Innovations in Security Technology and Equipment
Tim O’Reilly the Irish-American author, publisher and founder of O’Reilly Media, once said this about technology; “What new technology does is create new opportunities to do a job that customers want done but do it better.” What could be more apt for security technology?
For over 3 decades, here at Titan Security Europe, our primary focus has always been on providing top-notch security guards and while having lost none of that commitment to our people, we have watched new security technology begin to transform the security sector.
Of course, times move on and technology advances mean that the services we provide have evolved. There is no doubt that there will always be a role for security guards but striking a balance between this and the opportunities of using technology to provide enhanced and more effective security services at a lower cost for our clients means that as a company, we embrace the changes.
In this blog post, we’ll be covering and explaining
- Security guards v technology
- Access control systems
- Internet of Things (IoT) security
- Video surveillance and CCTV
- Wearable technology
- Using technology to assess, monitor and manage security provision
- Risks and concerns
So let’s dive straight in:
Security Guards v Security Technology
One question we are often asked is “Will technology one day make manned guarding services redundant?”
Of course, in some very distant future this may well be the case as with a whole host of other human-delivered services, but at this stage automation and technology are not going to become a full replacement for the human touch. There are still some issues to be ironed out which we will go into later.
In many ways, technology provides a much more covert form of security but there are many public-facing circumstances where people are much more comfortable dealing with a human than they would be dealing with a machine. And of course, a security guard can use perception and flexibility to deal appropriately with a situation whereas this is much more difficult with technology that depends on predefined rules and algorithms.
At Titan, we find that each organisation has different security needs depending on specific assets and unique security challenges. We use security auditing to develop a comprehensive security plan incorporating multiple layers of security measures when needed.
To provide the highest level of protection possible, modern technology is becoming an increasingly important factor to consider but for now, technology and manned security will coexist peacefully to provide security services that suit the widest range of businesses.
So let’s now take a look at some key aspects of modern technology as it relates to security in more detail:
Wearable technology
Wearable technology is becoming increasingly popular in the security industry, as it offers a range of benefits when it comes to tracking, monitoring, and protecting people and assets.
Here are some examples of wearable technology and how it is used in the security industry:
Smartwatches: Smartwatches can be used for employee tracking and monitoring the location of security personnel. They can also be used to send and receive alerts and notifications, and to access real-time data from security systems.
Body cameras: These are already widely used by security personnel to record video footage of their interactions with the public. They can be used to help prevent or deter conflicts as well as provide a record of events in case of disputes or legal action.
Panic buttons: Panic buttons are wearable devices that can be used to quickly summon help in case of an emergency. These devices can be worn by security personnel, employees, or even customers and clients for example in close protection. They can be used to alert security teams to potential threats or emergencies
Smart glasses: Smart glasses are wearable devices that can provide augmented reality (AR) displays to security personnel. They can be used to provide real-time data about security threats, access control systems, and video surveillance feeds, allowing security personnel to quickly respond to potential threats.
Wearable sensors: Wearable sensors can be used to monitor the health and safety of security guards and even customers, employees and visitors. These sensors can detect environmental hazards, such as changes in temperature or air quality and send out warnings in case of potential safety risks.
With such wide-ranging benefits as improved tracking and monitoring of people and assets, enhanced communication and response times, and increased safety and security for employees and visitors, it is clear that wearable technology will become an increasingly embedded security feature.
Access control systems
Ask any security expert and they will tell you that controlling who has access to a building or certain areas within it is the foundation of effective security. Access control systems can use various technologies to verify a person’s identity and grant access.
Business access control systems can be integrated into every security layer starting at your perimeter and moving right through to restricting access to sensitive internal areas. The simplest and best-known include automated locks, doors, barriers and gates.
There is also a range of other technological options to grant authorised people access:
- Vehicle number plate recognition systems
- ID cards and badges
- Biometrics
- RFID chips
- Manual pin codes and passwords.
Access control systems can also work with intrusion detection systems to trigger alarms or lockdowns when unauthorised access is attempted or detected.
Here are three examples of access control and intrusion detection systems and how they work:
1. Biometric authentication: The latest in access control technology and one of the most infallible is biometric identification. It uses biological characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, voice recognition or iris scans, to verify a user’s identity. This technology is becoming increasingly popular in modern security systems because it is more secure than traditional password-based authentication methods.
2. Intrusion detection systems: Intrusion detection systems are designed to detect and alert security personnel to unauthorised access or attempted access to a particular area. These systems can include sensors, alarms, and monitoring software. Intrusion detection has come a long way with AI and machine learning incorporated into technology like CCTV cameras to provide advanced anomaly recognition.
3. Radio frequency identification (RFID): This is a technology that uses small tags with a chip and an antenna inside that can help identify and track things without touching them. For example, security systems can use an RFID reader to scan a badge or a card and grant entry into a building or a room.
RFID is used widely in the retail and transport industries to keep track of inventory, equipment, or vehicles, and prevent theft or loss. The tags can store information about the thing they are attached to, such as its name, number, or location. They communicate with a device called an RFID reader, which can read the information from the tags using radio waves.
