Addressing An Evolving Nationwide Security Threat: Removing & Replacing Prohibited Video Surveillance Cameras For Safety And Federal Compliance

WSI Comandix on April 6, 2024

Schools, as well as many other public sector entities, across the country are now faced with the requirement of bringing their video surveillance systems into compliance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This need for remediation resulted from revelations about prohibited solutions from Chinese manufacturers, including Hikvision and Dahua.

In our previous blog, we’ve addressed funding for the removal and replacement of non-compliant video surveillance cameras. Today we’re exploring the details on why these cameras are no longer considered compliant. Additionally, we’re offering guidance on video surveillance best practices, and what to look for in a surveillance solution and service provider. Read on for full details.

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Why Non-Compliant Video Surveillance Cameras Must Be Removed And Replaced

These video surveillance camera systems must be replaced because they are considered to be a threat to security, not just on a local level. This is now a national concern. It was discovered that these chipsets have malicious “back doors”, which essentially allow the manufacturer or their affiliates (in this case the Chinese government), to view and collect data from the cameras and other devices that contain these specific chipsets. This particular ban is for a select group of Silicon manufacturers that produce the chipsets, all of which are located within China.

IP cameras, like most electronics, have an onboard computer or “chipset” that processes video and manages networking connectivity to clients such as the NVR recorder. The chipsets have full control over the IP camera. In this case, the banned manufacturers use this control to provide the Chinese Government with connectivity and access to the camera without authentication.

There are many reasons why it is vital to remove these cameras. First, it is imperative to remove cameras that do not meet the NDAA requirements in order for surveillance systems to be in compliance with section 889(a)(1)(A) and (a)(1)(B) of this new law. This is especially true if these projects were funded by the government (inclusive of federal grant money) or if the buildings or grounds that are using this equipment received government funding.

Second, removing and replacing non-compliant surveillance camera equipment ensures the privacy of the people within a location. Replacing the banned cameras with those that meet NDAA requirements restores security and privacy.

And finally, replacing these cameras prevents unintended sharing of confidential and proprietary material. Banks, research facilities, and hospitals all handle such information, and come to mind immediately when there are concerns regarding information privacy. Schools may not always be top-of-mind when considering data breach risks. But, when you begin to examine what information can be gained from tapping into a camera system that watches the daily goings on of a campus filled with our youth and those charged with shaping their minds, the risks of non-compliant equipment loom more ominously as a real threat.

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What You Should Know About Removing These Cameras And Chips

There are a few primary manufacturers to be wary of when looking to avoid compliance and security issues. Those include Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company and Dahua Technology Company. Many subsidiary or affiliate IP camera manufacturers have rebranded models that physically look different, but internally contain the same chipsets.

As of 2019, about 20% of the IP camera market belonged to manufacturers that are now on a banned list. Unfortunately, there is a significant probability that many locations have non-NDAA-compliant cameras, as awareness of this threat is still lacking to this day. Non-NDAA-compliant cameras are typically less expensive, costing about a quarter the price of the competitors that are NDAA-compliant, which has made them a very palatable choice, especially for extremely budget-minded customers.

Yet amidst an unsettling narrative that resulted in the need for this legislation, there is good news to report. Manufacturers have unearthed and acknowledged this issue. They are responding to schools, government agencies, and businesses’ demands for compliant solutions. And as of  2023, only about 3.5% of IP cameras sold in the US were non-NDAA compliant. That said, because non-compliant devices remain on the market for purchase and because they’re sometimes crafted by subsidiaries, working with a trusted vendor partner who can discern the difference is still the best way to avoid unknowingly buying and installing such devices.

What To Look For In Your Replacement Video Surveillance Solutions

When it comes to selecting a NDAA-compliant video surveillance solution, you’ll want a system that provides clear and smooth coverage of areas like:

  • Heavily trafficked public spaces like your lobby, or main hallways and corridors
  • Secure/controlled areas containing proprietary information not for mass consumption (i.e., personnel files or student records)
  • Known problematic nooks where students may commonly sequester themselves for activities they’re hoping to conceal from authority figures

It’s also important to recognize that not every camera provides a “one size fits all” solution. This means you may need to make use of specialty cameras with specific features. This will allow you to fit these particular areas with equipment that captures meaningful and relevant information.

Next, you’ll want to consider ease of use. Accessing your new system should be frictionless, secure, traceable, and when needed, quickly shareable to law enforcement or those who are responsible for building safety and security.

