Biometric authentication

Johnson Controls has announced that it has appointed Phil Clement as the company’s chief marketing officer responsible for all global activities related to conceptualising and implementing market strategy and demand generation, including achieving marketing targets through in-depth market development, research and planning. Market strategy expert Clement most recently served as global chief marketing and communications officer for Aon. As Aon’s first ever global CMO, Clement was responsible for developing the company’s global CRM systems, common sales processes and a single global brand. Prior to joining Aon, Clement was the founder of a management consulting firm specialising in growth strategies. Clement will report to Mike Ellis, executive vice president, and chief digital & customer officer, Johnson Controls. “Phil brings a wealth of strategy, brand and marketing experience to Johnson Controls and he will play a critical role in making sure our teams can successfully support our growth goals and our customers,” said Ellis. Clement attended the University of Southern California, and has a Master’s of Business Administration and Public Policy from the University of Chicago.

Boon Edam Inc., a globally renowned security entrances and architectural revolving doors provider, has announced that they are introducing a new optical turnstile, the Speedlane Compact, in a world premiere, in booth #8037 at the ISC West exhibition in Las Vegas on March 18-20, 2020. ISC West is the international largest security event in North America bringing together close to 30,000 participants for networking, education and discovery of new technology. In addition to showcasing this newest member of their premium optical turnstiles, the company will also be showcasing fully integrated solutions that address physical perimeter security and control pedestrian access. Boon Edam is also the official turnstile sponsor of the show. Integrated Technologies for Tailgating Mitigation Access technologies, such as card readers and biometric devices, are critical for controlling entry to secure areas Access technologies, such as card readers and biometric devices, are critical for controlling entry to secure areas within a building. However, these solutions are only effective at mitigating tailgating when coupled with the appropriate entrance solution. Swinging doors do not stop authorised people from holding the door and letting in others. Security entrances coupled with access technologies provide a complete solution that ensures only one person can enter per valid authorisation. The following solutions will be on display in Boon Edam’s booth: NEW Speedlane Compact Optical Turnstile: Following the enormous success in the high-end speed gate market with the top-selling Lifeline Series, the development began to fill the market need for a premium quality, mid-range product. Thus, the Speedlane Compact was created, a swinging barrier turnstile that offers easy installation and integration with access technology and attractive delivery turnaround times. “With this new product, we have a solution that fits in everywhere – both in dimensions and design, without compromising on safety, security or quality,” said Mark de Jong, Product Manager of the Security Products Portfolio. Lifeline Speedlane Swing Optical Turnstile: There will be two, sleek Speedlane Swing turnstiles in the booth featuring unique identity recognition technologies to demonstrate efficient and secure throughput. One Speedlane Swing will feature a custom, integrated pedestal that incorporates the MorphoWave Compact touchless fingerprint technology from IDEMIA. The patented touchless sensor technology scans four fingers in 3D in less than one second, ensuring the most accurate and reliable fingerprint matching for maximum security. The second Speedlane Swing will feature AnyVision facial recognition technology with enhanced AI capabilities. Lifeline Boost Access Control Pedestal: The Boost is a stylish pedestal designed by Boon Edam to complement the popular Lifeline optical turnstile series and house virtually any access technology inside. The Boost will include the latest version of Essex’s credential card reader, the iRox-T, which now features Bluetooth and OSDP capabilities that expand HID Global’s Mobile Access solutions. Tourlock 180+90 Security Revolving Door: The entrance of choice for the Fortune 500, the Tourlock provides the highest level of throughput (up to 42 people per minute in two directions) while preventing unauthorised entry. The Tourlock in the booth will include StereoVision piggybacking detection technology and an AMAG Symmetry card reader to demonstrate the combination of fast throughput with high perimeter security. Circlelock Security Mantrap Portal: Offering the highest level of security available in an entrance using StereoVision piggybacking detection technology, the Circlelock security portal prevents intrusion into the most sensitive locations such as data centers. The portal will be configured to demonstrate two-factor authentication: an AMAG Symmetry card reader on the outside of the portal conducts the initial authorisation, while facial recognition technology provides instant authentication inside the portal: the secure, edge-based facial recognition access control device by Alcatraz AI, called the Rock, ensures only the right person can enter. BoonConnect Software: An IP-addressable, proprietary software system providing diagnostic and configuration tools for the Tourlock security revolving door and Circlelock mantrap portal. Users can remotely access door operations and events using devices such as a tablet, laptop or smartphone via a secured corporate network. Tailgating Prize Giveaway Boon Edam was confirmed as the global company in Pedestrian Security Entrances in the Americas according to a report by IHS Markit covering the 2016-2018 timeframe. To celebrate almost a decade of leadership, there will be a tailgating-themed prize giveaway in the booth.

The growth of e-commerce, m-commerce and remote commerce transactions is showing no signs of slowing down. In 2021, over 2.14 billion people worldwide are expected to buy goods and services online, up from 1.32 billion in 2014. The growth of card-not-present (CNP) transactions has driven a new age of consumer convenience but in parallel, a new age of fraud. As EMV® chip card adoption gathers momentum, with 76.7% of card-present transactions being EMV, fraudsters are looking for an easier way in. And the stats speak for themselves – digital fraud rates now account for 60-70% of all card fraud in many developed countries. Frictionless online authentication solution EMV 3DS is a messaging protocol used to identify and verify cardholders for CNP transactions In fact, it was even estimated that the gains made from savings in card-present fraud were eclipsed in 2018 by the losses from CNP fraud. This is not only affecting approval rates but also all-important consumer trust. So, what can be done? EMV 3-D Secure – EMV 3DS for short – is one solution that’s leading the way in the CNP ‘catch up’. EMV 3DS is a messaging protocol used to identify and verify cardholders for CNP transactions. The specification improves communication between the issuing bank, the acquirer and the merchant. By doing more work ‘in the background’, it’s able to streamline the user experience, improve approval rates and reduce fraud. These features allow it to offer a frictionless online authentication solution. International payment schemes The first version of the messaging protocol was initiated by Visa and was quickly followed by other international payment schemes. This was a fragmented and complex solution for the industry, however. Now, industry body EMVCo has taken ownership and is managing the evolution of the specifications. The latest version of the EMV 3DS specifications includes new features to address the pain points The latest version of the EMV 3DS specifications includes new features to address the pain points of the old protocol. These improvements aim to deliver consumers a much smoother experience and keep transactions safe from new techniques employed by fraudsters. Let’s take a look at the new features and how they can improve the digital retail experience. Facial and fingerprint recognition One of the new features set to enhance the consumer experience is the support for biometric technology that consumers have gained access to recently. Many shoppers are now familiar with a variety of biometric authentication methods, such as facial and fingerprint recognition. For some it is still a novelty to pay using the face, but this doesn’t mean it’s not a priority; it’s predicted that we’ll see nearly 90% of businesses using it by 2020. The act of replacing ineffective static passwords with more complex authenticators is much more secure and user-friendly. Implementing support for these methods of authentication can help merchants with their aims to reduce cart abandonment. 28% of U.S. online shoppers have previously admitted to quitting orders due to checkout processes being too long or complicated and 17% said that they have abandoned checkout because they didn’t trust the website with their credit card information. Therefore, striking the right balance between convenience and security is fundamental. Providing valuable customer data Customers will be able to ‘whitelist’ merchants with their issuer when setting up The increase of choice isn’t just limited to more authentication options than before. Another new feature of the latest version of EMV 3DS enables both customers and merchants to have greater input. Customers will be able to ‘whitelist’ merchants with their issuer when setting up, say, a recurring purchase. This lets banks know a full review is not required, reduces customer prompts and can help support banks in risk ‘scoring’ merchants. By feeding more data elements collected from the shoppers to the issuers, merchants can further improve the frictionless transaction experience. This increase of choice for customers, merchants and issuers benefits all parties, as it gives customers an easier experience and provides valuable customer data that can be used to inform the development of new services. Mandating multifactor authentication Another feature that has been added to the latest version of EMV 3DS is the support for new use cases, including identification and verification applications, as well as payments. While these use cases are still being explored and defined, they could include features such as being able to add a new payment card to a mobile wallet and open a new account online. EMV 3DS could even be used by governments to authenticate citizens And it’s not just consumer use-cases that are being explored. In the future, EMV 3DS could even be used by governments to authenticate citizens. Simplifying alignment with regulatory requirements is another major bonus of EMV 3DS, especially with an increasing number of countries mandating multifactor authentication in CNP environments. Compelling authentication solution Take Europe’s PSD2 and the strong customer authentication (SCA) mandates, for example. Implementing EMV 3DS offers banks an opportunity to utilise the same infrastructure to process SCA as well as EMV 3DS transactions. With more data included in the message requests, indications such as whether Acquirer SCA or a transactional risk analysis (TRA) have already been performed, or if a customer utilised a FIDO authenticator, can simplify the authentication process. EMV 3DS is a compelling authentication solution fit for the omnichannel age Wherever in the online payments chain one sits, EMV 3DS is a compelling authentication solution fit for the omnichannel age, especially now it includes these new elements. But, as with any major system upgrade, implementation does not come without its challenges and testing requirements. Reliable testing and consulting expert Before embarking on an EMV 3DS project – whether an entirely new system or upgrading a legacy system – there are three key stages of testing to consider: functional, security and integration with payment schemes. Understanding what scope of testing falls to each stakeholder and navigating the three stages quickly and cost-effectively can be a challenge. And it’s here where support from a reliable testing and consulting expert on EMV 3DS can be invaluable.

