An organisation’s most important assets are the people working for it. However, discussions about corporate security tend to focus on issues such as data loss, hacking attempts, cyberattacks and other exotic security breaches. But as it turns out, if you leave your front door wide open, even the best security system cannot secure your premise. Similarly, without proper access control systems and a focus on employee security, no organisation can consider itself safe.
Market research firm MarketsandMarkets estimated the global physical security market at $55 billion (about Dh202 billion) in 2013, but as new sub-categories emerge, it is expected to grow to $85 billion by 2019. Corporates are now increasingly investing in networked systems. Meanwhile, companies that have already made sizeable investments in analog hardware, are adding ‘bridge systems’ that fuse the old and the new.
Eyes everywhere
A prime example of the shift to digital is in the video surveillance market. Instead of the traditional analog setups and ‘control rooms’, companies are opting for IP-based cameras that can be remotely accessed from anywhere. In fact, IHS Research has predicted that revenues from network cameras will surpass analog camera products in 2014, while the category itself will grow by over 20 per cent annually.
These trends have impacted other markets — like data storage. Instead of old-fashioned tapes, surveillance records are now available on economical banks of hard drives, servers and even in the cloud. IP cameras are also getting better and cheaper — the latest breed can see in near darkness, offer higher resolution streams and a wider colour gamut. Recording standards and compression algorithms too continue to improve.
Multiple functions
Most IP-based security and access control systems use open standards, and this leads to innovative integration possibilities. Corporates can now roll multiple functions into one back end system — including intrusion detection, alarm, fire safety and video surveillance. Also, since all functions are networked, employees can use the same device — an access card, for instance — to not just open doors, but also to access office resources such as vending machines, stationary dispensers, printers, and even automatically log into their desktops when they enter the workplace.
Replacing access cards
The logical continuation of bring your own device (BYOD) is to replace access cards, security tokens and fingerprint scanners with NFC-equipped smartphones. HID Global, a leading manufacturer of secure identity solutions, describes this as “frictionless security solutions that don’t slow users down”.
John Fenske, Vice-President of Product Marketing Identity and Access Management, HID Global, in an article on SecurityInfoWatch.com, notes, “In this new paradigm, mobile devices (rather than an access control system) make the access decisions and doors (rather than cards) present their identity. This role reversal, sometimes called duality, changes how access control solutions are offered.”
Cupboards get smart
Smart devices also eliminate the need for expensive centralised hardware to run a security set-up. Instead, a company can distribute cheaper electronic locks all over the premise, and programme them to selectively respond to commands issued by smartphones. So in theory, even the fridge in the pantry can be secured at minimal cost.
Alarms that talk
Apparently, people respond to voice better than to clanging bells. The new crop of fire alarms are better on two fronts — they have sensors that can distinguish between smoke and fire, figure out the affected areas and then automatically guide employees through the evacuation process. These systems integrate into the PA system, and depending on the emergency, can intelligently trigger off a range of pre-recorded messages.
