How the Internet of Things (IoT) is increasing security effectiveness

The Internet of Things (IoT) and video are both rich sources of visual, environmental, temperature, and other data. It’s a no-brainer to combine these data sources to get deeper insights into how spaces are experienced and protected. The video provides the eyes on the ground, while the IoT can provide more context as to what’s occurring. IoT and video can provide business leaders with more data to improve decision-making and future planning, uncover efficiencies, and optimise spaces. For example, it will finally put the “smart” into the smart city by linking video with citywide sensors monitoring air quality, footfall, congestion, public services usage, and more. In retail, the combination can monitor occupancy rates, queue management, and even stock levels to provide a better customer experience. In factories, equipment failure can be detected proactively by a sensor and confirmed via video. Likewise, an unauthorised entry or removal of stock can be addressed quickly.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is increasing the effectiveness of security systems in a few key ways. IoT-enabled devices like smart locks and cameras collect and transmit real-time data to security systems, which enables homeowners and security monitoring companies to detect and respond to potential threats faster and more accurately. Systems can also be remotely monitored and controlled, allowing users to respond to incidents from anywhere. Further, IoT devices enhanced with software algorithms can automate security processes, such as lighting control and automated access, reducing the need for human intervention and improving efficiency. Smart locks are a common example of an IoT-enabled device. They allow for seamless access control, which has benefits for people who want to manage access to a property proactively. This feature is especially useful for rental property owners/managers, vacation homes, and aging in place, where around-the-clock access is critical.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionising the security industry by enhancing the effectiveness of security systems. IoT-enabled devices like smart cameras, access control systems, and sensors can collect real-time data from multiple sources and provide a comprehensive view of the monitored area, improving situational awareness and enabling faster, more informed decision-making during security incidents. Intelligent analytics capabilities can automatically detect unusual activities or behaviours, such as loitering, crowd formation, or perimeter breaches, allowing security teams to quickly identify potential threats and respond proactively. Moreover, IoT-connected devices can provide proactive maintenance capabilities and more detailed system health monitoring within security systems by identifying components that have failed or are about to fail, thereby reducing the need for manual intervention, eliminating potential gaps in the security system, and reducing operating costs. Embracing IoT in security systems is an investment in the future of security, providing the tools organisations need to stay ahead of the ever-evolving threat landscape.

In the security industry, IoT is synonymous with the “integration of technologies.” Whether it is a camera, a motion sensor, or a point-of-sale system, when connected devices exchange information and talk to each other (i.e. when they are integrated), the combined solution becomes exponentially more potent. As these devices get increasingly smarter, they can help us secure locations more proactively by keeping an ever-watchful eye on certain types of behaviour such as loitering or entering restricted areas. Automated voice-downs, for example, can deter loitering without requiring human intervention. Having IoT devices assist human operators gives expanded coverage when monitoring a premises especially when it comes to mundane jobs like watching a bank of monitors 24/7. In this way, IoT devices are helping security teams do more with less.

IoT has made security systems more effective, but in other ways, the lack of IoT standards has fragmented the space and arguably slowed smart home adoption. As IoT products emerged, various wireless communications standards emerged with it: Z-Wave, Zigbee, and proprietary offerings caused several versions of the same product to be built, which increased costs and complexity for manufacturers and professionals during installation. Interoperability remains a key consideration for dealers and consumers as some consumers may curate smart home technologies separately, as opposed to being installed all at once by a professional integrator. IoT has enabled new efficiencies for security systems that can bring together smart home solutions and control and monitor the home via one app or system: like remote access to control your thermostat, garage door, lights, and enhanced range for wifi cameras. But there is still work to do to increase effectiveness. 

Technology such as IoT does not specifically increase the efficiency of security systems, but it provides the ability for additional data sets and data inputs about the state of the premises or other process information. In turn, that can drive the implementation of efficiencies within surveillance. For example, sensors that measure air quality can probably notice slight changes in quality when someone enters the room. When this data is connected with that from the surveillance system, the cause of these fluctuations is evident. Examples like that are evidence of new use cases and new revenue streams that are possible with video system integration. Profile M from ONVIF helps to make that possible by providing the capability to send such events from the video system into an IoT environment using JSON, a common IoT format. 

IoT has come to define the increased connectivity we see with today’s smart devices. As more devices have become connected, we have seen a growth in integrated systems that can assist security operators in meaningful ways. Security cameras are a perfect example of a smart device harvesting useful data in addition to the images they store. As more descriptive data or metadata, is captured about people and vehicles, the ability to find persons of interest becomes greatly enhanced. For example, we’ve had schools request that our cameras capture the colour of shoes and backpacks to help resource officers more quickly locate students. This can save hours of combing through video looking for a needle in the haystack, but it can also help organisations become more proactive when a person or vehicle is loitering on the property or entering a place they should not be. This type of deep-learning assist is transforming security systems while evolving data collection tools for operations and sales effectiveness as well. 

