In general, many facility professionals are looking to physical security technologies to supplement the security measures in place within their facilities. In doing so, these professionals may have found themselves wondering, "What level of video surveillance should be included within our plans, and what factors should I consider when having a video surveillance system installed?".
As an example, many higher education professionals are looking for new ways to upgrade their security measures, considering crime trends and their campus growth. In looking to video surveillance, those systems not only support security but they also allow for better monitoring of the facility's numerous business operations—from sports events, maintenance needs, after-school activities, as well as business activities within the bookstore, and operations within the dining hall. However, when technological physical security measures are implemented, certain security policies and measures should also be included. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few factors you may want to consider as mentioned in our President and Principal Consultant Mark Schreiber’s interview with Facility Executive Magazine.
1. Equipment hardening.
This technique focuses on preventing perpetrators from gaining access to the security devices themself; it begins with the device installation process. Some aspects of hardening include frequently changing access passwords, blocking port connections, avoiding using factory default settings, and conducting and checking for device updates on a regular basis. These security mechanisms are even more important now that video surveillance is being conducted via Internet Protocol networks (IP) and should be implemented.
2. Consider the Application.
Video surveillance will likely become more regulated in the future. As Schreiber explains in an article featured in Facility Executive Magazine, there are two common applications of regulation related to video surveillance. The first is concerned with government and market requirements, while the second is concerned with privacy. When it comes to video surveillance and its application, both categories are equally important and should be addressed.
When purchasing a system in the United States, there are two acts to consider. The first act is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA 2019 Section 889), which discusses which video surveillance products are prohibited from use due to affiliations to particular Chinese companies. The Trade Agreement Act (TAA) is the second act that must be reviewed. This act focuses on the development and production of video surveillance cameras within various companies.
3. Before anything else, have a professional plan.
Having researched the device's legality, facility professionals may wonder how to apply the video surveillance in a measured and thoughtful manner. A good beginning is hiring a trusted physical security consultant with experience analyzing a facility’s security systems. A professional technical security consultant can also assist in the selection, improvement, and planning of the facility's security systems. Before settling on a specific video surveillance system, it is prudent to conduct research, seek professional assistance, and discuss all options. In-depth research can assist facility professionals in determining the best option for them, the system's legality, and any potential flaws.
Ultimately, facility managers should begin to consider video surveillance. With crime on the rise and technological innovations occurring rapidly, it's critical to have a secure and up-to-date security system in place within a facility. Overall, video surveillance has numerous advantages such as discouraging inappropriate behavior, recording any misuse of the facility's assets, monitoring the facility's entryways/exits in case of an emergency, and helping to improve the staff and facility's efficiency. It is also important to understand that camera maintenance is an expense in itself as they can develop technological issues over time.
However, by conducting an in-depth execution plan with a professional and thoroughly researching the technology and its options, facility professionals can implement appropriate security, service, and maintenance while meeting their facility's needs.
If you would like professional technology plan for your facility or would simply like to discuss options available, we at Safeguards Consulting are happy to help. Just give us a call or reach out via our website to set up a consultation.
