Introduction
The promise of cloud computing has transformed business operations, but when it comes to video surveillance, uploading footage to the cloud introduces significant risks that many organizations overlook.
The Cloud Video Problem
Bandwidth Consumption
Uploading continuous video streams requires massive bandwidth, straining network infrastructure and increasing costs.
Security Vulnerabilities
Every upload creates an opportunity for interception. Cloud storage introduces multiple attack vectors that don't exist with on-premise solutions.
Third-Party Access
Cloud providers and their employees may have access to your footage, raising concerns about privacy and confidentiality.
Compliance Concerns
GDPR, CCPA, and other regulations impose strict requirements on personal data. Video footage containing faces and behavior is highly sensitive personal data.
Loss of Control
Once data leaves your premises, you're dependent on the cloud provider's security practices and business continuity.
High-Profile Data Breaches
The retail industry has seen numerous high-profile breaches:
The On-Premise Alternative
With on-premise video analytics:
Video Stays in Your Store
Footage is processed locally and never uploaded to external servers.
Only Anonymized Analytics Transmitted
The cloud receives only numerical data—counts, patterns, alerts—not actual video.
You Control Access
No third-party employees can view your footage.
GDPR Compliant by Design
Personal data remains under your direct control.
No Bandwidth Issues
Processing happens locally, eliminating upload requirements.
Questions to Ask Vendors
When evaluating video analytics solutions, ask:
1. Where is video processed? On-premise or in the cloud?
2. Who has access to footage? Provider employees? Partners?
3. How is data encrypted? In transit and at rest?
4. What happens during outages? Is local operation maintained?
Conclusion
The security and privacy risks of cloud video uploads often outweigh the convenience. On-premise processing provides the analytics you need while keeping your most sensitive data under your control.
iCape processes video on-premise—video never leaves your store. Learn more about our approach.