Modern security solution providers offer several systems to help customers ensure that their perimeter is well-protected, but these continue to evolve as technology and requirements change.
Security, in many respects, begins at the perimeter. Securing the perimeter is essential to protecting any premise. Modern security solution providers offer several systems that can help customers ensure that their perimeter is well-protected, but these continue to evolve as technology and requirements change.
Several trends are seen in perimeter security now, from the integrated use of different devices to the increased use of video technology. This article explores the major perimeter security trends seen in 2022.
Integration with more devices
Probably the greatest trend we're seeing is around technology integration. Previously, perimeter protection and security solutions have been primarily based around a few single systems. While video still plays a central role, customers are increasingly employing a variety of sensors and technologies.
"For example, the use of thermal cameras and radar can create an added security layer beyond the perimeter, detecting and tracking potential intruders before they even get close to the site's border," explains Andrea Sorri, Segment Development Manager, Smart cities at Axis Communications. "Combined with automatic lighting, live, and prerecorded audio, this can act as an effective deterrent to potential criminals. Using technologies based on open standards helps system integrators create solutions that most effectively meet their customers' needs."
Cyber-physical combination
Cybersecurity has become a hot topic in recent years, becoming a part of discussions in almost all industries. As nearly all physical security systems have become digitalized, cybersecurity has become a concern in this sector, so much so that integrators offer a combination of physical and cyber security services.
"Within the systems integrators themselves, we're seeing a trend towards offering both physical and cybersecurity services," Sorri continued. "With every endpoint to the network presenting a potential cybersecurity vulnerability, and with the general escalation in cyberattacks, physical and cyber security need to be seen holistically."
Industry and vertical-specific solutions
Perimeter security within critical infrastructure plays a crucial role in day-to-day activities that underpin economic and social stability. The effective protection of these sites is paramount to facilitating a thriving global economy that relies on these facilities to safely and efficiently deliver utilities and services.
"It is therefore critical that these intricate and vast environments leverage the appropriate technology to protect citizens, passengers, data, and assets to prevent operational disruption," says Alan Stoddard, President of Cognyte Americas. "Outdoor areas and high-risk facilities must be secured and protected at every step of the way, and doing so depends on highly complex and often sprawling landscapes. The pathways used for travel, like seaports and airports, for example, need to be monitored constantly to ensure they are clear, free from risk, and running smoothly. A port terminal's perimeter detection must incorporate water elements, while an airport must ensure that the roads leading toward or away from the facility aren't tampered with or obstructed."
These facilities need to have the right systems in place to protect what matters most. These industries face an inherent risk of terrorism and other threats and vulnerabilities, whether they are internal or external, intentional, or accidental. IT system integrity, as well as environmental and structural factors, are always top of mind.
"While the exact requirements may vary, all of these facts about perimeter protection in these environments — critical infrastructure, transit and beyond — demand a comprehensive and intelligent security solution that can bring together various elements and associate events to improve situational intelligence," Stoddard added. "To achieve this goal, organizations can leverage systems such as video surveillance and management, advanced analytics, a unified command and control platform, and next-generation mobile technologies."
Intelligence-driven security systems
AI has made devices smarter, but taking this a step further, security solutions are now driven by intelligence and data. Operators can now make more effective decisions quickly because they have more accurate information than ever before.
"We must empower security practitioners with informed decision-making and optimal response," Stoddard pointed out. "We've seen perimeter applications seek out more intelligence-driven security solutions that work in concert to deliver actionable insights for deeper situational awareness and command and control. These types of platforms fuse inputs from multiple security systems and thousands of cameras and sensors for a comprehensive view across an entire business."
Through AI and predictive analytics, SOCs in mission-critical and highly dispersed security environments — like critical infrastructure and transportation providers — can anticipate threats in real-time and prevent risk scenarios. By supporting the integration of any device, service, or solution and combining data into one pane-of-glass, organizations achieve higher levels of awareness.
Video tech more important than ever
From facing evolving terrorism threats and crime to complying with rules and regulations, perimeter security environments are high-risk and leave little room for error. For example, an airport operates like its own metropolitan area, separated from its geographic surroundings and positioned as a standalone facility. Multiple entry points, perimeters, and facilities must be monitored, and thousands of travelers and employees must be protected daily.
"Video surveillance technology is part of any multi-layer perimeter security strategy," explains John Rezzonico, CEO of Edge360. "It augments personnel and enables operators to effectively engage in real-time monitoring and situation management while supporting investigative and forensic needs. An open platform approach combined with integrating with other third-party systems allows organizations to benefit from other best-in-class technologies to promote a more robust security posture and permit a coordinated emergency response when necessary."
The combination of valuable video and security tools enables users to build more vital security programs through intelligent data collection. Feature-rich video viewing and policy-based distribution improve emergency management, while containerized video management platforms serve as an intuitive platform that drives new levels of situation awareness and enables rapid response.
"As video surveillance took center stage with helping organizations address COVID-19 challenges, the market saw technology progress in a matter of months that could otherwise have taken years," Rezzonico added. "As security professionals, we know how vital video is to monitor facilities and keep people safe, and when you can't be on-site, it becomes even more important. Because many mission-critical facilities had to reduce staff, the demand for video technologies skyrocketed."
Final word
As with many other segments of physical security, perimeter systems are seeing an increase in smart devices, integrated solutions, and data-driven processes. Ensuring cybersecurity has become inevitable, and systems integrators are beginning to offer this as part of their services. AI and video tech are more important than ever, offering actionable insights to operators and enabling them to provide faster and more efficient responses.