Why IT Professionals In Education Also Need To Understand Physical Security
Physical security refers to the protection of physical assets from threats like unauthorized access, vandalism, disasters, and accidental damage. Solid physical security often incorporates robust structures, adequate emergency preparedness, sufficient climate control, and suitable intruder protection.
Previously, these aspects of an organization’s operations may have sounded like gibberish to IT professionals, but this is no longer the case. The adoption of new technologies and challenges brought about by workplace transformations mean physical and cyber security can no longer be treated as separate silos. They must be seen as complementary functions.
To improve the effectiveness of protection, IT professionals need an in-depth understanding of physical security. They need upskilling in cybersecurity and physical security. Read on and learn why a firm grasp of physical security is indispensable to IT educators.
Organizations are adopting multiple IT innovations for physical security
Traditionally, organizations like schools implemented aspects of physical security like access control and deployment of personnel as standalone functions. They had few technologies to employ. However, organizations today have adopted multiple technologies that automate and improve physical security through system integration.
Many of these technologies, like school security camera solutions or commercial office visitor check-in stations, are enabled with mobile and cloud-based applications. These measures make it easier to manage and execute security functions. However, they also open vulnerabilities and can be vectors for cyber attacks if they are not secured properly.
Threat actors could use IT systems applied in physical security measures as springboards to launch cyber attacks and exfiltrate data. Therefore, IT professionals in education need to understand physical security to prevent, detect and avert attacks on IT technologies using physical security installations and vice versa.
Machines are replacing security guards
Physical security entails regular monitoring, especially of sensitive locations within premises. Traditionally, this was achieved through hiring and deploying full-time guards. But the need for enhanced security and the cost of maintaining security personnel (typically the largest for most security budgets) put pressure on schools and other organizations to find new ways of managing expenses.
Technology is seen as a possible solution. Although there is yet to be equipment that can fully replace the instincts and skills of a trained security guard, recent advances in security technology place it at the forefront. Equipment such as AI-enabled security cameras and app-controlled devices can perform or significantly assist conventional guard functions. Such technologies make it possible for other staff (like school managers and front desk personnel) to perform security functions as part of their duties. However, only IT professionals who understand physical security can optimize and enhance the efficiency of the technologies. Therefore, it is crucial for IT professionals in education to have skills in physical security.
The market demands a new breed of security professionals
Traditionally, organizations relied on people with a background in law enforcement to run the security function. They used solutions like locks, fencing, and cameras. On the other hand, cybersecurity was the exclusive domain of IT professionals. The two had few overlaps.
However, due to the adoption of tech-based physical security components such as internet-enabled RFID key cards, and app-controlled video cameras, organizations now require a new breed of security personnel - those with expertise in IT.
Traditional security experts are looking to upskill IT skills to be effective in their jobs. IT professionals in education need to understand physical security and develop relevant training programs for their counterparts in physical security.
Changes in security policy
Due to the adoption of technologies and automation of physical security functions, the contribution of IT professionals to security policy development is crucial.
IT professionals would significantly enrich security policies and guide aspects like construction of structures, emergency procedures, people and equipment management, and relationships with outsiders like visitors and contractors.
But it doesn’t stop at policy development. IT professionals are crucial in the testing and implementation of policies and security technologies.
A final word
Due to the convergence of physical and cybersecurity functions, many organizations view them as one risk. Cybersecurity professionals should therefore be competent in managing both physical and cyber threats. By understanding physical security, IT professionals in education play a crucial role in securing learning institutions.
