Covert cameras

Teledyne FLIR today announces the launch of the A8481, a new compact HD MWIR science camera designed for researchers and engineers who need significantly more thermal detail without changing the workflows, optics, software, and infrastructure they already use. Built around a 1280 × 1024 HOT MWIR SLS detector, the A8481 delivers four times the pixels of VGA A-Series cameras while maintaining the compact form factor of the A67xx platform. For many research programs, moving from VGA thermal imaging to HD has traditionally required adopting a larger camera platform, resulting in new mounting systems, optics considerations, integration work, and validation efforts. Research environments worldwide The A8481 addresses this challenge by bringing HD MWIR imaging into the same compact A-Series body already deployed throughout laboratories, test facilities, and research environments worldwide. “The A8481 removes one of the biggest barriers to adopting HD thermal imaging,” said Matthew Hasty, Director of Product Management for Automation and Science at FLIR. “Researchers have long wanted more thermal detail without introducing the complexity of a larger camera platform. With the A8481, customers can move to 1280 × 1024 HD thermal imaging while continuing to use the same compact A-Series workflow, optics ecosystem, software environment, and integration infrastructure they already trust.” Radiometric thermal data The camera combines a 1280 × 1024, 8 µm HOT MWIR SLS focal plane with thermal sensitivity below 30 mK to deliver detailed radiometric thermal data across a wide range of scientific and industrial applications. Researchers can collect measurement-grade thermal imagery while using the same FLIR Precision Optics ecosystem, mounting interfaces, connectivity, and FLIR Research Studio workflow already established in their facilities. The A8481 supports GigE Vision, GenICam, and CoaXPress connectivity while providing precision trigger and synchronisation functionality for deterministic data capture. Its integrated motorised three-position filter wheel supports expanded temperature measurement ranges, while compatibility with motorised, manual focus, microscope, and macro optics enables users to maximise measurement pixels on target. Temperature measurement ranges The camera is designed for a broad range of research, testing, and measurement applications, including electronics analysis, battery research, combustion studies, propulsion testing, non-destructive testing, materials characterisation, and academic research. The combination of HD spatial resolution, radiometric recording, and microscope optics allows users to measure thermal behaviour from full assemblies down to individual components and microscopic features. "The real advantage of the A8481 is that customers can increase the amount of thermal information they capture without disrupting established test procedures," said Jerry Beeney, Sales Manager, R&D Science, Teledyne FLIR. Rapid thermal events "Whether they're upgrading from an existing A-Series camera or building a new measurement system, the A8481 provides HD detail, measurement-grade data, and compatibility with the software, optics, and workflows they've already invested in. It delivers more insight while keeping implementation simple." In addition to HD imagery, the A8481 supports fully radiometric, ATS recording within FLIR Research Studio Professional for acquisition, analysis, collaboration, and reporting. Windowed imaging modes can achieve frame rates up to 13,733 Hz, enabling users to capture rapid thermal events while maintaining the measurement capabilities required for scientific and engineering investigations. Scientific and engineering investigations The A8481 joins Flir's science camera portfolio as the compact HD MWIR upgrade path for existing A-Series users, providing enhanced thermal detail and measurement capability without requiring researchers to redesign their workflows or test environments. The Flir A8481 will be available beginning October 2026 through Flir's global network of sales representatives and channel partners. A8481 demonstrations and application consultations are available for organisations evaluating HD MWIR thermal imaging for research and testing applications.

Matrix Comsec, a provider of integrated, enterprise-grade physical security solutions, has received the CII Award for Best Company for Excellence in R&D – Silver in the Electronics, Space & Defence category. The award was presented at the CII Global Summit on Industrial R&D & Competitiveness 2026, held on October 7, in Bengaluru, under the theme “Powering India's R&D for Global Impact.” The recognition highlights Matrix's commitment to indigenous research and its engineering-led approach to developing reliable, enterprise-ready technologies. With end-to-end in-house R&D, the Company brings together research, product design, development, and engineering to address complex security challenges and deliver solutions built for performance, scalability, and long-term value. Developing indigenous technologies Matrix's R&D ecosystem comprises two dedicated R&D laboratories and more than 250 R&D professionals, with capabilities spanning hardware, embedded systems, software, artificial intelligence, video analytics, and cybersecurity. This integrated approach has enabled Matrix to develop indigenous technologies across its Video Surveillance, Access Control, Time-Attendance, and communication solutions. The technology developments of the Company include an indigenously designed PTZ camera, a 96-channel Network Video Recorder with RAID resilience, and the COSEC ARGO FACE200T touchless biometric solution.  Its research efforts have contributed to 47 registered intellectual property assets. The company has also developed capabilities in AI-based face recognition, object classification, automatic number plate recognition, and secure platform architectures. Solving real-world challenges Speaking on the recognition, Mr. Sundar Subramanian Pillai, AVP Product Management, Matrix Comsec, said, “We are honoured to receive the CII Award for Excellence in R&D. For us, R&D has always been more than developing products; it is about building engineering capabilities that enable us to solve real-world challenges and create technology with lasting value.” “This recognition reflects the dedication of our R&D teams to developing indigenous technologies and extending our engineering capabilities to address evolving customer needs. We remain committed to strengthening our R&D ecosystem and advancing technologies that contribute to India's technological capabilities and global competitiveness.” Future of industrial research The Summit brought together policymakers, industry leaders, R&D and technology heads, researchers, academia, and international experts to discuss the future of industrial research, innovation, and global competitiveness. The programme featured international participation from WIPO and delegations representing Japan, Germany, Israel, and Russia, alongside representatives from CSIR, INAE, and INSA. This recognition reinforces Matrix’s commitment to purposeful innovation, engineering excellence, and indigenous technology development. Through continued investment in in-house R&D, Matrix remains focused on developing integrated, scalable, and reliable technologies that address real-world enterprise challenges and deliver measurable outcomes.

OpenEye announces advanced new innovations to OpenEye Web Services (OWS) through the addition of AI-powered visual search and alerting, helping enhance operations for modern enterprise organisations. As a core part of the OWS AI Analytics suite, AI Visual Search and AI Visual Check offer businesses innovative and intuitive tools built to improve operations and fortify security. Users can surface video quickly and automate procedures through natural-language inputs, all within an intelligent cloud video solution. With these integral platform functionalities, OpenEye provides a premium video offering that supports the businesses of its customers and helps them scale their workflows to enable greater future growth. Eliminating manual effort “These AI-powered capabilities mark a significant step forward in transforming video into a source of actionable intelligence for our customers—going beyond traditional security,” said Rick Sheppard, founder and CEO of OpenEye. “With natural language search and automated alerts on visual changes, we’re saving businesses time and eliminating manual effort with trusted, proactive solutions that help our customers operate more effectively every day.” AI Visual Search in OWS locates specific moments in video footage via simple user-input descriptions. Users can type in a natural-language query, such as “A person carrying a box in the lobby yesterday afternoon,” and the system will quickly surface the most relevant results across cameras. Reduce incident response time With AI Visual Search, businesses can enjoy: User-Friendly Searches: Designed for every user in mind, AI Visual Search makes it easy to search footage quickly and effectively. Seamless Investigations: Accelerate investigations by describing a person or vehicle and letting AI surface the evidence you need. Rapid Responses: Reduce incident response time by quickly surfacing the footage needed to act when it matters most. Time Savings: Reduce hours-long video investigations down to seconds by surfacing relevant footage through a simple natural-language description. Actionable Results: Thumbnail previews linked directly to video clips allow for immediate verification, reducing the steps between search and action. Enabling faster resolution Designed to automate monitoring of business operations, safety protocols, and compliance across multiple locations, AI Visual Check provides proactive alerts when issues are detected. This includes blocked fire exits, out-of-stock shelves, or unattended security posts, to reduce reliance on manual oversight or walkthroughs, enable faster resolution, and free up resources across modern enterprises. AI Visual Check empowers businesses to: Automate Visual Verification: OWS analyses images to detect real business and safety issues across locations. Proactively Monitor Operations: Stay proactive with alerts when action is needed and avoid manual walkthroughs, in-person audits, and reactive complaints. Improve Your Bottom Line: Protect revenue, improve customer experience, and ensure compliance with a clear return on investment. Utilise Data-Driven Decision-Making: Aggregated check results over time help teams identify recurring issues, validate standards, and make smarter operational decisions. Intelligent surveillance solutions AI Visual Search and AI Visual Check represent a pivotal step forward for the OWS platform as OpenEye continues equipping businesses with intelligent surveillance solutions. These intuitive video analytics can be effortlessly incorporated into existing company workflows to provide an overall more impactful system experience. Businesses can leverage powerful AI capabilities throughout their organisation to unlock new avenues towards optimising workflows across departments, helping drive greater revenue and strengthen security.

