If 2020 and 2021 saw security convergence gain wider acceptance among enterprises and small/medium businesses, 2022 is set to see the trend accelerate and impact many previously ‘standalone’ aspects of cyber and physical security. The goal is to close the security gaps that can exist when physical and security teams operate in silos.
Smart locks and access control
Through 2022, the emphasis will be on more than just locking doors; security teams need to know when users are entering a building or accessing different parts of the office. This is important as it not only deters unauthorized individuals from entering the building, but it can also signal a response system if a breach occurs, immediately alerting emergency services or first responders or signaling a building lockdown.
This is not possible with traditional locking methods – which is why businesses will turn to smart locks and access control as an essential part of an integrated approach to security.
Smart locks are more secure because employees cannot share keys or other access devices. Smart locks offer convenient access and eliminate the problem of lost keys and can be used to manage access to areas of a building with different levels of security.
Similarly, access control is an increasingly important area of focus. Access control efficiently dictates who’s allowed to access and use company information and resources through authentication and authorization.
Investing in a smart access control system will go beyond just protecting the ‘front door’, but ensure that any vulnerable areas – and individual devices – are well protected. With an access control system, you can also keep an eye on and manage your building security through your mobile device.
Securing remote workplaces
Working from home has shown no signs of slowing since the height of the pandemic and hybrid working is now accepted as the norm by many businesses. That makes a converged approach to access control for the remote workplace a major challenge for 2022.
Because of the geographic disparity, the security perimeter for companies is now much wider and more complex to protect, so businesses will need to increase investments in secure networks, such as VPNs, rather than relying on the public internet. They will also enforce stricter policies to eliminate vulnerabilities in the use of unsecured laptops or shared home Wi-Fi networks.
Improved analytics
The data available from access control systems can help physical and cyber security teams manage security more effectively and develop evidence-based proactive strategies. Artificial intelligence will increasingly be recognized as a key component of optimum security analytics.
AI solutions ‘learn’ patterns of behavior and can quickly recognize unusual events that may represent security risks. By integrating AI tools with security systems and a human element, teams will be able to quickly analyze data and respond to real or potential incidents faster. This will equate to more time responding but less time watching.
Increased automation
It is essential to keep security systems up to date. 2022 will see increased use of cloud-based systems to provide automated security updates and alerts.
It will also be important to keep security credentials up to date to minimize physical security vulnerability. With increasing adoption of hybrid working arrangements, this can be difficult. Cloud systems that incorporate higher levels of automation will be used to manage the process and deactivate any out-of-date credentials.
Raising security awareness
By working together, physical and cyber security teams can develop converged strategies and policies to keep their businesses safe through 2022. As part of the process, they will increase training and awareness programs to minimize the risk of security vulnerabilities and to ensure that employees are aware of their responsibilities for security.
Optimized security in 2022
Security is growing more challenging through 2022 with the complexity of protecting the wider, remote security perimeter. Convergence between physical and cyber security teams is more important than ever and the trends for 2022 will help them to develop a stronger overall security posture.