With IoT added to security, organizations and individuals alike are able to monitor and manage their security systems from anywhere, so long as they are connected to the network. That means that even if a site supervisor is unable to go onsite to double-check a piece of their system, they will be able to do so remotely from wherever they are, removing the physical barrier previously in place when it came to proper security management. In addition, when all devices on a given system are connected through IoT, they can act as a unit, if one device gives an alarm, for instance, a domino effect will instantly be triggered through the corresponding devices, making reaction time instantaneous to a given event. Ultimately, this allows security to become proactive instead of reactive, an important step in staying ahead of bad actors.

IoT technology, with wireless communication technologies like WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Z-wave, NB-IoT, and LoRa, has expanded security systems' capabilities and applications. Comprehensive security systems are complex platforms that integrate multiple subsystems and a variety of security devices. However, the adoption of multiple communication methods poses challenges to interoperability among these systems and devices. The Matter standard aims to resolve this, enabling seamless use of security products across platforms, and enhancing integration efficiency. The Thread protocol, designed for low-power IoT devices, allows devices to conserve power while ensuring longevity and stability. Thread-based networks exhibit self-healing capabilities, resist interference, and enforce authentication and encryption, simplifying deployment and enhancing security. IoT's development offers new directions for security systems, fueling innovation and advancement. 

The real benefit of IoT for the effectiveness of security systems is that it drives decision-making to edge devices and generates more data for potential mining from PSIM and AI platforms. This is driving innovation as edge devices become smarter and is affording the opportunity for manufacturers to think about value to the end user, beyond the obvious safety and security remit. With the explosion of IoT devices and options to add additional inputs to the mix, there are huge opportunities to develop continually improving and evolving systems. The use of IoT is also driving convenience and better experiences for end users, which in turn creates a better return on investment and adds further value. 

Digital transformation has widened every organisation’s attack surface, but it’s also empowered security programs and improved their effectiveness. Increasingly, individual hardware devices like access control, cameras, and location detectors are connected to create an expansive network for information to move across, and the Internet of Things (IoT) has helped enable this. IoT has made physical security technology systems more effective because security teams can quickly turn the data from these devices into intelligence to help organisations identify and mitigate threats to their business and employees. However, data from IoT devices can only be leveraged effectively when it doesn’t live in silos. By increasing data sharing and collaboration, and by adopting a system of record, security teams can improve processes and mitigate vulnerabilities. When IoT data is shared and actionable, security teams are better equipped to detect suspicious activity and understand the context of a situation to make informed and proactive decisions that benefit their business.

The benefits of security systems based on an IoT architecture are low install costs, easy commissioning, and a broad range of functionality. The systems typically start with smart 4K camera-based devices with onboard analytics, artificial intelligence, SD card video storage, and immediate deterrence functionality.  These smart devices network directly to cloud applications, bypassing the absolute requirement for on-premises NVRs. Once in the cloud, visibility, monitoring, and control are in the palm of your hand via mobile apps. Smart IoT manufacturers have focused on designs to reduce installation costs by supporting both PoE where CAT5/6 can be pulled and 120-277 VAC for direct mounting on commercial light poles, eliminating step-down transformers. These devices yield immediate deterrence by integrating flood lighting, red/blue strobes, and 120dB speakers. System configuration, detection, and scheduling of deterrence behaviours are accomplished through mobile devices and browsers. Transparent security results also equate to RMR opportunities for dealers. 

Wi-Fi HaLow, based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard, is revolutionising security systems by addressing the limitations of conventional Wi-Fi. Its sub-GHz frequencies provide 10x the reach of 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, ensuring long-range transmission and eliminating connectivity issues. The signals easily pass through barriers like walls and windows, reaching outdoor areas effortlessly. Energy efficiency is another advantage, making it ideal for battery-powered security cameras, as it consumes less power and extends its operating lifetime. With support for the latest security features like WPA3 and AES, Wi-Fi HaLow ensures data protection and safeguards against cyber threats. It also simplifies installation and reduces costs, as it is based on the open IEEE 802.11 standard. Wi-Fi HaLow is poised to shape the future of the security camera market, offering reliable connectivity, extended range, energy efficiency, enhanced security, and cost-effectiveness. Its impact will likely lead to an increase in the availability of Wi-Fi HaLow-enabled security cameras for consumers in the years to come, meeting the growing demand for robust and affordable home security solutions. 

IoT devices are by definition internet connected. This is helpful for security systems because it facilitates inter-connection among devices in the system. An important corollary to that is those devices can better be monitored for correct functioning. For example, if there is a problem with a non-IoT power source you may only be able to find that out by physically driving to that power source. However, with an internet-connected one you could communicate with it to receive status information or otherwise, measure its energy levels remotely, and be proactive about replacement and do so in a timely fashion.