Acoem, a pioneer in advanced acoustic threat detection solutions, announces two software updates for its Acoustic Threat Detection (ATD) Gunshot Detection System, introducing individual sensor-level elevation tuning and enhanced acoustic analytics to address anomalies that can resemble gunshot detection signals. False positives remain an operational challenge for organisations using acoustic threat detection across campuses, critical infrastructure, utilities and communities, particularly in environments where hills, buildings and other environmental changes that affect the surrounding skyline can complicate classification. For security teams, those conditions can mean more alerts to review and more time spent determining which events actually require a response. Accurately classify fireworks Acoem’s latest Cadence software release addresses this challenge by allowing administrators to set elevation and horizon thresholds for individual sensors based on their surrounding environment. This is useful in areas where loud noises like fireworks are common, as their acoustic characteristics can be similar to gunshots. The elevation threshold helps the system more accurately classify fireworks and other skyline noise as non-threats. Across larger deployments, administrators can also tailor individual sensors to local conditions rather than applying the same settings across an entire fleet. Acoem is also refining its AI methodology with changes to acoustic signal and noise analytics intended to further detect anomalies and reduce false positives. The update builds on the company’s data science expertise to improve how the system distinguishes potential gunfire from surrounding noise. Backend server infrastructure These changes provide better and more accurate information and build on existing Acoem ATD capabilities including: Dual-detection capability: Employs shockwave-enhanced muzzle-blast detection to analyse acoustic signatures, ensuring highly reliable gunshot verification across both urban and rural environments. 96-attribute analysis: Uses an onboard AI neural network to instantly analyse acoustic events and filter out ambient noise and urban distractions. Edge-based processing: Verifies threats locally at the sensor in real time, eliminating latency and reducing reliance on backend server infrastructure. PTZ camera integration: Instantly directs connected PTZ cameras toward the origin of a detected acoustic threat, delivering immediate visual confirmation for actionable situational awareness. Backend server infrastructure “The volume of security system alarms are one of the biggest drains on security resources today. This update highlights how we leverage our deep data science expertise to continuously evolve our technology alongside our customers,” said Mike ODea, Managing Director, Acoem ATD. “By giving teams the ability to adapt detection to their specific environments, we're delivering the most flexible, accurate acoustic threat protection available to keep communities and critical infrastructure safe.” The software updates will be available in Q4 2026 for existing customers and they will have the option to apply the updates through the Cadence software platform. System administrators will receive official release notes ahead of the rollout, with over-the-network updates delivered directly to edge sensors without requiring additional backend server infrastructure. To learn more about Acoem Acoustic Threat Detection or to schedule an environment-tuning presentation, visit acoemATD.com or contact Acoem ATD representative.

CloudSEK’s latest look at the LiteLLM incident has pushed the possible scale of the breach much higher. Data reconstructed from the wider TeamPCP and Trivy campaign points to environments linked with more than 2,500 organisations, although that number does not mean 2,500 organisations were definitely compromised. The March incident involved malicious LiteLLM packages uploaded to PyPI. Researchers now say the campaign data contains about 434,000 captured files and exfiltration-related records, but those records should not be mistaken for 434,000 separate CI/CD pipelines. Counting unique victims A captured file can roughly line up with a job execution, which makes the raw total useful for showing volume, not for counting unique victims. The safer way to read the data is to separate captured records, possible executions, attributed organisations, and confirmed compromises. LiteLLM says versions 1.82.7 and 1.82.8 were published on March 24, 2026, starting at 10:39 UTC, and were available for around 40 minutes. PyPI’s later incident report gives a longer timeline, recording 2 hours and 32 minutes between the initial malicious upload and quarantine. The malicious code targeted credentials and other sensitive data, while LiteLLM’s investigation points back to the Trivy dependency used in its CI/CD security scanning workflow. Supply chain campaign On March 19, 2026, attackers used compromised credentials to publish a malicious version of Trivy 0.69.4. Trivy is widely used to scan software and development environments for security issues, including within CI/CD workflows. That access also put credentials and other sensitive secrets within reach. The incident was not limited to LiteLLM, but formed part of a wider software supply chain campaign that spread through trusted development tooling, underscoring why organisations need continuous supply chain penetration testing to uncover hidden third-party risks. Credential-stealing code Trivy GitHub Actions Were Also Compromised: The attackers also altered the GitHub Actions connected to Trivy, giving the campaign another route into trusted workflows. NIST says 76 of 77 version tags in aquasecurity/trivy-action were force-pushed to credential-stealing code, while all seven tags in aquasecurity/setup-trivy were replaced with malicious commits. That mattered because many CI/CD workflows call GitHub Actions by version tag. If an attacker changes the code behind that tag, the workflow file can look the same while running different code in the background, making the compromise much harder to notice. Software distribution channels The Trivy compromise became relevant to LiteLLM because Trivy was part of its CI/CD security scanning process. PyPI’s incident report says an API token was exposed through the exploited Trivy dependency, after which malicious LiteLLM releases were published to PyPI. The sequence was simple: Trivy was compromised, the publishing credential was exposed, and malicious LiteLLM releases followed. PyPI’s incident report confirms the token exposure, but it does not establish that LiteLLM’s legitimate GitHub repository itself was poisoned. The FBI linked the activity to TeamPCP in an alert issued on July 2, 2026. According to the bureau, the group compromised trusted software distribution channels by inserting malicious code into legitimate packages and development dependencies. The FBI associated the campaign with several components, including: Trivy LiteLLM KICS Telnyx Python SDK That broader pattern matters because LiteLLM was not targeted in isolation. It was one of several trusted tools and dependencies used to reach development environments through software organisations were already relying on. More Than 119,000 Downloads Recorded: PyPI reported that the compromised LiteLLM versions were downloaded more than 119,000 times before being quarantined. That figure shows how widely the releases were retrieved. Compromised LiteLLM functionality LiteLLM’s investigation found that version 1.82.7 contained malicious code in its AI Gateway proxy component. Version 1.82.8 carried the same code and added a file named litellm_init.pth, which created another path for execution inside affected Python environments. That second file increased the risk because Python can process .pth files during startup. In other words, the malicious code did not always depend on someone directly calling the compromised LiteLLM functionality, which makes installation history more important during incident review. Broad range of sensitive information The payload was designed to collect a broad range of sensitive information from affected systems. LiteLLM identified environment variables, SSH keys, cloud credentials, Kubernetes tokens and database passwords among the data at risk, while the FBI has separately linked TeamPCP activity to the theft of cloud access tokens, SSH keys and Kubernetes secrets. That means the exposure was not limited to AI API keys. The exposed data could include cloud credentials, SSH keys, Kubernetes tokens, database passwords, environment variables and other secrets present in the affected runtime. Protecting these environments requires regular cloud security penetration testing to ensure IAM roles, access tokens, and cloud infrastructure remain safe from post-exploitation access. Credential-stealing malware Removing the malicious package also does not automatically close the incident. Any stolen credential can remain valid until it is rotated or revoked, and the FBI has warned that TeamPCP activity has also involved credential-stealing malware and persistent backdoors. For organisations running AI infrastructure, the LiteLLM incident shows how valuable the software around a model can be to attackers. Gateways and orchestration tools often sit close to multiple credentials, making them an attractive route into broader development and cloud environments. Running AI infrastructure The reconstructed dataset also contained records associated with environments linked to NVIDIA, Cisco, Deloitte, Volkswagen, FedEx, Siemens and X Corp. Their inclusion does not establish that any of these organisations were breached through LiteLLM or that attackers successfully used credentials connected to them. Attention has now moved to credentials that could have been copied during the March activity and remained valid afterward. In its July alert, the FBI warned that credentials taken during TeamPCP operations could be used well after the original compromise and recommended replacing exposed secrets, particularly those connected to CI/CD systems, publishing access and cloud services. Check historical environments LiteLLM’s own guidance asks users to check historical environments for versions 1.82.7 and 1.82.8, including installations introduced indirectly through dependencies. That means an investigation can extend beyond what is currently running in production to previous builds, containers and development environments where one of the affected releases was present. Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency has taken a similarly cautious position on the wider TeamPCP campaign. Its advisory recommends treating secrets available to an affected environment as exposed and rotating them, rather than waiting for evidence that every credential was actually used. Trusted development infrastructure The FBI has also called for stronger control over credentials inside development pipelines, broader logging and integrity checks before software artifacts are published or deployed. Those measures reflect a problem seen throughout this incident: trusted development infrastructure itself became part of the attack path. What began with the compromise of a security tool ultimately reached another project’s package distribution and then the environments that downloaded those releases. PyPI’s incident report shows how exposed publishing access allowed malicious packages to move through a legitimate software channel, even though the upstream project itself remained recognisable to users. For organisations reviewing the incident now, removing the malicious package was only one part of containment. Any credential taken before that removal remains a separate security issue until it is revoked or replaced, which is what keeps the LiteLLM compromise relevant months after the poisoned releases disappeared from PyPI.

