BT - Experts & Thought Leaders

DeterTech, a pioneer in intruder detection and identification, is proud to announce the immediate availability of SmartSpray® for rental or purchase. It is considered a game-changer in tackling retail crime as it enables police to forensically link masked offenders back to the scene of their crime, even weeks after they’ve left the store. Effective CCTV storage Retail crime is at its highest level on record, with over 2,000 incidents of violence and abuse per day Retail crime is at its highest level on record, with over 2,000 incidents of violence and abuse per day, reported in the British Retail Consortium’s Annual Crime Survey. A key factor is perpetrators’ feeling emboldened that they can anonymously steal, assault and abuse staff, and escape before security or police can intervene.  While in-store CCTV can be effective, it is easily defeated by the most organised and violent offenders who choose to obscure their faces. SmartSpray system The SmartSpray system can be deployed standalone or integrated with the existing security system. When triggered, it releases a precise spray of SmartWater®, a forensic liquid that contains a code unique to each specific store. This glows under UV light and remains on skin and clothing for weeks, allowing police to identify suspects and pursue convictions. DeterTech’s forensic scientists DeterTech’s forensic scientists supply analysis and testimony in support of a belief DeterTech’s forensic scientists provide analysis and testimony in support of a conviction to the police and courts free of charge.  Furthermore, they need only a speck smaller than the full stop at the end of this sentence to conclusively link an individual back to the scene of their crime. SmartSpray installation and servicing SmartSpray is immediately available for rental or purchase on flexible terms, including installation and servicing. DeterTech has also committed to providing unlimited refills free of charge following any activation for which a crime reference number is supplied.  It is hoped this will further incentivise retailers to report all incidents to the police so that the true scale of retail crime can be nationally recognised. Cutting-edge solutions DeterTech has also committed to providing total refills free of charge BT is one of the first retailers to have deployed SmartSpray in selected stores. Richie Iwanoff, Corporate Investigations Team Manager, BT, says: “The well-being of our staff and customers is our number one priority." "We’re proud to be using cutting-edge solutions to keep them safe at all times. I sleep easier knowing criminals will think twice before targeting us”. DeterTech with businesses and communities Gary Higgins, Director of Security and Risk, DeterTech, adds: “SmartSpray has been very well received by both retailers and the police who recognise it will deter offences and help put violent criminals behind bars. It supports our purpose here at DeterTech of working with businesses and communities every day to provide greater peace of mind.” Hazel Goss, Development Officer, Secured by Design, concludes, “This is exactly the kind of collaboration we want to see from retailers, security providers, and law enforcement. Enhancing the police’s chances of unmasking offenders is vital in combating retail crime, which is sadly soaring across the country.”

Arctic Wolf, a pioneering provider of security operations, and Immersive Labs, the pioneer in people-centric cyber resilience, announced that Arctic Wolf has joined the Immersive Labs Cyber Million program, which aims to solve the cybersecurity talent deficit by increasing access to one million entry-level cybersecurity operations jobs over the next decade. As a new partner, Arctic Wolf has made entry-level cyber jobs available on the platform.  Cyber Million program Launched by Immersive Labs in June 2023, the Cyber Million program introduces a modern, practical approach to recruiting by prioritising real-world skills, upskilling, and aptitude over traditional evaluation methods such as education, certification, and experience. Individuals over the age of 16 can register for the program and work through a compilation of hands-on exercises and labs to match the skill set requirements of open roles, including those that Arctic Wolf has added.  Advanced AI algorithms Arctic Wolf protects more than 6,000 customers across the globe via the Arctic Wolf Platform Arctic Wolf protects more than 6,000 customers across the globe via the Arctic Wolf Platform, which ingests, parses, enriches, and analyses more than 5.5 trillion security events per week.  With its open-XDR architecture, the Arctic Wolf Platform leverages advanced AI algorithms combined with the company’s revolutionary Concierge Delivery Model to deliver game-changing noise reduction that turns thousands of daily alerts into an average of a single actionable ticket for customers each day.  Entry for cybersecurity job seekers "We are excited to join the Immersive Labs Cyber Million program to reduce barriers to entry for cybersecurity job seekers and uncover hidden talent through skills-first hiring," said Mark Manglicmot, senior vice president, Security Services at Arctic Wolf. "The program will allow Arctic Wolf to find passionate, skilled candidates who will have the opportunity to not only advance their cybersecurity career as part of ‘The Pack,’ but will also play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission of ending cyber risk.”  Cyber skills revolution “We are thrilled to welcome Arctic Wolf to our Cyber Million program to fill vital cybersecurity roles,” said Kieran Rowley, director of Community for Immersive Labs. “Arctic Wolf is a cybersecurity pioneer on the forefront of the cyber skills revolution and we appreciate the opportunity to join forces in this important work.”  Arctic Wolf joins a growing number of Cyber Million employment partners, including Accenture and BT. Immersive Labs welcomes additional Cyber Million employment partners.

