John Randall Dennis is an ASIS ESRM Certified Security Risk Consultant and security advocate.
Embracing advanced technologies can significantly boost the effectiveness of your SROs and overall security strategy. SROs can only be in as many places as your headcount allows, but new, advanced security technologies can provide you a thousand “eyes and ears” in hundreds of places at once.
5 next-generation security technologies
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is transforming security, enabling systems to detect patterns and predict threats with unbelievably high accuracy. AI-enhanced video and sensors can flag unusual behavior, providing early warning signs before threats escalate.
- Advanced Surveillance: High-definition cameras with real-time analytics provide a clearer picture of activity with actionable insights. These systems can identify individuals and monitor their movements, even identifying threats from afar.
- Integrated Security Solutions: Modern open-standards systems integrate video surveillance, access control, weapons detection, visitor management, and more into a single interface. This allows for faster, coordinated responses and the capability of consolidating resources district-wide into a single, cost-efficient Security Operations Center.
- Mobile Security Management: Mobile apps enable administrators and security staff to monitor systems from anywhere, ensuring quick responses and improving communication between staff, parents, and law enforcement.
- Cyber-Hardening Security IoT: As schools connect more security system devices, “cyber-hardening” becomes critical. Each camera, access control, and other IoT devices are points of network vulnerability that can be hacked to access your data or subject your system to malware. Some reports and expert analyses suggest that 15% to 30% of IP cameras are running with default credentials! These credentials can be found easily on the Internet. Usernames and passwords need to be maintained. Software and firmware updates should be regularly monitored and managed. Cybersecurity of your valuable data is only as safe as your weakest link. physical security systems, safeguarding both your data and infrastructure from cyberthreats.
Steps for effective implementation
- Comprehensive Risk Assessment: Conduct a third-party, unbiased risk assessment aligned with the ASIS Enterprise Security Risk Management framework or Partner Alliance for Safer Schools guidelines. An assessment report will identify your specific needs as you build an Incident Reduction Plan. Further, these documents provide expert validation of need when presenting improvement initiatives to your board.
- Engage Stakeholders: Include teachers, parents, students, local law enforcement, and ASIS ESRM certified security experts in your planning. Their invaluable input will help identify gaps and build support for your initiatives.
- Invest in Training: Ensure staff are trained to use new technologies effectively. Continuous training is essential as technologies and threats evolve.
- Scalability and Flexibility: Choose open-standards systems that integrate solutions and grow with your district. Flexible solutions ensure you can adapt to emerging technologies and changing threats.
- Privacy and Compliance: Implement systems that respect privacy and comply with laws, balancing security needs with the rights of students and staff.
Being proactive
Adopting advanced security technologies is not about merely reacting — it's about preventing incidents. By implementing the latest innovations, you can create a safer environment where learning thrives. Let’s take bold steps to ensure the future of your school safety is secure, smart, and seamless!
John Randall Dennis is an ASIS ESRM Certified Security Risk Consultant and security advocate based in the Nashville, Tennessee area. He can be reached at: [email protected]
