Crowd Management

People and vehicle access control specialist, Nortech’s technical training courses have been specially designed to make sure that installers/system integrators are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to install, maintain and troubleshoot Nortech systems. Real-world security issues Led by highly experienced technical experts, Nortech’s courses combine hands-on practice with theoretical sessions covering real-world security issues and take place at the company’s dedicated training facility in South Wales. Nortech is committed to providing an outstanding customer experience with its products and services. As part of this commitment, it offers a range of in-depth training in access controllers, readers and ID devices, and long-range identification, ideal for those with sound knowledge and experience in people and vehicle access systems. The courses provided include Long range identification training begins with vehicle tagging and ANPR systems Nortech products overview, which focuses on Nortech’s access control products, card readers, ID devices, long range identification, vehicle counting and parking management products. Access Control: The modules cover the access control products, Norpass installation and Nortech Reader Interface installation. The final module progresses into the installation and configuration of NRI products. Long range identification training begins with vehicle tagging and ANPR systems. Other modules in the programme discuss the installation and configuration of the ANPR, uPASS and Transit ranges. Vehicle detection and parking training includes learning about Nortech’s popular Feemaster Smart and the company’s counting and count management products. The installation and configuration of the Feemaster Smart Console, entry and exit stations and an overview of the inductive loop detector operation, applications and set up of Nortech’s parking detectors are all included. Readers and ID devices installation training for each reader and ID device supported by Nortech is also available. Training is free to all existing account customers. In addition, every participant will receive a comprehensive pack of product specifications, application notes and a certificate of completion.

Security expert Abloy UK is highlighting the importance of access control systems that offer dynamic lockdown, following recent reports that retail stores are being advised by counter-terror police launching the Protect and Prepare campaign, to develop emergency contingency plans recommending a 'sixty second' security checklist to avoid panic during reports of terror attacks. High street shops throughout the country hit their busiest period during Christmas. With large numbers of people around, counter-terror police are providing stores with a security checklist that can be implemented in sixty seconds to prevent widespread panic in terror or emergency situations. Threat awareness and preparedness To improve reaction times and ensure evacuations can take place as smoothly as possible, staff should know who is in charge of emergency plans, when it is appropriate to evacuate a store, when to order a lockdown, and the best places to hide in the event of an attack. An effective way for retailers to be prepared for such a threat is with Dynamic Lockdown An effective way for retailers to be prepared for such a threat is with Dynamic Lockdown, which is the ability to provide for basic life safety in the event of such eventualities as a terror attack or other unforeseen threats. It offers the capability to compartmentalise buildings and sites by controlling the flow of people by preventing access to unauthorised intruders, providing real physical security from the secure side of the door, while also allowing exit and escape where required. This can have vital importance in protecting members of the public by preventing access for threats to enter a building but at the same time allowing them to leave the building if necessary. Dynamic Lockdown applications With this in mind, Abloy UK has developed solutions that can provide for Dynamic Lockdown for a wide range of applications. For the retail sector specifically, Abloy systems are available to secure doors between public and non-public areas and exits from main staff areas. Products include Abloy’s range of compliant electric locks and the Escape Door System (EDS). Abloy continuously promotes the importance of emergency escape systems with free training on standards" Electric locks - such as the Abloy EL560 solenoid lock and EL520 motorised lock - work by controlling either the latch or the handle, or by motorising the bolt back once a proximity card is presented or a request to exit device is used. This ensures that only authorised personnel are able to gain access to the building, and the system will prevent any unauthorised persons from entering. Fail-unlocked locking element What’s more, the EDS offers blocking with a fail-unlocked locking element that does not require any mechanical input to operate, and intelligent control that allows connection to fire alarm systems or other building control systems to ensure escape in an emergency. The Trigger unit incorporates a key-switch and a push button that tells the controller to release the locking mechanism to allow safe escape. Pat Jefferies, Commercial Director at Abloy UK, commented, “This is a superb initiative by counter-terror police as it will make retailers more proactive and able to respond faster to potentially life-threatening events. Egress from a building can be a matter of life and death, so here at Abloy we continuously promote the importance of emergency escape systems with free training on standards and compliance via our Academy.”

The OPTEX UK/Ireland sales team has been restructured to provide a better service to OPTEX’s channel partners and customers with roles that put the customer at the centre of OPTEX’s operation. The team structure has been simplified in response to customer feedback, and to give channel partners and customers an easy point of contact to deal with any type of enquiry, whether it’s relating to sales, technical or logistics. While each member has an area of expertise with a national remit, they are also the primary contact for a specific region where they will be supporting their local system integrators, installers and distribution network. Neil Foster, who has particular expertise in critical infrastructure projects, will continue to focus on the North of the UK and Ireland. Dale Jones, who has extensive experience managing national and international transportation projects, will retain responsibility for the Midlands. Mathew Oakley, who has recently joined the team, and who has proven skills delivering bespoke high-end security solutions, will concentrate on London and the South East. B2B Channel expert Benjamin Linklater took over the management of the UK/Ireland Sales team in January 2018 Sarah Black, who has considerable experience in B2B channel sales, is the UK Sales Channel Manager, supporting distributors at head office level, as well as overseeing support at branch level. She will also look after projects in the South West. Benjamin Linklater, Sales Director, who has more than 20 years’ experience in the global security industry and has been working with OPTEX for more than eight years, took over the management of the UK/Ireland Sales team in January 2018. “All our Area Sales Managers have many years of industry experience and Dale great technical knowledge of our products; by focusing their responsibilities around key geographical regions we believe we can deliver even greater levels of service to our customers,” he says, “and ensure every customer has the right support at the right time.” Vehicle sensors and security solutions expert Two new roles have been created to provide additional support across the territories: a National Key Account Manager and an Internal Sales Executive. Sandrine Cocks, National Key Account Manager, will be the main point of contact for security products, vehicle sensors and people counters. Her mission is to lead the company’s sales efforts by supporting and developing a multi-level relationship with each of the national key accounts across the security and new product portfolio. Sandrine will work with all the stakeholders to identify their needs and build a bespoke plan.

PSA, the world’s largest security and systems integrator consortium, announces the education lineup, conference agenda and a new exhibit showcase date for TEC 2019 to be held March 11-14, 2019 at the Sheraton Downtown in Denver, CO. TEC, presented by PSA, is the premier education and networking event for all professional systems integrators in the security and audio-visual markets. This year’s education conference will feature over 100 education sessions, workshops and certification trainings from industry leading experts and partner organisations. Dedicated learning tracks The event will also leverage a full-day of dedicated exhibit hours on Thursday, March 14, 2019 The event will also leverage a full-day of dedicated exhibit hours on Thursday, March 14, 2019 where more than 125 security and audio-visual vendors will showcase their product and services along with networking events that utilise the offerings of Denver. “We are very excited about the changes coming to TEC this year that will further open the doors of this conference to more systems integration companies across the nation,” said Kim Garcia, director of marketing for PSA. “For many years TEC has been open to all industry professionals to attend regardless of their affiliation with PSA because the training we offer is meant to better the industry as a whole as well as the attendees in their personal disciplines.” Exchanging information The TEC 2019 education program will deliver invaluable sessions to systems integration professionals with a desire to stay relevant and thrive in changing markets through personal and professional development. With dedicated learning tracks focused on job function, attendees will leave TEC with ways to improve operational efficiencies, add additional value to their businesses and their customers’ journeys and support emerging market trends including managed services and cybersecurity from their own vantage points. PSA TEC is all about building relationships and exchanging information with people who share the same challenges you do every day" “TEC is really one of the best kept secrets in our industry for any professional looking for a training and exhibit venue where they don’t get lost in the crowd,” said Garcia. “PSA TEC is all about building relationships and exchanging information with people who share the same challenges you do every day. Whether you are a business owner, technician, project manager, sales and marketing professional or operational support, there is training available to you at TEC that can make you better at your job.” General registration opens on December 12, 2018. PSA Owners/Members will have exclusive registration access starting on December 5, 2018. Discounted early bird pricing is available until January 12, 2019 for all attendees.

