Why This Matters

  • By Alan Stoddard
  • Mar 24, 2023

In today's complex and rapidly changing security landscape, situational intelligence has become crucial to managing risk and protecting assets. It refers to gathering, analyzing and using information about a particular situation to make informed and effective decisions. This means understanding the current threat environment, anticipating potential risks, and responding effectively to emerging security incidents.

However, to realize situational intelligence, we must solve the data problem. The data problem in security refers to the challenges associated with managing and using the vast amounts of data generated by security systems and processes. This data can come from various sources, including video surveillance cameras, biometric systems and other sensor technologies, and human sources, such as eyewitnesses and informers.

With these millions of sensors and devices, generating vast amounts of information daily, organizations must have the systems and processes to manage this data effectively. Much of the data generated is unstructured and may take time to be helpful for analysis. This requires organizations to invest in sophisticated data analytics and machine learning technologies to turn this data into actionable intelligence.

Even with these challenges, addressing them and leveraging data to boost new levels of awareness is critically important. Here are some reasons why:

A proactive mindset. An essential aspect of situational intelligence is anticipating potential threats before they materialize. This requires a deep understanding of the threat environment and identifying indicators of forthcoming risks. This process can include monitoring social media, analyzing trends and patterns in criminal activity, and tracking the movements of illegal activity. With this information, security staff can take proactive steps to mitigate risk and prevent security incidents from occurring.

Informed response. Quick and effective response is another significant benefit of situational intelligence. When a security incident does occur, having security intelligence is essential for a quick and effective response. By having a deep understanding of the situation, security staff can quickly assess what is happening and determine the most appropriate response. This can include activating emergency procedures, evacuating the area, or calling for backup.

Data-driven decisions. Situational intelligence also enables security staff to make better decisions in the face of rapidly changing situations. With access to real-time information, security staff can assess the situation, consider all available options, and take action to mitigate risk and protect assets, such as evaluating the deployment of resources, the use of technology, or the implementation of security protocols.

Enhance collaboration. By analyzing data to enhance situational awareness, organizations realize improved cooperation between security stakeholders, including law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and private sector organizations. By sharing information and working together, these stakeholders can enhance their collective situational awareness and respond more effectively to security incidents.

Ultimately, situational intelligence aims to enhance safety and security and reduce the risk of security incidents. The road to situational intelligence does not happen overnight. There are several elements that help build a solid intelligence capability, including:

Technology. As an essential tool, technology will help automate manual security and analysis functions. Video analytics and artificial intelligence-based technologies gather data and analyze it on demand based on pre-defined parameters. AI algorithms can process large amounts of data from various sources to identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate a potential security threat. This information will help assess the situation and respond appropriately, quickly, and accurately. In addition, AI can also help with predictive analytics, allowing security personnel to anticipate and mitigate potential threats before they occur.

Private/public partnerships. Multi-agency collaboration bring together the resources, expertise, and specialized skills of the private and public sector, allowing for a more comprehensive and effective security operation. Public organizations realize streamlined security operations by utilizing private sector innovation, technology, and best practices, reducing costs, and improving efficiency. A clear framework for accountability, with private and public partners working towards common goals and be held accountable for their responsibilities, results in new levels of situational awareness.

Training and education. Finally, it is essential to ensure that security staff have the training and education to use the data that drives greater situational intelligence effectively. This can include training in data analysis, decision-making, and incident response, as well as in the use of technology and collaboration skills. Standard operating procedures are essential to implement as well so that all stakeholders know how to best respond when a security event occurs.

Situational intelligence is a critical component of modern security management. By anticipating potential threats, responding quickly and effectively to incidents, making informed decisions, and collaborating effectively with other security stakeholders, security staff can help to reduce risk and protect assets.

To build a robust situational intelligence capability, organizations must focus on data collection and analysis, use technology, encourage collaboration and information sharing, and provide ongoing training and education to security staff.

By taking these steps, organizations can ensure they have the situational intelligence they need to stay ahead of the threat landscape and effectively manage risk in an ever-changing security environment.

This article originally appeared in the March / April 2023 issue of Security Today.

Featured

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

  • Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now

  • UL Solutions Launches Artificial Intelligence Safety Certification Services

    UL Solutions Inc., a global leader in safety science, today announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI) safety certification services, enabling comprehensive assessments for evaluating the safety of AI-powered products. Read Now

  • ESA Announces Initiative to Introduce the SECURE Act in State Legislatures

    The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the national voice for the electronic security and life safety industry, has announced plans to introduce the SECURE Act in state legislatures across the country beginning in 2025. The proposal, known as Safeguarding Election Candidates Using Reasonable Expenditures, provides a clear framework that allows candidates and elected officials to use campaign funds for professional security services. Read Now

    • Guard Services
Most   Popular

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.

  • 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.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.