Security 50 spotlight on cybersecurity amid rising security threats

Besides artificial intelligence, mobile credentials and cloud solutions are some of the other trending technologies of 2017. Finally, with more and more devices going online, the issue of cybersecurity is more important than ever for Security 50 companies.
 
While AI is mostly associated with video and analytics, access control is also starting to see some AI applications. “The area where I have certainly seen this coming in already is with regard to space/room utilization analysis. Essentially the access control system is taking the door swipe data it collects and providing the end users with information on how well the space is currently being used,” said Jim Dearing, Lead Analyst for Access Control Research at IHS Markit. “However, ‘true AI’ implementation would also mean the access control system itself could make recommendations on how to improve utilization efficiency, something I have not yet seen much evidence of in the market today.”

Other trends in access control

In the area of access control, better and more accurate authentication technologies are demanded to keep unwanted people out. Users are therefore looking at different biometrics to authenticate staff or employees. “The fingerprint technology has become more prevalent now. With the advent of human technologies, such as voice, iris, and facial, it started getting noticed. We are currently developing technologies for biometrics, voice recognition, iris and facial,” said Sun Woo Yoon of the Marketing Division at COMMAX.
 
Dearing cited the following as trends for watch for in 2018: growing adoption of mobile credentials in verticals outside the hospitality sector; adoption of electronic locks in emerging regions; increases in the adoption of iris and facial biometric recognition technology in place of fingerprint or hand geometry readers; acceleration of the transition from proximity card to smart card-based access control systems in the Americas; and increased popularity of access control-video integration in installations where it had previously been unaffordable.
 
Speaking of mobile credentials, the industry can expect to see double-digit growth, said Jason Ouellette, Product GM for Access Control for Building Technologies and Solutions at Johnson Controls. “Increasingly, mobile credentials are being integrated with various access control security systems and the move toward industry standards should cement their use in the future. Likewise, mobile keys, which send a pulse to a door to open it, are a small, but growing segment driven by ongoing hardware changes.

Cloud

Another trending technology that is catching up among users is cloud services which also offer various benefits. “Some of the major trends propelling physical access control and biometrics sector will be acceleration of IoT enabled peripherals, emergence of smartphone credentials and cloud computing,” said Hanchul Kim, Director of Global Business at Suprema. “Cloud-based services will offer a secure, manageable and cost-effective approach without the need for expensive infrastructure.”

Vendors are meanwhile rolling out solutions to enable their SI partners to launch more cloud-based services. “We are excited to have recently previewed Avigilon Blue, our new subscription-based cloud service platform for security and surveillance, powered by Microsoft Azure,” said Willem Ryan, VP of Global Marketing and Communications at Avigilon. “The launch is the first foundational step that will enable partners and customers (subscribers) to access an expanding selection of subscription service offerings, starting with video surveillance and advanced video analytics.”

Cybersecurity

Inevitably, with different devices going online, cybersecurity has become a major issue, especially in the wake of the large-scale DDoS attacks last year. Companies as a result are putting more emphasis in this regard. “In 2017 we observed a huge focus on cybersecurity. There is greater awareness of cybersecurity issues than 12 months ago with some vendors focusing on a more proactive rather than reactive approach to cyber threats,” said Josh Woodhouse, Senior Analyst for Video Surveillance at IHS Markit. “Practical examples of strategies we observe include partnerships with cybersecurity companies leveraging existing ICT solutions and embedding them in video surveillance firmware and software; utilizing in-house and third-party testing to provide notifications and responses of emerging vulnerabilities; aligning to ISO (and other) standards compliance, certification and best practices; and taking ICT security consulting services for integrators and installers.”

“Concerns about safeguarding personal information are top-of-mind and that isn’t likely to change anytime soon. Heading into 2018, security providers are increasingly integrating their access control systems with identity management and protection providers as a means to secure information as well as exploring technological options that remove the need for companies to store someone’s personal data,” said Ouellette.

Security vendors meanwhile are stepping up the security of their devices. “The global security market will be keep growing together with personal privacy protection and public safety issues. In the same context, we feel that keeping security equipment safe and trustworthy is very essential. That’s the reason why we are taking on cybersecurity matter very seriously and recognize it as a factor we must keep with along with our business,” said Jimmy Park, Senior Director for Strategic Product Management Team at Hanwha Techwin.
 
“The core of any network revolves around cybersecurity, and IoT networks are no exception. Network cameras, acting as a hub for IoT networks, may have a role to play,” said Johan Paulsson, CTO of Axis Communications. “Cybersecurity has remained a top priority for Axis Communications in 2017, as our products are integrated into larger and larger IoT environments. We train our partners through our comprehensive Axis Academy program, as well as providing an Axis Hardening Guide and of course continue to deliver products where cybersecurity is high on the agenda.”

Secret to growth

AI, which enables systems to be smarter and more accurate in identifying problems or irregularities, has become the hottest technology now and will remain so in the next years to come. More and more security players are embracing this technology, as well as giving users innovative, cost-effective solutions. Indeed, amid intense competition, this is one way for security companies to survive and sustain growth.