Despite having a global presence with regional and local support offices in the Americas, Asia, Middle East and across Europe, Hanwha Techwin is very much defined by its Korean heritage. As a global manufacturer of professional video surveillance solutions whose headquarters are in Korea, Hanwha Techwin is proud of the contribution it is making to its country’s reputation for designing, developing and producing quality, innovative products which make a real difference to people’s lives. Bob (H.Y.) Hwang Ph.D., Managing Director of Hanwha Techwin Europe, believes the company’s Korean heritage and its core values of Challenge, Loyalty and Integrity, which are at the heart of its ‘WE MOVE with trust’ central marketing theme, have equipped the company to stand out from the crowd. In this interview, we asked Bob (H.Y.) Hwang Ph.D., to provide an update on the steps the company is taking to ensure it continues to succeed in a highly competitive market, but first we asked Bob if the ‘WE MOVE with trust’ campaign has helped sales. Q 1: Is 2018 proving to be a good year for Hanwha Techwin? Bob: Yes, I am pleased to report we are enjoying what looks to be another record-breaking year. The quantity of products shipped each month has never been higher and it is possible our success will exceed that achieved in 2017 when we saw a 40% growth in the number of products sold. Q 2: Do you think the ‘WE MOVE with trust’ campaign has contributed to this success? Bob: There is no doubt that our efforts to build trust with all parties involved in the supply chain is understood and appreciated by our customers. We continue to ensure our products are designed to combat the activities of hackers and that customers’ confidential data is kept safe" Q 3: Can you give some examples of what this means in practical terms? Bob: We continue to ensure our products are designed to combat the activities of hackers and that customers’ confidential data is kept safe. This is just as important to the many thousands of small businesses that entrust our video surveillance solutions to protect their assets, people and property, as it is for our high security and mission critical end-user clients which include local authorities, government, military and emergency services. Cyber Security Cyber security has been at the top of our list of priorities for some time. We believe our cameras and recorders incorporate all reasonable measures to prevent unauthorised access to images and data. We do not have a ‘back-door’ and we have introduced sensible password protocols. We consider it essential that a secure password is set up during the initial installation process, which is why we prohibit the consecutive use of the same letter or number and we encourage the use of special characters as well as a combination of letters and numbers. It is important not to be complacent and we are constantly monitoring and testing the latest methods of hacking using third party security agencies. When necessary, we release new firmware to counter the latest threats. Our 'WE MOVE with trust’ message also embraces our relationship with distribution and solution partners, our quality & service and extended 5-year Warranty support which we offer to our STEP partners as part of a package of benefits to reward their loyalty and give them a competitive edge. Wisenet Biometrics and A.I Tech video analytics A.I Tech’s video analytics technology was the winner of the Business Intelligence category in the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2018 In particular, we appreciate our customers do not measure products and solutions just by their features and this is why Hanwha Techwin believes in taking responsibility for the solutions developed with our technology partners. The good news is that our strategy of working in close partnership with specialist application developers in order to deliver new, innovative solutions which make good use of our high performance Wisenet open platform cameras, has been further justified by an award recently won by our technology partner, A.I.Tech. A.I Tech’s video analytics technology, which is utilised by our Wisenet Biometrics and Retail solutions, was selected as the winner of the Business Intelligence category in the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2018. The awards, which are run by Benchmark Magazine, the UK’s monthly publication which is widely regarded as the “Which” magazine for the electronic security industry, are designed to recognise and reward innovative thinking and the delivery of benefits through advanced security solutions. Q 4: Can we expect to see new technology partnership announcements in the near future? Bob: To answer your question, I should first point out that we now have a formidable range of cameras which collectively provide effective solutions for virtually any video surveillance project. The range starts with Wisenet HD+ analogue cameras which deliver Full HD images in 1080p without the need to upgrade cabling infrastructure. These are followed by (include ‘Wisenet L’ in translated versions) Q entry level Full HD network cameras. Next comes Wisenet X cameras which are supercharged by the most powerful chipset ever incorporated into a full camera range, available in 2MP or 5MP. Finally, our premium, top-of-the-range Wisenet P cameras deliver superb quality 4K (12MP) images. Wisenet Smart solutions The massive processing power of the chipsets built into open platform Wisenet cameras enable customers to achieve much more from video security systems  The massive processing power of the chipsets built into our open platform Wisenet cameras means we are able to help customers achieve so much more from video surveillance systems than just capturing superb quality images. By this I mean we can provide the cameras with pre-loaded specialist analytics applications which deliver real-world practical benefits. We intend to sustain our efforts to seek out opportunities to introduce new, innovative solutions to complement existing Wisenet solutions developed jointly with our technology partners. These include: Wisenet Intruder Detection Solution - a single device intruder detection solution which provides maximum detection, whilst significantly reducing the impact of time consuming and costly false alarms. Wisenet Intelligent Traffic Management Solution - comprehensive suite of ANPR-based intelligent traffic management solutions. Wisenet Automatic Incident Detection (AID) Solution - an easy to deploy and highly accurate city-wide incident detection solution which is designed to be affordable for budget conscious local authorities. Wisenet Retail Intelligence Solutions - includes Heatmap and People Counting cameras to enable retailers to monitor continuously updated live reports and view comparative hourly and weekly reports on footfall, store hotspots and dwell times, as well as how long customers have to queue. Wisenet Transport Solution - vibration-proof Wisenet cameras and small footprint NVRs which are designed to provide a robust solution for monitoring activity on buses, trains, trucks and other forms of transport. Q 5: Have you taken any action to help customers comply with GDPR? At Hanwha Techwin, we believe it is important for end-users and system integrators to work closely together to negate the risk of data misuse" Bob: At Hanwha Techwin, we believe it is important for end-users, system integrators and manufacturers to work closely together to negate the risk of data misuse. In this respect, we have placed maximum importance on providing privacy-friendly products which assist end-users to comply with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR compliance and white paper Although not wishing to be alarmist, a serious violation of GDPR could be subject to a fine of up to 4% of a company’s annual revenue or EUR 20 million, whichever is higher. In addition, non-compliance with GDPR violation could result in a class action or civil law suits against individuals. With this in mind, Hanwha Techwin has published a White Paper which sets out the impact on video surveillance systems of the new GDPR which came into force in May 2018. The White Paper addresses in detail the responsibilities of those who are in control of video surveillance systems. It also explains what steps Hanwha Techwin has taken to ensure the features and functions of its Wisenet cameras, recording devices and video management software (VMS), are able to assist operators in complying with GDPR. Alternatively, an Executive Summary is available which highlights the key aspects of the White Paper. Q 6: How would you summarise Hanwha Techwin’s aspirations for the future? Bob: We intend to drive forward our plans to further enhance the value of our Wisenet brand by capitalising on the expertise of our talented design and development engineering teams and the ingenuity of our technology partners. We will be able to do this as a result of the encouragement we receive from our parent company in Korea who have supported our decision to continue to recruit sales and technical colleagues of the highest calibre to ensure our Wisenet brand is backed by unbeatable pre and post-sales support. Most importantly, we are determined to build on our reputation for operating with integrity and for striving to excel in everything we do.

