Banking & finance security applications

Two giant video surveillance companies have responded to a United States government ban on use of their products included in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company and Dahua Technology Company are mentioned by name in a section buried in the giant military reauthorisation bill. A ban on use of their products will take effect “not later than one year after” the law is enacted. Response from the manufacturers Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress. “This legislation was quickly drafted without sufficient evidence, review, or investigation to warrant the video surveillance technology restrictions outlined in section 889,” says Hikvision. “The process resulted in an ambiguous provision with potentially far-reaching implications for American business and represents a rejection of the U.S. government’s commitment to use a standards-based approach when evaluating security risks in federal procurement.”  Dahua was less direct and did not specifically mention the ban in its statement. “Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market,” says the statement from Zhejiang Dahua Technology Ltd. The rest of the statement centres on Dahua’s ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market and addresses possible motivations for the ban (see below). Impact on contractor business Dahua’s statement expressed its ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market Hikvision also cited a recent article published in The Hill that quoted Chris Nickelson, a Missouri-based contractor, who argued that a ban on Hikvision products would actually harm small American businesses like his. According to the article, Nickelson said allegations against Hikvision have hurt his business, and he decried a lack of evidence supporting the allegations. “Somebody still needs to show me that there’s any real meat and potatoes behind any accusations that have been made towards Hikvision,” Nickelson is quoted in The Hill. The rest of Hikvision’s statement: “Hikvision is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and has made efforts to ensure the security of its products go beyond what is mandated by the U.S. government, including certification under the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 and opening our Source Code Transparency Center (SCTC), which makes the company’s source code available for review by law enforcement authorities and government agencies in the U.S. and Canada.”We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge" Company statement on the NDAA Here is more of Dahua’s statement on the National Defense Authorization Act: “Dahua Technology is a global leading IoT video surveillance solution provider operating in 37 countries and dedicated to bringing our customers innovative solutions. Dahua Technology has been publicly traded on Shenzhen stock exchange market since 2008 and is not a government-owned entity. We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge. We have provided remedies to correct those issues with our customers. We take cybersecurity very seriously by implementing a seven-module cybersecurity baseline into our product design. Meanwhile, we continue to work with 3rd party partners like DBAPP Security and Synopsys Technology, to rigorously test our products to combat against current cybersecurity vulnerabilities."To personalise our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor" Dahua’s statement continues: “With over 6,000 R&D Dahua professionals, we strive to provide secure products and solutions to our valued customers to secure what they care about. Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market. We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market. "We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market.” Hikvision comments on GSX presence Hikvision has also issued a statement about its downsized presence at the upcoming GSX trade show (formerly ASIS) in Las Vegas. A Hikvision spokesperson confirmed that the decision to abandon Hikvision’s large booth presence was made earlier this summer and was not a result of the ban. Here is Hikvision’s statement about GSX: “As in previous years, Hikvision will be well represented at the GSX show in September in Las Vegas. To personalise our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor. Instead, a contingency of Hikvision professionals will attend the conference and host partner meetings and product demonstrations in meeting facilities throughout the trade show. "As a total solution provider, Hikvision looks forward to meeting with end users, A&E consultants, integrators and other partners to discuss how Hikvision's full suite of products can help address the challenges facing security directors and the broader C-Suite.”

Surveillance manufacturer IDIS has unveiled its Covert Modular Cameras (DC-V3213XJ) at this year’s Intersec, at the Dubai World Trade Center. Available in options featuring a 4.3mm or 2.5mm fixed lens, the new covert cameras offer easy installation with new and existing DirectIP® network video recorders (NVRs) so that customers can simply add the cameras to their current systems, effectively protecting their existing investment. Adaptability in new features The new covert cameras also feature full-HD resolution, two-way audio, alarm in and out, PoE, a day and night infrared cut filter (ICR), true-wide dynamic range as well as supporting ONVIF. Customers have the option of using micro SD/SDHC/SDXC cards to benefit from IDIS Smart Failover, so that in the event of a lost connection between the camera and NVR, the camera’s card beings to temporarily recording, and once the connection is restored the card automatically transfers the data back to the NVR. Speaking at the show, Peter Kim, IDIS Senior Director, Global Technology Center, commented: “The new convert cameras really bolster our product and technology line-up, especially for the retail and banking sectors where we are seeing the most demand. The new convert cameras really bolster our product and technology line-up" Protection against failure “The new covert cameras are perfectly sized for ATMs, particularly when paired with the compact sized IDIS NVR (DR-1204P) that benefits from the protection IDIS Smart Failover. All sectors can also benefit from IDIS Critical Failover, which includes more than just Smart Failover. If any part of the surveillance infrastructure fails, the IDIS system recognises the failure and then switches to a redundant system, which is critical especially for banking and financial organisations. "Previously, this process has taken precious time and resources when done manually; plus, redundant equipment can be expensive. With IDIS Critical Failover we can offer multi-layered protection, with all the benefits of a redundant standby system, but at a significantly lower cost. “These cameras also make for a powerful IDIS retail solution that also includes a smart and cost-effective video analytics solution, VA in the Box; the company’s DD-1216 decoder (which enables 16ch real-time display), and the HE-1101 HDMI encoder, which allows for comprehensive PoS monitoring.”

March Networks, a global provider of intelligent IP video solutions, announced the results of an independent survey exploring how fraud, customer service and security perceptions are impacting U.S. banking consumer decisions. Key results from the survey, commissioned by March Networks and conducted by leading market research firm Ipsos earlier this year, reveal that 15% of consumers experienced fraudulent bank account activity in 2016. Banks and credit unions responded successfully, however, with 85% of those consumers saying they were satisfied with how their financial institution handled the incident. Security influence on banking decisions Survey results also show that a continued focus on customer experience remains critical for banks and credit unions when it comes to retention, with 1 in 5 respondents (and a higher 1 in 4 Millennials) confirming they have switched banks in the past because of poor in-branch service. In addition, banking choices are influenced by how secure consumers feel when conducting transactions, either in their local branch, at an ATM or online. A majority of consumers (98%) felt most secure when conducting transactions at their local banking branch, compared with 92% when conducting transactions online and 85% using a mobile phone app. Further, 90% of consumers said they feel safer when they can see video surveillance cameras in their bank or credit union, and would choose a financial institution with surveillance over one without, all other things being equal. Key findings from the survey: Nearly half of consumers said waiting more than 5 minutes for service is unreasonable While poor customer service was the top reason consumers switched to a new bank, other drivers included the branch nearest them closing (14%), fraudulent bank account activity (9%) and safety concerns (9%) Half of consumers walked away from an ATM without conducting their intended transaction because someone was loitering in the vestibule 90% of consumers think that visible surveillance cameras help deter crimes 60% of consumers noticed a fraudulent transaction before their financial institution, leaving plenty of opportunity for banks and credit unions to be more proactive when it comes to identifying and notifying customers about potential fraud Intelligent video solutions “Banks and credit unions recognise that today’s consumers want a mix of in-person and online banking service options, and have very high expectations when it comes to security and customer service,” said Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks. “The positive takeaway from this survey is that financial institutions are meeting these expectations at present, however will need to get even more strategic to retain customers and attract new business in their extremely competitive environment.” For nearly two decades, March Networks’ intelligent video solutions have helped many of the world’s leading banks and credit unions address real-world business challenges efficiently and cost-effectively. More than 500 financial institutions rely on the company’s solutions to enhance security in their banking branches, corporate facilities and at ATMs; proactively identify and reduce losses from theft and fraud; and improve operations and corporate policy compliance. Using March Networks’ video-based business intelligence software, which integrates video with transaction data and analytics, financial institutions are also realising significant improvements in customer service, workforce management and operations.