On March 18, 2020, the exhibit floor at ISC West will host a virtual demonstration of PLAI, the emerging industry specification for enhanced identity management. Together with eight partners in access control and biometrics, the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) has organised an in-person experience for participants relying on a single trusted source. Biometrics and access control Attendees will receive an access card to be used at their choice of seven sites and can experience first-hand the simplified interoperability that is offered through industry standards. Upon receiving successful access or authentication at the sites, the attendees qualify for a drawing. David Bunzel, PSIA Executive Director, noted, “The PSIA recognised that we have an opportunity to provide a real world demonstration of PLAI on the ISC West show floor. Having seven access control and biometrics vendors sharing the same identity information, in a virtual environment, truly demonstrates the capabilities of PLAI in a commercial setting.” SiPass integrated PACS PLAI’s solution provides the answer to this by making a company’s security environment more robust and reliable" PSIA began planning this event mid-2019 involving a group of eight partner companies. “We are excited to be part of the PLAI Experience," said Rich Reidy, Security Segment Head, for Siemens Smart Infrastructure, adding “as it effectively demonstrates how a SiPass integrated PACS can share identity data in a multi-PACS environment”. Many of our customers prefer to be able to align to one trusted source within their security ecosystem. PLAI’s solution provides the answer to this by making a company’s security environment more robust and reliable.” Security industry professionals attending ISC West are able to register online for the PLAI Experience up until March 16, 2020. People who are not able to register in advance can do so on the show floor, further demonstrating interoperability across multiple sites through PLAI. PLAI Experience at ISC West The PLAI Experience at ISC West is on-trend for 2020 as industry publication Security Technology Executive declares interoperability ‘The Next Great Phase of Physical Access Control’.

RealNetworks Inc.’s SAFR, globally renowned company in the field of facial recognition technology and computer vision platform for live video, has announced the appointment of Eric Hess as Senior Director of Product Management. In this new position, Hess will lead the product strategy and will be responsible for expanding and accelerating the core SAFR application globally, with a particular emphasis on the public safety and gaming markets. Video analytics and facial recognition  Eric Hess is a well-known expert in the use of video analytics and facial recognition technologies Eric Hess is a well-known expert in the use of video analytics and facial recognition technologies for expedient resolution of criminal investigations, surveillance, loss prevention, and identity solutions. Prior to joining SAFR, Hess served as the Senior Director of Video Analytics for IDEMIA, globally renowned company in biometric solutions. He also held senior sales and product management positions at MorphoTrak, and NEC’s Global Center of Excellence for Face Recognition. As a former Port of Seattle police officer, Hess has a unique appreciation for the mission and challenges of law enforcement and public safety customers. Commercial and public safety “We are very pleased to welcome Eric to the SAFR team,” said Dan Grimm, Vice President and General Manager of Computer Vision at RealNetworks. “He brings a unique mix of operational experience, technical background, and business acumen to ensure the successful adoption of facial recognition and video analytics across wide-ranging commercial and public safety projects.” “I am excited to join SAFR at a time when computer vision solutions are truly gaining momentum,” Hess said. “Advances in machine learning and cost reductions in computing power enable SAFR to bring solutions to public safety and commercial markets not previously served — improving school safety, enhancing security for public transportation and air travel, and reducing risk and liability for commercial venues where society gathers. Facial recognition can be a force for good and can be applied to help make life safer and more convenient.” Crime-prevention tactics expert As a recognised industry expert, Hess has been a speaker at numerous law enforcement and industry events, including INTERPOL, the Law Enforcement Video Association International (LEVA), the International Association for Identification (IAI), King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and, most recently, at the U.S. Secret Service’s Electronic Crimes Task Force in Oakland, California, USA.

ASSA ABLOY has acquired Biosite Systems, a globally renowned solutions provider of biometric access control to the UK construction industry. "I am very pleased to welcome Biosite and their employees into the ASSA ABLOY Group. Biosite is a strategic technological addition to the ASSA ABLOY Group. The company will reinforce our current offering within solutions for access control and will provide complementary growth opportunities,” says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY. Biometric access management solutions expert “Biosite offers biometric access- and workforce management solutions to the construction sector; maximising security and safety whilst providing full visibility to material-, design plans- and people flow on the construction site. Combining hardware, software and services the company is a very good fit with ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions,” says Christophe Sut, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Technologies business unit Global Solutions, ASSA ABLOY. Biosite was founded in 2010, has some 140 employees and the main office is located in Solihull, United Kingdom. Sales in 2019 amounted to about GBP 14 million (approx. SEK 175 million) and the acquisition will be dilutive to EPS from start.

