SIRA Compliance Checklist for Enterprise Security Operations

By: Ganesan D 01 Oct 2025 Category: CCTV security

When running enterprise security operations (CCTV, access control, monitoring, etc.) in a jurisdiction regulated by SIRA (Security Industry Regulatory Authority), compliance is non-negotiable. A breach of standards can lead to legal consequences, system failures, or reputational damage. Below is a structured checklist to guide your design, deployment, operation, and audit of security systems under SIRA’s framework.

1. Regulatory & Licensing Foundations

1.1 Verify SIRA Licensing & Approvals

Ensure the security vendor / integrator holds a valid SIRA / regulatory license for security/ surveillance systems.
Confirm the license is active, not expired or suspended.
Check if the license scope covers CCTV, alarms, integration, etc.

1.2 Understand Project Scope for SIRA Approval

Determine whether your project (new installation, expansion, upgrade) requires a formal SIRA submission or NOC.
For covert or hidden cameras, special SIRA permission is required.
For larger systems (e.g., many cameras, integration with PSIM), approval documentation and more detailed technical review may be required.

1.3 Maintain Regulatory Updates

Keep abreast of new or revised SIRA technical specifications and law amendments (e.g. the 2022 Preventive Systems Law update).
Re-audit your systems periodically to stay compliant.

2. Site Survey & System Design

2.1 Site Survey / Risk Assessment

Walk the physical site under all lighting conditions (day, dusk, night).
List critical areas: entrances, exits, high-value zones, blind spots.
Note environmental challenges: reflections, bright backlight, glare, dust, heat, vibration.

2.2 Detailed Design & Documentation

Produce architectural / CCTV CAD drawings showing camera locations, fields of view, mounting details, cable runs.
Bill of materials (camera models, lenses, recorders, storage, networking).
Integration plan (alarm, access control, building management).
Submit design to SIRA if required.

2.3 Scalability, Redundancy & Future Proofing

Plan for future expansion (extra cameras, higher resolution, advanced analytics).
Include redundancy: UPS, redundant storage, backup network links.
Use modular designs to allow future upgrades without full replacement.

3. Camera & Imaging Compliance

3.1 Minimum Technical Standards (Analog & IP)

Cameras must be color (not monochrome) during daylight.
Minimum resolution: Full HD (1080p) or better.
Signal-to-noise ratio ≥ 48 dB.
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) or equivalent to handle strong lighting contrasts.
Auto iris / exposure adjustment in variable light.
IR cut filter and night mode (monochrome) switching.
For cameras mounted ≥ 4 m: remote zoom and focus.
Outdoor cameras: minimum IP66 rating or appropriate housings.
Prohibition or restriction on audio / microphone capture, unless explicitly permitted by SIRA.
Cameras must be visible, not hidden, unless specific permission granted.

4. Recording, Storage & Video Management

4.1 Recording Device Requirements

Use only digital recorders (DVR / NVR / hybrid).
Recording resolution not less than Full HD.
Live view must maintain performance (e.g. 25 fps) while recording and playback occur.
Support simultaneous live viewing, recording, and playback without degradation.
Efficient search / playback tools (by time, date, camera) must be available.
Allow continuous and event-based (motion / external trigger) recording.
Event recording must provide pre- and post-event buffers (e.g. 10 seconds before & after).
Minimum retention periods (commonly 31 days or more, depending on site class).
Recorders must have extra capacity (e.g. +20 %) to permit growth/buffering.
Copy / export functionality to standard media format for required durations.

4.2 Video Management & Integration

For large installations (64+ cameras or multiple recorders), a Video Management System (VMS) is required.
Role-based access control (user rights, passwords) on VMS / recorder.
Integration with other systems (alarms, BMS, access) must go via approved protocols or PSIM (with SIRA approval).

5. Cybersecurity & Network Architecture

5.1 Network Segmentation & Security

Use dedicated LAN / subnet for CCTV / surveillance.
Isolate surveillance network from general corporate IT to prevent cross-impact.
Deploy firewalls, intrusion prevention, and secure gateways at junctions.
Use secure communication protocols (HTTPS, TLS, SSH, etc.).

5.2 Access Control, Encryption & Audits

Enforce strong passwords, multi-factor where possible.
Role-based access (administrator, viewer, audit).
Log all access, configuration changes, firmware updates.
Encrypt stored footage and streams (if supported) to prevent tampering.
Ensure regular updates / patches for firmware, VMS, OS.
For remote access: use secure VPNs or encrypted channels; limit remote admin capabilities.

6. Installation & Physical Infrastructure

6.1 Cabling, Power & Protection

Use shielded / rated cables; follow bend radii, avoid interference.
Conduits, junction boxes, proper pathway planning.
UPS / backup power to maintain system during outages.
Surge protection on power lines (cameras, recorders).
Proper mounting, vibration isolation, enclosure integrity.
Weatherproofing, sealing entry points to prevent moisture.

6.2 Quality Assurance / Testing at Installation

Before finalizing, test each camera: focus, angle, exposure, image clarity.
Test IR / night mode switching.
Simulate power failure (UPS cutover).
Verify remote access, network throughput, latency.
Record test clips; validate playback and export.
Document “as-built” drawings, cable paths, camera IDs.

7. Commissioning, Acceptance & Documentation

7.1 Final Commissioning & Acceptance

Demonstrate end-to-end full system operation (live, record, playback, search).
Stress test under load (many cameras simultaneously).
Validate performance invariants (fps, latency).
Present test logs, event footage, system settings to client / auditor.

7.2 Documentation & Handover

Configuration records, user accounts, passwords (securely).
System / user manuals, maintenance procedures.
As-built layout, cable schedule, device inventory.
Warranty certificates, spare parts list.
Training to client security / operations team.

7.3 Sign-off & Compliance Certificate

Obtain formal written acceptance from client.
Submit to SIRA (if required) for certification / inspection.
Maintain record of certificate, inspection reports.

8. Ongoing Maintenance, Audit & Review

8.1 Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Periodic inspection of cameras, lenses, housings, cabling.
Clean optics, check alignment, check for corrosion / ingress.
Verify UPS, battery health.
Firmware / software updates (with regression testing).
Backup and test restoration of archived video.

8.2 Periodic Audits & Compliance Checks

Internal or third-party audit to ensure all standards are still met.
Revalidate image quality (lighting changes, wear & tear).
Check logs, access records, audit trails.
Ensure retention policies are being adhered (no over-retention or early deletion).

8.3 Incident Management & Forensics Ready

Maintain incident logs, change logs, repairs, downtime.
Ensure chain-of-custody for exported footage.
Test recovery from backups / archives.
Address nonconformities promptly and document corrective action.

Summary & Best Practices

Treat SIRA compliance as a lifecycle responsibility, not a one-time checklist.
Partner with a trusted SIRA-approved integrator, ideally experienced in large enterprise projects.
Build in headroom (extra capacity, modularity) so compliance changes or expansion don’t force rework.
Keep detailed records — documentation is often as critical as the hardware.
Stay updated on regulatory changes — what was compliant yesterday might not be tomorrow.

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