Zwipe has announced that it has made the first shipment of its biometric technology products, for use in commercial contactless biometric payment card pilots by leading card manufacturers and banks. Commenting on the announcement Kim Humborstad, founder and CEO of Zwipe said: “We now have extensive agreements in place with some of the world’s leading card manufacturers, paving the way for commercial deployment with banks over the course of 2018.” Global smart card market In total, Zwipe’s card manufacturing partners represent over 40% of the global smart card market, per volume shipped per the Nilson Report. Zwipe has entered into seven new agreements with both card manufacturers and payments ecosystem partners with a focus on meeting escalating commercial demand for biometric smartcard solutions. Zwipe received their first commercial orders for their contactless biometric payment card inlay in June of this year. Providing further insight, Pascal Dufour, SVP of Payment at Zwipe said: “We have received additional orders based on progress made this summer for our solution which is fully market ready. Upon successful completion of pilots, commencing in the fourth quarter this year, our partners have communicated expected volume roll-outs numbering in the several hundred thousand range in 2018.” Zwipe’s contactless payment card is the only smartcard solution capable of operating without the need for a battery Growth of contactless payment The rapid growth of contactless payment is a key driver for the integration of biometric technology on conventional payment cards. Contactless payment card adoption throughout the world has seen double digit growth globally, and with that, contactless transaction fraud has also grown equally as fast. Additionally, new regulation is seeking to address these challenges by mandating much stronger consumer authentication, as seen in the European Commission’s Payments Services Directive, PSD2. Biometric enabled contactless payment cards directly address these issues. Zwipe’s biometric contactless payment card is the only smartcard solution commercially available, and the only solution capable of operating without the need for a battery or fixed power supply. Other biometric card concepts are most commonly capable of contact-only payment, or operate with the support of a battery. Addressing the market and Zwipe’s position, Kim Humborstad added: “The industry’s biggest movers, card brands, card manufacturers and key technology stakeholders across the ecosystem are investing heavily to gain an advantageous position in a market segment that is here now, with Zwipe being the leading technology provider.”

The entrance control function of the Dahua smart car park solution saves labour costs, while also delivering easier and safer entry experience In the last two decades, global economic growth has led to a tremendous increase in the number of vehicles in almost every corner of the world. Reports show that in cities, most high-rise apartment buildings have had difficulties managing their parking spaces. ID card issuing, billing, entrance control and payment made the entrance procedure inefficient, while traditional smart card management systems limit access to those who hold an allocated smart card. The drawback to this is that cards can be stolen and the processing of lost cards is time-consuming. Dahua smart car park solution With abundant experience in video surveillance, Dahua launches this new comprehensive and intelligent car park solution. The Dahua smart car park solution is based upon video surveillance and video analysis technologies and is integrated with background smart analysis system DH-DSS4004-EMS. The entrance control function of the Dahua smart car park solution saves labour costs, while also delivering easier and safer entry experience. Entrance control function features The Dahua smart car park entrance control function is designed with 4 essential aspects: Digital entrance control via ANPR camera Efficiency is largely enhanced using ANPR technology. Authorised vehicles will be identified by an ANPR camera, which reads car licence plates and controls the gate. Visitors can press the VTT201 video intercom button to talk to an operator.  Real-time entrance surveillance through License Plate Recognition Authorised vehicles willbe identified by an ANPR camera, which reads licence plates and controls the gate ANPR cameras (ITC237-PU1A-IRHL) have a recognition rate higher than 95%, and cover all licence plates from European countries. No loop in the system also simplifies the installation.  Search function via 4K NVR camera The Dahua NVR5208-8P-4KS2 supports 4K ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160) recording, live viewing and playback. Using the refine search function, information including vehicle picture, licence plate number, entry & exit history log and recorded video will be displayed in the window. The NVR also supports the export of licence plate data strings with the exact date, time and channel etc. to USB memory. Smart management via DH-DSS4004-EMS system Based upon windows management software, background smart analysis system DH-DSS4004-EMS is specially designed for management centres. It is cross-functional, easy to use and cost effective. The management centre can respond to an emergency call from the VTT201 and support search of video and image by date/time/licence plate number from storage. Future potential Using advanced technology (ITC237 ANPR cameras?NVR5208-8P-4KS2 4K NVR, DH-DSS4004-EMS smart analysis system etc.), the entrance control function of Dahua’s smart car park solution delivers high efficiency and safe entry for residential compounds. In addition, this solution has the potential to expand alongside compound infrastructure growth and is flexible to upgrade with any future changes in technology.

The SALTO XS4 GEO cylinder for swing handles enables IT managers to fully control who can access the server racks and when With the growth of the Cloud and ever increasing amounts of confidential data, both business and personal, being held on servers it is more important than ever that that such data is protected and secure against unauthorised access. Stand-alone access control Specially designed to fit most swing handle server racks, the SALTO XS4 GEO cylinder for swing handles enables IT managers to fully control who can access the server racks and when. It provides a comprehensive wire-free fully stand-alone electronic access control solution to secure access to server racks in increasingly important and sensitive locations. Audit trail capacity Installation is quick and simple; there are no lost key card problems to compromise security as a card can be cancelled instantly and new one re-issued. Thanks to its audit trail capability, the status of any server rack lock and a full record of every entry or attempted entry can be ascertained with the click of a mouse. Available in six different colour finishes, it offers a choice of ID carriers including iButton, Legic Prime, Legic Advant, Mifare, DESfire, Mifare Ultralight C and is NFC compatible on contactless versions. IP 66 protection gives protection against the ingress of dust or moisture and a BioCote antimicrobial coating for the cylinder lock can also be specified.

