Biometric Security

Centralite Systems, Inc., premier manufacturer of reliable, wirelessly connected devices based on the Zigbee home automation platform, has announced that its 3-Series Micro Motion Sensor and Micro Door Sensor have been certified to work with Echo Plus, Amazon’s popular voice assistant. Centralite Motion and Micro Door Sensors Amazon recently added support for motion and door sensors to Echo Plus Amazon recently added support for motion and door sensors to Echo Plus; with this announcement, Centralite becomes one of only two hardware partners whose sensors have been designated as ‘Works with Alexa’ devices in connection with Echo Plus. Because Centralite’s sensors are Zigbee-based, and Echo Plus has built-in ZigBee capability, no third-party hub is required; both sensors can be easily integrated directly into Echo Plus. According to an Alexa blog on Amazon.com, the incorporation of the new door and motion sensors opens up a range of new use cases. The blog explains that customers “can view their connected sensors in the Alexa App, query their status by asking Alexa, and use sensors to activate Routines to control other connected smart home devices and automate a wide variety of custom-built Routines.” Amazon Echo Plus compatibility These two sensors join an extensive list of Centralite devices that are already Echo Plus-compatible, including the company’s Smart Outlet, 4-Series Smart Outlet, Smart Dimming Outlet, In-Wall On/Off Switch, and In-Wall Dimmer Switch. The newest ‘Works with Alexa’ certification is part of building a long-term relationship with Amazon According to Sean Bryant, Centralite CEO, the newest ‘Works with Alexa’ certification is part of building a long-term relationship with Amazon. Smart home ecosystem “There’s no doubt that voice assistants are becoming an increasingly vital component in the smart home ecosystem, and Amazon leads the way with Alexa and Echo,” he noted. “Consequently, Centralite is committed to include Alexa and Echo Plus integration and support in our future product roadmap.” Bryant also added that Centralite, long known for its ‘white label’ smart home devices and solutions, will capitalise on this new integration as a way to build on the company’s rapidly growing consumer brand.

Tavcom Training, a subsidiary of Linx International Group, and the global provider of accredited security systems training courses, has announced the appointment of eLearning Developer Peter Panayi and Account Manager Effie-Mae Sims. Both will be based at the Tavcom Training Centre in Hampshire, UK, and will focus on growing the success of its rapidly expanding prospectus of classroom and distance learning training courses. Security systems training courses Tavcom Training boasts a wide range of award-winning security systems training courses and an extensive tutor-led distance learning portfolio that includes its popular CCTV System Design BTEC Level 5 Diploma and Professional Practices of Security Network Design BTEC Level 5 Certificate. Earlier this year, the company had also launched its Tavcom Bite Size electro technical and electronic security systems courses. Peter Panayi explains how he will be using his skills as a multimedia digital designer: “I am looking forward to incorporating new technologies into Tavcom Training courses to make them even more interactive and engaging, while learning all there is to know about the security sector.” Meeting professional development needs Effie-Mae Sims will focus on supporting Tavcom Training clients to ensure they find the right courses to meet their professional development needs Effie-Mae Sims will focus on supporting Tavcom Training clients to ensure they find the right courses to meet their professional development needs. “From the outset, I have been blown away by the morals and beliefs of the company,” explains Effie-May. “My intention is to make a real impact within the company, helping its growth, customer relationships and everyday performance, as well as making a real difference to security professionals who choose us to meet their training needs.” Paul Tennent, Executive Director at Tavcom Training, states: “We are dedicated to using the very latest technologies and teaching methods to ensure all of our courses, whether in the classroom or online, provide the knowledge and skills needed to perform in the ever-evolving security sector. To achieve this, we invest in the very best personnel to develop how training is delivered and ensure the right people are booked on the right courses. I am delighted to welcome Peter Panayi and Effie-May Sims to Tavcom Training.”

