FROM THE EDITOR

Networking Technology is Changing

No one will argue that the network has been one of the greatest evolutions in time. Think of it, everything that you used to do by hand, you can now do via computer. Well, almost everything.

One thing for certain is the network has opened up the world and, for the most part, closed the proprietary world that dominated the security industry.

Our cover story from Jeff Whitney of Arecont Vision by Costar, writes that another major shift is taking place. “Video surveillance is now in the early stages of a general move into the cloud,” he writes. The truth of the matter is that cloud technology is not new. The IT sector adopted cloud-based services long ago, but now there is growing acceptance for the security industry, especially video surveillance applications, to embrace this adjoining technology.

Whitney points out in the cover story that while the security industry may be a little slow in adopting new technology, the benefits of using the cloud are many. “A cloud-based surveillance system can reduce the amount of equipment and human resources needed onsite.”

I walked into a “cloud” in Amsterdam not long ago. I was completely impressed by everything on site. For starters, if a person doesn’t belong in the cloud, they don’t get in. There is no need for the “man off the street,” to wander in unannounced. The facility was secure from the outside in, and that security was maintained on each level of the building, and well into the various clouds in the facility.

The entire facility had one objective in mind, and that was to protect the cloud and all the data that was securely stored inside. Video tucked away in the cloud must be password protected with NIST-compliant data encryption to ensure appropriate access. A two-step verification process is a must, along with various other strong controls in protecting video data.

I think you’ll enjoy what Whitney has to say about “Shifting Towards the Cloud.”

This article originally appeared in the November/December 2018 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • It's Show Time

    I am one of those people that likes to see things get bigger and better. As advertised, ISC West is going to be bigger (more exhibitors) and better (more attendees). It’s show time in Las Vegas. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.