Download Our Video Surveillance Checklist

Your new system should be modern in terms of its functionality. So, consider whether you can extract data from the cameras using artificial intelligence (AI). AI empowers the user to generate proactive alerts based on the video data. Actions and events such as loitering, crowding, or line crossing can be detected in real time.

When applied in real-life situations, this functionality helps to reduce false alerts. The amount of time it takes to find specific things in recorded video becomes a breeze when leveraging AI. The user can search for attributes such as the clothing or vehicle color, reverse search a specific face, or receive an alert when a specific car or individual is seen on any camera. All of these capabilities save time and help to improve the security profile of your campus.

Enhancing Video Surveillance Compliance, Safety, And Security

Enhancing your safety, physical security, and compliance is an ongoing process.

Make sure all security systems going forward are NDAA-compliant. This extends beyond IP cameras. In fact, this extends to physical cameras, NVR/recording server hardware, access control equipment, and the software that controls these systems.

In addition, be sure to secure and maintain remote access to your physical security system, regardless of device type or geographical location. As an additional precaution, it’s also recommended to allocate system functionalities based on role and monitor each user’s activity.  

When you’re renewing systems, make sure to use high-resolution cameras (4MP) and above for larger spaces. And utilize new AI video analytics to go beyond motion alerts. Create proactive alerts and responses based on these analytics to prevent issues from starting or reoccurring.

Best Practices For Video Surveillance In Schools

There are some best practices to consider when planning and implementing video surveillance systems in your organization.

First, consult with a safety expert and conduct a physical walkthrough of your buildings and grounds. These experts have the knowledge and experience to give you insight into camera placement. These advisors can address your concerns and answer any questions you may have about issues you may be trying to resolve.

As you move through this process, be sure to document your current and future camera locations on copies of your floor plans, blueprints, fire evacuation maps, and the like (VMS software, for example). Staying organized in this way will make the installation process significantly easier, from both a budgetary and time commitment perspective. Having this documentation provides a valuable reference tool not just for your video surveillance service provider but also for emergency services and first responders who may need access to recorded or real-time footage.

Next, be sure to research and understand the main difference between on-prem, cloud, or hybrid solutions. The choice that is right for your campus depends entirely on your unique needs. If you need support in conducting this research, contact a trusted vendor partner like Eastern DataComm. Leveraging the expertise of a knowledgeable partner will help to answer your questions. You’ll be able to walk through the potential benefits and why one solution might be better than another, specific to the challenges you want to address most.

Next, and of great importance, be sure you are utilizing a multimodal approach to alerts. This means using multiple mediums, like email and SMS to convey important messages. For instance, if a camera is tampered with or goes offline.

Finally, configure video pop-ups for actively alerting cameras on the security team’s viewing monitors for immediate response. This will ensure everyone remains on the same page when it matters most.

What To Look For In Your Replacement Cameras And Surveillance Systems

As you remove the prohibited video surveillance cameras and devices and install new devices, you’ll want to ensure that what you are using now has better image quality than your previous solution. Increasing the resolution, having a larger field of view, and improving the camera network infrastructure (including replacing old analog wiring) are all ways that lead to giving you greater visual detail.

It’s also vital that any new and/or replacement system be NDAA-compliant end to end. This means that everything from the cameras to the network switches, and the main NVR server(s), must be manufactured by those who follow NDAA compliance requirements.

Another important caveat to be aware of when selecting your surveillance technology as a whole: The new system’s NDAA compliance extends to not only the cameras themselves, but also the chips within any and all parts or components of the cameras. Those chips and components must be NDAA compliant as well.

Lastly, it is a necessity to ensure the new solution is an “Open System”, or ONVIF-ready, so that it can be easily integrated with future solutions and products. ONVIF stands for Open Network Video Interface Forum. Its goal is to “provide and promote standardized interfaces for effective interoperability of IP-based physical security products.”

For more details on ONVIF, we recommend you familiarize yourself with information found on this site: https://www.onvif.org.

When you’re unsure about how to navigate these processes, working with an experienced vendor partner like Eastern DataComm can be a great way to facilitate a smooth transition to a fully compliant video surveillance system.

Download Our Video Surveillance Checklist

NDAA-Compliant Cameras To Consider: i-Pro and Verkada

The i-Pro, formally Panasonic, manufactures the most feature-rich and secure IP cameras that are NDAA-compliant as well as FIPS 140-2 level 3 certified secure. This is the highest level of security available, and certainly an option worth considering.

Another great video surveillance option is from Verkada. Verkada has a cloud-accessible IP camera solution. Their full line of products is NDAA compliant giving schools a variety of cameras to choose from to fit a multitude of uses.

