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GUEST OPINION: Mobile devices, whether smartphones or tablets are now used for audio and video entertainment, heating or air conditioning homes, and operating numerous home appliances like dishwashers and washing machines. These new technologies improve energy efficiency and offer lots of conveniences if youre not home but need to prepare something while away.

Physical security presents various challenges. A principal inconvenience is that someone usually needs to grant access to a site, office, or home. But now, thanks to cloud-based security systems, the management of physical locations can be accomplished remotely using mobile applications. This technology permits administrators to:

With any access procedure, credentials can be stolen or lost. Remote video identification can be an essential part of multi-factor authentication.

Physical access generally requires on-premises manpower that could be more profitably employed elsewhere for a company. Traditional physical access can also result in waiting lines and traffic flow obstacles.

Using keypad access control systems or mobile access credentials can speed things along, providing contactless entry and preventing unauthorized entrances. Entrance credentials can be sent to the devices of guests and visitors shortly before arrival to mitigate risks. Unlocking doors for authorized employees or law enforcement will no longer require an on-site physical presence.

Security issues require immediate responses, and how quickly those responses arrive can mean the difference between fatalities and serious injuries taking place. Smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, gunshot, or even broken glass alerts can save lives. Not only will management and security personnel receive alerts, but local authorities and emergency service personnel can receive these too.

If company areas become overcrowded, mobile systems can integrate traffic management software to alert administrators, and appropriate actions can be introduced.

COVID-19 taught us about the risks involved in direct contact and overcrowding. Mobile-based physical security provides an option for avoiding both.

The advantages to using mobile security strategies are numerous and benefit both physical and cyber security operations. The principal advantages include:

With cloud-based security systems, mobile technology can be integrated quickly and easily. This option eliminates eventual installation expenses.

The greatest advantage of mobile technology is that it immediately provides alerts, communications, and information in real-time. Often senior managers or business owners may not be on-site in the event of an emergency. Mobile technology can speed up executive decision-making and interventions by law enforcement or service personnel, evacuations, and lockdowns when necessary. Records of mobile access control can make auditing easier and compliance necessities.

Using a mobile-friendly video feed for access control makes proper identification rapid and guarantees only authorized entrances and visits. Mobile credentials are difficult to duplicate or falsify. MFA is already commonly used on smart devices, adding an extra layer of protection.

Managing from a distance is easy and efficient with mobile technology. If managers or business owners are out of town or unable to visit a property physically, security can be managed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Using key cards, keys, or fobs requires money and time. If employees are fired or resign, traditional access cards or keys must be collected. When keys, cards, or fobs are stolen or lost, they must be replaced. Mobile technology facilitates the BYOD (Bring Your OwnDevice) practice with employees using their smartphones or tablets. Credentials can be revoked immediately at no cost if need be.

Personnel is no longer required for access management, and subscription cloud-based services replace the need for on-site hardware and maintenance.

While the benefits far outweigh any disadvantages, there are always occasional vulnerabilities with any security strategy. Mobile security technology requires strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, without which mobile security will be at risk. Lost or stolen mobile devices are always a concern, but with MFA and well-selected passwords, risks can be mitigated.

Although mobile technology brings multiple opportunities, it also brings increased risks. Wherever data is stored, there will be a risk of cyber vulnerability. Both devices used and stored data present significant vulnerabilities for businesses. The loss of a device with stored data creates an opportunity for cybercriminals to do untold damage to your company and customers.

Third parties must not gain access to company systems or data, nor should they be able to launch attacks or create breaches in security protocols. Cybersecurity software, therefore, becomes essential when opting for mobile technology.

Undoubtedly, physical security can be increased using mobile technology, but when physical security is mobile, cybersecurity can no longer be viewed separately. Physical security systems can improve and be remotely managed thanks to smart locks, video feeds, and identity credentials verification that are all convenient and contactless. Cybersecurity must protect these physical security opportunities from becoming liabilities.

See more here:
Why cyber and physical security is becoming mobile-centric in 2023 - iTWire