Overview of security convergence
Two areas that formerly served distinctly separate sectors in security are now rapidly combining. In the past, physical security and cyber security were managed and kept as different entities. When these elements are combined, a powerful, unified system is created through security convergence that works seamlessly to strengthen security on all fronts and offer a more thorough understanding of security throughout an organisation. This article explains the distinctions between cyber and physical security, the significance of security convergence, what security as a service and endpoint security as a service are, as well as best practices and management tools that can be used to optimize both physical and cyber security.
Cybersecurity vs physical security
The procedures put in place to protect an organization’s physical assets are referred to as physical security. This covers the structure, tools, and personnel. The most typical instance of protecting a physical asset is preventing unlawful entry to a structure. Installing proximity scanners at each building entry point to verify that everyone entering has the right authorization is one of the steps taken to prevent this.
On the other side, cybersecurity is the incorporation of technology to defend computer systems and networks from online assaults planned by hackers and cyberterrorists. Measures must be taken to safeguard sensitive data and personal information in the digital age because data breaches in this area have the potential to severely disrupt business operations.
The importance of security convergence
Physical systems and networks are becoming more interconnected nowadays as a result of the development and integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, blurring the lines between the previously separated roles of physical security and cyber security. An IoT-connected firm will experience a cyber attack that compromises not only the physical security of the building but also the network and data security.
When cyber and physical security are handled separately, an organization may be unable to recognize the warning signals of a cyberattack or other security concerns because it lacks a holistic understanding of security. Attacks and breaches are therefore more likely to happen and can have serious repercussions, including the release of private information, financial loss, and interruption of company.
An enterprise can start by putting cybersecurity software in place to restrict access to sensitive information and limiting access to physical areas in order to develop a successful security convergence strategy. By limiting access, physical security protects the area where sensitive data is maintained, while cybersecurity safeguards the information kept in physical systems. For instance, commercial RFID door locks and video security cameras are frequently the focus of physical security breaches and cyberattacks. The proper security convergence measures may be put in place to stop hackers from using the internet to access these channels and stop unauthorised people from breaking into a facility using credentials they’ve stolen or stealing readers to access data contained in the devices.
The top convergent security techniques
Physical and cyber security must coexist in perfect harmony for security to be improved on all fronts. A successful convergence approach for physical and cyber security will result from adhering to these five best practices:
1. Install access control readers and security cameras in all areas where sensitive data, confidential information, and intellectual property are kept to keep an eye on access.
2. By putting in these devices, you can stop unauthorized people from entering a facility or getting into high-security locations.
the application of least-privilege access models, active system monitoring and threat detection, regular vulnerability testing, and other standard cybersecurity practices.
3. Create a collaborative structure so that security teams and IT specialists may cooperate within an organization.
4. Establish a framework of open communication to enable information from various teams’ departments to be shared. Implementing the conclusions from these discussions can aid in the convergence of security successfully and boost security all around.
5. In order to obtain a thorough understanding of security throughout a business, analyze the data gathered by convergent security systems. Compiling data can offer a more comprehensive perspective on topics outside of security, like company operations. A visitor management system, for instance, can spot patterns in the flow of visitors. It might be time for a company to relocate to a larger place if it notices that certain areas of an office experience high traffic or if the quantity of visitors is causing a building to become crowded.
Teams inside an organization can identify threats rapidly and launch the proper incident response thanks to security convergence. Systems that operate together to provide convergent security enable the rapid detection of abnormalities and the prompt deployment of the proper teams to deal with potential threats.
Benefits of cloud security for cyber and physical security
To manage and maintain both physical and cyber security, one of the best methods to implement a converged security strategy is to use a cloud-based solution. The benefits listed below make cloud-based systems an excellent choice to enable the convergence of physical and cyber security:
1. Simplified remote control
Organizations are rapidly adopting cloud security systems for their convenience in security administration and maintenance in a world where people and businesses are connected digitally more than ever. The growth of hybrid and remote work is a crucial driver of the rising usage of cloud security. Workplace flexibility is increasing, so cyber and physical security systems must offer the same degree of adaptability without sacrificing security. One advantage of cloud-based systems is the ability to monitor security remotely and streamline and simplify operations. From anywhere, at any time, and for numerous locations and sites, operators can grant or deny access, manage door access control schedules, issue guest access passes, and modify permissions. Cloud-based alternatives enable security staff to keep an eye on cyber activity, arm or disarm alarm systems, and monitor video footage in real-time.
Users of cloud-based systems can access the most recent technologies without having to do in-person maintenance or stop working during business hours to upgrade systems thanks to automatic over-the-air updates.
