Fleet surveillance

Hikvision, a global pioneer in the AI-powered Internet of Things (AIoT), has announced that its Dual-Lens Passenger Counting Camera has officially received ITxPT (Information Technology for Public Transport) certification. This milestone marks a significant step forward in Hikvision's commitment to smarter, more connected, and more interoperable public transportation systems. As one of the most widely recognised standards in the European public transportation industry, ITxPT focuses on onboard IT architecture, interoperability, and data standardisation. The certification confirms that Hikvision’s Dual-Lens Passenger Counting Camera (DS-2XM6825G1) integrates smoothly with ITxPT-compliant onboard systems and can deliver standardised passenger flow data for bus and rail transit applications. This helps public transport operators build more unified and efficient systems, even when using devices from different manufacturers. Public transport operators The certification comes at a time when public transport operators are facing increasing pressure to improve both passenger safety and operational efficiency. Many traditional onboard systems, for example, struggle with limited visibility inside vehicles and incomplete passenger flow data. As a result, many operators face challenges in route planning, vehicle scheduling, capacity management, and service optimisation. The certification comes at a time when public transport operators are facing increasing pressure Hikvision’s Dual-Lens Passenger Counting Camera helps address these challenges by providing accurate passenger flow statistics at vehicle doors and transit passageways. The solution supports data display and export based on buses, routes, and stops, helping operators better understand passenger traffic patterns and make more informed operational decisions. Real transit environments The camera includes many features designed for real transit environments: Advanced perception: Using dual-lens stereo vision, the camera reconstructs a 3D view of the scene—much like how human eyes perceive depth. It accurately identifies not just people, but also strollers, bicycles, and wheelchairs, giving operators a comprehensive, real-time overview of the boarding activity. 98%+ counting accuracy: The camera detects each person from the moment they appear in frame and only registers a count when they fully enter or exit—filtering out people who pause or linger near the door. Flexible installation: The adjustable mounting bracket supports a minimum installation height of just 1.9 meters, making it compatible with a wide range of vehicle types—from city buses to metro carriages and articulated coaches. Broad protocol support: In addition to ITxPT, the camera supports multiple streaming formats, door signal integration, and a range of protocols including ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum), RS-485, and Hikvision SDK, ensuring smooth integration into existing fleet management systems. Built for the road: With an IP66 and IK08 protection rating and an operating temperature range of -30°C to 75°C, the camera is built to handle the demands of real-world transit environments. Public transportation industry “Receiving the ITxPT certification demonstrates Hikvision’s commitment to open standards and long-term compatibility in the public transportation industry,” said Jake Song, Onboard Security Product Director at Hikvision. “Public transport operators need reliable and standardised data to support smarter decisions. This certification helps ensure our onboard solution can integrate more efficiently into multi-vendor transport systems.” With the ITxPT certification, Hikvision further strengthens its ability to support transportation operators seeking standardised, scalable, and data-driven onboard solutions. The certification also creates broader opportunities for deployment in European transit projects, where ITxPT compliance is often a key requirement for system integration and project approval.

Flir, a Teledyne Technologies company and the pioneer in thermal imaging, announces a landmark expansion of its firefighting portfolio at Interschutz 2026 -hall 27 booth M42. Flir, a Teledyne Technologies company and the pioneer in thermal imaging, announces a landmark expansion of its firefighting portfolio at Interschutz 2026 -hall 27 booth M42. Headlining the launch is the Flir K85-N, the first thermal imaging camera (TIC) on the market to achieve full certification under the new NFPA 1930:2025 standard. High-fidelity visibility The K85-N arrives as the successor to the industry-standard K65, offering a rugged, fresh design paired with significant leaps in sensor performance. Featuring a 640×480 resolution and a ground-breaking single-range architecture, the K85-N ensures firefighters maintain high-fidelity visibility without the lag or image degradation typically associated with switching between temperature modes. "In high-stress environments, clarity is the difference between a successful mission and a tragedy," said Benjamin Mortlock, Team Lead at Flir. "The K85-N is engineered so that crews never miss critical scene information. With its enhanced contrast and dedicated modes for search and detection, we are providing a level of situational awareness that was previously unreachable." Low-contrast environments Beyond the K85-N, Flir is introducing updated 2026 versions of its proven K75 and K85 cameras. These models benefit from a revised optical design and a lower f-number, significantly improving image clarity in low-contrast environments. To streamline fleet management, the entire 2026 K-Series now features: Standardised Ergonomics: A new compact battery and enhanced grip aligned with the K85-N platform. Advanced Connectivity: Integration with the Flir Responder mobile app, enabling wireless streaming, over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, and simplified post-incident analysis. Rapid Deployment: A newly engineered in-truck charger featuring a ‘insert, twist, lock’ mechanism for faster, more reliable handling in high-pressure scenarios. First-responder safety technology "Our goal for 2026 was standardisation and serviceability," added Peter Dekkers, Business Development Director at Flir. "Whether a department is using the NFPA-certified K85-N or the updated K75, the interface, batteries, and charging infrastructure remain consistent. This reduces training friction and keeps the focus where it belongs: on the fireground." Flir has also teased an exclusive, unannounced development that will remain under wraps until the exhibition doors open. This "booth-only" reveal is expected to showcase a new frontier in first-responder safety technology. Attendees of Interschutz 2026 can experience the full K-Series lineup at the Flir booth located in hall 27 booth M42. For more information, visit the Flir Interschutz Exhibitor Page.

