Page 38 - Security Today, March/April 2023

ware will allow only authenticated users access to sensitive files and keep track of who has viewed and shared evidence. This provides proof files have not been tampered with, increasing the integrity of ev- idence submitted to prosecutors. The software also provides tools to ensure you maintain compliance with personal data protection rules.
SECURITY LAYERS IN SPECIFIC LOCATIONS
Unifying data from all devices and systems within one platform makes it easy to see the big picture and quickly zero in on specific locations as required. In areas where violent incidents happen more often, such as emergency rooms and parking garages, the presence of barriers or security hardware such as cameras or automatic li- cense plate recognition (ALPR) can improve safety for hospital staff. Access control also plays an important role by ensuring that only authorized people are able to enter sensitive zones.
Entry and exit zones are of particular concern, but technol- ogy can also improve security at the perimeter of your facility and even beyond. New solar-powered cameras do not require a wired connection to work and can connect to cell phone networks to transmit data. Technologies like this make it easier to remove blind spots and monitor security even in hard-to-reach areas.
Outside the facility walls, data from automatic license plate read- ers may be combined with video management system (VMS) data to help identify unexpected deliveries, investigate suspicious vehicle activity, or monitor parking areas to ensure staff and patients are safe on hospital grounds. In addition to an extra level of security, these views can help organizations optimize traffic flow. ALPR may even be used to monetize parking so patients’ families do not have to worry about keeping track of tickets or feeding a meter.
Specific areas are accessed, and are actively updated. For example, an access control system that is unified with an iden- tity management system can immediately terminate access rights when an employee leaves or credentials are lost, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. It can be be configured to allow supervi- sors to enable new or temporary access rights, to allow a visiting specialist access to controlled areas.
A unified, open-architecture system also makes it easy to add new technologies such as biometric credentials to allow touchless access for surgical personnel entering operating rooms, or an ex- tra layer of security for areas where narcotics are stored.
COORDINATION WHILE PROTECTING PRIVACY
Security software can also support better internal and external communication and coordination with staff and partners. Cus- tomizable dashboards allow managers, operations teams, and se- curity staff to focus on the intelligence that is most meaningful for their roles and responsibilities.
In some cases, it may be necessary to share information with partners such as health authorities, law enforcement, EMTs, firefighters and community groups. A unified security platform makes this quick and painless, with built-in features to protect confidentiality.
Regulations establish a minimum standard for how to store and manage personal data, but best practices voluntarily go be-
yond the basics. A modern security platform includes privacy protection features that enable by default.
In the case of security camera footage, for example, VMS fea- tures can be enabled that pixelate people’s faces to blur identity. Users with the appropriate security clearance can choose to remove the pixilation for certain faces (for example to help identify a sus- pect in a violent incident) or for certain people viewing the video.
Other kinds of data can be anonymized as well. For example, operations managers may find it useful to use access control data or video analytics to monitor room usage and availability. These users can be granted permission to see how many people enter and exit without identifying who comes and goes.
In addition to choosing physical security solutions developed with privacy in mind, healthcare organizations should ensure and verify that their suppliers and partners are equally committed to protecting personal data.
Security systems collect and store a lot of sensitive data, in- cluding personally identifiable information linked to staff, pa- tients, contractors, and visitors. Look for a software provider who cannot only provide details on their cybersecurity protocols but who will also work closely with your IT teams to understand the architecture of your networks and approach to cybersecurity.
CONSOLIDATION AND CENTRALIZATION
Over the past few decades, rapid consolidation — driven by regu- latory changes, technological innovations, financial pressures, and market dynamics — has changed the landscape of the healthcare industry. Analysts predict this trend will continue in the near future. One report from Deloitte estimated that after consolidation in the next decade only 50% of current health systems will likely remain.
Rather than maintaining a patchwork of different systems af- ter a merger or acquisition, it is practical and preferable to unify these disparate systems. A unified platform offers many benefits, including the potential for shared services or centralized security monitoring and the ability for staff to use one access control cre- dential at multiple locations.
Some health organizations may also realize important cost savings. This can range from efficiencies gained from better moni- toring and control of heating, cooling and lighting systems across multiple campuses to the reduction in time required during the onboarding of staff as they train on the software.
Healthcare administrators face increasingly difficult challenges. In this environment, they must secure facilities and campuses and provide uncompromised service. Unified, open-architecture securi- ty solutions are a source of untapped resources that can serve them in this mission. The key that unlocks these resources is a collabora- tive approach—security, facilities, and IT departments can work together to create unified security strategies
that not only enable faster responses to security
threats but also improve efficiency and enhance
the patient experience.
John Joyce is the director of sales, Enterprise Markets East, Genetec Inc.
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HOSPITAL SECURITY