Hikvision, the provider of innovative security products and solutions, announces technology partnership with Videonetics, a visual computing platform development company. The partnership includes integration of Hikvision network cameras with Videonetics’ Intelligent Video Management Software (IVMS), which will enable customers to view, record and analyse Hikvision H.265+ compressed video streams from Hikvision network cameras, both in real-time preview and playback. Customers will also benefit from reduced cost of ownership due to low storage and bandwidth requirements without compromising the video quality. Advanced video analysis The integration will enable advanced video management features and video analytics applications. For example, through Videonetics IVMS, users will be able to view real-time video feeds, recorded video, navigate quickly from one camera view to another. Moreover, they can also export videos or video image snapshots from integrated Hikvision cameras for advanced video analysis such as object classification, crowd monitoring, perimeter protection, object of interest, smart urban video analytics and traffic monitoring etc. Field tests have shown that Hikvision H.265+ radically decreases the bitrate of ultra-high definition surveillance video by up to 67% compared to H.265 Importantly, all video streams will be compressed by Hikvision’s self-developed H.265+ smart codec technology. H.265+ significantly reduces bandwidth consumption and storage requirements. Field tests have shown that Hikvision H.265+ radically decreases the bitrate of ultra-high definition surveillance video by up to 67% compared to H.265. This is especially valuable when network conditions are unstable, when bandwidth is limited, or when customers are required to store data for extended periods of time. Limited bandwidth conditions “We are glad to be on board with Hikvision as technology partner. I am sure that our IVMS integration with Hikvision’s H.265+ compression technology will help our customers to design highly efficient surveillance solutions for both public and private sectors across the world,” said Avinash J. Trivedi, VP – Business Development of Videonetics. “Hikvision offers a Technology Partner Platform for partners to jointly develop versatile solutions needed by end-users,” said Adler Wu, Global Technology Alliance Manager at Hikvision. “Our H.265+ codec technology provides a more effective compression solution that allows our customers to achieve unhindered video transmission under limited bandwidth conditions and great savings on storage without compromising image quality.”

Timely and important issues in the security marketplace dominated our list of most-clicked-upon articles in 2018. Looking back at the top articles of the year provides a decent summary of how our industry evolved this year, and even offers clues to where we’re headed in 2019. In the world of digital publishing, it’s easy to know what content resonates with the security market: Our readers tell us with their actions; i.e., where they click. Let’s look back at the Top 10 articles we posted in 2018 that generated the most page views. They are listed in order here with a brief excerpt. 1. U.S. President Signs Government Ban on Hikvision and Dahua Video Surveillance The ban on government uses, which takes effect ‘not later than one year after … enactment,’ applies not only to future uses of Dahua and Hikvision equipment but also to legacy installations. The bill calls for an assessment of the current presence of the banned technologies and development of a ‘phase-out plan’ to eliminate the equipment from government uses. 2. Motorola Makes a Splash with Avigilon Video Surveillance Acquisition Early clues point to Motorola positioning Avigilon as part of a broader solution, especially in the municipal/safe cities market. The company says the acquisition will enable more safe cities projects and more public-private partnerships between local communities and law enforcement. Motorola sees Avigilon as ‘a natural extension to global public safety and U.S. federal and military’ applications, according to the company. 3. Impact of Data-Driven Smart Cities on Video Surveillance One of the major areas of technology that is going to shift how we interact with our cities is the Internet of Things (IoT). One benefit will be the ability to use video surveillance to analyse data on large crowds at sporting events The IoT already accounts for swaths of technology and devices operating in the background. However, we’re increasingly seeing these come to the forefront of everyday life, as data becomes increasingly critical. Bosch is highlighting its “Simply. Connected” portfolio of smart city technology to transform security as well as urban mobility, air quality and energy efficiency 4. CES 2018: Security Technologies Influencing the Consumer Electronics Market Familiar players at security shows also have a presence at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). For example, Bosch is highlighting its “Simply. Connected” portfolio of smart city technology to transform security as well as urban mobility, air quality and energy efficiency. Many consumer technologies on display offer a glimpse of what’s ahead for security. Are Panasonic’s 4K OLEDs with HDR10+ format or Sony’s A8F OLED televisions a preview of the future of security control room monitors? 5. SIA Predicts Top Physical Security Trends for 2018 Traditional security providers will focus more on deepening the customer experience and enhancing convenience and service. The rise of IoT also places an emphasis on cybersecurity, and security dealers will react by seeking manufacturers and technology partners with cyber-hardened network-connected devices. 6. High-Speed Visitor Screening Systems Will Improve Soft Target Security The system is more expensive than a metal detector, but about a third the cost of familiar airport body scanners. Labor reduction (because of faster throughput) can help offset the system costs, but “it’s difficult to quantify the improvement in the visitor experience,” says Mike Ellenbogen, CEO of Evolv Technology. 7. How to Prevent ATM Jackpotting with Physical and Cyber Security A new crime wave is hitting automated teller machines (ATMs); the common banking appliances are being rigged to spit out their entire cash supplies into a criminal’s waiting hands. The crime is called “ATM jackpotting” and has targeted banking machines located in grocery shops, pharmacies and other locations in Taiwan, Europe, Latin America and, in the last several months, the United States. Rough estimates place the total amount of global losses at up to $60 million. The safety and security world bring a complex problem to solve- how to pick out a face in a moving and changing environment and compare it to several faces of interest 8. Why We Need to Look Beyond Technology for Smart City Security Solutions Although technology is necessary for an urban area to transition in to a safe and smart city, technology alone isn’t sufficient. Truly smart cities are savvy cities and that includes how they employ software, sensing, communications and other technologies to meet their needs. 9. How New Video Surveillance Technology Boosts Airport Security and Operations Employing airport security solutions is a complex situation with myriad government, state and local rules and regulations that need to be addressed while ensuring the comfort needs of passengers. Airport security is further challenged with improving and increasing operational efficiencies, as budgets are always an issue. As an example, security and operational data must be easily shared with other airport departments and local agencies such as police, customs, emergency response and airport operations to drive a more proactive approach across the organisation. 10. The Evolution of Facial Recognition from Body-Cams to Video Surveillance The safety and security world bring a complex problem to solve how to pick out a face in a moving and changing environment and compare it to several faces of interest. “One-to-many” facial recognition is a much harder problem to solve.

