Physical credentials, such as ID cards and key fobs, have long been the backbones of access control. These tangible tokens offer immediate visual verification and are generally user-friendly. Many employees appreciate the simplicity of tapping or swiping a card to gain entry. Moreover, these credentials can often serve double duty, functioning as company ID badges or even integrating with time and attendance systems. However, physical credentials aren’t without their drawbacks. They can be lost, stolen, or shared, potentially compromising security. The cost of replacing lost cards and managing inventory can add up over time. Additionally, in our increasingly digital world, carrying an extra item might be seen as cumbersome by some users.

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PIN-based systems offer the advantage of not requiring any physical object. They’re cost-effective to implement and can be easily changed if compromised. For users, there’s no risk of forgetting or losing a card. PIN systems can also be ideal for temporary access, such as for contractors or visitors. On the flip side, PINs can be forgotten, shared, or observed by unauthorized individuals. There’s also the risk of ‘shoulder surfing,’ where someone watches as the code is entered. To mitigate these risks, many organizations use PINs in combination with other credential types for multi-factor authentication.

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Biometric systems, using fingerprints, retinal scans, or facial recognition, offer a high level of security. They’re difficult to forge and can’t be lost or forgotten like physical cards or PINs. Biometrics also provide a clear audit trail, as they’re linked directly to individuals rather than objects that could be shared. However, biometric systems can be expensive to implement and may raise privacy concerns among users. They can also face challenges in certain environments – for instance, fingerprint scanners may struggle with dirty or worn fingerprints in industrial settings.

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Mobile credentials, which turn smartphones into access devices, are gaining popularity. They offer convenience – most people always have their phones with them – and can be updated or revoked remotely. Mobile credentials can also integrate with other smartphone functions, potentially streamlining processes beyond just access control. The downsides include the need for compatible infrastructure and the reliance on users’ personal devices. There are also concerns about battery life and what happens if a phone is lost or stolen. However, many of these issues can be mitigated with proper policies and backup systems.

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Smart cards represent a step up in security from traditional proximity cards. They use encryption to protect data transmission, making them much harder to clone or hack. Smart cards can also store additional information, potentially serving multiple functions beyond access control. The primary drawbacks of smart cards are higher costs compared to simpler card technologies and the need for compatible readers. However, their enhanced security features often justify the investment for many organizations.

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When selecting an access control credential system, consider your organization’s specific needs. High-security environments might prioritize the robust protection of biometrics or encrypted smart cards. Companies with a mobile-first culture might lean towards smartphone-based solutions. Organizations with high turnover or frequent visitors might find the flexibility of PIN systems appealing.

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It’s also worth considering hybrid systems. Many modern access control setups allow for multiple credential types, offering the flexibility to use different solutions for different areas or user groups within the same organization.

\nAs your business grows and evolves, so do these access control credentials. Regular updates and integrations with other smart devices ensure that your security system remains cutting-edge and adaptable to your changing needs. If you have questions about how our access control credential solutions can benefit your business, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@verifiedsecurity.com.\n\n-Scott Hightower, Verified Security“}]}],”section_settings”:””},”scripts”:{},”css”:{},”css_page”:””,”template_setting”:{“settings”:{“id”:”settings”}},”template_setting_top”:{},”page_setting”:{“settings”:[“lock-mode-off”]},”post_type_setting”:{“settings”:{“image”:”https://verifiedsecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/DMP_Access_33.jpg|450|800|999956868″,”excerpt”:””,”extra_1″:””,”extra_2″:””,”icon”:{“icon”:””,”icon_style”:””,”icon_image”:””}}}}

First, we see a continuing trend in platform integration which makes it easier to operate the physical security systems. Linking your camera system with your badge access control system provides intelligence and monitoring of the entrance and exit activity at your facility. Also, with today\u2019s advanced platforms, it is possible to easily share reports and videos of activity with others from anywhere at any time. Another example of the benefits of integration are with mobile access credentials. It is now possible to store your secure access credential on your smartphone and use your Bluetooth connection to gain access to a facility without having to carry a physical card or keyfob.<\/p>“},{“component”:”hc_button”,”id”:”mZvcE”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”icon”:””,”style”:”circle”,”size”:”btn-sm”,”position”:”left”,”animation”:false,”text”:”Request a Quote”,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:”https:\/\/verifiedsecurity.com\/contact\/”,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false}]}]},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”0MEot”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:””,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_8mfNX”,”column_width”:”col-md-12″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:”vertical-row “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”ObsqD”,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”yO9Z4″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Migration to Cloud-Based Platforms”,”tag”:”h4″},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”DxDb7″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”

Closely linked with the continued move to platform integration is the migration to cloud-based platforms and services. End users are finding that these cloud platforms are far easier to use and manage than the tradition systems which rely on software and servers. With the old software and server model, the user must keep the server up to date with operating system updates and malware prevention while also paying for support agreements and regular software upgrades. With a cloud-based system, the security is maintained by the cloud platform provider and regular updates with new features and benefits are automatically pushed down to the users. <\/p>“},{“component”:”hc_button”,”id”:”63zpp”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”icon”:””,”style”:”circle”,”size”:”btn-sm”,”position”:”left”,”animation”:false,”text”:”Request a Quote”,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:”https:\/\/verifiedsecurity.com\/contact\/”,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”rXtKv”,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_image”,”id”:”CLUO7″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”image”:”http:\/\/new.verifiedsecurity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/1electric-case-study.png|||999955945″,”alt”:””,”thumb_size”:”large”}]}]},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”csEM5″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:””,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_yTzrA”,”column_width”:”col-md-12″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:”vertical-row “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”cB8iY”,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_image”,”id”:”L7Vgo”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”image”:”http:\/\/new.verifiedsecurity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/1electric-case-study.png|||999955945″,”alt”:””,”thumb_size”:”large”}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”pEMvu”,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”Qvi1P”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Artificial Intelligence Technologies”,”tag”:”h4″},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”glQ8Q”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”

Leveraging the use of cloud-based services, new artificial intelligence technologies are enabling the use of more sophisticated analytics for better identification and notification of actual security threats. Traditionally, video systems could identify motion but could not easily distinguish between the causes of that motion activity. A threat from an intruder would be treated the same as a tree blowing in the wind. This lack of intelligence in detection leads to false activations and notifications which decreases the effectiveness of the video security system. With new software intelligence, video systems can detect specific activities that are identified as potential security threats. Human activity, vehicle detection, and loitering are three examples of more advanced analytics which can decrease false alerts and make your security systems more effective.<\/p>“},{“component”:”hc_button”,”id”:”H9U6i”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”icon”:””,”style”:”circle”,”size”:”btn-sm”,”position”:”left”,”animation”:false,”text”:”Request a Quote”,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:”https:\/\/verifiedsecurity.com\/contact\/”,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false}]}]},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”LhBLc”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:””,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_2YzY5″,”column_width”:”col-md-12″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:”vertical-row “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”kf6hG”,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”wRdIf”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Video Alarm Verification and Remote Video Monitoring”,”tag”:”h4″},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”TsQje”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”

Another trend which leverages the more advanced video analytics that are becoming available is the increased adoption of video alarm verification and remote video monitoring. Traditional burglar systems can detect doors opening or motion from motion detection sensors. But these traditional systems provide very little intelligence on the cause of these actions. When alarms are received at a central monitoring center from these types of sensors, the only option is to notify someone and dispatch the police. With the ubiquity of broadband and the advanced video solutions that are available, you can link video cameras with traditional intrusion detection systems which allows an operator in the central monitoring center to view the video for the purpose of identification the cause of the alarm. This allows for reductions in false alarm detections and reporting which frees up police department resources. It also provides a way for faster identification of actual crimes in progress which can generate a quicker response from police authorities. When video is used to verify alarms, operators can also communicate to the site with the alarm to proactively notify the offender that he or she is trespassing and that the police will be dispatched, helping with the prevention of further criminal activity.<\/p>“},{“component”:”hc_button”,”id”:”SlC3C”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”icon”:””,”style”:”circle”,”size”:”btn-sm”,”position”:”left”,”animation”:false,”text”:”Request a Quote”,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:”https:\/\/verifiedsecurity.com\/contact\/”,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”YotE7″,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_image”,”id”:”P9SQP”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”image”:”http:\/\/new.verifiedsecurity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/1electric-case-study.png|||999955945″,”alt”:””,”thumb_size”:”large”}]}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_07Pni”,”column_width”:”col-md-12″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”76C9q”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:””,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_48pXB”,”column_width”:”col-md-10″,”animation”:”fade-in”,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:”false”,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:”text-center “,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”VgJwG”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:”text-align: left;”,”content”:”We believe that investing in these four trends can make it easier to monitor and manage your physical security systems from anywhere at any time. With this increased ease of use comes increased effectiveness for the security of your facilities and employees.”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”OjjWN”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”xs”,”height”:””}]}]}]}],”section_settings”:{“component”:”hc_section_image”,”id”:”section-image”,”image”:”http:\/\/themes.framework-y.com\/demo-import\/signflow\/2018\/01\/long-1-786×1024.jpg|2500|1920|40″,”full_screen”:false,”full_screen_height”:””,”parallax”:false,”bleed”:””,”ken_burn”:””,”bg_pos”:”bg-top”,”overlay”:””}},”column_OIFiN”:{“id”:”column_OIFiN”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”0MEot”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:””,”height”:””}},”column_UdeyH”:{“id”:”column_UdeyH”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”csEM5″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:””,”height”:””}},”column_WrtwK”:{“id”:”column_WrtwK”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”LhBLc”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:””,”height”:””}},”scripts”:[],”css”:[],”css_page”:””,”template_setting”:{“settings”:{“id”:”settings”}},”template_setting_top”:[],”page_setting”:{“settings”:[“lock-mode-off”]}}

