Securing the Foundation: Cyber-first Approach to Security Technology 

The Convergence of Security and IT Infrastructure 

Today’s security systems leverage the IT infrastructure that underpins every forward-looking business: data networks, edge analytics, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and more. Gone are the days when security technology could be managed as something separate and distinct from all the other technologies that organizations depend on. Now, everything required to secure IT networks must also be applied to electronic security infrastructure. 

Cybersecurity threats can vary in severity, but even the smallest data breach can quickly lead to catastrophic consequences for commercial organizations. With security systems forming a significant part of the IT network, taking a serious approach to cyber security risk management, data privacy, and ongoing cyber hygiene is key to minimizing the myriad threats posed by malicious third parties targeting intellectual, personal, and financial data via unsecure connected devices. 

Businesses should apply the same best practices they use for IT cybersecurity to their security systems, such as user and permission management, endpoint protection, and ongoing software and firmware updates. Organizations should ensure their electronic security systems receive regular preventative maintenance while also reviewing legacy installations that may require patching or upgrading to safeguard them against potential vulnerabilities. Staying on top of these tasks will help to ensure that security systems stay operational in the event of a cyber-attack – a major concern raised by our Client Advisory Board. 

More than ever, maintaining robust security measures requires strong collaboration and a close partnership internally among IT, security, and executive leaders like the Chief Information Officer (CIO), and with your security provider. The result will be cybersecurity confidence for all your stakeholders. 

“For any organization, protecting confidential data has become equally as important as protecting people, property, and assets. Our clients realize that implementing a robust cyber security strategy is central to the integrity of their data network and the electronic security systems connected to it, especially as more clients consider making the jump to cloud-based security solutions.” 

Mike Beattie
CIO & SVP Information Global Technology, Securitas Technology 

Why Big Data Requires Bigger Protection 

Increasingly connected electronic security systems can harness the power of the Cloud to process more data than ever before. This ‘big data’ capability enables organizations to do more with their security systems, from leveraging AI and predictive analytics to managing systems remotely from centralized mobile platforms. 

The sensitive nature of security data, big data trends, and the expanding need for secure data cloud storage makes protecting that data even more imperative. There is also the fact that security systems often comprise thousands of connected devices, making them a potential target for third-party hackers attempting to infiltrate the network. Thankfully, this is something security product manufacturers and software developers are not compromising on, reflecting the fact that cyber credentials, data integrity, and remote connectivity are now fundamental factors in clients’ electronic security buying decisions. 

While the status of network-based security systems can be monitored remotely, updating central software and device firmware remains a manual process that must be carried out by the service provider to keep systems up to date and cyber secure. To reduce the risk of systems running outdated software that could leave them exposed, organizations can consider Software as a Service (SaaS) and Cloud solutions, which enable automatic software and firmware updates to happen automatically, as the latest updates are released. 

Navigating Evolving Cybersecurity Trends and Data Privacy Regulations

Cyber compliance is now a critical consideration for organizations looking to implement advanced security technology within their security program. Regulations around cybersecurity and data privacy can vary from country to country, making it essential for security managers to understand local guidelines on data processing and the use of security system data before any investment. 

However, in both the European Union and the United States, there are clear frameworks to work from. 

For example, in Europe, the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive [1] is the first mandated cybersecurity law aimed at businesses and suppliers that provide essential or important services. These regulations are now evolving to account for expanded digitization and cybersecurity concerns, with NIS2 coming into effect in October 2024. In the United States, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [2] offers guidance to organizations through its Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0. While the CSF is currently mandatory for U.S. Federal Government agencies only, all organizations are encouraged to follow the guidelines provided by the CSF and apply best practices. 

Organizations can also take proactive steps beyond this regulatory compliance to identify and mitigate cybersecurity and privacy risks. Even such privacy-sensitive applications as facial recognition for access control can be architected in a privacy-secure manner. Consulting with a specialist security provider such as Securitas Technology will help businesses to keep up with the pace of change and make informed decisions on how to: 

• Effectively protect their organization against cybersecurity risks. 
• Confidently blend future-proof technologies into their business security strategy. 
• Meet the growing cybersecurity expectations of their clients and supply chain. 

Facing the Future with a Cyber-first Mindset 

The cybersecurity landscape and data privacy trends are set to remain a key conversation within the security industry. By facing the future with a cyber-first mentality backed up by a concrete cybersecurity foundation, organizations will place themselves in the best possible position to effectively mitigate and minimize cybersecurity threats and data privacy risks.

References:
[1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/nis2-directive
[2] https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework