Luxriot CCTV Software  (7)

Human beings have a long-standing relationship with privacy and security. For centuries, we’ve locked our doors, held close our most precious possessions, and been wary of the threats posed by thieves. As time has gone on, our relationship with security has become more complicated as we’ve now got much more to be protective of. As technological advancements in security have got smarter and stronger, so have those looking to compromise it. Cybersecurity Cybersecurity, however, is still incredibly new to humans when we look at the long relationship that we have with security in general. As much as we understand the basics, such as keeping our passwords secure and storing data in safe places, our understanding of cybersecurity as a whole is complicated and so is our understanding of the threats that it protects against. However, the relationship between physical security and cybersecurity is often interlinked. Business leaders may find themselves weighing up the different risks to the physical security of their business. As a result, they implement CCTV into the office space, and alarms are placed on doors to help repel intruders. Importance of cybersecurity But what happens when the data that is collected from such security devices is also at risk of being stolen, and you don’t have to break through the front door of an office to get it? The answer is that your physical security can lose its power to keep your business safe if your cybersecurity is weak. As a result, cybersecurity is incredibly important to empower your physical security. We’ve seen the risks posed by cybersecurity hacks in recent news. Video security company Verkada recently suffered a security breach as malicious attackers obtained access to the contents of many of its live camera feeds, and a recent report by the UK government says two in five UK firms experienced cyberattacks in 2020. Cloud computing – The solution Cloud stores information in data centres located anywhere in the world, and is maintained by a third party Cloud computing offers a solution. The cloud stores your information in data centres located anywhere in the world and is maintained by a third party, such as Claranet. As the data sits on hosted servers, it’s easily accessible while not being at risk of being stolen through your physical device. Here’s why cloud computing can help to ensure that your physical security and the data it holds aren’t compromised. Cloud anxiety It’s completely normal to speculate whether your data is safe when it’s stored within a cloud infrastructure. As we are effectively outsourcing our security by storing our important files on servers we have no control over - and, in some cases, limited understanding of - it’s natural to worry about how vulnerable this is to cyber-attacks. The reality is, the data that you save on the cloud is likely to be a lot safer than that which you store on your device. Cyber hackers can try and trick you into clicking on links that deploy malware or pose as a help desk trying to fix your machine. As a result, they can access your device and if this is where you’re storing important security data, then it is vulnerable. Cloud service providers Cloud service providers offer security that is a lot stronger than the software in the personal computer Cloud service providers offer security that is a lot stronger than the software that is likely in place on your personal computer. Hyperscalers such as Microsoft and Amazon Web Service (AWS) are able to hire countless more security experts than any individual company - save the corporate behemoth - could afford. These major platform owners have culpability for thousands of customers on their cloud and are constantly working to enhance the security of their platforms. The security provided by cloud service providers such as Claranet is an extension of these capabilities. Cloud resistance Cloud servers are located in remote locations that workers don’t have access to. They are also encrypted, which is the process of converting information or data into code to prevent unauthorised access. Additionally, cloud infrastructure providers like ourselves look to regularly update your security to protect against viruses and malware, leaving you free to get on with your work without any niggling worries about your data being at risk from hackers. Data centres Cloud providers provide sophisticated security measures and solutions in the form of firewalls and AI Additionally, cloud providers are also able to provide sophisticated security measures and solutions in the form of firewalls and artificial intelligence, as well as data redundancy, where the same piece of data is held within several separate data centres. This is effectively super-strong backup and recovery, meaning that if a server goes down, you can access your files from a backup server. Empowering physical security with cybersecurity By storing the data gathered by your physical security in the cloud, you're not just significantly reducing the risk of cyber-attacks, but also protecting it from physical threats such as damage in the event of a fire or flood. Rather than viewing your physical and cybersecurity as two different entities, treat them as part of one system: if one is compromised, the other is also at risk. They should work in tandem to keep your whole organisation secure.

