Taking a unified approach to airport security 

Morse Watchmans’ Tim Purpura speaks exclusively with International Security Journal.

How do you see the future of airport security evolving? 

The future of airport security is poised to be increasingly data-driven, automated and integrated.

As airports contend with a growing array of threats – from physical breaches to cybersecurity challenges – the emphasis will be on creating a seamless, layered security environment that protects passengers, staff and assets without hindering operational efficiency. 

Key control systems like those offered by Morse Watchmans will play a crucial role in this evolution. These systems bridge physical and digital security by ensuring only authorised personnel can access critical areas and assets.

With the integration of real-time tracking, detailed audit trails and automated alerts, airports can move from a reactive security posture to a proactive one.  

This shift will help airports anticipate and address potential threats before they escalate to ensure a safer and more efficient environment for everyone. 

What are the potential security and operational consequences of lost keys or assets within an airport? How do your systems mitigate these risks? 

Lost keys or assets within an airport can have severe security and operational consequences.

A single misplaced key could grant unauthorised access to secure areas, leading to potential breaches, theft or sabotage.

Also, the disruption caused by a lost key can slow down airport operations, leading to delays and increased security risks during the recovery period. 

Morse Watchmans’ KeyWatcher Touch system is designed to mitigate these risks by helping your team keep tabs on every key in the system. It ensures that keys are securely stored and only accessible to authorised personnel through a unique PIN code or credential.  

Each key is equipped with a SmartKey featuring an ID microchip, allowing for real-time tracking and instant updates on the key’s status.

This level of control not only prevents unauthorised access but also enables swift recovery of keys if they go missing, minimising operational disruptions and enhancing overall security. 

How are your solutions boosting efficiency to support airports during high-traffic periods? 

Efficiency and security must coexist during high-traffic periods. Morse Watchmans’ solutions, like the KeyWatcher Touch system and Emergency Key Grab (EKG) Kit, are designed to improve both.  

The KeyWatcher Touch system streamlines key management by eliminating the need for manual logs and reducing the time spent searching for misplaced keys.

This allows airport staff to focus on their core responsibilities, even during peak periods.

On the other hand, the EKG Kit ensures that first responders can quickly access critical facility keys in emergencies, minimising response times and enhancing safety. 

By automating key control and providing real-time data, our solutions reduce the administrative burden on airport staff, allowing them to operate more efficiently.

This, in turn, supports smoother operations during high-traffic periods, ensuring that both security and passenger flow are maintained at optimal levels. 

Can you discuss any recent advancements in your technology that specifically benefit the airport sector? 

Morse Watchmans has recently introduced several advancements tailored to the unique needs of the airport sector. One of the most significant is the enhancement of our KeyWatcher Touch system, which now integrates more seamlessly with existing security infrastructures.

This integration allows for better coordination between key control, access control and other security systems to create a more unified approach to airport security. 

Our KeyWatcher Touch system also offers enhanced reporting capabilities so that airports can generate detailed, real-time reports that track key usage, identify patterns and flag anomalies. This data-driven approach improves security by highlighting potential risks before they escalate and aids in compliance with regulatory requirements by providing a clear audit trail. 

Our EKG Kit has also been a game-changer for airport emergency preparedness. Designed specifically for first responders, the EKG Kit ensures rapid and secure access to facility keys during emergencies.

The inclusion of SmartKeys with ID microchips and tamper-proof KeyRings further enhances security by providing real-time tracking and preventing unauthorised key duplication or loss. 

Our one-on-one EKG Kit training sessions ensure that staff can effectively integrate these systems into their daily operations. This commitment to education further enhances the benefits of our technology by ensuring that it is used to its full potential, maximising security and efficiency.

Through these advancements, Morse Watchmans continues to support the airport sector in meeting its dual challenges of maintaining stringent security protocols while ensuring smooth, efficient operations.