Neil Killick

Many of us take critical infrastructure for granted in our everyday lives. We turn on a tap, flip a switch, push a button, and water, light, and heat are all readily available. But it is important to remember that computerised systems manage critical infrastructure facilities, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The recent ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline is an example of the new types of threats. In addition, any number of physical attacks is also possibilities. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of protecting critical infrastructure?

In the past few weeks, the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel has brightened, providing new levels of hope that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Dare we now consider what life will be like after the pandemic is over? Considering the possible impact on our industry, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which security technologies will be most useful in a post-pandemic world?

The topic of video analytics has been talked and written about for decades, and yet is still one of the cutting-edge themes in the physical security industry. Some say yesterday’s analytics systems tended to overpromise and underdeliver, and there are still some skeptics. However, newer technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are reinvigorating the sector and enabling it to finally live up to its promise. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new technologies and trends will shape video analytics in 2021?

Many of us take critical infrastructure for granted in our everyday lives. We turn on a tap, flip a switch, push a button, and water, light, and heat are all readily available. But it is important to remember that computerised systems manage critical infrastructure facilities, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The recent ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline is an example of the new types of threats. In addition, any number of physical attacks is also possibilities. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of protecting critical infrastructure?

As lockdown restrictions ease and public mobility increases, new research reveals three-quarters (75%) of people have health, safety, and security concerns when visiting their nearest city, signaling a need for new security innovations and greater public reassurance on their return to UK cities. Following high profile cases such as the disappearance of Sarah Everard, the London Bridge terror attack, and recent road cyclist deaths, the public has a heightened awareness of the safety and security issues cities present, according to a new report into public perception of smart cities by video management solution provider Milestone Systems. Security concerns in the city Despite ONS reporting a total crime reduction of 4% in England and Wales in the 12 months ending in June 2020, more than a third (37%) of the British public cited petty crime, such as mugging and pickpocketing, as a security concern when in a city setting.  One in four (25%) Britons stated vandalism is a primary concern for them, and a similar proportion (24%) listed pedestrian safety as a worry when navigating their nearest city. Terrorism threat Although the UK's terrorism threat level was downgraded from "severe" to "substantial" in February 2021 by Home Secretary Priti Patel, following a "significant reduction" in the momentum of attacks in Europe, terrorist activity remains a worry for almost a fifth (17%) of the public. Terrorism was of markedly less concern to those over 65 than any other age group (8% vs average of 17%), but for all other safety concerns, there was a surprising consistency across both age groups and genders. Improving safety and security The existence and benefits of smart technology in cities needs to be better communicated to the public To mitigate these concerns, smart technology is already being deployed in cities across the world to improve safety and security. Increased bandwidth afforded by the rollout of 5G and the internet of things has given local authorities new tools to improve public services such as crime-fighting. In Glasgow, for example, there is an effective multi-faceted state-of-the-art traffic and public safety management system that uses data and video analytics to improve responses to issues in the city, but Milestone’s research suggests that the existence and benefits of smart technology in cities needs to be better communicated to the public. Smart city technology Neil Killick, UK General Manager at Milestone Systems said, “Many local authorities have been investing heavily in recent years in cutting-edge smart technology to improve public services and tackle safety and security concerns highlighted by our report. However, the research found that less than a third (29%) of people say that they believe smart city technology could contribute to enhanced safety and security.” “This demonstrates a need for more public education around how smart technology improves safety in cities and also suggests that local authorities need to continue to find new ways to improve day to day life for their city’s residents and visitors.” “The sector is advancing rapidly and products are available to tackle a wide range of city-based safety concerns so it is important to improve understanding so that citizens give their full support to smart city technology and feel safer and more confident when in urban areas.” Public awareness Increasing the public’s awareness of technology advancements for safety purposes must be done in a way that demonstrates its benefits. Developments such as limiting video network blind spots, improving poor-quality images, and supplementing visuals with data collected from interconnected devices, give law enforcement more reliable and thorough data to use in investigations. Thus, enabling instances of theft and civic disturbances to be monitored, reacted to more rapidly, and prevented, curbing the safety concerns of the public. Traffic management systems Department for Transport figures reveal the vast majority of accidents occur in towns and cities Also among the top five concerns for the public when returning to UK cities was driver safety (17%). Department for Transport figures reveal the vast majority of accidents occur in towns and cities, with 2,881 accidents per 1 million people happening in the capital city region, higher than any other region. One in six (14%) Britons cite cyclist safety within their top concerns when returning to the UK’s busy cites, supporting London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plans for 160 miles of 'safer cycle routes. However, London’s low-traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) have come under criticism from the emergency services who state the new traffic management systems have reduced response times. This suggests that alternatives are needed to balance the needs of the public and of emergency services, such as smart sensors and cameras that collate real-time data to detect the quickest and most traffic-free route for emergency vehicles to take. Smart video and sensor technology Neil Killick continued, “As well as helping to protect the public in the context of crime, smart video and sensor technology can be used to manage traffic and roads within cities, reducing congestion and providing local authorities with constant, real-time analytics, as seen in Glasgow.” “This enables relevant authorities to identify potential danger spots, manage roads and bike lanes within a city and plan optimal emergency service routes. The use of interconnected devices, sensors, and video technology allows for a deeper understanding of how the city is being used so that necessary improvements can be implemented based on data-driven decisions to better public safety.”

