TL;DR:
Cloud video surveillance is the future – but only if it’s secure. At Videoloft, we’ve built our platform from the ground up with security as the foundation. With end-to-end encryption, GDPR and NDAA compliance, AWS-hosted redundancy, customizable retention, unlimited user access, and zero port forwarding, Videoloft keeps you secure, compliant, and in control.
Enterprise video surveillance continues to evolve rapidly – and in 2026, cloud-based Video Management Systems (VMS) have become the global standard. They offer the flexibility, scalability, and remote access that traditional NVR and DVR setups simply can’t match.
But with this shift comes a new kind of responsibility. The stakes are higher, and attackers are more sophisticated. In 2021, hackers breached a Silicone Valley surveillance company and accessed live footage from over 150,000 cameras inside hospitals, schools, police stations and corporate offices. Their goal was to expose how easily cloud video systems can be compromised when security takes a back seat. (Bloomberg, 2021)
The attack made headlines and sent a clear message – if your surveillance infrastructure isn’t locked down at the hardware and software level then it’s vulnerable.
“Security isn’t something you layer on at the end—it’s a fundamental part of what makes a cloud VMS trustworthy. From encryption to infrastructure to access control, we’ve built Videoloft to meet the security expectations of the world’s most demanding enterprises.”
— James West, CEO of Videoloft
At Videoloft, security is not a feature – it’s a foundation. Here are seven essential features that every cloud VMS platform must deliver in 2025 – and how we’ve built them into Videoloft from the ground up.
1. End-to-end, banking-grade encryption.
In a world where data breaches can have huge consequences – an average data breach costs $4.9 million – encryption is your first line of defence. Videoloft uses AES-256 encryption for data at rest, and TLS 1.2+ for data in transit, aligning with industry best practices. These standards ensure that your video footage remains confidential and tamper-proof, both during transmission and while stored.
The importance of data encryption is highlighted by the fact that 80% of companies have experienced cloud security breaches. By using robust encryption protocols, you reduce the risk of unauthorized access, safeguarding sensitive video surveillance footage. In 2026, encryption isn’t optional – it’s regulatory.
2. GDPR compliance
With data protection regulations like the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) setting stringent standards, compliance is non-negotiable for enterprises. The Videoloft platform adheres to GDPR requirements, offering features such as customizable retention periods and access controls.
3. NDAA compliant hardware
When it comes to video surveillance, hardware matters just as much as software. Even the most secure cloud VMS can be compromised if the hardware or cameras feeding into it come with hidden vulnerabilities.
That risk was highlighted when a backdoor vulnerability was found in cameras from one of the world’s largest camera manufacturers – allowing remote eavesdropping, even when the microphone was disabled. (Forbes, 2019)
To help reduce this risk the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) imposes strict restrictions on the use of certain surveillance equipment, banning some organizations from using video surveillance hardware and components from untrusted vendors known to pose security risks.
Videoloft’s Cloud Adapter is fully NDAA compliant. This means organizations can use Videoloft without worrying about banned components or hidden backdoors. NDAA compliance is a signal that your video management system is built with integrity and long-term trust in mind.
4. Automated backup and redundancy
A secure cloud VMS is only as strong as the infrastructure it’s built on. That’s why the choice of hosting provider matters.
Videoloft is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s most trusted cloud infrastructure platform. AWS maintains SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications, which are internationally recognized standards.
But what do these certifications actually mean for you?
SOC 2 – (System and Organization Controls 2) validates that AWS has the internal controls in place to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of customer data.
ISO 27001– confirms that AWS has a comprehensive and continuously improving approach to managing information security risks.
Why does this matter? Because in 2025, video data is more than just operational, it’s critical. Hosting your CCTV footage on an infrastructure with proven security protocols dramatically reduces the risk of breaches and unauthorized access.
5. Customizable retention periods
Different organizations have varying requirements for data retention and access control. Videoloft offers customizable retention periods from 2 days right up to 10 years, allowing organizations to define how long video is stored based on specific needs or regulatory requirements.
For example:
- In the cannabis industry, several U.S. states require video footage to be stored for extended periods. Currently, depending on the state, this can be between 14 days and two years.
- In the firearms industry, legislation known as SB 1384 mandates that all licensed firearms dealers must store all video footage securely for at least one year.
These aren’t recommendations – they are law and failure to comply can result in severe consequences.
That’s why customizable retention periods are mission-critical features in a cloud VMS.
6. Multi-user permissions
Videoloft’s platform is designed to scale with your organization.
With Videoloft you can provide read-only, or full admin access to specific sites and cameras. There is no charge to additional users and you can have as many as you like!
For example, a security director might need full access to all sites and cameras, while a store manager should only be able to access footage from their own location. With Videoloft, you stay in control of who sees what – ensuring access is both secure and appropriate.
7. No port-forwarding
Traditional surveillance systems often require port forwarding, exposing networks to potential cyber threats. In simple terms, port forwarding is a networking technique that opens a “door” in your firewall, allowing external systems (like a remote monitoring tool) to access devices inside your network – such as NVRs, DVRs or IP cameras.
While it’s often used to enable remote access, port forwarding comes with some serious security implications as it exposes your internal network to the internet, increasing the chances of being targeted by attackers. 51% of organizations have reported that cloud security incidents were caused by misconfigurations – port forwarding is an example of this: it’s easy to do incorrectly, and often invisible to non-specialist staff.
Videoloft eliminates the need for port forwarding entirely, meaning you never have to open up your firewall. This makes your roll out faster, more secure and less prone to error – especially important if you’re rolling out cameras across dozens or hundreds of locations.
8. Two-factor authentication (2FA)
Passwords alone are no longer enough to protect sensitive surveillance systems. As cyber attacks grow more sophisticated, mulit-factor authentication has become one of the most effective defences against unauthorized access.
In 2026 Videoloft will support 2FA using trusted authenticator apps such as Google Authenticator. For enterprises managing hundreds of users, 2FA adds a critical layer of extra security – and helps meet compliance frameworks such as ISO 27001.
Two-factor authentication is fast becoming a baseline enterprise security requirement across cloud platforms. Implementing it not only protects your data but also demonstrates proactive risk management.
Conclusion
In 2026, cloud-based video surveillance isn’t just about convenience or fancy features. It’s about trust. You’re capturing sensitive footage that could impact everything from privacy and compliance, to safety and liability. This means your cloud VMS needs to do more than just record video – it needs to protect it.
From end-to-end encryption and GDPR compliance, to custom retention policies and multi-user permissions, these seven features aren’t “nice to haves”. They’re a must-have for any modern video management system in 2026.
At Videoloft, we’ve built our platform with these principles in mind. Security isn’t an add-on – it’s woven into the way we design, test and deliver our platform. Whether you’re managing security footage for a retail chain, a cannabis operation or a multi-site corporation, Videoloft helps you stay secure, compliant and in control.
Next steps
Get in touch with our friendly, expert team at hello@videoloft.net today and see how our cloud video surveillance solution can enhance your security systems and processes.
Or, if you’re ready to experience the benefits of Videoloft now, just order your Videoloft Cloud Adapter and set up your Cloud Plan, which you can do here.
If you prefer, we are happy to arrange a free proof of concept so you can trial Videoloft for free for 30 days and see what you’ve been missing. We’ll send you a free cloud adapter for testing and provide full technical support.