The rise to prominence of smart cities should not go unnoticed. To the untrained eye, you might not realise just how connected your city is and how it’s helping your everyday life. From crossing the road to monitoring water levels, technology is allowing cities to think quicker and act smarter. Data-driven decisions A recent whitepaper by ABI Research has revealed that the total global cost-saving potential offered by smart cities stands at more than $5 trillion. This shows how technological improvements to the places we live offer a significant opportunity to not only improve our personal lives and wellbeing, but to also ensure our cities are able to continue contributing to the wider economy. One of the major areas of technology that is going to shift how we interact with our cities is the Internet of Things (IoT). One benefit will be the ability to use video surveillance to analyse data on large crowds at sporting events The IoT already accounts for swathes of technology and devices operating in the background. However, we’re increasingly seeing these come to the forefront of everyday life, as data becomes increasingly critical. In an IDC study sponsored by Seagate, Data Age 2025 estimates that by 2025, nearly 20% of data will be critical to our daily lives and nearly 10% of that will be hypercritical. Data is no longer just going to provide simple insights and recommendations, it is going to be making decisions that impact the fabric and quality of everyday life. Analysis and application The decisions that this critical data is attached to must be made quickly. A living, breathing city must constantly be monitoring, assessing and utilising data in order to ensure it keeps people safe and mobile. A prime example of this is in the Dutch city of Almere, where the local police force and parking management teams are using surveillance technology to improve congestion and manage traffic flow. This is hugely important when 20% of city traffic is caused by drivers circling around trying to find a parking space, according to Stuart Higgins, Strategic Lead - Cisco Impact. While older cities such as London may not be as equipped with new technology like modern cities, such as Dubai, an appreciation of the different ways individual cities can adopt technology is vital. For those that have the right infrastructure, one key benefit will be the ability to use video surveillance to analyse data on road congestion, or even large crowds at sporting events or national ceremonies. Using this data to spot patterns of behaviour will enable city planners to develop long term solutions to ensure city life runs smoothly. Instant access to connected devices By 2025, an average connected person anywhere in the world will interact with connected devices nearly 4,800 times per day — that’s one interaction approximately every 18 seconds.   As access to data becomes the central component to a functioning smart city, the way data is stored has become more important than ever It isn’t just new-paradigm services such as Uber that are causing this. Increasingly, the ability to instantly access data relevant to many aspects of our lives will drive our interactions with these devices, and industries around the world are undergoing a digital transformation motivated by these evolving requirements. The benefits of data access is best shown through Project Green Light in the US city of Detroit, where the police department has partnered with gas stations across the city and the community to improve the quality of life within the neighborhood. The result is a strengthened relationship between public services and private businesses operating in the area. As access to data becomes the central component to a functioning smart city, the way data is stored has become more important than ever. When it comes to surveillance in our cities, the need for not only the technology but the hardware to analyse this data is of imperative importance. Real time data storage availability The growth of real-time data will cause a shift in the type of storage needed in the future – with fast, uncompromised access to data being non-negotiable. Data Age 2025 predicts that by 2025 the global datasphere will grow to 163 zettabytes. The security of our data and how it is stored will be the foundation to any future smart city strategy That’s ten times the 16.1ZB of data generated in 2016. This increase in data will propel the need for data to be available in real-time to heighten the focus on low-latency responsiveness from enterprise edge storage, as well as from the endpoints themselves. The rise in edge computing exemplifies how this demand is already present. The stakes are rising and with them, the critical importance of our data’s veracity and timeliness. It is important to identify city-wide data partnerships, architecture, and standards for effective and safe data sharing when developing a data strategy. Securing stored data It’s important to note that the security of our data and how it is stored will be the foundation to any future smart city strategy, ensuring that safety, regulatory, speed and access requirements are all met. Securing the data that underpins life as we know it is circular, not linear. Every company that creates, uses or touches data has to have a role in keeping it secure and should be the backbone of any smart city. What’s evident however is that digital transformation is shaping the surveillance industry and in turn how our cities operate. As a result, data is the fuel that will ensure the impact is a positive one. People, government and businesses all contribute to the cities of today, so no one can afford to ignore the shift we are seeing. The cities that utilise surveillance data when considering any changes to their infrastructure will ultimately become the cities of tomorrow, not only future-proofing, but prospering in the data-driven age.

Surveillance systems can track the locations of mobile phone users and spy on their calls, texts and data streams. The Washington Post has reported on such systems that are being turned against travellers around the world, according to security experts and U.S. officials. The summer season highlights the need to take extra precautions when travelling. When travelling anywhere in the world, for business or pleasure, citizens need to be aware of and alert to looming physical and cybersecurity threats. To elaborate on expert security tips, strategies and advice for traveling this summer, we presented several questions to The Chertoff Group, a global security advisory firm that enables clients to navigate changes in security risk, technology and policy. Chris Duvall, Senior Director at The Chertoff Group, offers insights into cybersecurity concerns, physical security precautions, and recommends digital resources/apps for consumers while traveling. Q: How are security risks – physical and digital – changing? Why are threats greater today than five years ago? The exponential number of headlines over the past few years is a strong indication that both physical and digital risks are evolving and increasing Duvall: The exponential number of headlines over the past few years is a strong indication that both physical and digital risks are evolving and increasing. The scope, severity and complexity of physical and cyber risks are increasing and becoming more dangerous and destructive. This is especially true for those travelling outside the U.S. On the physical side, threat actors are actively seeking “soft targets” – public events, social settings, mass audience venues, etc. – to communicate their message, sow chaos and inflict catastrophic harm. On the digital or cyber side, we have seen a shift from “thrill hacking,” to an increase of “hacking as a business” (through credential compromise and ransomware), to an increase in “hacking for harm” - with the rise of “nuke ware” and ransomware without a clear financial motivation. Q. What specific precautions should a traveller take to protect their calls, texts and data streams from being spied on? Duvall: When travelling abroad, we recommend to our clients that their personnel and executives should practice good internet and social media hygiene. Some best practices include: Avoid using public Wi-Fi services—unless you use private VPN service for encryption Increase the privacy setting on your technical devices Disable location identifiers on apps Create a new (unlinked) email for internet correspondence Consider purchasing international MyFi devices to decrease the risk of getting your personal identification information (PII) or protected healthcare information (PHI) stolen  Use temporary (i.e. burner) phones to protect your data and your contacts Q. What cybersecurity concerns are likely to impact travellers? Are the threats greater outside the United States or in any specific parts of the world? Significant precautions should be taken to protect personal electronic devices (PEDs) and the data connected to PEDs Duvall: The international cybersecurity landscape has grown increasingly dynamic, with threats posed by government authorities (in some countries), terrorists, insurgents, and criminals, requiring travelers to be proactive and vigilant. U.S. citizens, particularly executives of U.S.-based technology companies, must be aware that they are considered high-value targets for nation-state intelligence services and criminally-motivated bad actors. Many countries will go to great lengths and expense to acquire and exploit proprietary information from U.S.-based companies, and views U.S. executives visiting the country as “soft” targets of opportunity. As such, significant precautions should be taken to protect personal electronic devices (PEDs) and the data connected to PEDs. The tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) utilised by bad actors are often covert and nearly undetectable by the affected person. Threat actors routinely access, monitor and utilise Wi-Fi networks at hotels and in public spaces to compromise target devices. Other targeting methods include luggage searches, extensive questioning, and unnecessary inspection and downloading of information from personal electronic devices. There are numerous, high-risk countries for which the U.S. Government warns travellers to be wary of mobile malware, mobile device privacy attacks and hot spots for mobile botnets. The U.S. Department of State has the most recent and up-to-date list. For example, the U.S. Government has investigated numerous incidents in which U.S. travellers’ PEDs (personal and company devices) have been compromised by Russian authorities while transiting Russian airports, left unattended in public spaces and in travellers’ hotel rooms.  When travelling to an unfamiliar place, research your destination to understand the local roads and transportation, geography, local roads, culture, etiquette and laws Q: What physical security precautions should a traveller take? Duvall: Here are some useful precautions: When traveling to an unfamiliar place, research your destination to understand the local roads and transportation, geography, local roads, culture, etiquette and laws. Protect your personal information and travel itinerary as much as possible. Limit the amount of jewelry worn, cash, credit cards and electronic devices carried while traveling. Avoid staying on the ground floor of a hotel. Consider choosing a room on the 2nd through 7th floors as these rooms may be more difficult to break into than those on the ground level, but still able to be accessed by fire/emergency response equipment. Never answer your hotel room door for anyone until you’ve determined who they are, why they are at your door, and if it is necessary for you to open the door to interact with them. Carry a rubber door stop/wedge with you to install on the room side of the door before you go to bed. Vary your patterns and routines when venturing out in to a new location, do not become predictable. Politely decline offers of food or drink from strangers (If you do accept beverages, ensure that they are in sealed containers and that there is no evidence of tampering). Never discuss your itinerary, personal, business or other sensitive information where others can hear you. Q: How can companies be proactive in protecting their business travellers? Companies should educate their employees on the importance of maintaining good internet hygiene while travelling abroad Duvall: When travelling on business, companies should provide their employees with clean computers and cell phones before departure. Upon return, the company should immediately wipe the computer clean to prevent any malicious threats from penetrating the company’s internal, cyber-infrastructure. Additionally, companies should educate their employees on the importance of maintaining good internet hygiene and recommend their employees disconnect from social media platforms while travelling abroad. Some general tips to recommend to your employees when travelling abroad include: Register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (https://step.state.gov/step/) Visit Travel.State.Gov to view travel related information specific to the country or countries you’re visiting, including local US Embassy or Consulate contact information, as well as current travel advisories and alerts. Always leave a copy of your transportation and hotel itinerary and driver’s license (or passport if travelling internationally) with a family member or trusted friend. Always use a baggage tag with a protective cover Avoid using public Wi-Fi services Q: What digital resources and/or apps might a traveller benefit from (and how)? Duvall: The Chertoff Group recommends researching the below travel-related apps before departing on a trip: TravWell: This app provides destination-specific vaccine recommendations, a checklist of what you need to do to prepare for travel, and a customisable healthy travel packing list. The app can store travel documents, keep records of medications and immunisations, and set reminders to get vaccine booster doses or take medicines. My TSA: This app provides real-time updates on airport delays. It includes how long security lines are at various airports; information about what you can and cannot bring onto an airplane; and a frequently-asked question list, including new advanced imaging technology. Border Wait Time: The app provides estimated wait times and open-lane status at land ports of entry, which may be particularly helpful when in an area with multiple crossings. Mobile Pass: The Mobile Passport app speeds you through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at (1) cruise port and (24) airports Q: As a security expert, what’s your best advice for travellers? Duvall: At the end of the day, travel security is not rocket science. Simply put, travellers need to: Be aware and situationally alert at all times. Be aware and situationally alert to the location of your luggage and carry-ons at all times. Don’t access unknown, unsecured or public Wi-Fi if at all possible. Turn off “auto connect” features and institute stringent privacy controls as much as possible. Try to “blend in” – you don’t have to try to look like a local but travellers should avoid gaudy and expensive attire wherever possible. Use your common sense – if an offer, invitation or opportunity seems to good to be true... it probably is.