With pupils in the UK set to go back to school on 8 March, there are a number of safety measures schools need to implement to ensure the health and wellness of the staff, students, and school communities.  The first lockdown and closure of schools brought on by the coronavirus pandemic fired a “warning shot” for education facilities managers, forcing head-teachers to re-examine school safety standards. Now that a third lockdown is here and schools have been shut down for a second time, anyone behind the curve with the benefits of smart technology should get on board now before children return to the school environment. And with the ever-changing variants of the COVID-19 virus, schools can’t afford to be “late to class” when it comes to health and safety. Preventing the spread of disease Some schools in the US have been using smart technologies for a while to measure utility consumption and efficiency, streamline maintenance and enhance general school safety. These technologies are playing a significant role in keeping school buildings healthy and preventing the spread of disease. Let’s take a look at how smart technology can help schools to become safer, as well as more energy-efficient and cost-effective.   Thermal detection cameras  Smart cameras placed at entry points of a school can remove the manual task of temperature testing Smart cameras placed at entry points of a school can remove the manual task of temperature testing. These cameras provide medically-accurate, real-time temperatures of individuals in real-time. If a high temperature is detected, the software sends an instant alert to the relevant party. It can also be set to deny access to those with high temperatures or to people not wearing masks.  Safer water  As the coronavirus continues to sweep through the world’s population, healthcare providers should also be on heightened alert for Legionnaires’ disease, another potential cause of pneumonia with similar symptoms. Legionella is a potentially deadly bacteria that can infect a school’s water supply and cause an outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease. It’s a school's duty of care to prevent Legionella infection by monitoring the risk of the bacteria proliferating.  Particularly as schools reopen and previously stagnant plumbing and cooling systems return to use, additional Legionella cases could rear their ugly head to emergency departments in the coming months. Traces of Legionella were recently found at a Worcestershire school. The school was forced to remain shut while treatment and testing took place. Automated flushing and temperature testing Instant alerts will notify relevant staff if water temperatures fall within “Legionella-friendly” parameters The Health and Safety Executive advises, “If your building was closed or has reduced occupancy during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, water system stagnation can occur due to lack of use, increasing the risks of Legionnaires’ disease… If the water system is still used regularly, maintain the appropriate measures to prevent legionella growth.” Typically, managing the risk of Legionella includes running all outlets for two minutes, taking and recording the temperature of the water to ensure that it’s not conducive to Legionella growth. This is a time-consuming process, which is why schools are looking for automated water temperature monitoring systems. This smart system with automated flushing and temperature testing reports and records water temperature data in real-time. Instant alerts will notify relevant staff if water temperatures fall within “Legionella-friendly” parameters.  Cleaner air  Advisers say that improving air filtration and ventilation in schools can help mitigate the potential airborne transmission of COVID-19. Strategies include: Increasing outdoor air ventilation Filtering indoor air Using portable air cleaners with HEPA filters  Smart building technologies such as advanced HVAC controls can help facilities managers promote cleaner air with less hassle. For example, smart HVAC systems use sensors to remotely monitor and control variables such as:  Humidity Temperature Indoor air quality The level of carbon dioxide and other pollutants The technology is also energy-efficient and cost-effective.  While these solutions may be key to the reopening of schools in the era of COVID-19, they also bring long-term benefits. Although COVID-19 may have accelerated the adoption of smart technology, many of these solutions are focused on health, wellness, and security in general; which have been needed in school systems for a long time.

