Protecting Premises and People

Integrated security systems also keeps an eye on assets and processes

Today’s utilities sector is facing inevitable changes in economics, demand and customer behavior and, in many countries, new regulations with the potential for higher fines. To ease cost pressures, facility operators must find ways to improve a variety of elements within their buildings, including their security system.

The evolving threat scape for both cyber and physical security continues to expand from facility break-ins to high-profile system breaches. Key security issues facing the utilities sector include protection of physical premises and operational assets (from cybersecurity and physical intrusion and from internal and external theft), as well as protection against health and safety risks. Besides addressing these issues, utility companies must maintain the reliability of their systems, reduce overall risk and responsibly comply with industry regulations.

An integrated, cost-effective security system can play a key role in responding to these challenges.

Protection of Premises
To establish a safer and more secure environment, operators should consider integrated enterprise solutions such as radar and video analytics. Technologies include artificial intelligence-driven (AI) sensors that activate an alarm when an intruder enters a facility, and even gunshot detection that warns of a possible active shooter. These solutions can deter intruders, warn of potential threats and used to protect multiple sites.

Operators can also use enterprise video solutions to monitor remote sites such as power substations and telecom antennas. A central monitoring station can alert operators and store surveillance video on the cloud to help prevent the loss of evidence.

To help deter vandalism, operators can add two-way audio to an integrated security system that enables them to speak directly to potential vandals, who are less likely to cause damage if they knowing they are being monitored and recorded.

Protection of Assets
Utilities are prime cyber targets for activists, terrorists and hostile governments. According to a Cybersecurity Ventures report, cybercrime is projected to cause more than $6 trillion in damages during 2021.

Unauthorized access is a key challenge for many utility sites as it can result in theft, fraud, cybercrime and significant fines from regulation agencies. With an integrated enterprise security system, operators can protect assets through a single, centrally managed system, further preventing disruptions and/or major financial loss.

Sophisticated video analytics can help operators determine whether an apparent threat presents an actual danger or is something harmless like an animal or other object near a site’s perimeter.

Access control technologies are essential in making sure the right people use the right areas at the right time. For some companies, security rights have not been updated, and ex-employees may still have access to buildings. An integrated system, for example, can link security access to HR and payroll, where rights are automatically removed when an employee leaves the company.

This can help remove the potential for hacks – intentional or otherwise – that can come from within the building. For example, a current employee who has access to the facility could insert a thumb drive to upload malware onto the building system or inadvertently open an online portal that allows entry to bad actors.

Protection of People
Monitoring and controlling the movement of employees, visitors and contractors is critical in creating an effective security system. Sensors and cameras are integrated to monitor any lone workers who might need aid in the event of an accident or medical emergency. Cameras can also be supplemented by alarms so that employees have direct access to emergency response teams.

Additionally, utility companies can use an enterprise access-control system to manage compliance with corporate COVID-19 policies, generating compliance reports to understand daily occupancy at sites throughout an organization and determine if employees followed proper protocols to gain access to the sites.

Protection of Processes
Utility companies must continue to develop appropriate security standards considering new threats. Complying to government and regulatory initiatives (i.e., SIP and NERC) is critical, as noncompliance could create negative press, affect stock values, lead to heavy fines or even result in the loss of a business license.

Using tools from a security management solution rapidly provides the data and reports needed for audits to prove compliance. To add, compliance rules are constantly evolving so implementing a security system that continuously updates to meet the latest requirements can help companies stay on track.

From enterprise protection and access control to video technology and risk management — implementing an integrated security system ultimately provides a safer environment so that your premises, assets, people and processes can focus on operating at maximum efficiency.

This article originally appeared in the November / December 2021 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Just as Expected

    GSX produced a wonderful tradeshow earlier this week. Monday was surprisingly strong in the morning, and the afternoon wasn’t bad at all. That’s Monday’s results and asking attendees to travel on Sunday. Just a quick hint, no one wants to give up their weekend to travel and set up an exhibit booth. I’m just saying. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • NOLA: The Crescent City

    Twenty years later we finds ourselves in New Orleans. Twenty years ago the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced exhibitors and attendees to look elsewhere for tradeshow floor space. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • GSX
  • Nothing Artificial About this Intelligence

    I have been looking forward to this year’s GSX show in New Orleans, the Cresent City, or if you prefer The Big Easy. It seems like quite a while since we’ve been here. Twenty years ago, ASIS, as it was known then was literally washed out of the city by someone known as Katrina. It is a good thing to come back to NOLA. Read Now

  • From Monitors to Mission Control

    Security Operations Centers (SOC) were once defined by rows of static monitors, each displaying a single feed with operators quietly watching for issues. That model has become obsolete. Incidents evolve too quickly, data comes from multiple locations, and decisions must be made in seconds—not minutes. Read Now

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.

  • 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.

  • 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.