The digital world is exciting, yes, but it also comes with security threats. For businesses, that can range from physical break-ins to cyber attacks. Depending on the nature of the incident, it can hurt employees, make sensitive data vulnerable and put your customers at risk, damage your business reputation, and more. That may explain why some organizations add security techs to their operations. There is the opportunity for real-time surveillance and monitoring, as well as the potential to improve efficiency and meet industry regulations, if relevant. Let’s look at different tech solutions for security control available to companies, including video surveillance, alarm systems, access control, and integrated security platforms.
Benefits of Security Technology in Business
Before discussing different technologies available for security control, providing a brief overview of the potential benefits of using these devices is important. That can help you decide if your company stands to benefit from integrating this type of tech into its operations.
Firstly, while security technology has the potential to offer many advantages for businesses of different sizes, maximizing these benefits can depend on whether you select the right ones for your organization’s needs and goals. Also, it is important that the tech is installed properly by professionals to ensure that it operates correctly.
As for the advantages that security systems can offer businesses, the exact ones will differ depending on the chosen ones. A key benefit is enhanced safety, which is likely what you are looking for the most and the reason why you began reading this article.
Modern security systems can be part of your efforts to deter crime and unauthorized access. Technologies like surveillance cameras and access control systems may offer businesses more visibility, as well as more control over their physical buildings.
Also, integrating these solutions can lead to cost savings by reducing theft, vandalism, and the need for on-site security people. Security technology also ensures compliance with regulations in industries that require strict security, such as finance, healthcare, and different levels of government.
In addition, real-time monitoring and automation may improve operational efficiency for some businesses. That enables your team to focus on other activities while knowing that a secure environment is being maintained.
Security Tech: What Common Types are Available?
What are common types to choose from? Let’s take a look. Knowing the options can help you narrow down what might work best for your business, depending on factors like its size and objectives.
Video Surveillance Systems
Video surveillance is a security technology in business that you may have considered. High-definition (HD) cameras, thermal imaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) analytics offer companies ways to monitor their premises throughout the day and evening. These systems may deter criminal activity, and the recorded footage could be used as crucial evidence in court if a security event happens.
The features of video surveillance systems can vary. That is good for companies who want to customize the system to what would be most useful to them. Features can include:
- Motion detection
- Facial recognition
- License plate recognition
You might choose a system with AI analytics because it can identify unusual activity, like someone loitering around the outside of your business building, unauthorized attempts to access certain doors, and more. Businesses can also integrate video surveillance with cloud storage solutions to access it remotely in real-time from anywhere. That may help companies respond faster to security threats than they might otherwise be able to.
Alarm Systems
Are you looking to add an alarm system to your business building or to put it in multiple locations? Alarms could improve security against possible threats like break-ins, fires, and unauthorized access for some companies. Systems vary, and they can include a combination of:
- Motion detectors
- Glass break sensors
- Door and/or window contact alarms
The overall goal of these features is to identify suspicious activity. While setup varies, a system at a business premise may connect to a central monitoring station or smartphone app to enable you, as the business owner, to immediately receive notifications of potential threats.
A more advanced system might include integrating it with video surveillance and access control systems for a more cohesive security network. For example, when an unauthorized entry is detected, the alarm system can trigger surveillance cameras to record the incident and send an alert to the security team. That automated approach could improve response times and lower potential damage or losses.
Photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels
Access Control Systems
Another option for security control for businesses is the use of access control systems. That may help your organization regulate who can enter specific areas, ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive locations. Businesses with several locations or highly secure areas may appreciate the centralized control and real-time monitoring available with this type of solution. A quality access control system designed to improve security by managing entry points through a central platform can be:
- On-premises,
- Hybrid, or
- Entirely cloud-based
This system enables real-time monitoring of events relating to access, as well as identity management and automated responses to security breaches. For instance, if someone tries accessing a restricted area but isn’t authorized to do so, the system can trigger both an alarm and nearby surveillance cameras to record the event. Of course, the right system depends on your business goals; you may want it to be scalable so it can grow along with your company. You might want one flexible enough to install into multiple locations when you open them soon.
Smart Locks and Keyless Entry Systems
Smart locks and keyless entry systems are also on the list for businesses looking to up their security efforts. These devices can be easy to use. They’are also usually quick to train employees on. They may be of interest to certain companies. The systems use specific tech to allow employees and other authorized people to unlock doors using specific key fobs or smartphones. They can use tech like:
- Bluetooth
- Wi-Fi
- Near Field Communication (NFC)
While they are similar, smart locks differ from keyless entry solutions. A smart lock example is a door lock controllable via a smartphone app, while a keyless door lock could be a card swipe system. If you choose a model of lock that has remote access control, authorized users, including you as the business owner, have the ability to lock or unlock doors from a distance.
Cybersecurity Options for Physical Security Systems
For businesses that decide to install digital security systems, protecting them from cyber threats is vital. That may help prevent hackers from exposing vulnerabilities in surveillance cameras, for example, to gain unauthorized access, putting your company at risk.
To reduce cybersecurity risks, businesses can look into access control systems and other security solutions that include end-to-end encryption and meet the relevant cybersecurity compliance guidelines. Regular updates of security software and using multi-factor authentication for security system access are also points for company owners to potentially consider as part of cybersecurity planning. As part of cyberattack prevention activities, organizations may look at improving their security network using:
- Firewalls
- Intrusion prevention systems (IPS)
- Other things as found during a security audit
Final Thoughts on Tech for Company Security
What is mentioned above has the potential to help businesses of various industries build a safer workplace. It can reduce risks, when implemented properly. There is also the opportunity to respond faster to security threats, all with options available to a range of business budgets. Preventing security issues and cyber threats continues to be a priority for many businesses, and technology can be useful for meeting business objectives.
