Author: apigroup

File this story under “I’ve heard of that happening, but what are the chances it would happen to me?”

Well, according to a report on NBC’s Today show this morning, thefts of packages left on front porches or doorsteps by delivery companies are experiencing an uptick this year.

Pictured above is a dome security camera positioned on the roof of a porch.

And just like with house break-ins, these crimes are often committed in broad daylight, in quiet neighborhoods, with neighbors carrying on in the meantime.

And thieves have more opportunity than ever this holiday season, since more and more people are doing a greater percentage (if not all) of their gift shopping online. This could possibly explain the aforementioned uptick in thefts, but nonethesles, there has been an increase no matter how you look at it.

So what can you do about it? Can you hold the delivery companies responsible? Actually, they will not be held accountable for any theft after the package has been delivered. Nor should they be.

But most do have the option for delivery confirmation. They would require someone be present to sign for and accept your package if you choose that option when you purchase your product. There may be fees associated with this this.

But since this is a security blog, let’s talk for a minute about video surveillance. The report on the Today show indicated that many people use home security cameras.

One woman interviewed even posted images of her thief online. But at the time of the report there were no suspects.

Home video surveillance helps in a few ways. Yes, you can also post clips of the thief online after the fact and provide the images to authorities—you are so far ahead of the game if you have these pieces of the puzzle than if you didn’t.

But if you have the home security cameras installed in plain view on your front porch or equivalent area, they certainly act as a deterrent to some degree. They obviously don’t stop all brazen thieves, but they do more good than harm, many would say.

You can also set up remote video monitoring for your home. You can at least see your package throughout the day. As well as see when it arrives, then call a neighbor to go pick it up. Some remote video monitoring allows you to transmit audio, so you could communicate a choice greeting to someone you saw snooping where they shouldn’t be.

In fact, driveway alert sensors can also transmit pre-recorded messages that warn potential package-stealers that they are on video or that they should think twice. These can be set up in a variety of places.

Other actions you can take include having the package delivered to your place of work. You could also have a trusted neighbor keep watch for the delivery and pick it up upon arrival, or have it delivered to him or her.

According to the report on Today, some companies are offering text alerts upon delivery, so be sure to ask for this.

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When upgrading to access control there are many things to think about. Asking the right questions will help to design the system that is perfect for your business. A professional security integrator can help you answer all of your questions and provide a solution that is just right for your business. Below is a list of questions to ask before installing access control:

• Why you are adding access control?
• Is it becoming costly to replace lost keys or to rekey locks after an employee leaves?
• Do you want to know who is on your premises at anytime?
• Do you want to control when people can enter the building?
• Should your access control include biometrics?
• Do you have restricted areas within the building only authorized personnel are allowed to access?
• Does the system have the capability to expand in the future?
• Is your company expanding?
• Should you use access control on the perimeter of the property?
• Are you experiencing theft in outdoor storage areas?
• Has there been vandalism on your property?
• Should you have access control at each entrance of the building or on select doors within the building?
• Are unauthorized people entering your building?
• Should you use key fobs or cards?

Another important question to ask your security integrator is: Do you have a locksmith division? This allows integrators and locksmiths to come together and create an access control system that meets all of your needs. One stop shopping makes it more economical and easier to secure.
Before installing an access control system though, it makes sense to have a locksmith conduct an inspection of your doors inside and out. Knowing that your doors are in good operating condition is important.

A locksmith inspection should include inspecting all door hardware and locking mechanisms for deficiencies and operability. Inspecting all hinges, door closers, locking hardware, electric strikes, electric locks as well as check panic devices. Making sure lever sets, latches and hinges as well as cylinders do not sag, retract properly and are not sticky or rusty. A professional locksmith can check auto door operators for ADA compliance, too.

As always our locksmiths will conduct a FREE survey of all your doors, checking that the integrity and security of your doors are adequate and meet standard requirements to protect people and property.

Call One Source Security today at 800-570-6478, to schedule your FREE survey.

Property managers are responsible for a wide variety of buildings from commercial to residential facilities; including commercial office buildings, shopping centers, warehouses, parking garages, and residential apartment buildings, dormitories, vacation homes, condos, gated communities and other properties.

