Security Integration management systems

Security Integration Management Systems 

Security systems are changing at an ever-increasing pace and are becoming standard Information Technology (IT) products running over a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN). As a result of using standard protocols such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), the manufacturers to develop new generations of integrated systems. These systems are called System Integration as they bring together the management of all aspects of an organisation’s security. In recent years, the market for security equipment has realized the immense merits of integrating different components in a security system. However, true integration may be offered by all the manufacturers in the field today. A truly integrated security system combines the various components and yet they are all part of a more sophisticated and bigger system.

Some people use the term 'integrated' to describe a multiplexer combining full screen and multi screen images. Or a control desk containing an integrated intruder alarm PC, an integrated fence alarm PC and an integrated CCTV PC sitting next to one another. This is not true integration.

It is possible to integrate components like a public address system, CCTV, fence alarms, intruder alarms, fire alarms (life safety) and access control system within a single system. The system can be multi-station networks or even a single PC. All these components should interact with one another as a single entity. For example, whenever the fire alarm gets activated, the screen of the Visual Display Unit should pop up a new text window where detailed instruction should be given on what to do next. Simultaneously, the integrated system may release the doors meant for fire exit and display those CCTV cameras, through which the operator can view the affected area so that the operator in question can engage in a communication with the other staff and do not have to take the help of any public address system.

It is not always necessary to purchase all of the components of a system from one supplier. Manufacturers of Security Management Systems realise that the customer wants choice and will often link to components from other specialist manufacturers. Many manufacturers provide integration modules and protocols such as BACnet and OPC, and data integration methodologies such as eXtensible Markup Language (XML), ActiveX and others, which can in theory link to almost any business system. You will need to talk to individual suppliers to discover what development tools such as Software Development Kits (SDK) and Application Programming Interfaces (API) are available for integrating systems. Yes, the system should be able to function with the help of a battery backup though the duration of this backup time may vary according to the type of panels used within it. In my experience this has not been an issue, but some manufacturers are very cautious to whom they release this information. If you are a competitor it is almost impossible.

Even when protocol has been received 90% of the time it is either incorrect, incomplete or even misleading! It is essential to test product before installation, I know it is an old fashioned idea but it is really nice to see the system actually working.

Opportunities of System integration

There are a number of advantages to be gained in both the security and commercial aspects of designing and adopting an integrated system. This section lists some of the advantages that may be considered when combining separate systems into an integrated solution.

Access Control Systems (ACS)

Access Control is typically specified to provide protection to both property and employees. Generally it is thought of in terms of managing doors. However, it often extends to public areas when coupled with turnstiles, gates and barriers, or highly sensitive areas when coupled with biometrics.  If the access control and intruder alarm systems are linked together, the access control system can be programmed to automatically change, based on the type of alarm that sounds. By integrating Access Control with other systems many advantages may be realized. For example:

• Fire Alarm mustering – know where your employees are at a given time.

• Know which doors / areas employees are entering, or trying to enter.

• Link CCTV images with access control events.

• Link Time & Attendance monitoring using the same badge / token software.

• Link Visitor Monitoring with Access Control & CCTV using badge / token software.

• Increase security through systems such as dual card access or access using a biometric technology.

• Intruder & Hold up alarm system control functions can be managed by the Access Control system.

Logical Security

Logical access control is the brother of physical access control but is often limited to secure PC logon. Integrating these two elements can significantly increase your security. For instance, you can restrict PC access to only those who have a smart card and use this to logon to your IT network. Alternatively, you can inhibit network logon if the person is not in the building, further enhancing your security.

One example is to use the CCTV system and access system to monitor and lock doors during a denial of service (DOS) attack at the same time as sending a message to the security guards. Quite often physical and logical attacks go hand in hand.

Time & Attendance (TA) monitoring

The same badge/token used to identify a person in Access Control can register them on and off work with Time & Attendance monitoring. Also as more integrated software systems become available, use of the same software to handle Access Control, Time & Attendance and Visitor Monitoring can be achieved. Remember however, that just because a person went through an Access Control door does not mean they are registered for work, especially under Working Time Directive (WTD) rules. You will need separate T&A clocking stations, albeit on the same network, to monitor working hours and software to calculate employee hours, monitor absences and WTD hours and infringements.