Once upon a time, providers had end-to-end control when deploying a physical security platform, which is not the case anymore when we consider the modernisation to IP. When considering the move to IP physical security, the provider needs to ensure the customer has a robust PoE backbone to connect the IP security device back to the application. Network readiness requirements have complicated IP security deployments, making it challenging for current providers while opening the door to new competitors. Competition is increasing Network providers see the move to IP as an opportunity to expand their wallet share. As the trusted advisors to IT teams, network providers leverage their position to win over the physical security business. As the time, cost, and complexity increases to move a customer to IP; providers need to expand their offering, considering the decline in endpoint revenue margins (the "race to the bottom"). Unfortunately, PoE networks are becoming increasingly complex as IoT endpoints are continually introduced to the network. Before the IP/IoT deployment can occur, the network provider (now your competition as well) will have the opportunity to edge you out and offer an IP/IoT solution with the network. The traditional approach is outdated They have standardised this cookie-cutter solution that may work for some, but not for all While we accept that we are collectively relying on our networks to support an increasing number of devices and applications, many have not considered the local area network's evolution. Organisations no longer only connect data terminals and printers to the network - they connect all manner of intelligent devices, including Wi-Fi access points, cameras, phones, access control, lighting, intercoms, and more. Many traditionalists will recommend the rip-and-replace of existing infrastructure while layering all IoT devices on the same network. They have standardised this cookie-cutter solution that may work for some, but not for all. What if there was a better way? Create the best outcome for you and your customer Let's start by thinking about the customer's desired outcome. The customer wants new capabilities within an acceptable ROI. Given the complications surrounding COVID-19, these organisations may require solutions very quickly to operate safely and within governmental guidelines. However, these organisations first need to establish a LAN framework without high costs, disruption to business, or complexity. They do not want to compromise network security or their business. They do not want network requirements to account for the majority of their budget as there is no ROI in infrastructure. The infrastructure supports the ROI gained from the devices and applications it enables. How do we provide a network solution that addresses both the customer and the provider's needs? Customers need a network that: Eliminates competitive pressures, giving providers end-to-end control over the network and the entire digital transformation experience. Shorten sales and deployment cycles to simplify network readiness and reduce the budget allocation towards infrastructure. Focus on device and application implementation and adoption to improve the customer's ROI. Build a physically separate PoE backbone for IP/IoT applications to maximise network security and performance while simplifying ongoing management. Eliminate the dependency on other providers. Advice from Albert Einstein We cannot solve a problem using the same kind of thinking we used when we created it" To help achieve these outcomes, I encourage you to accept some advice from Albert Einstein. Einstein once said, "The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education." Sometimes we are unwilling to accept new ideas because of preconceived notions about how things "ought to be done." We must embrace innovation and challenge our best practices that are based on past education. Einstein also said, "We cannot solve a problem using the same kind of thinking we used when we created it." Sometimes we must challenge ourselves to think differently by using innovations to create better outcomes for our businesses and customers. Consider this for a second: are you focused on the problem rather than finding a unique alternative solution? Einstein defined insanity as "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." Your customers are all unique with different digital transformation challenges and objectives. The cookie-cutter, rip-and-replace method has not worked for all. If it did, every organization would have all the IP and IoT solutions they need. It's time to consider a fresh new approach that may challenge your education. Don't let our education get in the way of your learning! Looking to innovation and modern solutions The idea of The Modern LAN, introduced by Frost & Sullivan, aims to present a paradigm shift in LAN design for IP and the IoT. The whitepaper, available for free using the link above, offers an enhancement to traditional LAN design to address IP and IoT devices' specific needs. Today, we connect more than just data terminals, and we must design our networks accordingly. Instead of starting with the network, Modern LAN design suggests starting with the endpoint requirements and building a network to address these considerations. One of the foundations of Modern LAN design is to consider all networking innovations available. NVT Phybridge PoE innovations allow you to leverage different cable types, including coax, single-pair UTP, and multi-pair UTP cabling, to enable IoT devices at much greater distances than traditional switches. Aligned with Modern LAN design, you can transform the existing network into a robust and secure PoE backbone instead of removing and replacing the reliable infrastructure. PoE switch solutions PoE switch solutions leverage different core technology that vary in capability and effectiveness I know what you may be thinking: Am I compromising on network performance by leveraging these innovations? The answer is: it depends on the technology. PoE switch solutions leverage different core technology (Homeplug, VDSL, ADSL, Ethernet, etc.) that vary in capability and effectiveness. For more than 15 years, NVT Phybridge has been a global pioneer in long-reach PoE technology. We were the first company to develop a switch that delivered Ethernet and PoE over a single pair of UTP wire with up to 1,200ft (365m) reach, which is four times the reach of standard switches. We have spent the last 15 years surprising the industry with our capabilities and satisfying customers with our technology. Performance is paramount We understand that innovation is met with scrutiny and skepticism. We also know that some companies make claims that they cannot back up, which can sometimes shed a negative light on an entire industry or product category. However, our enterprise-grade networking solutions have helped thousands of customers modernise to the next generation of intelligent devices without high costs, complexity, or disruption to their business. For example, our CLEER24 switch is a 24-port Ethernet over Coax innovation that delivers Ethernet and PoE+ over a single coax cable with up to 6,000ft (1,830m) reach, which is 18-times the reach of a standard switch.  Transform network readiness requirements into an opportunity to grow your business! Be a thought leader, leverage Modern LAN design, and introduce NVT Phybridge PoE innovations to your customers. It's time to change the conversation around LAN design and improve the outcome for you and your customers.

