a remote camera system. But with the careful implementation of security strategies — including multi-factor authentication and user permissions — you will be able to enable remote access without creating extra vulnerabilities.
How do you secure a remote connection?
Two-factor authentication, multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on providers can all help ensure a secure remote connection. It is also important to properly configure user permissions, maintain strong passwords, and potentially encrypt devices. Given how much attention most IT departments now pay to securing various devices with network access, securing remote video cameras can easily be integrated into their protocol.
How can I remotely access my NVR, DVR, CCTV, or IP camera from the internet?
Your ability to remotely access your video security camera system will depend upon its sophistication and modern capabilities. As a rule, older systems based around a central NVR or DVR tend to have less remote access features. In fact, existing in something of a “walled garden” was part of their appeal. But newer IP cameras and hybrid cloud camera systems offer secure remote access by default — including user-friendly apps for iOS and Android devices.