ZorroSign Inc., pioneer of real electronic signature and document fraud and tampering detection system built on blockchain, announces the release of its enhanced support for advanced mobile biometrics to electronically sign documents. Users of Samsung and Apple mobile devices can use their biometrics to log into the ZorroSign application, sign documents and manage other tasks. This enables ZorroSign users to sign documents anywhere and at any time. Using a smartphone or tablet, users can eSign and send documents quickly, request signatures, review documents and templates, capture handwritten signatures and scan the ZorroSign 4n6 (Forensics) Token to validate a document. Legally binding signatures “Our customers are increasingly conducting business using their mobile devices and their primary concern is security and privacy of sensitive information and protection against document fraud,” said Akbar Jaffer, chief marketing officer at ZorroSign Inc. “Our advanced biometrics capability offers added security of digital documents and gives our customers the peace of mind that their business documents are doubly secure against fraud and tampering for the life of the document.” ZorroSign mobile biometrics is truly a one-tick operation; with one pass of biometrics, users can sign and date multiple documents Biometrics on top of ZorroSign’s legally binding electronic signature also speeds up cycle time and increases process efficiency. ZorroSign mobile biometrics is truly a one-tick operation; with one pass of biometrics, users can sign and date multiple documents. All parties have on-line access to legally binding signatures on documents, which can be viewed easily on any device that has a secure connection such as tablets, notebooks, personal computers and smartphones. The mobile biometrics enhancement improves this process and increases security of sensitive information and documents. Cross-border payments “A well-rounded Digital Transaction Management solution ensures that there are no loopholes that unscrupulous people can exploit,” said Shamsh Hadi, co-founder and CEO of ZorroSign Inc. “Now, our customers have the option to implement biometrics (retina, iris, facial recognition like Face ID and fingerprint like Touch ID) on the mobile device to sign their documents. Biometric verification of a signature adds another level of security to the documents that are a part of a digital transaction.” Applications for biometric signatures are endless. They can be as basic as opening a bank account to as complex as closing multi-million dollar deals and making cross-border payments. Biometrics can also be used in conjunction with a simple multi-factor authentication.

Bosch has expanded its professional services for integrators with the Boost Onsite Support offering available in North America. Designed to assist with the commissioning of large and complex installations, integrators selecting this service receive in-shop and/or on-site support from a Bosch technical expert as well as access to this specialist via email and phone throughout the duration of the project. Bosch security, safety and communications systems With this level of onsite support, installations are more efficient, and the integrator gains valuable experience that can be applied to future projects" The Bosch technical expert will provide review and guidance on the programming of Bosch security, safety and communications systems to ensure they are configured to meet the end user’s expectations and specifications. The expert will also advise the integrator on the best way to test the system, the functionality of the network, and any interfaces to products and systems from other manufacturers, as well as assist with end user training when needed. “With this level of onsite support, installations are more efficient, and the integrator gains valuable experience that can be applied to future projects,” said Eric Cechak, Vice President of After Sales Service in North America for Bosch. “Integrators that participated in our initial pilot program of the service have seen the requirement for additional phone-based technical support greatly reduced on projects where Boost Onsite Support was used. Their feedback verifies that having a Bosch expert provide guidance ensures up-front configuration is done correctly and any required adjustments are made efficiently. Overall, this service speeds installation time, reduces troubleshooting and call-back costs for the integrator, and improves end user satisfaction.” Boost Onsite Support Boost Onsite Support rounds out Bosch’s technical support offerings, which include a variety of solutions. In addition to support via phone, email and live chat, Bosch offers an online knowledgebase with technical solutions articles as well as YouTube channels featuring a wide range of video tutorials.