The increased adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is transforming the roads, but as with any innovation, it is also creating new opportunities for criminals. Within the EU, EV sales increased 31% YoY from 2024 to 2025, spurred on by Government grants, tax and road toll exemptions, and investment in public charging infrastructure. Yet, it is this infrastructure that is increasingly targeted for its valuable equipment and components, notably copper within the charging cables. Combined with vandalism driven by anti-EV sentiment, this can cost thousands per unit for a charging operator to replace. The impact can extend far beyond the immediate cost of replacing broken equipment. A single incident can disrupt an entire charging site, leaving multiple bays unavailable and creating frustration for drivers who rely on accessible and reliable charging. In a market where customer experience and availability are critical to building trust in EV adoption, prolonged downtime can directly affect revenue, reputation and long-term customer loyalty. Public charging infrastructure The scale of the challenge is growing. German operator EnBW alone recorded more than 900 cases of cable theft at over 130 locations in 2025, resulting in damages amounting to several million euros. Danish energy company OK reported a three-fold rise in charging cable theft in the first half of 2025. And across the UK, more than 200 incidents of theft and vandalism against EV chargers were reported between 2022 and mid-2025. This figure is likely only part of the picture, with many incidents going unreported and some police forces unable to provide relevant data. The issue is not limited to the UK. In Germany, charging operator EnBW reported more than 900 cases of cable theft across more than 130 locations in 2025, resulting in damages of several million euros. As charging networks continue to expand, the number of vulnerable assets available to criminals will inevitably increase. Personal charging cables There are several reasons why EV charging infrastructure is under threat, from the high scrap value of copper and the ease of removing this from charging stations, to the remote locations of many charging stations that make it difficult for operators to continuously monitor. In minutes, thieves can use bolt cutters to remove charging cables. Personal charging cables are also targets, being unplugged while in use at charging stations or when left in the boot of a car. Some charging operators have also reported vandalism linked to opposition towards EV adoption. Plus, unlike traditional petrol forecourts, many EV charging locations operate without permanent staff presence. Chargers are often installed in car parks, retail locations, roadside areas and other remote sites where incidents can occur without immediate intervention. Advanced video analytics Investing in a comprehensive video security solution can make a significant difference, supporting operators in a proactive approach that prevents damage from occurring in the first place. Video surveillance in car park environments can reduce crime by up to 37% and by up to 52% if the system is actively monitored. Modern cameras are equipped with advanced video analytics and AI that help operators identify unusual activity, spot repeat offenders, and provide real-time alerts to aid faster intervention from ground teams. Positioning such cameras to provide complete coverage of charging bays, entrances and exits ensures that operators can maintain visibility across the entire charging environment. AI-powered analytics can identify unusual behaviour, such as a person entering a charging bay when no vehicle is present or a vehicle remaining in a charging area for an extended period without actively using the charger. Virtual alarm zones Real-time alerts can help security teams respond quickly, while integrated deterrence measures, such as triggered lighting or audible warnings, can help prevent incidents before significant damage is caused. This type of intelligent monitoring enables security teams to focus on genuine exceptions rather than constantly reviewing hours of footage. For example, virtual alarm zones can automatically adjust based on expected activity. When a vehicle is charging normally, the system recognises the activity as expected. Once the vehicle leaves, the area can automatically return to an active monitoring state, triggering an alert if someone enters the space without a legitimate reason. Cloud-based recording Jack Turnell, Commercial Product Manager agrees, stating that “The real value comes from turning intelligent detection into a coordinated response. By connecting camera analytics with cloud-based monitoring, alarm management and remote incident tools, operators can protect distributed charging sites from anywhere while also improving uptime and operational efficiency.” Taking a more proactive approach to EV charging station security offers benefits beyond theft prevention. When incidents do occur, cloud-based recording and remote incident management provide operators with critical evidence to support investigations and insurance claims. Evidence can also be shared with law enforcement to prevent repeat offences and wider gang-related targeting. Monitoring charging infrastructure health Security systems can also support wider operational efficiency by monitoring charging infrastructure health. Through integration with charging units, operators can receive proactive notifications when equipment requires attention, helping reduce unexpected outages and maintain availability. As John Lutz Boorman, Head of Product and Marketing at Hanwha Vision Europe, explains, “Video has evolved beyond being merely a cost centre. When intelligently deployed, it can deliver a measurable return by helping operators prevent costly incidents, reduce downtime and maintain the availability of their charging network. By combining high-quality video with intelligent analytics and integration with charging infrastructure, operators gain greater visibility of their assets and can act earlier when something is wrong. The result is a security investment that can help reduce operational costs while protecting revenue, customer experience and the long-term value of the charging network.” AI-powered analytics As EV adoption continues to grow, protecting charging infrastructure will become increasingly important. Reliability is not just a technical requirement; it is a fundamental part of building confidence among drivers and businesses investing in a new EV. A smarter approach to security can help operators stay ahead of emerging threats. By combining high-quality cameras, AI-powered analytics and proactive monitoring, EV charging providers can protect valuable assets, minimise disruption and create safer, more dependable charging experiences for everyone.

There was a time when physical security and cybersecurity occupied two very different worlds. One was concerned with the nuts and bolts of locks, doors and perimeter protection. The other focused on networks, software and digital threats. Today’s modern access control systems – used in everything from offices and hotels to hospitals and data centres – combine the two, fusing mechanical engineering and cloud platforms. That means that a door is no longer simply a physical barrier. Instead, it’s a connected endpoint within a much wider digital ecosystem. And it’s changing expectations across the industry. Increasingly, developers, architects and operators are turning their backs on separate products in favour of integrated access solutions that combine doors, locks, access controls, environmental monitoring and digital management into a single, connected system. A new connected approach to security This change is part of a wider shift in the way that security itself is perceived This change is part of a wider shift in the way that security itself is perceived. Traditionally, physical security was about keeping unauthorised people out. Today, it’s about making sure the right people have the freedom to move within a restricted space. That is particularly important in places such as hospitals, data centres and other critical infrastructure, where security helps protect essential services while minimising disruption. And it’s why our Research & Security Center (R&S) in Berlin, Germany, brings together both disciplines under one roof. Their job is to test products against both physical attacks and cyber threats. Employing unconventional tactics Sometimes, that means employing unconventional tactics, such as using professional lockpickers to test the security and resilience of new physical products. While modern locks are still based on mechanical engineering, they are more advanced than they look. Improvements in design, materials, and manufacturing mean they are stronger, more reliable, and harder to tamper with. But there’s more to locks than just security. Some systems can even use the motion of inserting and turning a key to generate a small amount of electrical energy, which provides energy to power extra functions without wiring or batteries. This means they are not just standalone locks but can also be used as part of wider digital access systems. Bridging physical and digital security For instance, great strides have been made recently in terms of biometric authentication However, as everyone knows, digital systems have their own security risks, especially now that artificial intelligence (AI) is part of the emerging threat. This means the cybersecurity team needs to ensure that systems are robust enough to withstand a wide range of risks – from attempts to breach access platforms to phishing attacks – as well as other tactics designed to exploit human behaviour. It’s here that researchers adopt a ‘hacker’s mindset’ to keep systems safe. And that means continuously testing, probing, and strengthening systems to identify vulnerabilities against existing real-world threats while also anticipating what might be around the corner. Mobile-based access control systems For instance, great strides have been made recently in terms of biometric authentication, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Similarly, smartphones are increasingly being used to secure credentials for mobile-based access control systems. But improvements in technology also come with their own risks. For instance, For instance, AI-generated deepfake videos and voices are becoming more convincing, making it easier to trick people into giving access, sharing information or approving actions they should not. And as I alluded to earlier, criminals are now using AI and automated tools to identify weaknesses and exploit them much faster than before, sometimes with little or no human involvement. But it’s also true that it’s being used to bolster defences. Work is currently underway to use AI to analyse data in real time to identify unusual entry times, identify multiple failed authentication attempts, or spot any other anomalies that might suggest someone is trying to gain entry illegally. Modern access control Cloud-based platforms allow security teams to issue and revoke credentials remotely Increasingly, the value of modern access control lies not just in the hardware, but in the software that sits behind it. Cloud-based platforms allow security teams to issue and revoke credentials remotely, monitor activity across multiple sites and respond quickly to emerging threats. This makes security a real-time, always-on, continuously managed service rather than a collection of standalone products installed and largely forgotten about. The importance of regulation and compliance This is something that policymakers are aware of. In the European Union, for example, the  EU’s NIS2 Directive relates to cybersecurity protecting network and information systems and significantly broadens both the scope and the obligations for compliance. It also takes an “all-hazard” approach to security, which means protecting not just digital networks and systems, but also the physical environments in which they operate. Similarly, the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act is designed to ensure that all digital products are safe from cyber threats. Its goal is to ensure that connected devices and software are built, updated, and maintained with security in mind, helping protect users in an increasingly connected world. And by introducing clearer requirements and standards, the CRA will help consumers and organisations identify products with strong security features and configure them more securely from the outset. Security by design Security can no longer be treated as something that is bolted on at the end of the development process In both cases, it is incumbent on vendors not only to meet or exceed these rules and regulations but also to keep customers, the wider industry, and other stakeholders informed about developments. For me, these regulations also reflect a broader shift in thinking. Security can no longer be treated as something that is bolted on at the end of the development process or addressed only after a vulnerability has been identified. Instead, it needs to be considered from the very beginning and maintained throughout a product's lifecycle. For manufacturers, that means continuously assessing risks, testing products against emerging threats and ensuring they remain resilient as technology and the threat landscape evolve. As I said at the beginning, the reason is simple. Today's buildings are no longer just bricks and mortar. They are connected environments where doors, locks, cameras, sensors and access control systems increasingly communicate with one another and with cloud-based platforms. You might want to think about that the next time you walk into a secure building.