Human Resources (HR) / Payroll

Why enter data twice? When a new employee joins a company his personnel details are often entered into both the appropriate HR system and then again into the security system. By integrating these two systems, a subset of the employee data can automatically be transferred into the Access Control System when an employee joins. Alternatively, when an employee leaves, his rights can be automatically deleted from the Access Control System, again reducing effort and increasing security.

CCTV Systems

By integrating CCTV and other systems such as Access Control, the benefits of more than one system can be coupled to provide a more efficient and usable solution for the end user. IP camera can be integrated with Motion Sensor not only that If IP camera has I/O port you can integrate with other systems like, Hooter, Auto dialer etc. Through Video management intelligent Software you can get face reorganization, license plate reorganization etc.  For example:

• Live camera views can be integrated with the Access Control Software, equally Access Control or other data can be integrated with the CCTV system.

• Access Control and other security detection systems can initiate pre and post-event video recording, linking the video recording with the event information. This makes searching for events on the DVR/NVR more effective as only the event needs to be searched, for example ‘Door forced – Stores Door’ or ‘Zone 1 – Perimeter breached.’

• Track individuals and record their access details against the recording to track suspect users or stolen card users.

• Initiate camera presets when specific pre-determined events occur, e.g. when entering a room in a bank, switch the camera to zoom into the door to identify the individual.

• Use CCTV with Time & Attendance system to detect / eradicate ‘buddy-clocking’, a practice where employees clock each other on and off work.

Intruder Alarms Systems (IAS)

By integrating intruder with other systems, the benefits of more than one system can be coupled to provide a more efficient and usable solution for the end user. For example:

• Set / unset the intruder system using an access reader. No need to use the intruder keypad.

• No entry delay time if main door forced. The entry timer is bypassed thus providing an instant alarm.

• Disabling of access readers when the intruder system is in the armed state, to prevent false alarms due to unauthorised entry into an armed area.

• Using an occupancy count from another system, the Intruder & Hold Up Alarm system can be notified that there may be persons present in the building when the system is being set.

External Perimeter Detection

One of the fundamental objectives of a security system is to provide protection at the outermost perimeter of a property. A perimeter intruder detection system can be used, linked with CCTV to provide early warnings and increased security through verification in the event of a breach. For example, external doors could be automatically locked if the perimeter system detects an abnormal event.

Fire Detection & Alarm Systems

Fire protection / Detection systems have traditionally been isolated from other building management and security systems. By integrating fire with other systems, the benefits of more than one system can be coupled to provide a more efficient and usable solution for the end user. For example:

• In the event of a fire all emergency exit doors on the fire escape route need to be automatically released from an electrical point of view, but physical quick release locks may be in place to maintain security and still allow people to escape. It is common practice to install a relay in series with the electric locking mechanism controlled by the fire panel. An alternative is to feed a fire input into the Access Control System, which then automatically releases the appropriate electric locking mechanisms. The proposed link between the Access Control System and the fire system should be evaluated as part of the fire risk assessment.

• In addition to providing hardware control during a fire situation, it may be necessary to provide a ‘roll call’ or ‘muster’ report to list all people in the building at the time of the fire alarm.

PA system (PAS)

In general IP paging and intercom systems are used to direct people in emergencies, control doors and control other situations such as crowd control. However, integrating such systems with others leaves the door open to new uses and can push a technology to its full potential. For example, integrating a campus’ PA system with security systems such as video surveillance could give campus security operators more control over emergency communication. Paging can be integrated with IP camera systems. Small amplifiers are used to power speakers that can be used with the cameras.

It is also important that the video management software (VMS) supports the audio. Some VMS will provide an alert if they detect a button activation from the IP camera. The VMS then allows the security person to see what is happening and then talk to the person near the IP camera.

The Digital Acoustic intercom system is independent of the VMS and uses its own Windows paging software. In this case, the security person can receive an alert from an intercom and be notified on their Windows computer. The software also allows the security person to view a nearby IP camera. This is not quite as integrated as the first method, but can provide additional security.

