What Integrated Security Means For IT And Physical Security In 2023

by Jeffrey Smith

Did you know integrated security is becoming one of the most attractive security system options for businesses in 2023?

Well, cloud-based technology is carving out a more convenient security experience and enabling integration to provide more convenient and accessible security.

So, can you integrate your cyber and physical security? And why should you? Keep reading to discover why merged IT, and physical security is essential for your future proof security strategy.

IT Protects Your Physical Security Data

IT security is the first barrier of protection that prevents your physical security system from becoming compromised. Today, businesses frequently host their physical security data on cloud-based platforms for the following reasons:

– Accessibility – when physical security data is in the cloud, security professionals can manage data from anywhere using a cloud-based control center or mobile application. This technology makes for a more accessible and user-friendly security experience.

– Integration – when you opt for cloud-based security solutions, you can integrate different tools to eliminate data silos and make all security data readily available in one place. You can incorporate tools to expand their function, too, or apply software integrations that enhance the operation of your existing security investments.

– Remote management – with cloud-based security systems, your security team can remotely operate building door locks and initiate evacuation procedures for more agile security.

With cloud-based security, you need to ensure the cloud-based data center is secure. A breach could be catastrophic if a third party gained access to remote management features and security data. So, you need to ensure your physical security data and resources are protected from cyber threats.

What’s the best way to secure your physical security data? Well, there are several different strategies you can take to ensure your IT security covers your physical security data:

– Merge cyber and physical security teams – if you want to protect your physical security data from cyber threats, you must align your cyber and physical security teams with your security strategy. If a cyber-attack threatens physical security, both teams need to know about it. By merging both teams, you can create more efficient communication and eliminate data silos for more functional overall security.

– Apply cybersecurity software – if you have a cloud-based security system, you can use open API integrations to apply cybersecurity software. The software will be able to ensure that your physical security data stays in the hands of authorized individuals alone and that third parties cannot infiltrate your physical security.

IT Integrates With Physical Security To Provide Security And Validate Threats

IT systems are a powerful way to provide more security, enhancing the function of your physical security system. Here, we will discuss the top IT integrations for your physical security tools to provide more functional and optimized security for your business.

Analytics And AI

You can leverage IT tools to ensure your security teams are aware of any potential security threats – cyber or physical. Your security teams need help to consistently monitor video surveillance feed, access logs from turnstile access control, and network access logs to detect anomalous data indicating a potential threat. 

You can apply analytics and AI to your physical and cybersecurity tools if you wish to enforce agile and accurate security. For instance, you could use video analytics for your surveillance camera system. Since your security team won’t be able to watch your surveillance feed consistently, they will likely miss potential threats, making them less likely to prevent a security incident. 

Applying video analytics ensures that your security team receives an alert whenever anomalous or potentially malicious data appears in your camera system. And your security team doesn’t need to increase manual effort to increase proactive security. 

This technology can make your security team more likely to prevent a security threat from evolving into an incident and can be highly beneficial to your security strategy. You can apply analytics across many security tools, not just your video surveillance system.

Workflow Automation

Slow workflow generation processes can slow down your entire physical security response strategy. Implementing workflow automation for physical security allows you to reduce time-consuming manual processes and provide more agile and responsive protection. 

Your team will receive workflows based on your company’s security response protocols and documentation. They won’t need to wait for the workflow generation process – they can respond to security incidents as soon as they arise.

Summary

The pandemic has forced many businesses to adopt and explore the benefits of cloud-based technologies. With cloud-based technology comes the opportunity to merge IT and physical security for a more efficient overall system. Consider the best ways to apply IT to your physical security strategy.

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