Surveillance on a Budget

Open Source Tools and Strategies for Cost-effective Monitoring

Fyeox LLC, Richard Nelson, Open Source Advocate

https://www.midwesttechtalk.com/cybersecurity/

March 6th and 7th, 2025

20250109-0

Introduction

  • Importance of monitoring for security, research, and innovation.
  • Challenges: High costs and proprietary restrictions.
  • Solution: Open source tools and DIY approaches.

The Open Source Advantage

  • Free or low cost software.
  • Community driven support.
  • Customizable and transparent.
  • Integration with affordable hardware (Think upcycling!).

Tools and Technologies

  • Linux Software Options
    • ZoneMinder - https://zoneminder.com
    • Shinobi - https://shinobi.video
    • Frigate - https://frigate.video
    • Motion - https://motion-project.github.io
    • Others (lots)
  • Infrastructure
    • Select for deployment case

Tools and Technologies

  • Let's Get Creative with Open Source!
    • debian - https://debian.org
    • nginx - https://nginx.org
    • nginx-rtmp-module - https://github.com/arut/nginx-rtmp-module
    • rtmp-nginx-viewer - https://github.com/unixabg/rtmp-nginx-viewer

Tools and Technologies

  • Hardware
    • Plan carefully, know the deployment case infrastructure
    • IP Cameras - Supported Protocols
      • RTMP (not all cameras)
      • RTSP
      • ONVIF
      • HTTPS
      • Other

Real-world Applications

  • Operational security.
  • Operational monitoring.
  • Community projects and research.

Case Study:

Utilizing nginx with nginx-rtmp-module on a Budget

rtmp-nginx-viewer

Challenges and Solutions

  • Common Issues:
    • Lack of infrastructre, hardware limitations, and technical expertise.
    • Object detection and enhanced features.
    • Never trust IP Cameras (vlan + firewall rules).
  • Solutions:
    • Community forums, open source documentation, modular upgrades, and paid support - solution consulting.

How to Get Started

  • Define your requirements (Think about upcycling!).
  • Research open source options.
  • Start small and iterate.
  • Budget time to get to know the solution you are considering.
  • Run the numbers for value - cost savings, then determine if it is the right decision for you.

Acknowledgment of Sponsors

"Thank you!", to the sponsors who support my open source efforts:

  • FYEOX LLC https://fyeox.com
  • Joe's Data Center https://joesdatacenter.com
  • Open Infrastructure https://web.open-infrastructure.net
  • If you would like to become a sponsor, please contact me at unixabg@gmail.com

Conclusion

Empowering Surveillance with Open Source:

  • Affordable, adaptable, and accessible solutions.
  • Community contributions make it sustainable.
  • Call to action: Start your project today!

Q&A

We welcome your questions and discussions on how open source solutions can work for you.