ASSA ABLOY Access Control, UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global manufacturer and supplier of door opening solutions, has announced upcoming dates for its new SMARTair installer training course. SMARTair access control solution SMARTair is a flexible, end-to-end, battery-operated access control solution, which can operate in both offline and wireless online, without the need for cabling. It can be installed quickly and easily. It is easy to set up and manage. Those attending the training course will be given a demonstration showing exactly how easy it is to install, set-up and commission a SMARTair system. The course will also provide an opportunity for attendees to develop their understanding of wireless, battery-operated access control systems. It will conclude with troubleshooting training, followed by a question and answers session. SMARTair installer training course One of the main benefits of SMARTair is how easy to set up and install the system is" Alan Kent, Access Control Manager and SMARTair Specialist said; “One of the main benefits of SMARTair is how easy to set up and install the system is. Course attendees will be given hands-on training by our expert technical team to demonstrate this in practice." “SMARTair is ideally suited to a number of sectors including student accommodation, care homes and hospitality, and attendees will be given an insight into how to best take advantage of its versatility and adaptability." Full day course for security installers Alan further stated, “The full day course is held at our ASSA ABLOY Academy in Willenhall, West Midlands, and is suitable for systems integrators, professional security installers, and any hands-on end users looking for easy access control.” The available training dates are as follows: 4th December 2018 9th January 2019 13th February 2019 13th March 2019 10th April 2019 Refreshments are provided throughout the day, as well as lunch. Larger companies wishing to book onto the SMARTair training course may be able to specify a separate training date. Places are strictly limited to six attendees per course, so pre-booking is essential.

Plasco ID, global integrator of identification solutions, announces it has hired Jeff Bill as its Chief Operating Officer. Bringing a valuable combination of industry experience and proven results, he will focus on business operations and strategic initiatives. Physical card access control A veteran in visual and physical card access control, Jeff formerly held the position of President at Bristol ID, global technology card business; prior, he served as General Manager for Brady’s People ID and IDenticard business units. This hiring directly correlates to Plasco ID’s customer-centric philosophy and strong commitment to customer service excellence. The secure ID solutions company continually leads industry innovation, with a mission to providing customers with the best solutions available to meet their unique business needs. Proximity technology cards Partnerships with the industry’s best manufacturers has resulted in exclusive printer offerings with unique benefits. In addition, the organisation has launched its own brand of proximity technology cards, allowing it to pass along significant cost-savings to its customer base. Most notably, the organisation developed the first subscription and cloud-based ID card management software, allowing an unlimited number of users to manage, design and print their card program from any location, any time.   “We are pleased to welcome Jeff to the Plasco ID family. It is an exciting time for our organisation as we add this new role to further bolster our senior executive team. Jeff brings a unique skill set that will enhance our ability to execute on both our strategic growth and improvement initiatives,” stated Alan Mendelson, Plasco ID President and CEO.  

Comelit has worked sensitively on site at Rathview Mental Health Facility, to supply door entry solutions to ensure a therapeutic and safe environment is created for the benefit of residents, staff and visitors. Comelit door entry solutions Situated on a rural greenfield site on the outskirts of Omagh, Rathview Mental Health Facility is a new c£2.8 million, 1169m² site that contains a twelve-bed Discharge Unit and a six-bed Recovery Unit, arranged around two central courtyards. With its innovative design, the unit aims to increase the range of community-based mental health services available in Northern Ireland. Owned by The Western Health and Social Care Trust and designed by award winning Todd Architects, Comelit worked sensitively with electrical consultants on site, WYG Belfast, from the tender process to project completion, understanding the full specification requirements from the entrance through staff stations and concierge resources. Healthcare security and safety Comelit was specified through evidence of its understanding of the site requirements, along with the system being IP based, hence highly flexible and configurable" Says Gary Hewitt, Consultant at Chubb NI Ltd, who worked on Rathview Mental Health Facility: “This was an incredibly sensitive works program, where the design of the building was not just important from an aesthetic perspective, but also to ensure a positive impact on the recovery process for residents; and for staff to operate in an environment where they feel safe and secure.” “Comelit was specified through experience and evidence of its understanding of requirements on site, together with the system being IP based, hence highly flexible and configurable. These elements came together to allow for residents to experience independence in a domestic environment, with autonomous access to their accommodation.” 316 Sense panels In total, Comelit was specified for the door entry systems for all four entrance points to the facility, and a total of four 316 Sense panels installed, along with two staff stations and a concierge unit. Each of the twelve apartments were fitted with a pull cord and emergency response button, cabled into Comelit’s Mini handsfree monitors. Designed to operate through Comelit’s innovative VIP system, it utilises the Security Systems Network and allows a priority call to the concierge in case of emergency. Patients, staff and visitors’ safety Mike Campbell, Business Development Manager at Comelit Group UK concluded: “Rathview is an important development in the context of provision of mental health facilities across Northern Ireland, where every part of the site is seen as potentially having therapeutic value. We have worked in partnership with the consultants on site to create a door entry solution that can ensure a balance of a welcoming, encouraging environment, whilst maintaining the safety and security of residents, visitors and staff.”

