The security industry is rife with misconceptions about CCTV systems. These myths can lead to a false sense of security, leaving clients vulnerable to a range of risks. We take a closer look at these myths, debunking them with detailed insights, and highlighting the comprehensive security approach of OzSpy Security Solutions.
Myth 1: All CCTV Systems Provide Equivalent Security
In-Depth Reality: Security systems vary significantly, with some like Hikvision being notably sophisticated but challenging to navigate for the average user. HiLook, Hikvision’s more economical alternative, offers cost savings at the expense of reduced quality. Dahua represents a middle-of-the-road option, and the OzSpy brand delivers SONY Starvis excellence and a simple to use interface balancing functionality with user-friendliness. Beyond brand differences, the overall effectiveness of a security setup also hinges on the caliber of cabling, the expertise of the installation, and the precision of system configuration. Furthermore, generic hardware store security kits often come with a host of limitations, including the problems outlined below.
Also resolution of the cameras make a huge difference so if the budget can handle it, always go the highest resolution possible. We try and stick to 4K ensuring the best image and the finer detail.
Myth 2: Motion Detection Is Always Reliable
In-Depth Reality: While motion detection technology has improved, it is not infallible. Sophisticated burglars may employ tactics like using slow, deliberate movements or employing camouflage to avoid detection. Additionally, adverse weather conditions or small animals could trigger false alarms, leading to complacency and a slower response time in the event of a real threat. These systems require careful placement and tuning to minimise blind spots—otherwise, they might fail to capture crucial evidence during a security breach. This is why a system that records 24/7 ensures you catch all events and the added additional layer of motion notifies you of events.
Myth 3: Wireless Cameras Offer Unsurpassed Convenience and Security
In-Depth Reality: The convenience of wireless cameras is undeniable, but this comes with substantial risks. For example, signal jamming devices, readily available online, can render these cameras useless. Additionally, without stringent cybersecurity measures, WiFi cameras are susceptible to hacking. A hacked camera provides a real-time feed to criminals, who can study the ins and outs of a location, planning their intrusion with precision or engaging in voyeuristic activities that invade personal privacy.
We recently had a client who bought a PTZ WIFI camera from an Australian retail outlet, and shared the details with her mother so Mum can see the family. She noticed the camera following the children around. The client then called her Mum to talk to her and mentioned she could see her Mum watching the children, only to be told her Mum was shopping and it wasn’t her. This is a true story showing the risks of WIFI cameras and the ease to which they can be compromised.
Myth 4: CCTV Cameras Cannot Be Used Maliciously
In-Depth Reality: The misuse of CCTV cameras, particularly internet-connected ones, can have dire consequences. Hackers can exploit weak passwords and unpatched vulnerabilities to gain control. A particularly harrowing scenario is when cameras are manipulated to follow individuals around their home, infringing on their privacy and safety. This type of unauthorised surveillance can have deeply disturbing implications, especially if it targets vulnerable individuals such as children (as mentioned above).
A hard wired system sits behind your modem and is almost impossible for hackers to access.
Myth 5: Battery Cameras Are a Cost-Effective Security Solution
In-Depth Reality: The long-term costs associated with battery-operated cameras often go unconsidered. While they eliminate the need for cables, the recurrent need for battery replacements or recharging can lead to significant downtime. During these periods, surveillance is compromised, which could coincide with a planned break-in, rendering the system ineffective and potentially leading to costly losses.
We regularly replace battery systems with many people stating that just after a few months of use, they need recharging almost weekly, and often go down without notice.
Battery cameras always susceptible to hacking as they are wireless and are outside of your protected home or business network. They are well known for hacking and disruption.
Myth 6: Wired Cameras Are a Thing of the Past
In-Depth Reality: Wired systems, with their direct connection to recording equipment, offer a steadfast level of reliability that wireless systems struggle to match. They are immune to many of the wireless interference issues and are much harder for criminals to disable. This reliability ensures continuous operation and a consistent security presence, a critical deterrent against potential intruders. Hard wired cameras are the gold standard in the industry.
Myth 7: CCTV Systems Are ‘Set and Forget’
In-Depth Reality: The belief that CCTV systems can be installed and left unattended is a dangerous misconception. Regular updates and maintenance are vital to ensure that the system’s software and hardware components are functioning optimally. Neglected systems may have outdated firmware, which can contain unpatched security flaws, making them a prime target for cyber-attacks that could lead to system-wide failures or breaches.
This is particularly relevant with wireless systems as hard wired systems are always behind the modem and therefore protected from external access.
Myth 8: Any Installer Will Do
In-Depth Reality: The notion that any handyman or electrician can install CCTV systems is not only incorrect but also potentially illegal and costly. In Queensland, for example, using an unlicensed installer can lead to severe fines for both the client and the installer—over $70,000 on the first offense. Beyond legal consequences, unlicensed installers may lack the specific expertise required for optimal security camera placement and installation, leading to substandard coverage and potential security gaps. This could result in areas of a property being inadequately monitored, providing easy targets for criminal activity.
Myth 9: All Camera Sensors Are Created Equal
In-Depth Reality: Camera quality varies significantly, especially when it comes to sensor technology. Cameras equipped with a SONY IMX sensor, for instance, are renowned for their superior image quality in various lighting conditions. The SONY Starvis sensor, utilised in all OzSpy cameras, is specifically designed to excel in low-light environments, ensuring clear, discernible footage even at night or in dimly lit areas. This advanced sensor technology can be the difference between identifying an intruder and a grainy, unusable image. In high-stakes situations, such as identifying a license plate or a face, the superior clarity provided by a SONY Starvis sensor could be crucial.
If you have a quote from any security company, check the cameras quoted, if they are not IMX then you are getting a sub standard system.
Myth 10: All Security Companies Offer the Same Level of Service
In-Depth Reality: Trust and longevity are key indicators of a security company’s reliability. A new or unestablished business may not have the track record to assure consistent service quality, and companies that frequently change their name could be doing so to escape a negative reputation. In contrast, OzSpy has been a steadfast name in the industry since 1998, offering not just years but decades of trusted service. With brick-and-mortar outlets, OzSpy provides a tangible, approachable presence where clients can receive face-to-face assurances and support—an invaluable resource for peace of mind.
This is why OzSpy has over 100,000 happy clients.
The OzSpy Security Solutions Gold Standard
OzSpy Security Solutions dismisses these myths, instead embracing the gold standard of security: cabled cameras that record around the clock, protected by robust firewalls and advanced encryption. Our commitment to regular maintenance and updates ensures that the systems we install remain impervious to the dynamic threats present in today’s digital world.
By choosing OzSpy Security Solutions, clients gain more than just high-quality surveillance equipment; they receive a promise of unwavering vigilance and a partnership that prioritises their safety and security above all else.
The OzSpy Security Solutions Commitment
With these ten myths debunked, it’s clear that the market is fraught with misinformation that can lead to serious security vulnerabilities. OzSpy Security Solutions stands as a bulwark against these misconceptions, offering licensed installation, top-tier technology like the SONY Starvis sensors, and a legacy of trusted service dating back over two decades. Clients who choose OzSpy are not just purchasing a product; they are investing in a partnership that values their safety and security as paramount.