For the past couple of years, with breaches and data security lapses gaining prominence, the focus of security systems has shifted somewhat to cybersecurity. While this is undoubtedly the case, there's no denying the fact that physical security remains a major factor to consider for small to medium businesses.
People, property, assets, and proprietary intelligence remains lucrative for would-be thieves and it's now more important than ever to ensure that your focus on physical security matches your focus on cybersecurity.
Generally speaking, there are three main components to any good physical security system. Preventive barriers, video surveillance systems, and post-intrusion mitigation. While the last component almost exclusively relies on a physical response in terms of guards or specific equipment, the first two components are what most businesses can focus on as a way to prevent the last line of defense from being called into question.
5 Physical Security Trends in 2023 to Watch Out for
Keyless / Biometric Lock Systems
Biometric access control systems are becoming commonplace, and will only become more popular in the coming years. These systems utilize fingerprints, iris scans, facial recognition technology, and other physical characteristics to identify authorized personnel for physical access to a facility or room. What's great about biometric security systems is that they provide an extra layer of security without sacrificing convenience.
Intelligent Video Surveillance
Video surveillance is nothing new, but what is new are intelligent video systems that can detect and identify unusual activities or suspicious behavior. By utilizing AI-driven pattern recognition, these systems can quickly respond to potential threats with an appropriate physical response or alert security personnel for additional investigation. This type of physical security system is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows businesses to stay ahead of physical threats without requiring constant human monitoring.
Convergence of Physical and Cyber Security
The convergence of physical and cyber security provides an added layer of protection for businesses. Utilizing physical access control systems, such as biometric lock systems, in conjunction with cybersecurity measures helps to ensure that physical security is not compromised when a breach occurs.
IoT Devices in Physical Security Systems
The Internet of Things (IoT) has changed the way physical security systems are monitored and managed. By utilizing connected devices, physical security systems can be easily monitored from afar, allowing for real-time updates on the system's performance. Additionally, physical access control systems can be integrated into the network to further secure physical assets and property.
Multi-Factor Authentication
For even greater security, businesses should consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for physical access control. This type of system requires multiple identification methods to gain physical access, adding an extra layer of security in physical environments.
Mobile Applications for Physical Security
Smartphone applications are now being used to monitor physical security systems, as well as provide physical access control. These applications allow users to control physical access remotely, allowing them to restrict physical access to certain areas or people based on a set of predetermined criteria.
Conclusion
It's important to note that physical security systems are constantly evolving and it's essential for businesses to stay ahead of the curve to ensure their physical assets and property are secure from potential threats. By staying up-to-date with physical security trends, businesses can create an effective physical security system that helps keep their physical assets safe and secure.
To ensure that your physical security is up to date, it's important to consult with an experienced local security company that specializes in physical security; someone who can assess your current system and recommend improvements or new systems for improved physical protection. With the right physical security in place, your business will be better equipped to protect its physical assets from harm.