During the COVID-19 pandemic, companies have to shift into different working arrangements to keep employees safe and resume operations amid a global crisis. Some have to completely embrace remote working while others have to adopt the hybrid model by allowing people to work remotely and on-site. Either way, the impact of the pandemic got everyone focusing on transitioning to new work environments while ignoring its security implications.
Many companies have to work with security companies to handle the security aspects of their establishments while everyone is working remotely. Others have to strengthen cybersecurity measures as cyberattacks reach alarming rates by taking advantage of COVID-19 as a subterfuge or thematic lure for their malicious activities, such as phishing scams, malware, and data breaches. They respond to these threats by working with cybersecurity professionals and investing in robust IT infrastructure.
In today’s remote workplace, companies are leveraging their physical security by hiring virtual security guards. Although offices these days are almost empty of employees, it’s still important to have someone guarding your physical assets even from a remote location to notify you about impending security threats. In this article, we’ll talk about the role of virtual guarding and how they protect your company from outside threats.
What is virtual guarding?
Virtual guarding, also known as remote guarding or remote video monitoring, offers an innovative way to protect commercial properties or business establishments. This means a licensed security guard monitors multiple areas through the internet. They perform the same function with on-site security teams who monitor live security feeds from CCTV systems.
Virtual guards will only need surveillance gear and high-tech cameras to watch your establishment from any angle at the same time. They monitor the business from a remote facility while remaining in touch with on-site guards. They also work in shifts while being managed by a supervisor to ensure they’re focused on their task. To do this, virtual guards work in a facility with no sleeping quarters and other forms of distraction.
With this idea, businesses have human intervention and real-time communication at a relatively cheaper cost. They can work together with on-site security officers and law enforcement. With their ability to monitor multiple areas, they can easily notify on-site officers to respond quickly to the existing threat. This will boost response time and prevent criminals from escaping the establishment without getting caught.
The benefits of virtual guarding
When we talk about business security, a virtual guard service makes an excellent supplementary security solution to on-site guards. It’s tough to rely on the entire security aspects of the business on those working in a physical location, especially if it’s a large lot with plenty of hidden corners. With virtual guards, they have access to virtually any part of your establishment through their multiple surveillance cameras.
Real-time video monitoring offers a lot of efficiency to your current security force. If a visitor comes in, the virtual guard will take over in monitoring the area while the on-site guard accommodates the person at the gate. Their multiple cameras allow them to guard every area and never miss anything. This strengthens security by preventing any impending threat uncovered. Thus, business owners ensure virtual guards monitor their properties 100% of the time.
In an event of an actual crime, a virtual guard serves as an eyewitness to testify the case. With their surveillance cameras, they can monitor the crime as it unfolds and how a suspect escapes. They also have recorded videos to supplement the feedback of live guards. Virtual guards can apply a date and time stamp of the crime footage and provide detailed statements at court hearings.
Remote guarding is also effective in averting violence and injuries. There are some cases when on-site guards end up getting maimed, injured, or killed in their attempts to stop a crime. Virtual guards prevent this by communicating directly to perpetrators. Besides vandal-proof CCTV cameras, virtual guards have access to audio reception and feed to record voices and send messages to the criminals who are inside the property.
This doesn’t mean that traditional human security is ineffective or outdated, in fact, having on-site and remote guards in place ensures maximum security and no threat goes missed. It’s all about taking advantage of technology to leverage the security aspects of the business.
The bottom line
With virtual security guards, you can reap a lot of benefits through a proactive security solution. These include faster response times, lesser false alarms, and lower security costs. Any establishment that takes security seriously amid these uncertain times can have more peace of mind knowing their physical assets are in great hands.