Encryption in a Video Management System (VMS) secures video data by converting it into an unreadable format using a cryptographic algorithm, that only authorized users can decrypt. This prevents unauthorized access, tampering, or interception of video streams.
The encryption process typically works in three key areas:
- Data in Transit: Protects video while it travels between cameras, servers, and clients using protocols like TLS (Transport Layer Security).
- Data at Rest: Encrypts recorded video files stored on servers or network-attached storage (NAS).
- Authentication & Key Management: Ensures only authorized users or devices can access decrypted video by managing encryption keys securely.
Comparing Milestone, Genetec, and Avigilon Encryption
| Feature | Milestone | Genetec | Avigilon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Encryption in Transit | Uses TLS 1.2+ for secure communication | TLS 1.2+ and end-to-end encryption | TLS 1.2+ with secure authentication |
| Encryption at Rest | AES-256 for recorded video (optional) | AES-256 for video and database protection | AES-256 with a hardware-accelerated option |
| End-to-End Encryption | Requires full-system encryption (servers, storage, clients) | Strong focus on encrypted video from camera to client | Focuses on encrypted transmission and secure storage |
| Key Management | Handled within VMS but requires admin configuration, Uses industry standard Windows OS encryption tools (BitLocker, EFS) | Uses an integrated Key Management System (KMS) | Built-in encryption handling with Avigilon Control Center |
| Compatibility & Performance | Requires compatible devices and can impact performance on servers without TPM and AES modules. | Flexible implementation but must be system-wide, can impact performance on servers without TPM and AES modules. | Optimized for Avigilon cameras but supports third-party, can impact performance on servers without TPM and AES modules. |
Key Takeaways
- All-or-Nothing Approach: Once encryption is enabled, all devices in the VMS must support it. Mixed encrypted and unencrypted systems won’t work properly.
- Performance Impact: Encryption requires additional processing power, which may affect storage and system performance.
- Vendor-Specific Implementations: While all three VMS brands use industry-standard AES-256 and TLS, the way they integrate encryption varies. Genetec has a more built-in approach, Avigilon optimizes encryption for its hardware, and Milestone allows flexible but full-system encryption.
Accelerating Encryption in Hardware.
If your clients want to implement encryption to improve the cybersecurity of their video surveillance system then it is critical that your servers all have integrated Trusted Computer Group 2.0 and AES encryption in hardware. Encryption run in software can have a major performance hit up to 20% of system resources. Every Arxys server ships with the Trusted Platform Module 2.0 installed and AES encryption with full support for TCG 2.0 and Windows Server based encryption standards.
Final Thought: Choosing the right encryption setup depends on balancing security needs with system performance and compatibility. Make sure all components in your VMS support encryption before enabling it, especially your server hardware.