PA Controller should be integrate with Fire Detection system, in case of fire PA system automatic start announcement to evac said area.

Visitor Management Systems (VMS)

For many companies and organizations, a manual paper-based VMS will suffice, providing visual identity of visitors. However, computerized systems linked to Access Control and Time & Attendance systems are the natural bedfellows for integrated security systems. These not only print ID passes, but can also incorporate biometric identification and the scanning of visitor/contractor documentation, licenses, certificates and insurance certificates.

Lift Control

By integrating lift control with the access control system, access to certain floors in a building may be

Restricted, particularly outside normal working hours or in multi-tenanted buildings. To monitor of lift you can fix CCTV Camera which is integrate with Access Control.

Car Park Management (CPM)

Where access to a car park is restricted, the ISMS can automatically monitor the number of spaces left for each tenant or department and regulate access accordingly. For example:

• Visually through CCTV.

• Audibly through an intercom system.

• Automatic number plate recognition.

• Access Control tokens.

Guard Tour System (GTS)

By using a guard tour package that integrates with the access door readers can be used to define and monitor a tour by a specific guard, providing a real time indication if the guard does not reach a set point in time (or even if he arrives too early) – equally integration with the CCTV system can provide visual verification of the guard’s location and wellbeing. Many Time & Attendance systems incorporate Guard tour functions as part of their software package.

Building Management Systems (BMS)

Building management systems are responsible for monitoring and controlling the environment of a building, for example lighting control, heating and ventilation (HVAC). In the current climate of energy saving, why leave lights on when an area is unoccupied? By integrating Access Control Systems with BMS systems, the lighting can be automatically controlled by recording when people access an area. The system can also be configured to control the heating by reducing the room temperature when no one is present rather than leaving it on all day and off at night.

Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS)

The logic of integrating security systems together is evident, however if information from systems such as EPOS can be interfaced then a powerful security solution for applications in the retail market and casinos can be deployed.

Data sent from an EPOS system can be overlaid on a live video display, allowing operators to view the camera feed and till transaction simultaneously. The transaction information and alarms enerated by the EPOS system can be bookmarked and recorded alongside the video. This facilitates visual identification of an incident in both real time and through post-event analysis. Powerful transaction analysis can be undertaken on the stored data, for example, finding out when a particular credit card was used by searching every till in a store or across all stores from the head office.

Conversely, recorded video can be searched using a thumbnail feature, which displays a video still image for every transaction, allowing the operator to quickly identify the relevant footage. Evidential quality video clips and associated transaction data can be exported for investigation or use in court.

Alarms generated by the EPOS system, such as ‘register drawer left open’, ‘refund’, or ‘large dollar amount’ can automatically trigger a number of events, including displaying the nearest camera to the specific till and pinpointing the alarm on an interactive map.

WORSHIP SURVEILLANCE DETECTION

WORSHIP SURVEILLANCE DETECTION

India has one place of worship for every 400 people, more than the countrywide spread of educational and medical institutions put together. And it does not seem that the pattern is going to change soon.

We often come and go from our Houses of Worship (HOW) with very little thought about who may be watching our activities. If we have implemented basic security precautions, we are probably comfortable in our setting. Security and worship can be successfully blended for those who worship in your facility. No house of worship (HOW), whether a church, mosque, temple, or synagogue is exempt from crime, whether committed by an internal member, a stranger, or as a random act of terrorism. On 5th September 2018 District Magistrate Srinagar, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, has ordered for installation of CCTV cameras in and around all prominent shrines, mosques and temples in the district.

Terrorists often gather significant pieces of information from open sources such as Google Maps and social media post­ings. They collect a lot of data about their target of interest and eventually they will conduct physical surveillance. After collecting initial data about the HOW, the terrorists will begin to survey the location, trying to determine the best time and mode of attack. Terrorists may look for a soft target that will bring instant publicity and maximize impact. A soft target can be a facility that doesn’t lock its doors or provide any type of security. Finding no resistance to their surveillance, they quickly realize there will be little or no threats to their safety, allowing them easy access in and out of the building. Depending on their plan of attack, they may send more skilled members to collect additional information by conducting surveillance inside and outside of the facility.

