Video Surveillance and CCTV Flashcards

In a video surveillance system design, what is the '3-1-1 rule' or 'detect-observe-identify' methodology used for?

Answer: Determining the camera resolution and field of view needed to meet specific surveillance objectives

The detect-observe-identify methodology sets pixel density requirements based on the surveillance objective: detect (lowest PPF), observe/monitor (medium PPF), or identify (highest PPF).

What cybersecurity risk is MOST commonly exploited in IP surveillance camera systems in US critical infrastructure?

Answer: Default or weak manufacturer passwords left unchanged after installation

Unchanged default credentials remain the most exploited vulnerability in IP camera systems, allowing attackers to access live feeds, disable recording, or use cameras as botnet nodes.

When conducting a CCTV post-incident review, a security manager finds a 4-hour gap in recordings from a critical camera. What should be the FIRST action?

Answer: Determine whether the gap was caused by equipment failure, storage overflow, or deliberate tampering

Determining the root cause of the gap first establishes whether it was an equipment failure, administrative error, or intentional act — this affects all subsequent investigation and remediation steps.

Which PTZ camera operational mode automatically moves the camera to preset positions at specified time intervals to survey a wider area?

Answer: Guard tour / auto-patrol mode

Guard tour mode programs the PTZ camera to automatically cycle through a series of preset positions on a defined schedule, allowing one camera to monitor multiple areas periodically.

According to ASIS Physical Security Principles, what is the recommended approach when camera placement must balance surveillance effectiveness with employee privacy concerns?

Answer: Post visible notices that surveillance is in use and focus cameras on work areas rather than personal spaces

Posting conspicuous notices of surveillance and focusing cameras on work processes and assets rather than personal spaces balances security needs with employee privacy expectations and legal requirements.

What does 'IPVM pixel density calculator' methodology account for that simple megapixel ratings do NOT?

Answer: The actual scene width covered by the camera, which determines how many pixels cover each foot of the scene

Scene width (field of view) is the critical variable — the same 4MP camera provides dramatically different pixel density depending on whether it covers 10 feet or 100 feet of scene width.