When news broke that a Renoir painting had been stolen from an exhibition in the south of France, days after 600 diamonds were taken from a museum in Vienna, few in the art or security worlds would have been surprised. Europol had recently published “Changing Tactics, Changing Targets: The Evolving Nature of Museum Heists,” highlighting criminals’ growing focus on high-value objects and their increasing use of force. The latest theft also echoes the Louvre heist almost a year ago, both in how quickly it unfolded and in the security lessons it exposes. When every second counts Both French museum thefts happened in broad daylight. Both were fast. CCTV from the Renoir museum shows the perpetrators cutting through the perimeter fence early in the morning. Police were reportedly on site within five minutes of the alarm being raised. It still wasn’t fast enough. That matters. For many museums and galleries, simply building higher walls or stronger fences isn’t an option As criminals become bolder, custodians of national treasures and high-value objects need to rethink where protection begins. For many museums and galleries, simply building higher walls or stronger fences isn’t an option. These buildings are often architectural landmarks and public spaces. Turning them into fortresses defeats the point. But there is another lever security teams can pull: earlier detection. A few extra seconds of warning could give on-site security or nearby police the time they need to intervene before a work of art disappears. Forget the Hollywood lasers The cover of Europol’s museum heist report shows a criminal wielding a mallet in front of artefacts protected by red laser beams. It is the kind of security system made famous by films including “Entrapment,” “Ocean’s Twelve” and “The Thomas Crown Affair.” Virtual perimeters aren’t science fiction. But the technology available today looks very different. Museums and galleries need stronger protection without compromising their architecture or the visitor experience. One technology attracting attention is LiDAR, a spatial sensing system that uses lasers to understand what is happening within a physical environment An invisible perimeter The technology sends out laser pulses and takes millions of spatial measurements every second LiDAR is already used in environments ranging from railway stations and prisons to electricity substations. Its appeal lies in its accuracy and flexibility. It can operate indoors and outdoors, integrate with existing cameras, alarms and sensors and strengthen security without major physical alterations to a site. The technology sends out laser pulses and takes millions of spatial measurements every second, building a three-dimensional picture of its surroundings. Security teams can use that data to create virtual zones around a building, room or individual exhibit. Those zones can be changed as the site changes. Three-dimensional picture A museum perimeter, for example, might remain protected around the clock. A gallery being prepared for a new exhibition could be temporarily excluded while authorised staff work inside it. Once the zone becomes active again, an intrusion can trigger an immediate alert. The same principle can work while a museum is open. If someone gets too close to an exhibit, crowds begin to form or a person remains in a sensitive area, the system can alert staff or bring up feeds from relevant cameras. That means security teams can focus their attention where it is needed instead of relying on someone to spot every incident across banks of CCTV screens. Seeing what cameras can miss During an attempted robbery, LiDAR can identify the location and movement of people and vehicles During an attempted robbery, LiDAR can identify the location and movement of people and vehicles, including their direction and speed. It also has a significant advantage over conventional CCTV: it does not depend on external light. Detection can continue in bright daylight or complete darkness. That makes the perimeter less about a physical barrier and more about knowing, instantly, when someone crosses a line they shouldn’t. Security before the doors even open The technology can do more than detect intruders. Walk-through simulations allow teams to move through a virtual version of a site much as they would navigate an open-world computer game. Before an exhibition changes, teams can test how a new layout could affect visitor movement, identify blind spots and bottlenecks and assess evacuation routes. That gives security teams the chance to find problems before visitors arrive, not after something goes wrong. Protect the art, not the fortress Museums and galleries face a fundamental tension: make art and culture accessible while protecting objects that can be culturally irreplaceable and financially priceless. The answer cannot simply be more barriers. The next generation of museum security needs to detect threats sooner without getting between visitors and the works they came to see. The strongest perimeter may be the one nobody notices.

The eagerness to adopt AI in physical security is increasing as teams want to implement technology solutions for faster, smarter operations. At the same time, the conversations surrounding AI have changed. The focus now includes not only efficiency gains but also concerns about accountability and trust. According to the Genetec 2026 State of Physical Security report, AI ranked alongside access control and video surveillance as a key priority. However, approximately 40% of the over 7,000 physical security leaders surveyed expressed concern about how AI systems use their data. The potential for malicious purposes followed close behind at 36%. You may recognise this tension in your own organisation. There is an expectation that AI can help operations and an understanding that AI entails risks. Balancing the two includes careful deployment and policies. Higher stakes demand a higher standard AI can quickly spot the difference and elevate the event to the security team Most AI applications in physical security revolve around automation. Basic examples include triggering events, filtering and classifying alarms, and enabling faster searches across video and event data. These applications tackle the persistent security challenges of too much noise and too little context. AI takes on some of the lifting, cutting the false positives that overwhelm operators and adding context to the events that remain. For example, someone loitering near an entrance may not be a notable event. While someone loitering and trying door handles is a priority. AI can quickly spot the difference and elevate the event to the security team. From there, the human operator can confirm the issue and next steps. AI narrows the operator's focus rather than replacing their judgment. Higher standard of supervision While these uses improve operator efficiency, they need to be implemented responsibly. Irresponsible AI usage in physical security is more than a simple inconvenience. The outputs affect safety and security. AI applications within physical security demand a higher standard of supervision. This oversight is often referred to as “human in the loop,” but perhaps a better phrase is "expert in the loop." The person validating an output needs the knowledge to question it, contextualise it, and overrule it if needed. How to deploy responsible AI Deploying responsible AI starts by defining where AI can add value to your specific organisation Deploying responsible AI starts by defining where AI can add value to your specific organisation. AI works best as a tool with a defined job. What is the problem that needs to be solved? What challenges are holding back the team? Start by identifying the problems, then work backward to a solution. Otherwise, you may be implementing technology that doesn’t fully meet your needs. Next, define parameters around AI usage within your team. Document exactly what AI is permitted to do and not allowed to do within your operations. Information should include which use cases you've approved, what data the system can access, and how issues escalate. By defining these elements, your team has clear guidelines on when AI tools are part of your security procedures and for what purposes. Cross-functional monthly meetings Because AI can behave unpredictably, it’s good to prepare for when something does go wrong. Even a well-built model will eventually drift from its thresholds. This is where governance comes in. Governance is what keeps responsible AI holding up over time. It sets the review cycles that catch an issue before an incident does. Governance related to AI entails data privacy, liability, and regulation. Input from legal, compliance, cybersecurity, and IT teams is important. Getting these groups together starts with something as simple as cross-functional monthly meetings to review use cases and emerging challenges. Consider also working with other manufacturers, integrators, and end users across your ecosystem. In doing so, you create shared standards that make issues diagnosable. Responsible AI as a practice, not a project The goal is to protect individual rights and build trust without hampering technological advancement Responsible AI usage in security is not a box to check or a project to complete. It's an ongoing practice, especially as the compliance bar rises. As more AI security risks surface, governments are drafting legislation to regulate how organisations can develop and implement AI-enabled technology. The goal is to protect individual rights and build trust without hampering technological advancement. Identified risk category For example, the 2024 AI Act in the European Union (EU) sets obligations for various AI applications based on their identified risk category. These requirements include creating adequate risk assessments and mitigation practices, using high-quality training datasets to reduce bias, and sharing detailed documentation on models with governing authorities as needed. In the US, multiple states have implemented legislation on AI use, and national legislation has been discussed. Organisations can begin by implementing documented processes for guidelines and governance: Conduct risk assessments: Evaluate how automating a specific process may impact critical systems or safety protocols Identify non-critical applications: Start by implementing AI into processes that aren’t central to your most critical operations to curb major business disruptions Prioritise human-centred design: Ensure that AI applications always empower humans with the information they need to make the best decisions Design for explainability: Ensure AI decisions can be explained and traced, so the expert in the loop can question, verify, or overrule them when needed. Broaden data protection strategies: Apply cybersecurity measures and best practices to AI-enabled solutions, including regular audits and system updates Choose trusted vendors: Work with vendors who follow responsible AI principles, considering biases, data protection, and cybersecurity Core pillar of physical security The industry is slowly converging on shared standards for AI governance. This is good news for early adopters who wish to shape the industry rather than react to it. The potential applications of AI in security are exciting. But as this technology evolves, so do the risks. Strong governance builds trust, a core pillar of physical security. Responsible AI protects that trust and earns more of it. Start by defining your outcomes, building guardrails, and creating accountability structures to support your organisation’s responsible use of AI technology.

