Women's History Month serves as a reminder of all the incredible contributions made by women across diverse sectors, highlighting their pivotal roles in shaping history and driving progress.
It's imperative to shine a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of the women who have left a substantial mark in security. Among these leaders are three extraordinary women whose innovative contributions have helped define and reshape the security industry.
Marie van Brittan Brown: The Woman Behind the First Home Security Camera
Marie van Brittan Brown was a nurse and inventor who is credited for creating the first home security systemin the 1960s. A native to Queens, New York, she recognized the need for enhanced security measures, especially when at home, and partnered with her husband, who was an electronics technician, to create a prototype.
The initial security device was simple yet proved reliable. It consisted of peepholes, a sliding camera, television monitors, and a two-way microphone system. The device allowed Marie and her husband to capture footage of guests when they approached. The two-way microphone allowed them to commute with visitors without being by the door, and they also had an emergency button on standby to contact authorities if there ever was an emergency.
Marie’s device is an early example of a CCTV system and even laid the groundwork for modern doorbell cameras. Marie won an award from the National Scientists Committee for her work in 1969. Although primitive, Marie’s device contained many key features that are prevalent in the home security industry today.
Joan Clarke: A Trailblazer in Encryption
Joan Clarke was a prominent mathematician who specialized in cryptography. She was born in 1917 and showed great intellect at an early age. Joan’s remarkable ability caught the attention of the British Government, where she was recruited to work on the Enigma project during WWII.
Alongside other codebreakers, including the renowned Alan Turing, Joan played a crucial role in developing techniques to crack the Enigma codes, providing invaluable intelligence to the Allies. Joan’s contributions helped create what many consider to be the first modern computer, the Turing Device.
Joan s achievements in cryptography continue to resonate profoundly in present-day security practices. Her groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern encryption techniques and intelligence gathering methods that are still utilized by home security systems.
Pam Petrow: Leading the Way at Vector Security
Pamela J. Petrow, President and CEO of Vector Security, joined the company in 1982 as a sales representative. She rose through the ranks, holding a variety of positions before taking her current post as President and CEO in 2010.
Pam’s vision has led Vector Security to become a pioneer in security innovation and best practices. She is founding co-chair of the committee that developed Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP), technology that automates communication between alarm monitoring central stations and 911 centers, resulting in faster, more accurate emergency response for users of monitored alarms.
Additionally, she was named Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year and received the Pittsburgh Smart 50 Award for her leadership.
Not only has she experienced career successes in her own right, but she also encourages employees to advance their own careers and hopes that they see her as an example of what is possible.