We proudly serve the greater Atlanta<\/a> area and look forward to working with your company. To learn more about how we can protect your business with sophisticated video surveillance and access control systems, contact Verified Security today.<\/a><\/p>“}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_h5Qw0″,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”00BLx”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”[contact-form-7]“}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_6rQYJ”,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_nSBmK”,”column_width”:”col-md-12″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”1FN0Y”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””}]}],”section_settings”:””},”column_dELv6″:{“id”:”column_dELv6″,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”bxCIj”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Beam Detectors”,”tag”:”h4″}},”column_0lvHN”:{“id”:”column_0lvHN”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”yqLS8″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Telephone Lines”,”tag”:”h4″}},”column_frAkr”:{“id”:”column_frAkr”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”hy5Cp”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Telephone lines connect your alarm system to our central monitoring station, alerting security personnel when an intrusion occurs. Because telephone lines usually remain in operation during power outages, they are considered an essential communication source.”}},”column_l8mFq”:{“id”:”column_l8mFq”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”KhU7i”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””}},”column_MkYjW”:{“id”:”column_MkYjW”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”1S5VB”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Cellular Modules”,”tag”:”h4″}},”column_fzIRe”:{“id”:”column_fzIRe”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”JiP48″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Cellular modules communicate with the central station monitoring center via cell towers. These provide a helpful resource because they operate even when power is out, and cutting telephone lines won\u2019t disable them.”}},”column_xKPfd”:{“id”:”column_xKPfd”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”rMD4b”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””}},”column_k86iS”:{“id”:”column_k86iS”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”JoPQs”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Internet Connections”,”tag”:”h4″}},”column_5At7B”:{“id”:”column_5At7B”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”t9kaG”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Internet connections also serve as a vital communications link with the central station. 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The fire department can use this information to locate the source of the conflagration. “}},”column_HfMzS”:{“id”:”column_HfMzS”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”OUHTa”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Don’t Take Your Commercial Security for Granted”,”tag”:”h3″}},”column_iEqcX”:{“id”:”column_iEqcX”,”main_content”:{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”P35dK”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Every business owner faces the threat of intrusions or disasters. Being prepared deters would-be thieves and dramatically reduces the chances that your business will become the victim of an intrusion. 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We proudly serve the greater Atlanta<\/a> area and look forward to working with your company. To learn more about how we can protect your business with sophisticated video surveillance and access control systems, contact Verified Security today.<\/a><\/p>“}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_h5Qw0″,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”00BLx”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”[contact-form-7]“}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_6rQYJ”,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_nSBmK”,”column_width”:”col-md-12″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”1FN0Y”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”P6j6N”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Frequently Asked Questions”,”tag”:”h3″},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”FrzYJ”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”s”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_accordion”,”id”:”D0lCG”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”name_1″:”What is an access control system?”,”icon_1″:””,”icon_style_1″:””,”icon_image_1″:””,”content_1″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”SikhT”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”An access control system is a method of securing doors and other entry points with added security precautions. It is essentially the advanced version of having keys to unlock doors. Instead of carrying a physical key for each door on the premises, a singular keycard, key fob, smartphone, or employee badge can act as the key to multiple entry points. By integrating card readers, keypads, or biometric scanners to your entry points, you can outfit your facility with a variety of security measures to protect your facility and those inside it.”}],”name_2″:”Why is access control important?”,”icon_2″:””,”icon_style_2″:””,”icon_image_2″:””,”content_2″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”YfQ0T”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”There are many instances where keys can go missing, and then that lost key becomes a safety hazard. If an unauthorized person found it, they could enter sections of your facility that they have no business being in. If a keycard was to go missing, the card could be deactivated, nullifying the safety hazard. This also makes acquiring keys from previous employees easier and makes giving new keys to new employees quicker as well. Large key rings are outdated and cumbersome, whereas a keycard is easy to carry and use. You can also implement an audit using system reports to check and see who has entered a specific entry point at a specific time, which can be a useful resource. “}],”name_3″:”What are the types of access control?”,”icon_3″:””,”icon_style_3″:””,”icon_image_3″:””,”content_3″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”CLRwN”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Verified Security implements three types of access control solutions, Software-Based, Cloud-Based and Standalone systems. Software-Based options are dependent on dedicated onsite servers to manage the process of reading credentials and controlling door locks.Cloud-Based options are more sophisticated and do not require on-site servers. Instead, the system runs off of our cloud platform so that no server is needed which can make operations far more manageable. Finally, Standalone systems work independent of one another and usually control a single entry point.”}],”name_4″:”What are the components of access control?”,”icon_4″:””,”icon_style_4″:””,”icon_image_4″:””,”content_4″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”TaeVR”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”In every access control system there is an entry point that must be outfitted with an electric lock, a credential reader, a type of credential to give to your personnel, and a power source. When combined, this allows the user to present the correct credential and have the door lock disengage, granting entry. “}],”name_5″:”What does access control cost?”,”icon_5″:””,”icon_style_5″:””,”icon_image_5″:””,”content_5″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”GXpBf”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”The price of implementing access control security measures can vary depending on the size and sophistication of the system. Larger systems with more advanced software and hardware will be more expensive than a single standalone unit. To learn more about your facility\u2019s needs, contact Verified Security to speak with one of our experts.”}],”name_6″:”Can an access control system integrate with existing security infrastructure?”,”icon_6″:””,”icon_style_6″:””,”icon_image_6″:””,”content_6″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”JHdo4″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Yes. Oftentimes when installing a new security system, pieces of the old system can be integrated in to maintain their usefulness. There are instances when outdated tech will not be able to carry over, but this depends on both your new and existing equipment. Our professionals will be able to give you a more direct answer once we\u2019ve seen your facility.”}],”name_7″:”Why use an access control system instead of keys?”,”icon_7″:””,”icon_style_7″:””,”icon_image_7″:””,”content_7″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”UtHgz”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”In short, keys are outdated. They are cumbersome and difficult to manage. Replacing a ring of keys with a key card or the smartphone that you already carry with you saves on time and money while also being more efficient. Also, an access control system allows you to generate reports of door entry activity which helps you better manage the security of your facilities.”}],”name_8″:””,”icon_8″:””,”icon_style_8″:””,”icon_image_8″:””,”content_8″:[],”name_9″:””,”icon_9″:””,”icon_style_9″:””,”icon_image_9″:””,”content_9″:[],”name_10″:””,”icon_10″:””,”icon_style_10″:””,”icon_image_10″:””,”content_10″:[],”open_type”:””,”time”:””,”open”:””}]}],”section_settings”:””},”section_5ZtkF”:{“component”:”hc_section”,”id”:”section_5ZtkF”,”section_width”:””,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”vertical_row”:””,”box_middle”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”section_content”:[{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_rkBm4″,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_BPOQB”,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[]}],”section_settings”:””},”scripts”:{“components”:”jquery.tab-accordion.js”},”css”:{“components”:”css\/components.css”},”css_page”:””,”template_setting”:{“settings”:{“id”:”settings”}},”template_setting_top”:[],”page_setting”:{“settings”:[“lock-mode-off”]}}

