When you work in local government, protecting the critical assets that keep our communities going is one of the most important tasks you’ll undertake. But it’s no simple task – here we explore the main challenges that come with securing council assets, and how to overcome these.
Communities around Australia are defined by large physical assets; the buildings, bridges, roads and water networks that connect people and shape the urban fabric of our cities, towns and suburbs.
Furthermore, the land reserves and public property holdings upon which structures are built constitute yet another asset. As is seen across most industries, the government sector is also made up of several intangible assets, including
IT infrastructure, communication networks, intellectual property, sensitive data and public trust. With the rise of connectivity and remote operations, securing both physical and digital assets has become increasingly complex.
Protecting these assets is of vital importance; and for those charged with the task of doing this, we have identified the seven key challenges that must be factored into this process.
1. Protecting against theft and vandalism
Construction sites are transient and dynamic in nature as projects progress. The continuous movement of machinery and materials, coupled with the absence of permanent structures, make these sites highly vulnerable to theft and vandalism.
2. Restricting unauthorised access
There are several factors that can make it difficult to restrict unauthorised access around critical assets. Firstly, the dynamic and often open nature of construction projects can create temporary openings or weak points in perimeters. Also, some infrastructure such as water catchment areas, hospitals and roads are not amenable to traditional security solutions such as fences, locks or gates.
3. Blocking cybersecurity threats and protecting privacy
Cloud computing, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are transforming the way the local government sector operates. But with these new technologies comes the threat of cyber attacks, which can result in the leaking of sensitive data, as well as compromising the integrity of digital systems and disrupting operations.
4. Managing the costs associated with protecting assets
Balancing the need for comprehensive security measures with the imperative to control costs can be a challenge for businesses within the construction sector. While security guards play a crucial role in preventing theft, vandalism and unauthorised access, the cost of deploying dedicated security personnel in all situations can be substantial.
5. Providing effective deterrence
With community infrastructure, effective deterrence protects against trespassers, thieves and vandals. But it can be challenging to establish effective deterrence measures due to a number of factors, such as a lack of secure perimeters on around sites.
6. Protecting against natural hazards
Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and wildfires can all cause widespread and severe damage to council infrastructure. Ensuring the security of this infrastructure requires advanced warning systems and robust emergency response protocols, as well as resilient design.
7. Leveraging collected data
Surveillance data is common in the local government sector, but utilising this data to best advantage is not. There are many opportunities for councils to better utilise surveillance data to enhance future security activities.
Navigating security challenges
Spectur is an innovative provider of cutting-edge technology solutions, specialising in solar-powered 4G connected cameras and warning systems. Spectur’s autonomous surveillance and warning systems use advanced artificial intelligence and IoT technology to sense, think and act in response to threats or gather data without requiring human intervention, even on unpowered and remote sites.
With a range of surveillance systems on offer, Spectur empowers local governments to enhance their security posture, protect assets and foster a secure and safe environment. Deploying smart technology to monitor sites means organisations can better utilise resources, while remaining confident action will be taken should an incident occur.
This sponsored editorial is brought to you by Spectur. For more information, visit spectur.com.au.
Image: ivan_kislitsin/shutterstock.com
