There’s been a lot of discussion in our offices lately about a topic that’s also been generating quite a buzz in the enterprise security industry: cloud-based security solutions. You might have read Security Magazine’s report that stated, “more than 90% of security leaders believe that the future of physical security will involve cloud-based solutions, and 75% plan to transition to the cloud within the next 12 months.”
There’s no denying that this is the direction we’re heading. But before you or your company makes any knee-jerk reactions, let’s pause and consider whether this move is the right fit for your organization. It doesn’t matter whether you’re part of a corporate office, healthcare facility, or educational institution—any switch should be aligned with the business’ best interests. So, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of switching to a cloud-based security solution to help your team make an informed choice.
The Good
For small to mid-size companies that are fully remote or hybrid with few on-site devices, transitioning to a cloud-based security system could be the best way to go. This is especially true if there isn’t a dedicated IT or facilities department, since going to a cloud solution won’t require as many capital resources. The system can be managed with an off-site team, and the company won’t need to invest in maintaining physical servers or extensive hardware.
However, keep in mind that this convenience might come with an increase in operational expenses, especially if your bandwidth isn’t robust enough to handle the surge in data transfer. Low bandwidth capacity can lead to buffering issues and poor image quality. It’s crucial to assess your current infrastructure to ensure it can support a cloud-based system without compromising performance.
The Bad
If you work for a larger enterprise with hundreds or thousands of on-site employees, a large number of on-site devices and multiple office locations, keeping your physical security system on site might be a better fit. If you have an internal IT department or other staff to help manage these systems, staying on-premise can offer more control and reliability. You won’t have to rely on a third-party cloud provider for critical system fixes, which can be a significant advantage if something goes wrong.
However, maintaining an on-premise system isn’t without its costs. You’ll need local personnel for maintenance, updates, and troubleshooting. But while the upfront and maintenance costs might seem higher for an on-premise system, the long-term operational costs of a cloud system can be significantly more , especially if you factor in the potential need for increased bandwidth and third-party cloud provider support.
The Ugly
Now, let’s talk about some of the less glamorous aspects of cloud-based security systems. Recently, some manufacturers of these systems have been called out by the FTC for failing to use appropriate information security practices to protect consumers’ personal information. In one notable instance, a hacker was able to access internet-connected hospital and health clinic security cameras to view patients.
Another issue is the potential lack of flexibility. Some cloud manufacturers lock you into using their cameras, hardware, and other equipment, which can be restrictive if you want to scale or customize your system. This “hostage” scenario can limit your ability to mix and match equipment from different vendors to get the best security and analytics for your needs.
Real-World Example
This exact scenario came up the other day. A customer, who had been using one manufacturer, asked us to look into installing around 50 cameras. After conducting a thorough assessment, which is the first step in any of our engagements, we realized there was a better solution. Based on their needs, we recommended a mix of equipment and services from multiple manufacturers. This approach provided a higher level of security and analytics than relying on a single provider. We also suggested investing in fewer, but higher-quality cameras that offered better resolution and coverage. This tailored solution gave them superior security and deeper analytics without the potential pitfalls of being locked into a single provider.
One More Thing
Honestly, you can make a case for either side of this discussion. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should go to a cloud-based security solution or stay on-site with your physical security system. It all depends on your specific situation and circumstances, such as the size of your company, available human resources, organizational structure, and budget. That’s why we recommend that first you schedule an assessment of your current enterprise security. This way you get a holistic view to help you and your team make an educated decision.
The goal is to find a solution that fits your company’s unique needs, enhances the security of your employees, patients, or students, and aligns with long-term objectives. We’re here to guide you through that process and ensure you make the best choice for your organization. Feel free to reach out for a consultation, we’re always here to help!
