Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital technology, including faster, more affordable bandwidth, are revolutionizing the ways cities conduct surveillance and provide security. Major cities throughout the U.S. are utilizing turnkey systems that integrate video footage, access management, traffic monitoring and body-worn cameras into central high-speed networks. 

One thing is clear: the hybrid model will be permanent. Occupier requirements are constantly evolving and they are driving new considerations for landlords and workspace providers. Let’s review the core considerations and components required to create a secure tech operating layer that reassures the integrity of the workspace, operation and infrastructure while delivering a great occupier experience. 

Failure of imagination leads to most crises. As the pandemic persists, vaccinations and vaccine resistance increases, mass shootings rise, and racial and political unrest show few signs of ebbing, seemingly impossible "what if" scenarios are our everyday reality. But can we prevent and protect ourselves from the bad impossibilities? In my experience, if we believe it can happen, then we can look for that trouble, see around corners and potentially head off bad situations. This is why opportunities for protective intelligence analysts are growing and, as digital transformation continues, will be one of the most in-demand roles at corporations alongside cybersecurity experts. 

Healthcare businesses are already reeling from massive losses during the pandemic, and cyberattacks could cause further long-term damage beyond the initial attack. Research at Morphisec indicates that almost 3-in-10 consumers say they would consider switching providers if their records were breached in a cyberattack. Considering that same report found that 1-in-5 Americans say a cyberattack has impacted their healthcare provider in the past year, it’s undoubtedly worrying news for the entire industry. With this in mind, here are three avenues hackers are likely to exploit as healthcare becomes a more attractive target and what providers’ need to do to protect their sensitive data and safeguard the lives of their patients.

The Security Department at the El Centro Regional Medical Center (ECRMC) was put to the test, tasked with supporting the expansion of the hospital’s patient load to 50% above licensed capacity – far beyond any patient census in the hospital’s history. William DuBois, Security Department Manager at ECRMC, led the physical security through the pandemic, ensuring the Department’s updated mission of assuring the safety and security of patients, staff and visitors while maintaining the assets and business continuity of the hospital.

Communication was already a challenge in the security industry with widespread teams or lone personnel in siloed locations. Now that COVID-19 has virtually eradicated in-person interactions and many team members are only working remotely, it is all the more difficult to keep everyone synced. The entire face of security communications has changed, escalating the need to find alternate ways to connect with the growing remote workforce. Internal and external communications are merging as security companies struggle to manage disconnected teams. Remote work now requires mobile communication delivery at an unprecedented level. Security professionals are discovering faster, more effective ways to communicate with simple, plug-and-play digital solutions.

ADM and its security team, including Kevin Wujek, Insider Threat Coordinator, tapped into existing data, both inside the company and publicly available, to enable informed decision-making and real-time insight into the company’s COVID-19 pandemic response plan including contact tracing, location insight and information, and facility occupancy.

Boeing took a project management approach to its comprehensive, unified COVID-19 pandemic response co-led by the organization’s Security & Fire Protection and Health Services business units. Putting communication and actionable data at the forefront, the organization made informed decisions to minimize operational disruption and ensure the safety of its employees including site suspensions, COVID-19 specific protocols, PPE distribution and more.