Integrated Security Solutions

How Access Control and Video Management System Security Companies Adapt to the Current Political Climate

Navigating Change: How Access Control and Video Management System Companies Adapt to the Current Political Climate

In today’s dynamic world, where political landscapes can shift rapidly, industries across the spectrum are finding themselves facing new challenges and opportunities. The access control and video management system (VMS) sector is no exception. As political climates evolve, these companies are adapting to ensure security, compliance, and innovation remain at the forefront.

1. Compliance and Regulation:

In an era of heightened awareness about data privacy and security, political climates often lead to changes in regulations and compliance requirements. Access control and VMS companies are carefully monitoring shifts in legislation related to surveillance, data protection, and user privacy. Adapting to these changes involves ensuring that their systems adhere to evolving guidelines while also offering the necessary flexibility to accommodate potential future adjustments. Staying ahead of regulatory changes is crucial to maintaining trust and avoiding legal complications.

2. International Expansion and Geo-Political Considerations:

Access control and VMS companies operating on a global scale must navigate intricate international relationships and geopolitical dynamics. The political climate can impact the ease of cross-border operations, trade agreements, and security protocols. As regions undergo shifts in political power or alliances, these companies must assess and adapt their strategies to ensure seamless international deployments, all while respecting local laws and regulations.

3. Technological Innovation and Collaboration:

Political uncertainties can drive access control and Video Management System companies to explore innovative solutions that align with changing security needs. Collaborations with technology partners, including AI and cybersecurity experts, enable the development of cutting-edge systems that can better respond to evolving threats. Integrating emerging technologies not only enhances security measures but also positions these companies as industry leaders who are proactive in addressing political challenges.

4. Focus on Resilience and Flexibility:

Political climates can be volatile, leading to sudden disruptions and changes in security priorities. Access control and VMS companies are recognizing the importance of building resilient systems that can adapt to unforeseen circumstances. This includes designing systems that can quickly adjust access levels, modify surveillance parameters, and reroute security protocols to address changing threats.

5. Public Perception and Transparency:

As the political climate influences public opinion on issues related to surveillance, data collection, and privacy, access control and VMS companies must engage in transparent communication. This involves clearly articulating their data handling practices, security protocols, and the benefits of their systems. Striking a balance between robust security measures and respecting individual rights is paramount to maintaining public trust and mitigating potential backlash.

6. Social Responsibility and Ethical Considerations:

In an era of heightened awareness around human rights and social justice, access control and VMS companies are becoming more attuned to the ethical implications of their technologies. They are increasingly investing in research and development to ensure that their systems are not used for purposes that infringe upon human rights or exacerbate social inequalities. Collaborations with human rights organizations and advocacy groups help align their efforts with broader societal goals.

The ever-changing political climate poses both challenges and opportunities for access control and video management system companies. Adapting to new regulations, international dynamics, and technological advancements requires a delicate balance between security, compliance, innovation, and ethics. By staying agile, collaborating with experts, and remaining committed to transparency, these companies can navigate the currents of change while continuing to provide robust and responsible security solutions for a rapidly evolving world.

How Access Control and Video Management System Security Companies Adapt to the Current Political Climate

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5 Best Practices for Network and Hardware Security

This document is designed to give general information and recommendations for the enhancement of security related to CCTV and Access control installations. There is no single solution to today’s security challenges, every system is unique and requires its own risk analysis and its own solutions and strategies to address its unique needs, as such, this document should be viewed as a guide and not as a comprehensive set of solutions, no warrantees or guarantees are implied.

Operating Systems and Software

Install and use current operating systems, ensure that they are patched and up-to-date. Make sure that there are procedures in place to keep operating systems updated and/or patched.

Any operational software should be treated in the same manner, use the latest version available from your vendor and make a plan to keep the software updated, if there are associated costs with updates, then factor that into the systems overall cost of ownership.

If there are outside connections being made to the system, make sure that you understand what those connections are for, how many of them there are and if they are necessary. Do not turn off firewalls, instead leave firewalls up and set exceptions for applications within the firewalls. Interconnectivity between devices within a closed network offer a lower security risk than interconnectivity between devices on a LAN and a source that is external to the LAN, never defeat firewalls at this level, consult a network security expert if you need help connecting an external(internet) system to a LAN and always consult with site IT before making changes.

Install anti-virus software on PC’s and servers, choose a reputable product that can detect spyware, ransomware and malware and has the ability to send alerts.

