Integrating IT & physical security systems

While security per se has always been a hot area in enterprise IT, the
gruesome events in Mumbai on 26/11 have altogether changed the security
paradigm. The focus on physical security aspect has increased manifold;
enterprises have stepped up surveillance measures and introduced integrated
security products as safety concerns rise across the country.

Nothing illustrated this better than the telling postscript at the end of the
Nasscom invite for India Leadership Summit in Mumbai: “At Nasscom, we understand
the security concerns that you might have, following the unfortunate incident in
Mumbai. In all our conferences, we ensure that the security measures are
stringent and foolproof to the best of our ability.” The note went on to list
the security measures being undertaken at the summit. Kasab and his cronies
might not have yet shaken up the somnolent government machinery, but they have
at least ensured a vibrant security market for enterprises notwithstanding
slowdown effects.

Post November 26, enterprises of all hues and sizes have begun to look beyond
IT-at the physical infrastructure. Their focus is now on three key areas:
security of the physical infrastructure, the resilience of the security system
and disaster recovery mechanism they have in place. Some of the key steps
initiated include closer checks on vendors and suppliers visiting office
premises. Such visitors are asked to provide adequate details so that the
individuals can be identified when they are within the office. Remember, the
terrorists who virtually assembled an arsenal in a Taj room were staying as
guests for a few days and must have been walking in and out several times.

There is now an added emphasis on background checking of new employees. The
National Skills Registry system to ensure individuals employed by organizations
have their background and antecedents verified to prevent the menace of fake
resumes, is being made mandatory by many companies. Entry and exit rules such as
recording one's arrival in the visitor's register are also being enforced more
strictly. In many organizations, visitors are escorted from the reception to
meeting place and then back to the reception.

Following the terror attacks, large enterprises have approached the Indian
government for CISF protection to their facilities. Only recently, the Indian
government (through an ordinance) has allowed CISF to guard private
installations. On its part, the government is in fact busy exploring new systems
for increased security. As per reports, scientists are evaluating a
state-of-the-art embedded security system to safeguard busy railway stations
across the country, some of which had been targets of terror attacks. The
security system comprises 14 sensors that carry out surveillance and detection
activities and would help do away with frisking of people. One sensor even
detects explosive material using Raman Spectroscopy.

Rising security concerns are boosting the demand for products that integrate
the existing security systems to offer better surveillance. The marriage between
IT and physical security is not just on the cards, but already being solemnized.
In the past, there were technologies but they were installed in a dispersed
manner. Today, these are being integrated to offer more effective and real-time
surveillance.

Integrated security solut­ions leverage technology to analyze incoming video
infor­mation from cameras, pinpoint potential threats, and escalate information
through the established IP infrastructure to appropriate personnel or systems.
For instance, HCL Security recently introduced a unique concept called “Safe
State”. It is an architecture leveraging technology to build a security
framework that can safeguard life and infrastructure. It can help secure
vulnerable areas such as hotels, hospitals, IT companies and outsourcers,
educational institutions and railway stations.

Source: Dataquest