A Note On The Importance of A Knowledgeable Vendor Partner

There are many advantages to working with a vendor partner to secure a cutting-edge video surveillance solution. Working with a trusted partner who is well-versed in this subject ensures that you benefit from their experience designing solutions that remove vulnerabilities, ones that you may not have even been aware existed on your campus. The right vendor partnership will allow you to continuously keep up with your security needs, having the solutions you need at your fingertips. Be mindful of who you select and put their knowledge to the test.

Keep Your Video Surveillance System Compliant Now And In The Future With Eastern DataComm

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The 2024 Ed Tech Grant Opportunity Update

WSI Comandix on March 5, 2024

At Eastern DataComm, we’re passionate about keeping your school communities connected and protected. As your vendor partner, we’re no strangers to the reality that the physical security technology solutions that make that safety possible require financial investments and strategic budgeting.

That’s why this month we’re highlighting available grant opportunities to address your safety and physical security challenges. Importantly, one such funding source issued by the United States government addresses an emerging threat: non-compliant video surveillance technology. Read on to learn more about grant opportunities for which your organization may qualify.

Revisiting Eastern DataComm Articles Regarding School Safety and Communication Funding Resources

Before we introduce the latest safety and security challenges facing schools and other organizations across the country, we wanted to remind you that each year, Eastern DataComm shares resources regarding funding opportunities to help you make your school’s next communications or security solution project possible. Here are two of our most recent blogs on the topic, including what you can expect to find by reviewing the pieces themselves.

Ten 2023–2024 Funding Opportunities & Educational Resources for School Safety & Communications Technologies

In Ten 2023–2024 Funding Opportunities & Educational Resources for School Safety & Communications Technologies, we share financial opportunities for those in Virginia, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.

We also include a link to the nationally available grant finder tool that schools across the U.S. can use to search for financial support that may be applicable to the projects they’d like to make possible in their learning communities. This grant finder tool is easily accessible, simple to navigate, and even allows users to discern how much time they have to dedicate to completing a grant application. Even if you do not yet have a grant writer on your staff or on contract, you can begin to apply for grants at your convenience.

This article is proof positive that sourcing funding for improvements to physical and technology infrastructure to provide for school safety improvements is possible.

5 Can’t-Miss Grant Opportunities to Fund School Safety Improvements

In 5 Can’t-Miss Grant Opportunities to Fund School Safety Improvements, we not only share grant opportunities that can help you fund your school safety improvements if you live in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut, but also how to go about applying for these opportunities in those states.

The purpose of sharing these opportunities alongside the steps to apply for them is to facilitate an easier application process. Eastern DataComm believes that funding should not be an obstacle to creating safer, more secure, and more connected school communities. Not only can our team help point you to the right grant opportunities, but through our network of industry partners, we can also refer you to expert grant writers who can help you navigate and complete the grant application process.

We believe that more secure learning communities with clear and effective communication are better prepared for emergencies and better able to facilitate daily learning. When we work with our school and district partners, we do our best to help them find the funding they need for the projects that will best address their needs, keeping their communities connected and protected.

Eastern DataComm: Addressing Cutting-Edge Security Needs

Keeping our finger on the pulse of the challenges our school, business, and government agency customers face, we feel it necessary and important to share with our readers a recent security and compliance challenge that is still evolving.

In an effort to keep all of our customers informed as we do our part to ensure their communications and safety solutions, we’ve consolidated the details below to help you assess whether or not your community may be at risk for a non-compliance issue that can have a significant impact on the safety of your organization.

As more information regarding the technology issues, compliance requirements, and funding opportunities becomes available, we will continue to share with our audience relevant insight that leads to proactive correction. Read on to learn more about this increasingly pressing issue.

A Critical Video Surveillance Safety Challenge in 2024

The United States government has prohibited specific telecommunications equipment produced by particular companies. Namely, Huawei Technologies Company or ZTE Corporation, HiSilicon Hytera Communications Corporation, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company, Dahua Technology Company, or any subsidiary of these organizations. The equipment is prohibited from being used for public safety, government facility security, physical security surveillance of critical infrastructure, or as covered equipment under Section 889.

The inclusion of HiSilicon is of vital importance as this means that the prohibition includes not only video surveillance cameras and recorders, but also the Systems on a Chip (SOC) which are the core or ‘brain’ of the camera itself.

The ban covers new, old, and existing contracts. In sum, the government’s ban covers a multitude of devices and video surveillance solutions, making their swift and immediate removal mandatory.

