SNAPserver CCTV Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)

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.

The sound of sirens in the distance is commonplace, nowadays. Whether related to a medical emergency or everyday crimes, such as theft, property crimes, and so on, we’re all accustomed to hearing these sirens by now. It is worth noting that many incidents that police respond to take place at night. According to a recent report by the Sleep Judge, more than half of murders, manslaughter, sexual assaults, robberies, aggravated assaults and motor vehicle thefts happen long after the sun has set. To anyone looking to address the round-the-clock security challenge, deploying the most comprehensive surveillance solution is a must, and this means, looking at the instrumental role illumination plays in video capture. Limitations of traditional video surveillance For surveillance cameras relying on video analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver functionalities such as facial recognition, license plate reading and motion detection, nighttime crimes can pose something of a problem. Without adequate illumination, images from video cameras are grainy and unusable.If surveillance cameras can’t be used to prevent, detect and/or resolve crimes that occur in these areas, the entire security operation is obsolete Without proper lighting, potential criminals and moving objects essentially become indistinguishable, at night, thereby inhibiting even the most advanced security technologies. This limitation of traditional surveillance technology not only hinders immediate police response, but it also stops crime investigations dead in their tracks. Often, without video evidence that is clear and discernible, conviction in a court of law is next to impossible. A common response to this issue is to place security cameras near streetlights or well-lit areas. After all, according to NPR, street lights are effective in deterring crime,  as “there are people such as neighbors, pedestrians, or police, to actually see suspicious activity.” However, even if streetside and primary entrances are well lit, the areas that still need most to be surveilled are rear or side doorways shrouded by darkness, unlit back alleys, and so on. If surveillance cameras can’t be used to prevent, detect and resolve crimes that occur in these areas, the entire security operation is obsolete. Best-in-class security solutions must be able to see everything, day and night. A purpose-designed illumination solution Addressing this issue is easier than you might think. Much like a human eye needs some sort of light to “see,” so does video surveillance technology. Integrating external illuminators into a security solution can optimise camera performance exponentially, expanding a camera’s video capture and coverage abilities and ensuring the operation of video analytics, day and night. Opting for an external illuminator allows system integrators to select a device that matches the exact emission range of a camera’s field of view (FOV). The result is an evenly lit visual field, where captured images are clear and effective for security purposes. The two most common options available to integrators include infrared (IR) and white light illuminators. Each technology is built to optimise particular deployments, depending on their needs. Infrared versus white light IR illuminators emit IR light, which is invisible to the human eye and perfect for covert surveillance operations. When cameras need to be able to detect potential threats over long distances, IR illuminators are perfect for the job as they typically have longer emission ranges. IR illuminators are optimal for surveillance operations in license plate recognition, border patrol, safe cities, theme park, and medical sleep lab applications.Cameras deployed without proper illumination are rendered blind, especially at night If an end user needs to implement full-color video analytics for identification purposes, such as facial, object and license plate recognition, white light illuminators are undoubtedly an integrator’s best bet. IR illumination and traditional thermal security cameras, after all, are only able to provide black-and-white images, whereas object recognition software often identifies objects based on their color. White light illuminators installed alongside AI-powered surveillance cameras enable enhanced video image clarity, which, optimises video analytics performance. When customers want to physically deter suspicious activity, deploying white light illuminators is effective. A recent study out of Crime Labs New York found that businesses that deployed visible lights to deter crime “experienced crime rates that were significantly lower,” which “led to a 36 percent reduction in ‘index crimes’”. On top of all this, LED based white lights operate at low running costs and typically have long lifespans, saving end users thousands of dollars a year in energy costs without having to sacrifice surveillance optimisation. External versus built-in illumination Security customers looking to use lighting to deter crime and improve the performance of video surveillance may consider “all-in-one" solutions, as some cameras have LEDs (light emitting diodes) built into them. These LEDs typically encircle the lens and therefore shed light in whatever direction the camera is pointed. However convenient these may seem, built-in illumination can cause problems. First, LEDs built into cameras and next to other electronic components often cause heat to build up, which attracts insects that can trigger motion detection and obstruct a camera’s view. This heat buildup also shortens the LED lights lifespan. Built-in LEDs also tend to create “hot spots” with glare and reflection back into the camera, often because these lights only cover a 30-degree field of view (FOV), even though the average camera’s FOV is 90 degrees. This issue can severely limit a camera’s visibility, essentially rendering those remaining 60 degrees dark and unusable. All in all, when integrating lighting solutions into your security deployment, a cost-effective solution that enhances a camera’s video capture and coverage abilities, are external illuminators because they offer flexible choices of field of view and distances. Best-in-class security solution When it comes to criminal conviction in a court of law, “seeing really is believing.” Cameras deployed without proper illumination are rendered blind, especially at night, just as any security officer would be when patrolling the same unlit area. To guarantee end users the most reliable and highest performing security solution, consider integrating best-in-class illumination into your offerings.

