CCTV (closed-circuit television) is a camera system that allows you to keep an eye on what is happening in and around your business. Cameras are connected to monitors placed inside your building, so you will be able to get a real-time view of what is happening and have the ability to play back recordings of footage taken.

When looking for CCTV systems, you have two main options.

Wired security cameras use cabling to transmit footage and carry out video surveillance. Several cameras can be connected at once to the monitors used in your security room. These are the traditional analogue cameras that have been around for many years now.

IP cameras (Internet protocol cameras) have the same functionality as analogue cameras, but they provide wireless CCTV through connection with your business wifi. Using high definition cameras, you are able to get sharper, higher resolution images, and you have access to useful features, such as the ability to reposition your cameras and to remotely zoom in on your surroundings. You can also access these CCTV systems from your mobile devices, so you don't need to be on-site to view what is going on.

All CCTV systems need some kind of cabling, even wireless CCTV camera kits, as you need to connect your cameras to your modems, monitors, and the video recorders that will retain your footage.

CCTV is primarily used to protect homes and business from outside threats. The mere sight of a camera can deter criminals from gaining access to your property, so any thoughts of committing a crime should be wiped from their minds.

You can also monitor what is going on within your premises, as you will be able to keep an eye on the behaviour of staff and customers in your business. Knowing that there are cameras watching them should deter anybody within your business from doing something wrong.

If a crime does occur on your premises, then a CCTV system can help you and the police suss out what happened. The recorded footage can directly reveal the culprit, but if crimes took place away from view, it is often possible to narrow down a list of suspects from the footage taken. You also have evidence to give to insurance companies, be that evidence of a crime, or some other event that could affect your business, such as a natural disaster.

A CCTV installation is also useful for keeping an eye out for deliveries to your business, and for managing disputes that have taken place between staff members and customers.

We have just discussed some of the reasons why you might need a security system, but you might still be debating the purchase. Especially when money is tight in your business, you might decide to spend your money elsewhere. After all, with office equipment to buy, marketing materials to consider, and staff wages to pay, do you really need a CCTV security system?

Well, the answer is yes, of course, even if your business isn't located in a crime zone in your neighbourhood. Just think of the money you would lose if damages took place to your building. Think of the financial pressure you would be under if you had to replace stolen or damaged equipment. And consider the practices of most insurance companies, as some will try to avoid payouts if there is a lack of evidence. A CCTV security system would minimise your financial losses, in whatever situation you find yourself in.

You are also protecting your employees. If any of them work late at night from your premises, they will have greater peace of mind knowing that there are security measures in place to protect them. So, think of the ROI that a security system will have on your business. The benefits far outweigh the short-term financial negatives, so shop around and look for something that your business can afford.

Your CCTV cameras are there to protect you, but unfortunately, they can be hacked. Wired cameras are more secure, although some criminals might attempt to cut the cabling if they want to gain access to your premises. Wireless cameras pose the greatest security risks, as cybercriminals can attempt to access them by remotely hacking into your device's IP address. Once accessed, they will be able to monitor the goings-on in your business, and perhaps capture sensitive data from your business too. They can also tamper with your video recordings.

You can look out for the telltale signs that will indicate you have been hacked. These include the following. If your cameras rotate abnormally, then somebody may have control of them. If your security settings have been changed without your knowledge, this is another sign of illegal access. And if the LED light on the camera is blinking or if it is illuminated, and you haven't turned your cameras on, then chances are, somebody else has gained access. 

Thankfully, there is much you can do to thwart hackers. Some security cameras come with advanced encryption features, so purchase those when possible. When securing your camera with a password, choose something that isn't obvious to anybody with a passing knowledge of you or your business. And upgrade the CCTV firmware regularly, as you will have the up-to-date features needed to secure your system.