Creating a security plan along with solid security solutions can help security staff or police respond to threats in the moment, and even anticipate potential situations. Multi-tenant buildings face unique challenges requiring property managers to be vigilant in developing security measures which addresses issues and safety hazards.

Challenges:

1. Creating the right level of security for each property/tenant which meets their expectations. Not all properties are the same and one size does not fit all.
2. Managing multiple facility locations with unique security challenges, depending on location and use of the space.
3. Unreported security threats, property managers may not be made aware of security threats.
4. Mixed use buildings with commercial businesses on the first floor and residential or office space above.
5. Managing mechanical locks. Rekeying or replacing the locks can require time and money.

Solutions: From assessment to installing or enhancing your systems and monitoring:

1.Perform a risk assessment with a professional security company, to determine the level of security needed, by asking:

• What are you protecting? Why are you protecting it? How will you protect it?

2.Create a security plan.

3.Install access control for a single or multiple tenants using one system with the ability to:

• •Disable and enable credentials immediately. (Saves money by putting an end to expensive re-keying and lock changes of your entire facility.)
• •Generate audit trail reports, a valuable tool for investigations.
• •Create timed access to protected spaces.
• •Provide tenants with one credential for gates, units and amenities.
• •Lock or unlock doors remotely from a smart device or PC.
• oTenants can become angry if they need to wait outside for an extended period of time, even if it’s their own fault. Doors can be opened remotely, creating a customer service benefit.

4.Install video surveillance in common areas, at entrances and around the property to:

• •Deter threats, by just installing cameras intruders and thieves are less likely to strike.
• • See an intruder slip in with or behind a tenant.
• •Check up on any facility at any time with IP cameras managed by a NVR allows you to view your footage from anywhere in the world.
• •Provide clear, high resolution images of footage, in the event of a crime.
• •Reduce liability with a nonbiased picture of the property.
• •Capture license plate images with cameras at the entrance and exit of parking lots and garages.

5.Install environmental monitoring to:

• •Prevent pipes from freezing and causing expensive damage.
• •Prevent boiler shut down.
• •Stop floods before it’s too late.
• •Save lives with carbon monoxide monitoring.

Once a risk assessment is complete and security plan is in place. Layering video surveillance, access control, environmental monitoring and other security solutions can protect people and property. Call One Source Security today for your free assessment at 800-570-6478.

A property manager’s primary concern is the safety and security of their tenants, as well as the assets they manage and maintain. It is important for property managers to have the right level of security to meet their tenant’s expectations, while protecting assets.

Security is part of the buildings amenities and attracting responsible clientele with low turnover, while building your brand is the optimal goal. Providing peace of mind for tenants or employees where they work or live is crucial, therefore it is important to create a security solution that reduces risks.

Distinguishing between appropriate security for individual buildings can be a challenge. For example, providing security for a building in downtown Boston can look different than security for a building in central New Hampshire. Property types and size vary requiring different types of security for the best protection, the size of the complex, number of buildings, and the neighborhood are all taken into consideration.

Assessing risks and conducting security audits can identify where threats are in and around buildings, and how the organization should respond.

During your security audit these are some important questions to be asking.

• What are you protecting?
• Why are you protecting it?
• How will you protect it?
• What’s the likelihood of something happening?
• Is there an increase in loitering, vandalism (in or outside), or workplace violence?

Depending on the risk factors your security design can include:

Video Surveillance

Video surveillance is essential to any comprehensive security plan. Cameras should be installed in public places like entrances, parking lots, laundry and mail rooms.

Installing video surveillance will help reduce liability, creating a safer environment for tenants and help deter unwelcomed visitors. When people see a camera, they are less likely to do something if they believe they are being recorded.

Video surveillance helps keep an eye on your property even when you can’t be there; it can also give your tenants peace of mind knowing their public spaces are being looked after.

Today video can be seen on any smart device with the appropriate software, allowing live video to be viewed remotely in real time.

Access Control

Access control is another important piece of the security system design. It helps limit who and how people can gain entry to your building or property. Access control can be implemented in a number of ways. Often times a swipe card, a fob, or a proximity card are issued to employees or residence, and are used in conjunction with an electronic reader installed by the desired entry point. Using access control instead of traditional keys helps prevent lost or stolen keys from being duplicated. Access control can be used at parking lot entrances and garages as well, helping to protect at the perimeter of the property.

