How tech is turning guards from ‘soldier’ to cyborg

By , May 30, 2024

Gone are the days when we fully depended on guards and padlocks to keep our homes and businesses safe. While we can never underestimate the importance of guards in providing physical security, the growing complexities of threats facing us can no longer be stopped by just guards, commonly referred to as ‘soldier’.

Previously, guards had the sole responsibility of opening and closing gates. Today, however, they are not only trained to man gates but also to have intelligence and situational awareness, as they are the first line of defence.  Today’s security guard must be able to detect a security lapse or threat before an intrusion happens. They have to be aware of the evolution of security threats and the impact of technology in the sector.

Humans have always been proactive in organising their security and defences. In ancient times, the security threats faced might have been wild animals and maybe hostile tribes. The measures communities took then were to prevent them from these threats. These solutions involved measures such as creating natural barriers. As new threats emerged, gates, fences, locks, and security guards were introduced as an extra measure of security to protect people and their properties against intruders.

Today, the security threats faced are no longer just physical. Cybersecurity has become one of the most important aspects of insecurity. Businesses and individuals are looking for the most efficient and effective ways to ensure their properties and data are safe.

Technology has taken virtually every industry by storm, and we must be ready and open for change in the security industry as it revolutionises security in our homes and offices.

For instance, no one imagined that you could gain entry into a building with just your face being recognised. But with advances in security technology, criminals are also becoming more sophisticated and have been able to clone entry cards to gain access to buildings and properties.

In the quest for more reliable methods of authentication and security, there is an increase in the use of unique traits that each person has, such as fingerprints, one’s iris patterns, or facial features.

These features are distinct to each individual and therefore cannot be duplicated, hence their use to gain entry into premises. Iris scanners and facial recognition systems have seen a significant uptake in security. This is because these systems are effective, convenient, and accurate.  

Recently, there has been much talk about machine learning and artificial intelligence that have revolutionised technology. With artificial intelligence, organisations can allow or deter entry of persons with the use of biometrics.  Home security has also become a very important factor to look out for. Homeowners today are going further by installing alarm systems that are connected to a CCTV camera and linked to the control room of a security company.  These systems also have panic buttons that can be activated even when one is far from the house, such as on holiday or a work trip.

Previously, alarm systems could only be activated when a homeowner was in the house and at a particular point where the panic button is located, and the most they would do was to trigger the sirens, which would then alert your neighbours.

But with technology, property owners can trigger the alarm from their phone via a mobile application, in whichever location. Pressing the panic button will raise the alarm and send a call for help from a security provider within minutes.

These advances in technology have not only made the work of guards easier but also ensured that security is now more efficient and effective. Technology will keep evolving, and we must be ready to evolve with it.

— The writer is the lead engineer at SGA Security

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