Author: apigroup

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.

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.

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.

In recent years we have seen some pretty horrific things happen on school property. Not everything can be prevented but we can most certainly do as much as we can to deter, detect and defend against these awful crimes.

Schools by their very nature are open environments. It’s a challenge to strike the right balance between maintaining a welcoming and open environment, and protecting the student, teachers and staff, while controlling visitor access. Offering a high level of security with a certain level of convenience can bring peace of mind.

There are some unique challenges facing schools today:

• Not everyone needs or should have access to every part of the building.
• Visitors come and go all day long, parents pick up sick kids, volunteers check in and contractors are hired for projects that can’t necessarily wait until the end of the day.
• Some modern security threats include gun violence and terrorism.
• Extremely large multi building campus, making them hard to manage.

Securing classrooms, hallways and campuses:

• Go key-less for teachers and staff
• By using a school access control system, teachers and staff can use a single card as an ID badge and a keyless entry card. Administrators can control when doors can be opened and by whom. Cards can also be disabled quickly when lost.
• Manage visitors better with sign in, custodial and sex offender checks
• Using a visitor management system with the ability to store custodial information ensures a child is only released to the proper guardian. It also allows you to check visitors against local sex offender databases, providing increased safety.
• Manage a multi-building system from a single location
• Remotely managing every door in every building gives the administrator the ability to open any classroom door. Decreased response times and false alarms by allowing you to quickly assess the situation.
• Integrate your access control system with video surveillance
• Integrating access control and video surveillance can create a powerful, multi-faceted security solution. Your video surveillance system can be set up to record a door every time a card is swiped, giving a visual of who has entered with a time stamp.
• Zero in on the source of an issue quickly
• Many schools have sprawling campuses with the struggle to zero in on a problem. When an alarm is triggered the exact location will show up on the Dynamic Map of the facility. You can pull up video surveillance of the exact spot, in order to confirm or dismiss an issue.
• Lockdown the entire school with the press of a button
• Many schools already have lock down procedures in place that require teachers and staff to lock doors manually. School access control systems can lock down an entire building or campus with the press of a button or by using a specific card at any reader. This creates an instant secure environment.
• Classroom panic notification allows a teacher to push a button to notify the predefined personnel, such as the security staff or principal that there is an incident outside the classroom.
• Create a more secure vestibule
• Vestibules are used as a buffer between visitors and the school. Installing shatter resistant security glass laminates on glass doors and windows in the vestibule can be a cost efficient way to prevent visitors with malicious intent from gaining access quickly by smashing windows and walking right into the main area of the building.

Today, teachers and students have a fear of school shooting, violent intruders and terrorism. Many schools are doing much better securing the perimeter of their schools. We are seeing main entrance doors locked and monitored by staff members using intercoms to communicate with visitors. Increased security throughout the school along with solid security procedures are making a difference when it comes to deterring, detecting and defending against school crimes.

By investing in the district, not each school individually you can create a uniform level of security for all schools, lower capital costs and lower staffing requirements because staff can centrally view and manage the system from anywhere.

Call One Source Security today for your FREE assessment of your school. Remember your ‘One Source for Peace of Mind’ is only one phone call away, 800-570-6478.

One Source Security and Automation offers a private or proprietary key ways which restrict who may copy additional keys for your business or home. Only an authorized employee or homeowner with a valid ID can have keys duplicated by an authorized locksmith. Your local hardware store cannot duplicate these keys. If an unauthorized employee or person tries to duplicate a key, they will be denied and the lock owner will be notified. The blank key is owned by the company or individual, creating the highest level of security using a traditional key.

This patented key control system makes it virtually impossible for someone to make a copy of your key without your permission. With the angled cuts on our keys, and slider combination, there are millions of combinations so you can rest assured your key and slider combination will not be duplicated. This low-cost solution can prevent thieves from entering your business.

A private keyway locking system can be used with a company’s master keyway system. Call One Source Security today to talk to one of our locksmiths about using a private keyway system, at 800-570-6478.

Most of the articles in our security blog are centered on the topic of keeping criminals out of your home or business with the use of burglar alarms, access control, video surveillance, and more.

Today, we’d like to reverse that process and talk about keeping people in—but these folks are precious assets instead of unwanted guests.

Pictured above is one type of wander alarm–affixed to a door.

With shrinking budgets leading to lower staffing corps in many managed care facilities, it has never been more important to consider wander alarms.

And even with adequate staffing, human error can sometimes come into play. Staff can become distracted by a phone call, for instance, and a patient could start to exit the supervised area.

Wander alarms help contain many types of patients to designated areas in various facilities, but very often they are used with elderly residents of nursing homes and related facilities who may suffer from dementia.