An access control audit trail report can be produced on a regular basis to keep a record of movements.

Audio/Video Intercom system

Using an intercom system would allow residents to enter a code or remotely open a door or gate with their smart phone. Intercoms can be programmed to ring your smart phone if you are away from home or your desk allowing you to let a worker or contractor into the complex by pressing a key to open the gate or door.

Risk assessment

One Source Security can determine the best type of security system necessary for your specific property. A comprehensive security system should include security from the perimeter of the property to the building, which can include fire and burglar alarms, access control, video surveillance and monitoring.

As a property manager you have the responsibility for the safety and security of the property you oversee. Whether it is one building or multiple with our high quality products, we can help create a solution that fits your property to include the property perimeter, all buildings and parking areas. We can help manage visitors with remote access tools to monitor your facility night and day, while making tenants and employees feel safe and secure.

As a security systems integrator we can assess your risks and design a system to suit your specific needs. Call us today at 800-570-6478 for a FREE ASSESSMENT.

Strengthening your on-site security system helps attract new tenants, while keeping your current tenants happy. Failure to provide quality security for your tenants can be detrimental to your business.

Potential and current customers are looking to rent a self-storage unit where they feel confident their family heirlooms or everyday items can be stored safely and securely knowing every precaution is taken to protect their precious items.

Unfortunately, break-ins, vandalism and false liability claims do occur. Installing or upgrading to a fully functioning security system, which is routinely maintained with monthly testing and preventive maintenance inspections yearly, can help deter these from happening.

Must haves for self-storage facilities:

1. A fully functioning monitored security system can help alert you of a break-in.
2. A video surveillance system with monitors in the office area and remote access can allow you to see your facility from anywhere. Make sure video is recorded in case there is a liability claim, vandalism or theft. Footage can be saved for short or extended periods of time, depending on the storage method you choose.
3. a.We know criminal incidents can be decreased with the visibility of cameras. Thieves or vandals are looking for soft targets, most often without video surveillance.
4. b.Today, camera software can be programmed to alert administrators when an incident happens, thus decreasing costs for continuous monitoring.
5. c.If you own a facility with outdoor entrances to each unit and no fences around the property, using license plate cameras may be an excellent way to increase security.

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1. If you’re using keys to enter the building and units, upgrading to an access control system can create a more secure environment. Administrators can download audit trails of who has been in the building, when they have been in the building and if the door has been propped open.
2. If you’re already using access control, remember to remove outdated access codes. As soon as an employee leaves your employment, make sure their code is disabled. When a tenant no longer wishes to rent their unit, their code should be disabled the day they move out.
3. Create temporary pass codes for contractors, vendors, landscapers, etc. and update codes regularly. Limit their access to the property or building to only the time of day, as well as the day of the week they need to enter.

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1. If your facility is using locks, make sure you are using master keyway locks for pedestrian doors or padlocks for overhead doors. It’s important to have a master keyway system designed for growth and changing needs along the way. With a master keyway you can easily access a unit at any time for any legal reason.
2. Tenants expect there to be adequate environmental monitoring. Many items will be fine in a standard unit but items like papers, clothes, electronics, cars and antiques, need to have some form of environmental monitoring, including temperature and humidity for protection. If your facility is at ground level in a low area, water monitoring should also be included. Fire, smoke and CO detectors are standard for most storage facilities.
3. We cannot say enough about maintaining your system. Testing your system monthly ensures everything is in proper working order. Another is to have a yearly preventive maintenance inspection by a professional security company. By maintaining your system you can keep it in optimal working order for years to come.

Call One Source Security today to schedule an appointment to talk about your self-storage security needs, 800-570-6478.

Today we’ll continue with our list of 10 security mistakes that businesses make and how to prevent them. The following post is number 6 on the list. If you’d like the entire list all at once, please visit our homepage or click here.

Pictured above is a 180 degree (with 4 lenses) dome security camera.

Mistake: Not using video surveillance because your employees will be uneasy

Dealing with employee theft can be a sensitive issue. Many times, business decision-makers don’t want to give their employees the wrong message. Does it make your staff feel uneasy and that they’re not trusted if there are too many cameras around?

This is an answer only you can answer. One recommendation is to communicate with your staff when the security cameras are installed. And if they’re already installed, it’s certainly not too late.