Erste Group Bank AG built a new group headquarters on the site of the former Südbahnhof railway station in Vienna, with construction work taking place from 2012 to 2016. Employees who were previously distributed across 20 different locations throughout the city now all work in the same building complex. Advantages of new arrangement The advantages of this new arrangement are clear: Closer proximity and improved infrastructure strengthen cooperation and provide a modern, pleasant working environment for employees. The ground-breaking, award-winning design concept by Vienna architects 'Henke Schreieck Architekten' plays a key role by creating a feeling of openness with its curved buildings and the integration of green spaces, producing an environment which encourages creativity. The highest construction standards were applied to the planning of the new building complex – which accommodates around 4,000 employees – in order to, for example, optimise cost-effectiveness by minimising energy and operating costs. The Erste Campus was awarded the DGNB (German Sustainable Building Council) platinum certificate for sustainable building. Video security requirements Security was a major priority for the new headquarters. In 2014, the Erste Group put out a tender based on a detailed catalogue of requirements for an overall building security concept for the Erste Campus. Among other things, the requirements included video surveillance and intelligent video analysis. The video technology needed to support security personnel, detect security-critical events in real time around the clock and, when necessary, raise an alarm immediately. In order to ensure smooth communication and quick responses, seamless integration was required between the video analysis, video management system and all other components and systems. SeeTec Cayuga solution A key factor to the success of this solution was the close dovetailing of the two systems, made possible by the flexible architecture of SeeTec Cayuga A key factor to the success of this solution was the close dovetailing of the two systems, made possible by the flexible architecture of SeeTec Cayuga – which, for example, shares the image streams from the cameras. Alarm events from the CogVis video analysis are seamlessly transferred to SeeTec Cayuga, where they are visualised and processed. Kapsch Businesscom won the tender with an overall concept featuring video technology based on SeeTec GmbH video management and CogVis GmbH video analysis. Another major factor in the selection process was ensuring that the video system complies with the high IT standards in the banking sector – this was verified in advance by extensive testing. This means that SeeTec Cayuga supports encrypted communication between server and client, as well as secure connections with the cameras. The protection of customers' and employees' personal rights is also crucial – CogVis provides algorithms to disguise people's identities in live images by using pixelisation. Centrally managed video solution After several months of implementation, installation and testing, the integrated overall system went into live operation at the end of 2015. Since then, the cameras distributed all over the campus have been protecting the buildings and grounds around the clock. In order to minimise the load on the network and the risk of failures, the cameras in SeeTec Cayuga were distributed across multiple recording servers which are connected to a central management server. Furthermore, the video streams are made available to the CogVis analytics directly. The CogVis C3 server is responsible for central management of the external and internal communication with the distributed C3 nodes on which the video analysis is carried out. Cameras and alarms are visualised and processed using the SeeTec software in the security control centre, which is manned 24/7. Camera images and views can also be displayed on a large-screen system using the SeeTec Display Agent in conjunction with a central control room solution. Discrete security measures The complete solution balances the high security requirements of a bank with the structural nature of the Erste Campus – the idea of openness is continued in the design of the interiors, which is why video technology is ideal as a relatively discreet security measure. The analysis algorithms of the C3 security portfolio from CogVis detect unauthorised access to indoor and outdoor areas, issue warnings regarding left objects, and provide additional security in the field of access control. The intelligent system uses state-of-the-art techniques from the field of machine learning in order to minimise false alarms efficiently as the operating time increases. Monitoring functions provide security personnel with real-time updates about the functional state of the CogVis video analysis so that they can respond immediately if there is a problem. Erste Group Bank AG Functions such as licence plate recognition or mobile system access can be added at any time by means of expansion modules Like the Erste Campus buildings, which are designed to allow changes in work processes or new work area allocations to be implemented at any point in the future without major structural work, the video system also has a flexible design and is therefore well-equipped for the future. New video or analysis channels can be easily added to the existing system at any time. New functions such as licence plate recognition or mobile system access can also be added at any time by means of expansion modules. Ing. Peter Hollenthoner, the Erste Group Bank AG staff member responsible for the implementation of the video project on the Erste Campus, sums up the experience so far: "Our security concept had to meet all of the security requirements in full without conflicting with the open room structures which enable collaboration, flexibility and meetings with customers. "The only way to achieve the objectives was with intelligent video surveillance and analytics which provide optimal support for the security process. We were keen to work with companies who understood our requirements and could provide us with the best possible, technically stable implementation."

