Sreekumar NarayananChief Growth Officer,BNB Security & Automation solutions The ‘data center’ is no longer just rows of servers. It’s a system of systems – power, cooling, networks, densities and under growing environmental and regulatory pressure. For Corporate Security, that means your risk surface is both digital (IT – Information Technology) and physical/ industrial (OT – Operational Technology). The job is to keep computing safe and available while proving you are doing it responsibly. Below is a pragmatic guide to what’s changing, the risks to own and how to govern them in India – grounded in current standards and data. What changed and why Corporate Security is on point ● Density & liquids: AI (Artificial Intelligence) workloads push racks beyond 100 kW (kilowatts) per rack in cutting-edge deployments. Cooling is increasingly hydronic (liquid based) using CDUs (Coolant Distribution Units), pumps, valves and leak detectors all of which live on your OT (Operational Technology) network and require security, logging and response just like servers do. ● Power remains the #1 root cause of major incidents: Uptime Institute’s 2024 analysis finds on-site power distribution faults account for ~54% of impactful outages, ahead of cooling and cyber causes; most serious events still start as physical failures that cascade into IT impact. ● Standards assume IT+OT convergence: NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) SP 800-82 Rev.3 is the reference guide for OT security; ISA/ IEC 62443 formalizes ‘zones & conduits’ segmentation for industrial networks; CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) CPGs – Cross-Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals prioritize high-impact controls for mixed estates. ● Telemetry is getting standardized: Redfish 2024.4 (DMTF – Distributed Management Task Force) added leak detectors, liquid-cooling events and CDU controls to its schemas so plants can send consistent, machine-readable alarms. That’s a big win for SOC (Security Operations Center) automation. ● India-specific levers matter: The DPDP Act (Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023) raises the bar for governance and logging; the Green Energy Open Access Rules, 2022 allow eligible consumers (now ≥100 kW, not 1 MW) to directly procure renewable power relevant to ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) targets and incident communications. The CEA (Central Electricity Authority) CO₂ Baseline Database lets you compute emissions (for CUE – Carbon Usage Effectiveness) with India-specific factors. ● Bottom line: Security can’t be ‘IT only.’ You must own converged risk across IT, OT and physical security and prove it with metrics. Threat landscape ● Power-chain fragility: Grid instability, switchgear and busway failures, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) misconfigurations, selective-coordination mistakes – these remain the leading triggers of high-impact outages. Plan for electrical reality first. ● OT ransomware & remote-access abuse: Attackers increasingly target BMS (Building Management System), PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), drives and vendor remote portals to cause availability events. NIST SP 800-82r3 profiles these exposures and countermeasures. ● Cooling manipulation: Changing setpoints, disabling pumps/ fans or spoofing sensors can throttle AI halls quickly; leaks or over-pressure can create safety issues. ● Supply-chain risk: Firmware for drives and CDUs, cloud portals, spare seals and fluids – trust is often implicit but exploitable. ● Insiders & physical bypass: Tailgating, cage intrusion, under-floor tampering, badge misuse – still common in busy Colo (colocation) environments. ● Data-in-use risk: Sensitive model weights and PII processed on shared accelerators without confidential computing; poor evidence trails impede investigations. Risk statements the board should explicitly own ● Loss of cooling or power – from cyber or physical causes can escalate to thermal runaways and outage.● Compromise of OT networks (BMS/ CDU/ PLC) enables adversaries to affect safety, availability and integrity.● Third-party dependencies (Colo landlords, OEM cloud portals, remote support) create implicit trust paths.● Telemetry blind spots across IT/ OT/ physical domains delay detection and impede forensics.● Regulatory & ESG exposure (DPDP obligations, carbon/ water reporting) threatens licenses, customers and reputation. Control baseline Architecture & Segmentation ● Implement ISA/ IEC 62443 ‘zones & conduits’ that separate Corporate IT, OT-Core (BMS, CDUs, chillers, drives, PLCs), Security Systems (PACS – Physical Access Control System, VSS – Video Surveillance System), tenants/ guests. Only allow explicit, documented conduits; inspect protocols where practical. ● Terminate all vendor remote access in a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) you control; require MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), just-in-time tokens, session recording and time-boxed access windows. Identity & Least Privilege ● PAM (Privileged Access Management) for BMS/ PLC/ CDU/ HMI (Human-Machine Interface) accounts; absolutely no shared logins.● Badge + biometric + escort policy for white space; tool control & change tickets for hands-on work. Secure Configuration & Patch ● Maintain golden configs and approved firmware lists for OT devices; test in a lab twin before production.