Let them know that you may have had an issue with a particular person in the past–that it’s not them specifically. You could also explain that you need to protect the business, and sometimes even the employee, if a legal issue were to arise–such as a lawsuit stemming from a slip–for example.

And most importantly, regarding their safety, explain that video surveillance can protect them against former or current disgruntled employees. If these employees know they are being recorded, it may deter them from entering the premises, thereby thwarting their plans.

And finally, the most obvious explanation is that the security cameras are not there for the employees at all. They are there to identify burglars should a break in happen, as well as to deter the break in altogher.

If you’d like to speak or meet with someone from One Source Security & Automation about how to make your workplace more safe, please click the button below and we will be in touch to schedule an appointment.

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The short answer would be yes. With the use of smart cards comes an added layer of protection. Have you ever wondered if someone could steal your access or your employee’s access to a building? You may think yes if I lost my access card, but what if you are standing in a crowd or in an elevator, would you be able to tell if someone was electronically pick pocketing you (also called crowd hacking)? Some electronic pick pocketing equipment can be used up to 30 feet away hidden in a normal computer case or messenger bag.

Smart cards have Mifare which is a technology that enables the card to have encrypted two-way communication between a card and a reader. Encryption needs to be authenticated on both ends. Some benefits include, increased data storage capacity, and reliability as each card has a unique serial number. The information on the card can be PIN coded and /or read-write protected and can be updated without issuing another card.

With the use of a standard RFID Proximity card, the information transmitted from the card is fixed via either a high or low frequency antenna embedded within the card. When the card comes within the proximity of the readers radio waves, data is easily pulled from the card by the reader; the card has no problem releasing the information to the reader. There is no encryption to authenticate, which creates an easy target for hackers.

So how can you protect your business and employees? One way is to use a dual technology smart card, which contains an embedded computer chip or integrated circuit that stores and transacts data, as well as low and high frequency antennas inside the card. In order to hack the card the hacker would need to know that there are 3 different technologies within the card. Most often only one type of technology is stolen.

If you need to give employees 24 hour access to a building, require the use of a card and pin on external doors. This prevents cards that are copied or cloned by hackers from gaining unfettered access to a building.

Protect your ID card from dangerous data theft by using a shielded ID badge sleeve. This sleeve contains a thin piece of metal that prevents your card from being read without authorization. This is the perfect badge holder for protecting PIV, CAC, TWIC, FRAC and other 13.56 MHz smart credentials.

Smart card technology is conveniently available in a variety of form factors, including:

• Plastic cards
• Key fobs
• Watches
• GSM mobile phones
• USB-based tokens.

Many industries are choosing to use dual technology smart cards, including:

• Healthcare
• Airports
• Government and Correctional facilities
• Commercial and High Tech facilities
• Education
• Banking & Financial

Smartcards outperform proximity cards in terms of reliability, convenience, security, speed of use, fraud risk management and lowering operating costs. Smart cards offer more storage and secure reading and writing of data because of a number of encryption algorithms and electronic keys.

By installing an access control system that uses duel technology smart cards instead of keys, you can greatly minimize the risks that come with unauthorized duplication, increasing security across your site. Call One Source Security today to set up a FREE assessment of your facility at 800-570-6478.

To create security and peace of mind you installed an alarm system, and you diligently set your alarm every day.

One day, you arrived at work or home and realized you had a break-in. Your alarm didn’t work; you did not receive a call, and the police never came.

How did this happen? What preventative measures can you take?

Testing your home alarm system monthly and your commercial system weekly is extremely beneficial. A properly connected alarm system will ensure your system is communicating correctly with your monitoring station.

Testing your alarm system regularly can expose any problems caused by a sensor failure, phone line failure, change in phone service, power surge, or disconnecting a component and not reconnecting it properly.

Steps to test your system:

Before testing your system call your alarm company and place your account on test. You will need your account number or password. If you do not put your system on test it could result in police dispatch.

1. Make sure all of your doors and windows are closed securely.
2. Arm your system as if you were leaving the premises and wait 60 seconds for the exit delay to expire.
3. Open each door and window with a sensor attached. Wait 3-5 seconds then close the door or window. The alarm will sound, do not turn it off until all sensors are checked.
4. Once each sensor has been checked, disarm your system.
5. Call your alarm company to take your alarm off test.
6. Ask your alarm company which signals were received.

