Explore the key challenges in protecting critical infrastructure in 2024 and learn how LVT’s innovative solutions help address them.
Not long ago, a power plant in Nashville, Tennessee, barely dodged disaster when an attempted attack threatened to cut power to thousands. Unfortunately, it’s not an isolated incident. Since 2022, America’s critical infrastructure has been on high alert after a series of attacks on energy grids, water systems, and other pieces of critical infrastructure. In North Carolina, trespassers took down an electrical substation, leaving 45,000 people in the dark. Out in the Pacific Northwest, utility stations have been attacked six different times, racking up millions in damages and disrupting services for thousands.
These attacks are a harsh reminder that the systems we rely on every day are far more vulnerable than most of us realize. Critical infrastructure isn’t just the backbone of society; it’s what keeps everything running. When it’s hit, entire communities are left scrambling, exposed, and at risk.
The year 2024 has presented new challenges and emphasized the need for better physical security measures to protect critical infrastructure. Traditional security approaches are no longer enough. This article explores the key pain points in physical security for critical infrastructure and highlights innovative solutions that can help organizations stay resilient and adaptive in the face of emerging challenges.
Physical security is the boots-on-the-ground defense that keeps critical infrastructure safe. Tools like surveillance cameras, fences, and even on-site patrols try to deter and respond to threats. While cyberattacks targeting data and systems tend to make headlines, physical threats can be just as disruptive—damaging property, cutting off essential services, and putting people at risk. Attacks on power grids, water systems, or communication networks don’t just cause inconvenience; they can send shockwaves through entire communities as they are left without vital resources.
As digital and physical systems become increasingly intertwined, the line between the two types of security is getting blurry. A lapse in physical security, like someone gaining unauthorized access to a server room, could unravel even the best cybersecurity defenses. On the flip side, a cyberattack could take out alarms or surveillance systems, leaving infrastructure wide open to physical threats.
While cybersecurity often dominates the conversation, physical security remains the essential first line of defense. It protects the systems that power homes, provide clean water, and keep communication flowing. In a world where the stakes for critical infrastructure couldn’t be higher, physical security ensures that the backbone of daily life stays strong and reliable.
As critical infrastructure continues to expand, a range of challenges have emerged that threaten its security. In 2024, organizations saw several pain points in protecting infrastructure as threats increased in complexity and frequency.
Many critical infrastructure resources—such as power stations, pipelines, and communication towers—are located in remote areas. These isolated locations often lack reliable security coverage, leaving them more susceptible to vandalism, theft, and sabotage. Protecting these areas is often expensive and can be a logistical nightmare. Without effective surveillance and response capabilities, remote infrastructure remains at an increased risk. These out-of-the-way locations are a hotspot for crime.
Budget limitations are another big hurdle in securing critical infrastructure. Many organizations find themselves balancing the need for comprehensive security with tight financial constraints. Critical infrastructure is often government funded and finding the finances to pay for changes can be a slow process. High-quality surveillance and intrusion detection systems don’t come cheap, and few can afford to install them everywhere they’re needed. On top of that, limited budgets for staffing and training make it tough to deploy and maintain effective security measures, especially as the demand for cutting-edge technology keeps rising.
As critical infrastructure ages, it becomes more challenging and costly to secure. Older systems often aren’t compatible with modern security technologies. They are also more susceptible to damage, tampering, and wear-and-tear, which can compromise reliability and safety. Upgrading these systems is not only expensive but also disruptive to operations, leaving many organizations stuck with outdated systems.
Luckily, there’s a solution to these challenges. LiveView Technologies (LVT) provides a range of innovative solutions to help organizations secure critical infrastructure effectively and efficiently. By leveraging advanced technology and adaptable strategies, LVT addresses many of the common pain points in physical security. Here are some key ways LVT helps safeguard critical properties.
LVT’s mobile surveillance units offer a flexible, effective way to protect critical infrastructure. The mobile nature of these units means they can be used in even the hardest-to-reach areas. These units are easily relocatable, making them ideal for covering large or evolving sites like construction zones, energy facilities, and communication centers. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and solar panels, and built with durability in mind, LVT’s mobile units provide reliable monitoring in even the most challenging environments.
False alarms and delayed responses can be costly. LVT addresses this with advanced security analytics and AI-supported threat detection, which proactively identify unusual activity and distinguish real threats from harmless events. Appropriate alerts are then triggered, reducing the number of false alarms and ensuring that security teams can respond swiftly. LVT’s technology provides real-time analysis, helping operators identify risks before they escalate. This approach not only improves the accuracy of threat detection but also enables a more efficient use of security resources.
LVT’s mobile surveillance units are designed for quick deployment without requiring costly or disruptive modifications to existing properties. For older sites where wiring or permanent installations are impractical, LVT’s wireless, solar-powered systems provide a hassle-free way to implement cutting-edge security. This flexibility allows operators to strengthen their defenses without the need for major structural upgrades, saving both time and resources.
LVT has experience when it comes to protecting critical infrastructure. From island power grids to urban fuel, our units have proven they can safeguard facilities and keep communities running smoothly.
Hawaiian Electric, on the island of Oahu, works with LVT to keep their critical infrastructure safe. They are responsible for providing power to the entire island, making their dependability extremely important. They see that high-quality security plays a vital role in providing the best source of electrical energy. Using LVT’s mobile systems, Hawaiian Electric has protected physical assets all over the island. Whether it is a power plant, substation, or worksite they are able to relocate the systems wherever they are most needed, providing an efficient and cost-effective solution to security concerns. Their power supports hospitals, the military, and law enforcement that keep entire communities operating smoothly.
The Los Angeles Refinery (LAR) shows how LVT’s innovative solutions can transform security at critical infrastructure sites. Marathon Petroleum turned to LVT after seeing an increase in break-ins, car thefts, and safety compliance issues. After deploying the security unit in their most problematic areas, Marathon Petroleum saw a complete elimination of vehicle and chemical thefts. The flashing lights, powerful cameras, and alert features completely deterred criminals and enforced critical safety protocols. These units didn’t just secure the refinery’s most vulnerable areas—they also restored employee confidence and ensured compliance with Department of Homeland Security standards. LVT systems can deliver tangible results for high-stakes operations.
Critical infrastructure operates quietly in the background of our everyday lives, powering our homes, fueling our transportation, and connecting our communities. Most of us don’t stop to consider all the pieces that come together for us to flip on a light switch or turn on a faucet. 2024 has brought its share of challenges, but LiveView Technologies can alleviate those pain points with powerful solutions. From safeguarding remote assets to ensuring compliance and bolstering aging systems, LVT is ready to help secure the foundations of communities. By choosing LVT, organizations can turn today’s vulnerabilities into tomorrow’s strengths, ensuring a safer, more resilient future for everyone.
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