How can the cyber and physical security industry stay on top of changing technology?
In the past decade, new advancements in technology have fundamentally changed the way we live and work, while opening up a whole host of new possibilities for the security industry. It’s no secret that we’re living in an era of digital transformation, where businesses are looking to become smarter than ever before - and where innovation is key. But, with cyberattacks and data breaches becoming more and more common, and technology becoming increasingly sophisticated, security experts must remain vigilant.
With so many new technologies and processes emerging, the security industry needs to ensure it’s making the most of new technologies, while not falling victim to costly and debilitating security issues. The guys at security specialist, First Fence, have explained how.
Cyber Security
As more and more businesses adopt sophisticated technology to improve productivity and efficiency, the sheer number of devices, users and applications opens the door to the possibility of more threats than ever before. When it comes to cybersecurity, a proactive approach is key.
5G Connectivity
The introduction of 5G connectivity opens up new possibilities - but what does that mean for the security landscape? While 5G technology creates a lot of opportunity, as things are moving almost 100,000 times faster than 4G, it also opens up the landscape to more risk. This is because the network itself will be exponentially bigger, with more connected devices, while the sheer speed of the network means that hackers will be able to get in, and out, without being detected. In order to combat this, security experts need to adapt to the expanding landscape, investing in broad, powerful security solutions that can automatically detect and respond to threats, without having to wait for human intervention.
Blockchain
While normally associated with cryptocurrency, blockchain-based solutions are now being used to improve security. Due to its ability to track digital interactions, firms can use blockchain technology to prove that data hasn’t been tampered with, protecting the integrity of security data. Similarly, blockchain-based storage solutions are gaining popularity due to their decentralised nature, meaning it’s harder for hackers to find an entry-point.
VR
Virtual reality has become something of a buzzword in recent years, with industries from gaming to retail taking full advantage of its range of benefits. But, did you know VR can also be a helpful tool within the security industry?
A perfect option for security training, VR is already being used by law enforcement departments and government agencies across the globe. Its benefits are clear - not only is your team able to walk through specific scenarios, but also promotes safety as staff are able to learn from mistakes, while physically being able to ‘see’ the outcomes of their actions. Similarly, it can be used to help identify suspicious behaviours, reducing the risk associated with security breaches or large events.
Biometrics
Biometric security measures - such as a fingerprint or eye retina - are becoming more common within the sector. You only need to look at the facial recognition software on iPhones to see how biometric-based identity proofing and authentication is becoming increasingly popular. While it’s still early days for biometric-based identity proofing and authentication, in the future, criminals will no longer be able to pick a lock to gain entry to your building or break into a car park. In the coming year, biometrics will become more common, and a greater focus will be placed on using this technology to improve safety and security,
Contactless technology
While contactless technology has been around for a while now, when it comes to security, it’s set to become even more important. Take ticketed events, for example. Every year, ticket fraud affects nearly 5 million people, and so firms should now have a strong way of identifying the validity of tickets and passes, especially if they’re online.
With the use of transfer technology, encrypted barcodes that refresh automatically within a certain timeframe and near-field communication technology - contactless ticketing solutions that simply require event-goers to hold their smartphone up to a reader - security firms can cut down on ticket fraud, promoting a safer event environment.
Our top tips to remain safe:
- Protect your data: No matter the nature of your business, your data is its most important asset. Investing in cloud security software can go a long way towards encrypting this data and keeping it safe and secure.
- Keep employees regularly educated on new platforms or processes: ongoing training is invaluable, and staff should be kept up to date with the latest technologies and best practices.
- Don’t forget physical security: while most people focus entirely on cybersecurity, remaining safe physically is also just as important. Alarm systems and security cameras can do wonders to deter criminals, while coded door locks and security fences can help to keep unauthorised personnel out.
When it comes to digital transformation, the sky’s the limit, and security firms and experts need to remain constantly on their toes if they’re to keep up. With the constant influx of new technologies, staying prepared is the key to avoiding security threats.