Dedicate PC hardware, if the PC is to be used as a video recorder, then use it only as a recorder, do not add superfluous software or tools, do not allow an employee to use the Server/PC as a mail reading tool or internet surfing tool, disable RDP connections or support software that allow remote access, isolate your equipment from the outside world as much as possible. Some IT departments completely disable internet connectivity to dedicated access control/Video servers, giving them the peace of mind that a security breach is unlikely to originate there. If you absolutely need an outside connection to the system such as in the case for remote viewing of video, use a VPN and ensure that strong security protocols are implemented on the remote connection, there is absolutely no point having great security when your remote user has a login credentials of ‘1234’.

If using a web-based client, wherever possible, use a TLS certificate to insure enable HTTPS browser connections, this encrypts the traffic between your client browsers and server/website.

Set up IP whitelisting for systems that require external connections, this will help to narrow the field of exposure to your internal LAN.

2. Separation of Infrastructure

Create dedicate networks for equipment, place cameras, access control panels and other necessary devices on their own internal network that communicates only with the server/PC that

controls/monitors that equipment, this will further decrease the possibility that a breach at a hardware level will result in an overall network breach.

Not only does this make sense from a security standpoint, but also from a bandwidth point of view; 500 5MP cameras connected to the client network are going to have a substantial impact on the the efficiency of that network.

3. Credential Management

Use strong passwords for operating system logins and for application/device logins, do not repeat passwords across sites, change vendor generated default logins immediately.

If possible, set up a password policy, forcing users to regularly change login passwords, always using strong, complex strings. It is recommended that a password contain a combination upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters, passwords should have no fewer than 8 characters.

Minimize the number of credentials assigned to operating systems, use only one or two administrator profiles and protect those accounts with strong passwords. Use deprecated accounts for system users and limit users’ abilities to make OS or security changes.

Use separate user accounts for all users to ensure separation of risk in case a single user account is compromised.

4. Recovery Plan

Set up a back-up policy that includes secure, daily off-site backup and regularly test that the policy is being implemented correctly. Off site back-ups can be encrypted for an extra level of security.

Create a comprehensive plan for disaster recovery, consider how the site is going to return to full functionality after a catastrophic event. Having a well-defined plan will minimize downtime and give clear direction during a typically chaotic time.

5. User Training and Awareness

Ensure that users understand the system they are working with, train them to minimize internet interaction on mission-critical devices. Make users aware of threats such as phishing and other social engineering attacks and help them to understand these threats and how to avoid them. Always think twice before inserting a memory stick into a mission-critical device.

Further reading available: https://www.cisa.gov/cyber-essentials

5 Areas to Consider When Choosing a Security Company

There are five major considerations to take into account when it comes to researching, vetting, and ultimately choosing a security company.

1. Location
On the one hand, it seems that choosing a security provider in your local area would be the obvious choice. After all, even the best designed and most up to date systems break down on occasion. Isn’t it best to have a local security provider who can perform on-site maintenance at the drop of a hat?

Actually, today’s technology means that on-site maintenance is becoming less and less important. Access control system providers now have the ability to log into your facility’s system remotely and troubleshoot any issues. Many of these issues can be addressed remotely, too, getting your system back up and running right away.

2. Experience
When selecting a company for security, you want a provider with plenty of experience with access and wander control systems. More specifically, however, you should consider whether the company has experience with long term care facilities.

Long term care facilities have unique needs that differentiate them from other secure facilities. Going with a company that specializes in providing access control for long term care facilities can dramatically improve your overall experience.

3. Expertise
Whether you’re tasked with facility management or maintenance, you have a lot on your plate — and you can’t be an expert in everything. That’s why it’s important to choose a security provider that offers genuine expertise when it comes to access control.

As with anything else, you get what you pay for. Investing in a company with a high level of expertise will give you peace of mind as a facility manager.

4. Training
An access control system is only effective if your facility staff understand how to use it. Does the security company you’re considering provide training for staff members? This is absolutely essential: if you’re going to spend the money on a quality system that’s been installed by skilled professionals, you want to ensure that your staff can utilize all of its capabilities.

5. Service Contracts
Perhaps most importantly of all, you want to go with a company that offers a comprehensive service contract. Choosing an access control provider that will handle all of your maintenance and service needs in-house makes things much easier in the long run. Rather than attempting to communicate with multiple companies to account for multiple needs, you’ll have a single go-to contact with your security provider who can handle any issues that might arise.

We can’t stress enough how important a service contract can be. Comprehensive customer support will include 24/7 system support, proper system certification, access to the right spare parts when needed, and more. You’ll also be in a better position when it comes to preparedness for regulatory inspections.

Learn more about our Security and Access Control Solutions for Long-Term Healthcare Facilities by visiting www.pmtsecurity.com/security-and-access-solutions-for-long-term-care/