Ensuring Security in the Cloud

Over the last several years, cloud computing has emerged from a promising concept to one of the most demanded IT hosting solutions. With a devastating recession in full effect, more businesses are coming to realize that they can tap into the cloud to access state of the art applications and infrastructures at a fraction of the cost. While the benefits cannot be denied, the security risks are becoming more of a scary reality everyday. Here are a few tips to help make sure your investment in the cloud is secure.

Wireless turns a greedy eye on PoE Plus

Grinding slow but exceedingly small, the IEEE has, since September 2005, been crafting a standard commonly known as PoE (Power over Ethernet) or, in its most recent official guise, 802.3at. It is a technology that integrates electrical power into a standard LAN infrastructure: it enables power to be provided to the network device (such as an IP phone or a network camera) using the same cable that is used for network connection. As a result, you do not need power outlets at the camera locations, for example, and makes the provision of 24/7 UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) easier.
PoE extends the power directly from the data ports to whatever network devices are connected, using two pairs of conventional Ethernet Category 5 cable. Plus takes PoE to a new level: ostensibly providing sufficient power for WiMax transmitters, pan-tilt-zoom video surveillance cameras, videophones and thin clients. The significance of a workable marriage of PoE and wireless applications is understandably causing a ripple of excitement.

For campus security, an integrated system is more than just technology

As potential attackers are becoming smarter and more brazen, it doesn't take long to become sold on the benefits of an integrated security system. That's especially true if you're the one charged with protecting high-traffic areas such as school campuses.

Now how to create one? For starters, it's important to realize that an integrated approach means a lot more than just ensuring technologies work seamlessly together. Rather, a real integrated system requires the entire organization and all its nuances to work as a cohesive unit.

Think about the electronic components of an integrated system. It is well-documented that being able to supplement security personnel with a system that seamlessly combines intrusion, access and video technology into a single interface improves situational awareness and enables faster response times.

It's not uncommon, for instance, for a large university to employ dozens of digital video recorders dispersed across campuses to support camera networks. The ability to manage those DVRs from a single location certainly streamlines operations. But a real integrated system takes it a step further and folds in access control to provide personnel with an all-encompassing platform that can tie access control events with relevant video.

Better Risk Management via Converged Security, IT and Business Expertise

For more perspective about what elements enterprises need to fully understand their real-time security posture as well as potential or emerging risks, Sharon J. Watson spoke earlier this month with Jasvir Gill, CEO, and Pan Kamal, director of marketing, for AlertEnterprise.

In addition to real-time event monitoring and automating employee on- and off-boarding, AlertEnterprise literally shows a company its risk. With a click, a business user can drill down to see the precise risk factors associated with an employee and her role and physical/logical access rights, such as access to ingredients in a warehouse plus ability to alter production controls that, in combination, potentially could enable the employee to sabotage the company's product.