International. Axis shares an interesting analysis on the importance of the protection of critical infrastructure, classified as a sector of utmost importance for countries, since it represents one of the indispensable assets in industries.
It is indisputable that the facilities must be safe, as well as reliable to guarantee the economic and physical well-being, both of the place and of the individuals who live directly in these environments. Power plants, communication base stations, oil platforms or mines are an example of this type of infrastructure, which must be subject to highly robust safety protocols.
The constant evolution of technologies has allowed that today there are indisputably more efficient mechanisms to protect industries, from the perimeters to the center of the facilities. Network surveillance is a method that offers benefits in key areas for any operation, it goes far beyond intrusion protection, and it is also a valuable tool that can help organizations protect the reliability of their critical operations and the security of their employees.
Protecting large areas to deal with threats can sometimes be costly, as well as time-consuming. With technologies such as radio frequency intrusion detection, long-range sensors and microwave or infrared barriers are very helpful in reducing costs and time spent on safety.
Today, network surveillance is a cost-effective alternative to more traditional approaches and other high-tech solutions, allowing users to have shielded facilities. For this, experts from Axis Communications mention how it is possible to protect these spaces:
Outward and inward protection
Perimeter protection is perfect for securing the area against invasions, live incident detection, identification by PTZ cameras, automatic notification and active response against irruptions of unauthorized persons, that is, the devices function as cameras, sensors and alert systems.
Thermal cameras and radar are an important alternative that cannot be ignored, thanks to their long-range sensors and barriers with microwaves and infrared it is possible to accurately detect people, objects and incidents in total darkness and in conditions with smoke or dust, since they do not detect colors, but the heat or thermal radiation emitted by bodies. These devices, in conjunction with intelligent analysis, are essential for generating alarms when an unauthorized individual crosses a virtual line or manipulates a camera. The solution allows you to activate a computer to start recording or zooming in when the radar detects an intruder, allowing security personnel to access the recording and act accordingly.
Airspace security represents a priority in the critical industry, currently the use of drones increases the vulnerability of facilities, as they can be used to steal information or simply to spy on what happens within the protected perimeter. Intelligent video surveillance solutions allow to identify drones and unauthorized pilots, offering complete protection on the walls, this is possible thanks to radio frequency sensors, as well as video analytics that are integrated in conjunction with the cameras, such as WDR Forensic technology that allows a drone to be identified against the light, in conjunction with mobile cameras, aerial devices can be followed in the sky and not lose sight of their passage.
Inside the premises
Protecting the interior of the facilities in the critical infrastructure is an indispensable protocol to take care of the machinery that is used in the operations, as well as for the processes and the personnel, so it is necessary to identify who enters or leaves the place and restricted areas. In this sense, the access control solution allows users to monitor the entrances and exits to grant or deny entry. In addition, they can include IP audio equipment, such as a megaphone and built-in two-way audio, which can be activated when they detect intruders, in such a way that they emit a sound alert.
An example of the implementation of these solutions was given in an emblematic project of the Ecuadorian government in Minas-San Francisco, which seeks to facilitate the generation of renewable energy through the application of clean technologies. The company in charge of the project, decided to implement a network video system to guarantee the safety of its facilities during the various stages of the development of the hydroelectric plant, for this a solution was installed that consisted of seven cameras directly at the construction site and four in the administrative offices, controlled by software that allows to quickly verify the work done in the project, despite the great distance between the facilities and the location of the engineers with the administrative staff.
With an IP audio and video solution against intrusions, you can protect the entire installation on critical infrastructure. Currently, video surveillance allows to detect, verify and deter, in addition to tracking intruders through clear images of high quality, with thermal technologies combined with radar in conjunction with audio and access control capabilities that, without a doubt, represent a before and after in the implementation of solutions to protect the perimeters of any space.
