L3 CCTV Cameras

Today, the world is connected like never before. Your watch is connected to your phone, which is connected to your tablet and so on. As we’ve begun to embrace this ‘smart’ lifestyle, what we’re really embracing is the integration of systems. Why do we connect our devices? The simplest answer is that it makes life easier. But, if that’s the case, why stop at our own personal devices? Connection, when applied to a business’ operations, is no different: it lowers effort and expedites decision making. Integrating security systems Systems integration takes the idea of connected devices and applies it to an enterprise Systems integration takes the idea of connected devices and applies it to an enterprise, bringing disparate subcomponents into a single ecosystem. This could mean adding a new, overarching system to pull and collect data from existing subsystems, or adapting an existing system to serve as a data collection hub. Regardless of the method, the purpose is to create a single, unified view. Ultimately, it’s about simplifying processes, gaining actionable insights into operations and facilitating efficient decision-making. Although integration is becoming the new norm in other areas of life, businesses often opt out of integrating security systems because of misconceptions about the time and resources required to successfully make the change. So, instead of a streamlined operation, the various security systems and devices are siloed, not communicating with each other and typically being run by different teams within an organisation. Time-intensive process When systems are not integrated, companies face a wide range of risks driven by a lack of transparency and information sharing, including actual loss of property or assets. For example, a team in charge of access control is alerted to a door being opened in the middle of the night but can’t see what exactly is taking place through video surveillance. Without integrated systems they have no way of knowing if it was a burglar, an equipment malfunction or a gust of wind. Without integration between systems and teams, the ability to quickly put the right pieces in front of decision makers is missing. Instead, the team would have to go back and manually look for footage that corresponds with the time a door was open to figure out which door it was, who opened it and what happened after, which can be a time-intensive process. Integrating access control and surveillance systems Theft and vandalism occur quickly, meaning systems and users must work faster in order to prevent it This slowed response time adds risk to the system. Theft and vandalism occur quickly, meaning systems and users must work faster in order to prevent it. Security systems can do more than communicate that theft or vandalism occurred. Properly integrated, these systems alert users of pre-incident indicators before an event happens or deter events altogether. This gives teams and decision makers more time to make effective decisions. Integrating access control and surveillance systems allows for a more proactive approach. If a door is opened when it’s not supposed to be, an integrated system enables users to quickly see what door was opened, who opened it and make a quick decision. Integrated solutions are more effective, more efficient and help drive cost-saving decisions. Ideally, companies should establish integrated solutions from the start of operations. This allows companies to anticipate problems and adjust accordingly instead of reacting after an incident has occurred. Security camera system Although starting from the beginning is the best way to ensure comprehensive security, many companies have existing security systems, requiring integration and implementation to bring them together. Typically, companies with established security systems worry about the impact to infrastructure requirements. Is additional infrastructure necessary? How and where should it be added? What financial or human resources are required? These concerns drive a mentality that the benefits gained from an integrated solution aren’t worth the costs of implementation. Thankfully, this is becoming less of a problem as security providers, like Twenty20™ Solutions, work to offer adaptable solutions. With flexible options, operators don’t worry about adding or replacing infrastructure to align with a provider’s model. This allows users to monitor camera footage and gate traffic from one system If a company has an existing security camera system, but identifies a need for access control, a modern integrated solution provider can supply the gates for access points and equip the gates and cameras with the technology to connect the two. This allows users to monitor camera footage and gate traffic from one system. This model also spares operators additional costs by using a sole vendor for supplemental needs. Overall management of security While a single, unified system is beneficial for cost saving, it can also help the overall management of security. The ability to view all operating systems in one dashboard allows security personnel to manage a site from any location, reducing the expense and effort required to manage a system. The mobile world today means security directors no longer need to be in a centralised operations center to see alerts and make decisions. This simplifies processes by allowing users to quickly see an alert, pull up a camera, delete a user or check an access log from a phone. Modern networks are secure and accessible to those with permissions, without requiring those users to be physically present. Consolidating security systems is the first step companies can take toward streamlining work, information and costs. The next step is integrating all sites, both remote and on-grid. Energy and communication technology The integration of sites and systems turns mountains of data and information into actionable intelligence Traditional