The Assistant Secretary for Investment Security to the U.S. Department of the Treasury will give a keynote address at the 12th National Conference on CFIUS, at the Convene Hamilton Square, Washington, DC, on April 22-23, 2026. The keynote address is taking place at 8:45 a.m. on April 22. In this role, Mr. Chris Pilkerton leads the inter-agency Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and the Outbound investment security program. Mr. Pilkerton previously served in appointed and acting senior government positions, including as Treasury General Counsel, Administrator and General Counsel at the U.S. Small Business Administration, and White House Senior Policy Advisor. Investment security program Mr. Pilkerton joins a distinguished faculty of government speakers at the conference, including: Jacob Marco, Special Assistant to the President (Economic Security), The White House Rob Law, Under Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Leyton Nelson, Deputy Director, U.S. Department of the Treasury Aristidis Kourkoumelis, Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Jennifer Danner Riccardi, Senior Advisor, Delegation of the European Union DeNeige Dojack, Senior Director, Investment Review, Foreign Investment Review and Economic Security (FIRES) Branch, Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Government of Canada Timothy Varley, Director, DON Foreign Investment Review, U.S. Department of the Navy Amanda Blair, Deputy Director, U.S. Department of the Treasury Jennifer Tharp, Supervisory Intelligence Analyst, Foreign Investment Unit, FBI Risk mitigation strategies ACI’s 12th National Forum on CFIUS is the leading event for professionals navigating the complexities of foreign investment and national security. This premier conference provides in-depth discussions on the evolving CFIUS landscape, including filing requirements, risk mitigation strategies, and the impact of new regulations. Attendees will gain exclusive insights from government officials, industry experts, and key stakeholders on how to manage cross-border transactions while safeguarding national security interests.

dormakaba, a pioneer in safe locks and trusted provider of ATM security solutions for financial institutions worldwide, announces the launch of its newest innovation, Apexx Strato™ Rotary. The keyless electronic ATM rotary lock is designed to secure the ATM top hatch and help prevent unauthorised access that can lead to malware installation and jackpotting attacks. Apexx Strato delivers Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE)-enabled protection for the ATM’s most vulnerable access point, the top hatch. By replacing shared mechanical keys with controlled mobile credentials and automatic audit capture, the solution helps reduce financial exposure while improving visibility and strengthening security across ATM fleets. Vulnerable access point “Our team has launched several new solutions over the past three years focused on driving continued operational efficiencies and risk management for financial institutions, retailers, ATM owners and operators, and cash-in-transit (CIT) service providers,” said Bruce Kayal, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Global Safe Locks for dormakaba. “Apexx Strato complements these solutions by integrating another locking technology that further enhances the safety and security of our clients’ physical assets as well as the human assets responsible for servicing them.” Centralised credential management Organised ATM attacks continue to expose the limitations of legacy key-based access. Jackpotting and cash-out schemes now account for 70% of reported ATM crime in the U.S., according to ATM Industry Association data. Apexx Strato addresses this risk by eliminating shared physical keys and introducing centralised credential management for ATM service access. “You can’t steal or copy a key that no longer exists,” Kayal said. “Behind every ATM is a team responsible for keeping customers’ money safe. When physical keys are lost, copied, or shared, those teams are left managing unnecessary risk. We’re giving our servicing partners greater control and visibility while giving their teams greater peace of mind.” Shared mechanical keys Key features of Apexx Strato: Keyless access: Replaces shared mechanical keys with secure BLE credentials through the dormakaba Safe Locks mobile app. Controlled technician access: Digital credentials assigned to individual users improve accountability and eliminate shared service keys. Automatic audit capture: Every access event is recorded automatically, creating audit-ready records without manual logs or paperwork. Real-time door and latch status monitoring: Provides confirmation that the ATM hatch was opened and closed as expected. Centralised access management: Operators can remotely add, remove, or update user permissions without on-site changes. Unified ATM security ecosystem: Integrates with the dormakaba Apexx Software platform alongside dormakaba solutions such as CenconX™ and Axessor Apexx for centralised fleet management.

