How to keep up with firmware updates and stay ahead
Making sure that you’re running the most current version of your firmware can be tricky. Learn about best practices, why it’s important to upgrade, and how we can help.
![Why it's important to keep your firmware updated](https://www.genetec.com/binaries/content/gallery/photostock_hardware-wires-gettyimages-157647179-resized-2.jpg/photostock_hardware-wires-gettyimages-157647179-resized-2.jpg/genetecweb%3Asmall)
Keeping track of your system’s software and hardware may be straightforward. But making sure you’re running the most current version of your firmware can be more tricky.
Your physical security systems contain a complex mix of sensors, software, and clients, which each update at their own rhythm. With the continuous flow of new releases, it’s no surprise that only 30% of cameras use the latest firmware version.
Your firmware could seem like only a tiny component of your otherwise sophisticated devices. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s necessary to update your systems at all. After all, things are running fine. How significant of an issue can it be?
Want to learn more about the Genetec Update Service?
Is your firmware up to date? See why it’s important to know
The reality is that having the latest version is more than accessing exciting new features. Through bug fixes and improvements in technology, updated firmware is essential for ensuring the safety of your physical security system.
With the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT), an under-protected device can quickly become a vulnerable attack surface. Cybercriminals look for these types of gateways to gain entry to your system infrastructure.
When the firmware on a single video surveillance camera is outdated, you can miss important improvements. The advancements could be designed to protect your camera and, by extension, your entire system, from outdated functionalities. So how do you keep this from happening?
Staying on top of firmware updates
To start, make sure to update your system to the latest version. Upgrading to Security Center 5.11 ensures your system uses the latest software and firmware versions while protecting you from any known vulnerabilities. Updating your system will also give you access to the latest features available, including our new simpler, unified offering.
When a new update becomes available, you can rely on the Genetec Update Service (GUS) to notify you, or automatically perform the update.
The Genetec Update Service eliminates the need to manually track, validate, and deploy updates for your Security Center system. Instead, see all the available updates in one single tool to quickly determine their status and health. View possible updates across your entire system, including those for Security Center applications, video surveillance, access control devices, and Windows OS. Along with faster update times, the GUS helps you keep your system safe and performing at peak efficiency.
Cloud services mean an easier path to cyber resilience
By opting for cloud solutions, you’ll always have access to the latest built-in cybersecurity features. These include granular privacy controls, strong user authentication, and various system health monitoring tools. And as soon as the latest versions and fixes are available, you’ll get them pushed immediately to your system.
Cloud services help your physical security systems remain protected against vulnerabilities. Having this type of system in place can take the burden off your IT and security teams to do the upkeep themselves. There’s no need to rely on checklists and spreadsheets to ensure all your system components are updated and hardened. Your team can benefit from higher levels of automation to get cybersecurity tasks done.
How we can help
We work with our trusted network of partners to create a database of the most recent firmware updates and supported devices. This is done by collecting new version information from partner release notes, websites, and many other sources. The information can then be queried in Security Center to verify that the firmware on your devices is up to date. And because it’s all stored on our cloud servers, you can be sure the information gathered is secure.
For every product release, security experts and designers assess how new features and capabilities could impact the integrity of your infrastructure. Our multi-layered software security model has cyber-resilience embedded from the design phase to quality assurance across the entire R&D process.
We’re committed to helping you maintain the security of your entire system and all its connected devices. Our approach emphasizes risk identification and mitigation, transparent and open communications, and working with a network of trusted partners.