Deploying artificial intelligence (AI) tools should be seen as a business initiative rather than a technology initiative, says Martin Soukup, CTO of Solink, a cloud-based video security and data intelligence platform. The approach makes a difference that plays out in practical terms. A technology initiative is tactical and solution-oriented, often solving an isolated problem within a single department's silo. In other words, it might solve just a security problem. In contrast, a business initiative is cross-disciplinary, driven by executive leadership to impact the entire organisation in a measurable way. “Viewing AI tools as a business initiative ensures they adapt to multiple departmental needs and drive high-level strategic growth rather than just fixing a localised technical issue,” says Soukup. AI platform combines video and business systems Demonstrating the value of embracing AI as a business initiative is Solink’s new video intelligence platform Demonstrating the value of embracing AI as a business initiative is Solink’s new video intelligence platform that combines video with business systems to detect threats and send real-time alerts. The capabilities are designed to help security teams operate smarter and more efficiently, supporting the next generation of lean, intelligence-driven security operations centers (SOCs). And benefits of the platform extend beyond security to include other parts of the business. “At the end of the day, video cameras only tell part of the story, much like looking at a 2D shape,” says Soukup. “They capture dimensions and colors, but only from a single perspective, even with powerful AI analysis providing traffic metrics, wait times, product interaction, and compliance logs. The addition of operational data, such as inventory, shipping, labor, and sales data, fills out that shape into 3D, adding critical context.” For example, while a camera simply shows three people standing in a line, and AI data flags that those individuals have been waiting for over five minutes, operational data lets you know also that a cashier has not checked into their shift yet. Combining these data streams gives businesses full situational awareness, turning passive observation into immediate, contextual intervention. AI agents handle repetitive tasks The Solink platform uses AI Agents, which are software that operates autonomously to handle manual, repetitive, or high-volume tasks based on specific instructions and tools. For Solink users, AI Agents unify their existing camera and data source investments into a single automated workflow. “AI Agents transform Solink from a security tool into an operational investment that benefits all departments,” says Soukup. “Modern operational leaders are turning to AI to scale productivity without increasing overhead.” Integrating business intelligence Operations checks compliance, loss prevention investigates theft, and security assesses threats Customers already use Solink to centralise video, integrate business intelligence, and trigger real-world responses like real-world alerts, two-way communication, or smart locks. AI Agents tie these pieces together, analyse the data and identify what matters most, and then take action either without human intervention or with humans in the loop. Businesses currently watch video manually across separate workflows. Operations checks compliance, loss prevention investigates theft, and security assesses threats. However, a human must always watch the footage to get results. Solink AI Agents automate this entire workflow. If an operational event can be seen on camera and matters to the business, a Solink Agent can be integrated to automatically review, assess, and trigger the next step in the workflow across hundreds or thousands of locations simultaneously. Calling all stakeholders to the discussion When discussing applications, stakeholders should include revenue and marketing officers, compliance officers, and line-of-business executives. Agents leverage existing infrastructure by adding an intelligent automation layer that drives efficiency and grows revenue across the entire organisation without large capital investment. Solink AI Agents will not replace employees; they empower lean teams to maximise their existing resources. Job descriptions will shift toward human-in-the-loop workflows where humans and machines collaborate. The AI Agent handles the high volume, filtering out noise and processing data at scale. Human employees set up and guide the Agents, give feedback to improve performance over time, and step in to make final decisions, managing the nuanced situations that require critical thinking, empathy, and deep context. Passive data visualisation In contrast, a Solink AI Agent is deployed with a clear mandate for a specific task, deliverable, or outcome Given the convergence of physical and digital security, AI Agents, not dashboards, are the right unit of enterprise AI deployment. Dashboards typically aggregate data without evaluating the context or importance of the source. Data looks identical whether it comes from 10 sources or 100. In contrast, a Solink AI Agent is deployed with a clear mandate for a specific task, deliverable, or outcome. This approach shifts the focus from passive data visualisation to active intent, creating a direct path of accountability and clear attribution for business results. With dashboards, everyone can see the problem, but nobody owns it. An agent with a mandate either did the job or it did not, and you can audit exactly what it saw and why it acted or did not. Overcoming obstacles to deploy AI agents The primary obstacles to integrating AI Agents into the physical security workflow are change management, building trust, and system interoperability. Physical security requires absolute reliability, which demands rigorous initial configuration to establish trust. Furthermore, Agents are only as effective as the data they can access. Overcoming these hurdles requires comprehensive team training, shifting organisational mindsets, and ensuring seamless integration with existing tools so the Agents have the full context needed to execute tasks accurately and integrate with human workflows seamlessly. Addressing common security challenges Several use cases are driving the deployment of AI Agents among Solink's customers Several use cases are driving the deployment of AI Agents among Solink's customers. Overnight guarding, loss prevention, and store readiness will be the first wave of use cases. These are proven, high-frequency scenarios in which Solink provides pre-built template Agents to address common security challenges out of the box. The second wave of use cases will include highly customisable occupancy tracking, health and safety, and food quality. Pre-built template Agents are coming for these next. In addition, custom, niche operational use cases can be tailored to a specific business environment. Just like hiring a specialised contractor, companies can deploy custom Agents to tackle unique operational challenges rapidly across all locations. Measuring the effectiveness of AI agents The effectiveness of AI Agents can be measured by multiple factors. Core Accuracy, and consistency and accuracy of detections and automated outputs. Business Outcomes delivered, such as reduced inventory loss, reduced fraud, and faster incident resolution. Financial Impact, measured through recovered budget, reduced operational overhead, and increased per-store conversion. There is a perception that AI Agents possess predictive or flawless capabilities, like stopping crime before it happens or operating perfectly in dark, chaotic environments. Not true, says Soukup. AI cannot understand ambiguous requests like "look for suspicious activity." Success requires explicit parameters, tools, and skills, defining what is acceptable, what is unauthorised, and how to handle the gray areas. Another misconception is that Agents need a fundamentally different security model than people. “I run security for this company as well as engineering, and I hold our own Agents to the same standard I would hold a third-party vendor,” says Soukup. “That means least privilege, full audit trails, anomaly detection, random audits, and no action they can't explain after the fact.”

Combining VIVOTEK’s branded video security business with March Networks paves the way for the combined brands to meet customers’ increasing appetite for integrated solutions rather than individual components. The merger brings VIVOTEK's branded video security business together under one operating structure with March Networks’ enterprise-grade video surveillance, AI analytics, and cloud-managed security solutions. Customers now have access to a broader, more integrated portfolio spanning enterprise video management, advanced cameras, edge artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, recording platforms, and business intelligence, says Net Payne, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at March Networks and VIVOTEK. Distinct product strategies Given the combined companies, product development, sales, marketing, and customer support can move in step rather than in parallel. March Networks and VIVOTEK were already both part of the Delta Electronics family, but they previously operated as separate businesses with distinct product strategies, teams, and routes to market. March Networks and VIVOTEK announced the merger of their branded video security businesses last spring following Delta Electronics' acquisition of remaining VIVOTEK shares. “Aligning our complementary capabilities lets us innovate faster, simplify engagement, and respond more quickly to a market moving toward AI, cloud and intelligent video,” says Payne. This merger reflects a broader shift across the physical security industry, adds Payne. “Customers no longer see video purely as a tool for reviewing incidents after the fact,” he says. “They expect it to help identify risks earlier, simplify investigations, improve operations, and support better decisions across the organisation.” Cloud video management Meeting customer expectations requires more than bolting AI features onto existing systems Meeting customer expectations requires more than bolting AI features onto existing systems. Rather, it requires cameras, edge intelligence, recording, software, cloud services, and business data working together as one coordinated platform. “By bringing March Networks and VIVOTEK together, we combine deep expertise across the full video technology stack while preserving the relationships, sector knowledge and customer focus both companies have built over many years,” says Payne. “Our goal is to make intelligent video more integrated, scalable, and practical for customers and partners worldwide.” Both entities bring strengths to the combined companies. March Networks brings experience in enterprise software, cloud video management and large-scale deployments; while VIVOTEK brings strength in imaging, camera technology and edge intelligence. Together they seek to ensure more choice when designing systems, a clearer path for future expansion, and technologies that work together more effectively without compromising the reliability, cybersecurity, and support customers expect from both companies. Advantages for channel partners Channel partners gain a broader portfolio to address a wider range of customer requirements, combining components as each deployment demands. Channel partners also benefit from expanded geographic reach, deeper technical expertise, and greater investment in training and enablement. “Importantly, this is designed to be a seamless transition,” says Payne. “Partners keep working with the teams and relationships they already know, while gaining access to new capabilities and certification opportunities. Over time, that alignment should make it easier to design, deploy and support complete solutions.” Because they are established and respected brands, March Networks and VIVOTEK branding will continue to be used. Rebranding is not a goal, and neither identity is being replaced by the other. Coordinated decision-making “The immediate priority is organisational alignment by making it easier for customers and partners to benefit from the combined portfolio,” says Payne. Product branding will continue to reflect the relevant portfolio and market context. As product roadmaps become more closely coordinated, customers can expect greater interoperability and a more cohesive experience, says Payne. Any future branding changes will be managed carefully and communicated clearly. Combining the businesses reduces duplication and enables coordinated decision-making across product strategy, engineering, sales, marketing, operations, and customer support. “Instead of developing capabilities independently, teams can share their expertise, align roadmaps, and direct investment to where it has the greatest customer impact,” says Payne. Combining specialised knowledge globally The combined organisation operates across six continents and more than 75 countries The combined organisation includes more than 300 research and development (R&D) engineers across four Centres of Excellence in Canada, Taiwan, Italy and Poland, thus bringing together a substantial base of specialist knowledge. The unified network also sharpens the ability to prioritise global opportunities, respond to regional needs and bring innovations to market faster. The combined organisation operates across six continents and more than 75 countries, supported by more than 1,100 certified channel partners. That footprint provides greater capacity to support multinational customers while staying responsive to local market needs. Looking ahead, future growth will increasingly come from helping customers turn video into useful, actionable intelligence. “The market is moving beyond conventional surveillance toward solutions combining AI, cloud services, edge processing, video management and operational data — and our new structure brings these together as one connected solution rather than several isolated technologies,” says Payne. Broader technical expertise There will also be closer collaboration among specialists in imaging, hardware, software, analytics, and cloud, which is important given how much customer infrastructure, regulatory, and deployment requirements vary. The companies can support cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments, giving organisations a practical path toward more intelligent video. More choice comes from bringing together complementary technologies across product groups. Greater scale is achieved through a larger engineering organisation, broader technical expertise and more capacity to invest in innovation. Challenges for the industry at large Looking to the future for the industry at large, the greatest challenge will be managing the rapid growth of AI Looking to the future for the industry at large, the greatest challenge will be managing the rapid growth of AI responsibly, securely and at scale, says Payne. Video systems will generate more data and automate more decisions, but organisations must be able to trust how that intelligence is created, protected, and applied, he adds. “Cybersecurity, privacy, data sovereignty, system interoperability and AI accuracy are more important than ever,” says Payne. Addressing these elements requires expertise across the entire technology stack: from camera and edge processing to recording, cloud infrastructure, video management and analytics. “Together, March Networks and VIVOTEK can coordinate development across all these layers, giving customers flexible architectures that balance innovation with security, transparency and operational control,” says Payne.

