Internet of Things Opportunities and Challenges

The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming conventional security systems into modernized, intelligent, real-time security systems. Gone are the days when isolated cameras or alarms were deemed sufficient to keep businesses secure, as modern threats have evolved faster than anyone would have thought, so must our electronic security systems.

An IoT devices accumulate real-time data from alarms, cameras, and other devices to automatically turn on lights, control HVAC systems, and alert security officers without human intervention. Today’s security systems are smart and can integrate with other building systems to create a smart building.

Smart Capabilities: From Locks to Alerts

Smartphones continue to drive convenience and security, enabling smart IoT devices to provide the highest level of security. Security professionals can control access, intrusion detection, video surveillance, and a wide range of devices in the palm of their hands.

A remote mobile-based application can be utilized to enable or disable alarms. Sensors and cameras work in tandem, triggering alerts seamlessly. When an unauthorized access attempt is made, it could be for a variety of reasons. However, when your system detects multiple unauthorized attempts to secure areas by the same individual, it can analyze the data and alert security to a potential insider threat.

Security system designers are no longer restricted to using one or two kinds of access devices or locking mechanisms. They can now use multiple lock types, biometrics, or a combination of devices through a single point of authorization or dual-authentication.

Need access across an enterprise system, numerous properties, in multiple counties? No worries, you can assign multiple mobile credentials to a smartphone to even provide access across disparate systems. You can even use a smartphone to auto-enroll employees and students and control access or use biometric and facial recognition devices.

Data-Driven Insights and Predictive Maintenance

IoT sensors feed data to analytics engines that spot intricacies humans are prone to miss. This non-stop, real-time monitoring can detect anomalies such as repeated failed entry attempts and unusual temperature readings, improving situational awareness. Devices have self-awareness too, which means they can signal when their battery is low, they go offline or are tampered with. Predictive maintenance alerts technicians before devices fail.

Key benefits include:

• Continuous monitoring: Sensors continuously feed data, so anomalies and threats can be identified in real time.
• Predictive upkeep: Devices report their health (battery, connectivity) so issues can be addressed before failure.
• Optimized response: Collected data (traffic patterns, access logs, etc.) helps security managers plan and dispatch guards more effectively.

Scalability and Automation

IoT is inherently modular, often just requires plugging a new device into the network, without expensive rewiring. An IoT network can easily grow from a few devices to thousands, letting organizations expand security coverage as needed. Scalability, analytics, automation, and AI enable more efficient management of security systems and connected devices.

Conclusion: Proceed With Caution

The Internet of Things introduced higher levels of situational awareness, automation, and remote control. Additionally, it has fundamentally changed security from being reactive to proactive, providing an intelligent defense against possible threats. The ability to pull disparate systems together to provide an integrated or unified platform, analyze real-time data, and create a comprehensive digital audit trail represents a monumental leap forward in protecting people and property.

CGL’s approach to security demonstrates how to move beyond a simple collection of devices to create a truly intelligent security ecosystem. By leveraging best-in-breed security technologies, unifying a client’s electronic and cyber security defenses, CGL provides a “smart fortress” that anticipates threats and protects people and property with a level of vigilance and intelligence that was previously not available.

To learn more, visit the CGL website or contact me at mikem@cglsecurity.com.

Mike McGuirk
Executive Vice President
CGL Electronic Security

Copyright 2025

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