An industrial company in the greater Stockholm area faced a clear challenge: How can a large vehicle yard with hundreds of daily vehicle movements be efficiently and seamlessly monitored? Existing video technology could offer either an overview or high-detail footage – but not both at the same time. Together with security integrator CERTEGO, the company opted for Panomera®, the multifocal sensor system from Dallmeier – a cutting-edge solution combining wide-area coverage, detailed resolution and intelligent video analytics in a single system. Smart solution for complex outdoor areas Conventional surveillance systems were not designed for such large-scale, dynamic environments. Providing full visibility would have required a high number of single-sensor cameras – resulting in significant costs for installation, operation and management. In addition, the overview would often be lost when zooming into a specific area. The objective was to find a compact yet powerful solution that could deliver both complete situational awareness and precise detail – in real time and with continuous recording. Multifocal sensor technology merges overview and detail in one image The choice fell on the Panomera® multifocal sensor system from Dallmeier. With multiple lenses of different focal lengths housed in a single unit, Panomera® allows simultaneous capture of large areas and high-resolution detail views – without switching perspectives or losing the bigger picture. This is especially valuable for security personnel: Even when zooming in on an incident, the full scene continues to be recorded at all times, ensuring no loss of information.  Seamless implementation with experienced partner network The project was implemented in close cooperation with SCANVIEW, CERTEGO’s sister company in Denmark, which has extensive experience in deploying Panomera® systems. This strong partnership ensured smooth planning and installation – and resulted in a solution that had not previously been available on the Swedish market. “By combining our local presence with SCANVIEW’s technical expertise, we were able to deliver a solution that was truly new to the Swedish market,” explains Rafael Samuelsson, CCTV Technical Expert at CERTEGO.  Technology that simplifies daily operations and boosts security With Panomera®, the customer benefits from a wide range of technical and operational advantages:  High-resolution imaging even across long distances and in challenging lighting conditions Real-time event detection through intelligent, AI-supported video analytics Reduced camera count thanks to efficient coverage of large areas Seamless system integration into existing security infrastructure Continuous recording, even during zoom or tracking operations Future-proof platform, scalable for additional requirements Lower total cost of ownership due to less hardware and maintenance “We needed a system that provides a full overview, sharp detail and ease of use. Panomera® delivers exactly that,” says Samuelsson. Ready for today’s demands – and tomorrow’s growth The Panomera® system has significantly improved the customer’s situational awareness and security response capabilities. At the same time, it simplifies day-to-day monitoring and reduces strain on personnel through intuitive operation and targeted alerts.  Thanks to its modular, scalable architecture, the system is a future-ready investment – allowing for straightforward expansion and adaptation to changing needs. For this industrial operator, Panomera® represents a long-term step toward smarter, more resilient site security.  Panomera® – proven technology for a wide range of applications Panomera® is a multifocal camera technology developed by the German manufacturer Dallmeier. It is used worldwide in complex surveillance environments such as industrial sites, logistics hubs, stadiums and urban areas. As Dallmeier’s exclusive partner in Scandinavia, CERTEGO offers complete solutions for planning, installation, integration and long-term service. With its modular lens system, each Panomera® unit can be tailored precisely to the specific surveillance environment – ensuring maximum visibility with minimal infrastructure. 

