Facial recognition systems

ClanTect, as part of the 3DX-RAY Ltd portfolio, has secured a significant contract to supply six ClanTect Human Presence Detection systems to support state border security operations in Eurasia. The award represents the first major contract secured by ClanTect since becoming part of 3DX-Ray and marks another important milestone in the continued international deployment of advanced clandestine detection technology. Intrusive inspection procedures ClanTect HPDS is designed to provide a fast, highly accurate, non-intrusive system for detecting the presence of human beings concealed within vehicles, trucks and trailers. The system uses a proprietary vibration detection methodology that distinguishes between external environmental vibrations and movement generated from within a vehicle, enabling highly effective screening without intrusive inspection procedures. The latest version of the ClanTect HPDS incorporates wireless sensor technology that enables multiple vehicles to be screened simultaneously, significantly increasing throughput at border checkpoints, ports and other security-critical locations. Security-critical locations ClanTect systems are already deployed at high-security prisons and border crossings around the world, including operations supporting the UK Border Force and Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The technology helps authorities detect clandestine entrants, fugitives, and other concealed persons hidden within commercial and private vehicles. Over the years, ClanTect systems have contributed to the detection of tens of thousands of clandestines and wanted individuals, helping border agencies strengthen security while improving operational efficiency and safeguarding human life. Non-intrusive screening Vincent Deery, Chief Executive Officer of 3DX-RAY Ltd, said: "This contract represents an important milestone for ClanTect within the 3DX-Ray family of products and a further endorsement of the operational effectiveness of the ClanTect human detection platform. Border agencies face the challenge of maintaining high levels of security while ensuring the efficient movement of legitimate trade and travellers. ClanTect HPDS is specifically designed to address that challenge, and we are pleased that we at 3DX-Ray are now able offer this vital capability, alongside our existing world class x-ray capability." "The award also demonstrates the continued confidence that border and security agencies place in proven, field-deployed technologies that provide fast, accurate and non-intrusive screening. We look forward to supporting the customer as these systems are deployed." Due to operational security considerations and customer requirements, no further details regarding the end user or deployment programme will be disclosed. See them in the ‘Counter Threat Pavilion’ at the International Security Expo, Olympia, 29-30 September 2026.

Nutanix, a hybrid cloud pioneer and AI platform company, announces its acquisition of Ryax Technologies (Ryax), an AI-driven compute orchestration and management platform company based in France. The acquisition will accelerate Nutanix’s strategy to empower enterprises to build, run, and govern agentic AI anywhere by integrating the Ryax platform’s advanced GPU utilisation and smart scheduling capabilities directly into Nutanix Kubernetes Platform (NKP) and Nutanix Enterprise AI (NAI). The rapid expansion of agentic AI is driving up the demand for efficient inference workloads across the enterprise. However, GPU shortages and fragmented infrastructure have led many organisations to split their compute footprint across private data centers, hyperscalers, and neoclouds to find available capacity. To make these deployments economically viable, enterprises need a unified hybrid cloud operating model that abstracts this complexity, simplifies operations, and maximises hardware efficiency. Maximising hardware efficiency Additionally, enterprises today often struggle to move AI projects from experimentation into production because of the significant infrastructure integration and manual configuration required. The Ryax platform is designed to resolve these challenges by automating the underlying infrastructure, data, hardware, and code to help customers deploy AI projects faster, more cost-effectively, and more reliably. With the Ryax platform, Nutanix is targeting two critical architectural capabilities for customers: Intelligent Resource Optimisation and AI-Aware Smart Scheduling. Intelligent Resource Optimisation: The Ryax platform enables customers to make the most effective use of available computing resources, such as GPUs and CPUs, to improve performance and reduce waste. Advance AI initiatives AI-Aware Smart Scheduling: Customers will be able to automatically place AI workloads on cost-effective hardware to help maximise performance and budget. Together, these capabilities are designed to help customers advance AI initiatives by improving infrastructure efficiency, managing costs, and making better use of available hardware. “The Ryax platform was built to give enterprises seamless execution across hybrid infrastructure, like private data centres, hyperscalers and neoclouds, handling the backend complexity so teams can deploy, scale and manage AI workflows from day one,” said Andry Razafinjatovo, CEO, Ryax Technologies. “By combining our technology and talented team with Nutanix and its hybrid cloud platform, we will further empower organisations to accelerate their agentic AI initiatives seamlessly, wherever their infrastructure lives.” Simplifying enterprise AI "Agentic AI requires a flexible architecture, simple operations and the ability to use infrastructure far more efficiently," said Rajiv Ramaswami, CEO of Nutanix. "Our acquisition of Ryax helps to directly answer the challenges enterprises face today with agentic AI infrastructure management. The acquisition marks an exciting milestone in our commitment to simplifying enterprise AI at scale. We are thrilled to welcome the talented Ryax team to Nutanix as we continue to deliver on our promise to help customers safely run AI, applications and data anywhere." Nutanix plans to integrate the Ryax platform into future releases of NKP and NAI. The Ryax team will join Nutanix in France and will continue to drive this transformative technology forward. The financial impact of the acquisition is not material to Nutanix.

iProov, the provider of biometric identity verification solutions, has published the Approval and Presence Specification (HAPS), an experimental procedural specification for managing AI Agents. HAPS is designed to help organisations verify that a human has approved a specific action before an AI agent is allowed to carry it out. Published on GitHub under the Apache-2.0 license, HAPS consists of a set of rules developed in direct response to the growing need for stronger governance and human oversight as AI agents become more capable of acting autonomously on behalf of their human approvers. Misused delegated credentials While containment failures like the July 2026 OpenAI Hugging Face breach draw the headlines, HAPS addresses agents that stay within their permissions, yet takes unintended actions, whether through prompt injection, excessive goal-seeking, or misused delegated credentials. AI agents can access tools and services, but that does not prove a human intended or approved the actions they take. As a prototype framework, HAPS is designed to let organisations and relying parties enforce verifiable human approval before critical actions can proceed. Agentic AI world “AI agents are moving rapidly from answering questions to taking actions on our behalf. As their autonomy and capabilities grow, governance must keep pace,” said Andrew Bud, founder and CEO of iProov. “We need to distinguish between an agent having permission to act and a human actually approving the specific action it is about to take. HAPS is a specification that makes that human approval verifiable. We’re publishing it openly at this experimental stage because the industry needs to solve this challenge together. We’re inviting the community to scrutinise it, challenge it, and build on it so together we can establish strong, practical safeguards for an agentic AI world.” Additional human approval HAPS is not intended to require human approval for every action an AI agent takes, as doing so would undermine the benefits of autonomy and risk creating approval fatigue. Instead, organisations decide which actions are sensitive and/or critical enough to require additional human approval and what level of evidence is appropriate. HAPS securely links the human’s approval to the specific action, allowing the organisation to check that the approval matches what the agent is actually asking to do. The HAPS specification, reference implementation, and test materials are available now on GitHub.

Godel Technologies (Godel) has announced a major strategic transformation of its business as it responds to the accelerating impact of artificial intelligence on the software engineering and technology services industry. The move represents one of the most significant changes in Godel’s history and will see the company evolve beyond the traditional software engineering services model on which it has built its business. AI-native approach Godel believes AI is fundamentally changing both how technology services are delivered and what businesses should expect from their technology partners. As a result, the company is repositioning around an AI-native approach designed to deliver greater speed, insight and measurable business outcomes for customers. The strategy will have a particular focus on the mid-market, where Godel believes AI has the potential to dramatically change the competitive landscape. Gareth Ainsworth, CEO of Godel Technologies, said; “AI isn’t simply another technology cycle. It is beginning to change the economics of our industry. For technology businesses like ours, there is a choice. We can use AI to make the traditional services model incrementally more efficient, or we can rethink what that model should look like altogether. We have chosen to rethink it. This is therefore much more than adding AI capabilities to our existing business. We are repositioning Godel around how we believe technology services will need to be delivered in an AI-native world.” Major enterprise technology programmes Godel believes the traditional relationship between the scale of a technology challenge and the people, time and cost required to solve it is beginning to break down. Historically, tackling complex technology and data problems has often required large teams, lengthy discovery programmes and significant investment. AI has the potential to radically compress that model. For Godel, this creates an opportunity to bring levels of insight, speed and capability previously associated with major enterprise technology programmes to a much broader section of the market. Ainsworth continued; “The mid-market is where this becomes particularly interesting. Many ambitious businesses face exactly the same technology and data challenges as much larger organisations, but they don’t necessarily have access to the same budgets, teams or resources. AI has the potential to change that equation. It can give these businesses access to levels of capability that historically would have required enormous investment. That is the opportunity we are building Godel around.” Traditional delivery models The new strategy also reflects Godel’s belief that the competitive advantage created by AI will not be evenly distributed. Companies able to understand, adopt and apply AI effectively will increasingly be able to move faster than larger competitors constrained by legacy technology, organisational complexity and traditional delivery models. This forms part of what Godel describes as a “fast eats slow” philosophy: the idea that the next generation of market leaders will be defined less by their size than by their ability to adapt and execute. Measurable business outcomes Godel’s approach will be built around three principles: working with businesses to adopt AI rather than imposing technology upon them; providing transparency rather than creating new technological black boxes; and focusing on measurable business outcomes rather than technology for technology’s sake. Its established engineering expertise will remain central to the business but will increasingly be applied through this new AI-native model. Ainsworth concluded: “We aren’t walking away from engineering. Quite the opposite. We are asking what world-class engineering looks like when AI becomes fundamental to how technology is understood, built and improved. We believe the answer will look very different from the traditional model.” “The businesses that recognise that early have an extraordinary opportunity. In the next technology cycle, being bigger won’t necessarily make you faster. And when technology is moving at this speed, fast eats slow.” Godel will reveal further details of its new proposition later this year.

