Remote sites present a unique set of security challenges. They’re often targeted by criminals for a variety of reasons, but are difficult to protect.
With so few eyes on the ground, they’re vulnerable to intruders gaining entry. The right solution enables security managers to keep the property secure with minimal effort from themselves or onsite personnel. The answer to remote site security challenges is cloud video surveillance.
Cloud video surveillance utilizes streaming technology to transmit real-time footage from anywhere in the world back to a central location. This service has been used effectively for remote sites such as mining operations, vacant lots, fly tipping sites and car parks, or even farms where livestock needs monitoring around the clock.
Remote site security challenges and how to overcome them with cloud video surveillance
Security integrators whose customers have remote sites, as well as companies that operate them, know the challenges of protecting both the site itself and its assets.
With regular sites, there’s the tried and tested method of setting up an alarm system that will make an intruder think twice about breaking in. Or the patrol car that stops by now and then for added protection.
But what if your property is so remote that these types of measures are not particularly effective?
In order to provide full-time protection for remote sites, many companies turn to video surveillance solutions.
Lack of infrastructure
Traditional surveillance solutions aren’t necessarily the most appropriate for remote locations. Often there’s no connection to grid power or wired internet, making it nearly impossible to get them up and running.
While the power issue can be overcome by using solar systems as a remote power source, lack of wired internet is certainly a problem.
It may sound counterintuitive to turn to cloud when one of the main issues remote locations face is lack of wired internet. However, with the advances in technology, cloud video surveillance software like Videoloft’s isn’t dependent on it.
With Videoloft, you can run on a 4G/5G modem/router and record directly to the cloud. Videoloft’s dynamic frame rate, bit rate and resolution adjustment ensure all recorded video is sent to the cloud, even in poor network conditions. Videoloft is also fully compatible with cameras running on the Starlink network. Starlink is a high speed broadband network for remote and rural locations across the world.
In addition to the ability to work without wired internet, Videoloft also comes with network outage protection. If there is a network outage or the internet connection is interrupted, video will be locally stored to the Videoloft Cloud Adapter and uploaded to the cloud when the network is restored.
Installation issues
Installing surveillance at remote sites can be a pain. It can be difficult to travel there, let alone get the surveillance equipment up and running.
Certain cloud providers, such as Videoloft, offer remote installation – and remote installation is one of its most underrated features. With Videoloft, you can add cloud to your remote site surveillance system without the security professional having to visit it.
All you need to do is connect the Cloud Adapter to the same network as the cameras onsite. After that, you can complete the rest of the install remotely.
Incident response speed
Site security managers may not always be aware of ongoing security threats at remote sites.
Using a cloud video surveillance system can help alleviate this. In most cases the cloud solution comes with a smartphone app and motion activated alerts.
This enables security managers to be instantly notified of security threats as they take place and respond to unfolding situations in real time.
However, you may ask: even if the threat is spotted in time, won’t the response take too long?
Not if the site has a camera with microphone/speaker functionality, security managers can use Videoloft’s two-way audio feature. This enables real time live audio challenge to help deter or disperse unwanted visitors from the monitored site.
Videoloft’s two-way audio will work on all Hikvision cameras that have microphone/speaker functionality, with broader camera compatibility coming soon!
System downtime
In case of system downtime, the security professional most often requires physical access to the equipment to diagnose the problem. This can be particularly difficult if the site is very remote.
Videoloft will continually monitor cameras’ health, and notify both the security professional and the site owner if they stop recording. This helps ensure any potential problems are spotted in real time.
Benefits of cloud video surveillance for remote sites
Secure offsite backup
Unlike traditional CCTV systems, cloud video surveillance systems aren’t vulnerable to theft or damage onsite. Using a cloud CCTV system ensures footage is always there when it’s needed.
Videoloft transmits all video over encrypted TLS (HTTPS) channels and saves it to the cloud using 256-bit encryption. This means the CCTV footage is safe, even if the recorder malfunctions, is stolen or damaged.
The ability to securely transmit data reduces costs related to wiring infrastructure significantly. There is no need for extensive and costly hardwired solutions, which sometimes may not even be possible for the very remote sites.
Remote video access
Cloud video surveillance systems enable remote access to video.
Footage is accessible from anywhere on any device you have handy – whether that’s your phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
It provides round-the-clock monitoring and allows workers at other locations to monitor activity from afar if necessary. Plus, if someone does sneak on or off property undetected, the Videoloft app can notify you immediately.
In addition to constant visual supervision, Videoloft’s solution also records all motion events and saves them to the cloud. You can store the video from anywhere between 7 days up to 3+ years, depending on your requirements.
Remote camera control
With Videoloft’s mobile app you can remotely control your cameras. Some of the remote controls include setting up motion detection zones, adjusting camera sensitivity and advanced recording & alerting scheduling options.
If there are any PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras on the site, they can also be remotely controlled via the mobile app.
What’s next?
Read about Videoloft’s other features and benefits.
Are you a security professional looking to add cloud to customers’ security systems? Learn more about our free partner program for security installers, integrators and dealers.
