COVID-19 has posed a wide variety of problems to businesses of all kinds, from hospitals and grocery stores to cannabis dispensaries and schools. While security technology has always been an important investment for businesses to make, during the pandemic, the use of security technology has become more vital than ever, and has provided businesses with solutions to some of their pandemic problems.
COVID-19 has helped business owners realize that their security systems have a far larger function and versatility than strictly traditional loss prevention. While many have traditionally viewed them as ways to prevent theft, such as shoplifting, or protect their employees and buildings, business owners are now being exposed to the true capabilities of their security systems.
Shred-it announced the release of its 10th Anniversary Edition Data Protection Report (formerly known as “The Security Tracker: State of the Industry Report”), which outlines data security risks threatening U.S. enterprises and small businesses. The findings are based on a survey conducted by Ipsos, shedding light on trends in data protection practices and the risks American businesses, organizations, and consumers face related to keeping their data secure.
There are few discussions in the physical security business that don’t at some point focus on the topic of cybersecurity. One area frequently missing from these conversations is the importance of a trusted supply chain for manufacturers. Since a product is only as good as the hardware and software inside it, examining how something is built can give us rapid insight into its potential vulnerabilities and overall cyber worthiness. The NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) ban is particularly focused on the subject of component sourcing for security devices. What is inside that device that could be exploited? Where did it come from? What do we know about the manufacturing process? These are all important questions about the manufacturing supply chain that need to be considered by anyone who cares about cybersecurity.
The Security Industry Associated has identified its Top 10 Security Megatrends from focus groups within the industry. The trends will be an underlying theme at the Securing New Ground conference (Oct. 21-22, virtual).
Boon Edam Inc. has published a new whitepaper for architects and security professionals entitled, "The New Lobby: How Will Securing Buildings Change in a Post-Pandemic World?". The publication begins by explaining the importance of creating a physical security plan that addresses and controls unauthorized entry due to tailgating, and continues with discussions around how COVID-19 has impacted building design, forcing facility owners and designers to provide touchless entry and social distancing while upholding building security.
Security professionals responsible for people screening at outdoor venues, theme parks, warehouse/logistics centers, schools, museums, houses of worship and other public places, all agree on one thing — there will be no going back to the old invasive, analog methods of security screening such as metal detectors, wands and pat downs. The future of people screening must be touchless and digital in order to deal with the realities of today’s threats from weapons and viruses, while preparing for those that will come our way in the future. Meet Peter George, Chief Executive Officer, Evolv Technology, who believes that physical security is where cybersecurity was more than 15 years ago and is now entering a similar transition.
It sounds simple: a company must be a safe place to work, and people will want to work for companies that make them feel safe. Companies have a duty of care and responsibility to keep employees safe, even as many work remotely. But as enterprises undergo digital transformation, physical security has at times been left behind (with legacy and outdated technology systems) despite a rise in threatening events and its increasing importance for corporations. Embracing digital protective intelligence and making safety a priority is not just a way to support wise corporate values, but given the potential loss of life and the cultural, bottom line and brand reputation damage that could occur, must be a mandate for modern business operations.
Amid ever-changing technology, embracing modern security solutions and capabilities can be a challenge for many, especially those who have spent years accustomed to tried-and-true products, like the traditional keyed padlock. Today, decision makers working in the security sector are tasked with sorting through the blitz of new technology offerings and introductions.
Independent polling firm Schoen Cooperman Research recently conducted a nationwide poll on Americans’ views of facial recognition technology. The survey of 1,000 adults found that most Americans support the use of facial recognition across a wide range of applications with 75% supporting facial recognition technology at airports.
The Physical Security industry is at an inflection point. Digital transformation and Security Convergence have accelerated, hastened by the persistent pandemic. Physical Security, HR and IT departments have been forced to work together quickly in designing back-to-work strategies, realizing that separate silos of operations just won’t cut it any longer.
