Safe safety technology

The constant change in technology and the digital transformation must also be taken into account in the security industry, say Edi Lehmann and Roger Hiestand from the Cyber Security working group in the Association of Swiss Installers of Security Systems (SES). "In building technology, the various trades such as access control, video surveillance, intrusion or fire protection are networked via a management system. Thus, physical security must also meet cybersecurity requirements. For this reason, the SES Association, or rather the working group commissioned with this task, began some time ago with the preparation of a new cyber security guideline. The document is an aid for system integrators of security technology, but not for a complex data center. The small and handy document shows in a simple and understandable way how security systems can be made fit with regard to cyber security using technical and organizational measures."

Why does the guide not address individual safety techniques?

The primary goal of the document is to raise awareness in the industry, say the two authors of the guide. According to Lehmann and Hierstand, an initial goal has already been achieved if both the safety technology provider and the planner, and ultimately the user, ask themselves what needs to be protected in the first place and how.

The guide also addresses the issue of network segmentation. The resulting transitions between the individual building technology trades would allow connections to be controlled and efficiently prevented. Finally, the endpoint, for example the video surveillance camera or the fire alarm system itself, must be protected. The two authors of the guide emphasize that it is no longer sufficient to work with antivirus software alone. (rs)

A detailed interview can be read in the upcoming issue of the Security Forum (Order subscription).