We proudly serve the greater Atlanta<\/a> area and look forward to working with your company. To learn more about how we can protect your business with sophisticated video surveillance and access control systems, contact Verified Security today.<\/a><\/p>“}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_h5Qw0″,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”00BLx”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”[contact-form-7]“}]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_nSBmK”,”column_width”:”col-md-12″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”DQD1E”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”yS2Pb”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Frequently Asked Questions”,”tag”:”h3″},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”ufSH0″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”s”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_accordion”,”id”:”WrwJ4″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”name_1″:”How do you monitor video surveillance?”,”icon_1″:””,”icon_style_1″:””,”icon_image_1″:””,”content_1″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”AvcFi”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”The methods for monitoring your video surveillance system varies depending on the type of system you use. Modern cloud-based surveillance systems allow for users to access the video feed remotely via an app or browser window on a smartphone or computer. These devices must be granted access to do so for security purposes and provide excellent viewing options. More dated systems such as CCTV must be viewed at a designated monitor connected to the closed loop of cameras, usually stationed on premises. \n”}],”name_2″:”What are some of the advantages of commercial video surveillance systems?”,”icon_2″:””,”icon_style_2″:””,”icon_image_2″:””,”content_2″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”o6Tob”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”There are many benefits to a commercial video surveillance system. For one, the ability to check in on your facilities remotely allows for increased operational efficiency and security. In addition to live viewing, storing recorded footage of an incident is also an excellent resource. By integrating video surveillance with other security measures such as an access control system and an intrusion alarm system, you can ensure the protection of your facility to the highest degree.\n”}],”name_3″:”What is a commercial security system?”,”icon_3″:””,”icon_style_3″:””,”icon_image_3″:””,”content_3″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”PM0Q3″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”A commercial security system refers to the use of one or all of the methods of protecting your commercial facility. Video surveillance allows you to monitor and record events on premises, access control helps to prevent unwanted entries into the entire facility or specific locations, and intrusion alarms will alert you of trespassers. By using all of these systems in tandem, you can maintain the greatest level of control over the safety and security of your business. \n”}],”name_4″:”Do business security cameras require contracts?”,”icon_4″:””,”icon_style_4″:””,”icon_image_4″:””,”content_4″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”kfXSg”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Most of the time, business security cameras do not require long-term contracts to purchase. They are usually installed by a professional and there can be recurring fees to maintain the hardware and software of the security camera system depending on the types of services required. \n”}],”name_5″:”What kind of security cameras work best for business?”,”icon_5″:””,”icon_style_5″:””,”icon_image_5″:””,”content_5″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”LSpcF”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Each business will have its own specific security needs and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to video surveillance. However, we recommend staying ahead of the curve with modern security camera options. Cloud-based IP cameras offer some of the best options for viewing and recording while offering the clearest images on the market. These cameras also give you the option to utilize video analytics, which can be a fantastic addition to your video security system. Video analytics allow for much more proactive use of your camera system.\n”}],”name_6″:”How much does a commercial security system cost?”,”icon_6″:””,”icon_style_6″:””,”icon_image_6″:””,”content_6″:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”tVJjI”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”The price of commercial security systems varies on the size of the facility, the sophistication of the equipment, and the amount of devices. Some systems only require two cameras for a single room. Others may require interior cameras, exterior cameras, electric door locks, card readers, video analytics, and intrusion detection systems. Contact us today for a consultation to find out which system would be best for your business. We work with budgets of all sizes and can find the right solution for you.\n”}],”name_7″:””,”icon_7″:””,”icon_style_7″:””,”icon_image_7″:””,”content_7″:[],”name_8″:””,”icon_8″:””,”icon_style_8″:””,”icon_image_8″:””,”content_8″:[],”name_9″:””,”icon_9″:””,”icon_style_9″:””,”icon_image_9″:””,”content_9″:[],”name_10″:””,”icon_10″:””,”icon_style_10″:””,”icon_image_10″:””,”content_10″:[],”open_type”:”accordion”,”time”:””,”open”:””}]}],”section_settings”:””},”section_5ZtkF”:{“component”:”hc_section”,”id”:”section_5ZtkF”,”section_width”:””,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”vertical_row”:””,”box_middle”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”section_content”:[{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_rkBm4″,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[]},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_BPOQB”,”column_width”:”col-md-6″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[]}],”section_settings”:””},”scripts”:{“components”:”jquery.tab-accordion.js”},”css”:{“components”:”css\/components.css”},”css_page”:””,”template_setting”:{“settings”:{“id”:”settings”}},”template_setting_top”:[],”page_setting”:{“settings”:[“lock-mode-off”]}}

Great Installation Experience

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\”I wanted to take the time and let you know how awesome your team has been during our installation process. Ashley is way on top of her game and has given excellent customer service on her part and in scheduling the installs for the locations and taking care of the emergency contacts. All of the techs that you have sent out to the stores have been nothing but professional and willing to make the customer which is us, happy and I couldn’t have asked for more. These men too all need to be praised and recognized for a job well done!!\”\n \n-Ather B., Zaxby’s Restaurants, North Georgia\n

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Quick and Responsive

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\”Verified Security has been our security vendor for over 4 years now – they are quick, responsive, informative and helpful! Grateful to have them on our side!\”\n\n-Chelsea R., Pat Murphy Electric, Atlanta, GA\n

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Great Company

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“When we moved our offices, Verified Security installed our badge access control system and our network cabling. We found them to be a great company and they did a wonderful job for us. In addition, their prices are quite competitive.”\n\n- Laura M., INAP, Atlanta, GA\n

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Easy to Work With

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“Verified Security installed a card access control system for our university. The installation crew did a very nice job and\nwere very easy to work with and I was very grateful for that. I would recommend Verified Security to others.”\n\n- Bob R., Richmont Graduate University, Marietta, GA\n

\n”}]}],”section_settings”:””},”scripts”:{},”css”:{},”css_page”:””,”template_setting”:{“settings”:{“id”:”settings”}},”template_setting_top”:{},”page_setting”:{“settings”:[“lock-mode-off”]}}

The article states that the patent papers ‘describe a future in which Amazon customers order drones to hover around a home and scan for things such as a garage door left open, a broken window, graffiti or a fire.’  Amazon is not the only company exploring the use of drones for enhancing security.  Another entrant is Sunflower Labs and their website has a video that shows how their system works: Sunflower Labs Website

While both of these are early efforts, we certainly believe that flying drones will be used more and more in the future to enhance electronic security systems.  They could be used for alarm verification and for giving homeowners and business owners more tools for managing their security from anywhere at any time.

What do you think of the idea of using drones for enhancing facility security?  Good idea?

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

Maxpro Cloud

Today, integration has become much easier to achieve and the benefits of integration are greater than ever. For example, with platforms like Honeywell’s Maxpro Cloud, you can present a valid access card to both unlock a door and disarm the security system at the same time. Or, an alarm at a door could be used to trigger a video recording on your camera system. These are just two examples that demonstrate the power of true platform integration.

The other advancement with security system integration is that it is less expensive than it used to be to integrate these systems. In the past, it might have cost tens of thousands of dollars to deploy a fully-integrated security platform. Over time, the cost of installing and managing an integrated system has continued to drop making it much more cost-effective to realize the benefits that come from using an integrated security platform.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of integrating your security systems, this is a link to an article in Security Sales & Integration magazine: https://www.securitysales.com/integration/7_benefits_integrated_security_system/

As always, please contact me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com with any questions or comments.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

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• What personally identifiable information is collected from you through the website, how it is used and with whom it may be shared.

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• What choices are available to you regarding the use of your data.

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• The security procedures in place to protect the misuse of your information.

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• How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information.

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“},{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”1vho7″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Information Collection, Use, and Sharing “,”tag”:”h2″},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”nwTes”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone.\n\nWe will use your information to respond to you, regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request, e.g. to ship an order.\n\nUnless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to tell you about specials, new products or services, or changes to this privacy policy.”},{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”gE24T”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Your Access to and Control Over Information “,”tag”:”h2″},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”b4urg”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can do the following at any time by contacting us via the email address or phone number given on our website:\n\n

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• See what data we have about you, if any.

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• Change/correct any data we have about you.

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• Have us delete any data we have about you.

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• Express any concern you have about our use of your data.

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\n”},{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”nRpdx”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Cookies”,”tag”:”h2″},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”FBvNu”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”We use \”cookies\” on this site. A cookie is a piece of data stored on a site visitor’s hard drive to help us improve your access to our site and identify repeat visitors to our site. For instance, when we use a cookie to identify you, you would not have to log in a password more than once, thereby saving time while on our site. Cookies can also enable us to track and target the interests of our users to enhance the experience on our site. Usage of a cookie is in no way linked to any personally identifiable information on our site.”},{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”khYLO”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Links”,”tag”:”h2″},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”lpq8A”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”This website contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of any other site that collects personally identifiable information.”},{“component”:”hc_title_tag”,”id”:”A7fCu”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”text”:”Security”,”tag”:”h2″},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”BjApD”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline.\n\nWherever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a lock icon in the address bar and looking for \”https\” at the beginning of the address of the Web page.\n\nWhile we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing or customer service) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment.\n\nIf you feel that we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should call us immediately at (678) 924-7480.”}]}],”section_settings”:””},”scripts”:{},”css”:{},”css_page”:””,”template_setting”:{“settings”:{“id”:”settings”}},”template_setting_top”:{},”page_setting”:{“settings”:[“lock-mode-off”]}}

The great thing about Maxpro Cloud is that it makes it very easy to monitor and manage your access control and video systems from anywhere.

With the latest iteration of this powerful platform from Honeywell, there are a number of new and enhanced features and functions.  Dynamic floor plans for easily managing your facility security, enhanced dashboards and reporting, and a new mobile app all make the control over your access control and video surveillance systems easier than ever.  A screen capture of the viewer above will give you an example of the management views which can be customized.

We are seeing the continued enhancement of cloud-based security and access control management platforms.  With more features and functionality and with the ease of use and management of a cloud-based platform, it is easier than ever to manage your facility security from anywhere at any time.

While Amazon’s unique integration of access control and video is new in the residential consumer environment, it has been available for some time in commercial environments.  But, the change for commercial facility security is that there are now more flexible cloud-based solutions for integrating video and access control.

One example of a cloud-based service that integrates video and access control is Maxpro Cloud from Honeywell.  With this innovative platform, users can monitor and manage facility access control and live and recorded video from anywhere at any time on a variety of devices.

Why integrate video with your access control system?  One of the key reasons is to use video footage to verify activity from the access control system.  Cards and fobs can be borrowed or stolen and recorded video can provide a true record of who entered a facility.  Also, recorded video can provide evidence of unauthorized attempts to enter a facility.

