The cannabis industry has not been a functioning and legal business for long, and the high-risk nature of this business makes top-level security necessary.

Effective security systems need to be in place to reduce the risk of robbery and crime while also ensuring that employees maintain compliance with local and federal regulations. There are many security systems that you can employ to protect your business and its assets that are sweeping the cannabis industry. Our top four security technology trends in the cannabis industry for 2022 are integrating video security and access control, cloud-based systems, a zero-trust strategy, and increased cybersecurity awareness for all employees. 

Integrated Access Control and Video Security Systems

Leading marijuana security solutions combine video and access control to secure a building through CCTV footage and identity verification. They relieve the administrative burden of intensely guarding the facility and its assets when integrated. Integrating your video security and access control systems reduces the need for a constant presence on-site to ensure security.

It would be best to have high-quality cameras to offer the best resolution and picture quality to enhance your visibility for your video security needs. Higher resolution cameras are more likely to capture the visual identity of intruders and lead to a successful conviction, deterring future intruders.

As cannabis is a high-risk industry, using two-factor authentication for your building access control system is even better to give your business added protection to your facility's perimeter and rooms that have restricted employee access. You'll get to see people through the CCTV and check their identification simultaneously to ensure a doubly secure facility.

Cloud-Based Systems 

Integrating your security systems via a cloud-based system is the safest way to manage the well-being of your facility as it centralizes your security system management onto one platform. Remote access allows your security team to remain offsite while still having excellent visibility of the site and its employees. 

Cloud-based security is ideal for businesses with multiple dispensaries as security could be managed for all properties via an online platform remotely. You would save space and money in each facility as you would only require one security team to monitor one system instead of multiple units and systems that could compromise the security of the business. You can reduce your overhead costs while gaining greater control over your business with cloud-based security. 

Zero-Trust Security Strategy

A zero-trust security strategy encourages you to verify every physical and digital interaction stage to ensure maximum protection for your business. Your company should no longer trust everyone based on relationships; instead, it should rely on security protocols to protect you in case.

Zero-trust is trending in the cannabis security world. In 2021, a survey showed that 30% of companies have begun to adopt a zero-trust security model, with a further 42% planning to shortly. This security model requires employee verification at every step and allows access to any resources, which is especially important against employee breaches.

Increased Cybersecurity

As the security world is beginning to transition to cloud-based systems, vulnerabilities are constantly evolving, so we must be more vigilant regarding cybersecurity to protect our assets. The key ways to protect your business best are to be aware of risks and provide cybersecurity training to all employees. 

Cybersecurity Awareness

Cyber attacks can have devastating financial effects on businesses that can impact their ability to run as they did previously. By being aware of common hacks and places of vulnerability in your business, you can alter your protocols to strengthen your security. The top five cybersecurity threats to be aware of are:

• Phishing – Employees receive fake communications where scammers impersonate companies to hack their systems or steal their personal data. It is one of the oldest hacks in cybersecurity that has expanded to mobile and geographic phishing. 
• Extortion – Cyber extortionists hack businesses and threaten to release private data publicly unless they are paid off. 
• Public WiFi – Hybrid and remote working employees often use public wifi, which poses many risks as hacks can upload malware, intercept data, or steal personal information.
• Ransomware – Attackers hack the business, steal their data, and demand a fee for returned access to the data.
• IoT – Cannabis growing stations rely on IoT to maintain conditions and maximize yield, but it is highly vulnerable to hacking, resulting in a loss of control and potential damage to the crop. 

Cybersecurity Training

Implementing multiple security protocols and becoming aware of cybersecurity threats are fantastic ways to protect your business, but you may not realize that your employees are one of your most significant vulnerabilities. These systems can stop intentional employee breaches and protect your data, but they cannot prevent employees from making unintentional security mistakes.

By providing regular cybersecurity training, you can keep your employees apprised of cybersecurity risks and how to prevent them daily. With this training, employees will be encouraged to change their passwords regularly, enhance their computer protection, and avoid direct threats. This small protocol reduces cybersecurity risks significantly.