Financial institutions of all sizes demand simple, reliable solutions to protect against fraud, theft, and accidents in the workplace. Advancements in camera resolution and storage capabilities have put pressure on banks and credit unions to upgrade their video surveillance systems. Upgrading to a modern, economical NVR server will greatly increase system performance and scalability for small-budget projects with benefits seen across both loss prevention and business insights. Reliable high performance However, not all banks have the same security budget as large institutions. This makes high-power, custom-built solutions seem unrealistic; however, small projects featuring bandwidth limitations need to retain the ability to scale up depending on future surveillance demands. Before any system expansion can occur, reliable high-performance must be established. White-box solutions compromise quality and underperform when exposed to the tough requirements of the financial security market. Fortunately, custom-built, video-optimised solutions are not exclusive to large multinational financial institutions. Network architecture When upgrading an ineffective digital security system, a new network architecture needs to be created. Usually, this means switching from DVR to NVR servers. As a result, network switches attach to the camera allowing for easier future system expansion. Along with the newly gained scalability, throughput performance on servers can achieve significantly higher levels.BCDVideo offers servers, networking and workstations that provide enterprise-quality performance for all financial projects, regardless of size Implementing a complete video solution with high-performance servers, modern networking protocols and powerful workstations in financial institutions is now possible, even for small projects. BCDVideo offers servers, networking and workstations that provide enterprise-quality performance for all financial projects, regardless of size. The Benchmark Magazine 2016 Infrastructure award winner Aurora Server Series earns its name by marking the dawn of a new era in DVR replacement. Small-budget projects that have previously succumbed to the pressure of sacrificing quality for short-term savings now have access to servers with redundant power, 12Gbps RAID controller with 2GB of Flash Based Write Cache, hot-pluggable helium hard drive, and 10,000 PassMark rated CPUs. These big project features fit price-conscious budgets while maintaining the high-performance found in enterprise surveillance. BCDVideo Titan Networking The Titan Networking Series is priced well below standard to ensure project size and scope does not prevent an integrator from deploying a complete networking solution. Without the added cost of a networking engineer, savings reach into the thousands. Additionally, by using cutting-edge technology like Shortest Path Bridging, Titan switches, backed by a five-year, on-site warranty, will run at a high-level for years. The Gamma Series workstations fill the void in commercial and enterprise environments. Ideal for access control and IP video surveillance, they are powerful enough to render high-quality megapixel images for applications running 24/7. Optimised for advanced graphics and video capabilities, smaller projects can use the Gamma Series as both a video recorder and viewer.

To the lay person they appear to be simple LED light spots going back to the original style of illumination of the old 1800s palace (1876) that currently houses the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, and that historically represents the first great building of the newly reborn Roman capital, as commissioned by the former Minister Quintino Sella. Hidden in plain sight The carefully hidden technology, however, transforms each of the 20 light points (appropriately designated “Roma lights”) decorating the external perimeter into a state-of-the-art tool to guarantee the security of the public in the area around the Ministry. The transformation is executed thanks to the internal installation of IP cameras produced and distributed world-wide by the German company MOBOTIX, equipped with software for recording and processing the images. Notwithstanding the innovation of the performance, the new lighting systems are perfectly integrated, from an aesthetic point of view, with the historic palace where they are installed: A very advanced system, therefore, in terms of technology, but completely hidden inside a design in perfect harmony with the place where the light spot is installed, as envisioned and implemented by Dr. Massimo Belli, Appointed Administrator of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Dr. Umberto Dall’Aglio, Director of the VI Office of the IV Department of the Ministry and by Architect Gianluca Canofeni, Director of the Works and Technical Administrator of the IV Department. High efficiency at a low cost The transformation is executed thanks to the internal installation of IP cameras produced and distributed by MOBOTIX  “The motivation for the project was multifaceted: On the one hand to realise a control system based upon state-of-the-art video surveillance tools, and on the other hand implementing a new lighting project to substantially reduce electricity consumption – within the scope of energy efficiency –, guaranteeing at the same time a much longer useful life, and as a result a substantial reduction of maintenance costs”, said Lieutenant Colonel Saverio La Monaca, chief of the Central Security Organisation of the Ministry. As per the costs, the analysis carried out by the Ghisamestieri teams, obviously as a function of the actual system utilisation give a