Inovonics, a provider of wireless solutions for life safety and security applications, is publicly debuting its recently introduced EN2242 Duress Card that sets new benchmarks in performance and user comfort here at ISC West 2026 in booth 3103. The new wearable panic duress notification device features sleek and lightweight styling designed for user comfort along with a host of new features that leverage Inovonics’ industry-leading wireless technology. “We took a different design approach with our new Duress Card that moves beyond the traditional bulky form factor common to conventional wearable panic devices so that users will be more prone to wear them throughout the course of the day,” said Glenn Longley, Chief Product Officer at Inovonics. “In addition to providing a better overall user experience, our new Duress Card also includes a host of new features that further enhance safety and security, leveraging our proven wireless technology.”  Broad range of applications The EN2242 Duress Card is ideal for a broad range of applications across education, healthcare, corporate, industrial, retail, and hospitality markets. Key features include: The ability to activate up to three different alarm conditions, allowing first responders to quickly react with the most appropriate response.   Activation affirmation indicators including LEDs and haptic vibration to silently alert the wearer that an alarm button has been pressed.  Location and real-time tracking when paired with integrated security systems leveraging Inovonics’ cloud-based Advanced Location services to pinpoint precisely where an event is taking place.  A waterproof casing allowing the device to be worn in a variety of environments where it may be exposed to water or moisture. A sealed long-life battery that ensures continuous operation when it’s needed most. Proven Inovonics EchoStream® wireless transmission technology utilising multi-channel signaling over different frequencies and long distances without interference in commercially constructed facilities.   Designed for both new deployments and seamless upgrades, the Duress Card is now available and ships exclusively in packs of five for efficient rollout across classrooms, departments, or entire facilities.

The global maritime surveillance market is projected to grow from $21.9 billion in 2023 to $ 42.7 billion by 2033. This growth is being driven by increasing global trade, maritime security concerns, and the adoption of advanced surveillance technologies such as radars, drones, and satellite monitoring systems. Moreover, the global shipping industry is now on the frontlines of a new kind of conflict — one defined by economic coercion, shadow fleets, and contested logistics – a durable competition where adversaries seek control and influence over global supply chains. As tariff regimes expand and national security policies increasingly target commercial vessels, maritime operators are being forced to navigate a risk environment shaped more by geopolitics than wind and weather. Infrastructure of global trade Trade disruptions are no longer accidental by products of diplomacy — they are deliberate policy levers. Tariff escalation between the U.S. and China, sanctions on Russian oil, and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are not isolated threats; they signal a new normal in which governments treat the shipping industry as a tactical asset. From China's military-civil fusion shipbuilding policies to LOGINK, its state-run maritime surveillance network, the very infrastructure of global trade is becoming entangled in nation-state agendas. Contested logistics: Struggle for global economic stability The current maritime threat landscape involving contested logistics contains strategic positioning The current maritime threat landscape involving contested logistics encompasses strategic positioning across critical chokepoints and infrastructure. The statistics are sobering: major shipping companies reported traffic through the Suez Canal dropped by 66% as of September 2024 due to Houthi attacks, with J.P. Morgan estimating shipping costs have surged significantly, particularly from Asia to Europe, nearly five-fold. Regional maritime security issues These developments illustrate how foundational industries, such as shipbuilding, semiconductors, and rare earth minerals, have become battlegrounds in a broader geopolitical struggle where a cascade of effects have the potential to destroy economies. For example, a military blockade of Taiwan — where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation operates — would impact every company dependent on advanced semiconductors. This interconnectedness means that what may, on the surface, appear to be regional maritime security issues, can be much more — the potential for global economic disruption across multiple industries.  Monitoring of Arctic fleet movements Shadow fleets operated by sanctioned states rely on tactics such as false flagging, frequent ownership changes New threat vectors are coming into focus as the seas expand. As the polar ice caps melt, new Arctic shipping lanes are opening, with a large portion of traffic driven by Russian vessels. These routes present unique surveillance challenges due to their remote nature and the limited presence of traditional maritime enforcement bodies. Monitoring of Arctic fleet movements and infrastructure developments is essential for maintaining security in this emerging corridor. Concerns about dual-use capabilities and strategic readiness Shadow fleets, illicit networks, and military-grade commercial vessels represent real risks, posing challenges in the areas of regulatory compliance, insurance viability, and operational safety. Shadow fleets operated by sanctioned states rely on tactics such as false flagging, frequent ownership changes, and manipulations of the Automatic Identification System (AIS). By turning off transponders, spoofing locations, or