● Quarterly vulnerability review; hot-patch only with risk-of-change sign-off and a rollback plan (OT changes can be safety-critical). NIST SP 800-82r3 is explicit on operational constraints – follow it. Monitoring & Detection ● OT visibility: passive network monitoring (no intrusive scans), protocol-aware sensors; alert on setpoint changes outside SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) bands.● Unified telemetry: stream Redfish 2024.4 liquid-cooling events (e.g., LeakDetectors, flow/ ΔP anomalies, CDU controls), BMS alarms, PACS/ VSS and server logs into the SOC/ SIEM (Security Information and Event Management). Redfish gives you vendor-agnostic messages; insist on it in RFPs.● CPGs (CISA Performance Goals): prioritize asset inventory, immutable logging, backup/ restore drills, phishing resistance. Safety & Reliability Interlocks ● Leak → isolate the affected segment automatically (target ≤60 s); over-temp → rollback setpoints; pump/ VFD (Variable-Frequency Drive) fault → auto-start standby. These should be hard-wired or controller-local where possible.● Power path: selective coordination verified; IR (infrared) scans; breaker maintenance; align with Uptime’s outage findings. Privacy & Compliance (India) ● Map data flows to DPDP Act (2023) duties (notice/ consent, children’s data, significant data fiduciary obligations, logging/ retention). Security incidents may carry privacy impact; coordinate Legal + SOC. Detection & Response Cooling anomaly (OT): Verify via TT (Temperature Transmitters)/ DP (Differential-Pressure)/ FT (Flow Transmitters). Lock setpoints; start standby pumps; isolate suspect conduit. Notify tenants; begin forensic capture (Redfish/ BMS/ PACS logs). If leak → trigger segment isolation; if trend persists → staged compute load-shed. Power irregularity (Electrical): Follow switchgear…

As the world steps into a new decade of digital acceleration, the role of a security professional is being redefined. From manned guarding and surveillance to technology-enabled intelligence and predictive protection, the evolution is reshaping what it truly means to ‘secure’ an environment. The guard of 2030 will no longer be defined by physical presence alone, but by a fusion of human intelligence, digital fluency, and adaptive thinking. From Physical Vigilance to Digital Mastery Traditionally, security has been associated with physical presence, routine patrols, and situational awareness. However, by 2030, these fundamentals will only form the foundation of an evolved skill set. Tomorrow’s security professionals will need to combine operational discipline with technological proficiency. Artificial intelligence (AI), IoT-enabled surveillance, and cloud-based command centres are rapidly transforming how risks are monitored and mitigated. Guards will increasingly operate smart devices, interpret live data from sensors, and make data-backed decisions. The ability to manage dashboards, respond to automated alerts, and collaborate with remote monitoring teams will be essential. In essence, the next generation of guards will act less as gatekeepers and more as security technologists capable of analysing digital inputs and turning them into actionable intelligence. Technology as an Enabler, Not a Replacement Automation and robotics are set to play a growing role in security operations but rather than displacing human guards, they will empower them. AI-enabled video analytics, drones, body-worn cameras, and wearable sensors will act as force multipliers, allowing security teams to monitor larger areas and respond faster to incidents. The future will belong to professionals who can seamlessly collaborate with technology using smart tools not as a crutch, but as an extension of their situational awareness. A guard equipped with a real-time communication device or an AI-assisted headset can act faster, think clearly, and coordinate better than ever before. Technology will handle the routine; humans will handle the unpredictable. Emotional Intelligence: The Underrated Competence Despite the rise of automation, the human touch will remain irreplaceable. The security professional of 2030 will need a strong sense of empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence (EI). Whether managing large crowds, assisting employees during emergencies, or de-escalating tense situations, emotional stability and interpersonal tact will matter as much as technical know-how. In many organisations, guards are the first point of interaction for visitors and employees. Their demeanour directly shapes perceptions of safety, trust, and professionalism. The security industry, therefore, must train guards not just to detect threats but also to handle people, making them both protectors and brand ambassadors. Lifelong Learning and Multi-Skilling The coming decade will see continuous learning become non-negotiable in the security profession. As threats evolve from physical intrusions to digital vulnerabilities, guards will need multidisciplinary training in cybersecurity basics, emergency response, and even first aid or fire management. Training models are shifting toward blended learning, with virtual simulations and e-learning platforms offering real-world scenario training. The guard of 2030 must be adaptable, curious, and open to constant upskilling traits that