Darren Nix

Security Tip of the Month: Technology is Only One Part of the Security Equation

  • Jan 11, 2010

In the last few weeks there have been a series of breaches in airport security that have received national attention. In one particular case, which happened in Terminal C at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport, a man entered the "secure" side of the airport by walking the wrong way through a security checkpoint and suddenly disappearing. For the next several hours, all airport passengers were redirected through the TSA screening process, causing a lot of frustration—not to mention flight delays. One saying came to mind as people reacted to the story: "Technology alone provides a false sense of security."

Although I don't know all of the details of this specific breach, it has been reported that the video cameras were not operating properly despite there being video footage of the man entering through the exit. Some airports have installed camera systems with video analytic technology, which allows a specific video event to trigger an alarm. For example, if a person walks in the wrong direction of the camera's field of view, an alarm would alert security. Perhaps this was not working correctly. Nevertheless, we are led to believe it was a failure in technology.

It is important for us all to remember that security is subjective and is based on the philosophy of the organization, the assets that need to be protected and many other factors. Unlike a fire alarm system, which has a large variety of code requirements for different applications, security systems are designed to work in conjunction with the people and processes of a company. It is absolutely necessary to understand how security personnel (people) are going to operate and use the systems, and it is equally important to understand the procedures (processes) incorporated by the company. Ultimately, the technology merely complements the people and required procedures and should be tested on a regular basis. Remember, your security program relies on the people using the system as well as the processes and technology used.

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.