The inevitability of convergence

March 2019 Editor's Choice, Conferences & Events, Training & Education

It may not be immediately clear as to how, but physical and cybersecurity are converging and the need for a combination of cyber and physical defences will soon, if they aren’t already, become a non-negotiable addition to enterprise security systems.

When you consider that today we are able to remotely control virtually all of our security systems, from those that govern our data to those that protect our physical businesses, it should come as no surprise that hackers are able to do so as well.

The exponential adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) – with more devices than ever before operating through the cloud, 22 billion by 2020 estimates IMS Research – has made it necessary for security experts to consider the correlations between physical and cybersecurity, including the shared risk factors and the shared protective measures that can be taken.

Most modern buildings, for example, include video surveillance systems, access controls, elevator systems and even digitally controlled air-conditioning lines, which can all be accessed and controlled remotely and are thereby vulnerable to security breaches.

Consider Lappeenranta, a small town in Finland, the residents of which found themselves freezing in sub-zero temperatures when attackers caused heating systems to go offline using a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack in 2017.

Another example is when two hackers took over 123 of the 187 cameras used by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPDC) for four days in early 2017. The main aim of the attack was to use police department computers to e-mail ransomware to more than 179 000 accounts. However, it also meant that the police department was unable to record video from their security cameras for several days before Donald Trump was sworn in as president.

When you consider the types of people we’re talking about here, there is always the risk that a cybercriminal could pose a serious threat to the physical safety of the workplace. Using their way of thinking, the possibilities are endless – imagine a fire alarm with all exits locked and panicked staff, or no fire alarm at all when it’s really needed.

It’s best to avoid being naïve or trusting when it comes to security. The networked enablement of business functions is forcing companies to see that physical and cybersecurity must be treated in a unified manner.

The good news is that businesses are seeing how the convergence of physical and cybersecurity is increasing operational efficiencies, with many taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and their customers by using cybersecurity innovations to protect their physical systems.

Securex South Africa is mirroring the industry’s advancement towards this convergence, tackling this topic as well as a myriad of other issues facing the security industry both now and into the future.

Securex South Africa 2019 will take place from 14 to 16 May 2019 at Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, and will continue its mandate of providing a place and space for security solution providers to showcase the latest in technological advancements, with a focused view to assisting businesses in safeguarding all of their assets.

So far a number of cybersecurity focused organisations have confirmed their commitment to the 2019 show, including XGRC Software, Glovent Solutions, One Source Africa, NTSIKA Cybersecurity, AccTech Azure, AccTech People, Dynamics Africa and BluESP.

For more information on the expo, please contact Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery on +27 11 835 1565, or visit www.securex.co.za



Credit(s)




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Local innovation driving excellence in FM
Securex South Africa News & Events
As organisations seek cost-effective, sustainable, and high-quality solutions, home-grown facilities management innovation is proving to be a critical driver of operational efficiency and long-term success.

Read more...
A passport to offline backups
SMART Security Solutions Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Infrastructure Smart Home Automation
SMART Security Solutions tested a 6 TB WD My Passport and found it is much more than simply another portable hard drive when considering the free security software the company includes with the device.

Read more...
Navigating the complexities of privileged access management
Editor's Choice Access Control & Identity Management
Privileged Access Management and Identity Access Management are critical pillars of modern cybersecurity, designed to secure access to sensitive resources, enforce principles like least privilege, and implement just-in-time access controls.

Read more...
Rewriting the rules of reputation
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice Security Services & Risk Management
Public Relations is more crucial than ever in the generative AI and LLMs age. AI-driven search engines no longer just scan social media or reviews, they prioritise authoritative, editorial content.

Read more...
Efficient, future-proof estate security and management
Technews Publishing ElementC Solutions Duxbury Networking Fang Fences & Guards Secutel Technologies OneSpace Technologies DeepAlert SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice Information Security Security Services & Risk Management Residential Estate (Industry) AI & Data Analytics IoT & Automation
In February this year, SMART Security Solutions travelled to Cape Town to experience the unbelievable experience of a city where potholes are fixed, and traffic lights work; and to host the Cape Town SMART Estate Security Conference 2025.

Read more...
Closing physical security loopholes
Securex South Africa News & Events
Relying on outdated physical security measures can expose businesses and facilities to threats in today’s fast-evolving security landscape. Fortunately, advances in security technology are helping organisations stay ahead of threats by closing critical security gaps.

Read more...
Gallagher Security expands Digital Badge Programme
News & Events Access Control & Identity Management Training & Education
Following a successful launch and roll out across Australia and Papua New Guinea in 2023, Gallagher announced its Digital Badge programme is now available to channel partners and end users across the rest of APAC IMEA.

Read more...
Historic Collaboration cuts ATM Bombings by 30%
Online Intelligence Editor's Choice News & Events Security Services & Risk Management
Project Big-Bang, a collaborative industry-wide task team, has successfully reduced ATM bombings in South Africa by 30,7% during the predetermined measurement period of November, December and January 2024/5.

Read more...
World-first safe K9 training for drug detection
Technews Publishing SMART Security Solutions Editor's Choice News & Events Security Services & Risk Management Government and Parastatal (Industry)
The Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy recently announced the results of its scientific research into training dogs to accurately detect drugs and explosives without harming either the dogs or their handlers.

Read more...
The need for integrated control room displays
Leaderware Editor's Choice Surveillance Training & Education
Display walls provide a coordinated perspective that facilitates the ongoing feel for situations, assists in the coordination of resources to deal with the situation, and facilitates follow up by response personnel.

Read more...