Integrating video with your access control system provides another layer of security to better protect your facilities.

As always, let me know if you have any questions or feedback.  You an email me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

Now, the future is here and we are seeing more and more uses of robots in business applications.  Car manufacturers have used robots in their assembly lines for years and we have seen companies like Amazon deploy fleets of robots in their distribution warehouses.

Now it seems that the time has come for robots to be used in physical security applications.  Companies like Knightscope and Cobalt Robotics are building robots to be used to help protect commercial facilities.  A recent article in Security Sales and Integration magazine said that Cobalt just closed a $13 million series A funding round to help them build their business.  To see Cobalt’s vision of how their security robots could be deployed, see their YouTube video.

In time, we will learn more about the success of using these security robots to protect facilities and properties.  For now, it is fun to watch the development of these new technologies.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

The growth of biometrics usage in real-world applications has been slow for several reasons. First, the cost of the biometric devices has remained fairly high in comparison to traditional access control card readers. While the price of this technology has continued to drop, it is still significantly higher than the cost of a traditional card reader.

Second, biometric adoption has been slow due to early technological challenges which resulted in less than 100% success with biometric identification. The lack of 100% identification created false negatives (access denied) which resulted in user confusion and frustration.

Fortunately, as the technology continues to improve, the challenges are diminishing, and some believe that 2018 is the year when biometric adoption will begin to accelerate. In this article, the author states that 2018 is the year when we will see an acceleration in usage and points to healthcare as a market where biometric usage is forecasted to grow at a compounded rate of 22.9% over the next several years.

There are several reasons for the expected increase in biometric usage for access control applications. First the cost of the technology continues to decrease. Second, as chip processing power has improved, the technology has become more effective, resulting in fewer access denials from false positives. Third, there are more options for how a user interacts with a biometric device. Originally, the devices worked with fingerprints only. But, with new technologies, facial recognition and hand print detection are also available for biometric identification.

Finally, one of the biggest reasons for the acceleration in usage of biometric technology for access control applications is convenience. With the use of biometrics, there is no need to carry a card or fob—your credentials are always with you.

In conclusion, we believe that the use of biometric technology for facility access control in Atlanta and throughout the Southeastern United States will become more and more popular as the technology improves and becomes more affordable.

One of those trends is titled “Mobile access reaches tipping point for mass market adoption.”  Mobile access refers to the ability for an authorized user to use his or her mobile device to gain access to a facility instead of having to use an access card or key fob.

As a provider of facility access control solutions in Atlanta and throughout the southeastern United States, we are hearing more frequent requests for mobile access and credentials from our customers.  According to the Pew Research Center, 77% of Americans now own smartphones.  Since they have become so prevalent and people are integrating them into their daily activities, it is natural for there to be a desire to use a smartphone instead of an access card in order to gain access to a facility.

We think that we will see this trend towards using smartphones as access credentials accelerate.  In a few short years, we expect that we will see much less use of traditional cards for facility access.

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• We listen – We want to hear your objectives and develop customized solutions based on your needs.  We will help educate you on which solutions are best for you.

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• We future-proof your system – We provide the latest technologies to ensure that you have a scalable solution that can be remotely managed and monitored from anywhere at any time.

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• We support you – With Verified Security, you are never alone. When you call for service, you will always reach a live person – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

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• We are qualified – We have invested time and effort into developing industry and organizational affiliations that benefit you. We are members of the Electronic Security Association (ESA), the Georgia Electronic Life Safety and Systems Association (GELSSA), and are a certified Honeywell CSS Dealer (Honeywell commercial certification).

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1electric, a commercial facility electrical solutions provider in Atlanta, is no stranger when it comes to giving their customers personalized solutions for all of their building electronic system needs. With thousands of successful projects under their belt, 1electric is a trusted electrical company performing commercial electrical work such as servicing, maintaining and upgrading a building\u2019s electrical systems.<\/p>

When it came time for their own expansion \u2013 moving their operations to a new location, they turned to their security provider, Verified Security, for a smooth security system transition. 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Maxpro Cloud is a hosted cloud-based platform that provides access control and video services.  Instead of using a traditional Windows-based software platform for managing your card access control system or your camera system, you can use Maxpro Cloud to manage your system.

You may have already guessed one of the key benefits of using a service like Maxpro Cloud—no software required.  When you are using a cloud-based service, there is no software to purchase (saves money!), no software to install and keep updated (saves money!), and no server to purchase and maintain for hosting the software (saves money!).

A second benefit of using a service like Maxpro Cloud is that feature updates can be pushed down to end users more quickly and easily.  In the past, if you were using a Windows-based software package to manage your card access control system, you would need to pay for new software when it was released to get the latest features.  With Maxpro Cloud, new features can be added without purchasing new software.

A third benefit of using a cloud-based service is that mobile applications can be added more easily.  As an example, a mobile app for managing access control functionality and camera functionality is included with Maxpro Cloud.  Since the mobile app is communicating back to the cloud-based platform, no local network changes are needed to make it work.  Easy!

These are just some of the compelling reasons to try a cloud-based solution like Maxpro Cloud to manage the physical security of your facility.  As always, if you have any questions, please email me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

Thank you,

Scott Hightower, Verified Security

The cloud has come to the security industry too.  In fact, we have been offering cloud-based services for years and the service offerings continue to grow.  There are several reasons we like cloud-based services:

1. Cloud-based services are built on a proven model.  According to the Rightscale 2017 State of the Cloud report, 41% of companies surveyed are using public cloud services to handle their workloads.  The technology has been tested and proven and the model allows our customers to save money.
2. Lower up-front investment required.  Because there is no need to set up a server and purchase and install software, our customers are saving money when using cloud-based services.
3. Platform allows for faster product evolution.  In the past, our customers had to purchase the latest version of software in order to get the latest features.  With cloud-based security services, updates can be pushed out to all end users at once so changes can be made more quickly.  This ensures that our customers get the latest functionality faster.

What are some of the cloud services that are available?  Total Connect from Honeywell is one that has been available for several years and allows control of your security system from a website or smartphone app.

Another service developed by Honeywell that we now offer is called Maxpro Cloud.  It allows for viewing your surveillance cameras remotely and for controlling your card access doors from a website or mobile app.  You can now bring mobile access to your video surveillance and card access control systems!

We will detail more features and benefits of these cloud-based services in future posts.  As always, let us know if you have any questions.  You can email us at info@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

That is pretty bold.  But, when thinking deeper about it, it is pretty bold to rob a bank.  I think this demonstrates what the bad guys are willing to do for money.  Don’t underestimate the crooks.

Otherwise, we wouldn’t need security systems in Atlanta…

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/police-se-atlanta-church-damaged-by-copper-thieves/nXpbk/

A theft like this is not only expensive but it is very disruptive because the removal of copper wiring and pipes leaves the building unusable until the repair work can be completed.

There is a better way.  Verified video security can provide notification of crimes in progress.  A security system with video verification sends video clips of the crime in progress to a monitoring center where an operator can provide more details about the crime to the police department.  With a crime in progress, the police will likely respond much more quickly before further damage can be done.

Send any questions to me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

The strange part of the story is that a truck full of Red Bull was stolen a few weeks ago from the same area and a truck full of coffee worth approximately $50,000 U.S. dollars was also stolen at a different time within the last month from the same area.

To me, this area in Bad Hersfeld is screaming for video surveillance cameras for remote monitoring.  With cameras in place and live remote viewing and/or advanced notifications based on motion detection, there should be a way to nab these thieves.

This is the link to the full article about the thefts:

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/world/archives/2013/04/20130408-091109.html

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

Access control systems are used to verify that a card or fob presented at a card reader is a valid card and is authorized for use to access that particular door at a particular time.  However, the access control system is unable to determine if the person using the card is the person authorized to enter or if the card has been borrowed or stolen.

This is where video integration can augment the functionality of an access control system.  With a video system integrated into an access control system, specific cameras located at card access doors can be linked to those specific card readers so that there is video evidence logged with each presentation of a card.  So, as an example, if there is an invalid card read, video can be searched directly from the access control software to see who attempted to present an invalid card.

By linking an access control system and a video surveillance system, the process of searching video for specific access control events becomes much quicker and easier which saves you time and money.

As always, email me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com with any questions.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

As you might imagine, there are mobile security apps that can be used to monitor and manage the security of your home or business.  Total Connect from Honeywell is the one we use to arm and disarm our security systems and to get emailed status alerts.  Also, many new video camera surveillance systems come with apps to let you look at your live video while on the go.

As these mobile devices become more ubiquitous, I fully expect that we will have the ability to control more and more devices and features in our connected homes and businesses.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

So, what features are most important when considering a new system?  Here they are:

Reporting and Audit Trail – A true access control system will keep a log of card use and store it in a database for future reporting.  So, when you need to determine who was the last person to use a card at a particular door, you would have the ability to run a report that would show you.

Flexibility – You will want to use a system with flexible software.  With a flexible system, you can make changes to cardholder records and add and delete information fields as needed.

Ease of Use – We have seen some access control systems that are very difficult to use.  We recommend Honeywell access systems as we find them to be very easy to use yet powerful enough to handle just about every access control scenario.

