How to keep up with firmware updates
Making sure that you’re running the most current version of your firmware can be tricky. Learn about firmware upgrade best practices, why it’s important to upgrade, and how we can help.
Keeping track of your system’s software and hardware may be straightforward. But making sure you’re running the most current version of your firmware can be more complex.
Your physical security systems contain a complex mix of sensors, software, and clients, which each update at their own rhythm. With the continuous flow of new releases, it’s no surprise that only 30% of cameras use the latest firmware version.
Your firmware could seem like only a tiny component of your otherwise sophisticated devices. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s necessary to update your systems at all. After all, things are running fine. How significant can the security risks of outdated firmware be?
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Is your firmware up to date? Here's why it's important
Keeping firmware up to date means more than accessing exciting new features. Updated firmware provides bug fixes and improvements in technology that are essential to the safety of your physical security system.
The expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) means that an under-protected device can quickly become vulnerable to attack. Cybercriminals look for IoT device firmware vulnerabilities to gain entry to your system infrastructure.
Outdated firmware on a single video surveillance camera can lead you to miss important improvements. Those advancements could be designed to protect your camera—and your entire system, by extension—from outdated functionalities. So how do you keep this from happening?
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Staying on top of firmware security
You can rely on the Genetec™ Update Service (GUS) to notify you of the latest physical security system updates. This eliminates the need to manually track, validate, and deploy updates for your Security Center system.
Upgrading to the most recent version of Security Center ensures your system supports the newest video device firmware. But to keep your video devices secure and fully functional, you also have to update their firmware.
You can handle firmware patch management by regularly checking the Security Center firmware vault, a centralized location for certified camera firmware updates. Access the firmware vault in the Hardware inventory task of the Security Center Config Tool. You can set the firmware vault to alert you when updates are available. Updating your video firmware will keep it running smoothly and fix security vulnerabilities, protecting your cameras from cyber threats.
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Cloud services mean an easier path to cyber resilience
Get access to the latest built-in cybersecurity features by opting for cloud solutions. These include granular privacy controls, strong user authentication, and various system health monitoring tools. As soon as the latest versions and fixes are available, you’ll get them pushed immediately to your system.
Cloud services help protect your physical security systems against vulnerabilities. This type of system can take the burden of system upkeep off your IT and security teams. There’s no need to rely on checklists and spreadsheets to ensure all your system components are updated and hardened. Your team can benefit from higher levels of automation to get cybersecurity tasks done.
How we can help
We work with our trusted network of partners to create a database of the most recent firmware updates and supported devices. We do this by collecting new version information from partner release notes, websites, and many other sources. We then test each version to ensure it is compatible with our products, so you have the latest firmware that is secure and works seamlessly with your Genetec system.
Have a look at the Genetec Supported Device List (SDL) to get a complete view of all supported manufacturers. The SDL showcases all devices in one place, with verified and tested updates.
For every product release, security experts and designers assess how new features and capabilities could impact the integrity of your infrastructure. Our multi-layered software security model is cyber resilient to its core. We’ve embedded cybersecurity across the entire R&D process, from the design phase to quality assurance.
We’re committed to helping you maintain the security of your entire system and all its connected devices. Our approach emphasizes risk identification and mitigation, and we communicate openly about vulnerabilities with you and with our network of trusted partners.
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