It’s tempting, isn’t it? You’ve invested in a security system, perhaps from a reputable installer, promising peace of mind and high-def footage. Or maybe you’ve chosen an NVR (Network Video Recorder) from a well-known brand, thinking a professional touch means professional security.
But there’s a hidden, dangerous truth about many security installations across South Jersey, Southeast Pennsylvania, and Delaware, a cost that could sink your business if you ever face a cyber attack: the outright denial of your cyber insurance claim.
The Illusion of “Professional” Security
Many business owners in Gloucester County, Camden County, and throughout the Delaware Valley believe their cyber insurance policy is an ironclad safety net. You pay your premiums, you’re covered, right? Not if your security posture, even with “professional” involvement, looks like this:
Vulnerable Cameras & NVRs, Regardless of Brand: Devices from reputable manufacturers can still have outdated firmware, unpatched security flaws, and require ongoing updates. The problem isn’t just cheap Amazon gadgets; it’s any system that isn’t actively managed.
Open Firewall Ports: To provide “easy” remote access, many installers unnecessarily poke holes in your firewall, directly exposing your NVR or cameras to the entire internet. This invites every hacker, bot, and script kiddie to knock on your digital door.
Default Credentials: Your professionally installed devices are still running with manufacturer default passwords (like admin/admin or user/12345) – credentials so common they’re often the first thing attackers try (and succeed with).
If this describes your setup, you’re not just at risk; you’re setting yourself up for a catastrophic and unrecoverable loss.
The “Trifecta of Negligence”: Why Insurers Say “No”
When a cyber incident occurs, your insurance company won’t just write a check. They’ll commission a digital forensics (DFIR) team to thoroughly investigate the cause. And if that team uncovers the “trifecta” above, your claim will almost certainly be denied. Here’s why:
Material Misrepresentation on Your Application
When you applied for cyber insurance, you filled out a detailed questionnaire. You likely affirmed that you had “proper firewall configurations,” “enforced strong password policies,” and “maintained a patch management program.”
Reality: Open firewall ports, default passwords, and unpatched devices directly contradict these assertions. Insurers will argue that the policy was issued under false pretenses, making it void from the start.
Breach of “Reasonable Care” & Policy Exclusions
Cyber insurance policies aren’t designed to cover willful negligence. They contain clauses requiring you to take “reasonable steps” or “due care” to protect your systems.
“But My Installer Did It!”: This is the crucial point. As the business owner, you are ultimately liable for the security posture of your network, regardless of who installed the equipment. An insurer’s contract is with you, not your vendor. If your installer’s shortcuts led to a breach, you are responsible for that failure of “due care.”
Default Passwords: This is not a “sophisticated attack”; it’s a wide-open door. An insurer will view this as a fundamental failure to implement basic security hygiene, even if an installer left them.
Open Ports: Exposing vulnerable devices to the public internet without proper segmentation or protection is like leaving your business unlocked with a giant “Come On In!” sign.
Unpatched Vulnerabilities: Ignoring known security flaws when patches are available is a critical failure of maintenance. Why should an insurer pay for a problem you could have easily prevented?
The forensic report will meticulously detail how easily an attacker exploited these weaknesses, proving that the breach wasn’t due to an unavoidable, cutting-edge attack, but rather a profound lack of basic system upkeep and oversight.
Why 'Set It and Forget It' Installations Risk Your Coverage
This situation isn’t just about cameras. It applies to any internet-connected device in your New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Delaware business: smart thermostats, network printers, VoIP phones, access control systems, and more. All of these are potential entry points if not properly secured and maintained.
Manufacturing facilities in the Pureland Industrial Complex and Mid-Atlantic Industrial Park face heightened risks, as do property management companies overseeing multiple locations and wealth management firms handling sensitive client data.
This is why consistent system upkeep and maintenance aren’t just “good practices”—they are absolutely vital for your business’s survival. You must actively manage your vendors and ensure they adhere to proper security protocols.
What You MUST Demand from Your Installer:
Before accepting any installation, demand a “Security Handoff Sheet” confirming these critical steps:
No Default Passwords: All administrator and user passwords on all cameras and the NVR must be changed to strong, unique credentials.
Secure Remote Access: Remote access must be provided via a secure VPN (Virtual Private Network) or a manufacturer’s secure cloud service, NOT by opening firewall ports.
Network Isolation (VLAN): All security cameras and the NVR must be placed on their own isolated network segment (a VLAN) from your main business data.
Clear Maintenance Plan: Who is responsible for applying security patches and firmware updates? Get a clear schedule and process.
Additional Steps You Must Take:
Inventory Everything: Know every device connected to your network.
Change All Default Passwords (Again, if necessary): Even if an installer says they did, verify. Use a long, complex, and unique password for every device.
Patch, Patch, Patch: Implement a rigorous patching schedule for all software and firmware, including IoT devices and network equipment. If a vendor doesn’t provide patches, seriously reconsider using their products in a business environment.
Audit Firewall Rules: Ensure only absolutely necessary ports are open, and only to trusted sources.
Be Honest with Your Insurer: If you have weaknesses, address them. If you can’t, discuss it with your insurer. It’s better to pay a slightly higher premium for transparency than to have your entire policy nullified.
Why Licensed, Cybersecurity-Certified Installation Matters
The convenience of a “professionally installed” system, without proper oversight, can create an illusion of security that ultimately destroys your cyber insurance safety net. Not all security installers in South Jersey are created equal.
Systems Integrations serves businesses throughout South Jersey, Southeast Pennsylvania, and New Castle County, Delaware with fully licensed, cybersecurity-certified security integration services that protect both your physical assets AND your insurance coverage.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Security Industry Association Cybersecurity Certification – Our engineer ensures every installation meets insurance-grade security standards
- NDAA-compliant equipment only – No banned Chinese manufacturers with known security vulnerabilities
- Zero default passwords policy – Every device receives strong, unique credentials before handoff
- Secure remote access via VPN or secure cloud – Never open firewall ports for convenience
- Mandatory network segmentation (VLAN) – Your security devices isolated from critical business systems
- Documented security handoff – Complete configuration documentation for your records
- Ongoing firmware management – Continuous security patching and maintenance plans
- Licensed in NJ, PA, DE, and FL – Fully compliant with state regulations
Unlike Unlicensed Contractors:
Many security installers in Gloucester County, Camden County, Salem County, and Cumberland County operate without proper licensing or cybersecurity training. They may deliver a working system, but they won’t deliver a secure system that protects your insurance coverage.
Systems Integrations is fully licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, with over 20 years of experience in security integration and IT. We understand that your security system must protect you from both physical threats and cyber insurance claim denials.
Protect Your Business, Protect Your Coverage
Don’t let installer shortcuts or lack of ongoing maintenance become the reason your business crumbles. Schedule a professional security assessment with Systems Integrations today and ensure your surveillance system meets insurance-grade security standards.
Call (866) 417-3787 or visit systems-integrations.com to speak with a licensed, cybersecurity-certified security professional serving Gloucester County, Camden County, Salem County, Cumberland County, and the greater Delaware Valley region.
Invest in active management and proper upkeep—it’s the best insurance policy you can have.
Systems Integrations | Licensed Security & IT Integration | Cybersecurity-Certified | Serving South Jersey, Southeast PA & Delaware | (866) 417-3787