Imagine a home surveillance camera monitoring an elderly parent and anticipating potential concerns while respecting their privacy. Imagine another camera predicting a home burglary based on suspicious behaviors, allowing time to notify the homeowner who can in turn notify the police before the event occurs—or an entire network of cameras working together to keep an eye on neighborhood safety. Artificial Intelligence vision chips A new gen of AI vision chips are pushing advanced capabilities such as behavior analysis and higher-level security There's a new generation of artificial intelligence (AI) vision chips that are pushing advanced capabilities such as behavior analysis and higher-level security to the edge (directly on devices) for a customisable user experience—one that rivals the abilities of the consumer electronics devices we use every day. Once considered nothing more than “the eyes” of a security system, home monitoring cameras of 2020 will leverage AI-vision processors for high-performance computer vision at low power consumption and affordable cost—at the edge—for greater privacy and ease of use as well as to enable behavior analysis for predictive and preemptive monitoring. Advanced home monitoring cameras With this shift, camera makers and home monitoring service providers alike will be able to develop new edge-based use cases for home monitoring and enable consumers to customise devices to meet their individual needs. The result will be increased user engagement with home monitoring devices—mirroring that of cellphones and smart watches and creating an overlap between the home monitoring and consumer electronics markets. A quick step back reminds us that accomplishing these goals would have been cost prohibitive just a couple of years ago. Face recognition, behavior analysis, intelligent analytics, and decision-making at this level were extremely expensive to perform in the cloud. Additionally, the lag time associated with sending data to faraway servers for decoding and then processing made it impossible to achieve real-time results. Cloud-based home security devices The constraints of cloud processing certainly have not held the industry back, however. Home monitoring, a market just seven years young, has become a ubiquitous category of home security and home monitoring devices. Consumers can choose to install a single camera or doorbell that sends alerts to their phone, a family of devices and a monthly manufacturer’s plan, or a high-end professional monitoring solution. While the majority of these devices do indeed rely on the cloud for processing, camera makers have been pushing for edge-based processing since around 2016. For them, the benefit has always been clear: the opportunity to perform intelligent analytics processing in real-time on the device. But until now, the balance between computer vision performance and power consumption was lacking and camera companies weren’t able to make the leap. So instead, they have focused on improving designs and the cloud-centric model has prevailed. Hybrid security systems Even with improvements, false alerts result in unnecessary notifications and video recording Even with improvements, false alerts (like tree branches swaying in the wind or cats walking past a front door) result in unnecessary notifications and video recording— cameras remain active which, in the case of battery powered cameras, means using up valuable battery life. Hybrid models do exist. Typically, they provide rudimentary motion detection on the camera itself and then send video to the cloud for decoding and analysis to suppress false alerts. Hybrids provide higher-level results for things like people and cars, but their approach comes at a cost for both the consumer and the manufacturer. Advanced cloud analytics Advanced cloud analytics are more expensive than newly possible edge-based alternatives, and consumers have to pay for subscriptions. In addition, because of processing delays and other issues, things like rain or lighting changes (or even bugs on the camera) can still trigger unnecessary alerts. And the more alerts a user receives, the more they tend to ignore them—there are simply too many. In fact, it is estimated that users only pay attention to 5% of their notifications. This means that when a package is stolen or a car is burglarised, users often miss the real-time notification—only to find out about the incident after the fact. All of this will soon change with AI-based behavior analysis, predictive security, and real-time meaningful alerts. Predictive monitoring while safeguarding user privacy These days, consumers are putting more emphasis on privacy and have legitimate concerns about being recorded while in their homes. Soon, with AI advancements at the chip level, families will be able to select user apps that provide monitoring without the need to stream video to a company server, or they’ll have access to apps that record activity but obscure faces. Devices will have the ability to only send alerts according to specific criteria. If, for example, an elderly parent being monitored seems particularly unsteady one day or seems especially inactive, an application could alert the responsible family member and suggest that they check in. By analysing the elderly parent’s behavior, the application could also predict a potential fall and trigger an audio alert for the person and also the family. AI-based behavior analysis Ability to analyse massive amounts of data locally and identify trends is a key advantage of AI at the edge The ability to analyse massive amounts of data locally and identify trends or perform searches is a key advantage of AI at the edge, for both individuals and neighborhoods. For example, an individual might be curious as to what animal is wreaking havoc in their backyard every night. In this case, they could download a “small animal detector” app to their camera which would trigger an alert when a critter enters their yard. The animal could be scared off via an alarm and—armed with video proof—animal control would have useful data for setting a trap. Edge cameras A newly emerging category of “neighborhood watch” applications is already connecting neighbors for significantly improved monitoring and safety. As edge cameras become more commonplace, this category will become increasingly effective. The idea is that if, for example, one neighbor captures a package thief, and then the entire network of neighbors will receive a notification and a synopsis video showing the theft. Or if, say, there is a rash of car break-ins and one neighbor captures video of a red sedan casing their home around the time of a recent incident, an AI vision-based camera could be queried for helpful information: Residential monitoring and security The camera could be asked for a summary of the dates and times that it has recorded that particular red car. A case could be made if incident times match those of the vehicle’s recent appearances in the neighborhood. Even better, if that particular red car was to reappear and seems (by AI behavior analysis) to be suspicious, alerts could be sent proactively to networked residents and police could be notified immediately. Home monitoring in 2020 will bring positive change for users when it comes to monitoring and security, but it will also bring some fun. Consumers will, for example, be able to download apps that do things like monitor pet activity. They might query their device for a summary of their pet’s “unusual activity” and then use those clips to create cute, shareable videos. Who doesn’t love a video of a dog dragging a toilet paper roll around the house? AI at the Edge for home access control Home access control via biometrics is one of many new edge-based use cases that will bring convenience to home monitoring Home access control via biometrics is one of many new edge-based use cases that will bring convenience to home monitoring, and it’s an application that is expected to take off soon. With smart biometrics, cameras will be able to recognise residents and then unlock their smart front door locks automatically if desired, eliminating the need for keys. And if, for example, an unauthorised person tries to trick the system by presenting a photograph of a registered family member’s face, the camera could use “3D liveness detection” to spot the fake and deny access. With these and other advances, professional monitoring service providers will have the opportunity to bring a new generation of access control panels to market. Leveraging computer vision and deep neural networks Ultimately, what camera makers strive for is customer engagement and customer loyalty. These new use cases—thanks to AI at the edge—will make home monitoring devices more useful and more engaging to consumers. Leveraging computer vision and deep neural networks, new cameras will be able to filter out and block false alerts, predict incidents, and send real-time notifications only when there is something that the consumer is truly interested in seeing. AI and computer vision at the edge will enable a new generation of cameras that provide not only a higher level of security but that will fundamentally change the way consumers rely on and interact with their home monitoring devices.

