Although the new year is well underway, it’s always essential that school districts take a close look at their safety and security procedures and systems to ensure they are taking advantage of the latest technologies to better protect students and staff from any potential threats.
With that, here are some of the emerging school security trends that school administrators can expect to see in 2023.
Cloud-Based “Always On” Security Solutions: Cloud computing has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, and school security is no exception. By opting for cloud-based solutions, school administrators can easily manage their school’s security systems from any location with an internet connection. This allows them to stay current on the latest developments in school safety and access information quickly and efficiently.
Comprehensive Visitor Management: With school safety being a top priority, school administrators are increasingly taking steps to ensure that only authorized visitors can access the school grounds. This includes the installation of visitor management systems that track who enters and exits school buildings and provide real-time alerts in the event of any suspicious activity.
Advanced Surveillance Technologies: With the rise in school shootings and other safety threats, school administrators are investing in advanced surveillance technologies such as video analytics and access control systems to monitor school grounds. By using these kinds of technologies, school personnel can track any potential intruders or suspicious individuals on school property quickly and efficiently.
Campus Movement Solutions: Expect to see more schools utilizing digital hall passes to deliver information about students’ locations and movements on campus. Administrators gain visibility into the whereabouts of students, from bathrooms or libraries to gymnasiums and beyond. However, with this improved oversight comes enhanced accountability.
School cybersecurity threats: School districts are among the most popular and vulnerable targets for cyberattacks. Ransomware attacks — in which a target’s data is encrypted and locked by a hacker who then demands a ransom in exchange for its return — have been particularly prevalent. Given the amount of valuable personal data stored by school staff, students and families, it’s important that school IT systems are hardened to the highest extent possible against cyberattacks.
As school safety continues to be one of the top priorities for school administrators, you can expect these trends in school security to continue to evolve in the coming years. By staying up-to-date on the latest advances in school security technology, school administrators can ensure that their school remains as safe as possible for students and staff.