methods demanded two systems: one for on-grid facilities and another for off-grid locations. With advancements in energy and communication technology, the need for multiple systems is gone. Data from remote sites can be safely and securely fed into an existing system. These remote locations may gather, distribute and manage data in a different manner than a connected system due to the cost of transmission via remote connections (i.e., cellular or satellite connection). The end result, however, is a consistent and holistic view of operations for the decision maker. The integration of sites and systems turns mountains of data and information into actionable intelligence. With connected devices monitoring occurrences at individual sites, as well as events across locations, the data tells a story that is unhindered by operational silos or physical space. Identifying patterns and trends Instead of providing 10 hours-worth of footage that may or may not be relevant, system analytics can provide users with the specific set of information they need. Incidents once discarded as ‘one-off’ events can now be analysed and data-mapped to identify patterns and trends, directing future resources to the most critical areas first. Consumers are increasingly expecting everything they need to be right where they need it – and businesses are right behind them. The current generation of security professionals are increasingly expecting the simplicity of their everyday personal tasks to be mirrored in enterprise systems, which means giving them the ability to see what matters in one place. A unified system can provide just that, a single view to help simplify processes, promote cost saving and accelerate decision making.

There’s a lot of hype around the term ‘digital transformation.’ For some, it’s the integration of digital technology into everyday tasks. For others, it’s the incorporation of innovative processes aimed at making business optimisation easier. In most cases, digital transformation will fundamentally change how an organisation operates and delivers value to its customers. And within the security realm, the age of digital transformation is most certainly upon us. Technology is already a part of our day-to-day lives, with smart devices in our homes and the ability to perform tasks at our fingertips now a reality. No longer are the cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities foreign and distant concepts full of intrigue and promise. Enhancing business operations We’re increasingly seeing devices become smarter and better able to communicate with each other These elements are increasingly incorporated into security solutions with each passing day, allowing enterprises the chance to experience countless benefits when it comes to enhancing both safety and business operations. The term ‘connected world’ is a derivative of the digital transformation, signifying the increasing reliance that we have on connectivity, smart devices and data-driven decision-making. As we become more familiar with the advantages, flaws, expectations and best practices surrounding the connected world, we can predict what issues may arise and where the market is heading. We’re increasingly seeing devices become smarter and better able to communicate with each other through the IoT to achieve both simple goals and arduous tasks. Within our homes, we’re able to control a myriad of devices with commands (‘Hey Google...’ or ‘Alexa...’), as well as recall data directly from our mobile devices, such as receiving alerts when someone rings our doorbell, there’s movement in our front yard or when a door has been unlocked. Analytics-driven solutions The focus is now shifting to the business impacts of connectivity between physical devices and infrastructures, and digital computing and analytics-driven solutions. Within physical security, connected devices can encompass a variety of sensors gathering massive amounts of data in a given timeframe: video surveillance cameras, access control readers, fire and intrusion alarms, perimeter detection and more.As the data from each of these sensors is collected and analysed through a central platform, the idea of a connected world comes to fruition, bringing situational awareness to a new level and fostering a sense of proactivity to identifying emerging threats. The connected world, however, is not without its challenges, which means that certain considerations must be made in an effort to protect data, enhance structured networking and apply protective protocols to developing technology. Physical security systems We can expect to see the conversations regarding data privacy and security increase as well As the use of connected devices and big data continue to grow, we can expect to see the conversations regarding data privacy and security increase as well. Connectivity between devices can open up the risk of cyber vulnerabilities, but designing safeguards as technology advances will lessen these risks. The key goal is to ensure that the data organisations are using for enhancement and improvements is comprehensively protected from unauthorised access. Manufacturers and integrators must be mindful of their products' capabilities and make it easy for end users to adhere to data sharing and privacy regulations. These regulations, which greatly affect physical security systems and the way they're managed, are being implemented worldwide, such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In the United States, California, Vermont and South Carolina have followed suit, and it can be expected that more countries and U.S. states develop similar guidelines in the future. Technology is already a part of our day-to-day lives, with smart devices in our homes and the ability to perform tasks at our fingertips now a reality Automatic security updates Mitigating the concerns of the ‘connected world’ extends beyond just data privacy. IoT technology