When One Source Security installs an alarm system, we test each system component to ensure proper communication with the central monitoring station. Periodic testing of your alarm system is essential.

If for any reason your system is not communicating to the monitoring station, please call us today at 1-800-570-6478.

Construction sites can be a valuable place for thieves. There are vehicles and equipment, as well as copper and electrical components to steal. Construction sites can be perceived as an easy mark or a soft target. Most building sites are in open areas, with no natural security, walls or roof, located in remote areas. After hours, construction sites are deserted until the next work day, which can extend over a weekend.

The combination of these factors creates a crime opportunity with low risk and maximum reward for a thief. For the site owner, damaged or stolen materials and equipment can cut profit margins with delays and replacement costs.

Motion detection lights can startle any thief entering a construction site and quickly deter them from stealing or vandalizing expensive property. However, with no response from the police, the lights only help them see their way around the site.

Investing in a video surveillance system with intelligent software can deter external and internal theft. The intelligent software recognizes people and vehicles but ignores animals and other insignificant changes on the property, preventing false notifications. Video surveillance with monitors and a DVR located in the construction trailer can be used to solve labor issues and inappropriate or unacceptable behavior, while monitoring employees and subcontractors to ensure they are following safety procedures on the contraction site. Delivery of equipment and materials can be monitored remotely from a smart device or computer. With multiple jobs project manager’s and construction managers can keep an eye or see what the guys are up to and see the progress of the project.

A wireless security system, with motion sensors can be connected to a central monitoring station or set up to notify construction managers in the event of an intrusion on the site. Alarms can be installed to sound when a motion detector is tripped; scaring the intruder or it can be silent, which may increase the likelihood the thief will be caught in the act.

Protecting and alerting you when issues arise on a construction site can affect the bottom line. Call One Source Security today, 800-570-6478, to answer any construction security questions.

Athletic events and concerts held in stadiums, around the world in recent years, have been targets of horrible violence. Stadiums are prime targets due to the high volume of people in a condensed area.

Creating a layered security approach helps detect and deter suspicious behaviors and events both within and outside the stadium walls. Developing a strong security posture, with vigilant stadium security can help identify threats and vulnerabilities. This layered approach should include building a strong security and emergency response team, developing protocols in the event of an emergency, creating access controls and installing a state-of-the-art intelligent video surveillance system.

Here are some points to consider:

If your security command center is located onsite, move it to an offsite location. The command and communications center will be the first area taken out by an attacker.

Control external access by creating no-vehicle zones and limited parking close to the stadium. Stadium access points and entrances with visible security such as bag checks and uniformed personnel can make a difference in deterring violent acts, just by their presence.

Create levels of access throughout the stadium for employees; install biometrics for players, staff and owners allowing them to enter a restricted area without having to carry a physical credential.

Effectively monitoring large crowds across an entire stadium can be done with a state-of-the-art video surveillance system. High definition cameras with sophisticated artificial intelligence driven video management software are designed to help operators efficiently identity and respond quickly to potential security events.

Stadiums and large venues have benefited from using cameras with higher resolution that provide both broad coverage and excellent image detail, allowing security personnel to monitor a large crowd using fewer cameras.

The Avigilon Control Center software is an easy to use high definition system allowing operators to quickly search, identify, mark and capture details of a person, object or vehicle of interest. Security personnel can monitor and analyze footage in real time, providing front-line security employees with information they need to enhance screening and crowd management. Zoom in on an activity within large crowds and provide detailed video information. Watch the Avigilon Sample Footage – Stadium here.

Large amounts of video are never analyzed, not for lack of interest but rather the decline in human attention spans. Advanced video analytics technology is designed to help improve response time. When security personnel highlight a person, object or vehicle using this technology, hours of footage can easily be sorted through across all cameras on a site saving time and effort during critical investigations. A person or vehicle’s route can be traced from beginning to last known location.

Unusual motion detection technology brings a new level of automation to surveillance by learning and remembering what a typical activity/scene looks like. This is designed to bring attention to atypical events needing further investigation. This technology is designed to detect things like a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction or a crowd being suddenly disrupted, when this occurs an alert is sent to the security staff.

We can show you how to incorporate biometrics and video surveillance with artificial intelligence into your security plan. Call One Source Security today at 800-570-6478.