As more and more organisations and sites realise the benefits of remote security monitoring and implement it into their security strategies, it’s even more important to understand the compliance required to go alongside it. In this blog, we cover everything to do with understanding compliance in remote security monitoring, its importance and how to ensure you’re on the right side of the law.
- What is remote security monitoring?
- The importance of compliance in remote security monitoring?
- Key regulations & standards in the UK
- The challenges in compliance with remote security monitoring
- Privacy concerns in remote security monitoring
- How to ensure compliance in remote security monitoring?
What is Remote Security Monitoring?
Remote security monitoring involves the use of technology to oversee and manage a site’s security systems from anywhere in the world, via an internet connection. Security systems that can be monitored include but are not limited to, CCTV systems, intruder alarm systems and access control systems. Remote security monitoring leverages cloud-based solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other advanced analytic technology to monitor a site or premises, detect threats and respond to incidents and alarm reactivations, all without the need for on-site personnel.
A remote security monitoring solution will connect to a site’s security system via its alarm receiving centre (ARC). This allows a signal to be automatically sent to the remote monitoring team when an alarm is triggered, indicating a site intruder or suspicious activity. When a site is being professionally monitored, a team of highly-trained monitoring operatives will look into the issue, rule out a false alarm and action the most appropriate response, such as a police call out.
The Importance of Compliance in Remote Security Monitoring?
When it comes to remote security monitoring, compliance is important as it ensures that security practices align with the legal requirements and industry standards. This is firstly important in terms of protecting the personal data of those being monitored, particularly over CCTV. In the UK, there are strong laws on how personal data has to be handled, stored and protected and if not complied with there are severe fines and even legal action.
As well as it being a legal requirement, organisations will want to comply with the regulations and standards of remote monitoring to protect their image and reputation. Failure could lead to a loss of customer trust and business.
Complying with the necessary requirements is also important in ensuring an effective and robust organisation that is protected against security breaches, both physical and cyber.
Key Regulations & Standards in the UK
To be on the right side of the law, it’s important to understand the necessary regulations and standards that govern remote security monitoring.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
GDPR outlines strict data protection measures for collecting and storing personal data. It also provides individuals rights over their data. The UK follows GDPR principles through the Data Protection Act 2018 which you can read more about on their website here.
Data Protection Act 2018
This is a UK-specific regulation and provides additional guidelines and requirements for data protection in the UK alongside GDPR. Read more here.
Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018
These regulations aim to improve the physical and cyber security of networks and information systems that are needed for the provision of digital services and critical infrastructure. Click here to read more.
British Standards Institution (BSI) Standards
BSI provides several standards relevant to security, such as BS 7858 for security screening of individuals employed in a security environment and BS 7499 for static site guarding and mobile patrol services.
The Challenges in Compliance with Remote Security Monitoring
Due to the nature of remote monitoring, the challenges need to be understood and addressed in order to overcome them.
An Evolving Landscape
It can be challenging to keep security measures and compliance up to date when there are data-breaching cyber threats constantly evolving.
Complex Regulations
It can be daunting for organisations and site security managers to navigate the complex regulations surrounding remote security monitoring.
Resource Constraints
Smaller organisations that carry out their security monitoring may lack the resources to implement and maintain the level of security and compliance measures required.
Fast Technological Advancements
Technology develops fast and this makes it difficult to ensure systems and processes remain compliant with the latest regulations and industry standards.
Privacy Concerns
Privacy is probably one of the biggest concerns surrounding remote security monitoring, especially with the likes of GDPR.
Privacy Concerns in Remote Security Monitoring
Although remote security monitoring can enhance a site’s security, there are also privacy concerns of which a large proportion of compliance measures lie. The main privacy concerns include:
Surveillance
When carrying out remote monitoring, particularly CCTV remote monitoring, site employees, visitors and the general public could end up being constantly observed via camera footage. The extent of the surveillance, its use and the potential for this to be abused is where the issues lie and why certain regulations are in place.
Data Collection
During the remote monitoring of a site, a vast amount of data is being collected, whether that be access logs, video footage or personal information. How this data is handled is very important, preventing it from getting into the wrong hands.
Data Storage
During remote security monitoring, data commonly needs to be shared with third parties, such as for analysis, other software integrations or third-party monitoring services. However, if not managed correctly this can compromise an individual’s privacy rights.
How to Ensure Compliance in Remote Security Monitoring?
If you’re concerned about the compliance of your sites’ remote security monitoring, then bringing on board a professional remote monitoring company may be the answer. A dedicated remote monitoring company will be experienced in all aspects of remote monitoring, security and non-security, and across a variety of different industries. They will handle the entire process of remote monitoring, from a secure location, and ensure complete compliance.
Choosing a remote monitoring company that is NSI Gold accredited, like RMS, will guarantee they have undergone the most stringent of audits and are in line with industry standards, ensuring your sites’ remote monitoring is compliant.
If you’re interested in our remote monitoring services or want to speak to a member of the team, call us on 0330 002 1149.
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