New Threats Require Innovative Solutions
With the threats of cybercrime, terrorism, and gun violence continuing to gain headlines, security officials are feeling the pressure. What worked just a decade ago may not be enough to protect banks, companies, and other facilities from security breaches in today’s environment.
In response to the challenges facing those in the security industry, innovations and procedures are emerging that provide solutions to those who are committed to protecting their employers’ physical and intellectual property, as well as the safety of the people within the structures.
Here are just a few of the developments leading the security industry in 2016:
Expanded use of security building materials.
While the use of bulletproof glass traditionally has been associated with the construction of banks, jails, government facilities and other buildings that require high levels of security, it is now getting more attention for other buildings.
For example, in the wake of the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where a gunman killed 26 people, including 20 first-graders, schools are now exploring higher levels of security measures — including bulletproof glass, surveillance cameras, intrusion detection and other sophisticated security equipment.
Meanwhile city officials in New York City are contemplating a bill that would require all police cars to have bulletproof glass. And consumers are now increasingly exploring options for bulletproof glass for personal use — in cars and safe rooms.
Combating cybercrime.
Cyber crime has been called the No. 1 security threat by many experts, with the 2015 Cost of Data Breach Study by IBM and the Ponemon Institute showing that it’s now costing companies more than $3.79 million annually — up from $3.52 million in 2014. According to Juniper Research, it’s only expected to get worse with another study showing cyber attacks will become a $2.1 trillion problem by 2019. Companies are aggressively pursuing innovations that ward off cyber attacks before they happen, according to an analysis by Frost & Sullivan.
According to Frost & Sullivan, the innovations focus on creating multiple layers of cybersecurity because it’s no longer enough to secure a company’s digital perimeter. The new tools go further into the network — protecting endpoint, applications, and data. “Cybersecurity has to do more than just protect against known threats,” Debarun Guha Thakurta, a researcher with Frost & Sullivan told Design News. “Every day, new and sophisticated threats are emerging, known as zero-day attacks. Cyber readiness is essential to identify and protect against the future threats as well.”
Intelligent mass notification.
When security breaches occur despite the most well-laid plans, it’s important that security officials keep potential casualties to a minimum. That’s the gap that intelligent mass notification addresses, according to Tyco, which provides fire protection and security solutions. Through this technology, mass numbers of people can receive warnings on various devices that can quickly provide life-saving instructions. For example, in the event of a mass shooting, a notification server can send out information about where to head for safety.
As security issues evolve, innovations will continue to drive the industry to not only keep up with the threats — but to protect buildings and people before they can cause damage.