Information Technology
Historically, physical security systems and information technology systems dwelt in different silos. Chief security officers and chief information officers ran their respective domains without input from the other. But rapid adoption of IP-based security devices spurred the convergence of physical and information security, bringing the two spheres together. SIA is dedicated to managing disciplines within this convergence.
SIA Working Group Contributions Reflected in CSI MasterFormat
Panel’s recommended overhaul of Division 28 included in document Silver Spring, Md. — The 2016 edition of MasterFormat from the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC), which contains extensive recommendations from a Security Industry Association (SIA) working group, is now available. MasterFormat provides an organizational structure that is an important tool in…
Keep Reading »
Protecting Data a Lot Like Raising Children
Having a computer-based infrastructure is a lot like having kids. Both are very smart—too smart for their own good in many cases—and need a lot of planning to keep them safe and secure. You child-proofed your home before your child was born, and you probably still worry for your kid even now when they are…
Keep Reading »
Creating a Cybersecure Physical Security Enterprise
Simplicity and convenience are the enemies of security This article is intended for executive and management personnel who may not have the technical expertise to fully evaluate physical security system installations, but who are nevertheless responsible for the installation and performance of these systems. All organizations that have any kind of physical facility must be…
Keep Reading »
Beginner’s Guide to Product and System Hardening
From the SIA Cybersecurity Advisory Board The SIA Cybersecurity Advisory Board recommends a few basic safeguards to help protect security products, systems and services against cyber attack. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Cybersecurity processes and technologies are constantly evolving along with the threats; the following can serve as the beginning for a…
Keep Reading »
Raising the Standards
Physical access control can benefit from adopting an IT-centric approach The convergence of physical and logical access is certainly not a new phenomenon. Ever since security systems and related peripheral devices made the jump to IP, there has been a desire to combine the two functions to derive greater intelligence and value from these solutions.…
Keep Reading »
The Importance of Practicing ‘Due Care’ in Cybersecurity
Taking appropriate precautions can prevent security equipment from being a cyber vulnerability Cybersecurity and physical security are becoming more and more connected. Everything from the cars people drive to the heating systems that warm their houses to the planes they fly in are increasingly controlled by interconnected computers. And, as a result, they are subject…
Keep Reading »
A Standard Response to IoT’s Security Challenges
Technical standards are essential to securing billions of connected devices The Internet of Things (IoT) is causing an explosion in the number of connected devices. Many of these will be deployed on networks that are also a part of the security fabric of our facilities, our infrastructure, and – literally – our way of life.…
Keep Reading »
IoT Makes New Security Partnerships Essential
Bringing physical security and IT security together can enhance both For several years now, security professionals have been a part of a remarkable convergence of two worlds – physical and digital. Security systems integrators are shifting from being strictly focused on hardware and electronics to taking into account services, software and networks, and security purchases…
Keep Reading »
Tackling the Complexities of the Connected World
Enterprise security must be a team effort Cybersecurity trends and risks are top of mind for nearly every business leader today, and these executives are turning to security professionals within their organizations to keep pace with IT security risks while also helping secure people, critical data and physical assets. As the world becomes more connected,…
Keep Reading »
Don’t Be the Weakest Link
Security, IT Departments Must Work Together to Reduce Vulnerabilities The physical security industry has generally not received a lot of attention when it comes to cybersecurity issues, breaches and threats to data. However, with the shift from analog to IP devices, and with a more converged network of devices, many organizations have found themselves face-to-face…
Keep Reading »
Back to Top