is accelerating at such a pace that it can potentially create detrimental problems for which many organisations may be ill-prepared - or may not even be able to comprehend. The opportunities presented by an influx of data and the IoT, and applying these technologies to markets such as smart cities, can solve security and operational problems, but this requires staying proactive when it comes to threats and practicing the proper protection protocols. As manufacturers develop devices that will be connected on the network, integrating standard, built-in protections becomes paramount. This can take the form of continuous vulnerability testing and regular, automatic security updates. Protocols are now being developed that are designed to ensure everything is encrypted, all communications are monitored and multiple types of attacks are considered for defensive purposes to provide the best security possible. IoT-connected devices Hackers wishing to do harm will stop at nothing to break into IoT-connected devices Built-in protection mechanisms send these kinds of systems into protection mode once they are attacked by an outside source. Another way for manufacturers to deliver solutions that are protected from outside threats is through constant and consistent testing of the devices long after they are introduced to the market. Hackers wishing to do harm will stop at nothing to break into IoT-connected devices, taking every avenue to discover vulnerabilities. But a manufacturer that spends valuable resources to continue testing and retesting products will be able to identify any issues and correct them through regular software updates and fixes. ‘IoT’ has become a common term in our vocabularies and since it’s more widely understood at this point and time, it's exciting to think about the possibilities of this revolutionary concept. Providing critical insights The number of active IoT devices is expected to grow to 22 billion by 2025 — a number that is almost incomprehensible. The rise of 5G networks, artificial intelligence (AI) and self-driving cars can be seen on the horizon of the IoT. As more of these devices are developed and security protocols are developed at a similar pace, connected devices stand to benefit a variety of industries, such as smart cities. Smart cities rely on data communicated via the IoT to enhance processes and create streamlined approaches Smart cities rely on data communicated via the IoT to enhance processes and create streamlined approaches to ensuring a city is well-run and safe. For example, think of cameras situated at a busy intersection. Cameras at these locations have a variety of uses, such as investigative purposes in the event of an accident or for issuing red-light tickets to motorists. But there are so many other possible purposes for this connected device, including providing critical insights about intersection usage and traffic congestion. These insights can then be used to adjust stoplights during busy travel times or give cities valuable data that can drive infrastructure improvements. Physical security market The impact of connected devices on cities doesn’t stop at traffic improvement. The possibilities are endless; by leveraging rich, real-time information, cities can improve efficiencies across services such as transportation, water management and healthcare. However, stringent protections are needed to harden security around the networks transmitting this kind of information in an effort to mitigate the dangers of hacking and allow this technology to continuously be improved. Whether you believe we’re in the midst of a digital transformation or have already completed it, one thing is certain: businesses must begin thinking in these connectivity-driven terms sooner rather than later so they aren’t left behind. Leveraging smart, connected devices can catapult organisations into a new level of situational awareness, but adopting protections and remaining vigilant continues to be a stalwart of technological innovation within the physical security market and into the connected world.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is improving everyday solutions, driving efficiency in ways we never imagined possible. From self-driving cars to intelligent analytics, the far-reaching impacts of Deep Learning-based technology empower human operators to achieve results more effectively while investing fewer resources and less time. By introducing AI, solutions are not merely powered by data, but they also generate valuable intelligence. Systems which were once leveraged for a narrow, dedicated purpose, can suddenly be engaged broadly across an organisation, because the previously under-utilised data can be harnessed for enhancing productivity and performance. Video analytics software The video intelligence software processes and analyses video to detect all the people and objects that appear When it comes to physical security, for instance, video surveillance is a standard solution. Yet, by introducing AI-driven video analytics software, video data can be leveraged as intelligence in previously inaccessible ways. Here are some examples of how diverse organisations are using AI-based video intelligence solutions to enhance security and performance with searchable, actionable and quantifiable insights. Law enforcement relies on video surveillance infrastructure for extracting investigation evidence and monitoring people and spaces. Instead of manual video review and live surveillance – which is prone to human error and distraction – police can harness video content analysis to accelerate video investigations, enhance situational awareness, streamline real-time response, identify suspicious individuals and recognise patterns and anomalies in video. The video intelligence software processes and analyses video to detect all the people and objects that appear; identify, extract and classify them; and then index them