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

  • Security Today Announces The Govies Government Security Award Winners for 2025

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 winners in The Govies Government Security Awards. The awards honor outstanding government security products in a variety of categories. Read Now

  • Survey: 60 Percent of Organizations Using AI in IT Infrastructure

    Netwrix, a cybersecurity provider focused on data and identity threats, today announced the release of its annual global 2025 Cybersecurity Trends Report based on a global survey of 2,150 IT and security professionals from 121 countries. It reveals that 60% of organizations are already using artificial intelligence (AI) in their IT infrastructure and 30% are considering implementing AI. Read Now

  • New Research Reveals Global Video Surveillance Industry Perspectives on AI

    Axis Communications, the global industry leader in video surveillance, has released its latest research report, ‘The State of AI in Video Surveillance,’ which explores global industry perspectives on the use of AI in the security industry and beyond. The report reveals current attitudes on AI technologies thanks to in-depth interviews with AI experts from Axis’ global network and a comprehensive survey of more than 5,800 respondents, including distributors, channel partners, and end customers across 68 countries. The resulting insights cover AI integration and the opportunities and challenges that exist with regard to security, safety, business intelligence, and operational efficiency. Read Now

  • SIA Urges Tariff Relief for Security Industry Products

    Today, the Security Industry Association has sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick requesting relief from tariffs for security industry products and asking that the Trump administration formulate a process that allows companies to apply for product-specific exemptions. The security industry is an important segment of the U.S. economy, contributing over $430 billion in total economic impact and supporting over 2.1 million jobs. Read Now

  • Report Shows Cybercriminals Continue Pivot to Stealthier Tactics

    IBM recently released the 2025 X-Force Threat Intelligence Index highlighting that cybercriminals continued to pivot to stealthier tactics, with lower-profile credential theft spiking, while ransomware attacks on enterprises declined. IBM X-Force observed an 84% increase in emails delivering infostealers in 2024 compared to the prior year, a method threat actors relied heavily on to scale identity attacks. Read Now

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Hanwha QNO-7012R

    Hanwha QNO-7012R

    The Q Series cameras are equipped with an Open Platform chipset for easy and seamless integration with third-party systems and solutions, and analog video output (CVBS) support for easy camera positioning during installation. A suite of on-board intelligent video analytics covers tampering, directional/virtual line detection, defocus detection, enter/exit, and motion detection.