2. Scalability to Infinity
Due to the indefinite scalability of cloud-based systems, expanding enterprises can scale up or down depending on their needs. With a few clicks, a network can be expanded to include new persons, places, and websites. Cloud-based solutions employ third-party servers to avoid this headache, but on-premise systems need additional room to house new servers and require specific software to be installed on local workstations.
3. Decreased costs
Security must be available 24/7 because security breaches can happen at any time. Cloud-based solutions reduce the expense of hiring additional security professionals while guaranteeing that every activity is carefully watched. They also make it possible to monitor security 24/7 without having dedicated security personnel present in a physical workstation or working after hours. Cloud security’s real-time reporting alerts security professionals to possible dangers when aberrant behavior is discovered and enables them to respond fast – from anywhere. Less false alarms may arise from tighter surveillance. A cloud system can help businesses further cut costs because they frequently have to pay a fine when emergency services are sent to properties because of false alarms. Cloud-based solutions can also save expenses by doing away with the requirement to buy hardware and software. For on-premise solutions, higher up-front expenses are needed for servers, specialized software, and licenses. Cloud systems allow security to be handled from a web browser or a single dashboard, and costs can be spread out over time using subscription models provided by security as a service and physical security as a service providers. With cloud systems, servers are maintained by a third party.
Utilize security as a service to streamline security administration (SECaaS)
New organizational structures are necessary for converged security. A security as a service (SECaaS) provider can aid in streamlining managing and maintaining both physical and cyber security systems. Is a security as a service model beneficial for your company and what does it entail? SECaaS, or security as a service, is an outsourced service in cloud computing where a third-party provider oversees the security of an enterprise. The conventional approach to security management can be pricey due to up-front fees for hardware and ongoing costs for software licenses. Instead, security as a service in the cloud computing environment enables internal teams to utilize several security technologies in a single dashboard or web browser, streamlining management and increasing efficiency while lowering costs. Furthermore, businesses can improve convergent security via utilizing endpoint security as a service software to defend against cyber attacks on work-related laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. Instead, security as a service in the cloud computing environment enables internal teams to utilize several security technologies in a single dashboard or web browser, streamlining management and increasing efficiency while lowering costs. By adopting endpoint security as a service software to safeguard work-related devices like laptops, desktops, and mobile devices from online threats, enterprises may further improve integrated security.
Physical security as a service (PSaaS), which falls under the security as a service category, is a cloud computing system that aids in managing access control, video monitoring, and other physical security-related tasks for businesses. In order to monitor door schedules, allow or deny access, issue guest passes, remotely observe movements, and open doors, for instance, a cloud-based physical security dashboard is employed. Some PSaaS and security as a service in cloud computing providers, such as businesses that sell security cameras, also allow enterprises the choice to outsource monitoring tasks and release internal teams from the obligation. Physical computer security, network infrastructure installation, and personnel support may all fall under the purview of cloud services for physical security.
Advantages of physical security as a service and security as a service:
1. utilising the most recent security tools: It is essential to update the system frequently and make sure users can access the newest resources and features for security tools to be effective. Every network, server, and device in a business receives these updates from security as a service providers, freeing up internal teams and company resources to focus on more crucial tasks.
2. Employing the services of SECaaS and PSaaS providers allows users to rapidly access the newest security solutions, including endpoint security as a service features. This results in instant deployment and better flexibility. Offerings for security as a service are also available on demand, giving businesses the freedom to scale up or down at their own pace.
3. Instant alerts and breach prevention: Most firms simply lack the time and resources necessary to continuously monitor their physical or digital security. SECaaS and PSaaS are able to identify suspicious activity as it happens, such as when a user tries to access private or sensitive information or enter a prohibited area. Time is of the essence in these circumstances. The earlier anomalous conduct is discovered, the more quickly security as a service providers and organization can take action to stop and lessen harm.
4. Total visibility and resource savings: Security as a service solutions are being used more frequently for corporate infrastructures to reduce the workload on security staff. SECaaS and PSaaS give users complete visibility into every action through a management dashboard while freeing up IT resources. If an organisation wants a more hands-on approach to handling security processes or more control over security, it also has the option of passing the responsibility back to internal IT and security teams.
5. Understanding of other business areas: By utilizing security features, physical security as a service can assist firms in understanding other business areas like customer experience and loss prevention. For instance, to improve tenant and customer experiences, visitor patterns and amenity usage can be analyzed, and video monitoring in retail settings may aid in loss prevention.
6. Cost-effective and budget-friendly: Since many businesses have a restricted capital expenditure budget, PSaaS is an excellent option for improving security without raising CapEx spending. Businesses can pay for what they use and scale up as needed thanks to the fact that subscription packages and tiers with upgrade possibilities are frequently offered for cloud-delivered services.
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