The statistics are staggering. The death tolls are rising. And those who now fear environments that were once thought to be safe zones like school campuses, factories, commercial businesses and government facilities, find themselves having to add the routine of active-shooter drills into their traditional fire drill protocols. The latest active shooter statistics released by the FBI earlier this year in their annual active-shooter report designated 27 events as active shooter incidents in 2018. The report reveals that 16 of the 27 incidents occurred in areas of commerce, seven incidents occurred in business environments, and five incidents occurred in education environments. Deadly active-shooter events Six of the 12 deadliest shootings in the country have taken place in the past five years Six of the 12 deadliest shootings in the country have taken place in the past five years, including Sutherland Springs church, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the San Bernardino regional center, the Walmart in El Paso and the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, which have all occurred since 2015. Although these incidents occurred in facilities with designated entry points common to churches, schools and businesses, the two most deadly active-shooter events since 2015 were the Route 91 Harvest music festival shooting in Las Vegas that left 58 dead and the Pulse nightclub killings in Orlando where 49 perished. As Christopher Combs, special agent in charge of the FBI field office in San Antonio, Texas, said during a news conference following the August 31 mass shooting in Odessa, Texas that claimed seven lives: “We are now at almost every two weeks seeing an active shooter in this country." Active shooter incidents Between December 2000 and December 2018, the FBI’s distribution of active shooter incidents by location looks like this: Businesses Open to Pedestrian Traffic (74) Businesses Closed to Pedestrian Traffic (43) K-12 Schools (39) Institutions of Higher Learning (16) Non-Military Government Properties (28) Military Properties—Restricted (5) Healthcare Facilities (11) Houses of Worship (10) Private Properties (12) Malls (6) What the majority of these venues have in common is they all have a front entrance or chokepoint for anyone entering the facilities, which is why any active-shooter plan must include a strategy to secure that entry point. Situational awareness in perimeter and door security Preventing people with the wrong intentions from entering the space is the goal" According to Paul Franco, an A&E with more than 28 years of experience as a consultant and systems integrator focusing on schools, healthcare and large public and private facilities, that while active shooter incidents continue to rise, the residual effect has been an increase in situational awareness in perimeter and door security. “Certainly, protecting people and assets is the number one goal of all our clients. There are multiple considerations in facilities like K-12 and Healthcare. Preventing people with the wrong intentions from entering the space is the goal. But a critical consideration to emphasise to your client is getting that person out of your facility and not creating a more dangerous situation by locking the person in your facility,” says Franco. High-security turnstiles “Schools today are creating a space for vetting visitors prior to allowing access into the main facility. Using technology properly like high-security turnstiles offer great benefits in existing schools where space constraints and renovation costs can be impractical.” What steps should they be taken when recommending the proper door security to ensure the building is safe As a consultant/integrator, when discussions are had with a client that has a facility in a public space like a corporate building, government centre or industrial facility, what steps should they be taken when recommending the proper door security to ensure the building is safe and can protect its people and assets? For Frank Pisciotta, President and CEO of Business Protection Specialists, Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina, a fundamental element of his security strategy is making appropriate recommendations that are broad-based and proactive. Properly identifying the adversaries “As a consultant, my recommendations must include properly identifying the adversaries who may show up at a client’s door, the likelihood of that event occurring, the consequences of that event occurring, determining if there are tripwires that can be set so an organisation can move their line of defence away from the door, educating employees to report potential threats and creating real-time actionable plans to respond to threats. A more reactionary posture might include such thing as target hardening such as ballistic resistant materials at entry access points to a facility,” Pisciotta says. Veteran consultant David Aggleton of Aggleton & Associates of Mission Viejo, California recommends that clients compartmentalise their higher security areas for limited access by adding multiple credential controls (card + keypad + biometric), along with ‘positive’ access systems that inhibit tailgating/piggybacking such as secure turnstiles, revolving door and mantrap if your entrances and security needs meet the required space and access throughput rates. Integrated solution of electronic access control Defining a single point of entry in some public facilities is becoming the new standard of care according to many A&Es and security consultants, especially in a school environment. This approach allows a concerted effort when it comes to staffing, visitor monitoring and an integrated technology solution. The bottom line remains: most buildings are vulnerable to a security breach A proactive stance to securing a door entryway will use an integrated solution of electronic access control, turnstiles, revolving doors and mantraps that can substantially improve a facility’s security profile. The bottom line remains: most buildings are vulnerable to a security breach, so it’s not a matter of if there will be a next active shooter tragedy, it’s only a matter of where. Enhancing access control assurance “There is no easy answer to this question,” says Pisciotta referring to how a secured entrance can deter an active shooter. “There have been at least two high-profile incidents of adversaries shooting their way into a facility through access control barriers. So, if the threat so dictates, a ballistic resistant might be required.” He concludes: “There is obviously no question that turnstiles, revolving doors and man traps enhance access control assurance. Electronic access control is easy to integrate with these devices and providing that credentials are secure, approval processes are in place, change management is properly managed and the appropriate auditing measures in place, access control objectives can be met.”

Rodrigue Zbinden, CEO at Morphean, discusses the business benefits from merging video surveillance and access control technologies as demand for ACaaS grows. The big question facing businesses today is how they will use the data that they possess to unlock new forms of value using emerging technologies such as the cloud, predictive analytics and artificial intelligence. Some data is better utilised than others: financial services were quick to recognise the competitive advantages in exploiting technology to improve customer service, detect fraud and improve risk assessment. In the world of physical security, however, we’re only just beginning to understand the potential of the data that our systems gather as a part of their core function. Benefits of ‘Integrated access control’ The first thing to look for is how multiple sources of data can be used to improve physical security functionsWhat many businesses have yet to realise is that many emerging technologies come into their own when used across multiple sources of data. In physical security, for example, we’re moving from discussions about access control and CCTV as siloed functions, to platforms that combine information for analysis from any source, and applying machine learning algorithms to deliver intelligent insights back to the business. ‘Integrated access control’ then looks not just to images or building management, but to images, building management, HR databases and calendar information, all at the same time. And some of the benefits are only now starting to become clear. The first thing to look for, of course, is how multiple sources of data can be used to improve physical security functions. For example, by combining traditional access control data, such as when a swipe card is used, with a video processing platform capable of facial recognition, a second factor of authentication is provided without the need to install separate biometric sensors. CCTV cameras are already deployed in most sensitive areas, so if a card doesn’t match the user based on HR records, staff can be quickly alerted. Making the tools cost-effective In a similar vein, if an access card is used by an employee, who is supposed to be on holiday according to the HR record, then video data can be used to ensure the individual’s identity and that the card has not been stolen – all before a human operator becomes involved. This is driving growth in ‘access control as a service’ (ACaaS), and the end-to-end digitalisation of a vital business functionThese capabilities are not new. What is, however, is the way in which cloud-based computing platforms for security analytics, which absorb information from IP-connected cameras, make the tools much more cost effective, accessible and easier to manage than traditional on-site server applications. In turn, this is driving growth in ‘access control as a service’ (ACaaS), and the end-to-end digitalisation of a vital business function. With this system set up, only access control hardware systems are deployed on premise while the software and access control data are shifted to a remote location and provided as a service to users on a recurring monthly subscription. The benefits of such an arrangement are numerous but include avoiding large capital investments, greater flexibility to scale up and down, and shifting the onus of cybersecurity and firmware updates to the vendor. Simple installation and removal of endpoints What’s more, because modern video and access control systems transmit data via the IP network, installation and removal of endpoints are simple, requiring nothing more than PoE and Wi-Fi. Of all the advantages of the ‘as a service’ model, it’s the rich data acquired from ACaaS that makes it so valuable, and capable of delivering business benefits beyond physical security. Managers are constantly looking for better quality of information to inform decision making, and integrated access control systems know more about operations than you might think. Integrating lighting systems with video feeds and access control creates the ability to control the lightsRight now, many firms are experimenting with ways to find efficiencies and reduce costs. For example, lights that automatically turn off to save energy are common in offices today, but can be a distraction if employees have to constantly move around to trigger motion detectors. Integrating lighting systems with video feeds and access control creates the ability to control the lights depending on exactly who is in the room and where they are sitting. Tracking the movement of employees Camera data has been used in retail to track the movement of customers in stores, helping managers to optimise displays and position stocks. The same technology can be used to map out how employees move around a workspace, finding out where productivity gains can be made by moving furniture around or how many desks should be provisioned. Other potential uses of the same data could be to look for correlations between staff movement – say to a store room – and sales spikes, to better predict stock ordering. What makes ACaaS truly exciting is it is still a very new field, and we’re only just scratching the surface of the number of ways that it can be used to create new sources of value. As smart buildings and smart city technology evolves, more and more open systems will become available, offering more ways to combine, analyse and draw insights from data. Within a few years, it will become the rule, rather than the exception, and only grow in utility as it does.