Corelight, a pioneer in enabling the defensible AI SOC, today announced new solutions to accelerate the adoption of the AI SOC without surrendering the transparency, auditability, and control that network defence demands. Corelight released the Agent Builder Library and Natural Language Query to best leverage the speed and functionality of AI and address the state of constant vulnerability most enterprises now face. Corelight is also expanding its detection coverage beyond identifying which AI applications are in use to catching AI supply-chain compromise, anomalous AI activity, and stealth command-and-control (C2) and exfiltration — all feeding directly into the same expert-authored, auditable investigation logic behind its AI capabilities. Enterprise patching cycles Attackers are using AI models to accelerate vulnerability discovery and exploitation, compressing the window defenders have to respond. While typical enterprise patching cycles can still run from 60 to 150 days, the median time to exploit has fallen to roughly five days. In addition, with Mythos-class AI models, defenders are expecting to see vulnerabilities exploited before there is broad knowledge that there is even a hole to be patched. Faster patching simply is not the answer – AI-speed attacks require AI-speed defence. However, widespread adoption of AI in the SOC is progressing slower than attacker adoption of AI, held back by two persistent barriers: a network expertise gap and a query language expertise gap. Corelight’s latest release eliminates both. Network forensics knowledge "The instinct is to fight AI-speed attacks with AI-speed defense, and that's right. But speed without expertise is just fast guessing,” said Vijit Nair, senior vice president of product at Corelight. "We’ve packaged a decade of network forensics knowledge into building blocks that any AI agent can execute, whether it’s ours or the customer’s own. The result is an AI investigation that’s transparent enough for a skeptical analyst to verify line-by-line, accessible enough for a day-one hire to use immediately, and operational enough to put these agentically validated, pre-triaged threats directly in front of the human as quickly as possible.” Challenging cyber threat Corelight has spent more than a decade turning ground-truth network evidence into the standard that the most attacked, hardened security teams rely on. Earlier this year, Corelight also introduced Agentic triage, category-first AI capabilities that help modern SOCs automate the most repetitive tasks consuming security teams, dramatically improving analyst efficiency and speed while also building trust through complete transparency. This launch extends that same expertise into tools that let every SOC operate as elite network defenders, ready to combat the most challenging cyber threat in history. Corelight Agent Builder Library — Tackling the expertise barrier, Corelight provides a structured set of triage playbooks, field explanations, entity-pivoting guides, and investigation decision trees, distilled from more than a decade of Corelight's network forensics expertise. Because the logic is deterministic and documented rather than probabilistic, it is fully exportable — security teams can bring it into their own AI agents, SOAR workflows, or private LLM environments, including air-gapped and classified networks with no cloud connectivity. Natural Language Query (NLQ) — Addressing the query syntax barrier, Corelight lets analysts ask plain-English questions about network evidence and receive working, LogScale queries that are automatically validated and executed against their data. Orchestrated AI sub-agents analyse each question, build a query plan, and return results with full chain-of-thought reasoning visible to the analyst. The generated query is editable so analysts can learn from the construction and refine as needed – removing the need to learn specialised syntax before investigating. Primary evaluation criterion "Security teams are increasingly investigating the use of AI to combat the accelerating speed of threat actors who have been early adopters of the technology," said Andrew Braunberg, principal analyst, Omdia. "The ability to automate security workflows are quickly becoming expected capabilities in SecOps solutions but the tools that become widely adopted in the SOC will need to do more than just automate, they will need to document, evaluate, and explain. Inspectable logic that can run outside the vendor's cloud isn't a nice-to-have anymore; for a lot of buyers, especially in regulated and air-gapped environments, it's a primary evaluation criterion." Suspicious AI gateway Unlike AI investigation tools that operate as opaque scoring engines, every Corelight-generated verdict is traceable to the specific playbook invoked, the behavioural signals that triggered it, and the evidence that supports it — a distinction critical to both to skeptical analysts and to regulators. The capabilities are designed to support documented, defensible incident response under frameworks such as NIS2, DORA, SEC disclosure rules, and CMMC 2.0. Alongside these AI investigation capabilities, Corelight is expanding beyond identifying which AI applications are in use to detecting when AI-related activity becomes a security threat. New AI threat detections identify known AI supply-chain compromise indicators, suspicious AI gateway and provider activity, attacks against exposed AI infrastructure, and anomalous AI application behaviour. Combined with expanded behavioural analytics for command-and-control and data exfiltration, Corelight gives defenders visibility across both emerging AI threats and the broader attacker path. The expansion adds three capabilities aimed at threats that don't leave a signature behind. Detect known AI threats — Corelight identifies AI supply-chain compromise indicators, known exfiltration infrastructure, suspicious AI gateways and providers, and reconnaissance or exploitation attempts against exposed AI endpoints. Detect anomalous AI activity — Application anomaly detection surfaces new or unusual AI usage and behaviour that deviates from established patterns, helping analysts identify potentially compromised or misused AI applications even when no known signature exists. Detect stealth C2 and exfiltration — Corelight combines 31-day subnet-level destination history with per-host upload baselining to surface connections to never-before-seen countries and unusual outbound data transfers, exposing C2, staging, and data theft that static blocklists or thresholds can miss. Every signal generated by the expanded Anomaly Engine feeds directly into the Corelight Agent Builder Library's playbooks and into Agentic Triage, so behavioural detections don't just fire an alert — they trigger the same expert-authored investigation logic that produces an auditable, evidence-backed verdict.

Arctic Wolf®, the cybersecurity and AI company, announces the launch of Aurora MDR Connect, a new tier of Aurora Managed Detection and Response (MDR) built exclusively for managed service providers (MSPs). Powered by the Aurora Superintelligence Platform and the Aurora Agentic SOC that underpins Arctic Wolf’s flagship MDR, Aurora MDR Connect enables MSPs to extend modern security operations, including 24x7 detection, investigation, and pre-authorised response, to organisations of all sizes and stages of maturity.  The offering will help MSPs provide their customers with broader visibility and faster response with the backing of the Aurora Agentic SOC, which resolves investigations in seconds and validates every decision through the AI Trust Engine™, strengthening the MSP's role as a trusted security partner. AI-native security operations Attackers are increasingly operating at machine speed, using AI to compress the time defenders have to detect and respond. According to Arctic Wolf's 2026 AI and Cybersecurity Trends Report, 70% of security leaders believe an undetected threat has already led to a successful attack within their organisation. MSPs need that same speed and scale for their customers to support organisations of all stages of maturity. Yet, most MSPs still roll out robust MDR solutions to all segments of their business, solutions which tend to require hardware and in-depth tuning, leading to lengthy onboarding that slows every deployment. Aurora MDR Connect removes that complexity, giving MSPs a faster way to bring agentic, AI-native security operations to their entire customer base. With no network sensor to ship, rack, or configure, MSPs can deploy Aurora MDR Connect across customer environments within hours. High-touch delivery model Modern security operations require more than alerts from disconnected tools or visibility from a single source. Organisations need a unified approach that brings together visibility across the full attack surface, detects and responds to AI-powered threats, and provides the context and guidance needed to take action with confidence. That level of coverage has traditionally come through a premium, high-touch delivery model. Many MSP customers were left with endpoint-only protection instead, which does not give security analysts the full picture they need. Attackers take over accounts, compromise business email, deploy ransomware, and exfiltrate data across organisations of every size. Aurora MDR Connect closes that gap. Delivering stronger protection Purpose-built for the MSP operating model, Aurora MDR Connect provides streamlined access to the Aurora Superintelligence Platform and Aurora Agentic SOC, which together process more than 10 trillion security events each week, conduct more than 200,000 investigations weekly, and leverage an ecosystem of more than 250 integrations to deliver enterprise-grade security operations to organisations of all sizes. By ingesting telemetry from endpoint, network, cloud, identity, SaaS applications, and other sources, Aurora MDR Connect gives MSPs a more complete view of customer risk and enables detection and response across a broader attack surface. This provides MSPs the ability to give their customers access to solutions that move beyond endpoint-only security approaches and deliver stronger protection against modern threats while simplifying deployment and ongoing operations. Enterprise-grade protection "MSPs are one of the most important forces in cybersecurity today as they work with organisations to build resilience in the face of an increasingly complex threat landscape," said Will May, Chief Revenue Officer at Arctic Wolf. "Aurora MDR Connect gives MSPs a faster way to deliver the proven outcomes of the Aurora Superintelligence Platform across their customer base. Built specifically for how MSPs operate, it helps them scale security services, strengthen customer relationships, and bring enterprise-grade protection to organisations of every size without adding operational complexity.” With Aurora MDR Connect, MSPs manage the customer relationship and service delivery, while Arctic Wolf delivers the security operations, analytics, and response capabilities behind the partner. The result is a scalable security offering that enables partners to expand their security practice and support more customers without the cost, complexity, and overhead of staffing additional SOC analysts. Additional security value “MSPs operate in a business where trusted customer relationships and operational efficiency are equally important,” said Ben Bitterman, VP of MSP Sales at Arctic Wolf. “Aurora MDR Connect was built specifically for that reality. It combines the same detection and response foundation relied on by thousands of organisations with an operating model designed specifically for MSPs. Partners stay in control of the customer conversations that differentiate their business, and Arctic Wolf provides the security operations backbone. This is MDR purpose-built for MSPs.” Aurora MDR Connect also provides a clear path for MSP partners, enabling them to grow their business as their customers’ needs evolve. Because MDR Connect is built on the Aurora Superintelligence Platform, MSPs can seamlessly transition customers from Aurora MDR Connect to Aurora MDR while maintaining the same deployment and unlocking additional security value, including a named security team, deeper log retention, network sensor, or expanded Data Explorer. Stronger managed detection “Our customers have been asking for a stronger managed detection and response option that fits their specific needs,” said Ben Bowman, General Manager of Security at Marco Technologies, an Arctic Wolf MSP partner. “Aurora MDR Connect gives us exactly that. We finally have an MDR offering backed by real security operations, not just endpoint alerts, and it lets us bring a stronger security story to more of our customers.” Aurora MDR Connect is available now exclusively to MSPs that complete Arctic Wolf's technical validation and MSP training program. MSPs interested in adding Aurora MDR Connect to their portfolio can contact their Arctic Wolf partner manager.