Vicon Industries, Inc., a designer and producer of security surveillance solutions, and Software House, part of Tyco Security Products, announced that they have entered an integration partnership that will enable Vicon’s VMS Valerus to integrate with Software House’s C•Cure 9000 Access Control system. Vicon has released a software package that provides advanced, seamless integration of Valerus with C•Cure 9000, allowing the user to correlate video with access control event information in one powerful interface. The combination allows full interaction with live video and recording, turning the physical security interface into a full-featured video security solution. The integration is based on both a working Valerus and C•Cure system on the network. Pivotal IP technologies This integration supports any Valerus device (NVR, encoder, IP camera) and 3rd party camera listed as supported by Valerus and runs as a service on the C•Cure system server. This is a first release of the integration package with the following minimum versions: Valerus VMS Version 18R2 or higher and Software House C•Cure 9000 version 2.70. Bret McGowan, SVP of Sales & Marketing, stated “Vicon is dedicated to providing this type of integration that addresses end-user security needs, and displays our commitment to provide our customers with pivotal IP technologies that will move their business forward.”

The partnership will allow AMG-Panogenics 5 MP PanoCam360 camera range to integrate with Luxriot’s VMS AMG Systems, the British manufacturer of sophisticated Megapixel cameras and CCTV transmission technology, and Luxriot, market leading suppliers of Enterprise Video Management solutions in the USA, have announced a strategic technology partnership that will see the AMG-Panogenics 5 megapixel 360 degree PanoCam360 camera range integrated into Luxriot’s signature Video Management Solution (VMS). Aleksandr Jesikov, Account Manager at Luxriot EU, says, “Panoramic cameras are becoming increasingly demanded in the market. The reason is pretty simple – one panoramic camera can cover an area that previously required the use of several devices. This lowers installation expenses and simplifies the investigation process. AMG’s PanoCam360 camera offers a 5 megapixel resolution, very impressive for a fish eye camera. This created a demand from Luxriot VMS customers and the integration of PanoCam360 was a natural and logical decision. As AMG Systems adheres to standardised protocols and have a very helpful support team – the integration and testing of PanoCam360 integration went very smoothly.” Sara Bullock, International Sales & Marketing Director of AMG Group commented, “I am delighted to announce this new strategic partnership with Luxriot. The partnership is a significant move for introducing our range of cameras to Luxriot’s client base as it works with the company’s entire range of VMS solutions. Through the integration with Luxriot’s VMS solutions, users can de-warp video streams from PanoCam360, which allows full operational flexibility, and users can therefore take full advantage of the ability of the camera. This in turn makes the combined offering incredibly useful for applications in nearly all market verticals.”