Technology is expanding passenger screening functions and other capabilities at airport security checkpoints. For example, Smiths Detection is exploring the concept of a security checkpoint that integrates biometric identity management with screening solutions, says Richard Thompson, Global Market Director Aviation, Smiths Detection. Biometrics is the “unique identifier’” for passengers, and through integration of biometrics directly into the checkpoint, passengers can be matched with their luggage trays to enable real-time risk-based screening (RBS). The system is now able to trigger differentiated workflows for each passenger and their bags. Risk-based screening Risk-based screening optimises security operator resources through enhanced screening of passengers who represent a higher risk, while passengers deemed to be low risk enjoy a more seamless journey.Passengers deemed to be low risk enjoy a more seamless journey Easily integrated with existing infrastructure, biometric checkpoints deliver operational efficiencies and a competitive advantage to airports through accelerating the screening process, thus enabling a more seamless free flow of passengers. Passenger and tray identification Through passenger and tray identification, new data insights can also be gathered to inform decision-making. Advanced data analysis based on flights, airlines or destinations could be utilised by airlines and security authorities. For example, airlines could monitor passenger flow through security for specific flights or track the number of trays per flight to predict overhead compartment capacity. Checkpoint data could also be combined with hold luggage screening results or shared with transit and arrival airports to better inform security assessments. Advanced data analysis based on flights, airlines or destinations could be utilised by airlines and security authorities Advanced screening of carry-on baggage Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX offers advanced screening of carry-on baggage using Computed Tomography (CT), an advanced X-ray technology originally intended for medical applications, which allows for detailed, layered 3D images to be rotated and dissected. Electronic devices and liquids do not need to be removed from baggageThis enables detailed detection, meaning electronic devices and liquids do not need to be removed from baggage, thus expediting screening and further improving the passenger journey. Smith Detection’s iLane.evo is an automatic tray return system. By delivering a steady flow of trays, it plays a critical role in streamlining the screening process and delivering increased throughput; optimised operational costs; and an improved passenger experience. AI for object recognition In other trends, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in aviation security is on the rise due to the exponential growth in computing power. It has the potential to significantly boost the performance of screening equipment – allowing for the deployment of new object recognition functions at the checkpoint, which could pave the way for a more automated, alarm-resolution-only passenger screening.  Smiths Detection has developed a family of smart algorithms, called iCMORE, which use machine learning to reliably detect prohibited or dangerous goods in baggage, including weapons, to reduce the burden on image analysts and improve screening outcomes.

A larger proportion of cyberattacks in the first half of 2019 can be attributed to electronic criminals (eCrime adversaries) compared to state-sponsored or unidentified attacks. CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity company that provides the CrowdStrike Falcon endpoint protection platform, observes that 61% of targeted cybersecurity campaigns in the first half of 2019 were sourced from eCrime adversaries, compared to 39% from other sources. Technology was the top vertical market targeted by cyber-attacks in the first half of the year CrowdStrike Falcon Overwatch platform The eCrime portion more than doubled since 2018, reflecting an escalation of criminal players in search of more and larger payouts. The trend is among the information presented in CrowdStrike’s Overwatch 2019 Mid-Year Report: Observations from the Front Lines of Threat Hunting. Falcon OverWatch is the CrowdStrike-managed threat hunting service built on the CrowdStrike Falcon platform. Technology was the top vertical market targeted by cyber-attacks in the first half of the year, followed by telecommunications and non-governmental organisations (including think tanks). Other targets (in decreasing order) were retail, financial, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, gaming, entertainment and engineering. Hospitality disappeared from the list so far this year, although Crowdstrike expects an increase in intrusions aimed at the hospitality industry to put it back in the top 10 by the end of the year. Intrusion adversaries In terms of intrusion adversaries, the top players so far in 2019 are Spiders (eCrime) and Pandas (China). Regarding initial access techniques, the most common remain, in order of prevalence, valid accounts, spear-phishing and exploitation of public-facing applications. 2009 is proving to be an active year with a significant increase in eCrime and the inter-relationships occurring across different groups as they strengthen their organisations, forge alliances and expand their footprint. Need for a proactive security posture Basic hygiene form the foundation for a strong cybersecurity program Many of the techniques used by eCrime actors are easily defensible through strong security products and a proactive security posture, says CrowdStrike, which recommends the following measures to help maintain strong defense in 2019: Be attentive to basic hygiene such as user awareness, asset and vulnerability management, and secure configurations, which form the foundation for a strong cybersecurity program. User awareness programs can combat the continued threat of phishing and related social engineering techniques. Asset management and software inventory ensures that an organisation understands it footprint and exposure. Vulnerability and patch management can verify that known vulnerabilities and insecure configurations are identified, prioritised and remediated. Multifactor authentication (MFA) should be established for all users because today's attackers are adept at accessing and using valid credentials. A robust privilege access management process will limit the damage adversaries can do if they get in and reduce the likelihood of later movement. Implementing password protection prevents disabling or uninstalling endpoint protection that provides critical prevention and visibility for defenders. Countering sophisticated cyber attacks As sophisticated attacks continue to evolve, enterprises face more than a "malware problem" As sophisticated attacks continue to evolve, enterprises face more than a "malware problem." Defenders should look for early warning signs that an attack may be underway, such as code execution, persistence, stealth, command control and lateral movement within a network. Contextual and behavioral analysis, when delivered in real time via machine learning and artificial intelligence, effectively detects and prevents attacks that conventional "defense-in-depth" technologies cannot address. "1-10-60 rule" in combating advanced cyber threats CrowdStrike recommends that organisations pursue a "1-10-60 rule" in order to effectively combat sophisticated cyberthreats. That is, they should seek to detect intrusions in under one minute; to perform a full investigation in under 10 minutes, and to eradicate the adversary from the environment in under 60 minutes. A source at CrowdStrike said "Meeting this challenge requires investment in deep visibility, as well as automated analysis and remediation tools across the enterprise, reducing friction and enabling responders to understand threats and take fast, decisive action."