Johnson Controls has announced that the Dr. P. Phillips YMCA has installed Software House’s C-CURE 9000 security and event management platform as part of a comprehensive visitor management system designed to increase security by verifying member identity and restricting access of non-members. Dr. P. Phillips’ YMCA, located in Doctor Phillips, Fla., is the largest of 27 facilities that are part of The YMCA of Central Florida. This single location serves 11,000 active members. The facility recently completed an $11 million renovation and expansion project, which also included an upgrade to the physical access control system to incorporate biometric technology to improve the member check-in process. Biometric fingerprint access The turnstiles help to manage the flow of visitors and identify when a person does not have membership privileges to gain accessThe comprehensive system integrates Software House C-CURE 9000 with biometric readers from iDentytech and swing glass optical turnstiles from Automatic Systems. Together, the systems manage the flow of visitors into the facility by enabling members to gain access using a biometric fingerprint reader instead of swiping an access control card. The turnstiles help manage the flow of visitors and identify when a person does not have membership privileges to gain access. Membership enrolment information resides in C-CURE 9000, which serves as the central component of the overall access control system. Johnson Controls' integration arm served as the systems integrator on the project. Accurate accounting of membership status “With the old system,” said Dan Humbert, director of IT for the YMCA of Central Florida, “the only way to tell which family centre membership someone held was by the colour of the barcode. With the C-CURE 9000 system that’s all automated. We can now capture the information on where they can work out directly in the system.” A major benefit of the new access control system and membership program is that it provides more accurate accounting of membership status. The system can flag out-of-date memberships, so when a person is denied access can be directed to the desk where they can pay on-site and be reinstated.

Vega Systems Inc. has announced that their Redundancy Management Framework (RMF) software has begun operations at a prominent airport in the Middle East. The airport surveillance software plugin for Milestone XProtect enhances video security. Typically, without the software system, video surveillance down-times at critical infrastructure locations have the potential to create security loopholes. Vega Systems' RMF reduces live video disruption to milliseconds during server failure episodes while simultaneously providing uninterrupted access to all archived footage. This, along with other beneficial features, mitigates the impact of server failures on security. Vega Systems' RMF RMF is a novel, few-to-all approach towards enhancing XProtect Recording Server Redundancy through dual recording. A few redundant servers can handle concurrent failures of all primary servers. Offering a live view recovery almost instantaneously following the recording server failure, the system works two orders of magnitude faster than fail-over recording. RMF is a result of collaboration between Vega Systems Inc in San Jose, California, Sunjin Infotech based in Seoul, South Korea, and Milestone Systems' Middle East offices. The product is a plug-in framework for the Canon subsidiary Milestone Systems' XProtect software.