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.

In logistics hubs, production facilities and distribution centres, the access control system is invisible—until it isn't. For decades, the 125 kHz card has been the workhorse of industrial credentialing: inexpensive, reliable and universally understood. It does exactly what it has always done. That consistency has served many organisations well, even as security needs and credential From authentication to smart buildings, gain expert insights about unified access. The same card technology that opened the warehouse gate in 2005 is opening it today. And while operations teams have upgraded conveyors, ERP systems and warehouse management platforms, the front door has often remained on technology selected for an earlier era. Major operational event Why? It is rarely about a lack of awareness. More often, organisations are balancing cost, time and operational risk. In a facility that never stops, a full systemwide upgrade can feel less like a routine project and more like a major operational event. The path forward is continuous modernisation: deploying an agile access layer that adapts to new security requirements and credential technologies over time, rather than replacing everything at once. Universal reader technology makes that possible, without the “Big Bang” shutdown. Why legacy systems can benefit from modernisation The 125 kHz card (also named proximity, prox or low-frequency) helped set a practical standard for convenience and broad compatibility, but many organisations are now evaluating where its security model can be improved by newer options: Increased cryptographic protection. Traditional low-frequency credentials transmit a fixed identifier, which can make them harder to align with today’s expectations for encrypted and dynamic authentication. Increased credential validation. Traditional proximity systems do not provide the kind of mutual authentication or challenge‑response mechanisms that are increasingly common in newer credential platforms. Better protection from duplication/cloning. Because the credential model is comparatively simple, 125 kHz cards present fewer barriers to duplication or cloning than modern encrypted credentials which are inherently designed to better distinguish authorised users from copied identifies. An opportunity to secure the full path. Many legacy deployments also rely on Wiegand communication between reader and controller, creating a strong case for modernisation to encrypted, supervised protocols that help protect credential data in transit. Keeping the interoperability benefit of Prox. Newer open standard provides the same interoperability benefits while addressing improved security. The opportunity for the front door At the same time, security teams face an expanding threat landscape and compliance requirements A traditional access control upgrade is not just a technology swap. It means new readers at every door, new credentials issued to every employee and contractor, platform reconfiguration and installation labor across a facility that cannot afford to stop. Against that backdrop, the rational choice is often to do nothing. At the same time, security teams face an expanding threat landscape and compliance requirements that increasingly demand encrypted credentials. And with Apple Wallet corporate badges and BLE mobile credentials moving into the mainstream, employees and contractors will soon expect to use their phone as their badge, at least as an option if not the primary means of credential presentation. Four specific friction points keep organisations locked in place long after they know they should move. The logistical bottleneck - Replacing a proximity-based system has traditionally meant doing everything at once: new readers, new credentials, new platform configuration, every employee and contractor rebadged before the cutover date. For a site running 24/7 with extensive staff and rotating contractors, that isn’t just an upgrade. It’s a logistical nightmare requiring a hard shutdown. The rebadging event alone, coordinating hundreds or thousands of people through a credential transition on a fixed timeline, can consume weeks of HR and security operations bandwidth. The Credential Soup - Most logistics organisations are not running one clean credential population. They are running three or four: legacy prox for permanent staff, a different format inherited from an acquisition, a contractor badge system managed by a third party, a mobile pilot that never fully rolled out. None of them talk to each other, and no single reader handles all of them. Frozen Infrastructure - Static readers support only the credential formats they shipped with or have limited format support for updates. When a new vulnerability is disclosed or a new mobile standard is released, the hardware has no path to adapt. The only option is physical replacement, which means another capital project, more installation labour, and the same shutdown risk all over again. The Cyber-Physical Gap - IT departments run zero-trust architectures and encrypt everything on the network. Then the same organisation unlocks its server room with a Wiegand-protocol reader transmitting credentials in plain text. The IT security perimeter ends at the network edge. The physical front door is a different conversation entirely, and often nobody's budget. The way forward: Continuous modernisation of access credentials A continuous modernisation plan is both easier and more cost-effective than a one-time “rip-and-replace” event The answer to the Big Bang problem is not a better-planned Big Bang. It is a fundamentally different approach to access infrastructure that treats modernisation as an ongoing capability rather than a one-time event. A continuous modernisation plan is both easier and more cost-effective than a one-time “rip-and-replace” event. It significantly lowers the labour and logistical costs of rebadging the entire organisation at once and eliminates the need for forced downtime entirely. Instead, organisations upgrade incrementally (by site, by department, or as credentials expire), keeping operations running and spreading costs over time. And with future-proof universal reader technology, the reader stops being a fixed asset and becomes a platform that continues to evolve as needs change. Start with a universal infrastructure The foundation of continuous modernisation is a universal reader that can handle whatever credentials are already in the building (legacy proximity, modern smart cards, mobile credentials) while remaining ready for whatever comes next. As access technologies continue to evolve, support for additional credential formats and security approaches can be added through firmware updates rather than hardware replacement, ensuring a secure and future-proof access system. The burden can further be eased by the use of a universal credential that can support existing formats along with new formats, enabling the credentials to work on existing readers as well as new readers. Let old and new credentials coexist Legacy 125 kHz cards continue to function in parallel until the organisation is ready to retire them With a multi-technology reader in place, the rebadging process becomes a rolling transition rather than a synchronised event. New employees get modern credentials from day one. Existing staff transition as badges are renewed or departments are prioritised. Legacy 125 kHz cards continue to function in parallel until the organisation is ready to retire them. Eventually, 125 kHz support or insecure credential support can be switched off, cleanly and deliberately, via a remote firmware update. That means no forced downtime, and no mass confusion at the turnstiles. This applies equally to secure migration to either modern symmetric credentials (such as HID Seos or LEAF) or emerging asymmetric credentials (such as PKOC, Aliro or LEAF Verified). Secure the whole chain, not just the card Upgrading credentials without addressing the communication layer is only half the job. Moving from Wiegand to OSDP Secure Channel (a bidirectional, AES-128 encrypted protocol) closes the replay attack vulnerability and adds tamper detection between reader and controller. Modern credentials and a secure communication layer together protect the entire authentication chain, from the card or smartphone all the way to the access control platform. This becomes critical when the reader is handling the decryption of a secure credential and then communicating to the panel in clear text. OSDP encrypts this last step of communication, while also offering industry best practices for managing reader devices. Choose infrastructure that doesn't choose for you Interoperability is not just a convenience feature. It is a strategic asset Interoperability is not just a convenience feature. It is a strategic asset. A facility running universal reader infrastructure compatible with most transponder technologies and credential formats (physical and mobile) is insulated from vendor lock-in and the next credential transition. Universal readers also act as merger-and-acquisition insurance: when a company acquires a facility running a different badge system or a contractor arrives with an unfamiliar card format, existing readers can be configured to accept the new credentials from day one. As access technologies and credential standards continue to evolve, organisations with adaptable reader infrastructure will absorb that shift as a firmware update. Those without it will face another capital project. A market in motion: beyond legacy credentials Emerging open standards (which reduce vendor dependency) and widely adopted proprietary platforms are both moving the market toward stronger cryptography. These credentials can be delivered on physical smart cards, mobile devices or both. Organisations selecting reader infrastructure today should ensure it is prepared to support this transition without requiring a hardware swap. Several initiatives are gaining significant traction: LEAF Identity: An interoperable credential framework built on strong symmetric encryption, already deployed across a meaningful number of installations and a proven replacement path for legacy proximity systems LEAF Verified: A next‑generation physical access credential platform built on NXP’s MIFARE DUOX that uses public‑key cryptography to eliminate traditional shared key management and enable interoperable, vendor‑neutral access control. PKOC (Public Key Open Credential): An open, vendor-agnostic credential specification from the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance using asymmetric public key cryptography, in which the private key never leaves the device and a derivative of the public key is the credential Aliro: An open mobile-first credential standard released in February 2026 by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organisation behind the Matter smart home standard. Backed by Apple, Google, Samsung, and 220+ industry members providing native wallet, offline device support and mailbox features on top of asymmetric public key cryptography. HID Seos: A widely deployed proprietary credential platform that continues to drive responsible, large-scale secure symmetric-based encrypted deployments across small to enterprise environments for both card and mobile deployment, including wallet. Security that scales The same principles apply equally to a single site or a logistics operator running 5,000 employees The same principles apply equally to a single site or a logistics operator running 5,000 employees across a dozen sites. Because no single cutover date is required, a large organisation can sequence the migration by site, by department or by credential expiry cycle. The operational risk that makes a traditional upgrade unthinkable at scale becomes manageable when the transition is invisible to the people walking through the doors. The pressure to act is reaching a tipping point. Apple Wallet corporate badges and BLE mobile credentials are arriving in earnest in 2026, as well as asymmetric smart card options. These technologies are rapidly moving from isolated pilots into mainstream enterprise deployment across logistics, manufacturing and production environments. Evolve security infrastructure Organisations that have already invested in universal reader and credential infrastructure that is firmware-updateable and mobile-ready will absorb that shift without a second thought. Those that haven't will face another rip-and-replace decision just as the mobile credential wave hits. Organisations that have already invested in universal reader and credential infrastructure Continuous modernisation is not a one-time project. It is a permanent capability: the ability to evolve security infrastructure at the organisation's own pace, without forced downtime, without mass rebadging events, and without being held hostage to the next credential transition. Organisations that build that capability today are not just solving a security problem. They are future-proofing the way their facilities move. Universal access from ELATEC ELATEC's TWN4 universal readers are built on an agnostic design strategy: multi-technology, multi-frequency, and software-configurable, so organisations are not locked into a single credential technology or vendor. Key capabilities across the TWN4 family: Support for 100+ physical and mobile credentials and 60+ transponder technologies RFID, NFC, and BLE in a single reader platform Software-configurable via the ELATEC DevPack: credential formats, encryption settings, and security protocols can be updated remotely without hardware replacement Supports backward and forward compatibility as new standards emerge Available in a range of form factors for door access, desktop enrollment, OEM integration, and industrial applications