Funding to Rip & Replace Non-Compliant Video Surveillance Technology

This safety challenge is a relatively recent discovery. The full understanding of the reach and magnitude of this threat is still evolving. But the good news, funding sources to rip and replace non-compliant technology are now becoming available. The first major federal funding to address this issue is from FEMA.

As the issue is so widespread, the process of addressing, removing, revamping, and replacing video surveillance systems across the nation will take quite some time. It will, no doubt, occur over years. To accomplish the planning, selection of compliant equipment, completion of a labor-intensive removal of non-compliant technology, and installation of an approved surveillance system requires a systematic approach. And so, FEMA’s plan places priority on high-risk locations to provide the greatest level of safety and security possible for communities facing this threat.

This non-compliance issue is incredibly layered. There are also a myriad of considerations beyond physical security, including data and cybersecurity: the safety of critical infrastructure and online information that could fall into the wrong hands.

Through a process of planning, funding, and action, the replacement of these video surveillance systems will provide for greater security. The funding provided by FEMA will help schools and other organizations make that process possible.

Want to Learn More? Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation Today

In next month’s blog, we’ll share more details on the regulations, best practices, and challenges that Hikvision and related video surveillance systems present to schools, businesses, and government organizations regarding their safety and security.

In the meantime, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your best course of action in addressing your organization’s physical security and communications projects.

Our team is uniquely qualified to refer to independent consultants and grant writers to assist with securing funding projects. We’ll work with you to ensure that you and all those you are charged with protecting remain safe and secure.

…Because when it comes to safety, we’re all in this together. Contact us today.

5 Ways to Keep Your School Safe from Intruders

WSI Comandix on August 7, 2023

At Eastern DataComm, we’ve covered ways to keep your school safe from intruders in past pieces. In this blog, we’re sharing an updated look at these issues, including five approaches you can take to keep your schools connected and protected. Improve your school’s safety and communications profile by reading along and implementing these recommendations.

#1 Consider Your Whole School Safety Ecosystem

Our Eastern DataComm team is passionate about strategizing and supporting the technology systems that impact the entire school safety ecosystem. And with good reason: A holistic approach to preventing intruders includes a variety of aspects that you may not have initially considered as ‘essential’ to full safety success. The truth is that these facets, from planning, compliance, and protocol development, to practice drills and technology, are interwoven – working in unison to create a safe environment for all. 

Two examples of enhancing your school safety ecosystem include (1) the creation and execution of a school safety plan and (2) the education of students and stakeholders on that plan.

Every school needs an effective safety plan for addressing a host of potential issues, including unwanted intruders, emergencies, and lockdowns resulting from identified threats like active shooter incidents. School safety plans are comprised of a variety of assets, including site assessments, threat assessments, and employee and student training.

Training educators, staff, and students in effective responses to lockdowns and other intruder threats results in a school-wide understanding of the precautionary measures and the in-circumstance behaviors that are needed to save and preserve lives. Simply put: When students and others in the building are aware of how to respond and practice such responses regularly, even if they may be frightened during a real intruder event, they will still be able to take action immediately – out of habit rather than out of panic and confusion. That, in itself, saves lives.

#2: Upgrade Outdated Technology to Enhance Emergency Response

Schools across the country are working diligently to protect students, staff, and educators each day and our team is here to help. 

One of the primary ways we support our clients is to consult with them regularly – offering our insights on advancements in safety and communications technology that can benefit their unique needs. Additionally, we diagnose areas of concern in need of improvement and highlight strengths in their existing systems that can be leveraged for integration with new safety technologies. Let’s explore this example: You’ve just installed a state-of-the-art video surveillance system. But your intercom system produces less-than-optimal function resulting from years or decades of adding on speakers without an overarching strategy behind those additions. After performing a diagnostic review and confirming that your surveillance system is delivering optimal results, our recommendations for improvements focus on removing the limitations of your current intercom solution, which could be best addressed by upgrades to your VoIP and paging systems.

In many cases, learning which outdated technology is in need of an upgrade and then taking corrective action to implement an improved solution is an excellent way to protect your school’s buildings and grounds from intruders. It creates a greater likelihood of swift and effective responses during emergencies. And that’s a step in the right direction you’ll want to make sure you take.

#3: Ensure Telecommunications Devices and Systems Provide Crystal-Clear Communication

In an emergency, every second counts. And muffled voices or unclear phone conversations can mean disaster when an intruder is entering or attempting to enter your buildings or grounds. 

That’s why, at Eastern DataComm, we work with our clients to ensure they’re heard loud and clear when it matters most.

