Category: Security Measures

Choosing the Right Camera System for Your Security Needs

When deciding how to best protect your home or business, there are many options that come to mind. Adding locks to vulnerable entryways can help to ward off intruders. A fence can help present a visual and physical deterrent to would-be criminals looking to impede your property lines. Some people even feel safest when they’ve procured more announced measures such as a guard dog or warning signs.

The camera, however, is one of the most vital components for any home or business protection strategy, especially when the property itself isn’t occupied by its tenants. But picking out a great camera system isn’t exactly easy. After all, cameras systems come in a wide array of price ranges with varying feature sets like high-definition video, wireless transmission, and offsite storage capabilities.

There’s also the potential for confusion about whether a security camera is different than a surveillance camera.

Is there a difference between a security camera and a surveillance camera?

 

What Is a Security Camera?

A security camera is a camera that’s part of a closed-loop system, meaning the video feed doesn’t usually leave the premises. Instead, security cameras are routed to a central point within the property to a monitoring station. These are also sometimes referred to as CCTV or closed-circuit television cameras. Several years ago, these systems were typically run into a VCR system and would record low definition video to tapes. Once a tape had filled up, some systems had the ability to record back over the previous footage while others required the VHS tape to be manually swapped out in order to continue to record.

Today, these security camera systems are usually routed into a DVR or digital video recorder. The video quality that’s produced from these camera systems has also grown in clarity and resolution, with some systems capable of 1080p or even 4K video capture. This simply means that newer cameras can capture higher-quality video with sharper details than their predecessors.

Additionally, many security camera systems can be previewed online from a computer or smartphone.

 

What Is a Surveillance Camera?

A surveillance camera is a camera that has its video feed transmitted to a remote destination specifically with the intent of closely monitoring a place or subject. Sometimes, these cameras are also referred to as IP or internet protocol cameras. An IP camera simply means that the camera transmits its video feed through the internet in order to get to its destination.

 

Is There A Difference Between a Security Camera and a Surveillance Camera?

Not really. While there’s a technical difference with the transmission method, those lines have been completely blurred due to the advancement of modern technology. Where older analog camera systems required wireless, it’s now possible to get a wireless camera system that’s still in a closed-loop. Likewise, standard analog cameras can now have their video feed captured digitally through DVRs that grant the ability to perform remote surveillance and monitoring.

Digital cameras, regardless of the security or surveillance moniker, will typically use an NVR or network video recorder for video storage. While they’re both essentially doing the same thing, DVRs convert the analog signal into digital while NVRs take camera-processed digital footage in via an IP connection.

The real difference in the security camera vs surveillance camera debate boils down to intent. The definition of surveillance simply means to watch closely. So, with that in mind, any camera can be a surveillance camera.

Ultimately, most modern camera systems serve the same purpose — protecting your property and warding off trouble.

 

What’s the Best Security Camera System for Me?

is there a difference between surveillance or security cameras?The best security camera system is the one that works as intended and satisfies all of your needs. A quality analog system could be just as good as an expensive IP system so long as the analog system serves its purpose. This is why working with qualified security sales experts can help to navigate those intricacies and find the perfect solution for you.

There are many different packages that can be built and will require information about the surrounding utilities such as power and internet along with security goals. Locations with higher crime rates or higher valued assets will require vastly different systems than a small convenience store or a private home.

For example, a rural cottage may not need internet connectivity at first glance. However, if the owner wants to be able to monitor the property remotely, an internet-connected system would be required.

Another important consideration is whether the location has a current system in place. In the case of a new installation, it could be wise to take the time to cover all of your bases and choose a more modern system. With a preexisting system, it could require a complete overhaul or be as simple as adding a few new cameras and a DVR to reduce the total cost and hassle of installation.

In the end, there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution and your needs will dictate the best system for you and your property. Our team is standing by to provide expert knowledge and an unbeatable customer service experience.

 

 

 

Don’t leave yourself vulnerable! Give us a call today or request a free consultation — we’ll help you choose the best security cameras so that you’re always protected!

