Smartphones are becoming increasingly pivotal in our everyday lives – but did you know that they are becoming essential elements in cloud-based security?
Your physical security strategy can be improved and optimized with mobile-led security technologies. Want to learn more?
Keep reading as we discuss why cloud-based security revolves around smartphones and the benefits of smartphones for your security strategy.
Photo by Sebastian Scholz (Nuki) on Unsplash
Types Of Mobile-First Technology
Before we discuss why cloud-based security revolves around smartphones and the benefits of mobile-first technology, it’s essential to understand how smartphones are used in the security sphere. Below you’ll find the primary applications of mobile-first technology in the security sphere.
Access Control
Cloud-based access turnstiles have become increasingly popular since the pandemic, and this is for a few reasons:
- Firstly, it provides a more convenient and hygienic way for the user to enter, allowing them to enter touchless using Bluetooth.
- Secondly, it does not require keycards and fobs, which presents the opportunity to cut out unnecessary spending.
- Thirdly, it allows for remote management of door locks and remote visibility of access logs for more convenient and user-friendly security.
Mobile access control does not require the user to have a keycard or fob to enter the building. Instead, they can enter using their mobile device. The user can download the access credentials to their device without waiting for a new keycard to be created – creating a more convenient onboarding experience.
Mobile access control has a wave-to-unlock feature that allows the user to enter touchless using WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular communication. Once the user waves their hand over the access control reader’s motion sensor, they will begin communicating with their device. They will not need to withdraw their device, and the sensor will be able to detect their device in their pocket or bag. This way, traffic will move smoothly and seamlessly into the building.
System administrators and security staff can access a mobile app or cloud-based control center to remotely manage door locks and view security data from anywhere for more agile and user-oriented security.
Video Security
Video security is a staple feature in your security strategy, as it allows you to document any incidents that occur on-site. This evidence can be helpful in an insurance claim or police investigation.
It can be challenging for security staff to stay in touch with building surveillance while attending to other duties and performing security procedures. So, they will need a way to view surveillance footage absent from their desks.
With cloud-based and mobile-enabled video security, security teams can remotely view security camera footage on their mobiles, staying up-to-date on security incidents from anywhere.
Security Software Integrations
With cloud-based and mobile-first security technology comes the opportunity to incorporate software integrations into your security plan. Here are a few examples of mobile-first security software integrations that could be useful in your security strategy:
- Visitor management systems – need to automate the visitor management process without sacrificing accuracy? Visitor management software integrates with your access control system to give visitors digital registration forms on their mobile phones. When they fill out the visitor form, they will be permitted to enter the building using temporary access credentials on their mobile devices. Once they leave, the system will log them out and prevent reentry.
- Wellness verification – since the pandemic, coronavirus screening has become one of the best ways to prevent the workforce from becoming sick. With wellness verification software, businesses can automate this process. Each time a user needs to enter using the access control system, they will need to complete a symptom survey. If they are symptomatic, you can devise protocols and recommendations to keep your workplace safe.
Remote Security Management For Permissions
With mobile-led security technologies, your teams can manage security remotely. They can view security data like access logs and video surveillance feed and alter access permissions remotely. When they need to onboard and offboard employees from the security system, they can do so from anywhere using a mobile application for agile, responsive, and convenient security operations. This feature is instrumental in preventing security breaches caused by stolen access credentials and ex-employees who haven’t handed in their access passes.
MFA
With mobile-led security comes the opportunity for MFA to use fingerprint scanning and facial recognition. Most mobile phones have this technology built-in, and you can leverage these features in security to provide more effective and stringent restrictions. By implementing MFA, you can reduce the potential for an unauthorized user or third party to enter your building using stolen access credentials.
Convenient & Contactless
Mobile access control is far more convenient than any alternative technology. If building users must dig through their pockets at your entrance to withdraw a fob or keycard, they could cause a queue. By accessing the building with just a wave of their hand, building users will enter more quickly and conveniently, and building visitors will be impressed with the quality of your modern and sophisticated security system. Another benefit of mobile access control is that it is contactless – making entry more hygienic. Since the pandemic, reducing the number of touchpoints required to enter the building has become essential, mitigating the spread of germs and placing safety as a priority.
Photo by Onur Binay on Unsplash
Summary
You can leverage mobile phones with cloud-based security to create more agile and user-friendly security operations. Your security staff will be more productive, as they will not need to walk to certain locations to perform manual tasks. And your building users will enjoy more convenient and hassle-free security during their daily comings and goings. Mobile-first security technology – is it the future of security?
