IFSEC International 2018 to reflect increased convergence of physical and cyber security

With IFSEC International fast approaching, 27,000 security professionals are preparing to come together at London’s ExCel to share the latest technology and best practices in the physical security industry.

Last year’s show reflected the latest trends shaking the security market, including Big Data and cybersecurity. This year, we can expect speakers and exhibitors to develop these themes in line with recent developments. The industry will need to respond to end users’ questions about collecting and protecting increasing amounts of data from smart security systems. Exhibitors will be expected deal more thoroughly with data security and cyber concerns in light of the reform of EU data protection regulation

While data security and cyber vulnerabilities have been big news across the pond at trade-shows such as ISC West, the London-based event will be expected to deal more thoroughly with these concerns in light of the 2018 reform of EU data protection rules, known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR.)

Cyber security for physical security systems

Over the last two years, the physical security industry has begun to sit up and take notice of the interdependence of physical and cyber security systems. High profile incidents such as the WannaCry ransomware attack on the UK’s National Health Service have highlighted the threat that the Internet of Things (IoT) poses to business security systems, while the Mirai botnet attack underlined the vulnerabilities of networked security systems specifically. Visitors will receive advice on how to secure increasing volumes of information through the synergy of physical and cybersecurity technologies

At previous IFSEC shows, cybersecurity and IoT have played a marginal role, confined to specific zones on the show floor. This year’s exhibition promises to be the arena for an ‘integrated security event,’ with the convergence of physical and cyber security playing out across the show floor.

A new ‘Show Me How’ area will provide end users with best practice advice for deploying smart, integrated security systems. The Keynote Arena will host a range of ‘case study’ seminars, offering insights into real world deployments of connected security solutions. Speakers include Silvino Schlickmann, Director of Cyber Crime at INTERPOL, and Dr Pippa Malmgren, Founder of DRPM Group and former Special Assistant to the President of the United States.

The Converged Security Centre, brought to the show by Vidsys and partners, will demonstrate how the latest networked technologies can provide security professionals with actionable business intelligence. Visitors will receive advice on how to secure increasing volumes of information through the synergy of physical and cybersecurity technologies.IFSEC 2018 is explicitly addressing safe city concerns with City Forum and London First summits, where strategists can discuss everyday threats

European security market trends

Attendees will also expect the show to address the regional developments affecting the physical security market.

With the ongoing threat of extremism, safe city solutions continue to be big news at European shows. IFSEC 2018 will explicitly address this theme with City Forum and London First summits, which will bring together government and law enforcement strategists to discuss everyday threats, from cyber security to terror.

Exhibitors will also need to address the impact of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on their physical security offerings. At last year’s event, manufacturers were ready to discuss the impact of data protection changes on a theoretical level. Now that the regulation has come into effect, video surveillance and access control companies will need to clearly show how their products and solutions comply to new standards, including privacy by design and the right to be forgotten.

While this year’s IFSEC International event reflects many familiar themes we have heard about at recent shows, the three days at London’s ExCel are sure to offer new solutions and wisdom to security professionals who are hoping to weather the challenges of an increasingly connected technology landscape.