Jutting up to a height of 126 meters, the 36-story Prime Tower is Zurich’s tallest building and number two in Switzerland. Its 40,000 square meters of floor space can accommodate more than 2,000 workplaces. It is striking with its futuristic architecture and dark green reflective exterior. The tower’s impressive details include a 10-meter-high entrance hall and the CLOUDS bar and restaurant on the top floor boasting an unmatched view far out across the surrounding landscape. Bosch networked security solution The operator relies on Bosch to keep the building safe and secure. And to meet the Prime Tower’s unique requirements, the company’s experts recently implemented a modernisation project. One of the new system’s technical highlights is a combination of electronic and biometric access control. “Our owner, the firm of Swiss Prime Site Immobilien AG, attaches great importance to monitoring who exactly is inside the building at all times,” explained Annika Hammes, who heads the trustee department at Wincasa, a building services outfit that was contracted to design and execute the solution. Electronic and biometric access control Error-free biometric identification is accomplished by reading the vein patterns on the backs of people’s hands Error-free biometric identification is accomplished by reading the vein patterns on the backs of people’s hands. This is done contactlessly for very easy, comfortable use. A total of 120 hand vein readers have been installed in the building and connected to the controllers of the eight elevators. Once employees and guests have been biometrically registered, they board lifts that automatically take them to the right floors. Encrypted ID cards are used to access the rental units, thereby making sure that people can only enter zones for which they have been authorised. All relevant security information is collected in a management system so that the responsible employees always have everything in view and can respond quickly when there is a need. Bosch handled everything for this project: advising the client, and then planning and implementing the system. The modifications were made without interrupting use of the building, which was a major challenge not only for the project team, which therefore had to work very swiftly, but also for the tenants themselves. “This called for very close cooperation between the Bosch team and the mixed-use site management (MUSM) team of Wincasa AG, which met the requirements for continued building use while the work was ongoing,” explained Hammes.

One of the UK’s top business and management schools, the Bloomsbury Institute, has upgraded its access control capabilities to the award-winning ASSA CLIQ Remote wireless locking technology from ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions. Based in central London and formerly the London School of Business and Management, the Bloomsbury Institute delivers full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, accounting, finance and law, which are awarded by the University of Northampton. ASSA CLIQ Remote wireless locking technology The Bloomsbury Institute has to contend with a high turnover of students each academic year, as well as any changes to staff. The sheer number of people using the Institute’s buildings meant that its existing mechanical master key system was simply no longer feasible, unable to provide adequate protection for areas that might hold sensitive information, such as exam scripts. As a result, the Bloomsbury Institute needed a flexible access control system that would be easy to maintain, granting secure access to individuals as and when needed, while delivering greater key control too. Electromechanical locking system Providing an easy-to-use electromechanical locking system, the ASSA CLIQ Remote solution uses high-end micro-electronics and programmable keys The answer was ASSA CLIQ Remote, which has been installed throughout the Bloomsbury’s Institute’s 7 Bedford Square teaching site, and selected areas within the institute’s 99 Gower Street building. Providing an easy-to-use electromechanical locking system, the ASSA CLIQ Remote solution uses high-end micro-electronics and programmable keys and cylinders to offer flexible control over access rights. The Bloomsbury Institute can now programme and update each key remotely, removing or granting access privileges for the key holder in real time. This allows only those with the necessary authority to obtain access to private areas without inconveniencing others and removes the security risks associated with lost or stolen keys. Remote Key Access ASSA CLIQ Remote also provides a full audit trail for assured peace of mind and has the functionality to create time-defined user keys, only allowing access to an individual for a specified period. This feature is proving invaluable to the Bloomsbury Institute, which plans to eventually convert all cylinders at its 99 Gower Street site to ASSA CLIQ Remote, as part of its expansion plans. Stephane Middleton, Estates & Facilities Manager at the Bloomsbury Institute, explains: “We are committed to the security and safety of student data, which led us to consider upgrading the mechanical master key system that we previously had in place. Using ASSA CLIQ Remote could not be easier. It is saving us countless hours of key cutting and changing cylinders, while significantly improving our key control.” ASSA CLIQ Remote key for enhanced security When a new employee joins the team, the ASSA CLIQ Remote key is the only one they will need"“When a new employee joins the team, the ASSA CLIQ Remote key is the only one they will need, irrespective of how many rooms they may occupy or how many areas they may need access to during their time with us. In addition, the system provides robust security; if a key is lost or stolen, we can cancel it, safe in the knowledge that we are completely secure.” “The service from ASSA ABLOY has been outstanding. The company really made the effort to understand our business and its requirements. During the implementation phase, ASSA ABLOY provided comprehensive training on how to use the system to all staff that have administration rights, while working with our IT team to ensure the systems’ software is uploaded onto their machines.” High-security physical master key system “The best part of the service has been having a dedicated contact that has been onboard since the start, providing us with new updates, support and guidance. This part of the service is proving to be of great value, filling us with confidence to continue using ASSA ABLOY products in the future. Indeed, as we look to expand the sites we operate in, we envisage that all the cylinders will one day be converted to this system.” Simon Wilson, National Sales Manager for ASSA CLIQ Remote at ASSA ABLOY, said: “Our ASSA CLIQ Remote solution combines all the benefits of access control with a high-security physical master key system. The system was easily retrofitted, meaning there was very little disruption to the university during the installation process, and the institute no longer has to worry about the security concerns that come with a misplaced key. Data security “The fact that ASSA CLIQ Remote also offers the capability to log and provide a record of who has entered and exited an area is helping to ensure rooms that hold confidential papers or sensitive information remain secure.” “We’re delighted to help the Bloomsbury Institute revolutionise its key management systems, delivering greater security, flexibility and key control.”