will define long-term employability and effectiveness. Ethics and Data Responsibility As surveillance systems become smarter and more integrated, security professionals will handle vast amounts of sensitive information. Maintaining integrity and adhering to ethical data practices will be critical. Guards will need to respect privacy boundaries and understand the implications of data misuse. By 2030, ethics will be as important as efficiency. The new-age professional will safeguard not only assets and people but also trust ensuring that technology-driven security never compromises individual rights or confidentiality. As the world steps into a new decade of digital acceleration, the role of a security professional is being redefined. From manned guarding and surveillance to technology- enabled intelligence and predictive protection, the evolution is reshaping what it truly means to ‘secure’ an environment. The guard of 2030 will no longer be defined by physical presence alone, but by a fusion of human intelligence, digital fluency, and adaptive thinking The Human-Tech Partnership The future of security will hinge on the synergy between human intuition and digital precision. Machines can predict, detect, and analyse, but only humans can interpret context, make moral judgments, and exercise compassion. The optimal model will therefore be a collaborative one, where technology amplifies human capability rather than replaces it. The most successful security professionals will be those who master this partnership, leveraging data and devices to enhance their judgment, not substitute for it. Conclusion By 2030, the security profession will transform from traditional guarding to a tech-driven, intelligence-led discipline. Tomorrow’s professionals will blend digital fluency with emotional intelligence, mastering AI tools, IoT systems, and ethical data management while remaining empathetic and adaptable. The guard of the future won’t just protect spaces – they’ll enable safer, smarter, and more resilient environments through the perfect synergy of human judgment and technological precision. Read More

In India, thousands of people lose their lives each year due to preventable causes such as faulty electrical systems, fire incidents, road crashes, and unsafe con struction sites. These are not accidents of fate but failures of awareness, responsibility, and implementation. Ignorance – whether by citizens, builders, or authorities – has become a silent killer. This article examines factual data and high lights what improvements are needed across governance, industry, and citizen behavior to prevent these avoidable tragedies. The Price of Ignorance in Modern India The latest available figures reveal the magnitude of pre ventable deaths in India: ● Road Accidents: 1,72,890 deaths in 2023 (MoRTH Report) ● Electrocution: 12,500 deaths annually (Newslaundry, 2023) ● Fire Accidents: Over 27,000 fatalities recorded across compiled studies (NIST Global, 2021) ● Construction Accidents: 11,600 deaths annually (NIT Surat & IIT Delhi study, 2016) Together, these account for over 2,24,000 lives lost every year, equivalent to wiping out an entire small city annually. These figures expose a grim truth: complacency and lack of preparedness continue to cost India precious lives. Why ‘Ignorance’ is the Root Cause Ignorance manifests in multiple forms – unsafe shortcuts, poor awareness of safety codes, and a casual attitude to ward compliance. Many individuals continue to assume that safety regulations are only for large industries, forgetting that most deaths occur in homes, roads, and small work places. Ignorance also thrives when citizens view safety as the government’s sole duty, rather than a shared respon sibility. Changing this mindset requires consistent aware ness, enforcement, and citizen participation. When citizens demand accountability and practice basic safety, systemic improvements naturally follow. Electrocution According to NCRB and media data, India records an average of 12,000 to 13,000 deaths annually due to electrocution – about 30 people every day. The causes range from faulty wiring, poor earthing, and unprotected live wires to illegal connections and untrained repairs. What Must Improve: ● Mandatory use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) in all new buildings● Regular inspection of public and private electrical installations ● Strengthening of distribution network safety by DIS COMs● Licensing enforcement – only certified electricians should handle live wiring. Citizen’s Role: Citizens must refuse unsafe repairs, ensure earthing and in sulation checks, and report exposed wires or open junctions to local authorities. Each household should conduct a basic safety audit once a year and insist that housing associations comply with electrical safety standards. Fire Accidents NCRB data shows thousands of lives lost annually in f ire incidents – most from electrical short circuits, gas leaks, or lack of fire exits. In 2023 alone, India saw more than 7,000 reported fire fatalities, with high-profile tragedies like the Buldhana and Jaisalmer bus fires highlighting systemic failures. What Must Improve: ● Enforce periodic fire audits for all buildings, hospitals, hotels, and public institutions ● Renewal of occupancy certificates every 3 years after safety inspection ● Mandatory installation of alarms, sprinklers, and