as metadata that can be searched and referenced. Maintaining public safety For law enforcement, the ability to dynamically search video based on granular criteria is critical for filtering out irrelevant details and pinpointing objects of interest, such as suspicious persons or vehicles. Beyond accelerating video evidence review and extraction, police can leverage video analysis to configure sophisticated real-time alerts when people, vehicles or behaviours of interest are detected in video. Instead of actively monitoring video feeds, law enforcement can assess triggered alerts and decide how to respond. In this way, officers can also react faster to emergencies, threats and suspicious activity as it develops. Video analysis empowers cities to harness their video surveillance data as operational intelligence Empowering law enforcement to maintain public safety is important beyond the benefit of increasing security: A city with a reputation for effective, reliable law enforcement and enhanced safety is more likely to attract residents, visitors and new businesses, exponentially driving its economic development. Furthermore, in cities where law enforcement can work productively and quickly, time and human resources can be reallocated to fostering growth and building community. Video surveillance data Video analysis empowers cities to harness their video surveillance data as operational intelligence for optimising city management and infrastructure. When video data is aggregated over time, it can be visualised into dashboards, heatmaps and reports, so operators can identify patterns and more seamlessly detect anomalous behaviour. A city could, for instance, analyse the most accident-prone local intersection and assess the traffic patterns to reveal details such as where cars are dwelling and pedestrians are walking; the directional flows of traffic; and the demographic segmentations of the objects detected: Are cars lingering in no-parking zones? Are pedestrians using designated crosswalks – is there a more logical location for the crosswalk or traffic light? Do vehicles tend to make illegal turns – should police proactively deter this behaviour, or should the city plan new infrastructure that enables vehicles to safely perform these turns? Finally, does the rise in bike traffic warrant implementing dedicated biking lanes? With video intelligence, urban planners can answer these and other questions to facilitate local improvements and high quality of life. By leveraging the video insights about citywide traffic, public transit organisations can make data-driven decisions about scheduling and services Enhancing situational awareness Insight into traffic trends is also critical for transport companies, from public transit services to transportation hubs and airports. By leveraging the video insights about citywide traffic, public transit organisations can make data-driven decisions about scheduling and services. Analysing video surveillance around bus stops, for instance, can help these companies understand the specific hours per day people tend to dwell around bus stops. Correlating this information with transactional data for each bus line, bus schedules can be optimised based on demand for individual bus lines, shortening waiting times for the most popular routes. Similarly, the traffic visualisations and activity heatmaps derived from the video of major transit hubs, such as international airports and central stations, can be beneficial for increasing security, enhancing situational awareness, identifying causes of congestion, improving throughput and efficiency and, ultimately, solving these inefficiencies to provide a streamlined customer experience for travellers. Large education campuses Campus law enforcement can leverage video data to increase situational awareness and public safety Much like a city, large education campuses have internal transportation services, residential facilities, businesses and law enforcement, and video content analysis can support the campus in intelligently managing each of those business units, while also providing video intelligence to these individual groups. Campus law enforcement can leverage video data to increase situational awareness and public safety, driving real-time responses with the ability to make informed assessments and accelerating post-event investigations with access to easily extractable video data. When campuses are expanding or developing additional infrastructure, they can plan new crosswalks, traffic lights, roads, buildings and entrances and exits based on comprehensive video intelligence. By understanding where pedestrians and vehicles dwell, walk, cross or even violate traffic laws, the campus can inform construction projects and traffic optimisation. Countless business operations The campus can leverage video business intelligence to justify leasing pricing for different retailers across campus Finally, the campus can leverage video business intelligence to justify leasing pricing for different retailers across campus, demonstrating property values based on traffic trends that can be correlated with retailer point of sale data. Whether its empowering security, productivity or decision-making, the insights generated by AI-based technology can drive significant optimisation – especially when data is fused and cross-referenced across smart sensors and systems for even deeper intelligence. In the case of AI-backed video analytics, diverse organisations can harness video surveillance impactfully and dynamically. Whereas once video technology investments could be justified for their security value – with the introduction of AI capabilities – procurement teams can evaluate these solutions for countless business operations, because they offer broadly valuable intelligence. And video surveillance and analytics is merely one example of AI-driven solutions’ potential to disrupt business as we know it.

