The Hidden Risk Watching You
Casino surveillance systems are designed to monitor threats—but what happens when they become the target?
As casinos modernize their video surveillance, many are unknowingly opening the door to cybercriminals.
The Threat: Surveillance Systems as a Cyberattack Vector
IP-based surveillance systems are now standard in casinos. These systems offer convenience, scalability, and remote access. But with connectivity comes exposure.
Hackers no longer need to walk through your doors—they exploit vulnerabilities in your networked security systems to breach operations from the inside.
Real-World Incident: The IoT Aquarium Breach
In a high-profile breach, hackers infiltrated a casino’s network through a connected fish tank thermostat. Once inside, they moved laterally to exfiltrate 10GB of high-roller data.
That wasn’t an isolated incident.
Modern casinos rely on interconnected systems—cameras, access control, slot machines, loyalty kiosks—all of which are potential entry points.
Where the Weak Points Are
Surveillance systems are a cybersecurity blind spot. Here’s why:
- Default credentials: Many systems are installed with unchanged factory passwords.
- Unpatched firmware: Security camera software is rarely updated.
- Flat networks: Surveillance often shares the same network as other critical systems.
- Remote access tools: Vendors often leave remote admin tools active post-deployment.
- Lack of segmentation: Once inside, attackers can pivot across internal systems.
Best Practices to Defend Casino Surveillance Systems
To defend against these threats, casinos must rethink how they protect their “eyes in the sky.”
Recommended Security Controls:
- Enforce strong access controls and disable unused accounts
- Require network segmentation for surveillance infrastructure
- Conduct regular firmware updates and vulnerability scans
- Implement real-time monitoring of camera traffic and anomalies
- Partner with a firm experienced in casino-specific OT/IT convergence
Don’t Let Your Surveillance System Become Your Weakest Link
Your surveillance system should be protecting you—not exposing you.
At Saturn Partners, we’ve helped casinos across the country secure their surveillance networks, uncover hidden vulnerabilities, and meet regulatory standards like PCI DSS and GLBA.
Let’s talk about how we can help you secure your casino from the inside out.