Risk Assessment

How do you know if someone is watching your facility? First, as a member it is always important that you are aware of who is in the parking lot. Be aware of any cars with people sitting in them that are in close proximity to your facility.

Now we need to find out risk factor in terrorists’ eyes.

Red Zones:

Terrorists seek locations to position themselves in what are referred to as red zones. These zones will normally meet the following three requirements:

1)  View of the target. Terrorists want to observe vulner­abilities so they need a good view. They will note the times of services. They will note how many people are there at any given time, seeking the opportunity to kill the maximum number possible with as little effort as possible. They will observe who comes and goes from the facility and will note the established patterns of behavior.

2)  Cover and concealment. Terrorists need to be able to apply cover and concealment tactics. While they are viewing the intended target, they do not wish to be observed by you.

3)  Safety and Exit. Terrorists do not want to be appre­hended and thus seek a safe exit which provides a quick exit, should their presence be observed.

Green Zones

As you are entering and exiting from your HOW, it is important that you are observant of suspicious activities.

Following are a few suspicious activities you might observe around your facility:

• Someone taking notes or photos who stops abruptly when approached

• Someone pointing at the target or casually looking around

• Circling the block repeatedly in a taxi or vehicle.

• Car, van, or truck parked nearby with occupants taking notes or photos.

• Circling the block repeatedly in a taxi or vehicle.

• Drawings or maps observed in a vacant car, van, or truck.

• Interest in security systems/someone enters and asks about the security system

• Someone glancing away or appearing to be nervous when approached.

• Someone enters the facility claiming to be looking for someone, and they appear overly interested in the physical layout of the building

The above listed activities may or may not indicate that your location is under surveillance. However, if observed, they should be noted and reported immediately. Another consideration as terrorist activities increase is that if law enforcement personnel are able to observe those conducting surveillance, it could result in lives being saved by collecting and sharing intelligence information. Otherwise, terrorists may move onto the next facility, which could result in many casualties. Regardless, the decision to question those conducting hostile surveillance or conduct additional surveil­lance must be made by law enforcement or a trained security team member.

Securing Worship

This part I divided into three (3) sections:

• Interior security

• Exterior security

• Procedural and/or best practices

• Interior security by

1.   Access Control:

Controlling and limiting access is one of the most important steps that can be taken to improve security. Some Worship staff and worshippers will not be comfortable with restricting access.

• Establish policies to maintain access control

• Limit access to childcare, business offices, cash counting area, and media rooms.

• Always install the latest patches and updates when prompted. This mitigates many hacking programs that rely on outdated vulnerabilities in your software. Set your computer to auto install updates.

• Doors and windows should be secured when the building is vacant.

• Limit points of access. When opening your facility, consider the event, the number of people, and the location of the event. Limit access by only opening doors that are close to the area being used. Do not open every door.

•  Establish checkpoints based on need--and staff accordingly. A checkpoint is an entry where all people and things are screened based upon the security plan for the current threat environment.

•  Keys for critical areas and master keys must be especially controlled.

2.   Burglar Alarm:

• Establish policies to maintain burglar alarm system.

• Ensure an alarm system covers access points and key areas where expensive items are housed.

• Use a reliable monitoring vendor and ensure contact information remains current.

• Develop a policy that addresses response to alarms.

• Install panic alarms at public reception areas where employees can initiate emergency procedures when suspicious persons approach and request access.

3.   Fire Alarm:

•  Ensure adequate addressable fire alarm coverage. The local fire department can help with determining what is needed for your facility.

• Develop a policy that addresses response to alarms.

4.   CCTV System:

Camera coverage should be considered for critical areas (such as areas with children, the business office, the clergy’s office, etc.) and access points. They can also be focused around items that are most likely to be stolen. For places of worship with little capital to spend, a camera with audio that can be monitored from a cell phone may be purchased for about $250 - $2500.

•  A Camera system can also serve as an alarm system by using video analytics and integrating with access control systems.

• Cameras should capture every door and point of entry. Additionally, cameras should be in the infant care rooms, daycare rooms, and areas where children play/eat/etc.

• If cameras are installed in daycare centers, inform parents and caretakers that you would be storing digital data of their children.