It has been 10 years since the European Union adopted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), triggering a fundamental overhaul of data protection and privacy law. Today, GDPR is embedded in the day-to-day operations of organisations working with, or within, EU member states. GDPR was introduced in recognition that the world had changed profoundly and that existing data protection laws were no longer adequate in an increasingly digital and interconnected environment. The regulation was also designed to be forward-looking, providing a framework capable of governing innovation and emerging technologies. However, the rapid growth of AI-driven applications is prompting national data protection authorities to revise guidance for systems that process personal data. AI-driven applications Some of this innovation was already gaining momentum before GDPR, most notably body-worn video, which was being tested and deployed primarily by police forces. At the same time, more advanced projects, such as live streaming, were receiving funding, while organisations across the public and private sectors moved quickly to achieve compliance ahead of the regulation’s entry into force in 2018. Today, body-worn video is widely used by police forces in the U.K., France, Germany and Italy Today, body-worn video is widely used by police forces in the U.K., France, Germany and Italy, with adoption continuing to grow elsewhere. Uptake in commercial environments is more uneven. Some member states apply stricter rules than others, particularly around whether and how the technology may be used, and whether it infringes the rights of workers or members of the public. Facial recognition systems These concerns are amplified in relation to live facial recognition. In the U.K., no longer an EU member state but still aligned with GDPR, the government is encouraging police use of the technology and concluded a consultation on a new legal framework in February 2026. While reported deployments have been positive, the technology remains controversial and continues to attract opposition from civil liberties groups. The picture is further complicated by the fact that many facial recognition systems rely on AI. As a result, they may breach the EU AI Act, which entered into force in 2024 and largely prohibits real-time biometric identification in public spaces. Complex video environments This capability is critical not only for operational needs but also for responding to DSARs Over the past decade, video use across Europe has expanded significantly, encompassing CCTV, body-worn video, smartphone footage and video doorbells. At the same time, major advances in technology now allow security professionals to manage larger and more complex video environments while remaining compliant with GDPR. Modern video management systems (VMS) are a clear example. Security control room operators, whether on site or working from centralised locations, can now retrieve relevant footage quickly and efficiently. This capability is critical not only for operational needs but also for responding to data subject access requests (DSARs), which require organisations to provide personal data on request, within reasonable limits, or for sharing footage with law enforcement during investigations. Hybrid video environments Masking and blurring technologies have also improved significantly, reducing the time and effort required to redact footage before it is shared, either digitally or physically. Because GDPR applies to both public and private sector organisations, redaction requirements also apply when footage is shared with police. However, the economic and operational benefits of these systems have driven greater transparency The shift from on premises systems to cloud-based and hybrid video environments has introduced new challenges, particularly around data residency and the risk of EU citizens’ personal data being stored outside GDPR jurisdiction. However, the economic and operational benefits of these systems have driven greater transparency and the development of stronger controls, enabling organisations to adopt them with greater confidence. Delivering meaningful protections GDPR replaced the EU’s 1995 Data Protection Directive. In the 21 years between that directive and GDPR’s adoption, the world moved decisively from analogue to digital. Ten years on, the regulation has proved resilient in delivering meaningful protections for EU citizens’ personal data. While there have been several high-profile fines related to CCTV use, some exceeding €10 million, the security industry has adapted effectively. Challenges, debate and controversy will undoubtedly continue as AI creates new opportunities to enhance safety and security operations. Taken together, GDPR and the EU AI Act provide a robust legal framework that allows security professionals to innovate while maintaining strong safeguards for privacy and data protection.

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.

An attention-grabbing exhibit at GSX 2024 in Orlando involved a robot dog that could open a door.  Boston Dynamics robot dog ASSA ABLOY impressed attendees with the robotics demonstration, featuring the Boston Dynamics robot dog that could open a door using either an HID credential or a mechanical grip. This innovation represents a shift toward more autonomous security solutions and is suitable for environments where human access may be limited. ASSA ABLOY impressed attendees with the Boston Dynamics robot dog Operational efficiency Eye-catching exhibits at the GSX in Orlando, showcasing the future of security technology It was one of many eye-catching exhibits at the GSX in Orlando, showcasing the future of security technology, and offering practical solutions to the industry's challenges.  For security professionals, the advancements presented opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and to maintain a proactive stance in a rapidly evolving market.  Control ID face identification Alongside their robot demonstration, ASSA ABLOY also highlighted the Control ID Face Identification.  Access Controller, providing advanced facial recognition access control. From identity management to AI-driven surveillance systems, GSX 2024 offered a glimpse into the tools that can streamline processes, increase security, and reduce costs. Here are some other highlights. ASSA ABLOY also highlighted the Control ID Face Identification More integration with critical infrastructure  A major theme at GSX 2024 was the increasing integration of security solutions with critical infrastructure. ALCEA (formerly ASSA ABLOY Critical Infrastructure) is an example. Their globalised software solution ALWIN is designed for managing access control, visitor management, and other security factors across multiple locations. ALCEA's approach involves not only internal collaborations within ASSA ABLOY but also partnerships with external organisations. An example of innovation is the Neenah Foundry lockable manhole cover, blending safety and security. Solving identity management challenges  The solution simplifies onboarding and access request changes while ensuring compliance with policies Identity management continues to be a key focus in the security sector, and AMAG Technology addresses this need with its Symmetry Connect product. The solution simplifies onboarding and access request changes while ensuring compliance with policies. For professionals overseeing identity access management, Symmetry Connect provides a streamlined, automated approach, reducing human error and increasing operational efficiency. AMAG also sees a growing demand for efficient visitor management systems, especially in the post-COVID landscape. AMAG’s products cater to the need for enhanced security without overburdening staff.  AI and cloud-based surveillance solutions  Axis Communications highlighted its advancements in AI and cloud-based video management systems with its AXIS Camera Station Edge and Pro products. These solutions can connect seamlessly to cloud systems, providing security professionals with easy access to surveillance data anywhere. With the increasing need for centralised management, Axis’s offerings ensure that security teams can efficiently manage surveillance with minimal infrastructure. Axis also showcased its commitment to AI-driven analytics based on superior video quality. There were also networked audio solutions for public announcements and background music, among other uses. Body-worn cameras for corporate and healthcare uses  Traditionally focused on law enforcement, Axon is now expanding its body-worn cameras and TASER technology into corporate, retail and healthcare environments. Their Axon Body Workforce camera is a practical solution for protecting frontline workers in high-risk environments.  Axon also introduced drone-based solutions for real-time aerial awareness Axon also introduced drone-based solutions for real-time aerial awareness, a significant benefit for large campuses or remote locations. As more industries adopt corporate surveillance systems, Axon’s offerings provide flexible, scalable solutions that address the need for real-time, actionable intelligence.  Cloud-based access for smart buildings  Brivo’s native cloud systems and flexible credentials offer practical, future-proof security options Brivo showcased how cloud technology is revolutionising access control by offering systems that integrate seamlessly with other smart building platforms. Their open API approach enables collaboration with IT teams, bridging the gap between physical security and IT management. Brivo’s new partnership with Comcast Smart Solutions illustrates how large enterprises can implement advanced solutions, including access control while maintaining flexibility. For professionals managing complex building environments, Brivo’s native cloud systems and flexible credentials offer practical, future-proof security options.  AI-powered multi-sensor camera  Hanwha focused on an AI-powered multi-sensor camera, equipped with an NVIDIA processor capable of running complex analytics. In addition, Hanwha’s new AI camera technology can process multiple video streams simultaneously, either stream from its sensors or outside cameras, enabling better tracking of objects in complex environments. Their eight-channel AI Box, which converts legacy cameras into AI-enabled devices, is an attractive solution for professionals seeking to upgrade existing systems without the need for complete overhauls. For security teams looking to enhance situational awareness, Hanwha’s AI-based offerings provide advanced, scalable solutions.  Workflow management and hybrid cloud security  Genetec continued the theme of integrated solutions with their Operations Centre module for Security Centre, which consolidates work management into a single platform. Built on lean management principles, this system simplifies workflow for security professionals, promoting real-time collaboration across mobile and web platforms. As the industry shifts from on-premises systems to hybrid cloud solutions, Genetec’s products provide seamless transitions for organisations. Their new SaaS Security Centre also allows for natural language video searches in multiple languages, making it easier for global teams to manage operations across locations.  Simplifying remote surveillance  The company’s focus on scalability and efficiency is demonstrated by the “Eagle Eye Complete” subscription service Eagle Eye Networks showcased their continued international expansion, highlighting a new data centre opening in Saudi Arabia and new hiring initiatives in Australia and Europe. Their “Eagle Eye Anywhere” solar-powered camera system exemplifies the move towards flexible, easy-to-install solutions that can be deployed in remote locations. Integrators benefit from simplified maintenance through remote management, reducing the need for on-site support and ensuring operational continuity. The company’s focus on scalability and efficiency, as demonstrated by the “Eagle Eye Complete” subscription service, reflects the broader industry’s shift toward managed security services.  Tailored solutions for commercial clients  Everon continues its transition away from its former identity as ADT Commercial. Claiming the status of a competitive commercial integrator, Everon is reinventing itself by offering customised billing and monitoring solutions for a range of industries. Their cloud-based business intelligence platform, which combines video surveillance with data analysis, is aimed at enhancing operational awareness by detecting anomalies such as OSHA violations or retail point-of-sale exceptions. With AI-driven dashboards, clients can customise their security solutions to meet specific needs, reflecting a growing demand for tailored, data-driven security applications.  Innovation through cloud and mobile LenelS2 is part of Honeywell, and they emphasised their investment in cloud and mobile solutions at GSX 2024. Their "Enterprise OnGuard Cloud" platform, launched in June 2024, is a testament to the growing demand for cloud-enabled access control systems. With the addition of NFC-enabled Blue Diamond credentials, LenelS2 is pushing towards smarter, more secure mobile access options. The strategic combination of Lenel’s solutions with Honeywell’s infrastructure offers users enhanced engineering capabilities and global reach. This reflects a broader market trend of integrating mobile devices into physical security protocols.  Bringing AI to everyday security LPR system, combined with their Searchlight Cloud Analytics, offers a powerful tool for identifying security risks March Networks highlighted their new AI-driven smart search feature, designed to help security teams quickly detect operational anomalies in retail and financial environments. From identifying misplaced cash in quick-service restaurants (QSRs) to detecting "jackpotting" attacks on ATMs, their solution highlights the increasing importance of AI in enhancing both security and operational efficiency. Their Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) system, combined with their Searchlight Cloud Analytics, offers a powerful tool for identifying and responding to security risks in real-time, emphasising the practicality of AI in daily security operations.  Driving sustainability in security  Securitas showcased its commitment to sustainability, a growing concern for businesses across all industries. By providing CO2 data for clients and promoting digital tools like mobile credentials, Securitas is leading the charge in creating greener, more sustainable security solutions. Their focus on remote services and occupancy insights offers companies a way to reduce their environmental impact while enhancing security operations. The company’s alignment with science-based targets and circular economy practices signifies the increasing role sustainability will play in the security sector.  Future lies in integration  The GSX 2024 trade show revealed that the future of security lies in intelligent integration, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-based management systems. The innovations presented will help security professionals streamline their operations, enhance situational awareness, and future-proof their systems. As these technologies continue to evolve, professionals must stay informed about the latest advancements to maintain a competitive edge in the security marketplace. GSX was a great place to start. At the end of the day at GSX, it wasn’t just the robot dog that was opening doors …. to the future of security systems. {##Poll1727925373 - Of the important factors highlighted at GSX 2024, which do you consider most when adopting new security solutions?##}

