“Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way.”
– Tom Freston, Co-founder of MTV
For decades, our school security systems have relied on reactive products and systems such as alarms and wired video cameras. Today, the necessities of our times combined with technological advances have spawned innovative solutions to better protect our schools.
Microsoft says, “Traditional security models have focused on layered perimeter defenses and building ‘better walls.’ The world has changed. Today, organizations need to have an always-on and multifaceted approach to security. Preventive security measures are no longer sufficient, and you must now complement them with detection and response.”
Here are three examples of the most innovative security solutions we’ve researched.
1. Access control with virtual components: The days when one must be physically present to lock and unlock facilities are fast being left behind. With cloud-based components, a select number of trusted staff can lock and unlock buildings at any time, from anywhere, on virtually any mobile device. This saves time and cost, eliminating the need to travel from site to site to ensure buildings are secure.
2. Cloud-based video storage: In many applications, video surveillance footage from DVR systems is stored to a local hard drive which could only be accessed and viewed on-site. These DVR systems have reached their innovation expiration date and are being systematically replaced in favor of remote security systems. With a wireless connection and high-resolution footage, migrating from local storage to cloud-based storage provides several benefits.
The first benefit is accessibility. Security teams can monitor and revisit footage across multiple sites from any remote location. Another benefit is storage capability; since higher resolution video takes up a significant amount of space, it is easy and cost-efficient to expand cloud-based server space, as opposed to buying additional physical servers to house this data for the legally mandated amount of time. In addition, as campuses grow, cloud storage can scale accordingly.
3. Increased points of security integration: It is important to note that with any migration to a cloud server, cybersecurity measures should also be in place to ensure the video data is properly encrypted and protected from computer-related threats or erasures.
When an organization adopts virtual components of physical security products, or uses the cloud for storing electronic surveillance footage, cybersecurity also becomes more and more relevant. Schools will need to not only assign the appropriate levels of access, but also protect data and sensitive information from cyberattacks.At Sonitrol Great Lakes, we understand adopting new school security trends can be a daunting task. It is important to remember how all these physical, electronic, and cybersecurity solutions combine. We’re always available to help you sort it all out.