RFID makes life for businesses and security companies easier and safer by enabling them to identify and track people, vehicles and inventory quickly and accurately.
More Examples of Security Industry Technology
Internet of Things (IoT) security
IoT refers to a network of interconnected devices, similar to those that control the lights and entertainment in many homes. The use of IoT in security is becoming increasingly common as these devices become more prevalent by integrating it with other systems to provide a holistic view of the security situation
When considering this type of security it’s worth bringing in the experts as it can present some issues too by creating potential security vulnerabilities in a network if hackers gain control.
On the positive side, the ability to communicate and exchange data over the internet using smartphones, security cameras, microphones and smart locks can help improve security and even cut costs for smaller businesses.
By enabling remote monitoring and control of security devices and alerting security companies and business owners to potential risks or even incidents in progress, IoT is fairly advanced and yet reasonably affordable because in many cases it requires little more than a smartphone.
This creates a perfect scenario for larger multi-site businesses requiring a coordinated security strategy as well as smaller businesses where the ability to remotely control IoT devices brings cost savings in terms of the number of personnel needed to run security.
Video surveillance, CCTV and Drones
Video surveillance systems: can be used to monitor and record activity in a particular area. These systems can include CCTV cameras, recording devices, and software for managing and analysing video footage.
CCTV monitoring services: have been around for years but the latest innovations mean that video storage, multi-site monitoring systems and multi-person monitoring access can be amalgamated as cloud-based systems. This provides efficient and cost-effective options without the expense and technical problems associated with physical monitoring equipment.
Drones: Surveillance of large areas has been made easier with the use of drones equipped with cameras and infrared heat-detecting technology. Drones can be used for surveillance, reconnaissance, and intervention in various security scenarios.
Examples might be border patrol, crowd control, disaster response, and crime prevention for large sprawling sites like solar energy parks and industrial zones.
Using technology to assess, monitor and manage security
Security information and event management (SIEM)
For businesses of any size, consistently monitoring and adjusting your security strategy is important in light of new threats emerging all the time. For large multi-site businesses with complex security needs, this is a task that can be made much easier with modern technology.
The security industry has a name for this process – Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) takes the pain out of keeping security current and this is how it works:
1) Data Analysis
SIEM helps organisations and security companies detect, analyse, and respond to security threats and step in before they harm business operations. It collects and analyses data from various sources, such as devices, applications, users, and networks, and alerts security teams when it detects any suspicious or anomalous activity.
2) Machine Learning
SIEM is not necessarily just a passive observer. It also uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to make threat detection and incident response smarter and faster. AI is a branch of computer science that enables machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, and decision-making. AI can coordinate data from any number of sources and use it to input into your security strategy development as well as more efficiently control security devices such as detection and monitoring equipment.
3) Automation
SIEM uses orchestration and automation to streamline and accelerate security workflows and processes. Orchestration and automation help SIEM to integrate with other security tools and execute actions or responses based on agreed rules or policies. The aim is to reduce human error and improve consistency and efficiency.
The challenges presented by modern technology in the security industry
We have discussed how modern technology has the potential to improve security. However, there are also challenges and risks associated with using it:
- When it comes to using modern technology for security purposes, there are concerns about how it may impact individual privacy and rights. Additionally, there are ethical considerations and high levels of concern when it comes to the use of force or lethal weapons by autonomous drones or AI systems.
- While modern technology can enhance security, it can also introduce new vulnerabilities or weaknesses that can be exploited by malicious actors. Cyberattacks, for example, can compromise the integrity and availability of data and devices. Drones may also be vulnerable to hacking or jamming, and AI may be susceptible to deception or bias. Even IoT devices can be at risk of unauthorised access or manipulation.
- Another challenge modern technology faces is ensuring interoperability and compatibility with a diverse range of existing systems. This means that different devices or platforms may have difficulty communicating or exchanging data effectively, different agencies may struggle to share information or coordinate actions, and regulations or policies may not be aligned or harmonised
These are some examples of the challenges and risks of using modern technology for security purposes. Therefore, it is important to balance the benefits and drawbacks of modern technology for security and adopt appropriate measures to ensure its responsible and effective use.
Five Key Takeaways
- Modern technology in the security industry is delivering a more efficient, comprehensive and in some circumstances, more cost-effective service.
- Small to medium enterprises can benefit as much as the large multi-site companies investing huge sums into security.
- Technology is not anywhere near the point where it will become a substitute for human-delivered security guarding and security services. Technology and manned security services are destined to integrate peacefully for some time to come
- The use of innovative technology can deliver increased security and safety for security personnel, clients and organisations as a whole and that has to be a good thing
- Upgrading security provisions using innovative technology is something that should be done with expert support and guidance to ensure that the most appropriate safe and secure systems are adopted.
Are you interested in finding out how technology can improve your business security?
Get in touch today for a no-obligation chat with our experts. Find out how technology can improve security and even cut costs!