VoIP phone systems are the gold standard for schools and districts in need of clear communication. And with recent legislation requiring phone systems to have certain emergency-related capabilities, it’s more important than ever to consider your voice options.

VoIP systems also provide the opportunity to integrate the phone system with emergency notification systems and other safety technology solutions. And these systems can be customized to meet the needs of your school community in ways that make daily calls and even district-wide communication easier than before.

#4 Look for Ways to Enhance Security in Your Buildings and on Your Grounds

From access control to video surveillance and even paging systems, there are a variety of ways to enhance the overall security of your schools and district. But the important consideration is what makes the most sense for your needs and goals.

For example, video surveillance, when done well, can help to keep an around-the-clock eye on your buildings and grounds. This means you can monitor for intruders and immediately react as needed.

Access control systems allow you to control door locks and equip entryways with an added layer of security against intruders. This also helps make entry in the morning and dismissal less chaotic for visitors, staff, and students.

And, as the community learns of these added layers of protection, the systems you implement become a deterrent to those considering perpetrating unwanted actions.

#5 Remove the Chance for Human Error Wherever Possible with Integrated Technology

Intruder incidents can be terrifying and devastating if not responded to quickly and correctly. That’s why our Eastern DataComm team created an integrated technology system that reduces the chance of human error by ensuring all of your safety and security technology solutions are working together.

The Lockdown and Emergency Notification System and continuous monitoring service (LENS + OPTICS) provides comprehensive message dissemination when every second counts. It integrates with your school’s paging system as well as with your school’s VoIP phone system, lights and signage, access control, and video surveillance systems. The result is a swift and effective response to intruders that can be activated at the push of a button, by entering a code on a phone, or using an app-based initiation from a smart device.

Systems like this greatly reduce the chance of human error or having an emergency message ‘lost in translation’ when stress is high and time is limited. Utilizing this technology increases the chance that everyone in your buildings and on your grounds understands that there is an active threat or urgent situation occurring and can react as policy, procedure, and drill rehearsals have dictated. From LED beacons and signboards to PC pop-up messages, to emails, texts, and automated calls to police, everything is handled fast and efficiently.

Plus, OPTICS, the system self-monitoring technology, ensures that there is always a watchful eye on the components that enable optimal performance of your LENS system. Simply put, OPTICS ensures everything in your LENS system is running as it should be. 

By leveraging these technology solutions to your advantage, you can focus on what needs your attention most during an emergency.

Understanding Compliance: Navigating School Safety Regulations

Adherence to federal and state regulations is crucial for maintaining a secure educational environment. Key legislations such as Kari’s Law, the RAY BAUM’s Act, and Alyssa’s Law have been enacted to enhance emergency response and communication within schools.

Kari’s Law

Enacted in 2018, Kari’s Law mandates that multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) allow users to dial 911 directly without requiring any prefix. This legislation was inspired by a tragic incident where a child was unable to reach emergency services due to such a restriction. Compliance ensures that during emergencies, help is just three digits away.

How This Affects Schools: Schools must ensure their phone systems comply with Kari’s Law to allow direct 911 dialing, particularly in classrooms and administrative offices.

RAY BAUM’s Act

This act requires that any 911 call made from an MLTS provides a “dispatchable location,” ensuring that emergency responders can pinpoint the caller’s exact location within a facility. For schools, this means upgrading systems to transmit specific location details, such as building, floor, and room number, enhancing the efficiency of emergency responses.

How This Affects Schools: Schools need VoIP phone systems capable of transmitting room-level location data to first responders.

Alyssa’s Law

Named in memory of Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the Parkland school shooting, this law mandates the installation of silent panic alarms in schools. These alarms provide a direct link to local law enforcement, enabling swift action during critical situations. Implementing such systems not only complies with legal requirements but also significantly reduces response times during emergencies.

How This Affects Schools: Schools should implement panic buttons and automated lockdown systems integrated with emergency notification solutions.

Leveraging Access Control Systems to Prevent Unauthorized Entry

Unauthorized access poses a significant threat to school safety. Implementing robust access control systems is essential to monitor and restrict entry, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the premises.

Electronic Keycards and Remote Locking Mechanisms

Transitioning from traditional lock-and-key systems to electronic keycards allows schools to monitor entry and exit in real time. Remote locking mechanisms enable administrators to secure all access points instantly during a potential threat, preventing intruders from moving freely within the facility.