Keeping Your Office Secure: What You Need to Know About Office Safety

Keeping Your Office Secure: What You Need to Know About Office Safety

 

You spend the bulk of your everyday life in the office. Because work is such an integral part of your daily routine, as well as your employees’, it’s crucial to ensure that everyone feels as safe and comfortable as possible while in the office.

Improving office safety plays a vital role in reducing the risk of employee injury and illness. In addition, it has been shown to boost productivity, reduce stress, enhance collaboration, spark creativity and raise employee morale. In the long term, this can help increase worker retention and raise your revenue.

Because there are so many different aspects of office safety, from cybersecurity to financial safety, keeping your office secure may seem like a daunting task. Fortunately, putting a few simple measures in place can make a world of difference. Here are some tried and true tips for promoting a safer office environment for everyone.

 

Identify the Risks

Before you form a safety plan for your office building, you need to be prepared. Once you have a better idea of what to expect, you can properly guard your building against potential dangers.

Not every type of workplace presents the same health and safety risks. For example, if you run a software firm, you will be at a much higher risk of a cyber-attack than a healthcare facility. As a result, you need to understand your office’s unique vulnerabilities in order to set up an effective plan to combat them.

 

Form a Plan

Once you’ve identified the areas of your business that are most prone to danger, you can figure out what steps you need to take to address them accordingly. Do you need to refine your computer’s privacy settings? Are you looking to protect your workers while they operate dangerous equipment?

No matter what goals come to mind, be sure to clearly outline them so that you know exactly where you plan to go next. These goals will serve as your roadmap while you form a plan for keeping your office secure.

 

Stay Within Your Budget

budget for a safeIt’s important to be aware of your financial goals while creating a safer work environment. Certain types of high-end security equipment may not fit within your budget. If you’re aware of these limitations, you can focus on investing in supplies or equipment that don’t exceed your budget but still get the job done.

Remember to adjust your budget as your business grows and your financial goals change. This will help ensure that you’re always doing what’s best for your company.

 

Address Your Weaknesses

Even the safest office buildings have certain flaws in their security strategies. If you’re committed to keeping your office secure, it’s crucial to take the time to identify your weak spots. For example, has your office building been a target for cyber fraud in the past? Has it been a victim of a break-in or theft?

Even if you haven’t experienced anything traumatic, you may have come close to a potential security breach in your office. Regardless of where you might have gone wrong, it’s important to be aware of the mistakes you’ve made and to learn from them. This will help you avoid encountering the same threats in the future.

 

Install Surveillance Cameras

Surveillance cameras provide an extra layer of protection in your office building. The mere presence of cameras plays a major role in deterring criminals, and it also helps your employees feel safer at work. The result is a more secure, comfortable and productive workplace overall.

For best results, be sure to strategically place surveillance cameras on entry points, parking lots, walkways and other high-traffic areas. This can boost the effectiveness of the cameras significantly.

 

Enhance Lighting

Companion image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/contemporary-office-interior-furniture-style-design-1256002315

Illegal activity thrives in darkness. When forming a plan for keeping your office secure, remember to ensure that your office building is well-lit throughout the day. You might also want to consider installing motion-sensor exterior lighting around your building to deter harmful behavior after work hours.

With this strategy, you can ensure that each of your employees feels safe and comfortable while at the office. At the same time, you’ll do your part in preventing your business from becoming a target.

 

Add an Alarm System

A reliable alarm system can go a long way in protecting your office building. Not only does this option help keep suspicious individuals out of your office, but it also safeguards your equipment and supplies from potential danger.

While you may choose to install an alarm system on your own, it’s best to enlist the help and expertise of a security consultant. This will give you peace of mind in knowing that your office building is as secure as it could possibly be.

 

Take the Right Steps to Protect Your Office

Being proactive in keeping your office secure pays off in the long run. At WFX, we’re committed to providing top-notch security solutions to businesses across the country, whether it’s through locksmith services, alarm/security services, CCTV system or fire suppression systems. To learn more about how we can help your office building stay safe against various security threats, reach out to us today.