Scheduled Backups – With whatever access software package you choose, you will want the ability to schedule backups of the access database.  We have seen many customers who failed to backup up their databases and then have to call us to rebuild them from scratch when their servers crash.

Integration – Some access control systems can be integrated with intrusion alarm systems and with video systems so that everything can be managed from one user interface (one software package).  This makes it easy to manage all three and reduces complexity.

If you are contemplating the purchase of an access control system, spend some time test driving the management software before you buy.  There is a lot of variety in what is available and you should make sure you are comfortable with the features before you finalize your purchase.

As always, email me at scotth@remote-protection with any questions.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

One great example of a service that embodies this new ability to monitor our environment remotely is Total Connect.  Total Connect is a service that was developed by Honeywell and installed by security companies that allows anyone to monitor and manage their security and other environmental systems from anywhere at any time.  With a web browser or app on a tablet or smartphone, you can monitor and manage a variety of sensors and controls.

One of the great features I like about this service is that we can install a sensor on just about anything and then tie it to Total Connect so that you are notified with an email or text message if the status of that sensor changes.  So, do you want to know when a door is opened?  We can notify you.  Do you want to know when it is closed?  We can notify you.  Do you want to know when the temperature is below freezing inside your home or business?  We can notify you.

The possiblities are only limited by your imagination.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

One of the technologies that has improved over time is broadband Internet access.  As the broadband providers have increased the throughput of their networks, more bandwidth has become available to facilitate the delivery of hosted applications.  While the bandwidth has been readily available for basic application access from hosted providers, more bandwidth-intensive applications have not always been supported by the available bandwidth.  I believe that video surveillance applications fall into the latter category.

But, all of that is changing for several reasons.  First, we are seeing the availability of more bandwidth as broadband networks evolve.  Internet Service Providers are pushing fiber optic transportation technology deeper into their networks which helps to provide more bandwidth.  Second, video is becoming more compact.  More efficient H.264 compression is now widely adopted and there is work underway on the next generation video compression technology which has been dubbed H.265.  Third, technology and application developers have created hybrid solutions to allow for some local storage of surveillance video while also delivering some clips and clip control functionality through hosted applications in the cloud.

One example of this is MAXPRO Cloud from Honeywell.  With this solution, a local device sits at the local video surveillance site and stores some small amount of video while also acting as the gateway for the cloud storage solution.  The local gateway device along with the cloud storage take the place of a traditional Digital Video Recorder.

In this recent article from Security InfoWatch, an example is provided of a Jersey Mike’s franchisee who is using a hosted video surveillance solution.  The article provides a good overview of how it works and the benefits of using a cloud-based solution.

While larger, enterprise-class video surveillance system installations will not be good candidates for hosted video applications, smaller video installations will migrate more and more towards hosted platforms for their ease of use and anywhere, any-time access.

If you have any questions, please email me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

So, what is the best way to keep your doors secured?

The access control systems we deploy have built-in door prop alarm functionality.  The Honeywell access control systems we recommend will automatically sound an alarm after a set period of time when a door is propped open.  When we deploy door prop alarms as part of an access control system, we install a sounder above each access door and then program the system to sound the alarm if a door is held open for too long.

This is a simple addition to a system and it can really make a difference to the security of your facility.

Email me with your questions at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

With us managing the access control system, we add, change, and delete cardholder and access card records.  We also make any changes to time zones, door schedules and other parameters.  We run the reports and we make sure the database is regularly backed up.  So, our managed access service really does make it easy for our customers to have an access control system.

Recently, Honeywell wrote a case study about our project with Internap.  The case study can be accessed by clicking on this link.  In addition to the case study, we were also recently featured on Honeywell’s security blog.

As always, email me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com with any questions.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

The Gwinnett County Post posted a picture of the suspect that was provided by the police.

One thing to note is that this appears to be a picture taken at a Target store (can’t be certain but it looks like Target).  Over the last few years, Target has upgraded their video surveillance capabilities and their investment is paying off as the pictures from those video surveillance systems are providing valuable evidence that can be used by police.

With the arrival of less expensive megapixel video options, high-quality video surveillance systems are becoming much more affordable.  And, they are much more effective.

Email me with any questions at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower

If you are not familiar with TED, it is an organization that began with a conference in 1984.  TED stands for Technology, Engineering, and Design but is better known by the current moniker of TED.  As they state on their web page about the organization, TED is devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading.”  They have put many videos from their conferences up on their website and they are always interesting and inspirational.

The TED video I saw most recently featured Marc Goodman who heads an organization called Future Crimes.  In his video, he talks about the impact the Internet and our continued move towards openness will have on crime in the future.  It is interesting, thought-provoking, and worth a watch.

As always, email me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com if you have any questions.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

Did you know that there are thermostats that can be managed remotely over the Internet with services like Total Connect?  So, with an Internet connection, you can now adjust your thermostat from anywhere at any time.  Wouldn’t it be nice to bump up the heat if you are planning to arrive at home a little earlier than you had originally planned?

With the technology available today, we are only limited by imagination when it comes to automating and managing the security and comfort of your home or business.

If you have any questions, email me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

When was the last time you checked and replaced the back-up batteries in your burglar alarm system, fire alarm system, or access control system?  Batteries should be tested at least once a year to ensure that they are in good working condition.

Have you checked your Digital Video Recorder or Network Video Recorder recently to ensure that video is recording properly and that all of your cameras are working properly?  This type of testing should be done weekly.

Have you updated the holiday schedule in your access control system for the new year?

Have you backed up your access control system database recently?  Depending on the number of changes you make, this should be done weekly or monthly.

Checking and testing your systems regularly will extend the lives of those systems.  Now that we are in a new year, it is time to set up a program to take care of your security systems.

If you have any questions, email me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

There are a variety of sensors available to monitor different types of environmental conditions.  There are water sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, heat detectors, and more.  All of these sensors can be connected to an existing security system to monitor for changes in environmental conditions.  Or, they can be used as part of a stand-alone system to monitor only for changes in a home or business environment.

Temperature Sensor

Do you worry about pipes bursting while you are traveling for the holidays?  How about that hot water heater?  How old is it?  I have had a water pipe rupture in my house and fortunately, I was home at the time.  This can easily happen in a home or business can can cause plenty of damage if not fixed quickly.

By adding environmental sensors to your security system and then using Total Connect to generate email alerts, you can be notified if the temperature rises, if a water sensor detects water, or if the humidity increases above a preset level.

So, with a combination of monitoring sensors and various types of notification available, you never have to face unhappy surprises again.

If you have any questions, email me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

That is a lot of money to lose and it explains why retailers are concerned about their return policies.

Some of the fraud is perpetrated by customers and some by employees.  Documenting these crimes for prosecution is the role of a good video security system.  Cameras at point-of-sale registers can capture return fraud crimes in action and the video can be used in the prosecution of the perpetrators.

The key to using the video surveillance system to capture the evidence is to use the correct cameras with the right lenses and to have them focused on the view needed to maximize the capture of the evidence.  As an example, a camera looking out over the store from behind the register clerk will not capture the evidence needed in a return fraud case involving the use of counterfeit store receipts.

Criminals are early adopters of technology so this type of fraud will continue.  The correct application of security technology can help catch these criminals in action.

Email me at scotth@remote-protection if you have any questions or feedback.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

But, access control systems can be so much more than a set of card readers.  For example, video can be integrated into your access control system to supplement the standard reporting of your system.  Would it be useful to have cameras near your card readers so that you could review recorded video if someone attempted to make an unauthorized entrance?  Or, would you ever want to take a peek at a video clip if your access control reports showed that some of your cardholders were accessing the building at unusual hours of the day?

With video integration, camera views can be linked to card readers so that video clips can be retrieved based on access control events.  These events might involve valid cards used or they might involve attempts to use invalid cards.  Video verification of access control events can give you the true picture of what is happening at your facility.

If you have any questions, please email me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

You may have read about this technology as there have been some news articles about Google’s efforts to use NFC technology to enable mobile payments as part of their Google Wallet strategy.

In this article from October 20th, 2012, Google states that early adopters are beginning to use NFC payment technology but that widespread adoption is still three to five years away.  As with any new technology, NFC use will continue to grow and will eventually be widely available.

So, what does this have to do with access control?  There are companies in the security industry that are conducting trials of using smartphones with embedded NFC technology to act as credentials in order to open access-controlled doors.  So, instead of having to carry around an access card or keyfob, you would just put your NFC-enabled smartphone up against a NFC reader to release the door.  Much easier!

HID, a leading provider of access control readers and credentials, has been conducting a trial of using NFC-enabled smartphones as access control credentials with two companies in Silicon Valley, Netflix and Good Technology.  A recent article about the technology trials at Good Technology stated that “more than 80% of respondents felt the smartphone was more convenient to use than their current access card, primarily because they never forget their phones like they do their badges. All Good Technology respondents said they liked the look of the door unlock application on their phones, and said it was intuitive and easy to use.”

There were a number of other statistics from the article that demonstrated the enthusiasm that the trial participants had for using this new technology to grant passage through access control doors.  With positive results like these and the proliferation of smartphones with embedded NFC technology, it will only be a matter of time before we see widespread use of smartphones for access control credentials.

