This week in class we covered access controls and their use in companies to further secure data for special access. In the lab, we had to use these controls to simulate new employees and new groups. It always baffles me when a system I use regularly like Windows has so many more capabilities I'm not aware of. As a user of a personal computer, I have no use for these access controls currently. But it's still amazing what Windows can do as a system for both end-users and companies.
Anyways, this week's blog is about access controls and their uses in today's world. As I discussed in my blog two weeks ago, Internet of Things (IoT) technology is running rampant today. This IoT world can be attributed to working from home after the COVID-19 pandemic and in part just because we have the technology to do so now. Mercury Security is a provider in access control solutions. They just submitted a report describing the new usages of certain kinds of access controls. This is important in gauging what interest there will be in the future.
The biggest number from this report by Mercury Security was that 72% of the respondents say the controller is essential in the PACS design. PACS stands for Picture Archiving and Communication Systems. These systems are often used in the medical field to store photos securely. These PACS systems use four components to secure the data: systems that take the images, a secure network for transmission, a workstation for observing the images, and archives. The controller in this case would be doing most of the work in sending images, verifying users, etc.
Another interesting number is the need for IoT integration. 44% of respondents stated they are exploring integrating IoT devices into their controller. Such devices could be HVAC, lighting, and sensors. 90% of the respondents also agreed that cyber security is important. Which is a step in the right direction, especially since companies are going mostly online where cyber security is essential to maintain confidentiality and security.
Just from those few numbers from the report, it's obvious how important cyber security and knowledge of IoT devices is becoming. For more numbers from the report, consult the first two links below.
I'd be so interested to see what the PACS system looks like under the hood in a hospital like Mayo Clinic. I bet they have a lot of data and coding to support it.
Articles Read:
- New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology
- Impact of IoT on access control
- How Does PACS Architecture Works and its Benefits