The largest global event of 2016 – and the year’s biggest security challenge – will no doubt be the Games of the XXXI Olympiad in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Around 15,000 athletes from 206 countries are expected to compete at the Olympic games, August 5-21, 2016, and about 7.5 million tickets will be issued. In our age of terrorism, organisers of any event on the scale of the Rio Olympics must consider the possibility of an attack or other security breach during the more than two weeks of the event. Ever since the 1972 Munich massacre, in which 11 Israeli Olympic team members were taken hostage and eventually killed (along with a German police officer), organisers of Olympic games have been keenly aware of the possibility of violence. The threat of terrorism raises the stakes even more. Recent events aggravate concerns about the safety of the Olympics, including the deadly Paris terrorism attacks in November of 2015 and the Brussels bombings earlier in 2016. The big stage of the Olympics would provide a temptingly high profile to any group wishing to foment terror by attacking the game venues, facilities nearby, or the 500,000 tourists expected to attend. Devoted to avoiding such a catastrophe will be a huge security effort at the Rio Olympics, including more than 85,000 forces – 47,000 Brazilian security professionals and 38,000 members of the armed services. An Anti-Terrorism Centre will promote sharing of information, training and knowledge among police, law enforcement and intelligence. Officials from more than 90 countries will work together on the effort. It will be the largest security operation in Brazilian history. In contrast, only 40,000 agents were used at the London Olympics in 2012. Several additional factors could impact security in Rio in August. They include: Devoted to avoiding a catastrophewill be a huge security effort at theRio Olympics, including more than85,000 forces – In contrast, only40,000 agents were used at theLondon Olympics in 2012 Need for awareness/ preparedness. Brazil has a history as a peaceful country, has no declared enemies, and has previously faced little threat of terrorism. It also has little intelligence expertise. Only recently did Brazil legislate to make terrorism a crime punishable by up to 24 years in prison. Might the South American country therefore be complacent to the possibility of an attack? Border security. Geographically, Brazil has more than 14,000 miles (23,000 kilometres) of borders that are difficult to control, much of them through Amazon jungles. The largest country in South America, Brazil shares borders with 10 other countries, and lack of controls in unpopulated regions is one factor in Brazil’s historic struggles to combat drug and arms trafficking. A 90-day visa waiver during the games, approved by Brazil’s congress, will help to attract more tourists, but at what cost to security? (Waivers are limited to visitors from nations seen as low-risk, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan.) Securing areas surrounding Olympic venues. Just steps from some of the largest Olympic venues are areas of Rio de Janeiro plagued by poverty and crime. Slums, or “favelas,” are within half a mile (less than 800 metres) of Maracana stadium, where opening ceremonies will kick off the games. Slums are also located near popular beaches and expensive hotels. Other problems of poverty – open sewage, destroyed houses and violence – are also concerns. Slums are controlled by drug traffickers and armed gangs, and police are few and inadequately armed. Many places are unsafe to walk at night. Violent crime. Protecting the Olympics includes keeping the entire city safe. Brazil has about 52,000 murders a year, and there are around three per day in Rio. Crowd violence is often a problem at Brazilian soccer matches. Budget cuts. In March, the government in Brazil decreased its security budget by 30 percent (about 550 million US dollars), with much of it targeting future investment. However, concern is that the cuts might undermine plans such as creation of an Urban Pacification Police in slum areas near the airport. Brazil’s political climate. Brazil's president is facing possible impeachment, and the nation's economy is in a recession freefall; might additional security risks result from the crisis? The Zika virus. Brazil has been hardest hit of any nation by the Zika virus, which is spread by mosquitoes and has particular risks for pregnant women and their unborn children. If the outbreak persists, might it cast a negative shadow over the Olympic games (or add another risk factor)? To prepare to meet the security challenges of the Olympics, Rio officials have undertaken several initiatives, including: Applying lessons they learned from hosting other big events. Large international events are not new to Brazil, which hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup, the 2014 Va’a World Sprint Canoeing Championships, and the 2012 Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Brazil also has experience managing the large annual Carnival celebrations in Rio and elsewhere. Technology to secure the RioOlympics includes a largesecurity command and controlcenter in downtown Rio.Dozens of screens will displayviews from thousands ofcameras installed throughoutcity and in Olympic venues Surveying best practices by visiting other locales where large events were held. Brazilian officials will use past Olympics games as models. Officials have also visited other locations that sponsored big events, such as the Tour de France and the Boston Marathon, to see what they can learn. Hundreds of Brazilian police visited the Pan-Am Games in Toronto last summer to learn newer techniques. They are also implementing best practices from other international events such as the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Beijing and the Baku 2015 European games. The Rio Olympics’ head of security traveled to Washington to increase cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security and other US agencies. Creating a huge command and control centre. Technology to secure the Rio Olympics includes a large security command and control centre in downtown Rio, featuring walls covered with dozens of screens displaying views from thousands of cameras installed throughout city and in Olympic venues. Soldiers will control access to stadiums, X-ray machines and metal detectors. Screening visitors as they arrive. Officials will receive real-time data about airport passengers as they check in from their country of origin. As the days count down to the Rio Olympics, officials appear to be leaving very little to chance. However, with all attention focused on Rio during the Olympics, might the event be too tempting for a terrorist to resist? Given global threats and general security vulnerabilities, organisers of the Rio Olympics may need more than preparation to protect the games. They might need some luck, too. 