Soon, you too will be able to unlock a door with a smartphone!

If you have questions about how NFC technology works, let me know.  You can reach me at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

In this post, I want to share with you another option for operating your access control system.  Managed or hosted access control platforms are now available which allow you to outsource the management of your access control system.  With a managed or hosted access control system, the door control hardware still resides inside your facility but any changes are made by a third-party company like ours that hosts and manages the access control software for a monthly fee.

So, what are the advantages of going with a managed access control solution?  The biggest advantage of this approach is that you no longer have to learn how to use access control software because someone else is doing it for you.  If you don’t use access control software every day (which is a likely scenario), you can easily forget how to perform certain functions.  For example, a holiday group is usually updated once a year.  Will you remember how to make the changes to your holiday group when the time comes?  Also, when you need a specific report from your access control system, do you know how to get it?  If you have an access control expert managing your access control system for you, getting that report is as easy as making a phone call or sending an email.

The second advantage to going with a managed access solution is that you no longer have to manage the server that contains the access software.  So, you don’t have to back up the server, you don’t have to install Windows updates to the server, and you don’t have to worry about viruses and other malware infecting the server when you no longer have to manage it.  We have customers that have had their access control server crash without a current backup file and they had to spend a lot of money to rebuild the server and completely re-program it.  With a managed access control solution, the third-party company that hosts your access database takes care of the server so you don’t have to worry about it.

The third advantage of a managed access control solution is that you automatically get new features when they are available.  So, a managed access control system is essentially a cloud-based solution so that you don’t have to pay for new software to get the latest software upgrades.  The third-party company that manages your access control platform would update the management software when a new version is available so that new features automatically become available.

So, as you can see, there are some great benefits to having someone else host and manage your access control system.  It is a worry-free way to make sure you are maximizing the use of your system and getting the performance you need.

Feel free to email me with any questions at scotth@verifiedsecurity.com.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

According to the AJC, “Atlanta’s Chief Operating Officer Duriya Farooqui said video surveillance — which has been in place in its current form since last September — for has become a ‘key part of our crime reduction strategy to provide real time information.'”

This new project will add 112 video surveillance cameras to the 762 existing video surveillance cameras in Atlanta.

Read more about it in the AJC article.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

If you are like many people that we talk to who have to manage access control systems, the software can sometimes be cumbersome to use.  And, the server has to be maintained which means ensuring that it stays virus-free and that the access control database is backed up (we hope you are backing up your database regularly!).

There are some new technology options for managing access control systems that do not require managing a server with software.  We will talk about the first option in this blog post with more information coming in future posts.

Some newer access control systems will allow you to store the database in the control panel (instead of on a server) and to use a web browser to manage your system.  One example of this is Honeywell’s NetAXS platform.  The NetAXS system can be used with just a web browser or it can be used as part of a larger system that includes a full server deployment with management software.

Many of our customers find it easy and hassle-free to manage their access control systems with only a web browser.  No more servers to maintain!  And, the Honeywell NetAXS system has many of the standard features of a full-blown access control system.

Recently, Honeywell released an enhancement to their NetAXS platform that allows for basic video integration.  So, with this new enhancement, a few cameras can be added to the basic access control platform so that clips can be recorded when triggered by access control events like valid and invalid card reads.

In a future post, we will talk about managed access platforms and the benefits they bring.  As always, let us know if you have questions.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

There are now tools to make remote video viewing easier.  Just about every new Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR) that is sold in the marketplace today is designed for remote video viewing.  For our customers that have these devices, we often need to make adjustments to their data networks in order to set up the remote video viewing so this is something to keep in mind when purchasing a DVR or NVR.

Newer to the market are cloud-based video services like Total Connect and Maxpro Cloud from Honeywell.  With these services, video is captured locally from a home or business and then stored on remote servers.  The users of these systems can then access live and recorded video on those servers from computers and mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets.

So, there are many options now available for viewing remote video from anywhere at any time.  With the proliferation of mobile devices and new apps created every day, more and more choices are available to make it easy to view video on the go.

-Scott

Scott Hightower, Verified Security

http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/wire-thefts-disable-all-ga-400-traffic-cameras/nR5Rj/

The most recent incident happened in Maryland as reported by NBC News:

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/09/14/13855944-cops-set-up-cameras-to-watch-the-cameras-that-watch-you

The driving incentive for these thieves appears to be copper wiring theft.  Copper prices are still fairly high so the criminals are looking for ways to gather copper for recycling.  These thefts are impacting the operations of municipalities around the country.  As wired and wireless surveillance cameras become more popular, the opportunity for theft increases.

As mentioned in the NBC News article, there are ways that cameras can be protected.  The lesson here is that it is important to think about cameras both as a device that can protect and as a device that needs to be protected.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

Regular readers of our blog know that we have discussed verified response before.  Across the country, the budgets of local municipalities are getting stretched pretty thin and the police departments are tired of responding to nuisance alarms that are not generated by an actual crime in progress.  So, the momentum around requiring some sort of verification prior to dispatching officers to a home or business is building.

The good news is that there are technologies that can help business owners and homeowners with verification.  Video surveillance systems can be set up so that live and recorded video can be viewed remotely over the Internet with a web browser or on a smartphone.  And, new technologies like those in a Videofied system can record brief video clips when motion is detected and transmit it to a security monitoring center so that an operator on duty can determine if an actual crime is in progress.

I don’t think that the calls for video verification by over-worked police departments will diminish–I think they will grow instead.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

In case you are wondering if this really happens, check out this video news story about a recent Office Creeper in Addison, Texas.  The clip includes surveillance video of the crime in progress:

So, as you can see, you have to be careful even if you are in an office building.

According to the news story, the business owner and the police were happy with the quality of the surveillance video.  Are you happy with your video surveillance system?  Do you have one?  Are you missing an opportunity to monitor what is happening in your business?

Don’t let the bad guys creep up on you!

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

In the article, the police detail how the thieves spent months to dig a 100 foot tunnel that extended from a railway embankment, went under a parking deck, and then under a shop that had an ATM that was the target of the crooks.  They were able to cut through the concrete floor and get the ATM.  But, the police pointed out that they probably only captured about 6,000 British pounds (about $9,300 U.S. dollars based on today’s conversion rates).

So, if these thieves would go to all of this work to get just over $9,000, imagine what others would be willing to do to break into your business.  If you don’t have a security system for your business, now might be the time to consider getting one.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

http://www.ajc.com/news/cops-teens-in-elmo-1264616.html

If you own a retail establishment or another business that handles cash, have you thought about what you would do if your business was robbed?  Having a good video surveillance system can help deter crime and can help identify the bad guys when a crime is committed.  Having silent duress or panic buttons installed and connected to your security system can help summon the police more quickly.

Be vigilant – you never know when Tweety and Elmo may come calling…

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

As you can see, things are looking a little soggy there.  So, why is this important?  Hard drives are used in almost every computer and in many other electronic devices.  If you have a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) to record video from surveillance cameras, that DVR has a hard drive in it.  If you are using a server or Network Video Recorder (NVR) for your video surveillance system, it would have a hard drive in it too.

Right now, DVRs, NVRs, and video servers are still readily available.  However, there is concern from some of our manufacturing partners that the supply of hard drives may become really tight throughout the next year as the impact of the flooding ripples through the supply chain.

As DVRs, NVRs, and video servers get old, the hard drives are often the first parts to fail.  If you think about it,  your video surveillance system runs all the time and never takes a vacation.  So, the moving parts in the hard drive tend to fail after a certain amount of time.

So, while we do not want to cause alarm about hard drive shortages, it is something to think about.  If there is a shortage as predicted for 2012, it will become difficult to get replacement hard drives for DVRs and NVRs and it may become difficult to get new DVRs and NVRs until the supply can catch up again.

If you want to read more about the impact of the flooding on the hard drive supply, this is a link to an article in the New York Times.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

WMAZ Story about Target Burglary

Fortunately, Target has pretty good video surveillance systems.  From what I know, they have deployed Axis IP cameras in many of their stores.  So, they were able to get some pretty good video of the incident which will help the police.

It is important for any retail business or any business with a storefront to remember not to put valuable items on display near the front of the store.  This just makes it easier for the bad guys to conduct a hit and run operation.

As we move through the holiday season, it is important to be vigilant.  Property crime usually increases this time of year.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

The good news is that there is a new alternative communication option that can completely eliminate the need for two telephone lines for commercial fire alarm systems.  The National Fire Alarm Code  allows for the use of alternative communication technologies as long as they meet certain criteria.

Fire alarm system manufacturers like Honeywell have recognized the need for these alternative technologies and have begun providing new fire alarm system communicators that do not require telephone lines.  One product that can help is the Honeywell IPGSM-DP which is a dual-path communicator that can use a combination of your Internet connection and a GSM wireless (cellular) connection or which can use GSM wireless alone to satisfy the Fire Alarm Code requirements.

This device (pictured below) can help you to significantly reduce your telecommunications expenses related to monitoring commercial fire alarm systems.  The other big benefit is that these units are supervised more often than a system using traditional telephone lines.  What does that mean?  In a traditional fire alarm system using telephone lines for communication, the fire alarm control panel dials into the monitoring center once every 24 hours to check the integrity of the communications path.  When using GSM wireless as the only path for communication, the integrity is checked every five minutes.  So, you would know much more quickly if there is a problem with the communication of your fire alarm system.