ISC West 2024 mirrored a vibrant industry on the precipice of accelerated change. Factors such as the cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, and biometrics are shaping the future of the security marketplace, and they were front-and-centre at the industry’s biggest U.S. show in Las Vegas.  Foot traffic was steady and impressive, including more than 29,000 security industry professionals viewing 750 exhibitors. A torrent of eager attendees crowded the lobby on the first day and could not wait for the doors to open. When they were admitted, the wealth of technological innovation and business opportunity did not disappoint. Focus on cloud systems Cloud systems were high-profile at ISC West. Camera manufacturer Axis, for example, introduced their Axis Cloud Connect at a press conference. Meanwhile, Genetec officially launched their Security Centre SaaS platform, which aims at eliminating points of friction to enable integrators to easily embrace cloud systems from quoting and ordering to provisioning and installing.  Camera manufacturer Axis, for example, introduced their Axis Cloud Connect at a press conference Cloud provider Eagle Eye Networks promoted their new “Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing” technology under which both non-Eagle Eye Cloud VMS customers (via Eagle Eye 911 Public Safety Camera Sharing) and Eagle Eye customers can opt to share their video feeds for use by 911 operators in case of emergency. If users opt-in, 911 operators can have access to live video as an emergency unfolds. Eagle Eye Networks provides the feature by integrating with RapidSOS call centre software. Camera locations are based on geolocation coordinates, and customers can choose if they want to participate and which cameras they want to share. Biometrics in the mainstream Biometrics were well represented at ISC West, including Alcatraz AI, which introduced an outdoor version of their biometric face recognition product. The Rock X works well despite harsh lighting. Alcatraz’s products do not have to be integrated, they communicate just like a card reader using OSDP or Wiegand protocol. “At the show, customers are excited about moving to a frictionless environment and getting rid of existing credentialing,” said Tina D’Agostin, CEO and co-founder of Alcatraz. “We are making access control frictionless, secure and private. The experience can be as passive as possible – people can just walk in.” Multiple types of authentication, and the ability to detect tailgating and stream video SAFR from Real Networks also featured biometric face recognition, emphasising feature sets, convenience, and price/performance. They offer multiple types of authentication, and the ability to detect tailgating and stream video. A new device is a small mullion mount that is “approaching the price of a card reader, factoring in the need to purchase cards,” said Brad Donaldson, Vice President and General Manager. SAFR focuses on convenience: You don’t have to take out your phone to pass through a door. Enrolment is easy by incorporating existing databases, and costs are lower than competitors, said Donaldson. The system analyses multiple points on the face, turns it into data and then encrypts it, providing a “unique signature for each person.”  Credentials in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet AMAG Technology announced the compatibility of credentials with the Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. The company is also embracing a new strategic direction under President David Sullivan. They launched a new website in January, are developing dynamic resources and a partner page, and they now integrate with 120 tech partners. AMAG Technology Financial Services now enables their channel partners to offer leasing and financing options to customers. The big new booth at ISC West reflected an effort to “market different and look different,” according to the company. The big new booth at ISC West reflected an effort to “market different and look different" The new Symmetry Control Room, a command-and-control system, is a relaunch of an earlier AMAG product with enhanced features. Suitable for large enterprise customers, the software enables a big video wall to display all the various systems and incorporates all the data into a single “pane of glass.” Operators can “draw a lasso” around cameras they want to display on the video wall and can follow action across multiple camera feeds.  Navigating megatrends A breakfast meeting for integrators, sponsored by Assa Abloy Opening Solutions, was built around the theme “Navigating Megatrends for Sustainable Growth." The megatrends are artificial intelligence, sustainability and cybersecurity. Related to cybersecurity, there are 350 common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVE) published per week, reflecting the continuing threat to cybersecurity. Physical security has a “data lake” of information from various physical security systems that can be an attractive target for cybersecurity breaches. Data sets can be exploited and/or poisoned. The security industry needs to apply “defence in depth” to the challenges of protecting data. “The threat landscape is always changing, and security technology is an iterative process,” said Antoinette King, i-PRO’s head of cyber convergence, one of the panellists. Natural language systems Natural language systems are a newer approach making an early appearance at ISC West Natural language systems are a newer approach making an early appearance at ISC West. Brivo, for example, has an early prototype of its “natural language search capabilities” that can answer questions such as “Who is in the office?” or “Where is Bob and what has he done?” Brivo also promoted its all-in-one door station device that combines a card reader and a camera (for facial authentication) and serves as a video intercom, thus eliminating the need for multiple devices at the door. Brivo is also emphasising tailgate prevention, facial authentication, and people counting using AI at the edge. Also promoting natural language systems was Verkada, which unveiled a beta version of its AI Search feature that embraces national language capabilities. With AI Search, users will soon be able to use natural language to search for people or items. For example, a search could be “person climbing over a fence” or “person making phone call” or “person wearing football jersey.” Verkada wants to be thoughtful with the rollout and make sure effective guardrails are implemented to prevent abuse and bias. The release should happen in the coming months. Multi-family applications Allegion is promoting the XE360 hardware lock platform in various formats, including cylindrical lock, mortise lock, deadbolt and exit trim. At the show, Allegion noted an enthusiasm for multi-family applications. “We have been surprised by the people who want to add electronics and to retrofit existing multi-family facilities to compete with newer facilities,” said Henry “Butch” Holland, Allegion’s Regional Director, Channel Sales East Region. Allegion works with 60 different physical access control software providers, including familiar players such as LenelS2 and Genetec Allegion also offers an “indicator” display on its locks, showing at a glance whether a door is locked or unlocked. The “indicator” might also display “occupied” or “vacant.” Allegion works with 60 different physical access control software providers, including familiar players such as LenelS2 and Genetec.  Integrator M&A trends Everon looks for acquisitions in areas where they do not currently have support for national accounts A conversation with Everon at ISC West provided insights into the accelerating trend of mergers and acquisitions among the integrator community. Everon, formerly ADT Commercial, has done six acquisitions of local integrators since they changed their name last year. In targeting companies to acquire, they look for a good company with a good reputation, and they consider how the new company’s competencies complement their own. Some M&A strategy is geographic, as Everon looks for acquisitions in areas where they do not currently have support for national accounts. They also consider density, seeking to add new acquisitions in larger markets where they don’t currently have a big market share. “A lot of investment is coming into security because it is seen by investors as recession-proof,” said Michael Kennedy, VP, Mergers and Acquisitions, for Everon. Kennedy met with 95 businesses last year for possible acquisition, and the company only finalised a handful – reflecting that Everon is selective and careful that corporate cultures are aligned. “With an acquisition, the goal is to keep every customer and every employee,” said Kennedy. Voice of the customer  ISC West provides an opportunity for manufacturers to listen to the “voice of the customer;” in person, no less. “We have every kind of problem come to the booth,” commented Heather Torrey, Honeywell’s General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas. “People are passionate, interested and very specific with their questions and comments,” she said. “We are driving a complete system, but we are flexible, helping our customers to meet their needs and not try to fit every foot into the same shoe. Sometimes meeting customer needs involves working with competitors," Torrey commented. “It truly comes back to listening to the customer, not just ‘this is what we have to offer,’” she adds. ISC West provides an opportunity for manufacturers to listen to the “voice of the customer;” in person, no less. Edge applications are everywhere at ISC West, and one company is promoting a new approach to expand functionality at the edge. Camera company i-PRO advocates the use of the “Docker” platform for app development, an option they offer on their cameras. Docker “containers” package deep-learning algorithms to make it easier to embed software into edge devices. Anyone can run Docker apps on i-PRO cameras that use the powerful Ambarella chip. A Docker “swarm” can combine multiple edge devices to work together and share resources. For example, the approach can increase computing power at the edge to increase the capabilities of instant analytics. It’s faster and provides better redundancies. A “distributed computing platform” ensures less latency than communicating analytics to a central server.  Unification of capabilities Johnson Controls (JCI) also promotes the trend of combining multiple systems into a single pane of glass. Their “Open Blue” platform, with a security version unveiled at the show, integrates various security systems into one, combining data and monitoring device health.  Basically, the system manages all resources holistically. JCI also notes a trend toward “unification of capabilities,” e.g., combining access control and video. “The scope of security is evolving from a focus on protection to a broader focus on operations,” commented Julie M. Brandt, JCI’s President, Building Solutions North America.