fire doors ● Integration of IoT-based monitoring in high-rise buildings Citizen’s Role: Every citizen should know the fire emergency numbers, participate in fire drills, and avoid overloading circuits. Res ident Welfare Associations (RWAs) should appoint safety wardens, ensure extinguishers are functional, and display evacuation plans visibly. Road Accidents India records over 170,000 deaths annually from road accidents, as per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (2023). Over-speeding, distracted driving, and In India, thousands of people lose their lives each year due to preventable causes such as faulty electrical systems, fire inci dents, road crashes, and unsafe construc tion sites. These are not accidents of fate but failures of awareness, responsibility, and implementation. Ignorance – wheth er by citizens, builders, or authorities – has become a silent killer. This article ex amines factual data and highlights what improvements are needed across governance, industry, and citizen behaviour to prevent these avoidable tragedies poor road engineering remain primary causes. Many fatal crashes are preventable with discipline and infrastructure upgrades. What Must Improve: ● Redesign accident-prone blackspots with better signage and lighting ● Strict enforcement of helmet and seatbelt laws ● Integration of automated traffic surveillance ● Mandatory safety audits in road construction zones Citizen’s Role: Citizens must wear helmets and seatbelts, avoid mobile phone use while driving, and report potholes or unsafe diversions. Parents should educate children on pedestrian and cycling safety. Construction & Infrastructure Accidents The construction sector contributes an estimated 11,000 deaths every year due to falls, collapses, electrocution, and unprotected work areas. Despite having safety codes, implementation remains weak in unorganised worksites. What Must Improve: ● Enforce Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) compli ance for all projects ● Mandate a certified safety officer for projects above ₹1 crore Ignorance manifests in multiple forms – unsafe shortcuts, poor awareness ofsafety codes, and a casual attitude towardcompliance. Many individuals continueto assume that safety regulations are onlyfor large industries, forgetting that mostdeaths occur in homes, roads, and smallworkplaces. Ignorance also thrives whencitizens view safety as the government’ssole duty, rather than a shared responsibility. Changing this mindset requiresconsistent awareness, enforcement, andcitizen participation. When citizensdemand accountability and practice basicsafety, systemic improvementsnaturally follow ● Require personal protective equipment (PPE) and site supervision ● Implement penalties for contractors violating safety norms Citizen’s Role: Workers should refuse unsafe tasks and report violations. Citizens living near construction sites must demand safety barricades and signage from builders. Shared Responsibility: Government, Industry & Citizens Safety cannot be achieved by the government alone. It requires an active partnership: ● Government – Formulate and enforce clear laws, up date safety codes, and ensure inspections. ● Industry – Follow ethical practices, conduct internal audits, and train workers. ● Citizens – Stay aware, report hazards, and comply with safety regulations. A safe nation is built when governance and citizenship operate in harmony. Citizens who are alert, aware, and participative become the first line of defence against accidents. Recommendations & Way Forward ● Strengthen national safety governance with accountability for every department ● Integrate safety education in schools and professional training ● Promote smart monitoring using IoT in high-risk sectors ●…

Co-author Introduction In this article we discuss briefly about five vulnerable groups namely women, children, elderly people, disabled people and tribal groups. There is no standard definition of vulnerable groups per se. But the UN uses ‘vulnerable groups’ broadly for populations at risk of discrimination, exclusion, and/ or harm. So, lets consider that – vulnerable groups are those individuals or communities that, due to physical, social, economic, or political factors, are at a higher risk of being excluded, discriminated against, or adversely affected by external events or policies. It is very necessary to protect the interests of, especially the vulnerable group of people who have been under constant struggles, face every day challenges and have been neglected for a longer time frame. The purview of laws has always been to protect the marginalized and the vulnerable groups. Also, the institutionalization of procedures followed is with a view to simplify the laws so that the vulnerable can access it. Over a great period, a certain section of the society had always been suffering from oppression and exploitation of all kinds. The malady of such social disparities crippled the underprivileged and downtrodden classes so intensely that they became economically disabled for generations after generations. The Constitution of India, through various laws and provisions, aims at eliminating disparities between different sections of the society and providing equality of status and opportunity to all. This article discusses vulnerable groups and the issues that they face along with how the paradigm shift in laws have brought about a shift in their current State. 