• Always install the latest patches and updates when prompted. This mitigates many hacking programs that rely on outdated vulnerabilities in your software. Set your computer to auto install updates.

Considering that places of worship are often targets of attacks, crime, and other losses, it is our belief that by auditing CCTV video footage as a standard operating procedure, and delivering a new powerful signage that states ‘WE CHECK CCTV EVERYDAY', far more benefits will accrue to them.

5.   Doors:

• Ideally doors should be wood or steel with a solid frame.

• Hinge pins should be located on the interior of door, or capped, if on the outside to prevent easy removal.

6.   Windows:

• Ensure that windows are secured prior to closing and latches are in working order.

• If windows are opened for air circulation, only open windows that are monitored and/or located where

people cannot climb through.

Exterior Security

Exterior security controls encourage us to think about how best to secure the perimeter of the church, parking lots, playground areas, and mass drop-off areas. Research says most violent crimes at faith-based organizations, more than 70% of the acts occurred outside the building on ministry grounds or parking lots.

• Consider enhancing perimeter security by adding a decorative fence—whether aluminium, board, stone, brick and/or multiple combinations thereof.

• Secure points of entry when no events are taking place. If your facility has back entrances and parking lots, these should be locked off.

• Remove potential fire hazards, such as trash and debris. Keep dumpsters in a locked dumpster pad.

• Consider vehicle barriers and/or bollards for vulnerable entries, special events, or in case of a terrorist threat when stand-off distance is required for vehicles. Barriers can be as simple as strategic parking of staff vehicles or as complex as a built-in place.

• Identify exterior hiding places, equipment vulnerabilities, utilities entries/shutoffs, fire department connections and hydrants. Check them for signs of activity before any event.

• Lights should be placed on all doors and windows. Motion detector lights should be considered for doors and windows. Ensure all lights are in working order.

• Lights should be on from dust to dawn. Consider lights with solar panels as this may reduce the cost of the energy.

• Larger facilities may need an officer to direct traffic. This will ensure timely entry and parking. The officer(s) can patrol the parking lots during the services. This task can also be completed by members of your “security team.” Outfit them in high-visibility vests and radios.

• Camera coverage is recommended for the exterior of the facility. Every area from the entrances to the parking lots should be covered. Some cameras only record when motion is detected, others record 24-7. Cameras can be monitored from the inside by your security team members and remotely on hand held devices as needed or based upon analytics,

• "Cameras never lie". But, how will a user ever know, unless he 'sees' what the camera 'saw'. Do audit own CCTV video footage as a standard operating procedure, for them to achieve optimal benefits from CCTV video, which includes (a) crime, fraud and loss prevention (b) faster solving of crime (c) risk mitigation (d) compliance issues and continuous improvement and so on.

• Appoint a “security leader” to oversee the development and implementation of the security plan. Schedule regular meetings to review procedures and incidents.

• Develop a “Welcoming Committee” of individuals and/or ushers who are trained in security detection and emergency responses.

• Conduct evacuation drills with staff and volunteers. Attend firearms training if your committee recommends that individuals are armed during services and special events.

"Considering that places of Worship are often targets of attacks, crime, and other losses, 'COM-SUR', the world's only CCTV video footage auditing, smart backup, and standardized intelligent reporting software is available for free to all places of Worship world-over, as part of our corporate social responsibility.

Places of Worship will need to take care of the hardware, installation, training, and so on; which can easily be carried out by their system integrators, who will need to be approved and trained by us. Besides a registration and training fee, a small consulting and administration fee will be charged by COM-SUR from the system integrator".

Resources:

Crime Prevention for Houses of Worship, 2nd edition, by Paula L. Ratliff. Published by AISIS International, 2015.

https://www.ifsec.events/india/visit/news-and-updates/com-sur-will-be-integrated-ai-ml-technologies-offer-holistic-solutions

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/kasganj-cctv-cameras-to-be-set-up-at-worship-places-in-sensitive-areas/articleshow/62823320.cms

https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2019/apr/26/police-top-brass-meets-heads-of-places-of-worship-malls-1969148.html

https://defendry.com/4-ways-to-improve-security-at-your-place-of-worship/

Integrate Systems against Power Problems

Integrate Systems against Power Problems

Security system installers must consider all the factors impacting success of a system to provide a more comprehensive value to clients.