The security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, as evidenced by the innovations showcased at the ISC West Expo 2026. From dismantling of silos between physical and digital security to the ongoing transition to cloud and hybrid platforms, much of the discussion on the show floor was familiar, if somehow more urgent than ever. Clearly the industry is moving toward unified, cloud-native, and highly automated ecosystems. In a series of deep-dive meetings and demonstrations at the recent show, I got a first-hand glimpse of the future of the physical security marketplace. Spoiler alert: The future is now! HID Global: Tearing down the silos HID Global is addressing the long-requested convergence of physical and digital security. Recognising that the industry has historically operated in silos, HID is now leading with a combined implementation team to leverage the power of both sides. HID is supporting the transition by combining its logical and physical security teams to help end users design secure, end-to-end journeys for their employees. By leveraging its massive existing footprint in physical access, HID is uniquely positioned to help organisations upgrade their cybersecurity posture without a total "rip and replace" of their hardware. HID is seeing a surge in demand for converged credentials that unite building access with digital identity. On the digital front, HID has implemented FIDO (Fast Identity Online) and passkeys to replace traditional passwords with more secure, biometric-backed authentication methods. Acre Security: Bridging the gap to the cloud Acre Security previewed a cloud-native video solution, reinforcing its cloud-first security strategyAcre Security is currently consolidating brands, bringing established names like Feenics and AccessIt under a single corporate umbrella. A primary theme for the company at ISC West is the migration of legacy systems to modern infrastructure. To facilitate the transition, they are launching "The Bridge," a technology designed to help on-premise customers transition to the cloud at a pace that suits their operational needs. The company is also expanding its portfolio into video. Attendees at the show received a preview of a new cloud-native video solution slated for release later this year, signaling Acre’s commitment to a holistic, cloud-first security suite. Acoem: Real-time acoustic threat detection With a 35-year foundation in vibration and acoustics—including military sniper detection—Acoem is providing gunshot detection through edge processing. Unlike systems that rely on the cloud and may suffer from latency, Acoem’s technology processes data at the sensor level for instant alerts. Their sensors are engineered for massive outdoor spaces, covering a 500-foot radius (roughly 11 football fields) and can detect high-powered rifle shots from up to half a mile away. The system provides critical intelligence by distinguishing between muzzle blasts and "mach noise" from bullet travel, delivering an audio file to the end-user that maps the location and direction of the threat. They use AI to filter out environmental false positives, such as skateboards hitting metal rails. Alarm.com: The all-in-one dealer ecosystem Beyond hardware, Alarm.com is leveraging AI to streamline the sales process Alarm.com is doubling down on "giving tools to dealers to help them be successful," with a focus on unified commercial solutions. A highlight at ISC West is their new fire communicator, which integrates fire monitoring into their single app, completing what they call the "fourth leg of the stool." The product allows fire systems to benefit from the same real-time customer engagement and push notifications that have long been available for intrusion and video. The key products, such as commercial-grade hardware, are now available for immediate purchase. Beyond hardware, Alarm.com is leveraging AI to streamline the sales process. Their new AI Proposal Builder uses customer meeting notes to automatically generate customised, value-driven sales proposals for dealers. Allegion: A global shift in credentialing Following the acquisition of ELATEC, Allegion is adopting a more global market approach and expanding its OEM business. The company is involved in the development of Aliro, the newly unveiled mobile credentialing standard. Allegion’s strategy is built on versatility: While Aliro serves the burgeoning mobile market, they also offer PKOC for plastic cards, allowing them to provide solutions regardless of the user's preferred credential type. The ELATEC acquisition has effectively filled previous gaps in their use-case portfolio, positioning them as a comprehensive provider for both physical and digital access needs. AtlasIED: Engineering for life safety Transitioning from audio to a fully automated threat detection company, AtlasIED showcased its new IPX line at ISC West. This modular platform uses a single PoE++ port to power various "plug-and-play" modules, allowing for easy system upgrades. Their gun detection technology achieves a 99% confidence rating by "stacking" AI models; it cross-references audio data with infrared signatures to detect muzzle flashes and air quality sensors for particulates. With systems already running in 80% of U.S. international airports, the company maintains 24/7 domestic engineering support to manage these "life-safety adjacent" environments. Axis Communications: Unifying connectivity Axis Communications is advancing network video with 4G/5G surveillance, reducing cabling needs Axis Communications continues to lead in network video, with a new focus on offering surveillance through 4G and 5G networks to eliminate the need for extensive cabling in long-range applications. Axis also introduced several specialised hardware pieces, including the P1486-LE global shutter camera for high-speed traffic monitoring and the Q2802-TE, which integrates thermal and visual monitoring into a single unit.  To assist technicians, they launched a new installer app that uses Bluetooth for easier camera pairing and management directly from a mobile device. Axon: De-escalation through enterprise wearables Focusing on frontline safety, Axon is expanding from law enforcement into the enterprise sector with its retail and healthcare-focused body camera. Weighing only 0.25 lb, these cameras are designed to be less intimidating, using colorful designs and acting as a primary de-escalator for aggressive behavior. A clear front display signals when recording is active, striking a balance between safety and a non-intimidating appearance. These devices feature live-streaming and panic alarms that connect workers to a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC). To ensure the footage is legally viable, Axon maintains a rigorous audit trail that authenticates every action recorded. Genetec: The value of the unified platform Genetec is advocating for unified platforms that reduce the time between incident detection and resolution. They argue that AI is becoming a commodity and that the true value lies in unified platforms that reduce the time from incident to resolution. Their approach emphasises the "outcomes" customers need, such as allowing security teams to coalesce around an investigation quickly. Genetec remains a strong supporter of open systems for enterprise customers, ensuring they have the choice to integrate diverse technologies rather than being locked into a manufacturer’s “walled garden.” This flexibility is critical for high-end security environments that require tailored, responsive systems. Johnson Controls: Large-scale enterprise solutions Johnson Controls has made a significant push into the enterprise video market with C-Cure IQ, a standalone VMS designed for major hubs like airports and large campuses. Through a partnership with Scylla, they have integrated 11 advanced analytics—including facial recognition and weapons detection—directly into their cameras. They also showcased new multi-sensor panoramic cameras capable of "stitching" multiple images into a single 360-degree view. While innovating in video, Johnson Controls also confirmed modern upgrades to their intrusion line, including their legacy DSC Neo line. The new DSC PowerSeries Neo 5, a high-end residential and commercial platform, features an all-new user interface and built-in PowerG+. They have also begun shipping the IQ5 family lineup, which is powered by a Qualcomm DragonWing processor.  ONVIF: Standardising the future of AI and cloud ONVIF continues to lead the charge in establishing common languages for the security industry. A major focus is their new "Cloud Profile," which enables cameras to connect directly to the cloud through a standardised protocol. They are also expanding into audio standards to ensure IP-based speakers can seamlessly connect to Video Management Systems (VMS). To combat the rise of sophisticated digital manipulation, ONVIF is developing "video signing" standards. ONVIF is actively seeking more diverse enterprise participation to help shape these emerging AI standardsThis feature protects the integrity of video for evidentiary purposes by embedding a digital signature and timestamp directly into the footage at the camera level. Additionally, the organisation has formed an AI Working Group to develop common communication methods for "AI agents" within physical security systems. ONVIF is actively seeking more diverse enterprise participation to help shape these emerging AI standards. Roberto Licari is the new ONVIF Ambassador, seeking to attract new companies (even outside the security sector) to ONVIF as they look to expand their offerings. SwiftConnect: Bridging digital and physical identity SwiftConnect is redefining access control by shifting the focus from physical cards to digital identity. As a cloud-based "connected access network," the platform bridges the gap between IT identity providers (like Okta or Azure AD) and legacy physical access control systems. At the show's Security Experience Center demonstrations, SwiftConnect showcased its ability to integrate mobile credentials within Apple and Google Wallets across multiple technology platforms. By aligning physical security with Zero Trust principles, they ensure that access is governed by the same rigorous standards as digital networks. Their software-centric approach allows for a more seamless employee experience while simplifying the management of complex, multi-site building security. This emphasises a future where the mobile device becomes the primary tool for navigating the physical workspace. Wasabi Technologies: Redefining cloud storage economics With cloud technology becoming a baseline requirement at every booth, Wasabi Technologies highlighted its "hot cloud storage" as a cost-effective alternative to major hyperscalers. Their model claims to be 80% less expensive than competitors, notably removing hidden fees. Wasabi is increasingly bundled at the "back end" of security solutions through partnerships with integrators and end users. A key feature for law enforcement and high-security sectors is their "Object Lock" capability, which ensures that video evidence remains untampered with and immutable during defined retention periods. By providing high-performance storage without the unpredictable costs typically associated with the cloud, Wasabi is positioning itself as the foundational layer for data-heavy video surveillance applications that require long-term, secure retention. Wasabi is positioning itself as the foundational layer for data-heavy video surveillance applications ZKTeco USA: Versatile and integrated access ZKTeco USA showcased a range of integrated solutions, including turnstiles, visitor management, and access control. Their Atlas access control series offers versatility, supporting everything from traditional readers and keypads to QR codes and fingerprint scanning, with the flexibility to operate on-premise or in the cloud. For tight environments, they introduced the Mars 100 turnstile, which features a compact 2x3-foot footprint. They also highlighted the Omni series, an all-in-one standalone reader-controller that manages access, intercom, and visitor functions in a single device. Innovation in portability was evident in their new walk-through metal detectors, which consist of two poles with an 8-hour battery life—ideal for schools and temporary events. While they offer their own Armatura readers, ZKTeco emphasised that their solutions can integrate with other industry leaders to fit diverse customer needs.

