THE EMERGENCE OF PROACTIVE SECURITY

By Kurt Takahashi, CEO, Netwatch

BY KURT TAKAHASHI

Video surveillance systems have long served as pivotal cogs in the process of security. It provides a layer of protection that's fundamental to maintaining a secure and safe environment. But like all facets of our modern, technologically driven society, these systems too must evolve. As we journey further into an era marked by innovation, traditional reactive surveillance systems are becoming archaic, struggling to meet the comprehensive security demands of modern organizations.

Historically, traditional video monitoring services were revered as the standard for after-hours security, adding an additional set of “eyes” over various facilities and campuses. The primary role of video systems was to record and report incidents, allowing security personnel to react to events after they occurred. This reactive approach, however, now presents numerous challenges in a world where real-time responses are not just desired but required. These limitations become obvious as we contrast these systems with the capabilities of emerging proactive security technologies.

An example of this evolution is Proactive Video Monitoring, a technology that's setting new standards in the security landscape. Traditional security measures, including video surveillance, security guards, and fences, undoubtedly still hold value. However, their key limitation is the inability to prevent crime. This is where PVM revolutionizes the game.

The process is three-fold: monitor, intervene, and report. At the center of the monitoring phase is intelligent software. This software identifies potential threats by detecting unauthorized activities. Once an activity is recognized, the system immediately sends an alert to an operator stationed at the monitoring center.

During the intervention stage, the operator directly interacts with the intruder via a live audio voice-down system. Guided by a set of pre-determined protocols, the operator implements an appropriate response. This could range from alerting law enforcement to informing keyholders, or taking other decisive actions, depending on the severity of the situation.

Finally, the incident reports are generated within 24 hours of the event. These reports are made accessible through mobile and web apps, providing users with immediate information about security incidents.

Of course, PVM wouldn’t be possible without intelligence. One of its key applications is in object and activity recognition, where AI scrutinizes video feeds in real-time to detect specific objects or behaviors, flagging anything unusual or suspicious. This ability to distinguish normal from abnormal activity is facilitated by AI's robust anomaly detection capability. By learning typical activity patterns in the monitored environment, it can effectively spot deviations, treating such instances as potential threats and triggering alerts.

PVM is a versatile technology that can be effectively employed in a wide variety of environments such as:

Commercial Businesses and Office Spaces: PVM can safeguard businesses and offices from theft, vandalism, and unauthorized entry. It can also help enforce security protocols during off-hours or when the premises are unoccupied.

Industrial and Manufacturing Sites: These sites often house expensive machinery and materials which can be attractive targets for thieves. PVM can monitor these valuable assets continuously, detect threats in real time, and help prevent crimes from occurring.

Construction Sites: These sites are often targeted due to the expensive equipment and materials left on site after working hours. PVM can provide round-the-clock surveillance, making it much harder for unauthorized individuals to access the area without detection.

Parking Lots and Garages: These areas can be hotspots for various forms of crime due to the presence of unattended vehicles and lack of constant human activity. PVM can monitor these spaces continuously and intervene.

In a world increasingly leaning towards digital transformation, and as technology continues to evolve at a blistering pace, the importance of cutting-edge security measures has never been more apparent. As our world continues to embrace the digital transformation and technology is rapidly advancing, security has never been more important. And solutions like PVM present the ability to help prevent crimes from ever taking place, giving organizations' peace of mind like never before.

With its proactive approach, PVM transforms the existing security paradigm and enables organizations to significantly improve their overall security stance. By identifying and addressing threats before they culminate into crimes, PVM not only contributes to enhancing security but also paves the way for a safer future, providing peace of mind for organizations. The advent of PVM highlights the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancement, shedding light on the reality that outdated security solutions may no longer be sufficient. In the face of evolving threats, a proactive approach to security is no longer a luxury but a necessity.