top of page

Summer is the Season for Securing Schools: Auditing and Updating Physical Security Systems in K–12

As students and staff clear out for summer break, the summer months offer a rare and essential opportunity for K–12 IT and Security Directors to focus on one of the most critical—yet often overlooked—layers of protection: physical security systems.

From access control and video surveillance to intrusion alarms and emergency communication, these systems are increasingly interconnected with your district's IT network. That means they are not only essential for protecting people and property—they’re now part of your cybersecurity perimeter as well.

Here’s how to use the summer break to strengthen your district’s physical security systems and ensure they don’t become a cyber liability:

1. Audit and Inventory Every Physical Security System


Start with a complete inventory and status check of all physical security components:


  • Video surveillance cameras (including make, model, location)

  • Network video recorders (NVRs) and storage devices

  • Access control panels and door readers (including make, model, location)

  • Intrusion detection sensors and alarm panels

  • Emergency communication systems (PA, panic buttons, blue lights)


Document firmware versions, last maintenance dates, physical locations, and network connectivity details. Many of these systems now operate over IP networks, making them potential entry points for cyber threats.

2. Update Firmware and Patch Vulnerabilities


Just like any networked device, IP-based security hardware can be vulnerable to exploitation if not properly updated. Use the summer to:


  • Apply firmware and software patches to cameras, NVRs, access control systems, and intrusion devices

  • Change default credentials and apply strong password policies

  • Disable unnecessary remote access or unsecured web interfaces


Unpatched physical security devices have been exploited in real-world school cybersecurity incidents—don’t leave them exposed.

3. Segment and Secure Security Device Networks


Physical security devices should not share the same network segment as student or staff devices. This summer:


  • Isolate security systems on dedicated VLANs

  • Use firewalls to limit communications to only essential systems

  • Disable unnecessary internet access for cameras, access panels, and sensors


This limits lateral movement in the event of a breach and protects both physical and digital infrastructure.

4. Test and Validate System Functionality

With students out of the buildings, summer is the perfect time to:


  • Walk the grounds and test every door, camera, alarm, and speaker

  • Validate badge reader access rights and remove expired credentials

  • Ensure cameras cover all high-risk areas and are recording properly

  • Conduct emergency communication drills and verify alert reach and speed


This ensures systems will respond as expected in a real emergency—and gives IT time to troubleshoot issues before school starts.

5. Document System Architecture and Access Logs

Detailed documentation is critical for both system maintenance and cybersecurity incident response:


  • Map every device location and connection point (digital and physical)

  • Maintain logs of who has access to which doors, systems, and admin interfaces

  • Establish clear roles for who manages physical security system credentials


This documentation becomes your blueprint during audits, investigations, or in the event of a breach.

6. Bridge the Gap Between IT and Facilities Teams


In many districts, physical security still lives under facilities management, while cybersecurity is under IT. These two worlds must converge:


  • Create cross-functional summer planning meetings

  • Standardize security protocols across physical and digital systems

  • Share audit results and threat intelligence between departments


When IT and facilities work together, your security posture strengthens across the board.

Final Thoughts: Physical Security Is Cybersecurity


Gone are the days when a camera or door badge reader was a “set it and forget it” piece of equipment. Today’s physical security systems are smart, connected, and therefore vulnerable—but they’re also essential.


By auditing, updating, and securing these systems during the summer months, K–12 IT and Security Directors can ensure that physical security doesn’t become the weakest link in your cybersecurity chain.

Looking for help?


Reach out to the team at Security Solutions and see how we can assist you at any phase of the process.


View our line card here to see the products and solutions we configure, support, and install.


Comments


bottom of page