eCommerce, for many, continues to represent the future of consumer retail. The US market alone saw a growth rate of 14.2% in 2021, with the number of global eCommerce retailers more than doubling in the last year to produce today’s of over 26 million individual businesses.  

Just like brick-and-mortar stores, eCommerce operations must develop robust security systems to function safely and efficiently. Though in the modern world, reliable protection doesn’t start and end with physical locks. Cyber threats must be considered equally to physical break-ins, meaning an integrated approach to business security will always be the most sensible option. 

Merging these technologies can be confusing for newcomers, but the benefits of integrated security systems are simply too far reaching to ignore. For eCommerce businesses looking to strengthen their security, here’s some essential security considerations eCommerce companies need to know about.  

Access control and video security 

All modern businesses store a great deal of valuable data, whether that be on physical hardware or uploaded to computer systems. This sensitive information can be incredibly lucrative to would-be criminals, so it’s imperative that businesses protect themselves using an integrated security system. 

Installing a robust access control network in any areas housing sensitive data or restricted items prevents unauthorized individuals from gaining access, and with a cloud-based system admins can easily adjust permissions, automate lockdown functions and receive real-time updates remotely to any smart device.  

Integrating access control with a video security system will provide further protection, allowing admins to implement identity verification at door entries and monitor both systems remotely via the cloud. This is especially useful for campuses, which allow security administrators to verify guest or employee identity using school surveillance cameras near the perimeter entrance and grant them door access remotely. 

Physical and cyber security coordination 

For all the benefits that an integrated cloud-based security system brings, failing to effectively coordinate both cyber and physical security teams can result in a few gaps in your protection.  

On-site security teams may be able to prevent intruders from entering the premises, but with limited knowledge of how specific access control, such as keypad reader systems, and CCTV systems operate, your business’ sensitive data may still be at risk. 

Ensuring that both cyber and physical security teams understand cybersecurity best practices, can work together to integrate cloud-based security technology with physical security protocols and can communicate reliably and effectively, will bridge most gaps in a business’ integrated security system. 

Automated security responses 

The main benefit of a converged security team is the ability to share vital information between departments that can be used to improve a business’ security response. With all security personnel operating from the same dataset, any gaps in a security system can be easily located and secured.  

This integrated data can also be used to develop automated responses to common threats using the business’ cloud-based technology. If a hacker is consistently using similar methods to attack a company’s servers, security teams can use the data gathered to build an automated response that shuts down each attempt without the need for human intervention.  

Operating in such a way will reduce the need for security personnel to be contacted in the event of a cyber-attack, saving both time and resources and improving your ROI. With less time devoted to repeat attacks, security teams will also be able to focus their efforts on other areas of the business. 

Summary 

To summarize, modern eCommerce companies not only need to protect themselves from traditional security threats and breaches but must also be fully prepared to deal with the changing landscape of cyber-attacks which saw a 37% rise in the third quarter of 2021 alone.

Thankfully, developing a robust security network that spans both physical and cyber threats isn’t as complicated as many may think, it just requires a little planning and the right technology.  

Integrating cloud-based access control and security cameras with physical security protocols will produce a far-reaching and reliable security network, though coordination between both cyber and physical security teams is essential to producing a seamless network with no major spots of vulnerability.  

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