How does technology support security today?

Our archive contains more than 1,000 articles on security know-how, many relating to how technology supports security. Here, we have gathered together some of our most popular articles on this topic.

Technology is now integral to security. CCTV, access control systems and alarms, as well as integrated IT management systems can support the security operation to keep organisations and their people safe. Technology is continually evolving and we have a variety of articles on current developments:

• Capitalising on the benefits technology brings security – a selection of views
• Facial Recognition Security Technology: The Facts
• Big data analytics in security – improve proactivity and value
• Situational Awareness Software – the benefits of real-time insights
• Door interlocking – how to extend the usefulness of security measures
• The benefits of using Security Workforce Management software
• Will technology replace the security guard?

Capitalising on the benefits technology brings security

SSR® Personnel  carried out research into how technological innovation is transforming security and providing practitioners with powerful new capabilities. We have extracted five key pieces of wisdom from their contributors on how to understand the threats and benefits technology can bring security. In summary:

• Support the business
• Understand the expanded nature of the security risk
• Embrace the convergence of physical security and cyber security
• Integrate Systems
• Don’t forget the human touch

Read the full article here: The benefits technology brings security

Facial Recognition Security Technology: The Facts 

In their article, Lorraine Antiri from LA Business Partnerships and Jane Mason from www.issdigital.co.uk face up to whether facial recognition is as inaccurate and intrusive as the media would have us believe. Their article begins: “Security Facial recognition is a hot topic and there has been considerable media interest in the development and use of this technology.  Many companies are banking on it as a technological force that can solve complex problems and shape and improve our day-to-day lives. At the same time, the technology is highly controversial, with privacy, accuracy and its ethical use raising key concerns.” They go on to say: “However, the technology has now reached a level of maturity and accuracy allowing it to be deployed and integrated across a wide range of critical applications and sectors. In fact, there are vendors who can verify accuracy rates of 98% and above with false match rates (based on a 1:1 comparison) of 1 in a billion.”

Read the full article here: Facial recognition in security: the facts

Big data analytics in security – helping proactivity and value creation

Dr. Vibhor Gupta, Ph.D., Technology Lead (at time of writing) ASIS UK , writes about the benefits of using the principles of big data analytics and security intelligence to create value for security departments and their organisations. His article outlines how the wealth of data captured by security departments through their various activities or systems is being used in novel ways to identify and resolve risks.

To outline a few:

• Site utilisation metrics – the degree to which a site being used
• Key performance indicators for the service level agreements with the security operational teams
• Identifying risk indicators, such as tailgating and unused access cards
• Impact analysis in case of changes, such as change of security policies or existing technologies such as access cards and access control systems.
• Supporting the green agenda by reducing the energy usage in areas which are not used heavily based on the data analysed.

Read the full article here: Big data analytics in security

Situational Awareness Software – the benefits of real-time insights 

Darren Read, MD at Amulet Security says:  “When it comes to physical security, knowledge is everything. Without a clear understanding of key information in the event of an incident, teams will be unable to prevent potential situations from developing from the outset or be able to react at speed and ensure rapid recovery.” He says: “With an accurate and shared situational awareness solution, information won’t be missed – it will instead be received and interpreted in a unified manner, enabling an effective, joined-up response effort while avoiding confusing and contradictory messaging.

Read the full article here: Situational Awareness Software – the benefits of real-time insights 

Door interlocking – how to extend the usefulness of security measures

Jon Jorundsson from ICT: “One example of technology in security is a technique called door interlocking. At face value, it may not seem as impressive as more visible types of security, but for me, it is a perfect example of using technology to make separate parts more valuable by using them together in a unified manner.”

He continues: “Door interlocks are also known as mantraps or sally ports, and have traditionally been used to help secure premises like prisons or zoos. They keep people or animals inside, while still providing safe access for authorised people. It ensures that only one door in the group can be opened at any one time, preventing a completely free path between the hazardous and safe sides.

“Using technology, you can extend the usefulness and functionality of door interlocking. No longer do you need separate systems to control interlocks and building access control. With a unified platform, access control, intruder detection, and building automation can all be integrated so you only need one system for programming and reporting.”

Read the full article here: Door interlocking – how to extend the usefulness of security measures

The benefits of using Security Workforce Management software

Debbie Howlett from TrackTik writes: “The security industry has matured from using a paper and pen-based approach to using security workforce management software to manage everything from rostering changes to billing, payroll, and more. If you are not using a security workforce management solution, you should ask yourself why not.”

She continues: “Not using a security workforce management solution can result in missed or double-booked shifts, spending too much time adjusting schedules, increased overtime costs, and over/under posting security officers. By contrast, a security workforce management solution can save time and money, increase client satisfaction, and streamline operations.”

Read the full article here: The benefits of using Security Workforce Management software

Will technology replace the security guard?

Steve Gardner, Head of Security, OCS, writes: “There is much said about the disruptive power of technology and conversation around it usually takes two distinct paths. Some discuss how it will help to make our personal and professionals lives better by streamlining processes and taking on the repetitive tasks that require precision. Others will be more concerned, querying the ethical limits and wondering whether it will one day replace large portions of the workforce.”

He goes on to say: “This pace of change combined with a multitude of emerging threats and global upheaval has naturally asked questions of the security industry, and in particular of manned guarding:

• How will the role of security officer change as technology becomes more powerful?
• Can we completely trust technology to keep people safe?
• Will there even be a need for manned guarding in the not-too-distant future?”

Read his answers in the full article here: Will technology replace the security guard?