Man & Machine – what is the future of security technology services?
The conversation in security technology has moved from man versus machine to how man and machine can best work together. As technology develops, so does the threat, so there will always be a place for people on the ground.
How best can people and technology can work together in a strategic fashion?
Our cities are often financial centres and the focus for business and investment, as well as leading locations for academic institutions and entertainment. Such prosperity comes with an increased risk profile, and the challenges that creates. Security must keep up with these risk factors, and technology helps us to do so. But as well as considering how technology supports us, we must be aware of the potential risks it brings.
New technology in security
Upgrades to 4k and 8k cameras are a popular demand in current urban security. They offer better quality images, with the ability to cover large areas of ground, meaning fewer physical cameras are required. The 8k camera, a more recent innovation, brings even deeper image quality, with stronger zoom capabilities than ever before.
One of the drawbacks is what could be perceived as a “lack” of surveillance cameras as a result. This could encourage more crime towards a business as criminals will believe they are not being closely watched. But 4k and 8k CCTV cameras integrate facial detection, ANPR and remote zoom technology into the surveillance, creating a more succinct system to protect the building.
Facial detection is an up-and-coming security innovation that does still need further work. It creates a quick and easy way to identify people through CCTV footage. This biometric technology is also advancing for internal security purposes, as facial recognition can be used for secure areas of a building or files online.
The user experience of such technology is simple and automated, making for a solution that benefits all members. Artificial intelligence continues to improve and develop every day, and by introducing more facial detection security now, this growth can be hastened. Businesses should consider how biometric technology can have the potential to serve their needs and improve their security.
Drones are also now a large part of any integrated security system. They offer quick real-time footage of a situation without having to physically be there. Officers can then determine whether it is safe enough for them to go to the scene, or whether it is even necessary.
Drones can be launched quickly without much notice and cover large areas faster than foot or mobile patrols. The bird’s-eye view camera enables a direct look at potential threats approaching an office, for example, providing ground security teams the chance to prepare and protect those at risk. Drone technology is one development that will benefit many businesses which face physical threats.
Cyber crimes and how they manifest within a business is another risk. Innovations in cloud technology and those listed above mean that the risk factor is lessened due to the layers of protection our data can be put behind.
The main area of development for businesses to be able to prevent targeted cyber crimes is education. Ensuring all team members understand the risks involved with cyber crimes and what they look like, especially as many people work from home and are therefore not on the same networks, will help mitigate the risk.
Remote monitoring provides the best integration between technology and people. By implementing advanced cameras and facial detection technology into your security offering, operative teams are notified when movement is detected, or an alarm goes off. Specialist personnel behind the cameras means that best practice is always the standard. There is less resource waste and increased security for the building and the businesses they inhabit.
When it comes to security providers navigating all the latest technology for their clients, having the knowledge and expertise to combine integrated tech, people, and intelligence solutions to suit their clients’ unique risk profiles is the key to success.
Man and machine
Technology will continue to develop and advance, but the human touch is still needed in these operations. Whilst this technology is providing a security offering, it can still be used for bad. For example, one Dutch security company is training eagles to take down dangerous drones that are used for terrorism purposes.
Real-time situational awareness software is a great example of how people and technology can best work together. Platforms such as our own Project Blueprint, provided by Airbox Systems, provide information and risk assessments which enable teams to make better informed decisions. Of course, such platforms can provide all the data in the world, but it still needs humans to read and act on it. Such systems enable the sharing of information as well as ensuring it is accessible to all who need it. It’s this collaboration that embodies the future of security developments.
The human brain and senses are superior to that of the technology we use. Empathy is required in security services to be able to make decisions that impact everyone positively.
Using these technology innovations provides us with information. Vehicle recognition and ANPR systems are extremely effective and help us to identify individuals quickly and efficiently, but they can’t deploy the teams and deliver such information to operatives on the ground capably. The crucial provisions in the future of security technology are about how we analyse the data that technology systems deliver to us in the most efficient ways. The focus should not be about gathering every morsel of data, but rather distinguishing what it is telling us and how those insights can help make improvements to operations.
Security isn’t just having cameras in the right place. It is about being able to analyse and evaluate the data that’s coming through them to secure the risk profile of the future. The management of people is also important.
The technology does a lot for our team’s productivity, but the addition of effective people management will create successful service provision.
Darren Read
MD
Amulet Security
amulet.co.uk