In today’s market, efficient use of bandwidth and storage is an essential part of maintaining an effective video surveillance system. A video management system’s ability to provide analysis, real time event notifications and crucial image detail is only as a good as the speed and bandwidth of a surveillance network. In the physical security industry, H.264 is the video compression format used by most companies. Some companies also employ H.264 enhancements to compress areas of an image that are irrelevant to the user at a higher ratio within a video stream in order to preserve image quality for more important details like faces, license plates or buildings. The H.265, H.264’s successor, will be increasingly used for compression in the future. Some companies are already using H.265 in their cameras and video management systems, while a host of other manufacturers are certainly preparing for its broader adoption in the years to come. Video compression technologies Reduced bandwidth and storage requirements are the primary benefits of video compression technologies Reduced bandwidth and storage requirements are the primary benefits of video compression technologies. In some cases, H.265 can double the data compression ratio of H.264, while retaining the same quality. Increased compression rate translates into decreased storage requirements on hard drives, less bandwidth usage and fewer switches – all of which reduce overall costs of system ownership. H.265 compression delivers a lower bitrate than H.264, which is relevant to end users and integrators because the lower bitrate reduces strain on hardware and can reduce playback issues. It’s very important that the compression format that is used is supported in all of the different components of a system: cameras, desktop computers on which the VMS is running and the VMS itself. It is also good for end users and integrators to understand the basics of video compression. Having a basic understanding of compression allows users to tweak settings to reduce bandwidth usage even more. Many cameras come with default settings that can be changed to ultimately reduce costs. ONVIF physical security In the physical security industry, ONVIF is working to incorporate into its specifications the use of new formats such as H.265 but is not directly involved in developing the compression standards themselves. With Profile T, the new ONVIF video profile released will employ a new media service that is compression agnostic. This means that it can support new video compression formats, including H.265, as well as new audio compression formats, with the ability to include new video and audio codecs as needed in the future without having to redesign its media service. In the physical security industry, ONVIF is working to incorporate into its specifications the use of new formats such as H.265 Standardisation organisations that are directly addressing new compression standards include the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and a joint commission of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)/International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which is addressing the coding of audio, picture, multimedia and hypermedia information. Other compression formats on par with H.264 and H.265 are being developed by companies such as Google. H.265 compression formats Using products that employ H.265 compression will reduce costs through bandwidth reduction, as will changing default settings on cameras, which are often conservative. Having a basic understanding of compression formats and how to tweak camera factory default settings also gives integrators the ability to further reduce bandwidth for added costs savings and increased system performance. These enhancements will analyse which parts of an image are most important and adjust local levels of compressions accordingly It is also worth noting that H.265 enhancements will likely be developed by camera manufacturers to further reduce bandwidth, as was the case with H.264. These enhancements will analyze which parts of an image are most important and adjust local levels of compressions accordingly. While H.265 itself is ready for prime time, its value as a tool for IP-based surveillance systems is dependent on support for the codec in all parts of the system – the VMS, server hardware, graphics cards and camera. Though widespread H.265 adoption is predicted, providers of these components are jumping on the H.265 bandwagon at different rates of speed. ONVIF is including support for H.265 in its new video profile, Profile T, because it believes it will become the most widely used compression format and ONVIF recognises the need to anticipate that migration as a future need of the industry. The new media service, which will be implemented with Profile T, will be future-proof in that when new compression formats are released in the future, ONVIF can adopt them very quickly. That flexibility will definitely help integrators.

Richard Parnell of Total Security Protection based in Watford won the competition Mayflex, the cabling infrastructure, networking and electronic security solutions distributor, ran a competition from 1st February to 30th April to encourage customers, particularly those new to IP Security from Mayflex, to place orders for their range of IP based electronic security products, with the winner receiving a 3D HD bundle. Mayflex is at the forefront of the distribution of innovative IP-based Electronic Security Solutions, with a focus on product performance and customer support. Mayflex offer an extensive portfolio from some of the best manufacturers in the industry including: ACTi, Agent Vi, Avigilon, AXIS, Bosch, Fluidmesh, Illuminar, LevelOne, Milestone, MOBOTIX, Overland, Panasonic, Paxton, QNAP, Raytec, Razberi, UTC and Veracity. The winner of the competition was Richard Parnell of Total Security Protection based in Watford. Commenting on the win Richard said ‘We started working with Mayflex back in 2012 and we have seen a significant increase in business in the last 6 months, particularly in IP Security. Our experience of working with Mayflex has been extremely positive and we’ve received great service and support so far which has helped us to deliver that same experience to our own customer base.’ Richard concluded ‘I’d be more than happy to recommend Mayflex, they’ve got a good range of products to choose from, a team of staff that know what they’re talking about, generally the products are in stock and when we order and we get the products delivered free of charge the next day.' Commenting on the promotion Gary Harmer, Mayflex Director of Sales for Electronic Security said ‘We are continually building our portfolio of IP Security products and the competition was a good way of helping to get that message across to a number of customers, particularly those that haven’t dealt with us on IP Security.’ Gary concluded ‘Together with our vendor partners we really are leading the way in IP Security and working with installers to provide a complete solution, offering them a choice of product and functionality to fit their specific budgets and operational requirements.’

