What Is Geofencing?

Geofencing is a protective intelligence tool that relies on technology to create a virtual geographic boundary, essentially an invisible perimeter, around a real-world location. There are many uses for this type of technology but when it comes to physical security programs, geofencing is essential when monitoring for disruptions nearby and threats focused on a specific place.

Intelligence analysts use geofencing technology along with AI-driven data filtering platforms to refine the quality of information about proximal threats or disruptions that are emerging. They use established thresholds to guide decision-making about alerting and response for a specific incident. The combination of technology, human analysis and security communication protocols serves as the gold standard for protective intelligence programs.

At Insite, analysts working in our 24/7 Global Security Operations Center (GSOC), are responsible for geofencing and monitoring client locations. Once a specific site is geofenced, analysts can alert on disruptions occurring in close proximity such as protests or civil unrest activities or emergencies that may impact accessing the location or traveling to and from it. Weather-related events are on the rise, which is another type of location-based disruption that can trigger alerts on a geofenced site.

Geofencing is also used for threat monitoring, especially for real estate firms. Online chatter about a specific location can be evaluated by trained analysts in context of current events to quickly identify potential reputation concerns. Using established escalation protocols, further investigation can be performed or protection personnel can be deployed.

Geofencing and associated AI-driven technologies used by GSOC analysts will continue to advance and make early warning notifications more accurate and threat response more insightful.