 

WFX is here to help with your office security needs. Contact WFX Online, or Call Us at 855-WFX-1978

 

The Top Ways To Improve Commercial Property Safety At Your Business, Inside and Out

Don’t Try To Play Catch Up To Safety Issues, Prevent Them From the Start

We understand the role security plays in company morale and the willingness of customers or vendors to visit your location. This is why we’ve compiled what we believe are the top ways to make your commercial property safety the best in the industry.

 

CCTV, the Tried and True Security Monitoring

We’ve all seen the movies where the main character is sneaking around, dodging cameras while a guard peers at dozens of monitors. Such a common trope is based in reality as CCTV, or closed-circuit TV, systems have been around for years and is still one of the most common options especially for smaller businesses or those on a budget.

 

A Modern Take On CCTV

If you’re looking for higher resolution and better framerates on the footage, then installing digital video surveillance is what you’re looking for. Digital video systems are more complicated than analog CCTV as they require full computer integration rather than self-contained cabling.

 

Building Access Control Is an Easy Win

building access controlsDoor and building access controls are a perfect front line of defense against intruders and unwanted guests. Requiring a unique PIN or ID to enter, anyone without the required information is stopped on arrival. The limited access allows time for security to verify identity and help escort guests to their proper location while keeping everyone safe.

 

Install Fire Alarm Systems

Commercial property safety must protect against more than intruders. By installing a fire alarm system, you help keep your employees, building and valuable documents or assets safe from the dangers of a spreading flame. Extremely important on any site with a kitchen or cafeteria, it’s still just as necessary for the standard office building to provide adequate safety and meet any local laws and ordinances.

 

Perform or Schedule a Threat Analysis

We understand the amount of work that goes into making sure all loose ends are tied up when it comes to your commercial property safety. In order to keep on top of it, we recommend regular threat analyses be conducted in order to spot areas of concern before a problem arises.

These inspections include checking how many access points there are, blind spots for any cameras, the proximity of goods to the nearest exit to prevent theft and even the grounds themselves to see if there is easy access from different sides of the property.

 

Proactive Warning Systems

Have you ever wondered why some police choose to simply park on a highway and not move while you see someone speeding by far too quickly? It’s because the very presence of the patrol car will prompt a majority of drivers to slow down, bringing more civilians down to safe speeds even if it means missing out on a ticket or two. Employing these tactics at your business can have the same effect. We recommend looking at intercom systems or remote light setups that can give your security team the ability to address potential intruders before they have the chance to perform any nefarious acts.

 

Keep Your Systems Well Maintained

Even the highest-rated systems will need upkeep to reliably perform 24/7. CCTV systems have immense amounts of cabling snaking throughout your facility that need regular replacements due to damage or system failures.

Implementing a fence around the perimeter of your business is another great deterrent option but also requires daily inspections along the length of the fence to verify no damage has occurred, no holes have been forced and none of the metal has degraded to the point of losing strength.

 

Cover All Corners Of Your Property

securely cover all corners of your propertyCommercial property safety doesn’t just stop at the main building. Installing CCTV and proper lighting in parking areas, maintenance buildings and utility units is the minimum that should be done to protect your most valuable resources.

Restricting access to parking garages or lots is another step to not only protect your employees but to know the time each guest checks in and out. Records of arrival and departure can be used in the event an incident occurs, pairing with your CCTV footage to instantly know what occurred and who was involved.

 

Always Use a Professional Safety Company

At WFX, we can install, repair or expand any CCTV system to make sure you have no blind spots at your location no matter the size or scale, whether you need miles of fence monitored along with a parking garage and office, or you want to improve the security within your local storefront.

We are committed to bringing you the best in security and comfort, making your business feel as safe as your home. If you aren’t sure where to start, we offer free consultations to help you assess your needs and provide a plan of attack that fits your budget and schedule.

We encourage you to reach out to us online at any time for a confidential consultation. Let us bring you peace of mind so you can focus on the job at hand.

 

Understanding How Access Control Systems Operate

We all have some level of exposure to access control systems. The most rudimentary of these systems are the metal keys we use to access our homes. In this sense, a basic understanding of these systems relates to controlling who enters an area. More recently, access control systems can also control at what time a person can enter an area. These areas may be a parking structure, complex, building, room, or other small spaces like closets and cabinets.