In a move to modernise campus operations and create a smoother experience for students and staff, Peru’s National Agrarian University has deployed a comprehensive Hikvision smart campus solution. From streamlined access to safer transportation, the university is building a safer, connected and efficient campus environment. Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (National Agrarian University) is one of Peru's most respected academic institutions. Its 102-hectare campus operates more like a small city than a traditional university, serving eight faculties, around 8,000 students, and about 600 teachers every day. Campus bus operations As campus activity continued to grow, the university wanted a more modern and efficient way to manage daily operations. Previously, visitor and vehicle access relied heavily on manual checks and handwritten records. The university also wanted better visibility over campus bus operations and more effective support for security teams patrolling the large campus area. Their goals included: Streamlining pedestrian and vehicle access Equipping patrol teams with mobile tools to enable them to respond to incidents faster Enhancing safety and visibility across campus bus operations Centralising management through a single unified platform To achieve these, the university worked with system integrator Consorcio Valtar Security y Serinfortel to deploy a unified Hikvision smart campus solution. Anti-tailgating functions To improve pedestrian access, the university installed 18 Hikvision Pro Swing Barriers (DS-K3B530X) and 28 Face Recognition Terminals (DS-K5671-ZV) at the main and side entrances. The solution helps students and staff move through gates quickly while improving entry management. The facial recognition terminals support recognition speeds of less than 0.2 seconds per user and accuracy rates above 99%. Anti-tailgating functions, which prevent people slipping in behind others, helps ensure only authorised individuals can enter. LED indicators, meanwhile, provide visual indicators guide people through the turnstiles in order to avoid bottlenecks. To further streamline visitor handling, the university deployed a Visitor Terminal (DS-K5032-D) together with an Enrolments Station (DS-K1F600U-D6E-F) at the main entrance. The dual-screen visitor terminal supports paperless registration, helping security staff process guests more efficiently while reducing manual paperwork. At the same time, the enrolment station simplifies face enrolment and user management through an easy-to-use touch-screen interface. Anti-hitting protection mechanisms For vehicle access, Hikvision deployed 6 ANPR Cameras (DS-TCG406-E(S)) together with 6 Barrier Gates (DS-TMG520-H/B) at two campus entrances. The system automatically recognises license plates and manages vehicle access in real time, helping reduce waiting times and improve traffic flow. Staff vehicles can be pre-registered through the university’s app, allowing smoother entry during peak hours. Adjustable barrier speeds and multiple anti-hitting protection mechanisms also help improve operational safety. To further improve the driver experience, LED Screens (DS-TVL224-4-5Y) display welcome messages and vehicle information in real time. Because of the campus’s large size, motorcycle patrol teams play an important role in maintaining daily operations and responding quickly across different areas. To support these teams, the university has deployed 10 Hikvision Ultra Series Body Cameras (DS-MH2311) together with 2 Dock Stations (DS-MDS001). Several features make this solution particularly suitable for mobile patrol work: Clear 2 MP video recording with a wide 129° horizontal field of view Up to 8 hours of recording with a removable 3,300 mAh battery Wireless connectivity for improved communication Real-time positioning support through GPS Centralised charging, storage, and evidence upload through dock stations Professional campus operations The cameras are mainly used during routine motorcycle patrols and when responding to incidents on campus. Recorded footage helps clearly document security procedures and provides reliable records of how situations were handled, supporting transparent and professional campus operations. The university has also upgraded safety across its fleet of 11 campus buses with Hikvision onboard solutions. Each bus is equipped with: Mobile Dome Cameras (DS-2XM6726G1-IM/ND) and Mobile Network Cameras (DS-2XM6522G1-ID): These provide real-time HD video coverage inside and outside the buses, helping operators monitor passenger boarding, alighting, and road conditions clearly. DSM Camera (AE-VC1B1I-ISF(RJ45)): This improves driving safety by detecting critical safety indicators such as fatigue, distractions, and smoking. When potential risks are identified, alerts are immediately issued to the driver, helping encourage safer driving practices during daily routes. Touch Monitor (AE-MW1203): Drivers can view live camera feeds through the monitor. The display automatically switches to relevant views when doors open or when reversing, helping drivers monitor passenger movement and blind spots more effectively. Alarm Button (DS-1530HMI(AE)(O-NEU)): It allows drivers to immediately notify the control center for rapid assistance in emergency situations. Mobile NVR (AE-MN5043(1T/SSD)(RJ45)(O-STD)): This records and stores video while also supporting GPS positioning, geofencing, and route monitoring through Google Maps integration. Campus bus management Every solution, from access control and patrol operations to campus bus management, is centrally managed through HikCentral Professional. From this single platform, the university can: Monitor access events in real time Manage user permissions and visitor records Track campus buses through GIS-based maps Receive centralised alarms and event notifications Coordinate faster responses across campus According to the university, the solution has significantly improved operational visibility and coordination across the campus. “With Hikvision’s smart campus solution, we now have a much more efficient and connected way to manage daily campus operations,” says Joseph Jimy Ordóñez Blanco, General Coordinator of the University’s Security Unit. “From access management to transportation safety, the platform gives our teams better visibility, faster response capabilities, and greater confidence in maintaining a safe environment for students and staff.”

Milestone Systems, a provider of open platform video management software (VMS), is helping Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) bring together security operations, investigations, gaming compliance, and operational intelligence through an open platform video ecosystem built on Milestone XProtect VMS. Located on the iconic Las Vegas Strip, Resorts World Las Vegas is one of the newest and most technologically advanced resorts in the United States. Opened in 2021, the $4.3 billion property spans 88 acres and includes multiple hotel brands, a large casino floor, entertainment venues, retail spaces, and dining experiences that collectively attract thousands of guests each day. Diverse set of technologies Managing safety, compliance, and operational efficiency at this scale requires highly reliable and flexible video technology capable of supporting thousands of cameras and multiple specialised applications. Milestone XProtect VMS serves as the backbone that connects approximately 5,800 cameras and multiple best-of-breed technologies. The open architecture enables Resorts World to integrate a diverse set of technologies that support gaming surveillance, fraud detection, forensic investigations, business intelligence, and operational analytics while allowing operators to work from a consistent interface. "We rely on the system every day to investigate fraud, theft, and any activity that could result in a loss. It gives us the visibility we need to quickly understand what happened and take action," said Lindsay Dever, CFE, Assistant Director of Fraud & Nightclub Surveillance, Resorts World Las Vegas. Supporting regulatory requirements The full security system integrates camera technologies from Axis Communications, Bosch, and Hanwha Vision, while BriefCam supports forensic video review, people counting, and heat mapping. Oosto provides facial recognition capabilities, Aeyesky supports card-counting and cheating detection, and AXIS Case Insight helps analyse foot traffic and customer behavior. “Large, dynamic environments like Resorts World Las Vegas require technology that can adapt to multiple operational needs without adding complexity,” said Tim Palmquist, VP Americas, Milestone Systems. “An open platform approach allows this Las Vegas casino resort to bring together best-of-breed technologies into a single ecosystem, enabling teams to improve investigations, support regulatory requirements, and generate operational insights that extend well beyond traditional security.” Time-sensitive investigations Resorts World Las Vegas is able to respond to incidents more quickly, conduct investigations more efficiently, and support law enforcement with speed and confidence. The impact is particularly evident during time-sensitive investigations. Looking ahead, the resort plans to expand its use of AI-driven capabilities, including enhanced people counting, behavioural analytics, and tools that can better track guest movement across the property. Future enhancements will also focus on streamlining operator workflows and creating a more proactive approach to investigations.

