It’s official, we’ve made it to the end of the month that seems to feel like a year – January. Unlike the abysmal year we’ve had, 2021 brings us hope and with that new opportunities. So, we’ve picked the brains of Norbain’s very own security Wikipedia – Buzz Coates, to bring you trends to look out for this year.
The importance of cyber-security
Whilst many people are starting to go back to their place of work, a considerable number of us remain working at home and cyber-crime is at an all-time high. Criminals are finding new ways to target businesses; such ways include using
cyber-attacks, phishing scams, malware, ransomware, and even the COVID-19 pandemic as a way of getting sensitive information and stealing data or money.
We live in a time where cyber-security has to be at the forefront of our minds as we incorporate more and more technology into our lives. The good news is that protecting your business from cyber-criminals doesn’t have to cost a lot….
Education is the most effective and cost-efficient solution when it comes to protecting yourself and your business online. Making sure employees update their devices regularly, know the best way to create passwords and are aware of how to identify a dodgy email is completely free. Of course, paid for security solutions like VPNs and private networks are very important to have, but the fundamentals of keeping safe online are education and common sense.
You are the key!
Another up-and-coming trend to look out for this year is the use of biometrics in access control.
Say goodbye to wearing those annoying key fobs and access cards around your neck and say hello to the camera. That’s right, your face could be your key to get into your office!
Facial recognition and fingerprint technology are two of the most popular biometric access control solutions around. Using these can limit access to strangers and even temperature check visitors with a built-in heat-sensor – perfect for a pandemic!
These solutions have become popular because fobs and key cards are high maintenance and can become expensive over time with the risk of these being lost or stolen.
All for one and one for all
As technology continues to develop at an exponential rate, users are paying more and expecting more for their money. Users expect their devices to be multifunctional and have everything that they need in one package, as opposed to having to buy different devices.
In our industry, we can see more and more products overlapping and working together. An example of this; intercoms and video. Traditional intercoms used to work by pressing a button and talking to someone over audio but now there’s an element of video that can be implemented for improved security. Another example of this ‘one for all’ type product is IP audio speakers. These can be used to sound alarms, send out announcements and even play music, which makes this device useful for more than one function and appeal more to a broader market.
Products that are able to diversify have a better chance of being successful in the industry.
Using analytics to better your business
This year, the use of biometrics in CCTV and access control is predicted to further increase, whether it’s to raise an alert of a suspicious individual or to gain access to a building without the need for cards or having to touch anything – another great solution for a pandemic.
With better analytics in ‘deep learning’, businesses can minimise the chances of raising a false alarm and see improvements for object classification, loitering, and behavioral analytics, making systems more proactive rather than just reactive.
These new solutions have the potential to provide analytical information on multiple levels. At a local level, such information can improve day to day security and help allocate personnel most effectively. At a management level, such analytics offer useful business insights delivering a competitive advantage.
What trends will you adopt this year?
So, these are our top 4 trends to look out for in 2021, we hope it’s been useful. For more information on the above, get in touch with one of Norbain’s friendly sales advisors who will be happy to discuss any of these trends further.