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Unisol International 8024 NW 90th St.
Miami, FL 33166, USA.
Tel. 1-305-885-2656 Fax. 1-305-489-2685

By Alberto Jessurun / March 15, 2023 / Blog

Answered By Pros: Is Audio Security for Cameras Worth It?

Today, security is of utmost importance. Malicious actors are getting more advanced with their tactics, meaning video surveillance isn’t enough. Adding audio for security cameras is a perfect supplement to video surveillance and can elevate your security efforts from good to superb.

Key Takeaways:

Audio security uses audio recording and monitoring equipment to enhance a facility’s overall security.
Audio security provides improved threat detection, increased situational awareness, and cost savings.
Best practices for audio security include legal and ethical considerations, proper equipment selection and setup, and regular maintenance and updates.

You’ve installed that state-of-the-art security camera in your premise, offering much-needed video surveillance. However, you’re still missing something—the sounds that could add more information about a threat or a crime.

With video surveillance, you’re only getting half the story. Audio security is the missing piece of the puzzle that completes the picture of your surveillance system.

So, what is audio security, and why is it important? Here’s an overview of audio security, which is the key to a comprehensive security system.

What is audio security?

Audio security is a supplement feature to video cameras allowing for audio recording, sound detection, and alarms to enhance the overall security of a premise.

One of the critical features of audio for security cameras is that it captures audio data. Video surveillance can provide a clear picture of what is happening in a particular area, but it may not capture important sounds, such as verbal threats or commands. Video security captures visual data only.

Audio security fills this gap by recording and analyzing sounds that can provide vital information for security purposes.

But do security cameras have audio? Yes, security cameras can have audio capabilities depending on the camera model. Some cameras are designed with built-in microphones to capture audio, while others may require an external microphone to be added.

Several audio security systems are available, including audio recording for security cameras, sound detection and alarms, voice recognition, and acoustic surveillance.

Why do you need audio security?

Considering how sophisticated physical threats are today, audio for security cameras is not just an aesthetic feature—it’s a must-have for any comprehensive security system. Here are some excellent reasons why you may need audio security:

-Improved threat detection and response

One of the main benefits of audio for security cameras is that it can help improve detection and response to potential threats. For example, audio analytics software can help detect specific keywords or phrases that may indicate a security threat, such as the sound of gunshots or someone shouting for help.

-Enhancement of video surveillance

Audio security can be used alongside video surveillance to provide additional evidence, such as a perpetrator admitting to committing a crime. According to a publication by Research Gate, audio evidence can be used to supplement or contradict video evidence. It can identify suspects, establish relationships, and establish the sequence of events.

-Cost savings

Audio for security cameras is a cost-saving solution that eliminates the need for additional cameras or security personnel. For example, audio security capable of identifying the sound of breaking glass can help reduce the costs associated with installing specialized glass break sensors at multiple entry points.

-Improved identification of suspects

Audio recording security for cameras can also aid in identifying suspects by matching voices and speech patterns to confirm their presence in a specific area. This gives the security personnel an edge in identifying the suspects.

-Increased situational awareness

This technology can also increase situational awareness by providing additional information about an event in a particular location. Audio recordings can identify a person’s voice or sound, which can be critical in investigations. It can also be used to monitor customer or employee interactions, providing insights into the behavior of individuals on the property.

Adopting best practices for audio security

Like any other security solution, the audio version also comes with its set of requirements for optimal operations. These conditions are necessary for you to get the best from the system and be at risk of compliance issues. Here are some crucial things to keep in mind:

1. Create awareness

Always communicate to employees and visitors that audio surveillance is used on the property. Do this through posted signs, employee handbooks, or other forms of communication.

Another thing to keep in mind is to limit audio surveillance to areas deemed necessary for security purposes, such as high-risk or high-traffic areas.

Establish policies and procedures for handling audio surveillance footage, including who has access to it, how it is stored and for how long, and how it is disposed of.

2. Legal considerations

Is audio surveillance legal in the workplace? As an organization, you should be mindful of local, state, and federal laws regarding audio surveillance. One of the essential best practices for audio security is to be aware of and comply with all legal and ethical requirements.

In many jurisdictions, some laws govern the use of audio recordings. Some laws consider things such as data privacy, consent, and data retention. It is important to consider ethical considerations such as the right to privacy and the potential for misuse of audio recordings.

3. Cybersecurity requirements

Cybersecurity is a big issue today, and if you are not careful, you may be victim to a significant threat that can be costly to address. Always protect audio recordings from unauthorized access using secure storage methods, such as encryption, password protection, and access controls.

Keep software and firmware up to date on audio security systems to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks. Monitor audio security systems for any unusual activity and address any suspicious activity immediately.

Implement the best audio security system with Unisol International

Are you struggling to find a reliable, experienced company to help you implement audio security in your workplace? Executing and exploiting the full benefits of these systems is easier said than done.

The good news is that by partnering with the professionals from Unisol International, you will rest easy knowing your audio security needs are taken care of while you handle other critical aspects of your business.

As experts in electronic security, telecommunications, and professional audio/video distribution, we have the knowledge and experience to help you achieve a comprehensive and effective audio security system. We offer a wide range of services and products and fully comply with trade regulations, export licenses, and regulatory issues within the industry. For more information about our audio security solutions, please visit our website today.

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