Converged security centres can break down silos and tackle blended threats

IFSEC 2018 firmly put the Converged Security Centre on the radar as an effective approach for dealing with physical and cyber risks from a single perspective.

Unified Security Ltd was delighted to work with UBM, Vidsys, Micro Focus and Unisys in showcasing the centre.

At the Converged Security Theatre, leading physical and cybersecurity professionals gave their independent views so that attendees could see what a converged security centre might look like and understand how to protect an organisation from complex attacks. The theatre was a great success with many visitors attending sessions throughout each day.

On day one James Chong (CEO, Vidsys) joined us in the Keynote Arena, where we were honoured to present the concept of a Converged Security Centre, and particularly thrilled that Frank Gardner OBE called it “the best presentation of the day”. (Watch a video of this debate below).

Learning from IFSEC 2018 and the threat landscape

Firstly, if we recognise that cyber-physical attacks and data breaches have continued despite the best efforts of physical and digital teams, organisations have to deal with the impact of legislation and perhaps fines for failing to secure their data. So we take it is a given that security professionals must look for a more effective solution.

Secondly, we have long held the views that:

• Converged security operations centres enable organisations to have a single view of risk…
• And that real time monitoring of all security systems by interdisciplinary teams significantly reduces the risk of blended threats

For example, unless all members of a co-located operations team can simultaneously see both physical access and logical access to a network and understand which of these has been compromised, valuable time will be lost. The time it takes one team member to alert another and figure out a joint response is often seen as an opportunity by criminals.

Currently, only a few large organisations operate converged centres and most continue to build separate physical and digital security operations. Several Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) approaches have recommended breaking down siloed approaches to risk management but these still continue.

There’s agreement among leaders in the smart buildings field that converged security centres are the obvious solution to IoT knowledge gaps

We have seen a growth in the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in Enterprises, but a lack of knowledge on how to manage cybersecurity risks, the systems they’re connected to and the responsibilities of a wide range of stakeholders who manufacture, install, integrate, manage or use them. There is agreement among leaders in the smart buildings field – including end users, designers, integrators and manufacturers – that converged security centres are the obvious and most significant new solution to explore.

A converged security centre is a very practical approach to achieving a more coherent and holistic risk strategy and fulfil an integrated and aligned risk management strategy. The clear economic value of a single centre together with a common risk view must be considered as an option for those who want to make that change.

A single centre with the capability of handling large volumes of data means that a real time risk management response using past data is possible. Current approaches to using several centres with various different analysts and security officers making decisions in dispersed locations increases the chances of failure to identify all threats.

Converged Security Theatre at IFSEC 2019: what attendees can expect

• How converged security centres can be a superior alternative to the traditional, siloed approach
• How anomalies in a network login can identify the location of an unauthorised person using CCTV cameras and provide for quicker decisions and responses as to whether further access should be permitted
• Case studies of smart buildings security systems
• How the latest converged technologies can identify cyber and physical attacks on cameras, heating, lighting and other BMS
• How these can be monitored in fewer locations, enabling the security and facilities manager to better understand situations and respond quicker
• Real examples from transport systems currently deploying Vidsys and their partners’ solutions with real time risk monitoring and a faster response to incidents than more conventional and siloed systems
• Discuss how these can be developed and established with attendees

James I Chong, CEO of Vidsys says: “We’re thrilled to be part of the Converged Security Centre’s return at IFSEC International 2019 and to be working with our global partners and experts to showcase and share what a truly converged security solution can provide to organisations worldwide.

“Today, there is a rapidly growing requirement for a converged security solution that monitors both physical and cybersecurity events under one, unified software platform, especially due to the ever-increasing amount of data created in the world of IoT and Smart Buildings/Cities.”

In the next few months we will explore these concepts in more detail and what you will see in June. We are very excited to be working with UBM, Vidsys and other partners to bring you a truly dynamic and contemporary response to the threats we all face and to reduce the risk of a successful cyber-physical attack on your organisation.

See you in June!

The Converged Security Centre will be operational throughout IFSEC International 2019, Europe’s leading integrated security event, between 18-20 June 2019 at ExCeL London. Book your free ticket now.