EXCLUSIVE: A holistic perspective on critical infrastructure

Road in New York - critical infrastructure

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Paul Smith, Director of Sales โ€“ South at Salient Systems explains why video management systems are a crucial part of the critical infrastructure security ecosystem.

The importance of critical infrastructure

For critical infrastructure facilities, service interruptions can be catastrophic. Operationally, they must be equipped to handle day-to-day demands and be prepared for any scenario.

This can include the disruption of service due to a major weather event or a security breach at a substation, administrative office or waste-water treatment plant.

Critical infrastructure facilities provide the backbone of modern society. Without them, our day-to-day operations would suffer significantly. From energy and water supply to transportation networks and communication systems โ€“ these assets are essential for maintaining a healthy and productive society.

Critical infrastructure facility managers recognize that people rely on these services every day and disruptions to these facilities can have serious consequences.

Given their essential role in maintaining public welfare and economic stability, the security of critical infrastructure facilities is of paramount importance.

These facilities, which include power plants, water treatment plants, transportation systems and communication networks, are under constant threat from natural disasters, cyber-attacks, physical breaches and other security risks.

To ensure their safety and efficiency, critical infrastructure facilities need to adopt advanced security solutions that can address complex and evolving security challenges.

One such solution is video management systems (VMS), which provide comprehensive video surveillance, analytics and management capabilities for critical infrastructure facilities.

Itโ€™s essential that utilities take a layered security approach that incorporates a scalable, yet open video management platform that can integrate with many different solutions, from access control systems and intrusion detection hardware to surveillance cameras and perimeter protection devices.

A VMS is an integral component of a robust security system that provides real-time monitoring, proactive incident response and comprehensive reporting capabilities.

A layered security program that incorporates an open VMS platform is necessary to ensure the maintenance of basic services by enabling facility managers to access cameras and other surveillance tools.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of VMS for critical infrastructure facilities from a holistic perspective, including their impact on security, operations, compliance and innovation.

Security

Firstly, VMS can enhance the security of critical infrastructure facilities by enabling real-time monitoring, detection and response to security incidents.

VMS can integrate with various sensors and devices, such as cameras, motion detectors, thermal imagers and access control systems, to provide a unified security platform that can detect and alert security breaches.

VMS can also use advanced video analytics, such as facial recognition, license plate recognition and anomaly detection, to identify abnormal behavior and potential threats.

Moreover, VMS can record and store video footage for post-incident investigation and evidence collection, which can be used to prosecute offenders and improve future security procedures.

Operations

Secondly, VMS can improve the operations of critical infrastructure facilities by providing insights into their performance, optimization and maintenance.

VMS can capture and analyze video data from various sources, such as drones, robots and wearables to monitor the status and condition of equipment, infrastructure and personnel.

VMS is able to use predictive analytics, such as machine learning and AI to forecast future events, such as equipment failure, personnel shortage and supply chain disruptions.

By leveraging this information, critical infrastructure facilities can proactively address potential issues and optimize their operations for efficiency and resilience.

Compliance

Furthermore, VMS can ensure the compliance of critical infrastructure facilities with regulatory and legal standards that govern their security and privacy.

VMS can provide audit logs and activity reports that demonstrate the adherence of critical infrastructure facilities to security policies and procedures.

VMS can also encrypt and secure video data to protect their confidentiality and integrity from unauthorized access or tampering.

Additionally, VMS can support the compliance of critical infrastructure facilities with privacy regulations, such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), by enabling them to collect, use and retain video data according to the data subjects’ consent and preferences.

Innovation

Finally, VMS can foster innovation in critical infrastructure facilities by enabling them to leverage new technologies and solutions that enhance their security and operations.

VMS can integrate with emerging technologies, such as the IoT, edge computing and cloud computing, to create a smart and agile security ecosystem that can adapt to changing security and business needs.

VMS is also able to support the development and deployment of new security solutions, such as biometric authentication, cyber threat intelligence and autonomous security robots, that can further improve the security and resilience of critical infrastructure facilities.

Parting thoughts

In conclusion, VMS offers a compelling value proposition for critical infrastructure facilities that seek to enhance their security, operations, compliance and innovation.

As the security landscape becomes more complex and sophisticated, critical infrastructure facilities need to rely on advanced technologies that can provide holistic and integrated security solutions.

VMS is one such technology that can empower critical infrastructure facilities to meet their security and business objectives while ensuring the safety and well-being of their stakeholders.

By embracing VMS, critical infrastructure facilities can not only defend against current threats but also prepare for future challenges and opportunities.

About the author

Paul Smith

Paul Smith is Director of Sales โ€“ South for Salient Systems. Paul joined Salient Systems in 2014, originally as Manager of the Technology Partner Program, where he created and implemented a program that focused on establishing and growing partnerships with complimentary manufacturers. Between 2015 and 2022, Paul was District Sales Manager then Regional Sales Manager for the Central territory. During this time, he assisted his customers and channel partners with design and implementation of custom integrated solutions. Paul is an engaging speaker and is knowledgeable in all aspects of Salientโ€™s Video Data Platform.

This article was originally published in the July edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, clickย here.