As the deal/no deal prospects of Brexit are tossed in a whirlwind of UK and EU politics, the uncertainty of the back-and-forth has broadly impacted general economic trends, and by extension, the physical security market. The new deadline for a Brexit agreement is October 31, already postponed six months from the scheduled April 12 departure date. Numbers show that Britain’s GDP shrank in the second quarter, possibly reflecting fewer exports because of Brexit uncertainty. And beyond the current indecision lies the long-term impact of a possible change in trading status between the United Kingdom and continental Europe. Other issues include capital flow and labor mobility. Brexit uncertainty leading to security concerns Loss of shared information with the EU will make the UK less safe “Companies … are unclear about their future,” comments Martin Warren of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. “Companies are making decisions now about jobs, supply chains, headquarters and asset locations, incurring significant, and possibly unnecessary, cost and upheaval.” Warren fears the destructive effects of a ‘no deal’ outcome and hopes politicians will break the deadlock and restore business confidence. Security implications of Brexit extend beyond economics. Loss of shared information with the EU will make the UK less safe. Extradition across EU borders will be more difficult, and exchange of data such as fingerprints and vehicle registrations is at risk. The Irish border after Brexit is of particular concern to security professionals. Countering threat of international terrorism Robert Hall of London First and Alison Wakefield of Security Institute say the security impact of departing the EU will be long lasting and profound. “In security terms, the UK will still have to contend with international terrorism, transnational crime and the global movement of people, all challenges that require wide scale cooperation.” They add that leaving the EU will require “a significant investment in people, resources and databases to cope with the anticipated volumes of traffic through ports, airports and tunnels.” Analyst company IHS Markit earlier commented about the impact on the security industry of Brexit’s drag on the UK economy, “Access control, intruder and fire alarm markets typically track construction rates closely and are forecast to be affected most. However, a large cut to infrastructure spending would be just as damaging to the video surveillance market.” UK security companies prefer ‘soft exit’ from EU If a ‘soft exit’ trade deal is not negotiated, the UK would have to revert to WTO trade rules If a ‘soft exit’ trade deal is not negotiated, the UK would have to revert to World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade rules, which means tariffs on trade between the UK and the EU, says IHS Markit. There are five British-based access-control and intruder-alarm vendors supplying the European market in significant quantity – each with revenue exceeding $10 million. IHS Markit estimates these companies combined account for less than 10 percent of total European, Middle-Eastern and African (EMEA) market revenues for both industries.  Uncertain future of UK security marketplace Asset protection specialist VPS Security Services has warned that the ongoing Brexit saga will likely lead to a rise in vacant commercial and residential properties as developers and investors are more reluctant to move forward with their UK real estate strategies. Seemingly endless machinations and shifting proposals are making the eventual outcome of Brexit very much a guessing game. Uncertainty translates into a volatile and changing outlook, and the eventual impact on the broader economy is an open question. As a reflection of that economy, the security marketplace will inevitably feel the economic impact, too, not to mention the new security challenges likely to ensue.

Oman Airports manages and operates all civil airports in the Sultanate of Oman. As a result of the growing aviation sector in the Middle East, Salalah, Duqm and Muscat International airports were all recently redeveloped with new state-of-the-art terminal facilities and technologies. Access control solution To protect Oman Airport’s growing number of passengers and new hi-tech terminal buildings, Oman Airports required an advanced access control solution that not only incorporated the latest advances in technology but also had proven resilience within the aviation industry. With 30 years’ experience of securing airports around the world, the CEM Systems’ AC2000 Airport security management system was the ideal match. As the largest airport in Oman, Muscat International’s upgrade was a landmark $1.8 billion expansion project. Phase one involved the construction of a new state-of-the-art 580,000 sqm Terminal 1 building, which was officially inaugurated for operations in March 2018. CEM intelligent card readers additionally feature a large internal database for offline card validation" Airport edition access control system “Oman Airports required a proven, fully integrated security solution to secure Muscat Airport’s new hi-tech Terminal 1 building, as well as a number of its external peripheral buildings. At the same time we were also awarded the contract to secure the new Salalah and Duqm Airports in Oman. “This allowed all three airports to use the CEM Systems’ AC2000 Airport Edition access control system and share a commonality of security infrastructure for operational excellence. We congratulate Oman Airports in their achievement and are delighted to be part of such an important leading infrastructure project for the development of Oman.” said Philip Verner Regional Sales Director, Security Products, Johnson Controls. Intelligent IP card readers CEM Systems’ range of intelligent IP card readers with integrated controllers (S610e, S700 readers) were installed throughout Oman Airports to provide the highest possible level of on-board smart card technology. CEM intelligent card readers additionally feature a large internal database for offline card validation and can store up to 200,000 cardholder records and 50,000 transactions offline. This ensures zero system downtime, prevents any loss of transaction data and delivers the highest possible level of system reliability within airports. Over 3,000 CEM IP card readers were installed throughout Muscat Airport’s new Terminal 1 to protect airside and landside locations, including 45 arrival and departure gates, 29 jet-bridges and 82 immigration counters. Emerald touchscreen terminals CEM Systems’ emerald touchscreen terminals have also recently been chosen by Duqm airport A large number of outlying annex buildings (spread out over 30,000 m2) were also secured with CEM intelligent card readers. These included a new 97m high Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, aircraft hangars, cargo and crew facility buildings and the new pivotal headquarters building for the Public Authority for Civil Aviation (PACA). CEM Systems’ emerald touchscreen terminals have also recently been chosen by Duqm airport for heightened security. Emerald is a combined access control card reader and controller featuring fully integrated Voice over IP (VoIP) intercom, onboard Power over Ethernet technology and a range of smart airport applications and operational modes, all in one single, powerful terminal. Integrated biometric and access control solution For areas of heightened security, over 1,300 CEM fingerprint card readers (S610f & emerald fingerprint terminals) have also been installed throughout all three Oman airports. As an all-in-one advanced IP card reader, controller and integrated biometric solution combined, CEM fingerprint readers uniquely provides three layers of security (card, PIN and biometric verification) via one hardware device and one integrated software enrolment process. This eradicates the need for a separate biometric enrolment solution, provides a quick and accurate biometric read time and ultimately creates less biometric verification errors at the door/gate. Intelligent IP readers critically provide Oman Airports with aviation specific door modes Gate room management CEM Systems’ intelligent IP readers also go beyond security by helping airport operations. Intelligent readers are used to enable air-bridge monitoring, provide check-in-desk enabling, control baggage belts and assist with airport passenger flow and gate room management. Intelligent IP readers critically provide Oman Airports with aviation specific door modes such as ‘Passenger mode’ which enables the efficient management of gate rooms for departing and arriving passengers. Passenger mode controls the open times of single or interlocking doors, ensuring Gate Room doors are opened or closed depending on the configuration set for a specific flight. The user-friendly LCD screen on CEM card readers effectively acts as a smart information point for ID staff and flight agents and allows staff to easily manage the Gate Arrivals process on the ground. S3040 portable hand-held readers Oman Airports now utilise portable card readers to enable random ID checks on personnelCEM Systems’ S3040 portable hand-held readers uniquely protected Muscat International Airport during its initial construction phase in December 2014. Portable readers enabled ID card validation at temporary airport site entrances and gates, which at the time of construction had no power or comms. Oman Airports now utilise portable card readers to enable random ID checks on personnel throughout all three airports. Designed specifically for airports, CEM Systems’ AC2000 Airport security management system provides powerful aviation-specific access control throughout airside and landside areas. Using a range of powerful AC2000 Airport software applications, Oman Airports benefit from sophisticated ID badging, airport visitor management and high levels of airport systems integration. Open architecture integration tools CEM Systems’ open architecture integration tools successfully enabled the AC2000 access control system to be seamlessly linked with other airport security systems including video, perimeter detection and Oman Airport’s central ‘Airport Operating System’ for the resolution of maintenance faults. This ensures that system maintenance faults and alarms are dealt with promptly, efficiently and with full accountability. Oman Airports use the CEM Systems’ AC2000 VIPPS application to manage airport pass applications and biometrics To provide the highest possible level of smart card security to over 30,000 authorised card holders, all three Oman Airports utilise highly secure CEM DESFire smart card technology with multiple layers of encryption. Oman Airports use the CEM Systems’ AC2000 VIPPS (Visual Imaging Pass Production) application to successfully manage airport pass applications and biometrics. AC2000 Visitors application The AC2000 Visitors application also provides a powerful tool for Oman Airports to monitor and control ID card access for visitors and temporary airport staff. Information such as ‘name of airport sponsor’ can be recorded and once visits have been completed, cards can then be recycled, creating efficiency savings within the airport ID centre. Moving forward, CEM Systems will continue to work together in partnership with Oman Airports and their chosen system integrators as all three airports move into their next development phases. It is understood that airport security needs and legislation requirements change over time and thus CEM Systems will remain flexible to help meet their evolving project needs.