It is very important that these people remain in a certain area where they can be safely monitored by the many different types of wander alarms, as well as staff of course, and we’ll talk about a few in this piece today.

A wireless wander alarm allows you to be notified when a targeted door is opened. A device is actually installed on the door and a chime sounds at a receiver which can be located a significant distance away.

Some manufacturers provide features such as identification of the actual patient who has breached the boundary. This is made possible due to a bracelet or ankle tag that they wear.

These bracelets and ankle tags can also work in conjunction with door devices that emit a field. When the patient who is wearing one enters the field, two actions can take place. If the door is open, an alarm will sound which in turn alerts staff.

If the door is shut at the time the patient approaches, the door will automatically lock and also alarm in some cases.

Motion detectors, which are commonly used with burglar alarm systems, can also be used as a part of your wander alarm system.

So as you can see, there are many ways to keep our revered seniors safe in nursing home settings.

Talk to your security integrator about installing a wander alarm at your facility today.

Thanks for spending some time with us.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, more than 2 million people misused prescription opioids from 2016 to 2017. In the late 1990’s, healthcare providers began to prescribe opioids in greater numbers due to pharmaceutical companies reassurance that patients would not become addicted.

Taking prescriptions in a way not intended by a physician can lead to an addiction. An addiction can lead to robbery or internal theft by an employee. Trying to support their addiction.

Developing a solid individualized security plan begins with a security assessment of the pharmacy, hospital, physician’s office, distribution center or warehouse where drugs are dispersed or stored.

The goal is to limit access and establish strong site security measures. So, where should security start to provide complete protection for prescription medication?

Access control: Access control is the first line of defense. Creating access control protocols can limit who has access to pharmacies, cabinets or areas of a facility where desired drugs are distributed and stored. Audit trails can be retrieved from an access control system to see who entered an area in the event of a crime. Rather than using a password or pass code, biometric security measures like fingerprint readers allow for unique authentication methods that cannot be replicated or shared with outsiders. As a side note, by using biometrics internal help can be deterred in the event of a theft. Employees cannot share biometrics like they can a pass code or access card.

Video surveillance: High resolution video cameras with artificial intelligence or AI utilize computer software programs to analyze the images from video surveillance cameras in order to recognize humans, vehicles or objects. Camera software can be programmed to send alerts when foreign objects are detected or recognized in a video, such as a gun. Cameras should be installed at dispensing areas, cabinets, drug safes, entrances and exits at the mere site of them is a highly effective deterrent against theft. It is extremely important to protect the privacy of customers, by keeping cameras away from prescriptions and prescription bottles with patient and medication names.

Dual authentication: Place limitations on who has access where drugs are stored or prepared. Implement several layers of security such as dual authentication to include biometric access control along with a pass code to authenticate the employee.

Data storage: Data, such as video surveillance should be stored in locked cabinets, off site or in the cloud. If you lose access to your building, the data can be retrieved remotely with ease. Data should be encrypted when it leaves your server, on the offsite server, and when it is restored back to your server.

Drug safes and locked cabinets: Secure safes and drug cabinets either through standard lock-and-key fingerprint or access control methods.

Security system: Include a monitored alarm system, panic notification, motion detectors and door alarms. Panic buttons should be installed at the counter or staff should have the ability to use mobile devices they carry with them. Alarm codes should be kept on a need to know basis, never shared and changed frequently. Signage stating security system is in place will help deter.

Train staff to be alert: By simply greeting customers, employees can observe any unusual behavior and a thief might feel less inclined to commit a crime.

As security experts, we can provide you with the knowledge needed to increase safety and security in and around your pharmacy, hospital or facility. By developing strong site security focused on safeguarding prescription medicine, employees, drugs and assets can be protected. Call One Source Security today for a free assessment of your facility, 800-570-6478.

According to the 2014 FBI crime statistics, “There were an estimated 8,277,829 property crimes (burglaries, larceny-thefts, and motor vehicle thefts) reported by law enforcement. Financial losses suffered by victims of these crimes were calculated at approximately $14.3 billion. Larceny-theft accounted for 70.8 percent of all property crimes reported, burglary for 20.9 percent, and motor vehicle theft for 8.3 percent.” These losses are significant.

As companies invest in security to protect intellectual property, people and physical assets, creating a visible line with perimeter security is a great complement to an already existing indoor security system. It is important to create an uninviting and secure property to deter criminals from considering your property as a target.

Protect important assets stored outside such as lumber on a lumber yard, cars on a dealership lot or repair shop, construction equipment on a retail lot or a construction site, with the addition of access control and video surveillance outside.

