A lot of “security companies” are out there for the quick buck. They’ll install cameras or card access, collect payment, and move on—without following basic cybersecurity best practices.
To be clear: many don’t do this intentionally. They’re often not informed, lack training, or don’t hold the certifications needed to understand how physical security technology intersects with your network.
But the outcome is the same: your business gets physically secured while your cyber risk quietly increases.
Physical security shouldn’t shift risk to your network
Modern security systems are no longer isolated.
- IP cameras live on your network.
- Access control panels connect to cloud platforms and on-prem servers.
- Mobile apps and remote viewing require secure pathways.
When these systems are installed incorrectly, they can create openings that attackers actively look for.
And for most small businesses, this is a serious problem—because you don’t have an internal IT team to sanity-check what’s being installed. You’re trusting the installer to do it right.
The most common issues we see in the field
When we’re called in to troubleshoot, upgrade, or take over a system, these are the patterns we see most often:
1) Open firewall ports for remote access
Port forwarding directly to a camera, NVR, or access control web interface is one of the fastest ways to turn a security system into an internet-facing target.
Even worse: once ports are opened, they’re often forgotten.
2) Ports left open after a system is removed
We regularly find firewall rules that were created years ago for a system that no longer exists.
That’s dangerous because:
- It expands your attack surface
- It creates confusion during incident response
- It can expose replacement devices unintentionally
3) Ports opened that aren’t required
Some installers will “open what works” instead of designing secure remote access.
That can mean unnecessary services exposed to the internet—services that may have known vulnerabilities.
4) Default credentials and shared credentials
Default logins and shared passwords are still common in the real world.
This leads to:
- Easy takeover if credentials are leaked
- No accountability (everyone uses the same login)
- Higher risk when staff or vendors change
5) Firmware and OS upgrades overlooked
Security devices are computers. They run firmware and operating systems, and they need updates.
When upgrades are skipped, you’re left with:
- Known vulnerabilities that are publicly documented
- Devices that become “legacy” long before they stop working
- Increased chance of compromise through automated scanning
What “doing it right” actually looks like
A secure install isn’t just clean conduit and a working app. It’s a system that’s designed to be safe long after the installer leaves.
Here’s what we recommend for commercial environments:
- No direct internet exposure for cameras, NVRs, or controllers (avoid port forwarding)
- Secure remote access via VPN or approved secure methods
- Network segmentation so security devices are separated from business systems
- Unique, strong credentials (no defaults, no shared admin logins)
- Least privilege for users and vendors
- Patch and firmware management as part of ownership—not an afterthought
- Documentation so you know what was installed, how it’s accessed, and what’s been changed
Why licensing, training, and certifications matter
Security integration today requires more than knowing where to mount a camera.
It requires understanding:
- Network basics
- Secure configuration
- Remote access design
- Ongoing maintenance and patching
If a provider can’t explain how they reduce cyber risk, they’re not delivering a complete security solution.
Our approach at Systems Integrations
At Systems Integrations, we believe protecting your business means protecting both the building and the network.
We design and install commercial security systems with cybersecurity in mind—so you don’t have to choose between visibility and vulnerability.
If you’re in South Jersey, Southeast PA, or New Castle County, DE and you’re not sure whether your current cameras or access control system is creating unnecessary exposure, we can help.
Commercial Security & IT Integration Service Areas in NJ, PA & DEService areas
We provide commercial security and IT systems integration across South Jersey, Southeast Pennsylvania, and Northern Delaware, including the counties and communities below.
New Jersey service areas
- Gloucester County: Woodbury, Deptford, Washington Township, West Deptford, Mantua, Pitman, Glassboro, Clayton, Monroe Township, Swedesboro, Woolwich Township, Logan Township, Paulsboro
- Camden County: Camden, Cherry Hill, Pennsauken, Haddonfield, Voorhees, Marlton, Gloucester City, Collingswood
- Salem County: Salem, Pennsville, Carneys Point, Woodstown, Elmer
- Cape May County: Cape May, Wildwood, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor
- Atlantic County: Atlantic City, Egg Harbor Township, Galloway, Pleasantville, Hammonton
- Burlington County: Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Medford, Marlton, Burlington Township, Florence, Willingboro
- Ocean County: Toms River, Lakewood, Brick, Jackson, Stafford
- Mercer County: Trenton, Princeton, Hamilton, Lawrence Township
- Cumberland County: Vineland, Millville, Bridgeton
Pennsylvania service areas
- Delaware County: Chester, Media, Springfield, Upper Darby, Ridley, Brookhaven
- Chester County: West Chester, Exton, Downingtown, Kennett Square, Coatesville
- Lancaster County: Lancaster, Lititz, Ephrata, Elizabethtown
- Philadelphia County: Philadelphia
- Montgomery County: King of Prussia, Norristown, Plymouth Meeting
- Berks County: Reading, Wyomissing
- Bucks County: Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne
Delaware service areas
- New Castle County: Wilmington, Newark, New Castle, Middletown, Bear, Hockessin
If you don’t see your town listed, reach out—we often support multi-site businesses throughout the region.
Want a second set of eyes on your system?
If you’ve inherited a system, had multiple vendors touch it over the years, or you’re unsure how remote access was configured, a review is worth it.
Contact Systems Integrations to schedule a security system health check—focused on reducing risk without sacrificing functionality.