Security technology is only as good as it is reliable and functional. When systems go down and employees can’t access offices because access control key cards aren’t working, it can cause frustration at the least, and be a sign of larger vulnerabilities within the security system.
Issues like this clearly demonstrate the importance of secure cloud-based technology, and why it’s necessary to give security teams the capacity to receive alerts and respond to threats remotely.
Mobile security technology revolutionises the security industry and allows security staff to receive alerts, respond to incidents, and manage access using their mobile devices.
Cloud-based security technology and remote operation
Let’s look at some of the remote operation features offered by cloud-based security technology and some of the advantages these features can provide your security staff.
Security alerts
Cloud-based security technologies with mobile capabilities allow security staff to receive security alerts on their smartphone devices, which means they can quickly respond to security incidents.
Mobile access control enables alerts to be triggered for events such as unauthorised attempts to enter a building, doors left ajar, or entries forced open. When integrated with advanced sensors, these alerts can also include notifying personnel when broken glass or gunshots are detected.
Similarly, a cloud-based video security system integrated with door access analytics allows for alerts to be triggered when a security incident is detected on one of the cameras.
This means that security staff will be able to perform rounds and duties without missing a security event on the monitors. The best mobile alerts from cloud security providers like Openpath, Ava, and Cisco Meraki will include a video playback option so staff can see what occurred, as well as a live feed to monitor events in real-time.
Security response
If a security incident is detected and an alert is triggered, cloud-based security technologies allow security staff to respond using remote operation features offered by cloud-based security technology.
These actions include initiating lockdowns and securing the building, unlocking specific entries, and adjusting door schedules remotely. Since many security staff duties may place them in locations all across a building or site, their location could have a significant impact on how quickly they can respond to a security threat.
However, with remote operations, they can secure the building with just a tap on their mobile device before heading over to the location of the incident to initiate threat response procedures. Since time is of the essence in all matters relating to security, having remote operation capabilities is a valuable asset.
Visitor management
Having visitors wait for a long time at your front door may lead to frustration, and could be perceived as a sign of disregard. It may be difficult for your security staff to reach visitors to allow entry without delay. If they can unlock doors and allow visitors in remotely, this can ensure your building visitors aren’t left waiting for copious amounts of time.
A leading cloud-based intercom system for businesses allow for remote screening of visitors. Having a video intercom device set up at your building’s entrance allows your staff to visually verify the identity of visitors and avoid the risks associated with remotely buzzing in visitors that you can’t see.
Your security staff will be able to view the intercom feed on their mobile device while performing duties across the site and allow visitors to access the building quickly and securely, with a detailed log of all visitor entry activity.
The importance of cybersecurity
With the advantages and convenience of mobile security technology also come cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
As with any on-premise or cloud-based platform, cybersecurity should be a top priority. As a best practice, the remote features of your security system should only be accessible to authorised users, as they could compromise your building’s security should these features fall into the wrong hands.
So, to ensure the benefits of mobile security technology do not come with risks, it is essential to invest in cybersecurity software that will keep your building’s security functions private and only accessible to those with the proper clearance.
In addition, using methods like multi-factor authentication, strong passwords, end-to-end encryption, and automatic cloud-based software updates will help protect your systems from known vulnerabilities.
Summary
Mobile technologies are worthy of consideration if you’re looking for ways to improve security operations for your security staff.
When considering the example of interrupted key card access, a mobile-based system may be able to assist in giving access to employees who are locked out, and can alert staff to the issues earlier on. They will make security operations more convenient for your staff, but they will also improve response times and facilitate the prevention of security incidents.
However, with any cloud-based technologies comes the need to consider cybersecurity and prevent the features of your access control system from being intercepted by third parties. When choosing a mobile-based security solution, look for providers that are transparent about their own cybersecurity practices, and always follow best practices to maintain strong cyber and physical security posturing within your organisation.
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