So, there are several benefits to using a new technology for fire alarm communication.  If you have any questions about these new technologies, please let us know.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/morning_call/2011/11/copper-thieves-destroy-macons-holiday.html?surround=etf&ana=e_article

Would you think you would have to secure the holiday decorations with something more than a lock on a storage space?

These days, you do.  It is a shame but it is the way life is in America these days.  Desperate people are stripping copper from holiday decorations.

As regular readers know, there are many ways that commercial facilities can be secured.  From commercial security systems to video surveillance systems to unique security systems like Videofied that combine the two, there are very cost-effective solutions that can protect the assets of any business.

Keep the Grinch away this holiday season!

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

http://www.ajc.com/news/north-fulton/three-men-arrested-for-1217220.html

Apparently, three men tried to burglarize the Apple store at North Point Mall.  The good news is that the police responded to an alarm system signal and were able to apprehend the suspected burglars.

So, as we get closer to the next set of holidays, be on the lookout for more of this type of activity at your business and make sure your commercial security system is working.  ‘Tis the season for burglaries and thefts.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “…non-fire related CO poisoning is responsible for approximately 15,000 emergency room visits and almost 500 deaths annually in the United States.”

The frustrating part for us is that all of these emergency room visits and deaths could be avoided if proper CO detection systems are used.  CO detectors from companies like System Sensor can be added to residential alarm systems and commercial fire alarm systems.  These detectors are fairly inexpensive and can notify building occupants as well as a central monitoring center when levels of carbon monoxide become too high.

System Sensor CO Detector

If you do not have carbon monoxide detection devices in your home or business, you should check into what it would take to add this valuable protection to your security or fire alarm system.  A little investment now can save lives later.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

Arecont Vision AV20185DN Camera

 I predict that megapixel video surveillance cameras will soon become the norm in the video surveillance world.  If given a choice today, would you buy a standard-definition analog television for your home or would you buy the digital, high-definition version?  Of cource, you would buy the high-def TV!

 It is the same with video surveillance cameras.  Once you see the high-definition images from a megapixel camera, you won’t want to go back to standard-definition, analog cameras.

If you want to learn more about this new camera from Arecont Vision, this is the link to the product page on their website.

If you want to learn more about megapixel video surveillance cameras, give us a call or drop us a note.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

http://www.ajc.com/news/more-than-100-000-1204497.html

For those of us in the commercial security business, it is frustrating to see these types of thefts continue, especially when we know there are some very effective security measures that can be put in place for much less than $100,000.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

Wikipedia Entry on Art Clokey

So, what does this have to do with a security blog?

Alleged Gumby Robber

Well, recently, a young man dressed as Gumby tried to rob a San Diego-area convenience store and the incident was captured on the store’s video surveillance system.  This is a link to ABC news video (including the video surveillance clips) about the incident:

Gumby Robbery Surveillance Video

While this is pretty humorous overall, it is fortunate that this store did have video of the incident to help the police see how the event played out.  However, the video quality is not very good and better quality video could have helped.

The newest generation of video surveillance cameras can provide high-definition or megapixel video quality.  And, the prices have been coming down as the technology has improved (think about how affordable high-definition televisions have become).  So, there is no need to suffer with poor quality surveillance video!  There are much better solutions available now.

-Scott Hightower

Verified Security

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Video Surveillance Systems<\/h3>“},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”wQkT3″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”s”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”TpDFt”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”Camera (also known as CCTV or Video Surveillance Systems) systems have become much more sophisticated in recent years. With the introduction of IP-based systems and megapixel images, newer security cameras can provide much more information and clarity than they could in the past. If you haven\u2019t seen the image from a megapixel surveillance camera, contact us for a free demonstration.\n\nOur latest Digital Video Systems provide much faster access to critical video recordings than older recording solutions. These digital recording units allow you to easily search for recorded video events and can be connected via the Internet to allow you to view the video from a remote computer or a mobile device like an iPhone, Android smartphone, or tablet. Also, these newer systems allow for cloud-based recording and management.”},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”EMDYI”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”s”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_button”,”id”:”P2Ppn”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”icon”:””,”style”:”circle”,”size”:””,”position”:”left”,”animation”:false,”text”:”Learn More About Video Surveillance Here”,”link_type”:”classic”,”lightbox_animation”:””,”caption”:””,”inner_caption”:false,”new_window”:false,”link”:”https:\/\/verifiedsecurity.com\/video-surveillance\/”,”link_content”:[],”lightbox_size”:””,”scrollbox”:false},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”TPS42″,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”l”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_space”,”id”:”vS8Dl”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”size”:”m”,”height”:””},{“component”:”hc_column”,”id”:”column_qpBqk”,”column_width”:”col-md-12″,”animation”:””,”animation_time”:””,”timeline_animation”:””,”timeline_delay”:””,”timeline_order”:””,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”main_content”:[{“component”:”hc_text_block”,”id”:”xUjDp”,”css_classes”:””,”custom_css_classes”:””,”custom_css_styles”:””,”content”:”

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So, the best thing a business owner can do to combat this type of crime is to help the police identify the perpetrators so they can get them off of the streets.  And, a good video surveillance system is the best tool to use.

Unfortunately, it is all too often the case that businesses are using inferior video surveillance systems (also called CCTV systems) to protect their premises.  You have all seen the results–murky, grainy video that can’t be used to identify the bad guys.  Take a look at this video from a recent smash and grab burglary in Atlanta for an example of video that could be improved:

Smash and grab video

The good news is that video surveillance technology continues to improve and there are better and better alternatives available as time goes by.  You do not have to be stuck with inferior, low-quality surveillance video cameras!

Just as megapixel technology has transformed the still camera market, it is beginning to transform the video surveillance market.  Megalpixel IP surveillance cameras will eventually take over the entire video surveillance market and will replace traditional analog video surveillance cameras.

Honeywell 3 Megapixel Camera

The difference is that megapixel IP cameras can generate much better video pictures than traditional analog surveillance cameras.

A traditional VGA-quality analog surveillance camera can generate a picture with approximately 300,000 pixels (pixels are picture elements).  A one megapixel IP surveillance camera can generate 1,000,000 pixels which is an increase of over 230%!

In the past, the challenges with IP surveillance cameras have been cost, bandwidth requirements, and storage requirements.  One by one, these challenges have been overcome.  While megapixel IP surveillance cameras are a bit more expensive than analog cameras, the cost of megapixel cameras has come down dramatically and they are much more affordable now.  Since the megapixel cameras use Internet Protocol (IP) transmission, the cost of cabling for these cameras is also lower.  And, with the availability of more sophisticated encoding methods (like H.264), the bandwidth and storage requirements have been reduced significantly.

So, we believe that now is the time to explore the possibilities of megapixel IP cameras.  The good news is that it is not necessary to completely convert an existing system to all megapixel IP cameras.  There are hardware options available that allow us to mix and match analog and IP cameras and standard resolution cameras with megapixel resolution surveillance cameras.

One example is the RapidEye Hybrid Video Recording system from Honeywell (see picture below).

Honeywell RapidEye DVR

This is an easy-to-use system that we can install that can record and manage traditional analog surveillance cameras alongside newer IP surveillance cameras.  Honeywell has a line of megapixel IP cameras that are fully compatible with the RapidEye recording system.

So, there are options that can help you dramatically improve the quality of your video surveillance systems.  And, the best part is that all of these systems can be viewed remotely over the Internet so you can keep tabs on what is happening real-time.

We are here to help – let us know if you have questions or want to see a product demonstration.

It is time to clear up that grainy video!

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

“City of Atlanta police officers have responded to 150 incidents involving copper thefts just in the month of June, according to crime statistics obtained by the AJC. The crimes have prompted the police department to reach out to church leaders to discuss ways of preventing further thefts, Carlos Campos, spokesman for Atlanta police, said.

‘Churches, particularly the smaller ones, make for opportunistic targets because they are generally occupied only on Sundays and Wednesday evenings,’ Campos said.”

The problem is that not only do you want to be left without air conditioning this summer but it can cost at least $3,000 to repair the damage from copper theft.  It is much better to try to prevent copper theft than deal with the aftermath.

There is a task force in metro Atlanta that is working on copper theft prevention.  The challenge is that copper tubing and copper wire theft are hard to combat because there are typically no markings on the copper tube and on copper wire.

As I discussed in my earlier post, there are actions you can take to prevent copper theft.  They range from building metal cages to protect air conditioners to a variety of electronic security technologies that can be used.

Now is the time to talk to your security company about copper theft prevention before you become a victim.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

As you can read about in this recent article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) newspaper, air conditioning units were stolen from Roswell Street Baptist Church.  How would like to show up at your church, business, or home and find out you have no air conditioning or heating?

So, what can you do?

There are a number of ways to secure air conditioning units and to prevent copper theft.  One option would be to use verified video systems like Videofied which we profiled in an earlier blog post.  Another solution is to use outdoor motion detectors from security system manufacturers like Honeywell.  A third solution would be to use specialized sensors that can be connected to air conditioning units and linked back to your security system.  These sensors would activate the security system when triggered.