1.0 Women and Children The evolution of women’s rights in India has been journey that’s a kind of its own marked by resilience and progress. Ancient times had enlightened women and during times of invasions and prolonged slavery, they got marginalized in numerous ways. Over the years various women have strived for gender equality and justice which lead to social, legal and political fields in their individual capacities. But, on scale. in contemporary times, they got recognized and empowered proportionally by rights as given to them under the Indian legal system. India too has a range of provisions and laws ingrained in a comprehensive legal regime and policy framework to protect the rights and interests of the children. Aspects including safety, security, education, nutrition in a just and fair environment that is desirable for all children at home, school or any other place, with a growing mind and body are the underlying objectives of those frameworks. 1.1 Transformation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for Women and Children The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 marks a paradigm shift in India’s approach to protecting women and children from criminal offences. Moving from provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the BNS introduces a consolidated and contemporary framework that addresses emerging digital-age crimes, procedural inefficiencies, and gaps in victim protection. Together with the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the new law aims to build a victim-centric criminal justice system, ensuring faster trials, improved conviction rates, and greater procedural transparency. 1.2 Structural Reorganisation and Consolidation A defining reform under the BNS is the structural consolidation of offences against women and children into a single, comprehensive chapter – Chapter V: ‘Offences Against Woman and Child.’ This represents a fundamental departure from the IPC’s fragmented structure, where related provisions were dispersed across multiple chapters, often complicating investigation, prosecution, and data collection. Similarly, child-related offences were scattered across provisions dealing with prenatal and perinatal crimes (Sections 312-318), exposure and concealment (Sections 317- 318), and kidnapping or abduction (Sections 361-369), along with overlaps in provisions relating to women’s protection. By unifying these provisions under Chapter V, the BNS creates a coherent legal framework that enhances accessibility for law enforcement, simplifies charge drafting, and enables the development of specialized expertise among investigating officers and prosecutors. This consolidation also facilitates better data analytics and policy formulation, as offences against women and children can now be tracked, analysed, and addressed within a single, integrated system. It is very necessary to protect the interests of, especially the vulnerable group of people who have been under constant struggles, face every day challenges and have been neglected for a longer time frame. The purview of laws has always been to protect the marginalized and the vulnerable groups. Also, the institutionalization of procedures followed is with a view to simplify the laws so that the vulnerable can access it 1.3 Digital Age Adaptations and Technological Integration 1.3.1 Addressing Cyber Crimes Against Women and Children BNS provisions on stalking and voyeurism explicitly accommodate online conduct, recognising the digital transformation of criminal behavior. The stalking provisions now clearly cover repeated online monitoring and contact, while voyeurism sections address digital capture and nonconsensual sharing of private acts, effectively covering scenarios like cyberstalking and revenge pornography. The Explanation 2 to BNS Section 77 (voyeurism) specifically clarifies liability for non-consensual dissemination even when initial capture was consensual, closing a significant loophole from the IPC era that often left victims of non-consensual intimate image sharing without adequate legal recourse. Recent data indicates an alarming 32% rise in cyber crimes against children from 2021 to 2022, with over 19,000 cases reported in 2022, predominantly involving online sexual exploitation and abuse. The BNS framework, combined with POCSO and IT Act provisions, creates a more comprehensive response to these digital-age threats. 1.3.2 Procedural Technological Enhancements The BNSS introduces revolutionary technological measures that particularly benefit women and child victims. The Zero FIR provision allows complaints to be filed at any police station, removing jurisdictional barriers that previously created obstacles for victims seeking immediate help. Electronic FIR (e-FIR) facilities enable victims to report crimes digitally, maintaining confidentiality and preserving evidence while reducing the trauma of physical reporting processes. Mandatory audio-video recording of victim statements, particularly for sexual assault cases, ensures accurate documentation while reducing the need for repeated testimony. The provision requiring women police officers to record statements of sexual assault victims, with audio-video recording capabilities including mobile phones, represents a significant advancement in victim-sensitive procedures….