When Brazil’s Taquari River threatens to overflow, the Municipality of Muçum no longer waits and watches—it knows. Using Hikvision’s water-level detection solution, the town gets faster, more accurate insights about the changing water levels in the river. This strengthens emergency responses and helps protect communities across the Taquari Valley. Located in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil, the Municipality of Muçum is part of a wider region that has grown up along the Taquari River which runs through this mountainous region. Following relentless rainfall in both 2023 and 2024, the region experienced flooding of historic proportions. The 2024 disaster became the largest natural calamity in the state's recorded history. More than 600,000 people were displaced and infrastructure was damaged across nearly every municipality in the region, according to a report by Médecins Sans Frontières. Extreme weather conditions For the people of Muçum and its neighbouring cities, the focus quickly shifted from reacting to floods to preparing for them more effectively. Previous approaches had relied on manual observation and physical gauges. But such solutions, as they knew only too well, are unable to provide the kind of continuous, integrated, and real-time visibility that is so vital during extreme weather conditions. Instead, they needed to find a more reliable way to monitor river conditions, improve coordination during heavy rainfall, and communicate risks to residents earlier. Specifically, the municipal council of Muçum sought a technology solution that would: Deliver accurate, real-time water-level measurements Maintain operation during severe floods Support automatic alerts and emergency communication Centralise monitoring and historical data analysis Water-level monitoring solution To support these goals, the council worked with system integrator Infosat and distributor Tecline to deploy Hikvision’s intelligent water-level monitoring solution. Hikvision’s 4 MP Water-Level Detection Network Speed Dome (DS-2DF3C400SCG-D/4G/WL40(F1)(LA)) has been installed on a bridge above the river. Combining video imaging and millimetre-wave radar technology in a single device, the solution allows operators to visually monitor river conditions while simultaneously receiving highly accurate water-level measurements in real time. Preparing nearby communities Unlike traditional gauges positioned close to the water, the radar-based system can measure water levels from distances of up to 40 meters. This elevated installation approach helps ensure continuous operation even during major floods, when conventional equipment may become submerged or damaged. The solution’s millimetre-level precision allows emergency teams to detect even small changes in water levels and receive alerts when predefined thresholds are reached. With earlier visibility into changing conditions, emergency teams gain valuable time to evaluate risks, coordinate response actions, and prepare nearby communities. Challenging lighting environments The device delivers 4 MP high-quality imaging, allowing operators to visually confirm river conditions in real time. Its 120 dB WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology helps maintain clear images in challenging lighting environments, while the IP67-rated housing supports reliable outdoor performance during harsh weather. The integrated 4G connectivity and low-power design also simplify deployment in critical monitoring locations. To strengthen public communication, the municipality also deployed five Hikvision Network Horn Speakers (DS-QAZ1325G1T) in higher-risk neighbourhoods. Installed in areas where floodwaters can rise quickly, the speakers broadcast evacuation warnings and emergency notifications when necessary, enabling them to reach residents rapidly and directly. Real-time monitoring The entire solution is centrally managed on HikCentral Professional. Through the platform, operators can: Monitor water-level changes in real time Manage alarms and emergency alerts Review live video feeds remotely Access historical statistics for flood analysis and planning Since the deployment, the Municipality of Muçum has reported an 80% increase in the accuracy of water-level information compared with previous manual readings. Real-time monitoring and automated alerts now help emergency teams respond more proactively while improving communication with residents during critical situations. Mateus Giovanoni Trojan, the former Mayor of Muçum, said: “The Hikvision solution brings us more reliable information and enables us to respond faster. Automatic alerts help our emergency teams act earlier and improve safety for the population.” Creating a smarter foundation The benefits also extend beyond Muçum itself. Data collected from the monitoring system helps support neighbouring municipalities across the Taquari Valley, contributing to regional preparedness efforts that affect around 100,000 residents. “For nearby communities like ours, earlier information can make a huge difference,” said Luis Maya, Emergency Coordinator for the Municipality of Lajeado. “It helps emergency teams react faster and keep people safe.” Today, Muçum’s story is no longer only about overcoming floods; it is about building resilience through technology, coordination, and preparedness. By deploying Hikvision’s AIoT (AI-powered Internet of Things) technologies, the municipality has created a smarter foundation for flood response across the Taquari Valley. As climate challenges continue to evolve, Muçum is showing how AIoT technologies can help communities respond earlier, act faster, and face the future with greater confidence.

Barnet Council recently undertook a major upgrade of its CCTV infrastructure, partnering with i-PRO and systems integrator DSSL to enhance security, improve urban planning, and drive smart city initiatives. The project was driven by the need to replace an aging and largely non-functional CCTV network while maximising cost efficiency and scalability. With i-PRO’s market-leading edge computing analytics, the council was able to implement a future-proof technology that not only delivers high-quality security and safety but also provides valuable data insights for business and community planning. Future-proof technology The Customer - Barnet London Borough Council, also known as Barnet Council, is the local authority for the London Borough of Barnet in Greater London, England. The borough's major urban settlements are Hendon, Finchley, Golders Green, Friern Barnet, Chipping Barnet, Whetstone, and Edgware; there are also village settlements notably Totteridge and Arkley along with rural areas and countryside part of the Green Belt. As such, the area is geographically diverse and is also the largest London borough by population, with close to 350,000 residents. Business Challenge - The council’s previous CCTV system was in a state of disrepair, with only 15-20 of its 3000 cameras operational across the entire estate. Further to this, the council also looked ahead and made the decision to future-proof existing technology and enhance the capabilities of the system by strategically upgrading to smarter technology, capable of providing deeper insights, finding new efficiencies and generally improving the quality-of-service Barnet Council could provide to constituents and local businesses alike. Prominent AI capability The Solution - To address this, Barnet opted for a phased upgrade and system enhancement using the X-series AI Processing Relay Application, integrating i-PRO cameras with a newly upgraded control room and an enhanced Genetec video management system (VMS). The decision to go with i-PRO was influenced by its prominent AI capability and the substantial cost savings— an estimate of £600,000 over five years — when compared to server-based alternatives. Additionally, the system’s scalability allowed Barnet to expand its camera network without requiring extra server infrastructure, space, or cooling requirements. “A key factor in the decision was the ability of i-PRO cameras to serve as multifunctional sensors, capturing both security footage and valuable urban analytics. The cameras are used for people and vehicle counting, feeding real-time data into Power BI for internal council reports,” states Aaron Stephens, Managing Director at DSSL Systems. Planning future expansions The analytics data has become instrumental in planning future expansions, which will include additional coverage in parks, railway stations, and high-traffic areas. The insights generated help local businesses understand customer footfall, assist in investment decisions for town infrastructure, and support the council in managing traffic and public spaces more efficiently. “Unlike traditional server-based AI technology, which place a heavy burden on network infrastructure, i-PRO cameras process analytics on the edge, transmitting only metadata rather than large video files,” continues Stephens. Video management solution This approach significantly reduces costs while enabling faster and more efficient data analysis. The system was deployed with strict cyber security compliance, in alignment with regulations such as NDAA. Installed by DSSL, the network adheres to stringent firewall policies and integrates seamlessly with the Genetec video management solution, ensuring secure and reliable data management. "The i-PRO forensic capabilities are directly embedded within Genetec Security Center, which enables control room operators to quickly find specific objects or events by filtering through attributes and characteristics captured by the cameras. This speeds up the investigative process and enhances collaboration with the Metropolitan Police," said Benjamin Durrant, Account Executive, Genetec UK & Ireland. Culturally diverse community The deployment included 127 X-series bullet cameras for general safety and monitoring, 10 fisheye cameras in libraries for heat-mapping and people counting, and dual-view 5G re-deployable units for festivals and outdoor events. In Barnet’s unmanned libraries, the cameras also play a critical role in security, with audio detection triggering alerts for disturbances and automated people counting ensuring buildings are empty before lockdown procedures are initiated. Barnet Council’s investment in smart city technology extends beyond security. Re-deployable 5G cameras are being used to track attendance at public events, festivals, and religious gatherings, providing valuable crowd insights for better planning within a culturally diverse community. Return on investment and planning “With an initial £1 million investment, the council has maximised existing infrastructure to expand its data capabilities without significant additional spending. Phase two of the project, which has already been approved, will see the addition of 60-70 new i-PRO bullet cameras,” states Stephens. Beyond security, the smart city and community safety teams are leveraging i-PRO’s capabilities for advanced applications such as people and vehicle analytics. A new trial for automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) is also set to begin, potentially leading to a larger rollout. The council has already started benefiting from i-PRO’s analytics, such as heat-mapping in libraries, but is awaiting governance approval before publicly sharing results. The system complies with data privacy regulations as it does not use facial recognition. Smart city infrastructure Looking to the future, Barnet is exploring additional IoT integrations, including environmental sensors, flood detection, and traffic signal coordination. These efforts will further enhance the council’s smart city infrastructure. “This transparency, combined with i-PRO’s compliance with strict security standards, solidified the council’s trust in the solution. The i-PRO team came in to answer questions from the council and really won them over with their knowledge and honesty,” said Stephens. “Furthermore, i-PRO’s deep integration with the Genetec security solutions portfolio created a seamless ecosystem, reinforcing its market position as a leading smart city solution provider.” Looking to the future As Barnet Council continues its journey towards a fully integrated smart city, the focus remains on future scalability and efficiency gains. The initial return on investment is still being assessed, but the long-term impact is clear: by leveraging real-time data insights, the council can optimise public spending, justify infrastructure investments, and drive smarter, more connected urban development. As more councils recognise the benefits of data-driven planning, projects like Barnet’s will set the standard for the future of smart city technology.