This is a common question CCTV installers are asked, but it depends on the type of CCTV system being used, and how they are being used. On average, you can expect between 30-90 days, but if you are using an offsite storage service to store your footage, it will depend on the type of service you have paid for. Some store for up to a week but others can store for longer if requested. If you are using your own hard drive to store your recordings, old footage will be wiped when the hard drive becomes full. Needless to say, you will have less storage time if your cameras are permanently recording or if you are capturing images in space-intensive high-resolution formats.

To find out more, speak to installation professionals when searching for CCTV installation near me. Check the product descriptions of the cameras and recording systems you are considering too, be they from CCTV Amazon sellers, or independent stores online and in your high street. Check for online reviews too as well as Which guides on the latest CCTV systems available today. You will get a rough idea of how long certain systems can store footage this way, and you will be able to make a better spending decision.

In short, the answer is no, as your CCTV cameras can work without internet access. We are talking about wireless as well as wired cameras here. So, if your business loses internet access for whatever reason, or if your premises are based somewhere remote, you can still have 24/7 live monitoring as long as you have a monitor connected. Your footage can be stored on an SD card or an NVR (network video recorder), and you can connect your cameras to your computer using a network cable.

That isn't to say the internet isn't useful, however. While you can benefit from the basic functionality of your CCTV systems without a wifi connection, there are features that internet connectivity can provide. One of the most useful is remote access, as you will be able to control your cameras remotely from wherever you are using your smart devices, and get real-time updates of what is going on in and around your business. You can also receive app and email push notifications whenever motion is detected at your premises, and you can benefit from cloud storage.

Some cameras require an internet connection, some are built for those businesses without internet access, and some can be used flexibly. Check with the product seller before buying.

Yes, it is legal to record CCTV in the UK, although care needs to be taken. If they have been set up specifically for the purposes of tracking crime, then they shouldn't be used to monitor staff. If you do intend to use them for staff monitoring purposes, you need to let your employees know that the cameras are present, with signs clearly displayed to indicate to them that camera recordings are taking place. They should also be told why the cameras are there. Signs should also be displayed to alert customers and other visitors that they may be recorded when using your business.

You also need to alert the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) about your use of CCTV cameras in your business premises. You are potentially committing a criminal offence if you don't, and you could be penalised for your neglect.

And if people ask to see your recordings, you are legally obliged to let them do so within one month. Of course, you have the right to ask them why they want to view your recordings, but assuming you don't suspect them of criminal intent, you do need to comply. You can find more information on the ICO website.

If you're looking for a home CCTV installation for business or personal use, the location of your cameras is very important. This is for two reasons. First, you need to protect the privacy of your neighbours. If they suspect you are spying on them, they can take legal action against you under the Human Rights Act. You can find out more about this here. Secondly, you need to place your cameras where burglars or vandals are likely to gain access. These include your front door, back door, garage area, and off-street windows.

Your cameras should be placed outside of a criminal's reach, ideally at second-floor level. If you live in a one-level home, you can buy wire meshing to protect your camera system, but still try to place it some distance above head height. Of course, for extra security, you need both indoor and outdoor cameras. CCTV stands for wifi cameras can be bought online if you have trouble finding a placement for camera fixtures. Be it outside or inside, be sure not to place them too high up, as you might have some difficulty capturing all of the criminal's features if they try to gain access to your property.

For those of us looking to cut down on our energy usage for both financial and world-saving reasons, this is a question that is often asked. Thankfully, they don't use very much electricity at all and are a lot more energy-efficient than the computers you use in your business, or the appliances you use in your home. However, it does depend on the type and model of CCTV camera you buy, so always check the power consumption specifications before you buy. It also depends on the number of cameras fitted to your system, and how long you have them running for during the day.

Some cameras are operated through solar power, so consider the greener option when you're shopping around for something for your business. You will save a lot of money on your electricity bill this way. But if you do buy something that runs off your mains, use the power-saving features on your camera after you have paid for your CCTV fitting. You can customise the features that have been set for motion detection, for example, and there will be other features available that can be read about in your manual.

Still, despite the slight rise in your electricity bill, the expense is worth it when considering the losses you might face should a burglary take place on your premises.