Upgrading to electronic keycards allows schools to:

  • Control access remotely
  • Track who enters and exits the building
  • Lock doors instantly during a security threat

Visitor Management Systems

Modern visitor management systems require all guests to sign in and out, often incorporating identification scanning and badge printing. This process not only tracks who is on campus but also deters unauthorized individuals from attempting to enter.

AI and Automation in School Security: The Future of Protection

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are revolutionizing school security by providing proactive threat detection and response capabilities.

AI-Powered Video Surveillance

Modern surveillance systems equipped with AI can identify unusual activities, such as unauthorized intrusions or suspicious behaviors, and send immediate alerts to security personnel. This real-time analysis enables swift intervention before situations escalate.

AI-powered cameras can:

  • Detect unusual movement or suspicious behavior
  • Recognize unauthorized individuals on campus
  • Send automatic alerts to school administrators

Facial Recognition Technology

Integrating facial recognition with existing security systems allows for the identification of individuals on watchlists or those who have been previously flagged, preventing potential threats from entering school grounds.

Automated Emergency Alerts

Automation ensures that once a threat is detected, predefined protocols are activated without delay. For instance, if an intruder is identified, the system can automatically initiate a lockdown, notify law enforcement, and broadcast alerts to all classrooms simultaneously.

Eastern DataComm’s LENS + OPTICS system integrates:

  • PA announcements
  • Text and email alerts
  • Automated police notifications

The Cost of Inaction: Why Schools Must Invest in Security

While enhancing school security requires financial investment, the cost of inaction can be far greater, both in terms of human lives and financial repercussions.

Financial Implications of Security Breaches

Schools that have experienced security breaches often face expenses ranging from $50,000 to $1 million, covering costs such as legal fees, infrastructure repairs, and crisis management.

Return on Investment (ROI) in Safety Measures

Investing in advanced security technologies not only mitigates potential losses but also fosters a secure learning environment, which is invaluable. Proactive measures can prevent incidents that disrupt education and incur significant costs.

Funding Opportunities

Recognizing the importance of school safety, various federal and state grants are available to assist institutions in implementing necessary security measures. For example, in fiscal year 2023, the COPS Office awarded over $73 million through the School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) for purposes including acquiring technology for the faster notification of law enforcement during emergency situations.

Additional grants are available through the Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, as well as the Department of Homeland Security.

Strengthening Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital & Physical Safety

In today’s digital age, protecting against cyber threats is as crucial as physical security.

Prevalence of Cyber Attacks in Schools

Educational institutions have become prime targets for cybercriminals. Schools face increasing cyber threats, from ransomware attacks to data breaches affecting student records.

Common Vulnerabilities

  • Human Error: A significant number of breaches result from phishing attacks and weak password practices.
  • Phishing Scams: Staff accidentally click on malicious links.
  • Weak Passwords: Inadequate protection of school networks.
  • Outdated Software: Security gaps in old operating systems.

Safer Schools Start Here

Reach out to Eastern DataComm today to schedule a customized School Safety Consultation to keep your learning community connected and protected.

Also Read:

7 Ways to Improve School Safety for the 2023–2024 School Year

WSI Comandix on July 5, 2023

In 2021, our Eastern DataComm team released a blog regarding five ways to improve school safety. 

Today, with over twenty recent incidents of school violence continuing to devastate districts across the country, we’re revisiting this topic with renewed focus. As we continue our commitment to be part of the solution, we’re bringing you seven ways you can improve school safety in the upcoming school year.

We hope this insight will help you and your fellow school or district stakeholders have impactful conversations about enhancing safety in your buildings and on your grounds. We encourage you to leverage this information to assist with ensuring your school remains a safe learning environment for all those you serve.

7 Ways to Boost School Safety in 2023–2024

1. Practice Emergency Plans (for Quick Lockdowns)

A great first step in improving your school or district’s safety is to refine, enhance, and practice your emergency response plans.

From lockdowns and active shooter events to shelter in place and evacuation drills, when repetition is combined with effective planning and the right technology, schools become safer by design.

This is perhaps most evident when it comes to lockdown drills and preparing for urgent events like those that make national headlines. 

As a stakeholder at one of our client districts explains,

“If everybody can lock down before that perpetrator gets into the hallway, and the hallways are clear, that person’s going to be going down the hallway, looking for kids … and we’re locked down.

“So it is extremely, extremely relevant and important that the faster that we have the ability to put the school on lockdown, the more lives that we could be saving… With our drills, we’re locked down, basically clearing the halls within 10 seconds … And the more quickly we secure the buildings, that’s more lives that we’re going to save.”

