There are many choices available to provide effective security measures for your property. Sometimes, it can be a little daunting to decide exactly which method is best suited to you, which products will work best for your particular property and how they will all work together. Combining physical and digital security measures for optimal protection will give you the best of both worlds, but what exactly does it mean? Let’s explore the differences between physical and digital security and how combined, they create a truly formidable security defence.
Physical security
Physical security describes security measures that protect a physical entity, such as buildings, people and physical property. It could be something as simple as a boundary fence or sensor light or an extremely complex system of manned, real-time, infrared security cameras with an integrated recording backup system. The term physical relates to the physical asset being protected, not a physical security guard which is a common misconception. However, a security guard would also fall under the umbrella of physical security.
Digital security
Digital security is the protection of your online or digital information which has fast become a type of security that is required by everyone to keep their information safe. Banks, for example, have stringent and complex digital security to prevent cyberattacks and so too do medium and small businesses employ digital security measures, albeit perhaps a little less elaborate. Your digital security can range from a simple malware program on your personal laptop through to extremely intricate, multi-faceted data protection systems. Most individuals have some level of security on their devices, however, the threat of viruses, scams and cyberattacks continues to evolve due to the ever-evolving processes deployed to infiltrate online systems. Keeping ahead of the game is the only way to counteract digital security risks.
Optimal protection
Given the differences between physical and digital security, it does make sense to consider combining physical and digital security measures for optimal protection by providing an all-encompassing cover. Let’s look at an example that would be applicable from the largest corporation to the humblest of home security cameras. Your cameras are part of your physical security system. They are designed to monitor and record any movement in the area they have been installed in to ensure the protection of an asset. The camera records onto a digital framework, and this recording is now susceptible to being hacked, which is where your digital security measures come into play. Generally, a firewall or an intrusion protection and prevention system will safeguard from someone erasing or stealing this footage, which, if they were successful, would ultimately make your cameras worthless or even a liability, depending on the information that has been stolen or erased. In this instance, combining physical and digital security measures for optimal protection results in all facets of your security working together to provide the best safeguards available.
Situational specific needs
There are many examples available as to why you would consider combining physical and digital security measures for optimal protection. Perhaps you have chosen to utilise swipe cards instead of keys for ingress and egress in your building. While the locking system protects your property, the data contained within your swipe cards will need to be protected as well, resulting in the need for combined physical and digital security. A typical scenario could be a main security control centre that is manned and provides continuing surveillance. You may have all of the state-of-the-art infrastructure available that allows for sections of your building to be secured from the control centre in the event of an intruder or even a fire. Imagine if you did not also protect your digital data and your intruder overrides your security measures by gaining control of your electronic systems. The likelihood of this occurring is almost negated when combining physical and digital security measures.
Security considerations
The bigger the business, the bigger the need for security. It is well known that any business needs to protect itself, not only from opportunistic theft but also from targeted attacks on digital data, which is why most corporations have physical and digital security installed as a matter of course. What is not so common is for households to follow suit, as they generally install no more than the standard sensor lights or ring cam security. Your home is also susceptible to data attacks. Your banking details and personal identification information are just the tip of the iceberg of what could be very lucrative information for the criminal sector. The way many scams are successful is due to simple identity theft and credit card mirroring, so it is important to protect the privacy of your personal information at home.
Ever evolving threats
Just as the criminal element works hard to overcome new strategies and technologies created to thwart their efforts, security specialists continue to improve and employ new technologies to counteract them. This is why it is important to keep abreast of new threats both online and offline, and the easiest way to do this is to trust a security company such as Casa Security to manage your security needs. A company that prides itself on being up to date with the latest security practices and constantly evolves to meet the ever-changing threats will be the company that provides the best possible solutions for your security requirements.
Enlist an expert
A reputable security firm such as Casa Security will be able to provide you with a customised security system that is designed and suited precisely to your needs. Be sure that you enlist with someone who has a strong reputation and proven track record in providing excellent service when deciding on a firm to partner with. After all, your security partner needs to be one you are confident in and prioritises keeping you and your family, assets, business or home safe, with an in-depth understanding of your concerns and needs.
Contact us today at Casa Security to find out more about combining physical and digital security measures for optimal protection and the importance of staying up to date with the latest methods of protection available.