In the past few weeks, the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel has brightened, providing new levels of hope that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Dare we now consider what life will be like after the pandemic is over? Considering the possible impact on our industry, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which security technologies will be most useful in a post-pandemic world?

The topic of video analytics has been talked and written about for decades, and yet is still one of the cutting-edge themes in the physical security industry. Some say yesterday’s analytics systems tended to overpromise and underdeliver, and there are still some skeptics. However, newer technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are reinvigorating the sector and enabling it to finally live up to its promise. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new technologies and trends will shape video analytics in 2021?

“If you want to be a winner, you need to stay sharp”, says EMEA Vice President, Malou Toft, as she announces a completely new organisation in EMEA, and continues: “Milestone Systems has high growth ambitions for 2019, so we are proud to announce a completely new organisation in EMEA. To stay on top, we need increased geo-focus in the region, even more community effort and stronger sales excellence to remain a winning team with exciting career paths for our talented employees and leaders”. Specialised and strategic sales The new organisation will help Milestone Systems’ community grow, also beyond security in verticals like retail, transportation and safe cities. The new EMEA organisation has three specialised sales areas and a strong consolidated sales & tech operation. Community Sales & Business Development is a new EMEA department with specific focus on specialised and strategic sales EMEA Channel Sales will be split in four new sales regions; North, Middle and South Europe as well as Middle East & Africa. EMEA Distribution & Emerging Markets will cover Milestone Systems’ emerging territories as well as select pan-EMEA distributors in order to strengthen the relationships and create more value. Local distributors will continue to be managed in the local countries. Community Sales & Business Development is a new EMEA department with specific focus on specialised and strategic sales where end user specialists, customised development, technology partnerships and key accounts will reside. Also new is EMEA Sales & Tech Operations, which will be the centre of excellence for Milestone Systems’ operations and supporting activities around customers and partners. EMEA Sales & Tech experts “To secure a strong local presence, I have full trust in our four new regional sales managers: Neil Killick will head up North Europe (UK, Ireland & Nordics). Michael Fontaine will head up Middle Europe (DACH & Benelux). Alberto Bruschi will head up South Europe (France, Italy & Iberia). Amine Sadi will head up Middle East & Africa. I am thrilled to have Christian Ringler as director for our new EMEA Community Sales & Business Development, Anders Johansson as director for EMEA Distribution & Emerging Markets, and Line Hjardemaal as director for EMEA Sales & Tech Operations,” says Malou Toft, and concludes: “This change is happening to bring us closer to our customers and partners by ramping up our community efforts. And we need deeper specialisation to continue to foster growth. I believe that everyone in the Milestone Systems community will experience positive effects from these changes”.

Killick will align the company with new and existing partners in a variety of vertical sectors Milestone Systems, an open platform community in internet protocol (IP) video management software (VMS), has announced the appointment of Neil Killick as its new Country Manager for UK and Ireland. As Milestone Systems extends its global reach and influence, Killick will ensure that it remains at the cutting-edge of security technology provision in these important regions. Previous work experience Having enjoyed highly successful roles in distribution, sales, and business development within the security industry, Killick has spent the majority of his career so far with Honeywell, which he initially joined in 2000. Working extensively within distribution with ADI, a Honeywell company, he eventually rose to the position of Europe & Africa Sales Leader at Honeywell Security—a position he held for over three years.“My career has provided me with a great deal of insight into the supply chain and the specific needs of end users, consultants, and systems integrators,” commented Killick. “It’s this experience that has given me an excellent level of commercial awareness and understanding, and I’m looking forward to using these attributes at Milestone Systems. We have a massive opportunity in the UK and Ireland, given the excellence of the technology that we consistently develop.”Spearheading adoption of innovating technology "We have a massive opportunity in the UK and Ireland, given the excellence of the technology that we consistently develop" As part of its stated objective to support the VMS open platform community with the best possible levels of talent, innovation, and service provision, Killick will align the company with new and existing partners in a variety of vertical sectors, and utilise all areas of the value chain to gain greater visibility throughout the UK and Ireland. By strengthening Milestone Systems’ platform and product value propositions, he will spearhead adoption of its technology to further accelerate the platform and implement strategic initiatives that guarantee internal and external scalability. On welcoming Killick to the company, Milestone’s Raziel Baraket, Director of North & South Europe said, “I’m delighted that Neil has joined us. Having someone of his calibre on board is a massive coup and his extensive skills, knowledge and experience will help us in our mission to expand our presence in the security industry, while providing a level of service that is agile, flexible, and always meets our customers’ needs. I’m looking forward to working with him in taking Milestone Systems to the next level of success.”