– District Safety and Emergency Management Coordinator

A Burlington County, NJ, School District

There is no way to overstate the vital nature of swift and effective lockdowns. And that all begins with practice.

2. Monitor School Visitors

Another key way to improve your school’s overall safety is to ensure you can effectively monitor school visitors. 

School identification cards are a great first step for staff, educators, administrators, aides, and students. But what about parents, guardians, and other visitors?

When it comes to improving school safety, technology solutions like video surveillance and access control can help you keep unwanted visitors out of your school and allow those who need access to your learning community to gain entry in a way you can track, monitor, and regulate.

3. Create a Supportive Environment

Improving school safety requires a supportive environment. And a supportive environment encompasses administrative and counseling support for students who need it. While those resources are incredibly essential and impactful, they’re only part of the story.

The school safety ecosystem also includes resource officers and police, training, threat assessment, compliance with state and federal law, and technology infrastructure. That technology infrastructure, in order to be effective, must be comprehensive. Total coverage ensures everyone can be made aware of an emergency quickly and effectively. With tech solutions like video surveillance, access control, paging systems, and VoIP phone systems, your safety technology ecosystem becomes all the more responsive. 

Creating a supportive environment begins with empowering confidence. That comes from knowing that everyone can get the important emergency notification messages they need when it matters most. This is achieved through utilizing and integrating underlying systems that enable rapid communication when every second counts.

4. Get Stakeholders Involved throughout the Process of Making Your School Safer

Making schools and districts safer is a team effort. The most commonly recognized players are our school administrators, staff, teachers, counselors, technology professionals, and the local emergency services teams. 

But it bears mentioning that custodians, parents, guardians, teaching aides, school board members, and PTA members can also help to actively improve school safety when they’re brought to the table to share their insights. Whether it’s a feedback session, more formal meetings, or presentations at their meetings, getting these groups on board is a great asset.

It also serves to keep everyone on the same page in case of a real emergency.

Each of these groups or individuals has a unique perspective on what’s working, what may need improvement, and how that improvement might be achieved. And they all share in your goal of protecting those within your school walls and on your grounds each day.

5. Create Partnerships That Foster a More Robust School Safety Ecosystem

Fostering a truly comprehensive and robust school safety ecosystem also includes those in disciplines beyond education.

Enhancing your relationships with local emergency responders and police is a great place to start. While you’ve surely established these relationships, it can be impactful to foster them with more regular meetings, an ongoing discussion on potential improvements, and an exploration of enhancements for things like drills and best practices. 

Developing partnerships with a safety and communications technology partner like Eastern DataComm is also immensely valuable. These relationships can help you prepare in every possible way for an emergency, unearthing vulnerabilities you and your team may not yet have been aware of, but now can proactively address. Ultimately, building these relationships can lead to a stronger school safety ecosystem overall. Professionals can help you strategically improve your school safety ecosystem by educating, implementing, and advising you regarding your school’s evolving needs. Our team at Eastern DataComm is dedicated to doing just that.

6. Recognize Potential Vulnerabilities in Your Buildings and Grounds and Work to Address Them

It can be devastating to reflect on past tragedies from Columbine to Uvalde and realize that our schools may have similar challenges when it comes to safety even today. But the very act of identifying these potential areas of vulnerability is a step in the right direction.

One way to begin the process of identifying issues in your buildings and grounds is to connect with your team and a safety and technology advisor or vendor partner. Together, you can move through a comprehensive assessment and create a game plan for enhancements that will really make all the difference in the event of a school-wide emergency.

At Eastern DataComm, our team begins this process. Our school safety consultative and diagnostic approach allows us to partner with schools and districts to assess and take meaningful action to address areas of potential vulnerability and empowers our customers to take charge of creating safer schools for today and beyond.

7. Consider Integrating Your School Safety Technology for Swifter, Streamlined Responses to Emergencies

A final consideration that bears noting when it comes to improving your school’s safety is the power of integration. Integrating your technology solutions, from phones to public address (PA) systems, video surveillance to access control, can reduce the chance of human error during stress-filled emergency situations.

Eastern DataComm’s LENS + OPTICS system is a practical example of this integrated approach to school safety. The Lockdown and Emergency Notification System (and its self-monitoring OPTICS system) allow schools to immediately notify everyone on campus, along with law enforcement and first responders, once a threat has been recognized.

The process begins with the push-button activation of a lockdown, shelter-in-place, or evacuation. This emergency notification solution includes scalable, integrated technology from phones, wireless devices, strobes, and pre-recorded notifications. This comprehensive approach to lockdowns ensures that everyone is aware of the situation and can respond efficiently and effectively, with a reduced risk of human error. 