The exhibition will host a number of leading international companies showcasing the very latest technologies For governments, security services, law enforcement agencies and CNI operators, the need to police borders, protect perimeters and control site entry is becoming an ever increasing challenge. To help meet that challenge, Counter Terror Expo 2014 will be taking an international perspective – both within its free-to-attend exhibition and through one of its seminar workshops, the International Security for an Evolving World Theatre. The exhibition will host a number of leading international companies showcasing the very latest technologies, products and services in the area of border security and access control. As Steve Roberts, Marketing Manager of Zaun Ltd, one of the Counter Terror Expo premium exhibitors, commented: “Counter Terror Expo brings together the foremost experts … to share real-life experience, debate strategies, brainstorm issues, shape policy and define effective counter-measures. We see ourselves as part of that debate and innovation to mount a robust defence against international terrorism in an age when the threat is both dynamic and continually evolving”. Zaun Ltd, manufacturers and suppliers of high quality steel fencing, fence products and fencing systems, will be exhibiting their MultiFence, RDS and SecureGuard systems as well as their range of PAS 68 blockers and bollards. Also participating as a premium exhibitor will be Dynasystems Ltd whose CEO, Claire Hemmings, said: “Dynasystems has been exhibiting at Counter Terror Expo for 5 years”. The company will be launching “a truly innovative, expeditionary, scalable retrofit solution to protect against high levels of Blast and Ballistics; its modularity of design provides the ability to protect even multi-storey structures, both temporary and permanent”. For Dr Edward Klinger, CEO of CNIguard, the exhibition will offer the company the opportunity to showcase “its infrastructure and environmental monitoring systems for pipelines, overhead lines, pylons, tunnels, tanks, generators, masts, substations and other assets. Visitors can see our products, including our unmanned aerial systems, whilst discussing their requirements with our team. We will have continuous physical demos of our intrusion detection systems as well as videos.” From the latest in infrastructure protection to state-of-the-art biometrics, screening and scanning technology, the Counter Terror Expo 2014 exhibition will cover the whole spectrum of new developments in this highly important area. “Counter Terror Expo has been instrumental in the development of the security market" A key player in the application of some of the most advanced technologies is L-3 Security & Detection Systems, another exhibitor. In the words of William Frain, the company’s Senior Vice President: “Counter Terror Expo has been instrumental in the development of the security market. It has a reputation of being the most focused trade show for security screening in the UK”. In this year’s exhibition, L-3 SDS will be demonstrating its people screening product, the ProVision 2, and its explosives trace detection system, the OptEX. In addition, there will be “animations showcasing a selection of other products that L-3 SDS offers the market, such as air cargo screening and checked baggage screening solutions, which will be presented via a plasma screen”. Alongside the exhibition will be the International Security for an Evolving World Theatre featuring a range of exclusive presentations, including: “Border Security & Contraband Detection: Cars, Trucks, Boats & more”, “How to Utilise Global Supply Chains and Black Markets to Finance and Fuel Terrorist Activity” and “Combating International Terrorism: The Proposed use of the International Criminal Court in Response to the Jurisdictional Shortcomings of International and Domestic Law”. Damaune Y. Journey, Director, Global Business Development for CSECO, worldwide leaders in portable contraband detection equipment, will be one of the speakers at International Security for an Evolving World Theatre. As he commented: “Terrorism requires funding and addressing the funding is one of the best ways to attack the problem. Our tools hit at the heart of this important, often overlooked, component in the terror continuum”. CSECO will also be taking a stand within the exhibition where the company