Online Exclusive: How to Check for Updates Within Your Security System

If you have had any professional security system integration in the past, then you know that purchasing a Service-Level Agreement to keep you online is of paramount importance.

According to a recent report from the FBI, businesses account for 28.4 percent of all reported burglary offenses in 2015. And with 1.5 million annual burglaries occurring in the United States, it’s all the more important that you’re using a proactive, reliable security system so that you experience the least amount of downtime. With that in mind, here are our top four methods to check your security system for updates so that you don’t have to worry.

  1. Install Local System Monitoring Device

Oftentimes, clients have the manpower, but lack the hardware to help monitor during off-duty hours. You can check for updates just by physically checking the hardware or looking at server data reports. But for example, here at Knight, we implement a platform that can monitor your current system’s functionality, and make sure everything is up-to-date and working as intended. What we’ve found since starting this program is that devices like this will initiate more than 50 percent of our service activity, so that system downtime is better mitigated for all of our clients.

  1. Check Your Server for Alerts

As previously mentioned, one of our core components here at Knight is the ability to consistently monitor and detect possible system issues with our patented system health monitoring methodology. But if you’re looking for a simple way to check your system for errors, look for server alerts. Your server will tell you if your system is experiencing excessive CPU/RAM utilization, traffic congestion, as well as hard drive errors.

  1. Keep Up-to-Date on Hardware

Just by routinely inspecting your hardware, you can find many ways in which your devices can falter. Issues like low batteries, temperature spikes or dips, or even issues like faulty fan speeds are bound to happen. Luckily, they can be easily seen and detected if you make system inspection a part of your monthly routine.

  1. Proactive Service

If you have had any professional security system integration in the past, then you know that purchasing a Service-Level Agreement to keep you online is of paramount importance. According to Wired, “in order to survive in today’s world, one must be able to expect the unexpected as there are always new, unanticipated challenges. The only way to consistently overcome these challenges is to create a strong initial set of ground rules, and plan for exceptions from the start...Just as any IT project would have a roadmap with clearly defined deliverables, an SLA is equally critical.”

At the end of the day, SLA’s are there to protect your business in case of downtime, emergency, or even if it’s just routine maintenance to get you the latest software updates. Because even though it may seem like no news is good news, when it comes to your security, there are no second chances.

About the Author

Phil Lake has been in the Life Safety/Security, and Controls industries for thirty years. During those thirty years, Phil has had ever increasing responsibility and opportunity and has held the President title for twenty years. The companies he has led include Honeywell, Chubb Security and Siemens--all global firms where Phil made a significant impact. However, Phil is most proud of his work at Knight Security Systems. Working at Knight has been a doubly-rewarding experience, leading and cultivating an environment where each team member has valuable input in the direction of the company. With Phil as President, Knight has been growing at an aggressive pace, fueled by a dedication to service and client satisfaction. Phil holds a Certified General Accountant Degree (CPA equivalent) from the University of Toronto where he studied Industrial Marketing in the Executive Programs.

Featured

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

  • Report: Nearly 1 in 5 Healthcare Leaders Say Cyberattacks Have Impacted Patient Care

    Omega Systems, a provider of managed IT and security services, today released new research that reveals the growing impact of cybersecurity challenges on leading healthcare organizations and patient safety. According to the 2025 Healthcare IT Landscape Report, 19% of healthcare leaders say a cyberattack has already disrupted patient care, and more than half (52%) believe a fatal cyber-related incident is inevitable within the next five years. Read Now

New Products

  • 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.

  • Luma x20

    Luma x20

    Snap One has announced its popular Luma x20 family of surveillance products now offers even greater security and privacy for home and business owners across the globe by giving them full control over integrators’ system access to view live and recorded video. According to Snap One Product Manager Derek Webb, the new “customer handoff” feature provides enhanced user control after initial installation, allowing the owners to have total privacy while also making it easy to reinstate integrator access when maintenance or assistance is required. This new feature is now available to all Luma x20 users globally. “The Luma x20 family of surveillance solutions provides excellent image and audio capture, and with the new customer handoff feature, it now offers absolute privacy for camera feeds and recordings,” Webb said. “With notifications and integrator access controlled through the powerful OvrC remote system management platform, it’s easy for integrators to give their clients full control of their footage and then to get temporary access from the client for any troubleshooting needs.”

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.