Immersive Labs, the pioneer in people-centric cyber resilience, has announced the appointment of Oliver Newbury to its Board of Directors. Newbury brings a wealth of experience and insights as a global cybersecurity executive and advisor for some of the largest multinational enterprises.  Oliver Newbury Oliver Newbury’s guidance will help inform Immersive Labs’ business strategy and innovation. The company, whose mission is to give workforces the human edge over cyber threats, is trusted by major public and private sector firms, including Citi, Pfizer, Humana, HSBC, the UK Ministry of Defence, and the UK National Health Service.   Work experience Before Barclays, Newbury served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for BT’s Security Division Oliver Newbury currently serves as a Senior Advisor for global alternative asset firm TPG supporting businesses’ growth and innovation. Before this role, he served as Barclays Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Before Barclays, Newbury served as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for BT’s Security Division. Newbury holds a Master of Science degree in Systems Engineering from the University of Surrey and a Bachelor of Science degree in Bioinformatics from the University of Birmingham.  Cyber capabilities “Immersive Labs solves one of the biggest challenges facing cyber pioneers today: building and proving cyber capabilities across the entire workforce,” said Oliver Newbury. He adds, “I am energised by the opportunity to work with James Hadley and the rest of the company’s leadership team to grow the business with a focus on driving value for customers. Immersive Labs’ innovative approach to people-centric cybersecurity is what sets it apart from others in the space.”  Powerhouse in cybersecurity “Oliver is a well-respected powerhouse in the cybersecurity industry and we are fortunate to welcome him to our Board as we continue to scale and expand our business globally,” said James Hadley, CEO and Founder, of Immersive Labs. He adds, “The insights he brings from his experience driving security for some of the world’s largest banking and telecom enterprises will be invaluable.”

  Increased public demand for high spec intruder alarm systemsNew kinds of ‘cost-competitive' dual-path security alarm transmission systems are opening up new business opportunities for installers upgrading from audible-only, says BT Redcare's Andy Fyvie.Heightened public awareness of the need to improve security, coupled with new developments in intruder alarm technology, mean that there are now some exciting new opportunities for security alarm installers to grow their business - especially for sales of alarm systems to premises at the low-to-medium end of the risk scale. Consumer appetite for security is growing. Estimates supported by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) suggest that the annual cost of crime to UK businesses - not including crime at domestic premises - has now topped £19 billion. And although government statistics show no statistically significant change in crime levels year-on-year, the public's fear of crime is increasing. This is causing some home owners to consider, for the first time, the installation of a security alarm system. At the same time, home and small business owners with alarm systems are being encouraged to review their existing protection.In the past, a simple and inexpensive solution for a low-to-medium risk premises would be a ‘bells-only' alarm system. However, since the introduction of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)Security Systems Policy, home and small business owners with bells-only alarm systems find they are in a Catch-22 situation: police will no longer attend bells-only alarms. Instead, they require actual evidence of a crime in progress; yet police advise members of the public who might be tempted to investigate a bells-only activation not to put themselves at risk.Estimates supported by the BSIA suggest that the annual cost of crime to UK businesses - not including crime at domestic premises - has now topped £19 billionSo these types of alarm systems just ring and ring, and the people most likely to turn up are the local environmental health development investigating the noise nuisance. No wonder that insurer Norwich Union Risk Services earlier this year branded such systems as ‘inadequate'.There are now compelling reasons for owners to install some kind of monitored intruder alarm that is capable of delivering police response.Higher risk intruder alarm systems For higher risk premises (defined as Grade 3 or 4 under the European Standards for intruder alarm systems) where the system cost can be justified by the risk being protected, the answer is straightforward: a continuously monitored dual-path system.However, since the advent of the new standards, there has been debate within the security industry about the appropriate grade choice for lower-risk premises. To begin with, the insurance industry indicated that all medium-risk premises should deploy a minimum Grade 3 alarm system. However, that guidance has since fragmented and, for many premises, a lower grade system should be acceptable (an installer should always check with the customer's insurer to confirm that this is indeed the case). Demand for security alarms is now being met by a new breed of low-cost dual-path intruder systemsThe chances are that for both the bells-only upgraders and for many new installations, the insurer may be satisfied with a Grade 2 alarm system.Traditionally, for this type of premises, a digital communicator (‘digi') would be used. But the digi is not without its problems. It is not a continuously monitored system - it only communicates when it is set/unset and if there is an activation. If the transmission line fails or is cut, it cannot register an alarm. Some such systems have been found to conflict with other telephony services such as RingBack, where they are used on the same line.As a result, in the past, for the transmission element of Grade 2 alarm system, installers have found themselves rather between a rock and a hard place: the risk may not justify a Grade 3 or 4 transmission solution, yet a digi may not be perfect for the task.There has been a clear need for a cost-effective transmission system that is not only capable of delivering police response, but is also capable of delivering notice of a ‘confirmed' activation even in the event of the loss of one signal path.This demand is now being met by a new breed of low-cost dual-path intruder systems. These types of Grade 2 transmission offer a secure, resilient, communications system. Largely untapped markets - new generation of alarm transmission solutionsThis new generation of cost-effective alarm transmission solutions has a great potential to create new business for security alarm installers, by helping them to grow their customer base into what are hitherto largely untapped markets for dual-path monitored alarm systems.There are now compelling reasons for owners to install some kind of monitored intruder alarm that is capable of delivering police responseThese opportunities for new revenue streams are not just from new alarm customers, but also from up-selling existing bells-only and digi customers. Earlier this year, Norwich Union Risk Services released the results of a large-scale survey compiled by its risk advisors from 1,500 visited premises with intruder alarm systems. The survey showed that a quarter of customers visited are still relying on bells-only alarm systems to secure their premises. That, alone, suggests a huge unexploited market for monitored alarm systems that the new breed of cost-effective Grade 2 alarm transmission solutions could be the catalyst to help develop.Andy FyvieBT Redcare