Necessity sparks innovation,’ a truth evident in security, developed nations, facing manpower gaps, have embraced technological advancements to meet their growing security challenges
The advent of fifth-generation communication technology signifies a substantial leap from previous technologies like 2G, 4G, and LTE. It is akin to transitioning from horse-driven carts to motorised cars. This shift involves a sudden transition from MHz frequencies to GHz, enabling lightning-fast speeds and vast data capacities that allow Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to flourish, accomplishing extraordinary feats with unprecedented ease. The mid-band spectrum (1 GHz – 6 GHz) is considered ideal for 5G, as it can carry significant amounts of data over considerable distances. The GSMA identifies the spectrum in the 3.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz range as optimal, with many countries worldwide already allocating it for 5G use. India has also embraced this band due to its technical suitability for speed and data capacity. As the global shift towards 5G continues, private 5G-the next generation of local area networks (LAN)-will usher in a wave of innovation within private enterprise wireless networking, replacing traditional LANs and facilitating communication between electronic devices and systems. This shift will automate both mundane and critical tasks, including organisational security systems, with machines and systems increasingly taking over security functions, thereby reducing human error. Wireless 5G nodes will soon replace ethernet cables in offices and factories while still providing fibre-like speeds. Security professionals must understand this transformation and prepare to leverage this technology in their security planning and implementation to align with their business verticals.
Historical Background
Security is a multifaceted concept, and every individual, group, business, society, and country has a unique understanding of it. Often, corporate boardrooms have substantial expectations from security, particularly regarding physical security, yet these expectations are rarely defined clearly, resulting in subjective interpretations. On one hand, boardrooms express security requirements in broad terms, such as needing comprehensive safety and security for people, assets, and business. Conversely, business leaders attempt to encompass everything from minor accidents and petty security incidents to catastrophic events like meteor strikes, leading to a disconnection between expectations and the specific security deliverables. This gap is exacerbated by security professionals’ failure to keep pace with technological advancements, hindering their ability to harness new technologies to bridge the chasm between expectations and delivery.
Physical Security Systems In Developing Countries
The adage “necessity is the mother of invention” rings true in the context of security. Developed nations, facing a shortage of manpower, have innovated new technologies and machines to meet their growing security needs. In their pursuit of overcoming the manpower deficit, they have developed advanced technologies and automated solutions. In contrast, developing countries in Asia, including India, have relied heavily on the availability of abundant human resources to meet security demands. However, the Indian business landscape is rapidly evolving, striving to catch up with developed nations. In the twenty-first century, India’s business environment has made significant strides by leveraging advanced technology based on electronics and automated systems. In some technological advancements, India has even become a leader, as evidenced by its successful moon missions, digital commerce initiatives, and AI advancements.
The “Man Behind the Machine” philosophy has been effective, but the rise of AI is changing the landscape. Machines are becoming capable of independent learning, undertaking complex tasks without human oversight. AI relies on machine-to-machine interactions, using digital language to communicate. As the complexity of requirements increases, so does the need for speed and bandwidth, where 5G technology plays a pivotal role. Current physical security systems primarily rely on wireless communication through radio waves, with security technologies like CCTV and biometric systems dependent on outdated 2G to 4G speeds.
Many security professionals remain comfortable with these obsolete systems for several reasons. First, they may fail to comprehend the evolving nature of security incidents, which will become increasingly dynamic and complex as businesses accelerate. Secondly, boardrooms are preoccupied with meeting global business demands, often unaware of the need for advanced security systems. Thirdly, the high costs associated with implementing AI and 5G technologies lead many organisations to prioritise other revenue-generating business streams over security, which is still viewed as a cost centre. Finally, the comfort zone of security professionals, coupled with a lack of motivation to embrace modern technology, remains a significant obstacle.
Present Physical Security Systems: A Brief Status Insight
Currently, physical security systems are limited and fall under the following classifications:
Watch & ward systems, including; a) Physical security, which typically involves a well-trained and equipped human guard, often in a blue uniform, who is primarily trained in visitor management and fire-fighting duties. b) Electronic systems; CCTV systems monitored around the clock by human operators who analyse footage manually.
Access Control: Utilising biometric systems to oversee access to installations and systems, encompassing physical access through digital methods via gates, barricades, turnstiles, and electronic sensors.
Incident Detection and Follow-Up: Reactive responses to security breaches, followed by emergency responses and crisis management based on human intellect and capabilities.
Shortcomings Of Present Physical Security Systems
Current systems suffer from several deficiencies, including their inherent slowness and vulnerability to human errors. Their efficiency is limited by human stamina and resilience, rendering them reactive rather than proactive. These systems are repetitive and fail to adapt to emerging threats and risks, leaving them out of sync with the fast-paced business world.
The Present Security System Requirements & Future Readiness
Given the rapid acceleration of business in India, which is poised to surpass the Western world within the next decade, corporate security professionals—many of whom come from security services backgrounds—must adapt their mindsets. The traditional concept of “man behind the gun” and physical security, reliant on blue-uniformed guards supported by barricades and crowd control equipment, requires a complete overhaul. The available state-of-the-art 5G technology needs to be understood and embraced by security professionals to meet future challenges. The integration of IoT, 5G speed, and AI will enable security to transition from reactive approaches to proactive, pre-emptive, and predictive strategies. Clinging to outdated methods will result in security professionals facing a “Dinosaurs Moment.”
IT professionals, computer analytics experts, and AI specialists equipped with 5G technology will likely assume control of security functions, displacing current security personnel who fail to ride the technology wave. Future security professionals will collaborate with board members to provide insights into potential security events, accidents, and methods to prevent disruptions to business operations through a technology-driven approach. Traditional methods, such as blue-uniformed guards with obsolete boom barriers and handheld communication devices, will become relics of the past.
IoT, powered by 5G technology and backed by AI, will enable comprehensive monitoring of security conditions. Conversations between individuals may be captured by remote devices and satellites, analysed by AI, and fed into security systems to command access control systems and implement preventive measures, thereby reducing the likelihood of security incidents. The divide between boardroom business leaders and security professionals will vanish, with potential overlaps in their roles.
Advantages Of Future Security Systems
Future security systems will offer continuous surveillance across the entire business landscape. They will possess the ability to anticipate actions and reactions from individuals, groups, committees, and even countries, enabling real-time analysis of situations with detailed insights and options for the best course of action. All of this will be achieved at the lightning-fast speeds facilitated by 5G, ensuring a zero-failure grid for security systems, all without human intervention.
Advice For Security Professionals
To adapt to these changes, security professionals must shift their mindset from “man behind the gun” to technological support, minimising human dependency in security planning and implementation. Staying informed about 5G and AI technologies and fostering innovative ideas to leverage these advancements for business security needs is crucial. Understanding business dynamics and engaging actively in boardrooms will enable security professionals to anticipate future security challenges and develop enterprise security solutions ahead of time. A continuous, relentless pursuit to understand and implement 5G-based technology will gradually reduce the need for blue-collar, manned security.
5G, AI, and IoT are not fleeting trends; they are here to stay. Today’s security professionals must become adept in technology rather than rely on the human-error-prone blue-guard systems and techniques of the past. The methodologies and security standard operating procedures must evolve to incorporate technology, IoT, and AI, all supported by 5G communication.
Author: By Col. Shakti Rana, Head Personnel Security (Global), Nokia