Visibility

Avoid blind spots near entrances, limit access by using landscaping and paths to lead to entrances. Obstacles, such as trees and shrubs, can create hiding places for criminals.

Video Surveillance

Install video surveillance with analytic tools at the perimeter of the property. Configure cameras to record based on specific motion detection criteria; this may reduce false alarm rates. The goal is timely notification to security personnel with the ability to zoom into an area where the disturbance is detected.

Access Control

Use access control at the entrance of the property, parking lots and garages, as well as at the entrance of the building can create a secure barrier.

Access control with remote monitoring will leave electronic documentation of access and the failed attempts of anyone entering or exiting your property. The use of video surveillance will provide verification for the access system.

Doors and windows

With the use of glass break sensors along with window and door sensors security will be alerted when a breach happens. With the use of security glass laminates windows become shatter resistant, leaving and intruder perplexes as to why they cannot smash a hole in the window.

Conclusion

The ultimate goal is to prevent criminals from gaining access to the property and reaching the building. With the use of video surveillance, access control, and creating visibility at entrances; perimeter security can complement the already existing interior security system.

Call us today for a free estimate of your property, whether you are a military faculty, correctional facility, hospital, airport or commercial company we can help bolster your perimeter.

https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2015/september/latest-crime-stats-released/latest-crime-stats-released

As the gateway to your business your doors should be in proper working order. When a customer is having a crisis with a door, door jam or hardware, many times we have found the problem could easily have been prevented.

With a Preventive maintenance plan (PMI) problems can be avoided before a crisis happens and prevent a costly, bothersome, and potentially dangerous problem from occurring.

A PMI plan can significantly reduce the cost of ownership by increasing performance life. Regular inspections and maintenance are recommended to ensure efficiency of all security doors. With regular inspections, current and potential problems can be detected and identified, preventing costly repairs and serious personal injuries in the future.

Doors can swell when moisture is present and become damaged if they slam. Lack of proper lubrication in lock cylinders, hinges, latches, exit bars, etc. is one of the most common forms of neglect which cause many serious problems and malfunctions with hardware and locks yet is so simple to maintain.

Having a PMI plan which includes inspecting, lubricating, adjusting and tightening doors, and lock sets, as well as testing devices for safety and functionality can extend the life of your commercial doors and hardware, and ensure operational efficiency and reliability.

Installing an access control system on primary doors which features auto locking and unlocking can help with door lock maintenance by controlling the door speed in which it shuts as well as controlling the locking mechanism. Electronic keys can be easily removed from a system when the need arises or when a card key is lost or stolen to restrict the entry of unauthorized users. Audit trails can be created to document who enters and exits a particular door.

Video security should be considered in all commercial properties. If there is excessive damage to one door, the availability of video surveillance can help identify the problem. Being able to view video history or live video for key areas can add a great deal for your peace of mind.

A properly installed well maintained door will last, saving money and time with repairs. Call One Source Security today for more information about our PMI programs for your doors, door jams and locking hardware at 800-570-6478.

Property managers obviously can’t be everywhere at once. Some firms manage hundreds of properties with scores of units at each property—so much could go wrong from a security standpoint.

Pictured above is a water sensor.

Having video surveillance and access control are very common needs of property managers. Being able to view and record illegal activity and potentially apprehend criminals on their properties is essential. And with access control, they are able to restrict the flow of unwanted people into the residences.

But an important aspect of security is often neglected—environmental monitoring. Most commonly, when environmental monitoring is mentioned, people think of carbon monoxide detection. It is important that it is on the forefront of people’s minds because it is a life saving precaution. In fact, property managers are generally very good about installing and maintaining these devices.

But it’s the other types of environmental monitoring that are often disregarded.

One of the most overlooked problems that can occur is boiler shutdown. There is a device that monitors this. Be ahead of the curve before your tenants are in the cold for too long—you will be notified immediately that the boiler needs to be tended to.

Of course pipes freezing is a major issue as well. The damage caused from water leaking uncontrollably due to broken pipes is devastating—several different tenants’ units can be affected by one pipe bursting. Know ahead of time that the pipes are below an acceptable temperature.

Water detection is key in places like basements, for example. With so many locations to manage, it’s impossible for property management companies to be able to monitor basements for moisture and potential flooding on their own. This is especially a concern here in New England with our rain-laden springs.

Water sensors placed in strategic locations pick up the smallest amount of moisture before it becomes a problem and trips an alarm that notifies you.

So when you consult with your security integrator, most commonly about things like your intercom system or cameras in the common areas, be sure to ask about how environmental monitoring can save your properties from damage and save lives for that matter.

Thanks for spending some time with us today.