The Age Of Collaboration
Connectivity is a hot topic in the IT world
- By Mitchell Kane
- Nov 01, 2017
The organizations of today have a wealth
of technology at their fingertips, highlighting
new features and advancements that
are changing the way these entities do
business, how people work and the interconnectivity
between the two. Connectivity
specifically is a hot topic in the IT world, and it’s starting to
become more mainstream in the security world as more and
more devices communicate with each other to achieve designated
goals of streamlining operations. This connectivity is
characterized by the term Internet of Things (IoT).
New Capacity for Connectivity
The IoT introduces a new capacity for connectivity that is proving
to be a real benefit for enterprises, but many of these organizations
have already seen the challenges presented as more devices
use the network to “talk” to each other. This is especially
important in the global access control market, and as organizations
move forward, strategic technologies can be a critical asset
to safety management.
At its basic level, IoT is the concept of connecting any device
with an “on and off” switch to the Internet—and to other devices,
in some cases. Gartner forecasts that 8.4 billion connected
things will be in use worldwide in 2017, up 31 percent from 2016,
and will reach 20.4 billion by 2020. Total spending on endpoints
and services will reach almost $2 trillion according to this same
research. Similarly, BCG predicts that by 2020, $267 billion
will be spent on IoT technologies, products and services. These
aren’t small numbers, and the security industry is looking to find
a piece of that puzzle through the continued use of connected
devices. In the realm of access control, this means smartphones
and wearable technology—such as a wristband—can be used
as mobile credentials and allows access to specific sections of a
building or campus.
The IoT, in theory, has the potential to offer nearly endless
opportunities for connectivity, but also poses significant risk to
the safety and security of data in the age of cyber attacks and
breaches. But as many leaders know, increased risk doesn’t automatically
mean an increase in an organization’s security budget
or preparedness plans. Companies that use the IoT within the
framework of increasing safety, including access control, must be
strategic in the approach. A lag in keeping up with new technology,
for instance software updates, can compromise an organization,
and leave it open and vulnerable to outside threats. This is
why it is critical to employ a more advanced, comprehensive security
plan that helps realize increased situational awareness and
business intelligence.
The Realm of Success
So, how does the IoT work in the realm of access control technology?
Advanced connectivity through smartphones and other
devices allows for a much more personalized experience by using
mobile credentials, biometrics and analytics in new and innovative
ways. On a large scale, the IoT can be applied to a citywide
transportation system, using data gathered to measure energy use
and identify waste, which can help improve the way we live and
work as a society. Within security, this might mean intelligent
cameras, intrusion-detection alarms or various sensors that are
analyzed at a central point within a security department.
In access control, this means network-enabled door readers
that provide increased insight into an organization’s physical security
posture, such as throughput rates, traffic patterns and the
ability to look at an individual user’s usage. Additionally, this
kind of connectivity through network-enabled readers allows an
organization to set specific “rules” that can be applied depending
on the time of day, day of the week or during special events – the
possibilities are endless.
A critical component to venturing into IoT-friendly systems
within the security realm is protecting data and privacy. Today’s
systems integrators, dealers and security consultants play a crucial
role in the deployment of access control systems that use advanced
IoT-enabled devices. If an end user or facility manager
wants to use connected devices, they must understand and educate
users in best practices to protect organizations from risk. For
these entities, cybersecurity becomes paramount to success.
The important question is: How does an enterprise manage
this endeavor? The answer is by adapting a user-centric design
with scalability, tactical data storage and access with appropriate
identification and security features. After all, many times we see
business success measured by interactive engagement, communication
and social media, which makes it important to stay ahead
of the game when it comes to the access control industry.
One of the most difficult challenges when it comes to advancing
technology is the act of keeping up with it. As industries
change and grow, so too do the risks and threats to safety
management. While the IoT presents manufacturers, integrators,
dealers and consultants with added value for physical security
systems, it is critical for all parties to remain cognizant of the
potential problems that can arise with such new technology.
This article originally appeared in the November 2017 issue of Security Today.