Most security installations operate via the interaction between surveillance systems, intrusion detection and alarm triggers. In fact, these tenants have formed the basis of security systems for the better part of the last few decades. However, like almost all modern technology, security systems are becoming increasingly digitised. While the basic elements of a security system remain mostly unchanged, the back-end technology within each system has become increasingly reliant on the network for success, writes Martin Hodgson, pictured, Head of UK and Ireland, at network monitoring product company Paessler AG.
Security is now digital
Rather than being located solely on a closed physical network. Many of today’s security solutions are connected to the internet as a part of the Internet of Things (IoT). For example, a modern CCTV system will record and monitor footage using IP cameras, which allows security personnel to wirelessly view footage via a connected device without the need for cables or now defunct analogue video signals. This means security footage can be stored on hard drives or even in a private cloud where user access privileges for cameras and stored footage are secured by an IP access controller. However, it is not just CCTV that is digitised, everything from panic buttons to intrusion detectors are now network enabled.
Digitisation of security systems has come as an immense benefit for security staff. Personnel are now able to monitor and secure facilities without the need for a physical presence on site. Likewise, IoT allows for an incredibly high degree of customisability, making it easier and cheaper to build bespoke security systems for each installation.
New technology, new issues
Nonetheless, that’s not to say digitisation and IoT network enablement of security systems haven’t created new challenges. Digitisation creates new potential points of failure, sometimes even on top of more traditional security system issues. For example, the increased customisability afforded by the IoT means that bespoke security systems are often a smorgasbord of technologies, protocols, and a variety of devices from multiple vendors. The first challenge security system integrators face is that they need to get all these devices on a secure network, and then ensure each component is configured and optimised to perform as it should and interact with all other devices in the system. This job can take days or even weeks to accomplish. However, system set up is just the tip of the iceberg.
Like all IoT systems, a digitised security is only as strong as the network it is hosted on. Bottlenecks, bandwidth issues, or routing problems that prevent data being sent or received properly can all lead to physical security breaches going undetected.
Nonetheless, it’s not just physical criminals those in charge of security systems have to be wary of. All connected security systems are potentially hackable. A cybercriminal with access to the network can have the power to shut down the security system entirely or use connected devices for nefarious purposes.
Securing the security system
Although the risks cannot be entirely avoided; device malfunction and network failure can and do happen to even the most meticulously set up systems. The good news is there are clear and simple preventative steps security staff can take to ensure their digitised security system operates at peak performance with minimal downtime. Just like a security system monitors a physical location to keep it secure and operational. Digitised security systems must be monitored so at any time staff can see whether there are any issues on the network that need to be addressed. This way problems can be solved proactively, often before any downtime can occur.
Monitor to master
The same general steps that apply to monitoring traditional IT environments also apply to monitoring a security system network. First the admin in charge of the security system needs to establish the metrics that define a healthy system. For example; they must work out how much bandwidth specific devices use when operating normally, define normal traffic flow across key areas of the network at different times of day, as well as set limits for standard CPU usage for servers and storage systems.
Once all key metrics for each component are defined, this can be input into a specialist monitoring system in order to set up thresholds. This way the monitoring solution knows to alert admins to abnormal readings that may indicate a problem. Only with a monitoring system in place is it possible for admins to get a clear view of the entire network at any one time. Not only does this help to minimise downtime, it also gives admins a component by component view of the system that can help to make adjustments to continually track and improve security system performance.
With the visibility afforded by the right management systems in place, digitised security systems offer a wealth of benefits for businesses and admins alike. So, the only question left to ask is, do you know who’s keeping an eye on your security system?
