Better Security Starts With Balance Part 3: Balancing Drone Technology and Surveillance

For our final part in our continuing series on Balanced Security, we’re focusing on drone technology and surveillance.  

Both of these elements fall into our client’s overall Perimeter Security, along with things like physical barriers (gates, fences, walls, etc.), security checkpoints, and motion detection, ground sensors, and more.

It’s important to note, once again, that when we talk about creating a balanced security system, we’re not implying that each element of your security should be given the same budget or tactical importance. When push comes to shove, each facility or building is different, and requires different amounts of each security element in order to function at its highest level.  

But what we often see, especially when it comes to surveillance, is an overdependence on the technology at hand to both deter and detect bad actors or other kinds of suspicious or criminal activity. And as for drone and anti-drone technology, many clients are aware of their need for both, but aren’t quite sure how to implement them or how to integrate these new technologies into their current systems.

That’s why we wanted to help share some of our most valuable ideas on how to implement better surveillance, and how to utilize drone and anti-drone technology to maximum use when it comes to your facility.

We’ll start by addressing surveillance first.

WATCHING OVER

Camera surveillance is one of the most widely used pieces of technology in the security world, and with good reason. It’s ability to extend the line of sight of its users, as well as increase the number of places and directions that security teams can monitor, have made it a staple in almost any security system.

Not only that, but as a visual deterrent, few other pieces of technology are as effective at stopping bad actors or those looking to commit petty to mid-level crimes. In recent years, camera and surveillance technology has exploded, with many options now available for improving general surveillance.

But there are a couple considerations when implementing video surveillance that we like to remind clients of.

1.     Wired vs Wireless Systems: While incredibly appealing, wireless surveillance systems are still incredibly expensive and will be cost-prohibitive to most. Wired systems are still very much the industry standard, with some higher-paying clients beginning to make the shift over to entirely wireless (and cloud based) systems. We recommend weighing your options carefully, and remembering that surveillance should only be a portion of your security system – so retaining some of your security budget to be used on other technologies might actually help you create a more balanced system.

2.     Cable Protection: If you do have a wired system, or are planning to implement a new one, our teams go out of their way to help keep cables hidden. Exposed cables can be vulnerable to bad actors or those looking to compromise your security system. They can also be vulnerable to the elements as well as animals that might do them harm.

3.     PTZ vs Wide-Angle: Again, some of this comes down to the area being surveilled, and budgetary concerns. Pan Tilt Zoom Cameras are most costly and survey a smaller area than fixed wide-angle cameras, but the upgrade is in tracking, and the ability to have a higher resolution camera that can zoom and move. Your Integrator will be able to tell best when and where you might install PTZ or Wide-Angle cameras.

4.     Cameras + Lighting: Most cameras work best when supplied with sufficient light. Lights are already an important part of a balanced security system, as many bad actors outside the most brazen, would rather work where it’s dark and harder to detect. For both general security, as well as aiding the ability of the cameras to capture and detect threats, we recommend your integrator keep a close eye on lighting the areas your cameras will be surveilling, and adjust where needed.

5.     Monitor + Recording: Many prospective clients we speak to have cameras that can monitor or surveil an area effectively. But we’ve also found that some of those clients don’t have any recording devices associated with their cameras. We would encourage anyone with a video surveillance system to consider storing the camera feeds for somewhere between 1 to 3 months. This amount of time gives you, and anyone else who may need the data stored there, to go back and see if any activity was recorded or aid in investigations should the need arise.

When it comes to surveillance, having the right equipment – again – comes down to the needs of your particular facility, foot traffic, and much more. Though camera surveillance is one of the most common pieces of security equipment, its specific uses should be a highly personalized part of your security system.

EYE TO THE SKY

When drone technology first broke into the public market, it was mostly relegated to small machines that were given as gifts to middle-school kids. They had short lifespans, were notoriously difficult to control, and many saw them as simply a fad that would go away.

But we in the security industry saw something very different. We saw both potential for good, as well as potential for a security risk or challenge. Per our predictions, the drone market continued to increase. Along with it, more powerful and versatile drones started to become available to the public market. Today almost anyone can buy a high performance drone, for relatively low cost. And we’re seeing the applications of that drone technology in everything from package delivery, to shooting movies, to yes, committing crimes of all kinds. During a recent visit to a major metropolitan city, our team was even informed that drones were being used to spy on the computers of a client’s personnel, by flying up and looking through the windows of this company’s downtown building. The real shocker? This wasn’t the first time we’d heard of this happening – it’s actually growing increasingly common in the world of corporate theft and espionage.

We want to take a quick look at two parts of the conversation. Anti-drone technology, and where we see an opportunity for good.

First, anti-drone technology. We’ve been developing at SAGE a piece of technology that utilizes parts from a couple of our industry partners, BOSCH included, and is a ground based radar that can detect drones, and track their users to within 10 feet.

Many companies, especially in the utilities sector, are having to secure vast pieces of land or expansive machines or facilities. Even traditional surveillance techniques can struggle to keep up with that kind of demand. With something like our ground-based radar technology, a utilities client or even someone in the financial sector, could have an incredibly powerful anti-drone technology at their fingertips.

The truth is, when it comes to drones – it’s hard to differentiate between general curiosity, harmless pranks, and truly bad-intentioned actors. That’s why having anti-drone technology that works, and adds to the strength of your current security system, is so important.

But anti-drone technology isn’t the only way the conversation around drones can go. Drones are becoming powerful tools for surveillance and security all themselves. Take the above example, where a company is trying to keep an eye on or care for an expansive network of buildings, sites, pipeline, or other infrastructure. Where the security for these more remote places may be more difficult to implement because the cost of building all the necessary components to secure more remote locations is expensive – drone technology provides an effective way to monitor large swaths of property. It can also be used to do routine checks and ensure that all the technology is working properly.

As drones continue to expand in use and application, security leaders like SAGE will continue to innovate ways to both utilize drone technology, and protect against those who would use this amazing technology for ill-purposes.

THE FUTURE IS BALANCED

If you haven’t guessed by now, at SAGE, we believe in a balanced approach to security. And not just one part of your security, but the whole thing. It should come as no surprise that we advocate for taking an overall look at our client’s security, not just upgrading a single technology or strategy when we begin working with them. While there are often one or two pieces of a client’s security system that are lagging, the whole thing should be considered when upgrading even a part of one.

The strength of the whole system relies on the strength of each individual piece, and vice versa.

If you’re ready to implement one of the technologies above, or just need another pair of eyes to evaluate your current system, we’d love to help.

You can reach us at the link here, and expect to be treated with the very highest caliber of service and expertise. We’re here for you.

And don’t forget, Better Security Starts With Balance.