Across the Netherlands, housing corporations are under increasing pressure to maintain safe, secure and sustainable living environments while managing large and diverse property portfolios. Rising expectations around resident wellbeing, operational efficiency and asset protection are driving the need for smarter, more scalable technologies. Hef Wonen, a Rotterdam-based housing association managing more than 30,000 rental homes, commercial properties, parking facilities and residential care complexes, is committed to creating affordable, high-quality housing and vibrant neighbourhoods for its residents. As part of this mission, the organisation sought to modernise its surveillance infrastructure to improve security, streamline operations and support its long-term sustainability goals. Video surveillance solution To address these challenges, Hef Wonen partnered with Hanwha Vision and system integrator Alphatron Security to deploy a scalable, future-ready video surveillance solution designed to enhance operator efficiency, accelerate response times and provide a foundation for future innovation. To deliver a superior resident experience and ensure safety and security, the leadership team at Hef Wonen realised that they needed to integrate all of their video surveillance into a single platform. Motion detection alerts The team turned to system integrator Alphatron Security, which had previously worked effectively with Hanwha Vision on other distributed sites. Hanwha Vision was an obvious choice given its track record of success, the range of cameras and other devices that could support Hef Wonen’s needs, and its open WAVE VMS that integrated with the housing corporation’s systems to bring every information source into a single place. Hanwha Vision’s extensive product range meant Hef Wonen could choose from many different cameras that aligned with the team’s needs and budget. Across 200 Hef Wonen residential sites, over 2,000 QNV-6082R and ANV-L6082R cameras have been installed. The QNV-6082R 2MP Network Dome Camera provides 24/7 oversight with a 30m infrared viewable length. Hallway view allows operators to monitor narrow areas such as corridors or walkways. Motion detection alerts operators to movement so they can investigate further, and tampering and defocus detection means the team can respond quickly to any events that may prevent footage from being captured. Multiple device integrations The ANV-L6082R 2MP outdoor dome camera ensures operators can effectively monitor outdoor areas across the site, including entrances/exits, storage areas, and bin stores. The ANV-L6082R is a robust IP66- and IK10-rated device that can withstand inclement weather and detect tampering. It comes with WiseStream II support, which delivers high-quality video footage at a lower bandwidth, helping to reduce storage costs. These cameras are supported by the Wisenet WAVE VMS, a versatile video management system that supports AI-powered video analytics and multiple device integrations through its open SDK/API. Operators can run the WAVE VMS on desktop and mobile devices, allowing them to keep updated with events while on ground patrol or working remotely. The system is fully GDPR compliant. The consolidated video surveillance system provides operators with an intuitive way to proactively monitor vital parts of the system over 200 sites, remotely. This has improved team efficiency and resident safety, while providing a future-proofed, open system that can scale and add new functionality as needed.

Genetec Inc., the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces that the City of Carmel, Indiana, has deployed Genetec™ Security Center to unify security and operational systems across more than 40 municipal sites, helping city departments coordinate resources, improve emergency response, and manage day-to-day operations more efficiently. Carmel’s public safety teams use Security Center to monitor video, alarms, emergency calls, response vehicles, and IoT sensors through an interactive city map. First responders can access the same information from mobile devices, helping teams coordinate resources and respond more efficiently when incidents occur. Direct first responders That coordination proved especially valuable when a rare tornado struck Carmel. Using Security Center, city teams quickly mapped the storm’s path and assessed its impact across the community. They identified the hardest-hit areas and used that information to direct first responders, utility crews, and public works resources where they were needed most. “By bringing all our departments onto one city-wide platform, we’ve reduced complexity. The result is better decisions for our community, higher response efficiency, and more cost-effective operations that benefit our residents,” said Morgan Rinehart, Network Architect at the City of Carmel. Making informed decisions Beyond public safety, Carmel is using Security Center to support services across the community. With information from multiple systems available through a unified platform, departments can better understand conditions across the city and make informed decisions about how to deploy resources. For example: Engineering and street teams can monitor road conditions, coordinate snow removal, and manage traffic during construction detours without sending personnel into the field to assess conditions Parks teams can monitor crowd levels, facility usage, and safety across the city’s waterpark and trails Public events teams can monitor pedestrian traffic in community plazas and during gatherings The unified platform also gives Carmel’s IT team a centralised view of system health. Teams can monitor device status, identify potential vulnerabilities, review cybersecurity information, and manage firmware and software updates from one platform, helping the city manage its growing number of connected devices. Providing additional flexibility Carmel is also taking a hybrid approach to its security infrastructure, with the cloud-based Security Center SaaS platform providing additional flexibility when temporary projects or large events require expanded video coverage. The city can deploy mobile cameras and connect with systems operated by local schools, sports organisations, and critical infrastructure partners. Looking ahead, Carmel plans to continue expanding the platform as its smart city initiatives evolve. This includes connecting more systems and community partners. By building on an open platform, the city can add new capabilities as its needs change while maintaining a consistent approach to security and operations.

The Sanoat Qurilish Bank (SQB) in Uzbekistan enhanced its security and operations with Dahua’s integrated solution, combining ANPR, under-vehicle scanning, facial recognition, and DSS Pro for centralised management. This improved inspection accuracy, strengthened access control, and enabled faster, more efficient security responses. Overview - SQB is one of Uzbekistan’s key financial institutions, required a stronger, more intelligent security infrastructure to protect its facilities, personnel, visitors, and vehicle entry points. As a banking environment with high daily traffic and strict security requirements, SQB needed a solution that could reduce operational risks, improve inspection accuracy, and unify fragmented security systems under one centralised platform. Key financial institutions Challenges - The bank encountered several key challenges in its existing operations and security systems. Vehicle inspection at entry and exit points was not comprehensive enough, creating potential risks from unauthorised or hazardous vehicles. Manual inspection processes also increased operating costs and were vulnerable to human error. At the same time, visitor control needed improvement, as internal visitors could access important office areas without strict management. The bank’s existing security systems, including CCTV, access control, and under-vehicle scanning, came from different brands, making unified management difficult. Meeting rooms also suffered from low efficiency due to traditional presentation and note-taking methods. Smart security solution Solutions - To address these needs, Dahua provided an integrated smart security solution covering vehicle inspection, personnel access, visitor management, conference room modernisation, and centralised system control. At vehicle entrances, Dahua deployed bollards, under-vehicle scanning systems, ANPR cameras, and gate barriers to support comprehensive vehicle checks and maintain visual records for future audits. This helped improve perimeter security while making inspections smoother and more traceable. For personnel and visitor management, Dahua introduced access control, visitor management, elevator control systems, and facial recognition technology in key areas. These systems enabled accurate identity verification and stricter access permissions, helping SQB protect sensitive office spaces and improve overall site security. Reduced equipment maintenance Dahua also upgraded the bank’s meeting environment with integrated conference room equipment, including electronic whiteboards, lifting screens, and audio and video recording capabilities. This created a cleaner, more efficient meeting space, reduced equipment maintenance complexity, and made meeting content easier to record and trace. A major highlight of the project was the deployment of Dahua DSS Pro, which integrated CCTV, access control systems, and UVSS into one unified management platform. By connecting multiple subsystems, DSS Pro enabled security guards to monitor devices centrally, identify abnormal events faster, and respond more efficiently. Efficient daily operations Results - As a result of successfully implementing Dahua’s Integrated Smart Security Solution, SQB strengthened its physical security, improved vehicle and personnel management, reduced dependence on manual inspection, and achieved more efficient daily operations. The project also demonstrated the value of Dahua’s integrated security ecosystem, combining smart devices, AI-enabled identification, and centralised platform management to meet the demanding security needs of the banking sector.

Milestone Systems, a provider of open platform video management software (VMS), is helping Columbia Borough, Pennsylvania, strengthen public safety through a community-wide video security system built on Milestone XProtect® VMS. For more than 16 years, Columbia has worked with Lancaster-area security integrator App-Techs to develop and expand a distributed wireless video network serving its downtown, public buildings, parks, and other borough facilities. Today, the system supports roughly 83 camera feeds, including 4K multi-lens and PTZ cameras, primarily from iPro. Traditional wired infrastructure Located along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, Columbia is a historic borough of roughly 10,000 residents. As the community worked to revitalise its downtown and attract new businesses, borough leaders wanted safety and security to support that broader effort. Traditional wired infrastructure was impractical across Columbia’s geographically varied environment, requiring App-Techs to engineer a distributed wireless architecture. XProtect provides the video management foundation, with dedicated servers located in the municipal building and a remote park office. Officers can also access live camera feeds from laptops in patrol vehicles, while mobile access extends video to personnel during community events. Immediately dispatched officers Columbia’s dispatchers are the primary day-to-day operators of XProtect, monitoring cameras, and supporting officers in the field. In one incident, a dispatcher spotted someone breaking into a vending machine outside a laundromat and immediately dispatched officers. “Our staff member observed someone breaking into a vending machine just outside that building and was able to dispatch officers to the scene,” said Jack Brommer, Columbia Borough Police Department Chief. “Officers apprehended the individual, and it turns out this was a serial thief who had been breaking into vending machines across the tri-county area. So that single arrest helped resolve a number of thefts across multiple counties. That’s just the kind of impact this technology can have on a community.” Large community events The system also supports holding cells and interview rooms inside the police station, where microphones are integrated with cameras, as well as large community events. During Columbia’s annual “Thunder on the River” antique car show, Emergency Management personnel used the community camera network to support proactive monitoring and rapid response across the event. Over time, Columbia’s video system has supported faster incident response, stronger evidence for prosecution and greater situational awareness for dispatchers and police officers. Borough leaders also use signage in parks and public areas to make camera coverage visible as a deterrent. Gunshot-detection technologies “The data that I can point to is that we are trending downward, probably for the last five, six years, as far as call volume and crime trends. Those numbers have been very positive,” added Brommer. Looking ahead, Columbia plans to expand its use of video analytics, including object-search capabilities that can help investigators filter video by vehicle type, colour, and other attributes. The borough is also exploring emerging gunshot-detection technologies to further improve situational awareness.

