Internet Security Not Ready For Electronic Security Systems

In a new survey of security managers, systems integrators and service providers, 74% of respondents say information safety on the Web, coupled with a lack of expertise in integrating physical security systems with the enterprise network, are the two highest barriers to putting critical physical security functions onto the Internet. However, 92% of respondents say they’re already — or soon will be — acquiring Internet Protocol (IP)-ready devices, appliances and system components. Knowing how to do it right and minimize risk from security breaches or failures are key issues on the strategic enterprise security agenda. William Crowell, former National Security Agency deputy director and one of the foremost global authorities on information security issues, will speak to this gap between physical security technology readiness and information and network technology security in his keynote address on Monday, February 28. IP-ready security devices (including wireless), appliances, and system components will continue to have a transformational impact on traditional, analog security applications, such as video surveillance and alarm monitoring, and opens the door to a range of digital technology applications including video content storage and management, biometrics and identity management. This rapid move from analog to digital technology will impact every segment of the market, from the systems integrator and installer, to professional security service providers, to product manufacturers, and, in particular, the corporate security managers who rely upon the systems. “This will make it possible to control access to the doors of commercial facilities from Boston to Beijing from corporate headquarters in New York,” says Brook Taliaferro, director of SSN. “Analog devices will become as rare as vinyl records,” he predicts. “Facility security managers need to be informed of the choices they will be required to make. TechSec provides both expert education and peer-to-peer experience that will advance participants’ understanding.” According to industry analyst Steve Hunt, the proprietary communication protocols inherent in analog devices limit their ability to meet the increasingly complex demands required of physical security. IP-ready security products provide more opportunities for increased efficiency, interoperability, and speed. Fredrik Nilsson, general manager of the U.S. division of Swedish IP camera maker Axis Communications and one of the keynotes at TechSec, says that the evolution to IP-based security products will affect the security industry at all levels. IT distributors, such as Anixter and Ingram Micro, that have typically served the IT and network market, will play a more important role in the security arena, says Nilsson. He added that a new breed of integrators that are savvy with network applications will play a larger role in the industry.