Wellington Security Systems is a dealer for DMP security systems. DMP is a family owned manufacturer of electronic burglary, fire, and access products. Since 1975 they have designed, built, distributed, and supported those products from their headquarters in Springfield, Missouri. DMP recently published a white paper entitled “Network Security is Serious Business” to describe measures they’ve taken to address data protection. Here’s how they addressed two common network vulnerabilities.
Two Potential Vulnerabilities to Network Security
Transmitting alarms to a central monitoring station
More and more of our clients are choosing cellular communicators to transmit alarms from their on-site security systems to the central monitoring station. “To provide a single source for affordable and reliable digital wireless communication for its panels, DMP created SecureCom Wireless in 2008. Rather than send alarm data to a clearinghouse where it’s interpreted and retransmitted to a central station receiver over the Internet, SecureCom has developed the most secure solution by working with partner cell carriers to transmit alarm signals directly from the control panel to the central station receivers. Customers appreciate a wireless system, eliminating any possibility of wires being cut by an intruder.”
Apps
Many of our customers upgrading or installing new systems opt to have us include an app to manage their systems. The app allows them to remotely control lights, thermostats, door locks, and more via an easy-to-use interface along with standard features such as arming/disarming, checking status, area arming, and output control. With the convenience of a mobile app comes additional security concerns. DMP addresses those concerns by utilizing Tier 4 Data Centers to provide security and redundancy of its servers and all SecureCom Wireless network assets.
“The primary assets of SecureCom Wireless are located within Tier 4 data centers in Dallas, TX and St. Louis, MO. Tier 4 is designed to host mission critical servers and computer systems with fully redundant subsystems (cooling, power, network links, storage, etc.) and compartmentalized security zones controlled by biometric access controls methods.”
Maintaining Security
“Every quarter, SecureCom Wireless completes third-party pen testing by a PCI/DSS-approved scanning vendor, and much more frequently, in-house pen testing is completed. Routine patches are applied to all assets monthly, and critical patches are applied much more frequently.”
A penetration test, or pen-test, is an attempt to evaluate the security of an IT infrastructure by safely trying to exploit vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities may exist in operating systems, services and application flaws, improper configurations or risky end-user behavior. Such assessments are also useful in validating the efficacy of defensive mechanisms, as well as, end-user adherence to security policies.
“There’s no question that digital security should not be taken lightly or ignored. Hackers are intent on breaking into systems, whether to collect data, commit online vandalism, or worse. Whether protecting home and family, retail establishments, professional spaces, bank chains or government facilities, DMP and SecureCom Wireless technology provide some of the most secure solutions available.”
DMP’s diligent approach to network security is one more reason we at Wellington Security Systems are confident they are the best choice for our customers.