When it comes to incorporating security measures for your business, the safety of your team members and staff is your number-one priority. But there’s more to protect than your people — your business assets need safeguarding, too.

In the age of cyberhacking and phishing, businesses often neglect physical security. The scary part is that you never know where a physical security threat can come from, be it a disgruntled employee who has access to data rooms and on-site servers, or simply a building entrance that isn’t as secure as it should be. To protect your data centers and other physical computing assets, your business needs smart physical security.

Fortunately, with the increasing need for physical security comes a rise in more sophisticated technology to match those threats. New security equipment utilizes automation and the internet of things (IoT) to offer security solutions that are more difficult to tamper with and simpler to integrate with alarm and surveillance systems.

Smarter Access Controls to Keep Your Assets Safe

When it comes to your building entrances, it’s not just about keeping people out — it’s also about who you let in, and how. Swipe cards and key locks are an old standby that many businesses still rely on, but because they can be easily interfered with, they’re not the most effective solution. Newer versions of access controls use digital technology to control access points and remotely manage IDs and user permissions, giving you more control over who gets in, and where.

• IP access controls. Looking for complete control over tracking entry and exits? IP access controls maintain a record of each and every entrance — as well as each attempted opening — of all doors, giving you more accurate reporting and specialized control. Just like more traditional access controls, areas managed by IP access control can be managed via vendor software. Plus, because IP access controls are connected to an on-site server, you can manage remotely from any network device, setting permissions, adding or removing users, or accessing reports.
• Cloud-based access controls. A cloud-based option maintains the digital networking of IP access control. You still benefit from accurate reporting, and your remote access control means that in the event of an emergency, managers can log in from any device and manage credentials or trigger a complete lockdown. The only difference is that your access controls are managed via an off-site database. This cloud-based control gives you more reliability via redundant backups, and it also reduces the need for timely and costly maintenance.
• Physical keycard access. Modern keycard systems can offer a lot more than just electronic access to rooms and basic recordkeeping. Modern keycard systems can be used to grant physical access through all kinds of entry points, including gates, garage doors and electronic barriers. For example, employees can use the same key card to access both their work area and the company parking garage.
• Time-based physical access. If your company has shift workers or janitorial staff that come in and out during non-traditional hours, a keycard system can provide access only during specific times when these individuals need to be on-premise. This is a much more elegant and secure approach than handing out physical keys, which can provide access at any time of day.
• Access control during emergency situations. A physical key card access system can also be incorporated into safety systems to allow selective access during different kinds of possible events. In the event of a fire, the system could unlock all doors to allow for a quick evacuation. If an intruder breaks in using a stolen keycard, the access privileges of that card can instantly be revoked and secure areas can be locked down to protect both people and property.

More Powerful Surveillance Cameras for Advanced Protection

No matter what kind of business you run, it’s a smart idea to have eyes on your site at all times — especially if you’re in retail or other business that’s open to the public. A sophisticated surveillance system is one of the most effective ways to monitor your business in areas that are more prone to criminal activity, such as outside exits or in stairwells or parking lots. But not all surveillance does the job equally well — especially when criminals know tricky workarounds to avoid getting caught. Thankfully, surveillance equipment has evolved with digital standards to outsmart even the most deceptive criminals.

• Camera resolution. Older 720-pixel cameras are being replaced by high-resolution cameras (in 720p and 1080p resolution). This cutting-edge quality offers sharper images and clearer details, which can help identify faces and license plate numbers in the event of criminal activity. Best of all, the image maintains quality even when in zoom, and the wide-angle lens covers more space, reducing the need for multiple cameras.
• Adjustable lenses. Pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) cameras offer zoom functions, as well as 360-degree pan or 180-degree tilt, to monitor a more expansive area of coverage. Varifocal lenses offer an adjustable focal length, which allows you to zoom in and out for more detailed footage.
• Environmentally sensitive cameras. Never again will you lose critical viewing footage to poor lighting or extreme temperatures. Outdoor cameras are equipped with all the image quality of indoor models, but their rugged manufacturing and weatherproof exterior keep them functioning no matter the temperature or level of lighting. Thermal cameras, on the other hand, are an advanced option for nighttime recording. Because their imaging isn’t dependent on visible light, they pick up presences based on heat radiation and can detect criminal activity even through conditions such as smoke or fog.
• Protect Your Business Inside and Out. Physical security systems have different requirements for indoor and outdoor spaces. Modern video surveillance technology is able to monitor these different spaces, allowing an organization to secure every inch of its facilities. Outdoor surveillance often requires a wide field of view, and panoramic cameras can provide a wide coverage area in a single view. Outdoor cameras are also made to withstand severe weather conditions. Their weatherproof casing can protect against precipitation, extreme temperatures, and high winds. These cameras also typically have tamper alarms that can alert a company when someone is trying to take down part of its surveillance system.
• Daytime/nighttime surveillance. Modern security cameras are able to operate in all kinds of lighting. However, there may be situations where it is necessary to use thermal imaging for better visibility. These cameras can be used to detect intruders, and they can also be used to identify dangerous situations that involve extreme heat.
• Onboard cameras. Organizations with a fleet of vehicles may also want to consider onboard cameras. These cameras can be linked to the internet via a data connection and are specially designed to resist vibration, physical shocks, dirt and dust.

Surveillance Video Management Software

Every physical security system should be backed up by surveillance video recordings. Video management software platforms let administrators store, access, and analyze the images that their surveillance system captures. A platform could store video from multiple cameras on a local server or in the cloud. With either approach, video retrieval is quick and seamless. Video management software systems can also quickly access footage based on time, date, and other parameters. Video clips can quickly be sent to remote devices like smartphones and computer tablets. As with most other software platforms, video management software can be updated automatically and easily upgraded through an internet connection.

Taylored Systems Covers Your Physical Security Needs

If you don’t have the right physical security, you’re putting your business — your team and your assets — in jeopardy. For more information about advanced equipment that will catch criminals, deter intruders and generally protect your business overall, download our free e-book The Short List of Physical Security Solutions. You can also contact us at Taylored Systems to learn how we can tailor our IT solutions to best suit the needs of your business.