Several members of the Jackson Fire and Security team went down to London in June to attend the IFSEC International exhibition. It’s regarded by many as Europe's leading security event and 2018 has been a particularly significant year as it’s marked a major shift in direction for the exhibition. In recognition of the fact that security threats are becoming increasingly more diverse and complex, and all the implications that has for the sector, this year the exhibition transformed into a summit that focused heavily on the relationship between physical security measures and cyber security capabilities.
For over 40 years, IFSEC has been known globally as a leading physical security event. Just think about how much the world has changed in those 40 years. In terms of security, what once used to be viewed as sufficient is nowadays no longer enough to fully protect a business. But while the kinds of threats we are all working to prevent have evolved, so have the options available for dealing with them.
The growing role of cyber security
Physical security continues to be an essential part of an overall approach to security. At the same time, it’s part of the evolution. Security systems and cyber security solutions are working together to combine all the benefits of the physical barrier bolstered by layers of smart security that offer far greater protection. Perimeter intrusion detection systems, access control, CCTV systems: they are all being used to offer significantly better safety and security to businesses and homeowners.
The capabilities of the technology are improving all the time. But with improved capabilities come more factors to consider. With IP (internet protocol) cameras being installed, what network will they sit on? What about accessing them via mobile devices? Are those devices suitably password protected? It’s no longer simply a case of quickly installing some basic CCTV cameras onto a wall…
Codes of practice
In fact, this is something the NSI (National Security Inspectorate) has recognised, and it has updated its codes of practice accordingly. The CCTV code of practice provides guidance on best practices for the design, installation and maintenance of surveillance systems and it has now been updated to incorporate advice on protecting systems from cyber risks. Essentially, that means systems that comply with the new code of practice will benefit from designs that address all agreed security needs and usability and operating requirements so they comprehensively cover network and cyber security aspects. It’s a flexible code that can be scaled up or down, meeting the needs of the smallest of installations right the way through to the most extensive and complex ones.
Cyber security isn’t just something that needs to be considered at the point of installation either. When servicing is carried out, it’s essential to check the security of the network and ensure the ports for each camera are locked down. The ability to access footage remotely is a major benefit but if it’s not set up and maintained correctly, it can become a major security weakness. After all, if you can access your footage online then potentially someone else could too…
As NSI gold standard accredited installers, Jackson Fire and Security follows its codes of practice and is externally audited against them. That ensures the security systems we install continually reflect the most up to date best practices when it comes to cyber security. If you’d like to talk to us to find out more, please do get in touch.