Today’s technology innovation is prime for remote and centralized management and our global environment has created demand for more efficient remote capabilities at an incredible rate. But many security programs have yet to establish a foothold within their organization to leverage such solution benefits. Security has long been a lagger, staying with more traditional, on-premises-only security programs, which misses out on stronger security integration, efficiencies and true security benefits.

The threat landscape changes constantly. Companies must ensure their security programs are prepared for ever-changing physical as well as cyber threats. Remote security programs can fill in critical elements of your company’s future security profile.

What is a remote security program?

Remote security programs employ cloud-based technology to provide a scalable security solution for companies. They use much of the same components as traditional security solutions do but are designed around cloud management, platform scalability, flexibility and ease of use.

Regardless of where your security team is located, remote security programs allow them to conduct security measures from anywhere. Should a crisis or other event prevent direct access to a location, remote security still provides asset protection and management. Multiple security layers and risk mitigation elements within cloud-based security tools also maximize value, operational uptime and protect against many kinds of threats.

What benefits does remote security provide?

Along with continual protection of company assets and threat prevention, remote security programs can also demonstrate ROI through benefits like:

• Direct cost savings — Automation through remote security programs can reduce maintenance calls and system downtime. Cloud-based solutions also reduce the need for on-site systems like servers, software and their respective maintenance costs.
   
• Brand reputation protection — With always-on access, remote security teams can easily access video to support case investigations and protect against liability events that could lead to legal exposure and tarnishing of your company’s brand reputation.
   
• Preparation against future threats — Remote cloud-based programs scale with company growth and are updated automatically as new features and security needs arise.

What components are included in remote security?

While many physical and cybersecurity components would be familiar to any security team, remote security programs offer additional cloud-based tools to protect your company.

• Access Control as a Service (ACaaS) — Security teams can remotely grant or rescind identity and location access to users and manage both visitors and contractors more effectively. If you’re operating solely with access cards, then mobile credentials can provide you with more user convenience and easier roles and permissions management. ACaaS can also coordinate a more responsive program for system updates, service expansion and overall management.
• Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) — Video surveillance cameras upload their footage to a cloud-based storage and retrieval system, where security teams can access and share recordings with authorities for investigations. Because the system doesn’t rely on your own servers, VSaaS solutions can more easily expand with your company’s growth than traditional systems can. Having the video stored in the cloud also allows for additional analytics, machine learning or AI to be leveraged with virtually unlimited cloud computation power.
• Intelligent Service Assurance — Intelligent service assurance platforms network directly with your security program’s components and monitor for issues like hardware faults, network communication failures and other performance or functionality challenges. These systems can be monitored by you or by a professional security partner to protect your company. Additional services like software and firmware patches and updates allow for an expansion of your cyber hygiene program.

How can security integrators prepare to offer remote security programs?

If your company is considering offering a remote security program to your clients, ensure you properly assess a customer’s security needs before you begin. Bring together physical security and IT teams to determine current pain points, total cost of equipment, services and maintenance as well as the team’s expectations for the program. Then you will need to do a review of systems and devices that make up the security solution — like the video and access control platforms, device counts, network bandwidth usage and availability.

Do your homework and a full assessment as you are there to be a trusted advisor for your clients. It’s important to create a proper ROI for a remote security program before presenting your case to the client for buy-in. As an integration partner, you can help future-proof you client’s systems and keep them apprised of emerging trends on a continuous basis.

Ultimately, remote security programs can help companies adapt to changing threat landscapes and provide new protection methods to ensure assets are safeguarded around the clock as well as allow the security integrator to continue to be a trusted partner, remotely or on prem.