When it comes to protecting your business, security cameras are a must-have. They provide a sense of security and can help deter potential criminals. However, not all security cameras are created equal. While consumer-grade security cameras may seem like a cost-effective option, they are not a wise investment for Baltimore businesses. There are several reasons why, and in this post, we are going to take a look at them.
The Limitations of Consumer-Grade Security Cameras
Consumer-grade security cameras, including big names like Blink and Ring, may seem like a good option for businesses on a budget. However, these cameras have several limitations that make them a poor investment. For one, they are not designed for commercial use and may not hold up to the demands of a business setting. They are great for giving a homeowner a little peace of mind, but they just aren’t designed to provide the accountability and protection that a business needs.
Lack of Advanced Features
A huge drawback of consumer-grade security cameras is the lack of advanced features. These cameras typically do not have the ability to pan, tilt, or zoom, making it difficult to capture important details. They also do not have night vision capabilities, which is crucial for businesses that operate after dark. Additionally, consumer-grade cameras don’t tend to connect to a secure cloud or in-house data storage solutions; they use their own consumer-based cloud solution to store footage.
A huge benefit of professional physical security systems includes a deeper integration—modern business-class cameras can “talk” to access control systems and other parts of your overall physical security.
Vulnerable to Hacking
One of the biggest concerns with consumer-grade security cameras is their vulnerability to hacking. These cameras often have weak security protocols, making them an easy target for cybercriminals. This can put sensitive business information at risk and compromise the safety of the business. In contrast, commercial-grade security cameras have advanced security features that make them much more difficult to hack.
This has been such a huge problem over the past few years that the FCC has actually banned the sale of certain brands of cameras in the United States.
You Don’t Own the Data
With consumer-based cloud solutions, it’s pretty easy to fall for their extremely low cost, but the biggest caveat is that you don’t actually get to store or own the data. Your data is being sent to Amazon or some other vendor for storage, and while this is probably “secure enough” for the typical front door at a residence, it is very limiting for a business. You can’t back up the data, you can’t be guaranteed that you always have access to it, and you lose a huge amount of that accountability.
Ring cameras, for example, have a (somewhat confusing) setting that simply allows law enforcement to gain access to the last 30 days of your footage. This can be seen as a good thing that offers increased protection for certain areas, but at the end of the day, your business should always have full control over where its data is and who can access it, period.
The Better Alternative: Business-Grade Physical Security and Surveillance
For businesses in Baltimore, it’s best to avoid the DIY and consumer-centric security market and work with a professional consultant who will help budget, design, implement, and support your modern surveillance system. This would include getting cameras that are designed to hold up to the job while letting you have complete control over the footage.
Modern-day security cameras for businesses tend to come with some really great features to automate access control, detect potential threats using artificial intelligence, and send alerts and notifications. This means your security system becomes more active than passive, which allows it to spot issues faster and convey them to you without needing you to watch a monitor.
Unfortunately, consumer-grade security cameras are a bad investment for Baltimore businesses. They have limitations, lack advanced features, and are vulnerable to hacking. Instead, businesses should consider reaching out to Dresner Group. We offer security solutions designed to protect your assets and provide accountability, and we can help tie them in with the rest of your network seamlessly.
Looking to secure your Baltimore business? Give us a call at (410) 531-6727.