Arecont Vision’s IP-based megapixel cameras cover the drive-in, parking area, entrance, as well as the office area Customer Tiskarna Kostomaj in Celje, Slovenia, is a family-owned and operated commercial printer. Five years ago, the company moved into a new two-story office building which includes additional facilities and a parking lot. Challenge The first attempt by Tiskarna Kostomaj to provide video surveillance for their new building using inexpensive network cameras was not successful. The first break-in at the printing business showed the cameras, which were standard definition VGA resolution with built-in infrared (IR) illuminators, were ineffective. The company also tried a 640x480-pixel camera from a major manufacturer, but it became evident that this low resolution camera did not meet the company's need for surveillance. The inexpensive cameras were also not dependable and ceased functioning within two years of their installation. Tiskarna Kostomaj ultimately concluded that a surveillance system would only be useful to them if it was able to recognise a person or vehicle within the camera field of view (FOV). Megapixel solution The new megapixel video surveillance system was designed entirely in-house, with installation completed in cooperation with a local security company and a local electrician, according to Marjan Kostomaj, chief information officer of Tiskarna Kostomaj. The company did not consider analogue cameras for a number of reasons. Whereas an analog camera can detect an intruder, IP-based megapixel cameras provide video image quality that makes it possible to also recognise the intruder. IP cameras use progressive scan which avoids flickering and provides critical detail in a moving image. Finally, megapixel cameras provide a good price/performance ratio. The commercial printer now uses a combination of Arecont Vision IP-based megapixel cameras outside to cover the drive-in, parking area and entrance, and indoors for the office area. All cameras are powered through the Ethernet connection (PoE). For highest resolution needs, Tiskarna Kostomaj uses the Arecont Vision AV5100DN, a 5 megapixel MJPEG camera providing 2,492 x 1,944-pixel resolution at 9 frames per second (fps). It delivers light sensitivity of 0.3 lux at F1.4. MegaVideo image processing involves more than 6 million operations per second. The camera offers simultaneous full field-of-view and region-ofinterest (ROI) video, and image cropping allows streaming of full-density partial images. A motorised IR cut filter is used with the day/night (DN) version. Video management software for the video surveillance system is provided by Luxriot and video is monitored locally To provide better night vision, Arecont Vision's AV3130 series is a unique dual-sensor, day/night 3/1.3-megapixel IP camera that delivers up to 15 frames per second (fps) at 2,048x1,536 pixels of high-definition color resolution using a CMOS colour sensor. It is a robust, all-weather camera suited to variable 24-hour lighting conditions. In low-light conditions, the AV3130 changes from color to black-and-white mode (using a separate 1.3-megapixel CMOS sensor), and the camera’s frame rate increases to a maximum of 30 fps at 1280x1024 pixels. Light sensitivity is 0.02 lux at F1.4. The AV3130 provides superior night vision at Tiskarna Kostomaj compared to a competitive camera also tested. Model AV3130 also offers on-camera motion detection. Arecont Vision Model AV1300 captures 1280x1024-pixel video at 32 frames per second and has light sensitivity of 0.1 lux at F1.4. It also features forensic zooming, region-of-interest (ROI), image cropping and motion detection. The AI version used by Tiskarna Kostomaj includes an auto-iris lens. Video management software for the system is provided by Luxriot and video is monitored locally. All cameras are connected to a PoE switch using a separate virtual local area network (VLAN) and to a dedicated Gigabit server network interface controller (NIC). The server uses Windows with Luxriot and monitoring employs local and/or remote clients. Megapixel benefits The system has performed very well so far. The cameras provide the perfect combination of high resolution and night vision capability that the user needs. Arecont Vision cameras’ higher resolutions enable customers to minimise the number of cameras they use without compromising coverage. This brings a number of advantages to the user. The ability of fewer megapixel cameras to take the place of many more standard-resolution network cameras or analogue cameras contributes to an overall lower system cost. The use of fewer cameras also requires less labour and cabling while providing high resolution. Using fewer cameras to cover larger areas also translates into cost savings related to infrastructure (cables, mounts, housings, etc.), which makes it easier to realise a system return-on-investment (ROI). Also, the availability of higher-resolution images can provide prosecutable forensic evidence. Arecont Vision cameras, made in the USA, employ the company's MegaVideo technology to create the world’s fastest multi-megapixel network cameras supporting full-motion video frame rates. The Arecont Vision 3.0 megapixel camera provides up to ten times the resolution of an analogue camera, while the 5.0 megapixel camera provides up to 15 times the resolution of an analogue camera. The ability of these cameras to be connected to an existing network provides installation flexibility and keeps costs low.