HID Global, globally renowned company in trusted identity solutions, has announced that the traffic branch of the Singapore Police Force has deployed an electronic Know Your Customer (eKYC) system that uses HID Lumidigmâ V-series Fingerprint Sensors to verify the identities of driver’s license applicants.  Lumidigmâ V-series Sensors The HID Lumidigm sensor’s patented multispectral imaging technology has helped improve identity-verification speed and efficiency as compared to their previous paper-based process, and its proven liveness-detection capabilities significantly diminish the risk of fraudsters compromising the eKYC system. The new eKYC system improves security by using fingerprints to verify the “true identity” of driver’s license applicants Deployed by HID partner Secur Solutions Group at Singapore’s three driving schools, the new eKYC system improves security by using fingerprints to verify the “true identity” of driver’s license applicants. The speed and reliability of the Lumidigm sensors has enabled the entire enrollment process to be performed at kiosks in seconds, from fingerprint capture through matching against the actual identity documents (NRIC/Work Permit). Fingerprint sensors The Singapore Police Force is now enrolling 500 to 700 individuals a day at the kiosks since deployment and has cut almost 1,500 man-hours of labor per month since eliminating its staffed counters and manual workflow. “The HID Lumidigm sensors have outperformed all alternatives with respect to speed, accuracy and consistency of image acquisition regardless of finger or environmental conditions,” said Tseng Wun Hsiung, CEO of Secur Solutions Group. “New opportunities are being considered for service enhancement and parts of the eKYC system are being evaluated for integration.” Integrated with multispectral imaging technology HID’s V-Series Lumidigm sensors were the first fingerprint products certified to the ISO standard HID Global’s patented multispectral fingerprint imaging technology captures unique characteristics from the finger’s surface and subsurface, which is particularly important for the Singapore Police Force’s eKYC system because it serves a large population spanning many ages, ethnicities and skin types. The Tseng Wun Hsiung technology works reliably with normal, wet, dirty, dry or damaged fingers, and in sunlight or wet or cold conditions. Field-updatable liveness detection is employed to distinguish between the captured biometric data from a real living person versus a plastic, fake or other artificial fingerprint copies. HID’s V-Series Lumidigm sensors were the first fingerprint products certified to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) standard focused on anti-spoofing and liveness detection. Fingerprint recognition  “HID Global is delighted that our Lumidigm V-series sensors are delivering unparalleled accuracy in fingerprint data capture for the Singapore Traffic Police’s new eKYC system,” said Sujan Parthasaradhi, Director, APAC, Extended Access Technologies Business Area, HID Global. “We have no doubt our solutions will continue to give the Singapore Traffic Police the confidence of standards-validated spoof protection at their driving schools while helping them sustain the highest levels of efficiency and customer service.”

SALTO Systems has been selected to provide a smart access control solution for Venture X, a modern workspace community located in Chiswick Park, West London. This business hub, with great transport links into Central London and Heathrow Airport is home to some of the best companies working in the oil and gas, media, entertainment, technology, food and drink, and health and beauty markets. It comprises 1.8 million sq. ft of award winning accommodation, arranged as a necklace of 12 office buildings. Each building faces the Park's 'inner garden' with a featured two-tier lake, waterfall, decked boardwalk, pathways, events space and landscaping. Chiswick Park also houses over 45,000 sq. ft of retail including the on-site Virgin Active gym, restaurants, convenience stores and an ever-changing array of pop-up traders and street-food vendors. Cutting edge sustainable building development Hot desks offer 24/7 access to common working areas (hubs) including phone booths and high speed Wi-Fi Part of the globally renowned, Venture X United Franchise Group, Venture X provides a brand new inspiring, diverse, and collaborative working environment that is so much more than just shared office space.  Housed in a cutting edge sustainable building development, which includes solar fins, it offers a place where individuals and businesses can lease hot desks, private desks or private offices. Hot desks offer 24/7 access to common working areas (hubs) including phone booths and high speed Wi-Fi. Private desks add a Cat 6 Ethernet port, meeting and board room access, a business address with incoming mail handling, lockable office space and a private locker. Private offices top the package by proving all the previous offerings but in a fully furnished office space including SALTO access control. Modern locking solution With some 30 internal office and meeting room doors to secure, Venture X was looking for a technologically modern locking solution that would satisfy the needs of both the business and its customers. Key requirements were the ability to grant access rights instantly for new customers and revoke them in real-time for former customers. No hassle, costs or security issues with mechanical keys were wanted. They needed an audit-trail overview of who accessed which door at which time. Flexibility allocating office space, meeting rooms etc on a day to day basis as required. Easy meeting and conference room access, and finally, easy, wire-free installation without software installation and IT configuration. SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud locking To meet these needs, SALTO’s KS ‘Keys as a Service’ cloud based locking solution was recommended. This provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. All that is needed is an online device with an Internet connection. Providing end users with cloud-based SALTO KS Keys as a Service reduces cost and almost eliminates the need for maintenance. Highly secure, thanks to its 2-factor-authentication and 128 bit AES encryption; it provides flexibility, scalability, reliability, and the ability to manage access control from any Internet platform. Remote door locking solution One of the key need was a product that offered both a card and mobile app solution to remotely open doors" Venture X Director Andrew Ross comments “When you’re providing a working and meeting environment for entrepreneurs, and business people and large corporates, many of whom will be involved with technology businesses, security, efficiency and design were all essential aspects of the brief when we selected our preferred access control solution”. He adds, “One of their key requirements was a product that offered both a card and mobile app solution that would enable the members to remotely open doors, i.e. for customers, tradespersons or postal deliveries to gain access for example without the need for a staff member to be physically present in the building." Electronic access control Ross added, “Another feature wanted was office mode, so instead of having to present an access card or smart phone app to a door every time someone used it, the door would function just like a normal door during pre-set times but auto lock when  required." Andrew further said, “The SALTO KS now installed meets those requirements and gives comprehensive 24/7 access control that covers our entire property. They are looking forward to utilising SALTO KS across the new Venture X locations that are in development for 2020 and 2021.”

