Security and voice assistants International Security Journal
Voice assistants have previously comfortably found a location within our busy, modern lives. Recent statistics have shown that ownership of smart speakers – such as the Amazon Echo – has doubled in 6 months in the UK. In the US, 39 million smart speakers were shipped in 2019 , with 41 million units forecast for 2019.
This rapid progression and recognition in voice-controlled devices around the home begs the question: where does voice control feature in home security systems and what opportunities will it bring to the construction industry?
The Internet of products (IoT) has already made it possible for that convergence of mechanical and electronic security systems, so voice control may be the natural progression within the advancement of home security systems. Along with the opportunities it invites, we must also factor in the questions around voice control like a viable, secure solution.
The industry is changing, bear in mind security
In the development industry, voice control is really a considerably new technology.
The market is undergoing a duration of change, where tech is enabling numerous opportunities to leverage new and old solutions. Alongside technological developments, we're now in a position to implement comprehensive, holistic, layered solutions for the betterment in our security and safety protocols.
As a business, we're definitely not far from incorporating smart objects – whether that's doors or walls – into our systems.
What we're now seeing is a increase in the development of smart tags and devices which transform everyday, mundane objects into smart devices. These tags work by connecting the objects to WiFi, transforming them into IoT devices.
And, much like these forms, voice control is on the rise too. However, whilst promising greater ease and efficiency, we should make sure it matches track of relation to its security.
Voice assistants are the latest innovation; what about cybersecurity?
Voice assistants understandably raise questions regarding cybersecurity. For example, those using it as a means of improving security want to consider several things. Voice assistants face many of the same cybersecurity threats that other connected products face. No device, whether IoT or not, is immune from cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The bottom line is the opportunity to update software and apps and also to select a device from someone having a track record of quality and security.
Although in the infancy, voice-controlled devices should also think about the consumer experience and task to become done. What this means is implementing we've got the technology for the advantage of specific requirements, allowing those getting together with it to carry out the duties that they need to. Therefore, a whole network of considerations must be in position to use voice control to its full potential alongside an accompanying security strategy.
The technology behind voice biometrics continues to progress, meaning sophisticated voice recognition has additionally improved. Voice can't offer only convenience, but be an additional layer of security, particularly when used as a multi-factor authentication to increase trust security strength.
Allegion voice solutions
Voice-control is already in and around many of our homes and IoT home security systems that integrate with voice assistants have increased in popularity during the last few years. A lot of companies also have developed apps that connect with your video doorbell enabling you to see who's at your door and talk to them via your smartphone, wherever you are.
So where do voice-enabled devices fit amongst Allegion's state-of-the-art systems?
Alongside mobile credentials, PIN codes and access control readers, voice provide additional convenience and security. Allegion was an earlier leader in voice integration for residential security: Schlage Connect, Schlage Sense and CISA MyEvo work with popular voice assistants and business investments happen to be made in Pindrop and Nuki, which incorporate voice into their solutions. Earlier this month, Schlage Encode was introduced – a deadbolt with WiFi connectivity built in – making voice-enabled locking even easier.
However, this is just the start for Allegion and the industry as a whole. What we should can expect in the future is not only the groundbreaking innovations, but the opportunities it wields, too. As an industry, safety and security are top priorities. Dealing with technologies such as artificial intelligence and voice will enable manufacturers to foster new, convenient solutions whilst maintaining a firm grip on quality and security.