clear picture: It is foreseen that the initial investment will be recouped within only 4 or 5 years and economic savings of even 50% between the fifth and fifteenth year of useful life of the system. With respect to energy savings, MOBOTIX’ video cameras provide a further guarantee, since their energy consumption is extremely low in comparison with other technologies present on the market: about 4 to 6 watts per hour. MOBOTIX DualDome cameras The project, comprises today of 20 wall light spots installed in strategic positions throughout the Ministry. Each shelf hides inside 2 MOBOTIX DualDome cameras with 180 degrees field of view, for an overall total of 40 high-resolution IP security cameras. The images can be recorded inside the cameras 24/7 (colour, and black and white) to be viewed at the control centre located inside the Ministry building. The security personnel belonging to the military branch of the Financial Guard manage the complete video surveillance apparatus and constantly monitor the images of the cameras in real time. 10 wireless routers manufactured by the young Italian company 3WLan, are installed inside a similar number of wall brackets and are capable of guaranteeing the bi-directional Wi-Fi link between the control centre and the patrols active outside the palace. This is possible thanks to an authentication on a RADIUS server that identifies the access permissions of the router on a list of authorised equipment. Exchange data and images in real time The new wireless system guarantees much more reduced operating expenses against a much more intensive use profile" “Especially in case of demonstrations, which is actually very common, our security operators are involved in the so-called pacification operations outside the palace for the purpose of first of all protecting the ministerial magistrates. These are carried out both on foot and inside our patrols – which implies the need to rapidly cross-check the owner of a particular vehicle or verifying the personal data on passports and identification documents. "Before installing the new intelligent light spots we relied on a GSM system that was, however, very expensive. The new wireless system guarantees much more reduced operating expenses against a much more intensive use profile”, added Giancarlo Varvo, who is responsible for security. The video surveillance technology available on the patrol vehicles, which are also equipped with tools to read license plates, or palmtop operating systems (also known as explorers) supplied to foot patrols, once within the radius of coverage of the poles equipped with Wi-Fi antennas, have the option of exchanging data and images with the operations centre inside the Ministry by means of a recognition system. Furthermore, by connecting to a specific IP address, external patrols have the possibility to view the images recorded by a specific video camera in real time. Remote day/night illumination management Each support is also equipped with a remote switch that allows managing the illumination and video surveillance functions completely autonomously and independently from each other. While the light source turns on at dusk and switches off at sunrise, the cameras continue functioning 24/7, according to the specific settings they may record both in continuous mode or trigger upon an event, such as the movement of a pedestrian, or a sound. The cameras placed close to the entrances of the Ministry are capable of sending alerts in real time to the operations centre, or activating a bollard along the perimeter thanks to an automatic vehicle license plate reading system. Nothing to object about the support of the engineers of Ghisamestieri, that proved to beat all times available and collaborative in answering the requirements of the Ministry. Also, no complaints about Genius, a unique world-wide illumination solution, capable of offering high level design and advanced technology in a single solution. No objections about the technology made in Germany of MOBOTIX. Securing the facility with additional cameras In fact, the operations room located inside the Ministry remotely controls the recording of more than 1,600 cameras" “In addition to the project implemented with Ghisamestieri, we employed the technology of MOBOTIX also for other types of requirements, still obviously related to the security of the Ministry: 36 AllroundMono security cameras have already been installed on the roof of the palace to check potential attacks for instance through the air vent conduits to the so-called Tempest room, a completely aseptic environment for the protection of communications inside the Ministry. "In fact, the operations room located inside the Ministry remotely controls the recording of more than 1,600 cameras installed in various facilities connected to the department”, underscores Varvo. The light spots installed in Rome find their place in a wider project, where any illumination support can potentially serve as a technology node. Named “Genius” by their creators, regardless of the design or aesthetic form, any light spot is potentially capable of becoming a true security centre, perfectly integrated from the aesthetic and urban points of view into city decor. Equipped with microphones and speakers, MOBOTIX’ cameras can put the citizens in touch with the operations centres of the police or ambulances by means of special buttons placed at the base of the pole or through the implementation of an RFID or magnetic strip identification system. “With respect to traditional poles with well-visible cameras installed outdoors, Genius represents a true video security system, not just a simple crime deterrent”, concluded Varvo.

