Cameras, Access Control, and Physical Security Systems

Cameras, door access, and wander management systems protect residents every day. Today, most physical security systems connect to your network, which makes them easier to manage but also creates new cyber risks. Treating them as part of your IT environment keeps both people and data safer.

What these systems include

Senior living communities often run several separate systems, and each may come from a different vendor. For example, a typical community might have the following.

• Video surveillance with network cameras and recorders.
• Door access control with badges, fobs, or keypads for staff entrances and medication rooms.
• Wander management that alerts staff or locks doors when a resident at risk approaches an exit.
• Visitor management kiosks or sign-in software at the front desk.
• Intercoms and video doorbells at main and after-hours entrances.

Because each system often arrives through a different project, nobody may own the whole picture. That gap causes most of the problems below.

The cyber risks of connected devices

Network cameras and door controllers are small computers. However, they rarely receive the same attention as workstations. Many run for years without updates.

• Default passwords that installers never change.
• Outdated firmware with known security flaws.
• Direct internet exposure so staff can view cameras from home.
• Shared vendor accounts that many technicians use.

As a result, an attacker can sometimes view video, unlock doors, or use a camera as a foothold into your network.

Secure your physical security systems

First, place cameras, controllers, and recorders on their own network segment. Then limit what that segment can reach, so a compromised camera cannot touch clinical workstations.

Also assign one owner for each system. That person, or your IT partner, tracks the vendor contract, support contacts, and update status. Without an owner, updates slip for years.

Next, change every default password and give each administrator a named account. Also replace direct internet access with a secure remote access method that uses MFA. Finally, schedule firmware updates, just as you do for computers.

Doors, badges, and wander management

Access control and staff turnover

Badges and fobs only protect doors if you manage them carefully. When an employee leaves, disable the badge the same day, along with network and email accounts. Agency staff need the same attention, because they rotate often.

In addition, review who can enter sensitive areas, such as medication rooms, records storage, and network closets. Access should match current job duties. Then check the door logs periodically for unusual activity.

Wander management and life safety

Memory care doors must balance resident safety with fire and life safety codes. Door locking and release rules vary by jurisdiction and building type. Therefore, coordinate any change with your vendor, the local fire authority, and your licensing agency.

Also treat wander management as a critical system. It needs reliable power, network monitoring, and regular testing, just like nurse call. If a door alarm fails at night, staff may not notice until a resident leaves the building.

Video privacy and retention

Cameras in common areas, entrances, and parking lots help with safety and investigations. However, residents have a right to privacy in their apartments, bathrooms, and care spaces. State rules on cameras in resident rooms differ, so confirm requirements with counsel.

Next, set a clear retention period for video and limit who can view or export footage. Video may show residents receiving care, so protect it like other sensitive records. In addition, write down how staff should handle requests for footage from families, police, or insurers.

A physical security systems checklist

1. Inventory every camera, recorder, door controller, and alert device.
2. Place these devices on a separate network segment.
3. Change default passwords and use named administrator accounts.
4. Remove direct internet exposure and require MFA for remote viewing.
5. Update firmware on a regular schedule.
6. Disable badges the same day staff or agency workers leave.
7. Set video retention rules and limit who can export footage.
8. Test wander management and door release functions regularly.

How WEBIT helps

WEBIT brings cameras, door access, and alert systems into your managed IT environment. We segment these devices, coordinate with security vendors, and monitor network equipment around the clock. Learn more about our cybersecurity services.

We also include these systems in our monthly or quarterly health assessments and review findings with your team, so nothing sits forgotten in a closet. See how we support senior living communities.

Key takeaways

• Connected cameras and door systems are computers that need updates and oversight.
• Segment these devices, change default passwords, and require MFA for remote access.
• Disable badges promptly and review access to sensitive areas.
• Coordinate wander management changes with life safety authorities and counsel.