Security Considerations when Choosing Providers

Question: Which security devices require research when choosing a "Security Provider"?
Choosing a security provider is an important decision that requires careful consideration of several factors, including the type of security devices required to protect your property or business. When selecting a security provider, it is essential to research the various security devices available to determine the best fit for your needs. Some of the key security devices that require research when choosing a security provider are:

1. Alarm systems: Alarm systems are designed to detect unauthorized entry, fire, or other emergencies and alert the appropriate authorities or emergency responders. When selecting an alarm system, it is crucial to research the different types of sensors, such as motion sensors, glass-break sensors, and smoke detectors, and consider the level of monitoring and response provided by the security provider.
2. Access control systems: Access control systems are designed to limit access to specific areas, such as a restricted office, server room, or warehouse. When selecting an access control system, it is essential to research the different types of access control methods, such as biometric scanners, keycards, or PIN codes, and consider the level of security required for each area.
3. Video surveillance systems: Video surveillance systems are designed to monitor and record activities in specific areas, providing a visual record of events that can be used as evidence in the event of a security breach or criminal activity. When selecting a video surveillance system, it is essential to research the different types of cameras, such as dome cameras, bullet cameras, or PTZ cameras, and consider the level of resolution and storage capacity required.
4. Security lighting: Security lighting is designed to illuminate areas around a property or business to deter criminals and provide visibility for surveillance cameras. When selecting security lighting, it is essential to research the different types of lighting, such as motion-activated lights, floodlights, or low-level ambient lighting, and consider the level of energy efficiency and maintenance required.
5. Fire safety equipment: Fire safety equipment, such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems, are essential components of a comprehensive security system. When selecting fire safety equipment, it is essential to research the different types of detectors and suppression systems and consider the level of response and maintenance provided by the security provider.

In conclusion, when choosing a security provider, it is essential to research the various security devices available to determine the best fit for your needs. By considering the type of property or business being secured and the level of security required, you can make an informed decision that provides the most effective security solutions for your specific situation. Implementing firewalls, encryption systems, PKIs, and other security devices requires research and forethought. We will discuss the common below. The following page discusses firewalls in greater detail. Firewalls

Companies must decide whether to buy or make their own firewalls. Until recently, the creation of firewall systems was left to internal corporate departments. Now, however, firewall packages are available from vendors, though. This could save a company significant time, but you still need to be careful in selecting a firewall solution. In particular, you will need to evaluate three elements of a vendor-provided firewall system:

1. Ease of use
2. Ease of administration
3. Data security

You should also weigh its affect on in-house operations. Consider the cost of the firewall and its implementation; system-wide capacity management; and organizational management

Encryption can be implemented in either hardware or software. Each has specific costs and benefits. In choosing one, you should consider these issues listed.

1. Security level
2. Cost
3. Simplicity
4. Efficiency
5. Ease of implementation

In general, software is less expensive but slower than hardware. It also tends to be less secure, as software can be more easily modified or bypassed than most hardware products. In many cases where encryption is needed, a hybrid solution is chosen. In such a case, encryption may be implemented in a hardware device (such as a card/key system) but is controlled by software. The software requires integrity protection so that the hardware device gets the correct information and is not bypassed.

While appropriate in many cases, even a hybrid solution presents difficult management issues. These include protection, standardization, and export regulations. With secret-key encryption, keys must be safely distributed in order to prevent modification and unauthorized disclosure. Encryption also requires that all participating parties use the same encryption scheme. Therefore, it's important to set standards among participating groups.
Finally, encryption must comply with government export rules.

Though employed in situations where high-security is required, biometrics are currently too difficult and costly to deploy for general purpose eBusiness solutions. However, as voice recognition technology has improved and decreased in cost, it may be the first form of biometrics to be applied widely for eBusiness security.

PKIs are often looked at as the silver bullets of eBusiness security. Why? As a suite of services, they provide substantial functionality for making eBusiness transactions safe. One can think of PKIs as the security suites that eBusinesses use to apply security in a comprehensive and managed fashion. In addition to making sure that the security options you choose provide for a high level of security, you should also remember to consider other business challenges. Indeed, as with other elements of the eBusiness solution, you should try to achieve a balance between cost, scalability, and maintainability when selecting security tools. The next lesson discusses search engines.

Click the Exercise link below to try solving your business's security problems.
Security Considerations - Exercise