Genetec Inc, the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces Cairo Bank has successfully deployed the Genetec Security Center platform transforming how the financial institution monitors, manages, and optimises operations across one of Egypt’s largest branch networks. Cairo Bank is one of the largest and oldest financial institutions in Egypt, serving over three million customers through more than 230 branches. The security advancement was driven by new regulatory requirements from the Central Bank of Egypt, alongside Cairo Bank’s broader digital transformation agenda aligned with Egypt Vision 2030. Beyond compliance, the bank needed a scalable operational intelligence foundation to strengthen oversight, improve customer experience, and support long-term expansion and financial inclusion. Necessary operational foundation The implementation unifies video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection into a single platform, allowing operators to centrally manage more than 6,000 cameras across 122 active branches, with deployment across the full network nearing completion. The platform provides the necessary operational foundation for a centralised Command and Control Room, where operators can monitor branch activity, coordinate response, and support decision-making across the institution. The system also separates operational responsibilities. IT and security teams can monitor device health and system status without accessing sensitive video feeds, supporting strict data governance and privacy requirements. “Unification and scalability were just the starting points. From day one, I knew we wanted functionalities that add value to all aspects of our operations. Security Center delivered everything we wanted in one easy-to-use solution,” said Major General Hesham Tawfiq, Head of Security at Cairo Bank. Enhancing operational consistency Beyond traditional surveillance, the platform introduces automation and analytics capabilities that support both security and operational decision-making across its branch network. These capabilities are now embedded across the entire branch network, helping Cairo Bank strengthen compliance reporting, improve risk detection, and enhance operational consistency at scale. The platform also provides insights into branch activity patterns, customer flow, and operational trends, extending the value of security data beyond incident monitoring while keeping governance and operational control central to the deployment. Existing infrastructure investments Security Center’s open architecture allowed Cairo Bank to integrate best-of-breed hardware while preserving existing infrastructure investments. It also enables the bank to add technologies and expand the deployment over time without standardising on a single hardware provider. “We are honoured to work with a forward-thinking institution like Cairo Bank that continuously seeks new ways to leverage technology,” said Firas Jadalla, Regional Director, Middle East & Africa at Genetec Inc. “By unifying systems, the bank is building a consistent operational foundation for its branch network, allowing it to respond to changing regulatory and operational requirements while retaining control over how its environment evolves.” Providing technical support Integrated Technics, the systems integrator responsible for delivering the project, led the proof of concept, system design and implementation. The company continues to provide technical support and system optimisation as the deployment expands. “The Command and Control Room gives Cairo Bank a real-time operational hub built on Security Center, bringing video surveillance, access control and intrusion detection into a single interface. This enables operators to monitor activity across the branch network, coordinate responses and make faster, more informed decisions,” said Walid Alagamy, CEO of Integrated Technics.

Introduction - Lightkeepers of Henry County is a grassroots nonprofit organisation based in New Castle, Indiana. It began informally in 2020 with a community vigil, where organisers realised that local residents wanted more activities centred on culture, diversity, and understanding. Lightkeepers became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2023 and soon afterward acquired its own building. Guided by its core values of equity, education, diversity, and empathy, Lightkeepers aims to provide a safe place where everyone in the community feels appreciated and has a sense of belonging. Its programs focus on marginalised communities, including low-income residents, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. The organisation hosted the first Juneteenth celebration in Henry County, organises New Castle Pride, and runs food and blanket drives, festivals, and community meetings. Following historic flooding in the area, it is also hosting home damage assessments for affected residents. Limited police patrols The challenge - Lightkeepers is based in the former Westminster Community Center, a two-story cement building that has long been a staple of the neighbourhood. Over the years, it has served as an elementary school, a community center with after-school programs and classrooms, and most recently a food pantry. The building includes a large gym, several ground-floor rooms, an upstairs kitchen, classroom area, and offices, and an attached garage. Before Lightkeepers took it over, the building had been largely vacant, opening for only a few hours, two days a week, for food distribution. It is located in a low-income area with limited police patrols, and the parking lot was so poorly lit that the team repaired the light themselves. A city park directly behind the building had become a meeting place for illegal and unsafe activity. Limited police patrols Today, the building is in use throughout the day. With no set opening hours, it hosts fundraisers, community meetings, training sessions, birthday parties, and baby showers, with anywhere from four to more than 120 people inside at any one time. Festivals and other events also take place in the parking lot. During summer 2026, Lightkeepers partnered with fellow nonprofit Live Coalition to run the Hangout Hub, a weekday program offering activities and free meals for children aged 10 and over. Lightkeepers needed a way to protect the building and its contents, and to keep children and visitors safe while they were on-site. Board members, who often come and go outside of normal hours, needed to see what was happening in the building and parking lot before arriving or leaving. As an older building with boiler heating, the property was also at risk from problems that could go unnoticed when nobody was there. “After we acquired the building, we knew that we would need to be able to watch what we had, because of the neighbourhood it’s in. We definitely needed some sort of security, and we wanted safety for the kids in the gym,” says Mary Nicholson Tait, President, Lightkeepers of Henry County. Monitored intrusion detection The solution -Lightkeepers worked with 3xLOGIC and SONITROL to install video surveillance and monitored intrusion detection across the building, parking lot, and perimeter. The system was completed in 2024. A mix of 3xLOGIC indoor and outdoor cameras watches the building inside and out. A 360-degree camera mounted in the center of the gym ceiling gives full visibility of the space, while a camera in the entrance lobby covers the main entry point. Outside, cameras cover each side of the building, including edge-based deep learning cameras that, if required, can detect people and vehicles and identify details such as vehicle make, model, and colour. Deep learning analytics A 3xLOGIC VISIX 5MP InterACT camera on the front of the building overlooks the parking lot. The camera combines high-quality video with edge-based deep learning analytics and built-in deterrence features, including sirens, white or red and blue lights, two-way audio for talk-down, and custom messaging. Its analytics can detect loitering, intrusion, and vehicles in prohibited areas, with real-time alerts allowing potential incidents to be addressed early. SONITROL’s patented audio intrusion sensors inside the building provide 24/7 monitored intrusion detection. When a sensor is triggered, SONITROL operators can listen in to verify activity and dispatch police when required. Allowing potential incidents Mary can view live footage remotely using the 3xLOGIC mobile app on her phone and access the cameras from a desktop workstation in her office at the building. The SONITROL app, meanwhile, may be used on-site to arm and disarm the alarm system. “I’ve got the desktop set up in my office at the building, so if we have activities in the gym, we don’t have to go down and see what’s going on. We can just click on the camera and see what’s happening,” explains Mary. Monitored intrusion detection Results gained - Since installation, Lightkeepers can see what’s going on at the building from anywhere. Mary regularly uses the mobile app to keep an eye on the parking lot, and because the team does not keep regular business hours, board members can check the cameras before heading out to their cars at night. “We’ve got a lot of women on our board, and we’re over there at all hours. It’s nice for everybody to be able to see what they’re about to walk into before they leave the building,” says Mary. Late one Sunday night, an intruder forced their way in through the gym door. SONITROL’s monitored intrusion detection picked up the activity, operators called Mary, and police were dispatched. Officers were at the building before Mary, who lives five minutes away, could get there. The intruder fled without taking anything. Low winter temperatures In another incident, during unusually low winter temperatures, copper pipes in the building burst. SONITROL’s sensors detected the noise and alerted the team, and Mary checked the lobby camera on the 3xLOGIC mobile app, where she saw water coming out of the room. This meant the team could get someone to the building quickly and limit the damage. No repainting or structural repairs were needed, and no fittings needed to be thrown away. “Had it not been for the security system, we would not have known about the flooding. I was able to look from my app and see there was water, and we were able to get over there and take care of the problem. It saved us a lot of money in repairs and made a huge difference,” explains Mary. Deter nuisance activity The cameras, the repaired light, and the extra activity on-site have helped deter nuisance activity in the wider area, so the park behind the building is now somewhere local children can play. Residents across the street have welcomed the cameras, reporting fewer people coming into their yards and a decrease in illegal activity. “We were afraid they were going to be so mad at us because there were cameras over here. It was completely the opposite. The neighbours were really happy that they could see the cameras, because it provided safety for their properties. They actually thanked us,” Mary concludes. Additional camera coverage Future plans - Lightkeepers is preparing to partner with the Boys and Girls Club to deliver after-school programs from the building, to bring more young people on-site regularly. The organisation is also working with its integrator to assess additional camera coverage and to make full use of the InterACT camera’s siren, talk-down, and custom alarm features to actively deter unwanted activity in the parking lot.

Casinos are tasked with monitoring vast gaming floors, cashier cages, and access points. The market for casino security and surveillance demands software and hardware that provide high-definition, multi-angle visual coverage to ensure the integrity of the games and to protect players, staff, and the public. Like other vertical markets for physical security technology, the casino market is undergoing change and facing challenges. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How are new technologies impacting the casino surveillance and security market?

Adequate video surveillance coverage depends entirely on a facility's layout, square footage, and security goals. Historically, better coverage required more cameras, but technology innovations are changing those expectations and undermining previously held rules of thumb. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Do today's video systems generally require more cameras or fewer cameras, and why?

Access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection systems evolved largely independently in the physical security industry. Integrating those systems to the benefit of an enterprise's overall security has traditionally fallen on security integrators working in cooperation with manufacturers. However, today's market has also evolved to include companies that provide "unified platforms,” bringing together various disparate security systems and functions under a single, centralised management interface. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the advantages of installing physical security systems as a unified platform?