Fast forward to 2020, and the pandemic is causing another quantum shift in how the world thinks about security. This time around, businesses are responsible for protecting their workplaces and people from an invisible intruder. As SARS-CoV-2 continues to disrupt businesses and economies, video intercom systems are once again on the frontline of security. But this time, the intercom has the force of modern technology on its side.

UK Police just announced that crime has fallen by 28% over lockdown, in fact from 12th April there has been a 37% drop in burglaries. As well as the financial worries lockdown prompted, we were also worried about our office and storage spaces, as we didn’t know how long they would be left unattended. Of course, working in security and safety we made sure specific measures were in place to help prevent vandalism, theft, arson or property damage. However, it appears that many businesses are left susceptible to such crimes, by not having many or sometimes any security measures in place.

It sounds simple: a company must be a safe place to work, and people will want to work for companies that make them feel safe. Companies have a duty of care and responsibility to keep employees safe, even as many work remotely. But as enterprises undergo digital transformation, physical security has at times been left behind (with legacy and outdated technology systems) despite a rise in threatening events and its increasing importance for corporations. Embracing digital protective intelligence and making safety a priority is not just a way to support wise corporate values, but given the potential loss of life and the cultural, bottom line and brand reputation damage that could occur, must be a mandate for modern business operations.

As with any new disruptive innovation, we must strive to strike a balance between risk and reward. While it’s exciting to ponder the possibilities of a world powered by 5G and an constellation of connected things, we must first establish a secure foundation to support these innovations. A software-based, Zero Trust security framework represents our best chance at securing the Edge from the connected things of tomorrow.

Security Access Service Edge (SASE) is the latest security trend to hit the world of cybersecurity for enterprises. But unlike meaningless buzzwords, SASE looks set to become an essential toolkit for any cybersecurity framework.

The New York Attorney General’s Office (NYAG) reached a Consent and Stipulation Agreement with Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. (Dunkin), which obligates the company to implement and maintain a comprehensive information security program to protect customers’ private information. The terms of the consent agreement are similar to the terms New York reached with Zoom earlier this year regarding inadequate data security practices, and strongly resemble the reasonable security measures described in the Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act (SHIELD Act).

Corporate enterprises and governments used to be the main targets of cyberattacks, but now any organization with an online presence is vulnerable. The surge in remote working due to the pandemic significantly increases risk as IT departments balance the demands of security, remote access and business continuity. Widespread use of new apps and solutions, credential sharing, unsecured Wi-Fi, weak passwords, lack of encryption and more provide cybercriminals with many opportunities to exploit gaps in security.  

The Physical Security industry is at an inflection point. Digital transformation and Security Convergence have accelerated, hastened by the persistent pandemic. Physical Security, HR and IT departments have been forced to work together quickly in designing back-to-work strategies, realizing that separate silos of operations just won’t cut it any longer.