March Networks introduced an innovative, new Security Audit tool to help systems integrators evaluate and improve the security of their video installation configurations and provide assurance to their customers.

The Security Audit capability, now available in March Networks’ GURU Smartphone Application 2.3, automatically analyzes and rates how secure the configurations of installed March Networks 8000 series and March Networks RideSafe GT series hybrid video recorders are, based on a list of industry-recognized points of weakness. The tool then provides guidance on how to make a configuration more secure, such as changing a password that’s been left at the default setting or closing ports that don’t need to be open.

Technicians can act on the recommendations to further harden the system, and email a report to themselves, a supervisor or a customer for future reference — all using their smartphone or tablet and a wireless connection to the recorder.

The Security Audit tool is the latest complement to March Networks’ existing Security Updates and Advisories program, through which the company proactively tracks potential vulnerabilities reported by the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) and, where appropriate, conducts in-depth investigations across the March Networks product line. If a product is impacted, March Networks provides a software update and notifies customers and partners via a subscriber-based email communication.

“The GURU Security Audit provides technicians with a very quick and convenient way of assessing the security of the configuration by running through a checklist and offering fixes for possible errors,” said Daniel Cremins, global product management leader for March Networks. “Video surveillance devices are like any other on the network. They need to be securely configured to help maintain the security of corporate networks and the data that runs over them.

“Some vendors are providing integrators with guidelines to check recorders for configuration vulnerabilities, but as a leader in the video surveillance space, we wanted to go one step further.”

A checklist on a piece of paper can easily get lost or left behind. It also takes time for a technician to double-check each potential vulnerability at a customer site. The GURU Security Audit automates the process, saving systems integrators time and helping ensure nothing has been overlooked.

“With systems integrators carrying multiple product lines, technicians have to remember small points of difference between different video systems, and also possess a very solid understanding of networks in general,” said Net Payne, chief sales and marketing officer, March Networks. “This new security audit tool is designed to make it as easy as possible for a technician to review the security of a configuration before they leave a customer site. It’s a great addition to our leading cybersecurity program and to the many capabilities already available via the GURU app.”

March Networks’ GURU smartphone app runs on iPhones, iPads and Android devices and can be downloaded for free from the App Store or Google Play. It works in conjunction with unique QR codes on all March Networks new generation hybrid NVRs and IP cameras to help systems integrators easily access serial numbers and warranty status, troubleshoot possible issues, access product tutorials and manuals, do wireless provisioning and process product returns immediately from the field using a smartphone or tablet.

In addition, GURU’s recently added Installation Audit tool enables integrators to run reports on any 8000 series or RideSafe GT series system. The report includes a comprehensive snapshot of a system’s key configuration details, including: device, network and storage information; disk status; text channels; camera data rates; and a thumbnail image of each connected camera’s field-of-view. The information is packaged automatically, along with location and installation pictures, to provide integrators and their customers with a complete overview of their March Networks system installations and help them more accurately manage even the most extensive video network.

Visit www.marchnetworks.com/ASIS for more information.