Which standards have had the greatest positive impact on physical security?
Editor Introduction
In the complex world of physical security systems, standards can enable disparate systems to be combined to function together as a cohesive whole. Standards help to ensure that all the “pieces” fit together to create a clear, unified picture. More broadly speaking, standards also play a role in ensuring best practices are deployed in a range of security-related situations.
We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which standards have had the greatest positive impact on physical security?
The Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) standards mandated over the past year have enhanced visibility into software vulnerabilities and made physical security devices better defended than ever before. This visibility is critical – after all, you can’t fix something you don’t know is broken, and cybersecurity threats are more prevalent than ever. SBOM refers to a repository that helps identify in which network devices vulnerabilities exist, and also shows all the software components a vendor’s device relies on. The SBOM also provides the ability to review these software components before even purchasing a network device. Whether you’re setting up a device management system, hardening new devices, or looking into how the existing ones operate, it’s crucial to have actionable, real-time insights into vulnerabilities to proactively defend your network attack surface.
For video security systems, the adoption of H.264 led to significant improvements in the development and interoperability of IP-based security solutions. This video compression standard has ensured that different devices and software from various manufacturers work together seamlessly. This enabled compatibility was crucial to creating comprehensive security systems using components from different sources. Efficient video compression from both H.264 and H.265 continues to be vital for reducing the storage footprint and bandwidth requirements of high-resolution video. For systems with remote access or cloud storage infrastructure, it is essential. Specialised communication standards such as ONVIF have also been important when facilitating basic interoperability between network video devices. While image processing and API/SDKs developed by manufacturers can further improve image quality, reduce bandwidth, and enhance communication between components, industry standards guarantee a minimum level of interoperability. With today’s evolving cyber threats, it’s also important that more organisations adopt cybersecurity standards such as NIST’s FIPS 140-2 Level 3.
California recently passed its Senate Bill 553, requiring companies to establish their own workplace violence prevention standards. Companies in California must now keep records of all threats and incidents of workplace violence, as well as their responses to those threats and incidents. The passing of this Bill is a step in the right direction for corporate security and preventing workplace violence as it compels companies to keep track of their threat landscape and better protect their employees. The passing of this bill may also result in other states following suit. To help comply with the law, organisations will need to think about how to keep track of these incidents, which will be required by law in California starting in July 2024. Organisations that invest now in a centralised system of record will be well prepared to comply with the law by capturing all workplace threats and violent incidents and showing the work they have done to address each, including conducting investigations where required.
Where physical security systems implement measures and protocols to protect people, assets and information, standards play a critical role in ensuring their effectiveness, reliability, and consistency – promoting best practices and benchmarking performance in the process. ISO 27001, for example, is recognised as the international standard that focuses on information security management systems, but its principles and framework can be applied to physical security also, and as such, it has helped to deliver a holistic approach to security management. For access control specifically, it’s crucial to identify the specific frameworks relevant to your region, systems and regulatory requirements, with regional or industry-specific standards, such as the British Standards Institution and its BS EN 60839 and BS EN 1209 classifications - to name a few - having driven continuous improvement across the industry. Similarly, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) have established several key standards such as the ANSI/BHMA A156 series, which addresses various types of hardware in the US. Finally, one of the most widely recognised and respected standards is the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) which provides comprehensive requirements for access control systems by focusing on interoperability, scalability and functionality.
Editor Summary
Systems built on open standards are inherently more scalable and adaptable to future changes. As new technologies and systems emerge, the ability to integrate them seamlessly becomes crucial. Standards provide a bridge between the old and the new, allowing organisations to evolve their systems without getting locked into proprietary solutions.
- Related companies
- Axis Communications
- i-PRO
- SIGMA Threat Management, LLC
- Consort Architectural Hardware
- Related links
- Biometric Access control systems & kits
- Standalone/Networkable Access control controllers
- Proximity Access control systems & kits
- Standalone / Networked Access control systems & kits
- Detection Software CCTV software
- IP Surveillance Software CCTV software
- Management Software CCTV software
- Monitoring Software CCTV software
- Surveillance Software CCTV software
- Axis Communications Access control controllers
- Axis Communications CCTV software
- Related categories
- CCTV software
- Access control controllers
- Access control systems & kits
- View all news from
- Axis Communications
- i-PRO
- SIGMA Threat Management, LLC
- Consort Architectural Hardware
Expert commentary
Security beat
Security bytes
- Getting to know Dan Grimm, VP and General Manager of Computer Vision at RealNetworks
- Big wins and the importance of showing up: Insights from SourceSecurity.com editor Larry Anderson
- Setting goals, business travels and radioactivity: Success secrets from Tiandy's John van den Elzen
- Getting to know Jeff Burgess, President/CEO at BCDVideo
Mobile access articles
HID, a worldwide pioneer in trusted identity and physical access control solutions, announces the 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report, identifying five key trends that are shaping the future...
Telaeris, Inc., a pioneering provider of handheld solutions for Physical Access Control Systems (PACS), announces its new XPressEntry handheld badge and biometric reader support for all HID Mobil...
Centrios, a new brand created within ASSA ABLOY to serve the small business market, announces their first shipment of hardware products to SECLOCK. Centrios is a cloud-based access control solution d...
Westminster Security Group, a renowned name in private security, announces a strategic investment in Tratix, an innovative technology company based in Tel Aviv. Tratix, founded and led by seasoned ent...
dormakaba has earned prominent recognition for its sustainability management and is listed as one of the 500 'World’s Most Sustainable Companies 2024' by TIME magazine. The ranking has been deve...
With approximately 3,000 sheriffs covering 70% of the United States, managing resources efficiently is paramount. The integration of security cameras, drones, and body cameras with powerful facial rec...
IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST) revolutionises the world of digital payments by demonstrating the first ever offline central bank digital currency (CBDC) payments incorporating enhanced security agai...
Zentra, a brand of Allegion®, and pioneering provider of smart access solutions, has integrated resident keys capability in Apple Wallet for use by customers and their residents. This enable...
Morse Watchmans, the industry pioneer in key control and asset management systems, is set to showcase its advanced solutions tailored for higher education institutions at two significant industry even...
Pioneering global access solutions provider Salto Systems, part of SALTO WECOSYSTEM, is thrilled to announce the launch of the new Design XS Keypad Wall Reader series. With a sleek design that is idea...
Following a decision of its Board, Euralarm has welcomed Safety Technology International as a new member. The company will join the Fire Section of Euralarm which monitors and analyses the development...
Security is more relevant than ever. Whether it’s cybersecurity, intrusion protection, or access control - the demand for individual and tailor-made security solutions in industry, companies, an...
Briton has launched a new exit hardware catalogue, showcasing its range of trusted panic and emergency exit hardware systems, and providing specifiers and trade professionals with a user-friendly guid...
ABLOY, a global pioneer in security, is proud to announce the launch of the innovative ABLOY CUMULUS Swing Handle for keyless access via smartphone. The handle is designed to meet the needs of...
The Federal Public Service Policy and Support (BOSA), a key component of Belgium’s federal administration, with support from Cryptomathic, a global pioneer in data security and cryptography, has...
Access control system planning phase 1
DownloadHow to lower labour costs when installing video surveillance
DownloadTotal cost of ownership for video surveillance
DownloadKey Findings from the 2024 Thales Cloud Security Study
DownloadVideo surveillance
DownloadIntroducing Hikvision's 5th gen LED cabinet: Performance & convenience redefined
Illustra Flex Gen4 AI-powered Dual Sensor Multi-directional camera
Anviz dome camera with intelligent analytics & all-weather functionality