For further customization, the integrations can be personalized to the needs of your school so that you have the means to achieve a connected and protected school environment.

It’s truly the system you want in place when every second counts.

Strengthening Access Control for Schools: Beyond Visitor Management

While monitoring visitors is essential, schools must take a proactive approach to access control to prevent unauthorized entry.

Key Access Control Solutions

  • Electronic Badge Systems – Require students, staff, and visitors to scan ID badges at entry points, ensuring only authorized individuals can access school buildings.
  • Remote Locking Mechanisms – Allow administrators to secure all doors remotely during an emergency, preventing intruders from moving freely through the school.
  • Door Prop Alarm Systems – Detect propped-open doors and send alerts to security personnel, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Man-Trap Entryways – A two-door entry system that requires visitor verification before allowing full access, adding an extra layer of security.

How Schools Can Implement Stronger Access Control

  • Conduct monthly access audits to identify vulnerabilities in entry points and lock systems.
  • Integrate access control with emergency notification systems to trigger automatic lockdowns.
  • Train staff on how to use and enforce access control protocols effectively.

School Safety Laws and Compliance: What Schools Must Follow

Beyond emergency planning and security upgrades, compliance with federal and state safety laws is essential to ensuring a legally sound and effective security strategy.

Federal Regulations That Impact School Security

Kari’s Law – Requires that all multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) allow users to dial 911 directly without needing to dial a prefix. This ensures instant emergency communication from any school phone.

RAY BAUM’s Act – Schools must ensure that 911 calls provide a precise location, such as room number or building name, so first responders know exactly where to go.

Alyssa’s Law – Requires schools to install silent panic alarms directly connected to law enforcement, reducing response times during emergencies.

Why Compliance Matters

Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to delays in emergency response, legal liabilities, and funding issues. Schools should routinely audit their phone systems, emergency notification tools, and access control measures to ensure compliance.

The Financial Impact of School Security: Why Investment Is Essential

Some schools delay security upgrades due to budget constraints, but investing in education security is not optional—it’s necessary.

The Hidden Costs of Security Failures

Schools that experience security breaches, unauthorized intrusions, or emergency response delays can face the following:

  • Legal consequences if safety compliance is not met.
  • Higher insurance premiums due to increased liability risks.
  • Potential loss of funding if state safety standards are violated.

Federal and State Funding for School Safety

  • Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – Provides $1 billion in federal grants for school security and mental health programs.
  • STOP School Violence Act – Offers funding for security technology, threat assessments, and school safety training.
  • State-Level Grants – Many states offer specific funding opportunities for access control, emergency notification systems, and security infrastructure upgrades.

How Schools Can Secure Funding for Safety Upgrades

  • Identify grant opportunities through state and federal agencies.
  • Work with security vendors like Eastern DataComm to build a cost-effective implementation plan.
  • Leverage community partnerships for additional financial support.

The Future of School Security: Emerging Technologies to Watch

Advancements in security technology continue to shape how schools detect threats, respond to emergencies, and improve communication.

AI-Powered Security Enhancements

  • Facial Recognition Entry Systems – Restrict access to authorized personnel and flag unknown individuals in real time.
  • Gun Detection AI for Security Cameras – Uses pattern recognition software to detect weapons and alert authorities instantly.
  • Automated Lockdown Systems – AI-driven access control that automatically locks doors when a threat is detected.
  • Smart Panic Buttons – Wireless devices that trigger instant lockdowns and emergency alerts when activated.

Integration with Existing School Security Systems

New security technologies must be compatible with existing infrastructure, such as intercom systems, video surveillance, and access control tools, to ensure a seamless emergency response.

Improving School Safety Starts with the Right Technology Partner

Creating a safe and secure learning environment requires proactive planning, the right technology, and expert guidance. If you’re a teacher looking to make your school a safer place, we encourage you to share this resource with your administration.

And if you’re an administrator, we’d love to connect with you to explore technology solutions that augment your emergency operations plans.

At Eastern DataComm, we help schools implement:

  • Advanced access control systems to restrict and monitor entry.
  • Emergency notification solutions that integrate with paging, text, and digital signage.
  • VoIP phone systems that meet Kari’s Law and RAY BAUM’s Act compliance.
  • AI-powered security enhancements for real-time threat detection.

Reach out to Eastern DataComm today to schedule a customized School Safety Consultation to keep your community connected and protected.

Also Read: 5 Ways to Improve Schools Safety

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