Dan Eames & David Cawkell of SeSys Ltd. with Dr. Magnus Ekerot, Chief Sales Officer of MOBOTIX MOBOTIX AG, a leading manufacturer of digital high-resolution, network-based video security systems has released details of its annual National Partner Conference which was the venue to announce new Partners Programmes, products and longer term strategy. Even within a tough economic climate, MOBOTIX recorded a strong second quarter with revenue growth of 17% for the fiscal year compared to the prior year. Boosted by strong growth and innovative new products, the event was opened by a keynote presentation from Chief Sales Officer, Dr. Magnus Ekerot. The CSO outlined a new Global Partner Programme that aims to help MOBOTIX channel partners to differentiate themselves and enable better delivery of solutions. Dr. Ekerot also talked about the strategy needed to deliver complete solutions and the support MOBOTIX will provide to partners to help sustain the strong growth achieved over the last year. In several technical breakout sessions, MOBOTIX provided details on the new hardware platform and upcoming Mobile Applications as part of new remote viewing and control solutions. Innovation has been a key driver with several new products entering service in 2012. These include the new S14 FlexMount, the world's first flexible double hemispheric camera and the Q24 Video Analytic Camera with integrated Automatic People Counting and HeatMap reporting. The NPC expo area also hosted stands from several technology partners including Wavestore, RayTEC, Remoteguard, Business Insight 3, Exus Technology, Overland Storage, Lancom and Sedi GmbH.  MOBOTIX also took the opportunity to award several notable attendees. The ‘Partner of the Year’ award was scooped by Clear Image MMS Ltd, a highly respected partner that has consistently exceeded targets over the last 12 months. The Alarming Company Ltd was awarded ‘Growth Strategy of the Year’, following a string of high value deals. David Collins from Bournville College accepted the award for ‘Prestige Project’ following his comprehensive presentation detailing the innovative use of MOBOTIX technology within a £66 million purpose built campus in Longbridge that kick-started a wider regeneration of the area. Highly regarded partner SeSys Ltd was awarded the ‘Solution Award’ for its use of MOBOTIX technology within its Torch Cam rapid deployment video system used extensively within the utilities and defence industry. "said Dan Eames, Technical Director for SeSys. Vaisala Ltd, a global leader in environmental and industrial measurement, was awarded a new “Fellowship Award” for its use of MOBOTIX technology across the globe within a range of innovative observation and measurement products and services for chosen weather-related and industrial market. Vaisala Ltd.'s Gerald Sharp with Dr.Magnus Ekerot Peter Harris, Sales & Marketing Manager for Voicepath added “The NPC event was a great opportunity for Voicepath to network with many MOBOTIX UK Partners, enabling us to forge both existing and new strategic relationships for the future, and in addition, with the exciting new product range that was released at the conference, we are confident that we have the most effective technology to help us develop our Security business for the future.” “The annual National Partner Conference is an opportunity for us to meet, educate and share with our partners and I would like thank all the participants that made it one of the best events to date,” explains Dominic Chapman, Business Development Manager for MOBOTIX UK & Ireland, “The inclusion of our technology partners and the technical tracks helped to create a high value event and the new Partner Programme, we feel, will help our channel to successfully address a wider market with our continued assistance.”

 Mayflex offers a true one-stop shop for anyone looking for a complete surveillance solutionVersion 2 of Mayflex's Security Product Guide is now available, highlighting products from the full range in Mayflex's security portfolio.In the last 6 months Mayflex has taken on board a range of new suppliers, such as Sanyo, QNAP, Netgenium and Grandstream, and the new guide highlights some of the key products from these vendors as well as those products more familiar.Mayflex's portfolio covers a broad spectrum of products, such as lighting solutions from Raytec, software from Milestone, storage from Overland, and transmission from UTC Fire & Security (formerly GE Security). This is in addition to the many camera manufacturers, like ACTi, MOBOTIX, Panasonic and Bosch.Mayflex also offers more than just security solutions and can provide networking and cabling infrastructure products, all of which are featured in the guide, offering a true one-stop shop for anyone looking for a complete surveillance solution.Tracey Calcutt, Marketing Manager at Mayflex, explains, "We have a large portfolio of products and the Security Product Guide has not be designed to be a complete catalogue but more a handy guide that highlights our offering and gives people a chance to see the range that we supply. We find a handy guide is much easier for people to have on their desk or take around with them. Full product details can be found very easily on our website, and we have a dedicated security sales team on hand to offer advice or provide further information."