Sports security has always played a crucial role in securing major sporting events around the world. Ensuring the safety of millions of spectators who throng the venues during such events is not an easy task. Apart from the usual surveillance cameras and barricades that are put into place, to prevent overcrowding and stampeding, other security measures are also implemented. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest events of the year in the United States, so no wonder it’s also a huge event for security. Endless festivities are the norm, and ticket re-sales for the big National Football League championship game averaged more than $4,500 per ticket.   2 years of planning amongst security & governmental agencies The over-the-top security effort involved dozens of federal, state and local jurisdictions and thousands of law-enforcement and private security personnel. The security plan had been in the works for more than two years, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security designated Super Bowl 50 as a Level 1 Special Event and a possible target of terrorism. It goes to show what can be accomplished security-wise if there is enough time and planning involved – and almost unlimited funds. At the game, soldiers stood guard next to armoured Humvees, machine guns strapped to their chests. Fans faced bag checks, metal detectors and pat-downs. Other extreme elements included hovering helicopters and military fighter jets on standby at Levi’s Stadium, restricted flights around the event, and a no-drone zone near the stadium. Canines sniffed for body-worn bombs. Robots were on hand to detect and disarm any explosives. Advanced security technologies: CCTV, social media monitoring, data analysis In addition to people power, technology played a role, including equipment familiar to our market, such as 600 video cameras positioned around the stadium. Computer analytics were used to target social media, sifting through data for any social media posts involving threats or other questionable content (in a previous year, a social media post had threatened to “shoot the place up.”). Other data came from phone tips, traffic reports and patrolling officers. Overseeing the total effort was a Security Operations Centre in an undisclosed location about six miles from the stadium. Computer processing was at the centre of Super Bowl security, aggregating multiple data streams and providing real-time information on what’s happening in the stadium and surrounding areas, all displayed on a big digital map. All in all, Super Bowl 50 was a great testament to our market’s expanding technology capabilities, and how those technologies interface with and/or complement other elements of the security “big picture” – from aircraft to robots to bomb-sniffing dogs. It’s reassuring that these capabilities exist, and looking back, it’s great that Super Bowl 50 came off without a hitch. It helped that the Super Bowl is a predictable event that happens with plenty of prior notice, and with a profile so high that the cost of protecting it is almost irrelevant. A successful security strategy Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos were the big winners at this year’s Super Bowl, but anytime we can make it through a big event without a terrorist attack or other significant security mishap, we are all winners. Too often, current events are sad and require us to look back and question what went wrong with security. In this case, all the news is good, and we can acknowledge what went right. It’s unfortunate that we can’t take such things for granted, but gratifying that we have the tools, resources and will to keep a big event safe. They were all on full display at Super Bowl 50.

Integrity Security Group is using SmartTask’s SmartForms to gain added visibility and dramatically cut down on its administrative burden. Having adopted the employee scheduling and mobile workforce management software last year for the provision of proof of attendance, control room management and staff rostering, the company is now using its electronic data capture functionality to streamline a range of operational processes. Initially, SmartForms are being used for vacant property and mobile patrol inspections as well as daily vehicle checks, already saving more than 15 hours of admin a month. SmartTask SmartForms The SmartForms replace previous paper-based processes that were increasingly difficult to manage by the office-based admin team “We are now using the SmartTask SmartForms to help reduce administration, capture critical work data and enforce health and safety procedures,” explains James Chittil, General Manager at Integrity Security Group. “We are constantly looking at clever ways to take advantage of the software’s rich functionality, so we can continue to simplify and enhance the way we operate.” The SmartForms replace previous paper-based processes that were increasingly difficult to manage by the office-based admin team. All reporting for vacant property and mobile patrol inspections – for both scheduled patrols and alarm activations – are now completed using a SmartTask-enabled smartphone. By electronically capturing all relevant information, including photo evidence, Integrity can quickly provide customers with a status update and details of all undertaken work as well as respond to any identified issues. Vehicle checks and fleet management Meanwhile, daily vehicle checks for Integrity’s fleet of vans are now completed using a specially-developed SmartForm, so the company can instantly see if drivers are complying with this health and safety procedure. Any vehicle-related problems or damage can be raised by the driver and actioned immediately by the admin team to mitigate fleet risk. Mileage data is also captured through the software, enabling maintenance requirements to be tracked and scheduled at appropriate intervals. “The SmartForms are enabling us to dramatically reduce paperwork and remove manual processes. This is making it much simpler for both our security officers in the field and our office-based admin team to capture, collate and communicate essential operational data. This is not only helping us make better use of our valuable resources, but also enhance the service we are providing to customers,” added James Chittil. Paul Ridden, CEO of SmartTask commented: “Our experience within the security sector means we are continually developing new functionality that overcome real-world problems for our customers. This is the reason we are working in partnership with a growing number of security businesses who recognise the value they can gain and the benefits they can achieve from using the SmartTask software.” Integrity selected SmartTask to replace an outdated time and attendance system, enabling it to effectively monitor the whereabouts and welfare of staff Lone worker protection Integrity selected SmartTask to replace an outdated time and attendance system, enabling it to effectively monitor the whereabouts and welfare of staff as part of its commitment to lone worker protection. The company is also using the intelligent rostering functionality to streamline internal planning processes, while the interactive dashboard supported the launch of a dedicated, out-of-hours control room operation by providing a live view of all scheduled shifts and expected or missed check calls. SmartTask is an advanced and simple-to-use employee scheduling and mobile workforce management solution that enables security companies to better plan and manage their workers, so they are at the right place, at the right time. The cloud-based software solution combines intelligent rostering, live monitoring and integrated proof of attendance across both static and mobile teams, making it the ideal tool to improve operational control, enhance customer satisfaction, and support duty of care to staff.

CNL Software, a provider of Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software, is pleased to announce that its award-winning PSIM technology was used to support a multiagency security program for Super Bowl LIII. The company’s IPSecurityCenter PSIM solution is installed in the Atlanta Police Department’s Video Integration Center (VIC) and helps secure the city and surrounding metro area, keep the metro area’s transportation networks and systems safe, and to help law enforcement personnel make sense of the huge volume of video intelligence that is generated day-to-day and during large-scale events like Super Bowl. Provide law enforcement Atlanta is no stranger to hosting large-scale events, which includes a previous Super Bowl, and has invested in a multitude of surveillance, analytic, data fusion, and communications systems and technologies in recent years. The City has also established an innovative public-private partnership, known as Operation Shield, that effectively leverages the surveillance assets and infrastructure of other participating Atlanta metro area departments and agencies, including the City’s Metro Atlanta Rail and Transit Authority (MARTA) and Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, and the City’s business community, while also bridging communication gaps between and across them. IPSecurityCenter by CNL Software integrates these disparate systems in the Atlanta Police Department’s VIC to provide law enforcement IPSecurityCenter by CNL Software integrates these disparate systems in the Atlanta Police Department’s VIC to provide law enforcement and other public safety professionals with the data and video intelligence they need to effectively respond to incidents before they arrive on scene. Crowd size monitoring “Estimates are that nearly one million people travelled to Atlanta for Super Bowl Week. As with all major events, ensuring public safety and security is a big job and huge concern,” comments Mike Mostow, General Manager – Americas at CNL Software. “IPSecurityCenter was installed in the VIC by the Atlanta Police Department to provide the real-time situational awareness and decision support they need to ensure public safety and security during large-scale special security events like Super Bowl LIII.” IPSecurityCenter PSIM is installed in some of the largest public safety and security programs in some of the world’s largest cities. The platform enables the most intelligent integration of the widest range of disparate public safety, security, emergency management, and homeland defence system and sensor technologies, including video and video analytics, facial recognition, license plate recognition, crowd size monitoring, gunshot detection, chemical, biological, radiological/nuclear and explosives detection, geospatial mapping, and asset tracking.