Honeywell Outdoor Motion Detector

Any of these solutions can be used individually or together to prevent copper theft.  If you have unprotected air conditioning units, you should talk to your security systems company today to find out more about the options.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

http://blogs.ajc.com/news-to-me/2011/05/11/man-found-living-atop-georgia-waffle-house/

So, this raises several questions.  First, why would someone choose to live on top of a Waffle House in the heat we have been experiencing in Georgia lately?

The second question is about safety.  Is it really safe for someone to live on the roof of a Waffle House?  Probably not.

The next question in my mind is about security.  What sort of security system did the Waffle House have and was their roof protected?  In our experience, many business owners and managers do not think about securing their roofs when they have a security system installed.  But, the roof can be an area of great vulnerability if it is not protected.

In the past, many burglaries have begun with the crooks entering through the roof.  They know that the roof and ceilings are often unprotected by the security system.  But, all is not lost.  It is possible to protect your roof and/or your ceiling.  There are outdoor motion detectors from Honeywell as well as outdoor MotionViewers from Videofied (see my earlier blog post to learn more about Videofied).

So, there are solutions that can be used to protect your roof.  You just have to know what to ask for!

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

https://verifiedsecurity.com

Smoke Detector

I ask them: “Have you considered adding monitored smoke detectors to your alarm system?”  They say: “I don’t need those–I have battery-powered smoke detectors so I will know when there is a fire.”  I then say: “I hope your smoke detectors are very loud.”  At this point, I usually get a quizzical look.

I go on to say that battery-powered smoke detectors are incredibly important safety devices.  But, they won’t do anything to save your home or business if a fire breaks out when you are not at home or inside your business.

There is a recent example from the metro Atlanta news that illustrates why it is important to have monitored smoke detectors as part of a fire alarm system.  The article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper describes the sad story of a Romanian church located in Dacula that experienced a recent fire.  This is the link to the article:

http://www.ajc.com/news/gwinnett/fire-ruins-dream-for-936097.html

The article provides many details but this is what caught my eye:

“Gwinnett fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge said a passerby reported a fire at the church in the 2800 block of Winder Highway about 8:30 a.m.”

Did you read it carefully?  A passerby reported the fire. If the church had installed smoke detectors that were part of a monitored fire alarm system, it is likely the fire would have been detected sooner and that the fire department would have been dispatched more quickly.

I feel terrible for the leaders of the church.  All of their hard work went up in smoke.  Let’s make sure this doesn’t happen to you.  Even if you have insurance for your home and business,  you need to think about the significant disruption that is caused by a fire.’

In a recent report, the National Fire Protection Association (www.nfpa.org) reported that there was an average of 512,200 structure fires per year (based on data from 2005-2009).  That is a lot of fires!

So, don’t be surprised by fire.  Have your trusted security or fire protection company install monitored smoke detection in your home or business.  It adds a little extra expense but greatly increases your peace of mind!

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

https://verifiedsecurity.com

http://mdjonline.com/bookmark/13132030

Unfortunately, it is not that uncommon for burglars to enter a business from the roof or to steal objects (such as air conditioners) from your roof.  Is your roof protected?  There are a number of tools that can be used to protect a roof and ceiling from unlawful entry.  Videofied is one product that can be used.  You can see our previous blog entry to learn how Videofied works in more detail.  Essentially, the system uses MotionViewers that record short video clips when motion is detected and transmits them to our monitoring center so that an alarm monitoring center agent can review the video to determine if there is a crime in progress.  It is a very effective video verification system.  You can see some actual Videofied video clips on our YouTube page.

Another tool that can be used to protect a business is conventional motion detection as part of a commercial alarm system.  Outdoor motion detectors can be installed on the roof to identify movement before a crook can enter the business.  And, indoor motion detectors can be installed inside a suspended ceiling to catch those who make it through the roof.

To protect air conditioning systems on the roofs of buildings from theft, we have a great tool from Honeywell security called a Wireless Asset Protection sensor.  This is a wireless, battery-powered security sensor that can be attached to anything that you wish to protect and which will report an alarm if that object is moved.

So, while the unfortunate owners at Ambush Boarding Company didn’t have a security system at their business, there are tools that can help them protect their assets in the future.  The shame of it is the Ambush Boarding Company had a burglary about eight weeks prior to this one and chose not to install a commercial security system.  Maybe now they will put some of these great security tools to work.

-Scott Hightower

http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/thieves-break-into-36-935479.html

The DeKalb County Police Department experienced a burglary at their maintenance facility that housed thirty-six police cars.  I don’t know about you but I don’t think I would have chosen a police department facility as my primary target for a burglary.  Of course, I am not a burglar.  What does this say about the state of mind of the criminals in Atlanta?

This example shows us why a security guard walking a beat is not always an effective way to prevent crime.  The good news is that there are better and better security products and tools available that can be used to secure your home and business against theft and burglary.

Videofied MotionViewer

One example of an innovative product that could be used to protect an outdoor vehicle yard or similar type facility is Videofied.  Videofied is a system that uses MotionViewers to detect motion and to record video clips at the same time.  If motion is detected when the system is armed, a ten to twenty second video clip is recorded by the MotionViewer and then transmitted to our alarm monitoring center.  Our highly-trained representatives can then view the clip to determine if the motion was caused by a stray dog or if it was a burglar breaking into police cars parked in a maintenance yard.  Our experience has been that the police tend to respond faster to verified crimes in progress than to non-verified alarm system signals.

Videofied is a highly-effective system that can prevent false police dispatches and can help to catch criminals in the act of committing crimes.  Videofied is the only security system endorsed by the National Sheriffs’ Association.

If you would like to see some video clips of Videofied in action,  you can visit our YouTube page at http://www.youtube.com/user/RemoteProtectionSys.

This is a great solution that is making security more effective while also preventing false dispatches of police officers to homes and businesses that are secure.  Let us know if you would like a free Videofied system demonstration.

As always, please give us feedback on these posts.  If there are topics you want us to cover, let us know that too.

-Scott Hightower, Verified Security

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/facebook-fight-crime-13398253

We believe that this really is an interesting use of social media that benefits the greater good.  It is a high-tech version of neighborhood watch!  The criminals need to know that breaking into someone’s home is not okay and they will be tracked down.

In Atlanta where we are located, there was another story in the local news in 2009 about a break-in that was caught on camera.  The homeowners posted the video on YouTube and the criminals were caught.  Score one for the good guys.  This is the link to that story:

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/homeowners-cops-battle-burglars-128223.html

The combination of online tools such as YouTube and Facebook along with video from good video surveillance systems can be effective tools for identifying criminals.  Video surveillance systems don’t have to be expensive.  You can start with as little as one camera and then expand your system over time.  It is another weapon in the crime-fighting arsenal!

But, there are ways to help prevent the theft of your electronic devices.  First, try not to leave them in unattended areas.  The presence of people in an area is a great deterrent to crime.

Second, there are physical means you can use to protect your equipment.  The most basic is some sort of lock with a cable.  These are available for laptops, televisions, projectors, and other devices that are fairly easy to carry.

Third, there are electronic means to protect your electronics.  In the past, a monitored security system could protect an area where electronic hardware is stored.  That would work well if all of the equipment was stored all of the time.  But, it usually isn’t!  Often, the equipment is in an office, classroom, or other space that the public may be able to access.

There are new options available.  On such option is to use a wireless sensor to protect your electronics.  As an example, Honeywell Security makes a sensor they call the Wireless Asset Protection Sensor.  This is a battery-powered sensor that can be attached to anything and can be programmed to sound an alarm if the protected device is moved.  It is a great option because it can be used to prevent equipment from “walking away” during regular business hours.  It is a great option to protect  your valuable electronics.  A picture of the device is below.

If you haven’t, I predict that you will hear more about it in the future.  Essentially, video verification is the process of verifying that an alarm system signal was caused by an actual intrusion or crime in progress.  The concept has been around for quite some time but newer technologies are making it easier to implement.

The way it works is that an operator at an alarm monitoring center can log into a video system over the Internet to look at live video that was triggered by an alarm event (door opening, motion detection, glass breakage detection, etc.).  The operator can use the live video surveillance feed to determine if there is an actual crime in progress or if it is a false alarm (cat, mouse, cat chasing mouse, etc.).

Why is this important?  Most importantly, this approach to security reduces false alarm dispatches to the police department and lets the police focus on those alarm calls where there is a verified crime in progress.  A call to the police has a higher priority when a crime in progress has been verified!

Traditionally, the alarm system owner has had to give access to its video surveillance or CCTV cameras to the monitoring company that monitors his or her security system.  This is still an option available for video verification.  But, there are newer technologies that make this process easier.

One of the newer technologies is called Videofied and is sold through security companies like ours.  A Videofied system uses wireless MotionViewers to capture clips of alarm events when motion is detected and send them to the monitoring center so the operator can see what triggered the motion.

If the operator sees paper blowing in the wind, there is no dispatch to the police.  If the operator sees a crime in progress, the police get the call.

To see some actual Videofied clips of crimes in progress, visit our YouTube channel.  To learn more about this technology and to get a free demonstration, please contact us.