Change can happen quickly - and nothing illustrates that more clearly than the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost overnight, our economy, markets, employment figures and daily routines were upended.

Much of life will go back to normal when the pandemic subsides, but some areas such as air travel, hotels and food service may feel long-term effects. For the security industry, major discussions are already taking place about how technology can be used to help respond to future diseases and outbreaks.

• Temperature-Reading Technologies. Thermal imaging cameras and temperature sensors can detect elevated body temperatures in places like airports and subway stations, while cameras at hospitals, ERs and seniors' facilities can rapidly spot potential hazards. This technology could also have workplace, restaurant and tourist venue applications going forward, especially during normal flu and cold seasons.
• Increased Importance Of Network Security. During shelter-in-place, a record number of Americans worked from home. Many businesses may continue to embrace telecommuting on a long-term basis. While the benefits are clear, this opens up a new realm of network security concerns, and places an increased importance on cloud computing and secure VPNs.
• Topic-Sensitive Cyber Security. As COVID-19 spread, the world was hit by viruses of another sort - malware, bugs and phishing emails masquerading as COVID-19-themed bulletins. In the future, filters may be put in place to "red flag" unrequested messages on timely topics.
• AI and Facial Recognition. Facial recognition is already being used to spot fugitives or intruders. In the case of a pandemic, it can be used on worksites to ensure people are wearing masks in common areas. Artificial Intelligence can also identify the best ways to spot areas inside your facility where it's difficult to practice social distancing, and help analyze foot traffic patterns.
• Disinfection Technologies. Hong Kong International Airport is rapidly becoming a testing center for disinfection technology. They are currently experimenting with a full-body disinfection booth that can kill the coronavirus within 40 seconds. Elsewhere in the airport, high-touch surfaces like elevator buttons, toilets and ticket kiosks have been treated with antimicrobial coatings that destroy germs, bacteria and viruses. Robots equipped with UV sterilizers have also been deployed; they can reportedly kill up to 99.99% of bacteria within a confined area in less than 10 minutes.
• Safety-Conscious Apps. Apps are already being developed to help track the movements of people who have contracted the coronavirus, but other less-invasive apps can help people adopt safer, healthier habits. For example, traffic patterns on apps like Yelp and OpenTable can help customers identify the least-crowded times to dine out. Existing grocery, restaurant and review apps can increase awareness of guidelines such as "seniors-only" shopping hours.

What Steps Should Your Business Take?
While some technologies are impractical for certain businesses, many solutions can benefit a wide audience. For example, businesses would welcome technologies with the ability to detect people with high fevers, disinfect high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces, and monitor safety practices. A knowledgeable security industry vendor can help you identify which emerging solutions are most appropriate for your business.

Be Prepared. Call Paradyme.
From the outset, Paradyme has been at the forefront of identifying new technologies to help you safeguard your facilities, assets and people. Contact us today to find out how we can protect your facilities and schedule a complimentary walk-through and review of your security systems.