Mobile-ready communication solutions: Executives and remote workers alike have technologies such as device tracking, GPS location, panic buttons, wearable Bluetooth tech, and other security-related applications directly on their mobile devices; however, these technologies have seen slow adoption by both executives and remote workers. Admittedly, pressing a panic button will not disrupt a would-be attacker, though some include audible deterrents.
Real-time monitoring: Panic button communication is just one application where real-time monitoring software can alert a trained operator to a situation. Depending on the use-case, different panic buttons or end-point devices could be handled by a different type of operator – for example, a door alarm could be handled by a security operations center operator, but a personnel alarm (i.e., panic button) would be handled by an executive protection specialist.
The need for real-time monitoring platforms exists for many companies outside of panic buttons. Inherently, with most traditional access control and camera systems, there are delays. Third-party integrations and mobile device alerting mean the delay is built into the system. System delays prevent the technologies from sending an alarm when needed, and monitoring delays can be caused by an overload of alarms, staffing shortages, and the ability to communicate quickly in the event of an alarm. Real-time monitoring platforms consolidate and remove those delays.
Biometric technologies: EP agents often keep stalker lists and threat files on known bad actors. Despite privacy and other concerns, EP teams have been using facial recognition biometric technologies since their inception, moving them past mugshots and field interview photos.
Recently, a couple of Harvard college students documented how they used Meta Smart Glasses to live-stream video to facial recognition software. Using public, open-source databases, the software could identify faces to provide additional data such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and more.
EP agents have been using IP cameras mounted on vehicles to identify bad actors for a while, but being able to potentially use smart glasses goes even further to make the technology mobile for protection agents. While facial recognition using smart glasses is still quite a ways from being commercially available, the students proved the tech is already here. So if you see an EP agent wearing a new pair of Ray Bans, you may just be on camera.
