Closed Doesn’t Always Mean Secure

Understanding and reducing cyber risk in casino surveillance networks

Many casinos rely on closed or standalone surveillance networks, confident that isolation keeps their systems safe. Limiting external connections does offer advantages, but it doesn’t eliminate the risks created by people, processes, integrations, and the constant evolution of cyber threats. In reality, isolation can sometimes mask issues rather than resolve them.

Knowing where closed networks are vulnerable and how to address those issues is critical to protecting your surveillance operations.

Consider credentials, permissions, and the human factor

Even on closed networks, people still need to log in, maintain devices, and manage settings. Over time, shared passwords, unused accounts, or unchanged credentials can quietly accumulate. This is especially common in casinos, where staff resources are subject to frequent changes and trusted third parties, such as regulators, integrators and engineers, often require access.

Our Recommendation

The solution lies in establishing strong access management practices. Multi-factor authentication, role-appropriate permissions, and clear procedures for updating or removing accounts ensure that only authorised personnel have the necessary access levels. Surveillance software that automatically flags default passwords or accounts that haven’t been used for months can significantly reduce the chance of dormant vulnerabilities going unnoticed.

Mind the ’risk gap’ of device security

Closed networks often fall behind in terms of firmware updates and security patches. Cameras, servers, and recording appliances may wait weeks, or even longer, for updates because they rely on physical access or manual processes. Each delay increases the likelihood that previously known vulnerabilities will remain unaddressed.

Our Recommendation

A consistent patching routine across the entire surveillance ecosystem makes a substantial difference. Software that automatically highlights outdated firmware or unsupported devices makes this process far more manageable, helping operators maintain security without disrupting operations.

Manage maintenance access proactively

Casinos rely on specialists to install, configure, and support surveillance systems. Temporary access accounts or technician passwords are often created to enable this work. If these aren’t closely managed, they can remain active and therefore a security risk long after the job is complete.

Our Recommendation

A more secure approach is to use time-limited access, ensure every login is traceable to an individual, and apply multi-factor authentication to contractors as rigorously as to staff. Regular reviews of access logs and authentication records help maintain transparency and ensure that external support never becomes an unintentional entry point.

Encrypt data and authenticate devices

Closed networks are often assumed to be safe by default. However, internal risks remain, including the possibility that a bad actor may attempt to connect via an unmanaged device. Without proper device authentication, unauthorised personnel may gain access to video, data or configuration interfaces.

Our Recommendation

Strong device authentication alongside end-to-end encryption ensures that only trusted devices can connect and that all data remains protected and trustworthy throughout its lifecycle. Ensure your software implements these safeguards.

Remember that connectivity can also strengthen security

Just as closed doesn’t always mean secure, connected doesn’t always mean vulnerable. In fact, controlled connectivity can enhance a casino’s overall security and cyber stance. Remote diagnostics reduce downtime, while cloud-, server-based and third-party analytics deliver deeper operational insight and improved efficiency, and central oversight supports multi-property estates.

Our Recommendation

When encrypted communication, strong authentication, device validation, and comprehensive audit trails are in place, remote access can be safer than local-only setups. It allows issues to be identified earlier, updates to be deployed more quickly, and systems to remain aligned with evolving standards.

¹ https://tgandh.com/articles/innovative-ways-tribes-are-tackling-staffing-problems/