STANLEY Security, one of the UK’s pioneer security providers, installs a biometric access control system at beverage company Finlays’ Pontefract site to protect its server rooms. A company with over 265 years heritage, Finlays owns and operates tea estates, extraction facilities for tea, coffee and plant extracts, packing facilities and R&D laboratories across four continents. Finlays already had a PAC access control system in place for exterior doors, and number code locks were fitted to the doors of their server rooms but, reviewing security, Finlays wanted to improve the level of security for the latter. Deciding a biometric system The key requirement was to ensure access to the server rooms be controlled by Finlays IT department only" The key requirement was to ensure access to the server rooms be controlled by Finlays IT department only. IT staff work standard office hours so should access be required to the server rooms outside of this, the code for the locks would have to be shared with others or a member of the IT team would have to return to site. Finlays had ruled out a card/tag based access control system due to the inherent issues with lost, stolen or borrowed cards, and had decided a biometric system would be the right solution for them. A number of security companies were approached, including STANLEY Security, which were awarded the contract. “It’s a name we knew and we have a lot of STANLEY product on site,” states Stephen Firth, Finlay’s Group Senior IT Support Engineer. Biometric fingerprint readers “We also have a PAC system which shares the same software that the STANLEY biometric system runs on, so it meant we could easily add to the existing system and view both using the same software, although they are run as stand alone systems for added security.” STANLEY Security installed ievo® biometric fingerprint readers to four server room doors at Finlays STANLEY Security installed ievo® biometric fingerprint readers to four server room doors at Finlays. The system features advanced image reading sensors that take a detailed scan of a finger from the surface and subsurface levels of the skin, to capture a highly accurate digital image whilst protecting against fake and spoof fingerprints. Specific data from the image is converted into a digital template used for fingerprint identification. Biometric access control system Providing a user presents a finger that matches a stored user template, then access will be granted. ievo captures clear, clean images, even when surface features are absent or hard to distinguish due to age, dirt, finger pressure and skin or environmental conditions. Finlays are pleased with the new biometric access control system as it provides the company with the security required but also convenience, as Stephen comments: “Now, IT has full control of who enters the server rooms and there is an audit trail. We don’t have to worry about who has keys to the IT office and who knows the code for the server rooms door locks. What’s more, IT can open any door on the system remotely should it be required, rather than having to return to site. With one of the racks on our server belonging to someone else, that’s an important consideration should they need to gain access out of office hours.”

HID Global, globally renowned provider of trusted identity solutions, has announced that the government of Argentina has selected its HID goID citizen identity technology to power the country’s digital version of its mandatory National Identity Document for its Mi Argentina app. The collaborative effort between HID, Argentina’s Ministry of Interior, Public Works and Housing through the National Registry of Persons (Renaper), and the Ministry of Modernisation makes Argentina the first country in the world to offer a true national identity credential within a mobile app to its citizens. Currently, there are 47 million DNI cards in circulation and recent legislation has accorded full legal equivalence to the smartphone version of the card. Mi Argentina app The Mi Argentina app, which houses the National Identity Document, was developed by the Ministry of Modernisation and allows citizens who download the app on their mobile devices to request appointments, receive health information and access credentials, such as their drivers’ license. Powered by HID goID technology, citizens can also access their National Identity Document on a mobile device on the app while offline. The Government of Argentina is leading the way in bringing the convenience and security of mobile identity to its citizens" “The Government of Argentina is leading the way in bringing the convenience and security of mobile identity to its citizens,” said José D’Amico, director of Renaper, adding “This innovative application is not only easy to get, but we also believe this could be the first step in digitising identity across the government in Argentina and potentially other countries in years to come.” Enhanced security of citizens’ mobile identity Citizens with the ‘Mi Argentina’ app can initiate their request for a mobile ID by visiting a Renaper office, where their identity is verified and authenticated. Once approved, they receive an email with a code to activate their National Identity Document. In the event a smartphone is lost or stolen, credentials can be immediately revoked, safeguarding the citizen from potential identity theft. The mobile ID is securely stored on the citizen’s smartphone, meaning it can still be accessed if the cell phone has no data plan or when connection to a network or Wi-Fi is not available. Storage on the phone brings additional security for the mobile ID ecosystem, as a channel back to the central database is never required. Superior identity solutions Renaper issues all citizens a National Identity Document at birth and requires two mandatory renewals: between the ages of 5 and 8, and at the age of 14. Adults are required to renew it every 15 years. Argentina’s implementation of our technology provides its citizens with innovative ID access" “HID Global is committed to providing identity solutions that meet the evolving standards of the 21st century,” said Jessica Westerouen van Meeteren, VP & Managing Director, Citizen Identity with HID Global. “The government of Argentina’s implementation of our technology provides its citizens with innovative ID access and the ease of a completely mobile experience from registration to issuance.” Enhancing Border Security The government of Argentina previously partnered with HID to upgrade the country’s ICAO electronic passport to a newer generation that was more cost efficient, improved security and enhanced data reading at border control checkpoints. The successful partnership was a key factor in the government’s decision to collaborate with HID Global and deploy the HID goID mobile identity solution. The HID goID technology mobile ID ecosystem powers a more secure and connected world based on field-proven identity technology. It enables the issuance, lifecycle management and verification of mobile identities, and is a customisable solution that delivers many more functions than physical identity documents.

Use of iTrak solution by casino operators in both Macau and Las Vegas for reporting, security and loss prevention expands Omnigo’s global footprint. Omnigo’s security system “One of the major benefits of penetrating a market like Macau with Omnigo’s security system is that casinos can draw from a shared database of banned patrons, advantaged players, and VIP guests from Day One of implementation,” said Mark Kornegay, CRO of Omnigo Software. He adds, “Sharing data across properties enhances security and surveillance for everyone by allowing casino operators to exchange critical information with each other and with law enforcement.” Omnigo’s iTrak allows casino operators to protect their staff, patrons, property and assets while streamlining reporting iTrak security solution Omnigo’s iTrak allows casino operators to protect their staff, patrons, property and assets while streamlining reporting and data analysis. Casinos can function more efficiently using iTrak thanks to its simplified reporting and notification process. The system also empowers casino employees to leverage data-driven security intelligence to address incidents in real-time, track persons of interest and mitigate risk and exposure to liability. Various modules within iTrak include Facial Recognition, Visitor Management, Lost and Found and more. Security and risk management system In addition to the Macau expansion, Omnigo’s casino portfolio also includes 100% of the Las Vegas Strip casinos and 65% of the Canadian gaming market. Each casino uses iTrak, Omnigo’s security and risk management system for incident reporting, property surveillance and security and loss prevention. “It’s a true testimony that these casino operators have put their full confidence into Omnigo’s offerings to keep their properties safe. With that level of trust, we’re able to prioritise innovation and bring the latest technology like facial recognition software and advanced data analytics to market faster for our customers, both large and small,” Kornegay added.

Securing large campus environments can be particularly demanding and requires a range of technology solutions. In effect, a campus may represent a dozen or more individual facilities to be secured, in addition to protecting the overall environment. Seeking more insight into the number and variety of needs of securing a campus, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of protecting large campus environments?

An aging employee population and the influx of a new generation of workers and customers is driving change in the physical security industry. Millennials – those born in the 1980s and mid-1990s – are especially impacting how the industry operates, the technologies it produces, and the customers it serves. This tech-savvy generation grew up with the Internet at their fingertips. They embrace innovation in all its glory and expect it to play a seamless role in their lives – and work. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How are millennials changing how security systems are designed, installed and/or operated?

The new school year is a good time to reflect on the role of security in protecting our schools. From video to access control to some newer technologies, our Expert Panel Roundtable found plenty to talk about when we asked this week’s question: How does security technology make our schools safer?