Latin America. Right now, we are beginning the next phase of digital transformation in the security industry: the move to connect all physical security components to the Internet of Things (IoT).
The advantages are twofold. First, having all the components of your system working in harmony maximizes its effectiveness. Next, all the individual pieces of hardware in a system transmit data that, if handled correctly, can provide game-changing business intelligence.
Considering IP video intercoms, for example, technology that monitors the access control system of a building's staff, is much more than just a video doorbell. As part of an IoT system, network video intercoms can now connect to an increasingly complex and high-value safety net: at the same time, these security-enhancing access controls in an organization collect actionable business intelligence while sending data to secure smartphones or servers.
The top priority is to protect the devices that collect this data and ensure that it is secure. Breaches in the network and in the protection of data are not only punished by severe damage to the reputation of the affected company, but each breach also hinders the movement of the IoT. This is because both corporations and the general public must trust that IoT technologies, in terms of video surveillance, meet their expectations of secure, private and cyber-secure daily operations. Data protection directives, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), should be seen as an aid rather than an obstacle.
Act fast or lose
Remember Blockbuster, the leading video rental company in the early 2000s? This former $37 billion franchise-based venture failed to recognize a paradigm shift in the market toward video-on-demand, video streaming, and downloads. Within a few years, Blockbuster stagnated and soon found itself bankrupt and out of business. In times of widespread technological evolution, it is imperative that your company acts with agility to incorporate the right technologies that allow it to thrive, both today and in the future.
To maximize competitive advantage, use a combination with the best technology on the market, even if that means choosing multiple vendors. Standard and open protocols, which allow different teams to easily communicate with each other, are the best way to ensure that purchases made today are compatible with those you will need to make in the future. It is also important that your security system is easy to use. Huge amounts of data from different sources must be aggregated and presented to users in easy-to-assimilate formats. After all, human operators will need to interpret the data when making decisive and timely decisions. Therefore, IoT technologies and products that are easy to use, are based on open protocols, on global standards and meet high demands for cybersecurity, incorporating qualities that are the key to success.
For Axis Communications it is important that businesses make their way to comprehensive solutions, that is, an intelligent system, either for basic surveillance, as well as a more advanced system for better security control.
"All of our systems are easy to install, designed with open IP standards that make it easy to connect equipment to your current IT infrastructure," says Francisco Rodríguez, Professional Services Manager Mexico, Central America & The Caribbean at Axis Communications.
Use of license plates as credentials
To see the benefits of IoT in video surveillance cybersecurity systems, let's examine how various technologies can work together in a network to securely control access to a car park.
1. A car enters the vehicle detection zone with a camera.
2. This activates the software on the camera that verifies the license plate of the vehicle.
3. The camera sends the data to the door controller at the entrance.
4. The door controller verifies in its database the approved license plates and decides whether or not to grant access.
5. If the license plate of the license plate is not approved for access, a network video intercom may allow the driver to connect to an operator, who may or may not decide to grant access.
6. An administrator or user in the system can also send a QR passcode in advance to the driver, who can use this code as a credential on their phone for the video door station to get instant access.
7. Transaction data describing the event is logged and stored.
This basic board as a credential system consists of five components, as mentioned above. All these components communicate with each other through open protocols: standard and secure communication that allows the incorporation of different components from different manufacturers. This ensures that companies can choose the most suitable equipment for their individual needs.
Each of these components sends information to a computer program that makes the relevant data easily accessible to a human operator. The information should be displayed as clearly as possible, so that the operator can make informed decisions quickly when needed. All data collected by this program is recorded, so that a thorough analysis can be performed. Over time, enough data will be generated to carry out meaningful analysis.
Analysts will be able to identify trends in the data. For example, a failure to consistently identify license plates with high accuracy. With this knowledge, an engineer can investigate and fix the problem, for example, by adjusting the direction a camera is pointing. This solves the problem and streamlines the process, maximizing business benefits through improving operational effectiveness and reducing time in operating costs, while providing positive experiences for users.
This access control app also highlights the need to make cybersecurity practical. Each component of this system represents a potential gateway to it. If any component of the network could be breached, confidential information would be leaked, resulting in a penalty for your company. In this way, the use of license plates as credentials maximizes ease of use for all parties involved, keeps operations safe and operating costs low.
The future is open for smarter companies
"Companies that recognize the importance of building a deeply integrated network of IoT-connected access control devices will soon find themselves with an advantage," says Rodriguez, adding, "Centrally managed security systems will be the most efficient, such systems will continue to demonstrate their value beyond simple security."
By fostering openness and partnerships between hardware, software and the application of technologies, the products will offer tangible benefits. Organizations like ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum), which champions the cause of standardized network protocols, will nurture a new era of collaboration in the security industry. Combined with the prioritization of cybersecurity, this will form the basis for an increasingly connected world.
With these foundations in place, access control networks will break down barriers between people and lead to a more connected society. Truly smart cities, which make use of all the data made available by the access control of IoT and other devices, will create operational efficiencies on a global scale.
In Mexico it is considered that only 30% of companies have understood the great advantages provided by the Internet of Things (IoT), because for them it is clear that the adoption of a technology that allows them to generate new business models, obtain real-time information from mission-critical systems, diversify sources of income, having global visibility and maintaining efficient and intelligent operations is essential to evolve (Deloitte).