Hikvision, the global leader in video surveillance equipment, and their Abu Dhabi partner, Opal Protection Systems, have played a major role in preventing an attempted robbery at a Money Exchange in Abu Dhabi. A comprehensive Hikvision CCTV System captured the moments when a robed figure threatened employees with a pistol and alerted the Abu Dhabi Police Operations Room, which immediately dispatched officers to arrest the suspect. Footage of the unfolding drama has now been posted to YouTube and proved an online sensation with over 3 million hits. All the money exchanges in Abu Dhabi benefit from the world’s most highly advanced security technology, which is installed by authorised dealers under the strict surveillance of the police. Each is video linked to a 24/7 specialist police department, which can respond in a matter of minutes to any alert. The security system in the money exchange centre involved in the attempted robbery consists of 13 Hikvision easy-to-use IP cameras connected to a Hikvision DS-8616NI-ST Network Video Recorder (NVR). The cameras used include the DS-2CD2120F-I(W)(S) 2MP vandal-proof dome camera, the DS-2CD2520F 2 MP mini dome camera, DS-2CD2020-I 2MP IR bullet camera and the DS-2CD2D14WD 1MP mini camera. Surveillance helped police swiftly secure the situation “The incident in the Abu Dhabi exchange centre involved a woman using a fake gun and a knife in an attempted robbery,” says Yousef Moharib, General Manager at Opal Protection Systems Ltd, which implemented the Hikvision CCTV solution. “Thanks to the Hikvision security solution installed within the exchange centre, Abu Dhabi Police were able to secure the situation within minutes, and with maximum efficiency. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Hikvision for their continued support and feel that this incident has further strengthened our partnership within the region. “We are aggressively focused on staying at the pinnacle of the systems integration industry. Our clients range from Government entities on a federal and municipal level to large enterprises throughout the Middle East. Opal offers clients a turnkey solution for its entire infrastructure requirement,” he added.

Based in Poland, Bank Pekao is one of the largest financial institutions in Central and Eastern Europe. Security is a paramount concern for the organisation, which is why it has chosen to implement Vanderbilt’s cutting edge video and access control technology across a large part of its estate. Leading financial institution Over the last 85 years Bank Pekao has become one of the leading organisations of its kind within Central and Eastern Europe. This Polish financial institution is considered one of the safest banks at the pan-European level and operates almost 1,000 branches, the second largest network in the country. The company belongs to one of the world’s biggest financial groups, UniCredit, which operates in 17 European countries with a network of 9,600 branches and around 145,000 employees. As a pioneer in its industry, Bank Pekao has been awarded many prestigious national and international accolades. In 2014 the company’s mobile banking application won Best Mobile Banking Award by Money.pl, and the Top Employers Institute named it Top Employers Europe 2015 for the sixth consecutive time. Security strategy & technology Its position as one of the safest and secure financial organisations in Poland has been achieved through the implementation of a carefully constructed security strategy, alongside a commitment to adopting cutting edge technology. This area is coordinated by the Bank’s Security Department which is managed by its Director- Janusz Szymków. "As part of this initiative we wanted to move towards an Internet protocol (IP) based solution that could centrally monitor, maintain and control different branch offices" Ryszard Pichnicki Operational Director at Bank Pekao Physical Security Office, explains, “Efficient security is vital, so we have a programme of continually upgrading our infrastructure to make it as reliable as possible. As part of this initiative we wanted to move towards an Internet protocol (IP) based solution that could centrally monitor, maintain and control different branch offices around Poland to allow more efficient management. This would mean that any issues could be identified immediately and remedial action taken when necessary.” Vanderbilt technology Pichnicki contacted Siedlce based intruder alarm system integrator, Cel-Tronics, for its suggestions. Bogdan Jedrych, the company’s Managing Director, explains, “We have worked with Bank Pekao for many years and are pre-approved as a technical partner. After gaining an understanding of what was required, we suggested a solution based around Vanderbilt’s cutting edge technology, including the robust Vectis video recording devices, SPC control panels and the SiPass integrated access control system. Ryszard Pichnicki made it clear that he wanted to implement products from a company that could guarantee availability without any restrictions to installers, and therefore working with Vanderbilt made complete sense.” Interoperability between SPC panels and access control systems SiPass integrated is a powerful and almost infinitely flexible access control