Princeton Identity Inc., a provider of secure biometric security systems, has announced the deployment of its Biometric Conex, designed to assist customers with quick and accurate personnel authentication for campuses and facilities. The Conex is a 20-foot long standard shipping container outfitted with on-the-move facial, iris and fingerprint biometric capture technology, which can be operational in less than 24 hours. Biometric Conex Princeton Identity is showcasing the Biometric Conex at the 2018 AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition this week in Washington, DC The first two containers will be shipped in October to government facilities. Princeton Identity is showcasing the Biometric Conex at the 2018 AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, DC. The Conex’s combination of patented authentication technology and portable configuration give organisations the flexibility to deploy these high throughput, accurate authentication units anytime, anywhere. Biometric high-throughput system The multi-modal, biometric high-throughput system offers more secure rapid personnel authentication and the following features: Face, dual iris, and 8 fingerprint rapid enrollment of personnel and on-the move multi-modal personnel identification Throughputs of over 15 people per minute Self-contained or networked configurations Allow list and watch list capable Can support large personnel database configurations Climate controlled, air conditioned and weatherproof Can be powered by a generator and comes with UPS backup Facility entry control The Biometric Conex eliminates these issues and provides a more accurate, seamless entry process Current facility entry control procedures generally rely on credentials or limited biometric information to allow entry. In many cases, these procedures can cause excessive queuing, require extensive manpower, and are limited in their identification accuracy. The Biometric Conex eliminates these issues and provides a more accurate, seamless entry process. It contains a rapid enrollment station to simultaneously register subjects’ biometric signatures – fingerprints, face and irises – which takes less than a minute to process. The fusing of these three separate biometric modalities ensures the highest level of identification accuracy and eliminates potential spoofing attacks. When subjects enter the Conex, they walk through at a normal pace without stopping or touching any sensors, gain clearance, and are granted access to the facility. Contactless iris authentication “The government engaged with Princeton Identity to provide these units because we are the only identification firm with patented walkthrough, contactless iris authentication capabilities to support large groups of people,” said Mark Clifton, CEO of Princeton Identity. “Our software and physical hardware provide versatile identity authentication solutions designed to verify and manage individuals’ identities for a wide range of physical security and access applications, and we are already exploring other commercial uses for the Biometric Conex.”