Acompelling case can be made for how important security systems are in protecting facilities, assets, employees and customers, and few would disagree that investing in a comprehensive plan to secure a business is a wise decision.

Demand for home technology is growing, and homeowners might start with a trial DIY security experience. After challenging setup and maintenance, they’ll reach out to a security dealer, seeking service, support and expertise.

When problems with power, such as surges, spikes, blackouts, or brownouts occur, it is imperative that security systems go on unfazed. The prospect of protecting all of the systems involved can be daunting, but a granular approach can simplify the process greatly.

Power issues are growing, especially as homes with many large appliances and TVs, take on additional power draws like security cameras, sound systems, etc. These issues can be hard to detect, but could be noticed, for example in a TV room: When a mini fridge cycles on when an air conditioner is also running, you may notice that the lights flicker or dim. These fluctuations are damaging to equipment, as well as other issues such as electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, over/under voltage, ICE–inrush current, etc. that are also often present. Over time, they can damage equipment or lessen its lifespan.

There are seven critical areas that must be operational in the event of a power problem:

1.  Cameras & Recording Devices — Back up camera power supplies and recording hardware devices like: NVR or DVR with at least one hour of battery backup time from a uninterruptible power supply or UPS.

2.  Access Control — These systems typically have a low power requirement, meaning they can be inexpensively backed up with a small UPS that provides a significant amount of runtime. Once at least one hour of battery backup time from a UPS.

3.  Fire Alarm Systems — Power requirements for fire alarm and signaling systems are specified in the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code (NFPA). The code requires a system to have either two sources of power (primary and secondary) or a single Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). Where primary and secondary power supplies are used, the secondary supply can consist of batteries or batteries plus a standby generator. For a basic fire alarm system that uses primary power with batteries only as secondary power, the battery capacity must be sufficient "to operate the system under quiescent load (system operating in a non-alarm condition) for a minimum of 24 hours" and then still be able to operate "all alarm notification appliances" and all other connected loads for a period of five minutes. The code specifies that the net capacity be based on two different demand rates (quiescent and alarm) for two different durations (24 hours and 5 minutes). Your Fire Detection OEM can share battery calculation excels to ensure correct Voltage & AH.

4. Emergency Communications — Emergency communications systems (ECSs) used for mass notification or for in-building fire emergency voice/alarm communications service have the same 24-hour quiescent load requirement but require 15 minutes of full-load alarm capacity. This is because these systems are usually operated for longer periods during an emergency. They sometimes may be used for 30 - 60 minutes, but only under partial load as announcements are made to certain floors. They might then be called upon to operate under an increased or even full load for some period. The code requirement for 15 minutes of full load should be evaluated by the system designer in conjunction with a risk analysis to determine if a larger capacity should be provided.

5. Emergency Lighting — Functioning emergency lights with reliable backup power is required to comply with state building codes, fire codes, insurance standards, and OSHA standards. Emergency lights are standard in new commercial and high occupancy residential buildings.

A UPS battery provides power to the emergency lighting inverter to support the lighting load. Passive Standby static inverter emergency lighting systems are ideal for use with fluorescent and incandescent lighting.

6.   Intrusion Detection — The first line of defense against unauthorized access, these systems often include a small onboard battery; this can be effectively backed up with a small UPS for added protection.

7.   Telephone Systems — Communications in an emergency are critical, and backup of the telephone system is key to a complete security plan. This includes UPSs for both the main system, and workstations.

8.   Building Automation System — BMS is a computer-based environment that manages a building’s HVAC, ventilation, lighting, Fire Pumps, AHU, VRV and Plumbing etc. critical devices feeding the BMS including DDC should be supported by an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) that ensures continued operation in case of a power outage till two hours. Ideally, those UPS units should be remotely managed to ensure the best performance possible, but differing communication standards between systems have created some challenges for building system managers.

A complete security plan for any organization, whether it’s a business, school, or government entity, must focus on each area of the system’s requirements for power protection. With each piece working in harmony, the next power problem will not turn into a disaster.