On his 2018 two-day visit to Ireland for the World Meeting of Families, Pope Francis’s scheduled activity was protected by high-performance Predator and Invictus cameras from UK CCTV design and manufacturing company, 360 Vision Technology. Specialists in a wide range of leading-edge CCTV, Access Control, PA, AV and radio communications, County Kildare-based Mongey Communications was chosen to provide the additional security surveillance protection measures necessary to secure the Pope’s visit to Dublin. With the massive crowds expected to see the pontiff, the temporary surveillance installation needed to be minimally disruptive and use mobile radio to provide the multi-scene coverage required during the two-day visit. Multi-site CCTV surveillance The camera images were to be used for co-ordination and management by multiple agencies To support an existing small-scale CCTV installation at the Pope’s final venue of Phoenix Park (the largest enclosed city park in Europe), there was a need for further camera coverage along the park’s approach routes, entrance/exit gates, search areas and general areas of crowd movement and congregation. A similar solution was also required for the Pope’s visit to the Knock Shrine pilgrimage site and the Capuchin Day Centre, where public space CCTV was again already in place but of limited overall coverage. Full integration with the existing CCTV system at the 82,300 capacity Croke Park stadium for a papal address to the Festival of Families extravaganza was also required, with communications and CCTV feeds from all locations required to be transmitted back to local on-site control rooms at each location, and additionally to a central Command and Control room at Dublin Castle. At the main Command and Control Centre, the camera images were to be used for co-ordination and management by multiple agencies, including the Office of Public works (OPW), Garda Síochána, Defence Forces Ireland, Dublin Fire Brigade, HSE / Ambulance Services and Civil Defence. High-definition video security to secure Phoenix Park  “With 300,000 people expected to attend a papal mass at Phoenix Park to close the World Meeting of Families, we were briefed to provide the very best possible reliability and imaging performance from the additional cameras we employed,” explains Kevin McGrath of Mongey Communications. We needed to be confident of camera reliability straight out of the box, along with simple and fast set-up" He further added, “With this in mind, we needed to be confident of camera reliability straight out of the box, along with simple and fast set-up, and quality high-definition video for forward transmission to the various control rooms. Our very positive experience of employing 360 Vision Technology cameras on many high-security installations in the past led us to be confident about the image and build quality of the manufacturer’s cameras, and product support.”  “So, to fulfil the challenges we faced for this high-profile project, we specified the latest version of 360 Vision’s Predator camera, and also their new cost-effective and ruggedised Invictus Hybrid HD PTZ camera.” 360 Vision Invictus Hybrid HD PTZ camera The new 360 Vision Invictus cameras specified for the project employ the latest compact camera modules with a choice of 20:1 or 30:1 zoom and are available with 1/2.8” Sony StarVis or 1/1.9” Sony Exmor (Ultra) sensor packages. Bridging the divide between analogue and IP technology, all Invictus cameras are equipped with Hybrid functionality enabling installation in existing analogue systems and also in full 1080P HD IP video streaming networks. Alongside ONVIF 2.4 Profile S compatibility, this means the Invictus range is not only economical, but simple to install, providing Mongey Communications engineers with a reliable, flexible and high- performance solution with which to enhance the existing electronic surveillance measures for the Pope’s 2018 visit. HD IP video streaming networks An upright camera mount design allows full 360-degree continuous pan and unobstructed field of view Further enhancing camera reliability for this important event, the new Invictus camera range design draws cost-effectively on features usually associated with very high-end cameras, including construction from high grade, hardened aluminium and stainless steel, to ensure a rugged, durable and compact camera. An upright camera mount design allows full 360-degree continuous pan and unobstructed field of view, plus the ability to tilt above the horizon – enabling operators to view targets above camera installation height (i.e. up hills) – an invaluable asset where cameras were being installed in the difficult installation and operational conditions of Phoenix Park. Technical relationship with 360 Vision Technology “Our decision to once again entrust the provision of the best technology available for the project to 360 Vision Technology was proven correct, and we had no issues of consequence with the installation, commissioning and performance of all the cameras - straight out of the box,” explains Kevin. “Because of the condensed set-up period available and challenging terrain of some of the installation areas, we had to act fast to ensure the successful inclusion and full control of the cameras for the multi-agency command and control room,” adds Kevin. “Here our technical relationship with 360 Vision Technology really paid dividends throughout this time-critical project, affording easy integration of all the additional cameras into the control room’s Cathexis VMS. Cathexis VMS Images from the cameras were relayed back to the various event control centres In all, over 60 additional 360 Vision Technology cameras were employed over the various sites throughout the Pope’s visit. With extensive digging and cabling not a practical option, images from the cameras were relayed back to the various event control centres via a network of reliable and secure microwave transmission links, powered by temporary generators and back-up batteries. “The new Invictus cameras were perfect for the role thanks to their low power consumption compared to other similar specification PTZ cameras,” explains Kevin. “Low power consumption really helps when adding multiple cameras to a network with a temporary power system - and meant we could add more cameras for the benefit of maximum scene coverage.” High-speed fibre-optic connectivity High-speed fibre-optic connectivity between the various remote sites and Dublin Castle was installed, together with video walls at the various control rooms. “The Pope’s visit was a great success with no security issues reported,” says Kevin. “Images relayed to the control room from the additional 360 Vision Technology cameras were vital in the smooth running of the visit and allowed all of the state agencies involved to keep a constant update on the movements of the vast crowds drawn over the pontiff’s two-day visit.” “Our long-term technical partnership with 360 Vision Technology and our direct input in to the development of their new products really pays off with high-profile projects like this,” concludes Kevin. “We have many new and exciting installation challenges on the horizon and I’m confident that 360 Vision Technology camera products will continue to be an integral part of those future projects.”

It took six years to remodel the interior of the ‘Palace of Culture’, a monument to socialism built in the 1960s under East German communist rule. Now Bosch is contributing intelligent solutions to make sure that visitors feel safe there, without detracting from its historic charm. It takes the right setting for culture to flourish. Various things are essential: an ambience in which visitors feel at ease, excellent acoustics, and flawless organisation. Now that the Palace of Culture has been completely renovated to ensure all of this, the city of Dresden boasts a new, modern venue for promoting the arts. Sophisticated security solutions The main auditorium seats 1,700 people, and the building as a whole can accommodate up to 2,800 A completely new, state-of-the-art auditorium is the heart of the building. It meets international standards with its striking architecture and top-notch acoustics, providing ideal conditions for the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra and all kinds of other musicians to give concerts. There is also a new municipal library branch, emphasising the Palace of Culture’s new, open character. Spacious lobbies containing a restaurant and ticket sales link all of the facilities and rooms with one another. Many of the events held here in central Dresden are sold out. The main auditorium seats 1,700 people, and the building as a whole can accommodate up to 2,800. Crowds like these call for sophisticated security solutions that can be smoothly integrated into the overall design. Cleverly integrated components “We wanted a cost-effective overall solution that would do justice to the Palace of Culture and its unique architecture,” says Steffen Meyer, the building’s manager. “We published an invitation to bid for the project and of all the applications we received, Bosch convinced us that they were right for the job.” The building experts from Bosch implemented a customised solution for the Palace of Culture with a host of cleverly integrated components for fire protection, evacuation, access control, video surveillance and building management. The result is a harmonious overall system that meets the entire range of security needs. “As a public facility where people gather, we have to comply with very strict fire protection rules,” explains Meyer. Invisible smoke detectors “We also had to meet some special requirements.” Since the Palace of Culture has protected status as a historic landmark, the appearance of the walls, ceilings and floors may not be noticeably altered. Security staff can also tell whether anyone is still in the building, an important piece of information in case it is ever necessary to evacuate it Now virtually invisible smoke detectors preserve the ambience of the concert hall. Special calculations were even carried out to avoid impairing its acoustics. Advanced video technology automatically counts visitors to prevent the building’s capacity from being exceeded. Security staff can also tell whether anyone is still in the building, an important piece of information in case it is ever necessary to evacuate it. Building integration system In critical situations, special speakers powerful enough to be heard over the orchestra or even a rock concert are lowered from the ceiling to make sure that everyone hears important announcements. All of the individual components are networked via the Building Integration System from Bosch. It makes it easy for the well-trained security guards to monitor and control everything. And to ensure that everything functions reliably in the long term, experts from the Bosch centre in Dresden will regularly check and service the system. Meyer stresses that “we don’t want our culture fans to run any risks.”