 

With technological advancements, our access control systems now mainly involve electronic security systems. A familiar example you may have experienced is the digital key cards used to swipe on door locks at hotels. But the world of access control systems is considerably broader and more complex.

 

A common means of access control systems involve a type of access card programmed specifically to authorized people’s requirements or restrictions to enter certain areas. These control systems can govern who and when people log into specific areas, and they can provide vital tracking data for your site, buildings, room, and more.

 

In this article, we identify a few examples and discuss how access control systems operate.

 

 

How Does an Access Control System Work?

 

First, let’s begin by first understanding how traditional access methods have shortcomings that can hinder your business operations and security. There is a tendency for conventional metal keys to get lost, or a former employee may fail to return a key. In these cases, locks must be replaced or professionally re-keyed. Stolen keys may end up being used for unauthorized access, and this poses significant security risks. There is also the issue of carrying a large diversity of keys to access various rooms, areas, or other spaces, becoming burdensome, confusing, and time-consuming.

 

However, there are numerous alternatives to access control systems that offer considerably more reliable security, flexibility, organization, and convenience. In contrast to the standard lock and key, entrances can be outfitted with access control systems that feature automatic, programmable sensors for door locks that permit entry to authorized persons with a simple scan.

 

Let’s examine a few types of access control systems:

 

 

Three types of access control systems

building access controlThere are various types of access control systems for different kinds of environments and operations. Understanding the following types of systems can assist your organization in determining what system or combination of systems will be best suited to your requirements.

 

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

If you’re looking for the most popular type of access control system, the Role-Based Access Control is the option. The RBAC is very commonly used in households, but it is also quickly gaining popularity with businesses. These systems are less restrictive than Managed Access Control, but they offer more customization than Discretionary Access Control systems. Primary features offered by RBAC allow permissions to be assigned to roles and times of the day. For example, a manager can be given more access permissions than an assistant manager.

 

Managed Access Control (MAC)

Managed Access Control (MAC) systems provide a more rigid approach that is commonly useful for organizations dealing with highly confidential or classified data like military or government agencies. As the most restrictive option for access control, MAC only gives control and management to the system owner or administrator. But settings are programmed into the system. An administrator cannot go around these parameters, restricting the system administrator from permitting or denying access. These are accountability measures built into the MAC system. Every user in the MAC systems is categorized based on their permissions wholly relative to their role.

 

Discretionary Access Control (DAC)

The least restrictive access control system is the Discretionary Access Control (DAC). A great deal of flexibility in this system allows administrators to be changed to another person easily, and this administrator has full access to create permissions. DAC is simple and easy to use, but permissions cannot be assigned based on an employee’s role.

 

 

The primary components of access control systems

Access control systems are comprised of a few core functions that produce an integrated and automated set of security resources. The core components consist of the access control panel, lock, tag, and tag reader. Below is a more detailed explanation of each component.

 

Access control panel

keycard access control systemThis is the primary controller of an access system. The panel takes in data from the reader, translates the encryption, and verifies the data against what is loaded into the system. If the data received matches with the data in the system, a lock would open and grant access.

 

Lock

This is an electrical version of the traditional lock. It is operated by the access control panel to permit or deny entry.

 

Tag

A tag essentially replaces the mechanical key with a different physical item such as a fob, keycard, or a credential that can be programmed into a smartphone. Using radio frequency identification (RFID), the tags send digital signals to the access control panel. These tags offer an administrator a great deal of range to make alterations, granting the ability to change permissions from a remote position. In addition to the physical tags, a biometric signature can also be used, such as a hand, thumb, or face scan.

 

Tag reader

The reader is equipped with an antenna that can receive information from a tag and transmit it to the access control panel. Readers can be installed on either side of a door to regulate entry and exit.

 

 

Parting Words on Access Control Systems

At WFX Fire, Lock, & Security, we are committed to ensuring you have the most reliable and trustworthy resources for building and door access control systems.

 

Our team can guarantee that your installation is conducted with the utmost professionalism. We can also provide maintenance to ensure your systems keep you secure in the long run.

 

You can schedule a consultation or call us today at 855-WFX-1978.