The infrastructure sector is defined by large physical assets; the buildings, bridges, roads and railways that connect communities and shape the urban fabric of our cities. These assets all have a significant monetary value, and more importantly, they are critical to the daily lives of millions.
Protecting these assets is of vital importance; and for those charged with the task of doing this, we have identified the seven key challenges that must be factored into this process.
Protecting against theft and vandalism
Construction sites are transient and dynamic in nature as projects progress. The continuous movement of machinery and materials, coupled with the absence
of permanent structures, make these sites highly vulnerable to theft and vandalism.
Restricting unauthorised access
There are a number of factors that can make it difficult to restrict unauthorised access on construction sites or around critical infrastructure assets. Firstly, the dynamic and often open nature of construction projects can create temporary openings or weak points in perimeters. Also, some infrastructure such as water catchment areas, hospitals and roads are not amenable to traditional security solutions such as fences, locks or gates.
Blocking cybersecurity threats and protecting privacy
Cloud computing, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence are transforming the way the construction and infrastructure sectors operate. But with these new technologies comes the threat of cyber attacks, which can result in the leaking of sensitive data, as well as compromising the integrity of digital systems and disrupting operations.
Managing the costs associated with protecting assets’
Balancing the need for comprehensive security measures with the imperative to control costs can be a challenge for businesses within the construction sector. While security guards play a crucial role in preventing theft, vandalism and unauthorised access, the cost of deploying dedicated security personnel in all situations can be substantial.
Providing effective deterrence
In the infrastructure sector, effective deterrence protects against trespassers, thieves and vandals. But it can be challenging to establish effective deterrence measures due to a number of factors, such as a lack of secure perimeters on construction sites.