Large entertainment venues offer opportunities for memorable experiences enjoyed by many attendees. With such breadth and scope of operations comes great operational complexity in managing a massive amount of foot traffic which exponentially increases risks for the safety and security of patrons. Increasingly, entertainment operators are looking to technology to help solve some of the most pressing challenges in managing these environments in real-time. Facial recognition technologies Facial recognition technologies among sports venues, casinos, and corporate buildings are increasing because of their ability to quickly and accurately recognise people — whether they are bad actors (e.g., felons, hooligans) or authorised personnel. This capability is increasingly being leveraged across a broad range of use cases from watchlist alerting, access control, and forensic investigations. It’s not surprising that the market is facing explosive growth and is expected to quadruple by 2026, according to Global Market Insights. Challenges for the racecourse included issues with identifying and managing evictions of bad actors across multiple entries and exits throughout the massive property. Theft and fraud are rampant in such large crowds, and it is humanly impossible to monitor everyone at all times. Security personnel needed to identify bad actors who had caused trouble on one property and to be able to recognise them again at another time, and in another one of the ATC racecourses. Maintaining data protection Coupled with a challenging and evolving risk landscape, more than 500 staff, including up to 300 security officers (and over 2000 casual staff) needed to be accounted for and kept safe on 120 major race days. Moreover, with an ever-changing set of regulatory requirements, ATC needs to comply with a strict set of regulations in order to maintain the integrity of operations while maintaining data protection. Finally, ATC needed security technology that would enable real-time monitoring as well as the ability to analyse video footage retrospectively for post-event investigations to track behaviors - especially during high-traffic times. Essential security tool And the final requirement? A solution that needed to be user-friendly as the head of security knew all too well that if a system were too complicated, it wouldn’t get used and would be money not well spent. The human eye alone is imperfect, and most facial recognition solutions underperform in real-world conditions (i.e. when there are crowds, facemasks, and POIs looking directly at the camera). This is even more challenging when the cameras are positioned on ceilings or high on walls, which makes facial recognition even more challenging (especially if the lighting is less than ideal). That’s why facial recognition technology is an essential security tool for entertainment venues and gaming operations. Video analytics software The Australian Turf Club and its systems integrator, Quorum Systems, turned to Oosto to take their venue’s enterprise security systems to a new level and solve their existing challenges. “Positioned at key entry points, our passive cameras were turned into smart cameras with Oosto’s video analytics software nearly instantly,” said Gary Colston, Head of Security and Access at Australian Turf Club. “We didn’t have to invest in a bunch of brand new cameras or a massive amount of servers and things like that. It was easy for us to implement it on our system.” Moreover, said Mr. Colston, “We needed something that was user-friendly. If it’s too complicated, [security teams] won’t use it and it becomes a waste of money.” Biometrics-based technology Once The Australian Turf Club implemented Oosto OnWatch real-time watchlist alerting to recognise potential security threats, the solution delivered vast efficiencies in operations by ensuring that evicted and banned patrons were immediately refused entry, while security teams were able to better track persons of interest throughout the venue without disruption. Since OnWatch can identify a person of interest through both face and attribute recognition in real-time or in historical footage, security personnel can receive alerts instantly on any device, without having to rely solely on memory or manual comparison of images between systems. With the world’s pioneer-edge biometrics-based technology in use, ATC was empowered to identify individuals a lot quicker than traditional methods allowed and manage their operations more efficiently and safely. Addressing compliance risks Oosto OnWatch quickly and accurately recognised persons of interest for security teams – from VIPs to banned players – to help improve the player experience, address compliance risks, and make ATC ultimately a safer, more enjoyable destination for patrons and a safer place to work for employees. "Positioned at key entry points, our passive cameras were turned into smart cameras with Oosto’s video analytics software nearly instantly. We didn’t have to invest in a bunch of brand new cameras or a massive amount of servers and things like that. It was easy for us to implement it on our system. We needed something that was user-friendly. If it’s too complicated, [security teams] won’t use it and it becomes a waste of money," said Gary Colston, Head of Security and Access at Australian Turf Club. Context of a security incident Since working closely with the ATC and Quorum to implement Oosto’s OnWatch solution, ATC has significantly improved in the rate of detection, finding individuals, and being more proactive than reactive with potential threats. The ability to search backward in video footage at a rapid speed to find POIs’ locations historically has been a welcome tool and a key point of differentiation for ATC; Oosto’s technology has dramatically improved ATC’s ability to perform forensic investigations and understand the full context of a security incident or crime scene. Forward-thinking venues Oosto’s cutting-edge technology is also in use at the Club to help protect guarded points of entry for authorised employees. According to Mr. Colston, this proved especially beneficial recently: “One of our staff members was assaulted and we were able to obtain a photo of the person we thought had done it and run them through the facial rec system here and we were able to locate him at the event at the time and have that person banned.” Oosto’s Vision AI technology is helping entertainment destinations like the Australian Turf Club stay focused on the fundamentals of strong client service while remaining resilient as the marketplace continues to shift. As forward-thinking venues look to stay competitive, grow revenues, solve business challenges, gain greater operational efficiencies and ensure safer, more secure spaces, they look to Oosto - and then never look back.

Israel offers one of the most advanced medical systems in the world where cutting-edge treatments and patient care are provided by some of the best medical professionals using high-tech equipment in modern facilities. As such, medical tourism is growing exponentially in Israel. The country’s Ministry of Health shows that more than 50,000 medical tourists travel to Israel for treatments every year and consistently ranks in the Top Ten in the globe for health tourist destinations. Raphael Hospital is Israel’s newest and most advanced hospital. It is a state-of-the-art private hospital recently opened in Tel Aviv. Advanced medical systems A team of experts, drawing from best practices around the globe, designed Raphael Hospital to be technologically advanced and to provide a premium standard of care and services. It is staffed by senior doctors who are some of the most experienced in their respective specialties. Everything about its construction, for example, was thoughtfully planned for — even the types of tiles used on the hospital flooring: they come with “an integrated antibacterial shield that is 99.9% effective against bacteria, 24 hours a day, in all light conditions.” Special emphasis is placed on a patient’s overall wellbeing, mentally and physically, and thus the physical space is designed to appeal to patients from both an aesthetic sense (to promote an inviting, welcoming feel much like a luxury hotel), and a high-tech approach, in order to maintain maximum patient safety, efficiency, and the finest level of medical care. Physical security risks Hospitals are among the most essential and vulnerable spaces worldwide. In terms of security, hospitals are often considered “soft targets” — along with shopping malls, schools, and sports arenas — because they are high-density locations with large, vulnerable crowds. Soft targets have many access points, increasing certain physical security risks. Security professionals are thus tasked with “hardening” hospitals as part of a holistic security protocol. Raphael Hospital’s operating rooms are some of the most technologically advanced in the world; they are specially equipped with advanced medical technologies for surgeries including the Mako robotic arm-assisted technology for joint surgery and the Da Vinci robotic surgical system. Touch-free environments Such advanced technologies, and the people operating them, require an extra level of security in order to protect the most sensitive areas of the hospital where delicate surgeries are performed. Moreover, even before the pandemic, maintaining sterilisation in operating rooms was challenging. COVID-19 only heightened the need for touch-free environments to help limit the spread of germs. The hospital’s advanced access control and video monitoring technologies were incorporated from the very start of its operations, using the hospital’s existing CCTV cameras. According to Raphael Cohen, Operating Room Manager for Raphael Hospital, “We had a lot of challenges. We wanted to build the most updated hospital.” Facial recognition based technology Raphael Hospital wanted to incorporate facial recognition based technology for a few reasons, including protecting people, patients, and physical assets. Face-based access control plays an essential role in infection control protocols while keeping highly sensitive areas of the hospital, such as operating rooms, restricted to authorised personnel at all times. Hands-free and automated access allows hospital staff to not be required to touch any buttons to open doors while reducing contamination as much as possible and defining exactly which staff could travel within specific areas of the hospital. "Oosto’s OnAccess solution gives the staff, doctors, and nurses a sense of belonging in the hospital…they’re an essential part of the hospital, and when the hospital recognises them, and the doors open - it’s effortless for them to get about," said Raphael Cohen, Operating Room Manager, Raphael Hospital. Facial recognition technology Now, with Oosto’s facial recognition technology, surgeons and support staff can benefit from gaining frictionless access to the most sensitive areas of the hospital without having to touch any surfaces. Contamination is avoided, patients and staff are kept safe from unauthorised access to restricted areas of the hospital, and the frictionless, face-based access control in the hospital contributes to the overall perception of Raphael Hospital as a world-pioneer and cutting-edge healthcare provider.

Biometrics today provide better security and frictionless user experiences. Biometric identifiers like fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans are unique and difficult to forge. They eliminate the vulnerabilities of traditional authentication and streamline secure access control. Identity verification reliably protects sensitive digital information and physical entry. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the role of biometrics evolving in physical access control?

In the past, security installers and integrators were used almost exclusively to install hardware. However, the role is changing and expanding along with the technologies used in the physical security industry. Nowadays, an installer or systems integrator is much more likely to use a strategic, IT-centric, and data-driven approach. To gain additional insights, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the role of the security installer/integrator changing?

Technology offers a range of tools to bolster security at public events, including before, during, and after. This year, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will draw the attention of the world, requiring the best protection available for the venues, the athletes, and the attendees. Other happenings such as the FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl, the Tour de France, and the U.S. NBA Finals are momentous events that challenge security and law enforcement personnel to keep them safe. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How is technology contributing to security in the arena of public events?