The use of body cameras by police officers has become an increasing topic in the news recently and I came across a link last month on Twitter to an article on if security breaches could result from the use of things like body cameras. While they have not seen as much attention I have seen a few videos from the fire service involving the use of helmet mounted cameras at incidents, and anything that applies to the body cameras could potentially extend to those as well.

In one case cameras were found to be shipped infected with the Conficker worm. Should an agency have systems without antivirus software or software that is outdated, those systems would quickly become infected. When the infection was brought to the attention of the manufacturer, they did not even think there was software in the camera. (Robinson)

Just as in the private sector, technology continues to play an ever increasing role in public safety. Film-based still cameras have long been replaced with digital cameras and video cameras that record to VHS are, if they havent already, been replaced with DVR type systems. If proper security precautions are not taken any of these could become a hole as the storage could contain viruses. Even communications continue to become increasingly digital both in the voice through P25 radios and Next Generation 911 and data through things like instant messaging & vehicle location (AVL).

Robinson, B. “The internet of malware-infected things” GCN https://gcn.com/blogs/cybereye/2015/11/malware-in-body-camera.aspx?s=gcntech_231115

Tags: CIS 608

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