Enhance Security with These 4 Key Features of Cloud-Based VMS
As technology advances, law enforcement officers are able to take advantage of the critical tech innovations to perform their roles more efficiently. In particular, remote video surveillance is one of the most useful tools they have at their disposal.
It’s essential to keep this type of connection as secure as possible in order to prevent sensitive data from being compromised. Fortunately, it’s not as difficult as it may sound.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the security features of cloud-based video management software (VMS) you need to keep an eye out for.
1. Centralized Access
As you may expect, one of the most prominent security features of cloud technology is the capability to store all of your relevant data in a single location. This will provide you with a streamlined way of both accessing and managing your video surveillance footage.
This is particularly useful for agencies that have a large number of cameras. Rather than check the drive of each device independently, you’re able to monitor all of them simultaneously.
This also ensures that your video surveillance strategy is scalable, as you’ll be able to seamlessly manage footage from additional devices as needed. Without cloud-based software, there’s more or less a limit on how many devices you can use at once.
This attribute in itself can drastically increase how effectively law enforcement is able to surveil a particular area of a city.
In terms of security, your cloud-based software providers will dictate the security of each device. Since a missed software update on even a single device could prove to have consequences, be certain to ask the provider how they can help keep your devices current and secure.
2. Ease of Operation
Cloud-based software also comes with the capability to view a GPS map of where your cameras are placed and whether or not they’re functioning. Depending on the GPS data for the area where the cameras are located, you’ll likely be able to zoom in significantly and have the option for a satellite view.
The number of applications where this feature is useful is virtually limitless, ranging from general surveillance to monitoring a high-profile city event. Since you’ll be able to tell whether or not a camera is active, you can immediately resolve any issues that may arise.
For instance, a storm that damages an unmanned surveillance camera may cause it to go offline. Without the ability to monitor it from a remote location, the only way to discover this scenario is by dispatching personnel to the camera’s location.
This will lead to an overall increase in surveillance efficiency, which allows law enforcement to perform their roles as effectively as possible. In high-density areas, this functionality is an absolute must.
3. Real-Time Alerts
Perhaps one of the most notable ways that cloud-based video management software can aid law enforcement is through real-time updates.
Depending on your surveillance needs, you can program this software to alert you when certain events take place. If a camera detects motion in a specific room or region, for example, you’ll be immediately notified.
You’ll have flexibility when deciding your event triggers, too. Instead of only reporting if motion occurs at all, you can program the VMS to provide updates if motion occurs within a specific time frame, occurs for a certain period of time, etc.
This powerful VMS software can display the video events that triggered the alert, saving you a ton of time scrubbing through the footage on your own. When it comes to managing video, this level of efficiency is invaluable.
You can also use this for evidentiary purposes to establish the timeline of a specific event (such as a break-in). The software will essentially provide a compilation of the events that triggered the real-time alerts, which is especially useful if multiple occurrences are taking place within a short period of time.
You may also purchase a Cloud Connectivity Kit that includes an LTE router (FirstNet approved) along with a Cloud VMS subscription for both live streaming & cloud storage.
4. Device Integration
Managing your surveillance data through cloud-based VMS software doesn’t have to be limited to only using a browser or software program on a computer or server. How about an in-field VMS capability without a laptop?
Deployable on iOS or Android, law enforcement can remotely live stream & control their cloud-connected surveillance cameras easily. This essentially gives you ability to use any smartphone or tablet to access your VMS from any location so long as it’s connected to the internet.
In scenarios where discretion is required or it’s impractical to bring a bulky computer with you, this level of accessibility will provide law enforcement with a noteworthy level of utility under many different deployments.
In general, it’s an iron-clad way to increase overall situational awareness and operational efficiency.
Video Management Software Should Always Be Secure
Otherwise, you run the risk of your surveillance data falling into the wrong hands.
With the above information about video management software in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward making the decision that’s best for your agency.
Want to learn more about how we can help? Feel free to get in touch with us today to see what we can do.
