Vanguard Magazine

46 JUNE/JULY 2021 www.vanguardcanada.com THE LAST WORD crowd management even more. Add to that, automated notifications and ac- tions, based on pre-set rules and you have a sound comprehensive formula that can help safety authorities redirect people and traffic, even plan and execute emergency evacuations. Cybersecurity Physical security is not the only thing to consider. With ever-changing technology comes a greater risk of cyberattacks on in- dividual security and privacy. Hardening these systems is essential to protecting citi- zens and their data. According to Public Safety Canada, national and cybersecurity is a top-of-mind concern. Like other coun- tries, Canada is facing a constant, ever-in- creasing barrage of targeted attacks from hackers and cybercriminals. This could make law enforcement databases a high- value target for ransomware and a portal to access personal identifiable informa- tion of the public and the police depart- ment. Technologies like HTTPS, 802.1X, signed firmware and secure boot can as- sist, if implemented correctly, to mitigate the risk of a vulnerability or exploit being taken advantage of via the security system. These technologies should be implement- ed across the system not solely on the edge of security devices. Cyber protection is no different for wearable surveillance. In this case, law enforcement should look to vendors that provide a wearable tech solution backed by a fully encrypted end-to-end system using industry standards such as TLS and AES256. Video should be watermarked, and it should be integrated with a case management system for continuity of evi- dence, tracking, and auditing purposes. Only very specific users within an organi- zation with the necessary hardware/appli- cations and permissions should have access to the stored video. IoT sensors to monitor the environment Protecting people from extreme weather elements, such as flooding, or climate change is also a key consideration to creat- ing safer cities. Camera technology along with IoT sensors can help us collect real- time weather data monitoring things like road and sidewalk conditions, visibility, and temperature. They can send gathered data related to wind strength and rainfall to alert systems. And as it relates to water management, surveillance can monitor in- frastructure to avoid leakage and control water quality. The combined data collected provides us with important emergency re- lief, by giving us long-term insights and the know-how to manage environmental impacts that come our way. Extreme weather is not the only growing dilemma for our communities, monitoring pollution and noise levels help improve the lives of everyone. Surveillance solutions can help, monitor outdoor ambient pol- lution, identify sound nuisance and noise pollution, improve waste collection and identify illegal dumping. A complete solution A smart, safe more livable community is about having access to the right variety of solutions that empower citizens and help them prepare for disasters and emergency situations – before, during, and after an incident. An ecosystem-based surveillance approach, along with the collaboration between technology and key law enforce- ment and security and safety bodies in- cluding processes and data is far-reaching in protecting all Canadians. References: 1. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ british-columbia/joffre-lakes-manage- ment-plan-1.5939790 2. https://www.axis.com/products/ audio 3. https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/ cnt/rsrcs/pblctns/dprtmntl- pln-2020-21/index-en.aspx Keith D'Sa is the country manager for Axis Communications in Canada. He is respon- sible for all business operations in the re- gion, including new business development, marketing, professional services, and sales team leadership. Mr. D'Sa also manages Axis' relationships with local key distribu- tion and channel partners. A smart, safe more livable community is about having access to the right variety of solutions that empower citizens and help them prepare for disasters and emergency situations – before, during, and aer an incident.

• Cover