system that provides a very high level of security without compromising convenience and ease of use. Krzysztof Krasowski, Vanderbilt’s Sales Manager for Poland, Baltics and Ukraine, says “SiPass integrated is a part of Bank Pekao’s system that restricts movement within each branch and, thanks to its diverse range of modes, can provide ultimate protection. Bank Pekao also required full interoperability between the SPC panels and access control systems for operations such as arm/disarm area, alarms notifications, input/outputs status reading. This is something that we are used to providing, so we had no problem meeting the brief.” Centrally managed single network This level of high-end operability means that the entire system is run over a single network that can be centrally managed, allowing it to work smoothly and ensuring maximum security for all bank branches. Furthermore, this approach was incredibly cost effective, as it eliminated the need for more than one cabling infrastructure. Integration possibilities It also provides an open interface for any third party software, offering the possibility to integrate access control with other systems – therefore creating one intelligent building management system that can check the status of doors, prompt the Vectis iX video recorders to activate, and provide a full audit trail. Vectis iX is based on the ONVIF open communication protocol, which allows these devices to be used alongside third party camera vendors. This has proven to be very beneficial, especially where cameras were already installed and needed to be integrated into the new system. Reusing in-situ infrastructure As the new solution is replacing a Vanderbilt Sintony based system, some of the in-situ infrastructure is being reused, providing further cost savings and reducing unnecessary waste In addition, the Vanderbilt solution is being rolled out in stages and because SiPass is open to readers that can communicate with other controllers, it is helping to provide a smooth migration path. As the new solution is replacing a Vanderbilt Sintony based system, some of the in-situ infrastructure is being reused, providing further cost savings and reducing unnecessary waste, in line with Bank Pekao’s environmental and sustainability policy. Cel-Tronics has installed the new technology in many of the Bank’s branches so far, with great success, and ais planning many more over the next few years. The programme has been very efficient as Bogdan Jedrych explained, “We prepare configuration files beforehand based on existing installations, adjusting them to local requirements. In future we will change the set-up via the central network and apply this to the additional controllers. This will give the flexibility to add/delete cards remotely, download reports and perform other operational tasks.” Bank Pekao’s Ryszard Pichnicki is very pleased with the results so far and concludes, “We take the issue of security very seriously and need to know that we have a system in place that can protect people, property and assets as effectively as possible. I’m confident that, thanks to Cel-Tronics and Vanderbilt, we have the best means of achieving this important objective.”

ASSA ABLOY’s Access Control’s Aperio® wireless locking technology has been installed at the headquarters of BMCE Bank in Casablanca, to provide an instant upgrade to an access control system, without compromising aesthetics. BMCE Bank is one of the largest commercial banks in Morocco, with a network of 540 branches. As part of a complete overhaul of its headquarters security arrangements, around 50 Aperio® C100 wireless online cylinders were selected for its glass doors. Easy to install, ASSA ABLOY Access Control’s Aperio® escutcheon enabled a simple security upgrade from the mechanical systems in place to a sleek access control wireless locking solution. With Aperio®’s flexible design and ability to work with RS485 and Wiegand Interface, and iClass, Mifare Plus and DesFire technology credentials, there was no issue with it instantly connecting to the existing online access control system at BMCE Bank, with minimal modification to doors and premises. Says Chris Bone, ASSA ABLOY Vice President Access Control EMEA: “To have selected Aperio® for such a prestigious building, where security is of paramount importance, is true testament to the abilities of this revolutionary technology.” “This installation really demonstrates how Aperio® can provide end users in any market across the globe, with a simple and intelligent way of upgrading the controllability and security levels of their premises.” Aperio® C100 wireless online cylinders were selected for 50 glass doors at the bank  “And with its evolving connectivity and developments in RFID technology, its ability to connect with almost all access control systems is further evidence of how Aperio® continues to evolve and play such a major part in the security industry.” ASSA ABLOY Access Control worked alongside MAXXESS who provided an eFusion security management system and HikVision, which installed a 100 camera surveillance system, incorporating a hybrid recording solution. The contract to implement the complete integrated system was awarded to CST Sécurité, a leading Moroccan security systems integrator.