Securing the utility industry has become a critical challenge in today’s interconnected world. The utility industry faces various threats, such as copper theft, vandalism, unauthorized access, and cyberattacks. These risks cause financial losses and disrupt essential services for communities and businesses.

Convergint and Genetec have teamed up to enhance the security of critical infrastructures. The defense-in-depth systems approach to managing intrusions has been adopted as a cornerstone for safeguarding these vital facilities. By leveraging Genetec’s expertise and advanced solutions, Convergint aims to implement a comprehensive and layered security strategy to mitigate risks and protect critical infrastructure from potential threats effectively. This collaborative effort represents a significant step towards ensuring the reliability and resilience of North America’s electric utilities and other essential services.

NERC’s systems approach to intruder management

  • Detect
    Step one is to detect unauthorized intrusions beyond the perimeter with RSA devices, thermal, and video analytics. Address nuisance alarms using a rules engine in the security platform to notify operators of genuine threats.

  • Deter
    Step two aims to deter unauthorized access through physical deterrents like lighting, walls, and fences, as well as surprising actions like activating strobe lights or playing an MP3 to discourage intruders.

  • Delay
    Step three’s goal is to install delay-inducing security measures, like time-consuming chain link fences, allowing security personnel adequate time to assess and respond to incidents.

  • Assess
    Step four, security operators assess the incident and respond accordingly. “Eyes on the scene” can be achieved by accessing nearby cameras or deploying drones for real-time footage.

  • Communicate
    In step five, utilities focus on efficient communication between security operators and mobile teams for seamless information sharing and coordinated response.

  • Respond
    Step six, security operators take action to apprehend intruders. Earlier steps can reduce the need for this, but utilities must have clear standard operating procedures in place to guide responses effectively.

About Genetec

Genetec is an innovative technology company with a broad solutions portfolio that encompasses security, intelligence, and operations. The company’s flagship product, Security Center, is an open-architecture platform that unifies IP-based video surveillance, access control, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), communications, and analytics. Genetec also develops cloud-based solutions and services designed to improve security and contribute new levels of operational intelligence for governments, enterprises, transport, and communities. To learn more about the solutions and services offered by Convergint and Genetec, contact an expert today!

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