will be demonstrating its CT-40 Kit, specifically the Buster Contraband Detector and the new Perfect Vision V20 Videoscope. There will be videos of the equipment in use by law enforcement officers around the globe and visitors will have the opportunity to use the equipment themselves to detect hidden items at the display. David Thompson, Event Manager, Clarion Defence & Security, commented: “Border Security and Access Control are critical components of the counter-terrorism and security portfolio. Through the exhibition and the seminar workshop sessions, Counter Terror Expo 2014 will provide a unique insight into the very latest protective solutions to a truly international threat as well as an opportunity to engage in the debate about how we should continue to meet that threat into the future.” 

 The funds raised by Security 5K/Mission 500 Charity Run will be channelised to benefit the needy childrenThe second Security 5K/Mission 500 Charity Run in Las Vegas on the second day of ISC West raised more than $80,000 to benefit Mission 500, a charitable organisation engaging security professionals to sponsor children in need through the World Vision organisation. Proceeds from the April 7th event will sponsor 240 children for a full year - providing food, water, education, healthcare and most importantly, hope. Event proceeds increased the number of sponsored children to more than 360 total. The first-ever Security 5K event also kindled many colourful stories and highlighted the great sense of community and generosity of the security industry.As in the case of the 2010 event, the organisers were overwhelmed by support from across all facets of the security industry. More than 470 runners registered for the event, and about 370 ran. Registrants included 116 female runners, and participants hailed from 13 countries and 37 states. The youngest runner was 13 and the oldest was 65. Over 30% of the runners were over 50 as well. First place overall female runner was Theresa Campbell of Reed Exhibitions (21:59), and first place overall male runner was John Donegan of L3 Communications (19:13).Many runners had positive things to report on the race: It was a great event, well done and well organised; I will look forward to running next year.Hayden Burr - Integrated Control TechnologyAnother incredible race! Great work organising the event, and most importantly a significant thank you, for bringing together a group of people in the security industry to make a difference in this world, while enjoying team camaraderie and an active lifestyle.Elizabeth Cohen - AnixterThanks so much, I had a fantastic time. Again great run and for a great cause!Kevin Kaiser - IS&T ConsultingThis was a great event. Organised, and well put together. Had lots of fun. I'm looking forward to next year. Andy Grewal - Anacon SolutionsI really enjoyed the run yesterday morning and will make sure some of my colleagues join in next time! Russ Singleton - Coretrol Limited The second "Mission 500 Humanitarian Award" to Barbara Holliday, Director of Dealer Services, Monitronics Security Freeman, contractor of services to ISC West and its exhibitors, waived staff costs and fees for using audio-visual equipment during the 5K race and the awards ceremony, and Starbucks generously donated coffee to complement the post-race refreshments and food.At the Reception and Awards Ceremony for Security 5K runners, Mission 500 awarded its second "Mission 500 Humanitarian Award" to Barbara Holliday, Director of Dealer Services at Monitronics Security. The award honours individuals in the security industry who make important contributions to those in need. Pelco by Schneider Electric was the first recipient of Mission 500's Corporate Social Responsibility Award as well. More than 100 of the runners also set up fundraising web pages and added more donations to help the cause: Caleb Simonyi-Gindele was top fundraiser with $1,230, followed by Mark Pickett with $1,087 and Shane Geringer with $766.The Security 5K / Mission 500 Race at the 2011 ISC West Expo in Las Vegas is a collaboration between United Publications, publishers of Security Systems News and Security Director News; Reed Exhibitions, producers of ISC Expos; and Mission 500. Sponsors in 2011 were Alarm.com, Altronix Corporation, AXIS Communications, Bolide Technology Group, Deister Electronics, HID, Honeywell, LRG Marketing Communications, Panasonic