The Age Of Collaboration

Connectivity is a hot topic in the IT world

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.

Featured

  • Unlocking the Possibilities

    Security needs continue to evolve and end users are under pressure to address emerging risks and safety concerns. For many, that focus starts with upgrading perimeter openings and layering technologies—beginning at the door. Read Now

  • Freedom of Choice

    In today's security landscape, we are witnessing a fundamental transformation in how organizations manage digital evidence. Law enforcement agencies, campus security teams, and large facility operators face increasingly complex challenges with expanding video data, tightening budget constraints and inflexible systems that limit innovation. Read Now

  • Accelerating a Pathway

    There is a new trend touting the transformational qualities of AI’s ability to deliver actionable data and predictive analysis that in many instances, seems to be a bit of an overpromise. The reality is that very few solutions in the cyber-physical security (CPS) space live up to this high expectation with the one exception being the new generation of Physical Identity and Access Management (PIAM) software – herein recategorized as PIAM+. Read Now

  • Protecting Your Zones

    It is game day. You can feel the crowd’s energy. In the parking lot. At the gate. In the stadium. On the concourse. Fans are eager to party. Food and merchandise vendors ready themselves for the rush. Read Now

  • Street Smarts

    The ongoing acceptance of AI and advanced data analytics has allowed surveillance camera technology to shift from being a tactical tool to a strategic business solution. Combining traditional surveillance technology with AI-based data-driven insights can streamline transportation systems, enhance traffic management, improve situational awareness, optimize resource allocation and streamline emergency response procedures. Read Now

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.