For more than seven decades, the name Porsche has been synonymous with quality and performance in automobiles. In 2018, the German automaker’s position and recognition around the world is unparalleled among luxury car brands, engendering consumer passion and loyalty that runs from admirers through collectors. Such qualities are proudly shared and returned around by those who represent the brand around the world, emblematic of the brand’s commitment to providing a sales and service experience as effortlessly exceptional as the vehicles themselves. Such commitment is the order of the day in Chandler, Arizona, where the family-owned and locally operated Porsche Chandler serves brand enthusiasts daily, showcasing a select range of new, certified and pre-owned Porsche models in a 36,500-square-foot facility, beautifully designed to feature both the majesty of the Porsche brand and the surrounding Arizona landscape. Camera surveillance solutions New and existing camera installations integrated seamlessly via IDIS’s DirectIP line of true plug-and-play network video recorders Porsche Chandler is known throughout Arizona for providing exceptional customer experiences, on behalf of a brand known globally for effortless, high-quality performance Scottsdalebased SARC Monitoring designed a security solution to match. Crafting and implementing an innovative virtual guarding solution that brought together powerful military, intelligence, and law enforcement expertise (and best practices) with equally powerful, next-generation surveillance technologies, SARC worked closely with dealership security personnel to comprehensively secure the full dealership space, including all personnel, visitors, around the clock, beyond the reach and capability of traditional manned guarding, video verification, and camera surveillance solutions. At the heart of SARC’s solution is IDIS technology. New and existing camera installations integrated seamlessly via IDIS’s DirectIP line of true plug-and-play network video recorders. Minimising downtime IDIS NVRs, designed to eliminate device compatibility issues through the support of multiple industry standards and 3rd party protocols, avoid the most common integration, compatibility, and installation challenges, preventing delays and minimising downtime. Multiple IDIS DR-8364(F) NVRs provide Porsche Chandler signature high-performance, and a user-friendly surveillance system that fully supports their existing IP camera infrastructure. The combination of cameras and recorders are installed, integrated with the dealership’s low-profile speaker system, and used by on-site personnel and SARC’s highly trained rapidresponse team of remote monitors to provide edge-to-edge comprehensive surveillance in support of security, analytics, and even business intelligence, including after hours. Situational awareness The presence of multiple security guards, large visible camera installations, at the levels required to cover the nearly 36,500 square foot indoor/outdoor In keeping with the tradition of effortless luxury experiences for Porsche customers, the sales environment is designed to facilitate a stress-free browsing, sales, and customer service experience for guests, seeking to offer a perfect balance of staff support for questions and transactions, with space to move and explore inventory and consider options without crowding, hassle, or pressure. The presence of multiple security guards, large visible camera installations, at the levels required to cover the nearly 36,500 square foot indoor/outdoor, multi-level and multi-purpose complex, would not ideally serve the dealership’s commitment to a seamless, low hassle, pleasant, and stress-free sales and customer-service environment. Porsche Chandler required a next-generation security and surveillance solution that would provide maximum visibility and facilitate full situational awareness by dealership management and security staff, comprehensively protecting both people and property, without unnecessary intrusion. Law enforcement fields SARC Monitoring’s unique and innovative virtual guarding model—which goes beyond traditional remote monitoring and video verification models by leveraging experienced personnel and best practices from the military and law enforcement fields, and incorporates latest-generation, feature-rich video surveillance technologies—now delivers round-the-clock coverage of Porsche Chandler’s sprawling indoor/outdoor complex, exceeding the typical capabilities of traditional security approaches to such spaces, while doing so at a significantly lower cost. Features enhancing the value and utility of the IDIS DR-8364(F) NVRs toward meeting Porsche Chandler’s security requirements and the needs of SARC Monitoring’s team of 24/7 remote monitoring and rapid response personnel, include the the DR-8364(F)’s support for 64 IP channels of 4K UHD (with a maximum incoming throughput of 900Mbps), meaning that fewer NVRs are needed to support large numbers of cameras now (and as added in the future). Ensuring data integrity Fewer devices mean less time spent on maintenance tasks and reduced complexity of the surveillance system. Support for H.265 with IDIS Intelligent Codec and Motion Adaptive Transmission (MAT) further reduces the need for additional bandwidth and storage upgrades, providing up to a 90% reduction in both bandwidth and storage utilisation, meaning more data can be transferred on existing cabling and saved in existing storage space. IDIS’s Critical Failover suite of features includes features such as RAID 5 storage redundancy, dual power supply redundancy, and NVR failover The included IDIS’s Critical Failover suite of features includes features such as RAID 5 storage redundancy, dual power supply redundancy, and NVR failover (which provides support for a standby NVR that continually monitors the primary NVR, taking over recording if the primary hardware fails), ensuring data integrity and system operation are automatically monitored and maintained, simplifying system support and maintenance tasks. Optimised security posture And the intuitive DR-8364(F) NVR interface, common to all IDIS products, minimised installation, training, and transition costs. IDIS’s unusual license-free software model, compatibility guarantees, and industry-leading warranty further minimises total costs for Porsche Chandler. “The comprehensive virtual guarding solution helps Porsche Chandler to achieve better security outcomes, keeping the people and property in our care safer than ever while still providing a seamless and non-intrusive customer experience. Our ability to achieve an optimised security posture at a lower total cost than traditional approaches means our dealership can keep security overhead low and invest as much as possible in both the customer experience and making great deals. It’s security as forward-thinking and high performance as our brand.”

With security and safety a major focus during the recent World Cup in Russia, IDIS surveillance technology was chosen for a surveillance upgrade at the 45,000 capacity Rostov Arena and the 35,000 capacity Kaliningrad Stadium. At both locations an IDIS Total Solution was installed with a total of 3000 IP cameras comprising full HD and H.265 models and PTZ cameras featuring Smart UX Controls v2.0, a range of full HD, true wide dynamic range (WDR), IR bullet cameras and full HD box cameras with all external cameras equipped to withstand Russia’s often harsh weather conditions. IDIS technology deployed at these response centres enabled security staff to rapidly detect and respond to any breach of health and safety, suspicious behaviour or terrorist threat IDIS Critical Failover to prevent data loss A centralised surveillance monitoring centre utilising an IDIS ultra-thin bezel 55” video wall delivered command and control of the two stadiums and allowed security staff to access 60 days of archived footage from 50 remote IDIS DR-8364 NVRs implemented at situational centres. IDIS technology deployed at these response centres enabled security staff to rapidly detect and respond to any breach of health and safety, suspicious behaviour or terrorist threat. For complete protection, IDIS Critical Failover was installed in order to prevent loss of vital recorded data during a range of fault conditions. The system automatically steps in to ensure continued recording in the event of network instability, network failure, storage failure, recorder hardware failure and power supply failure, in each case ensuring that no data is lost. Our advanced technology helped to ensure safety and security by preventing unauthorised intrusion" Preventing unauthorised intrusion "The IDIS surveillance system, installed inside and around the stadium gave security controllers a complete overview of the site and perimeter fences,” said Joon Jun, President of the Global Business Division of IDIS. “Our advanced technology helped to ensure safety and security by preventing unauthorised intrusion. "We are proud that our brand credibility and product stability has been recognised on the global stage at an event which was the focus of world attention. To safeguard thousands of visitors at these key venues, it was essential to use the most reliable technology including high-resolution surveillance cameras with waterproof and dustproof functions and a solution that prevented data loss in the event of network instability."

When a big security breach occurs, the phones start ringing at security companies, or so the expectation goes. The nature of security is that it takes a security breach, or even a high-profile tragedy, to convince managers of the need for security technology. When a school shooting occurs, schools take note. When terrorism strikes a soft target, other vulnerable institutions notice. Same for hospitals and airports and even nightclubs. When an event occurs, it gets attention that could translate into business for security companies of various types. But should security companies seek to capitalise on these opportunities? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Is it fair game for manufacturers or marketers to leverage recent violent incidents or terrorist attacks to promote sales of security systems or products?