System Networks Company, Pelco (by Schneider Electric) and Safety Technology International, Inc. Tee-shirt sponsor DMP, bracelets from Ditek and the cocktail raffle sponsor was Pivot 3. Other race winners in various age categories included:Male Age Group:                20 - 30: Joshua Koopferstock in 20:10Female Age Group:           20 - 30: Kate Olson in 22:15Male Age Group:                31 - 40: Brian Ordway in 19:38Female Age Group:           31 - 40: Brooke Hafen in 22:55Male Age Group:                41 - 50: Doug Johnson in 19:51Female Age Group:           41 - 50: Martha Entwistle in 24:23Male Age Group:                51 - 99: Alejandro Loera Harfus in 20:59Female Age Group:           51 - 99: Charlene Foglio in 26:23

 The event was dominated by high level conferences focusing on the travails in the aviation and maritime sectorsTransport Security Expo saw a significant upswing in visitor numbers during its first outing in the capital, over 2000 attendees visited the exhibition and conference across the 2 days. The visitor hike reflected a heightened level of concern over high profile actual and attempted strikes against the system during the course of the year and emphasised the need to do more, often times with less, as austerity measures begin to bite, to protect the travelling public and international commerce.With transport security industry news for the year to date having been dominated with terrorist strikes against the air sector and the marked increase in acts of piracy on the high seas, inevitably the event was dominated by high level conferences focusing on the travails in the aviation and maritime sectors. The operational failures that led to the attempted bombing of a Northwest airlines flight late last year have exposed the fact that the aviation world is still wide-open to the machinations of those with intent to harm. A shift in tactics by pirates has demonstrated that a naval show of force alone is insufficient to prevent the seizure of vessels in the vast swathe of ocean where they maraud with apparent impunity.A sense emerged during the course of the Transport Security Expo conference programme that the need for a step change in how the protection offered to the travelling public and international commerce is delivered has become much more acute and demands careful consideration in currently austere times. A tour de force of the world's leading security solution vendors marked the Transport Security Expo exhibition out as best in class and ensured that almost all aspects of security relevant to the transportation sector were covered. Transport Security Expo will next be held 13-14 September 2011Vendors such as Smith, Rapiscan, L3 and AS&E had substantial presence, but so to did a number of the emerging technology companies such as Kromek and others. A paradigm shift of sorts has been ongoing in the marketplace. With traditional hardware having reached the limits of capability, the shift is toward squeezing more out of the available data stream through high end, software driven, digital signal processing techniques. In a very real sense, the future in the security world lies within the software code on a disc.The high number of visitors to the exhibition also reflected change afoot in the regulatory framework controlling delivery of security in the aviation sector. European Union (EU) regulation published in April of this year sets the ground rules on multiple aspects of the process from the public facing screening for liquid threats through to behind the scenes screening of belly-hold cargo. Many of the deadlines contained within the regulation are tight, a question remains whether they will be met, but it does seem likely they could drive a sales spike in the short term to medium term.Standing room only left available during the open theatre technology workshop sessions, emphasised the eagerness amongst delegates and visitors to learn more about each of the solutions showcased and how they could be harnessed to enhance security across the board.Transport Security Expo is one of the only such events to work closely with the leading industry bodies, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and many others, to deliver a thought provoking conference and extensive workshop programme supported by one of the best exhibitions of its kind annually.Transport Security Expo will next be held 13-14 September 2011.