The safety and security of students and faculty members must always rank as a top concern for educational organizations, but with national school enrollment numbers steadily increasing, security teams are frequently turning towards intelligent technology to best protect both people and property.
Schools and educational facilities face a number of unique challenges when designing, implementing and operating comprehensive security systems, from budgetary restrictions to safeguarding and data protection regulations, meaning staff must be mindful when planning or upgrading existing networks.
By making use of cloud-based IoT security devices, campus security teams are able to make more efficient use of available resources, develop informed security protocols using integrated systems and ensure that their schools remain protected 24/7. This article will explain why using cloud-based IoT to boost school safety should be considered by all educational facility security teams moving forwards.
What is cloud-based IoT?
Cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) hardware can be accessed, managed and adjusted remotely from any approved internet-connected device, as all associated data, files and software is stored in a cloud server. When it comes to cloud vs on premise server networks, choosing to operate a security system using cloud-based management tools provides several unique safety and efficiency benefits.
The benefits of cloud-based technology
By integrating different aspects of school security systems such as surveillance cameras, access control readers, smart locks and alarm systems into one unified cloud-based server, security staff can view and manage all active devices from one platform to help develop informed incident responses.
The most notable benefits of installing and operating such a system include:
- Accessibility – All data collected by connected IoT devices will be sorted and stored in one easily-accessible management platform, meaning security staff can quickly locate relevant data from all active devices from anywhere via a secure smartphone, laptop or computer
- Data protection – Cloud-based management platforms can be secured using several layers of password and data protections to ensure that all sensitive data is inaccessible to cyber criminals, including encryption, multi-factor authentication and complex password programs
- Scalability – As no physical servers need to be installed, storage space can be upgraded at any time to accommodate growing systems, and new IoT devices can easily be added to the security network and integrated alongside existing features using wireless IP technology
- Simple maintenance – Cloud-based servers are automatically maintained and updated by the service provider’s own IT support team, meaning school security staff will not be required to dedicate their own limited resources towards ensuring that all systems remain optimized
Cloud-based IoT devices to boost school safety
To make the most of any cloud-based school security system, teams must take the time to understand which IoT devices will be most appropriate for their unique installation. Below is a selection of commonly utilized cloud security devices that can be used to boost school safety.
Cloud-based access control readers can be installed to secure all entrance points, exterior gates and interior doors, and used to ensure that only persons carrying approved credentials are able to access the property. By utilizing a cloud-based system, security staff are able to receive real-time alerts, view unique access events and connect readers to cameras and sensors to develop informed responses.
Ninety-five percent of US schools regularly perform lockdown drills to teach staff and students how to appropriately respond to potential threats. By utilizing IoT security systems, teams can develop and implement automatic lockdown functions to dramatically improve incident response times. IoT sensors and alarms can be used as triggers to secure all doors, engage camera systems and contact authorities.
IoT smart door locks can be integrated alongside access control systems to prevent intruders from gaining access to a variety of entrances. Unique parameters can be set for different locations requiring specific levels of clearance to access common areas, classrooms and high-security areas like server rooms, with settings to automatically lock all doors in response to triggered alarms.
Operating IoT-enabled security cameras will allow campus security staff to view live feeds remotely at any time. Through the use of installed cameras, security teams can better assess unfolding events by leveraging AI software analysis tools, such as license plate and facial recognition, to easily locate and monitor suspected intruders as well as gain usable data that can be passed over to authorities if necessary.
Summary
Safety and security will always rank as a top priority for school security teams, though as the number of students and staff in most educational facilities continues to rise, security professionals must turn to intelligent and advanced technologies in order to improve incident responses and streamline operations.
By utilizing cloud-based IoT security devices, teams can develop automated responses, collect usable data and view entire security networks remotely from one easily accessible and integrated platform, helping to dramatically improve the safety and security of all staff, students and visitors 24 hours a day.
