Fortifying Critical Infrastructure: The Role of Mobile Surveillance Cameras

In the United States, 16 critical infrastructures exist. Per the federal government, critical infrastructures are those with assets, systems, or networks that are essential to the country’s security, economic security, public health, and public safety. These infrastructures include the following:

• Chemical Sector
• Transportation Systems Sector
• Emergency Services Sector
• Food and Agriculture Sector
• Government Facilities Sector
• Critical Manufacturing Sector
• Defense Industrial Base Sector
• Financial Services Sector
• Materials and Waste Sector
• Energy Sector
• Healthcare and Public Health Sector
• Information Technology Sector
• Commercial Facilities Sector
• Dams Sector
• Communications Sector
• Waste and Wastewater Systems Sector
• Nuclear Reactors Sector

Because of the importance of these infrastructures to everyday American life, they are highly vulnerable to various criminal activities, from theft and vandalism to unauthorized access and more nefarious attacks. Security and surveillance systems are critical to keeping these sectors, as well as those who work in them and the Americans who benefit from them, safe. In this blog, you’ll learn more about the benefits of mobile surveillance cameras when it comes to fortifying critical infrastructure.

The State of Critical Infrastructure Security

Gartner recently predicted that approximately 30 percent of critical infrastructure organizations worldwide will experience some kind of security breach by 2025. The research director at Gartner, Ruggero Contu, explained that many countries’ governments are just now starting to understand that their critical infrastructure has long been an “undeclared battlefield.” As they come to terms with the numerous vulnerabilities their organizations face, they are working hard to implement more stringent security controls and protect valuable assets. The survey also revealed that over one-third of respondents have plans to increase spending on operational technology security by 5-10 percent. Another 8 percent also planned to increase spending by more than 10 percent.

Challenges in Securing Critical Infrastructure

The omnipresence of critical infrastructure in everyday life creates unique security challenges, especially for large infrastructures in remote locations. The following are some of the most noteworthy challenges associated with securing critical infrastructure:

• Many critical infrastructure systems are interconnected and interdependent, meaning that a disruption in one system can trigger a series of failures across other systems.
• Many critical infrastructure systems are based on outdated industrial systems that aren’t designed to withstand modern security threats.
• Critical infrastructure systems are subject to various threats, from cyber attacks and physical attacks to natural disasters and simple human errors, making it challenging to prepare for and mitigate all potential risks.

The deployment of mobile surveillance cameras has the potential to combat many of these challenges, especially those related to outdated security systems. By modernizing the security surrounding critical infrastructure, organizations can reduce the risk of theft, vandalism, unauthorized access, and other safety/security hazards.

Deployment of Mobile Surveillance Systems

Mobile surveillance systems can play a vital role in securing critical infrastructure facilities. They offer numerous benefits that protect critical infrastructures’ perimeters, internal structures, and everything in between. The following are some of the greatest advantages these systems provide:

Real-Time Monitoring

Mobile security systems offer real-time monitoring features, which allow you to check on a supervised site at any time and from any location through a convenient mobile app. Real-time monitoring provides maximum peace of mind and empowers professionals to respond right away if they notice something that seems off when reviewing security footage. This prompt response, in turn, can prevent a serious crime from taking place — one that could have severe consequences for the facility and all those who rely on it.

Live Monitoring by Law Enforcement

In addition to allowing 24/7 real-time monitoring, the best mobile security systems are also monitored by law enforcement during peak hours — 6 am to 6 pm. You may also be able to pay for additional monitoring on weekends and holidays for further support. This extra monitoring also serves as a proactive measure and alerts those in charge to a potential security breach as soon as it occurs. Faster alerts and action by law enforcement will stop crime in its tracks and prevent a crime from actually being committed.

Two-Way Loud Speakers

Security cameras with two-way loudspeakers allow those who are monitoring the video footage to communicate with those in the location being surveilled. For example, a security guard could communicate with someone who had breached the perimeter and let them know that they’re being recorded. A manager or another lead could also communicate with security personnel via the speaker to get a clearer idea of what’s happening on the ground.

Lights

Lights, especially strobe and motion-activated lights, provide an additional layer of security and let criminals know they’re being watched/recorded. The installation of lights alongside cameras can provide extra security and peace of mind.

Motion-Activated Recording

Many cameras start recording as soon as movement takes place within a specific location. This option helps to maximize camera efficiency and captures only movements that could indicate potentially problematic activity.

Thermal Cameras

Thermal cameras detect and read heat radiation from people, animals, vehicles, and other objects to create heat maps. Heat maps can be helpful for identifying potential threats during severe weather or in situations where there is a lot of smoke, fog, or smog.

Real-World Example: Snohomish County

Snohomish County, Washington’s Public Utilities Department (PUD), has implemented a robust public safety program in conjunction with local law enforcement services. This program consists of citywide technology and security infrastructure, which includes the deployment of mobile security cameras. A recent update from the department explained that they have a security presence of over 100 substations and additional critical infrastructures. The department also noted that they are “monitoring critical infrastructure and will respond to any threats.” They will also “coordinate with local law enforcement, FBI, and regional partners in light of an attack/threat.” The use of surveillance cameras, combined with more secure building access control technology, allowed for greater security and helped the county’s PUD better manage who can enter various facilities. It also eliminated the need to rely on physical keys, which were often unreliable and less secure than other, more sophisticated options.

Enhancing Deterrence and Proactive Security

Taking a proactive approach to security is critical, particularly when it comes to something as serious as critical infrastructure. Infrastructure is so essential to the country’s safety that it’s not enough to wait until something goes wrong. Mobile surveillance is an excellent example of proactive security solutions. It acts as a powerful deterrent against thieves, vandals, and others who might attempt to enter a critical infrastructure facility unauthorized. In many cases, the presence of visible security cameras is enough to make people think twice before trying to break into a facility, enter the grounds uninvited, and commit other, more serious crimes. This is especially true when the cameras are combined with additional security measures.

Integrating Mobile Surveillance with Existing Security Measures

Speaking of additional security measures, it’s important to note that mobile security systems are just one piece of a larger puzzle. To see the best results and maximize critical infrastructure safety and security, a multifaceted or layered approach is required.  Security Cameras that Connect to Phone Without WiFi – The Wave of the Future Mobile surveillance complements many other security efforts. For example, it can be used in conjunction with physical barriers (such as fences) and security guards patrolling a property. A combined approach is more effective than relying on one single strategy, especially when you’re dealing with something as important as critical infrastructure protection.

Conclusion

Mobile surveillance cameras are incredibly beneficial when it comes to protecting critical infrastructure from theft, vandalism, unauthorized access, and other crimes. This form of critical infrastructure security offers numerous security features, including real-time and live monitoring, loudspeakers, motion-activated cameras, and thermal cameras. The combination allows for maximum safety and enhances the effectiveness of other security measures. To learn more about high-quality, reliable security equipment that can be used to shield critical infrastructure, check out Mobile Video Guard’s systems today or contact us for a free quote.