SECURITY IN THREE LEVELS

When We Sit Down And Talk With Prospective Clients, We Explain Security Like This…

Developing the right strategy of protection for our clients is one of the most important functions we serve as a security integrator. But one of the trends we often see, as we’re preparing these strategies, is that many potential clients have already doubled down on one technology or facet of their security plan, usually whichever one they see as most valuable.

While common, this specific emphasis on access controls, cybersecurity, or another hot-button issue, means that other parts of their system are dangerously lacking. While knowing and understanding your security priorities is a crucial part of establishing a system that works, an over-emphasis on one piece of technology or process leaves you exposed.

That’s why at SAGE one of the first things we do with a potential client (after reviewing their existing security measures and hearing their concerns) is outline for them how we strategize to create a comprehensive security plan.

We wanted to share some insights from that strategy with you today. We hope it lends some perspective into the current strengths of your own security operations and gives a sense of where there might be weaknesses within your current system.

LEVEL 1 – LONG LINES OF SIGHT

We often use the metaphor of a castle when explaining physical security. The reason is, while few people live in castles anymore, the philosophy behind securing a castle is still applicable to modern day security.

The 1st level of security that we explain, is long lines of sight. In a castle, this would have been a man stationed high up in a crow’s nest or in a tower. In our modern times, we use things like cameras and physical security to provide the same kind of vigilance. But, unlike in castle times, sight alone is not the only thing we have anymore.

To level up this 1st line of defense, we encourage our clients to invest in technologies like ZeroEyes. The ZeroEyes platform integrates with a client’s already existing cameras and surveillance technology but provides AI-powered weapon detection which can alert both internal security teams as well as police of a possible threat. The ability to detect a weapon and alert authorities before that weapon is ever fired or reaches the front door, is the very best of what the present technology holds.

Now, you can protect your employees and customers from threats both see and unseen. It’s not enough to just have a long line of sight – the sight must be improved so that it prevents harm before it ever happens.

LEVEL 2 – AT THE GATE

The 2nd level of protection in a castle was the moat. If someone was allowed close enough to approach the castle, they first had to provide the proper clearance before entering. In the modern world, we rely on things like access controls and scanners to make sure that those who enter your facility, are supposed to be there.

For this level, we recommend OSDP access controls, rather than the outdated and technologically weaker Wiegand controls. OSDP offers two-way communication between the card reader and administrator, whereas Wiegand only offers one-way. We also recommend access controls that are encrypted, or even mobile access protocols which allow for higher encryption and more customization than a standard RFID scan card.

We also know that venues which have moderate to high visitor traffic, need scanners that look for more than simply metal. That’s why we recommend Evolv Technology security scanners. Evovl scanners can scan about 10x more people an hour than traditional metal detectors, and can scan for not only weapons, but also for things like temperature (to make sure that those potentially infected with COVID or other high-temp illnesses are screened before they ever get in the building.

Protecting your facility and the people inside really begins with long lines of sight but having great security measures for who and how people get inside your building is just as important.

LEVEL 3 – INSIDE THE WALLS

Once people have made it through the long lines of sight, and through the access controls or scanners, there should be little doubt that they belong inside your building. That being said, having the proper security inside the building is crucial, should a threat arise from either a person or from emergencies like fire or flood.

For that, we rely on a combination of active surveillance (either from cameras or security personnel), access controls that restrict visitors or employees without clearance from gaining access to sensitive or confidential information, and a variety of other technologies to cover things like elevator control, cybersecurity, etc.

The last line of defense that we recommend, is shot detection. In the catastrophic event that an active shooter makes their way into your building, having technology that can recognize a shot and immediately alert authorities is paramount. The reason for this is because in these situations, time is one of your greatest allies. Quick detection and communication to security and police, gains you and your employees\visitors\customers the time needed to evacuate. The longer the delay in either alerting authorities, or in time to evacuate, and the greater the likelihood of casualties or loss of life.

This is why having not merely one facet, but all three facets of security handled (and a strategy to govern them) is so important. By the time we reach this last line of defense, the possibility for loss of life is much higher.

IT STARTS WITH YOU

Long lines of sight, access controls, and interior defense are all incredibly important. But true security doesn’t begin with technology, or even with a good integrator. The very best security begins with a business owner or facility\security ops manager who understands and internalizes the importance of being prepared. Nothing thwarts bad actors better than excellent preparation.

As a security integrator, SAGE stands ready to help protect what is most important to you. But it will always be up to you to decide your level of commitment. We encourage a pro-active, comprehensive, and tech-driven approach to security because we believe it’s what keeps people safe. If you’re agreement, then we’d love to meet you.

Click here to learn more about how SAGE Integration brings your security into the modern world.