Social networks — Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. — are often referred to in the security industry as “social data conduits.” They offer unique information streams that can be integrated into the real-time framework of today’s modern physical security information management (PSIM) platforms.
PSIM platforms constitute a category of software that includes applications and platforms created by middleware developers, and are designed to integrate multiple disparate security applications and devices to control them through a single, comprehensive user interface. Connecting social media to the PSIM environment would be a natural evolution in providing the PSIM user with more information for decision-making.
The higher education and K-12 environments are great examples of how social media can work extremely well by instantly processing crucial information from teachers and students. For instance, in the event that an active shooter is roaming the facility, social media updates can deliver immediate notification to those on campus currently seeking shelter.
Additionally, through remote access software, campus security staff working with law enforcement can react much faster to lock down areas and provide first responders with real-time video surveillance of suspects within the facility.
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Social media may also be the master of “mustering information.” The integration of highly analyzed and filtered social media content from mobile devices, combined with today’s enterprise security platforms through command and control centers, can provide vital mustering requirements during campus emergencies. When campus security officials need to account for 40,000+ students and staff after or during an event, the task can be daunting, at the very least.
By using social media, officials can process text messages or posts to confirm the location of mobile devices and then compare the student ID credential information stored within the PSIM to confirm the exact location, thus creating a two-factor process for verification that the student or staff member has been accounted for and located.
Now, with the widespread popularity of social media and photo sharing, many new mobile apps and filters are becoming increasingly available to the public. This provides another great opportunity to create new integration with security-based PSIM platforms that record volumes of video that are often just archived and reviewed only when events dictate. Facial recognition represents the best opportunity for advanced warning of potential threats if social media is integrated with traditional security platforms and infrastructure.
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As the value of social media’s immediacy is realized within the security industry, partnerships are just being formed in the OEM market-place with social media providers. The success of these partnerships will require hardware and software providers to work closely with content providers to create new platforms that will share information, by exception, to establish safer public environments and more proactive strategies in the event an emergency or incident occurs.
By responsibly incorporating security measures with the real-time data posted constantly to social media, the security space can help to usher in a new era of alertness, awareness and protection.
Author Bob Stockwell is CTO for Stanley Security. This article originally ran in CI sister publication Security Sales & Integration.
