Access control and video surveillance can look simple from the outside: mount hardware, pull cable, power it up, and you’re done. But modern security systems don’t live in a vacuum—they live on your network, interact with your doors, and create real liability if they’re installed with the wrong credentials or exposed remote access.
A system can “work” and still be insecure on day one.
Why Treating Security Systems Like Basic Hardware Fails
Many installs are handled by contractors who do great work in their lane—cabling, power, mounting—but who aren’t specialists in credential security, access control design, or cybersecurity best practices.
The result is usually not bad intent. It’s usually a mix of outdated specs, price pressure, and treating security systems like basic hardware instead of security + IT.
The questions every buyer should ask
Card access credentials
Ask these before you sign:
- “What’s the difference between high-frequency and low-frequency credentials?”
- “Can the fobs/cards you’re proposing be cloned?”
If the answer is vague, that’s a red flag. If a credential can be cloned, your system may still log the event—but it can’t reliably prove who entered.
Remote viewing for cameras
Ask exactly how remote access is being set up:
- “Are you setting up remote access using port forwarding, or a secure encrypted tunnel (P2P/Cloud/VPN)?”
- “If you’re opening ports, what steps prevent my cameras from being discoverable on scanner sites like Shodan or Insecam?”
Port forwarding isn’t automatically wrong—but it’s high-risk when it’s done casually, especially with weak passwords, default settings, outdated firmware, or poor network segmentation.
This isn’t hypothetical
Attackers actively target common infrastructure devices.
BleepingComputer recently reported: “New botnet exploits vulnerabilities in NVRs, TP-Link routers”—a reminder that NVRs and routers are high-value targets when they’re exposed or poorly maintained.
The takeaway isn’t panic. It’s accountability: if your system touches your network, it needs to be installed and maintained like a security system—not treated like a standalone gadget.
What to specify on a secure install
If you’re buying access control or surveillance for a commercial facility, get these items in writing:
- Credential type and clone-resistance
- Secure remote access method (and who owns it)
- Firmware/password ownership and maintenance plan
- Network segmentation where appropriate
- Commissioning and verification (prove it’s secure, not just functional)
Local considerations for NJ, PA, and DE businesses
If you’re searching for a commercial security integrator in South Jersey, Southeast Pennsylvania, or New Castle County, Delaware, don’t just compare camera counts and door hardware. Compare the security decisions that affect risk.
When you’re evaluating an access control installer or security camera installer in the region, ask:
- Do you install and support commercial systems across NJ/PA/DE?
- Are you comfortable coordinating with IT (or acting as the IT/security bridge) for VLANs, firewall rules, and secure remote access?
- Can you explain credential security in plain English and provide the credential spec in writing?
- What’s your commissioning checklist—and what do you test before you walk away?
Service area
Systems Integrations provides commercial access control and video surveillance services across:
- South Jersey (including Gloucester, Camden, Salem, Cape May, Atlantic, Burlington, Ocean, Mercer, and Cumberland counties)
- Southeast Pennsylvania (including Philadelphia, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Lancaster, Berks, and surrounding areas)
- Delaware (New Castle County)
If you’re planning a new access control or surveillance install in NJ/PA/DE, Systems Integrations can sanity-check your credential and remote access plan before you sign—so you get a system that’s secure, supportable, and built for the real world.