falsifying data, these vessels can effectively vanish from traditional tracking systems. This disappearance makes ships harder for authorities to trace and easier for adversaries to exploit for sanctions evasions and/or covert logistics. China's commercial fleets increasingly mirror military standards, raising concerns about dual-use capabilities and strategic readiness under the guise of trade. The need for a new risk framework To navigate this new threat landscape on the high seas, organisations must adopt a new kind of visibility For logistics and shipping pioneers, these implications are profound. This is no longer about simply avoiding sanctioned cargo — it's about forecasting how governments will act and how quickly those actions can alter operations. Vessels may be commandeered, sanctioned, or rerouted without warning. Insurance may evaporate. Contracts may become liabilities. To navigate this new threat landscape on the high seas, organisations must adopt a new kind of visibility — one that models the cascading effects of tariffs, military requisition policies, and enforcement shifts. This is where Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) becomes indispensable. Real-time context on geopolitical risks OSINT draws from publicly available data -- including satellite imagery, port registries, and social media — to provide real-time context on geopolitical risks. It can be used to track vessel flagging and ownership changes, monitor transshipment hubs, and surface anomalies in crew rosters and employment histories — indicators often tied to sanctions evasion or illicit activity. AIS anomaly detection reveals when ships "go dark." Satellite imagery exposes vessels operating without transponders. Tracking shifts in vessels' flagging or changes in crew manifests can signal risk before it hits operations. Early indicators of disruption OSINT supports risk modelling by revealing trends like flag-of-convenience usage, secondary insurance For insurers and regulators, OSINT supports risk modelling by revealing trends such as flag-of-convenience usage, secondary insurance underwriting in high-risk zones, and affiliations with known bad actors.  OSINT doesn't just enhance compliance — it enables foresight, empowering industry players to anticipate when and where governments will act. Now, tariff announcements, sanction designations, and strategic military exercises are not isolated datapoints — they're potentially early indicators of disruption. Maritime situational awareness is a business imperative The age of separating business risk from political risk is over. Global shipping is now a domain of contested logistics where the rules can change as fast as a sanctions update or new enforcement directive. Companies that integrate OSINT into their operational planning gain the ability to model and mitigate threats proactively. Those that don't may find themselves caught in the wake of potential financial, operational, and reputational harm. The shipping industry needs access to the same kind of threat modelling governments use to act. In an era of growing complexity, the role of OSINT in securing global shipping networks cannot be overstated.

Open platform video technology software is more than just a product; it's a tool that helps customers achieve their desired business outcomes. Safety, round-the-clock security, and increased operational efficiencies are now the norm due to video technology. Responsible Technology Despite humanity’s impressive technological advances, we also recognise the immense responsibility that comes with technological innovation. It's not enough to focus solely on the positive impact video technology can make, we must also be vigilant in identifying and addressing any potential negative consequences it can have on society and its citizens. This is the role of Responsible Technology. Data privacy We want to use all the good things that technology innovation brings, whether it be video, AI, ML, facial recognition, etc. We want to use all the good things that technology innovation brings, whether it be video, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, facial recognition, etc. to serve people in societies in a responsible way. That means making sure that we regulate technology in a way that respects human rights and data privacy. Addressing the challenges The challenge is, that rather often technology leaders and policymakers either have conflicting interests or collaborate too late. To be responsible, business leaders must support their societies and policymakers in making regulations in the interest of the common good. At Milestone Systems, we are actively looking at how we develop our software responsibly, how our partners responsibly sell our software, and very importantly, how our customers use our software with a responsible mindset. Ensuring good corporate governance As a long-time partner within the security industry, we’re celebrating our 25th Anniversary this year, we are supporting the regulation of video technology for the good of society. However, it of course needs to strike the fine line between the right legislation and not hindering innovation.  UNGP The UNGP is the most authoritative and widely adopted set of principles for responsible business At Milestone Systems, we want to play an active role in this and that is why we have pledged our support to the UN's Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). The UNGP is the most authoritative and widely adopted set of principles for responsible business. The principles call on governments and companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and remedy actual and potential human rights abuses. Since its launch in 2011, the UNGPs have received wide support from states, civil society organisations, and the private sector, making them the key global foundation for business and human rights. Protect, respect, and remedy Through this commitment, we are taking steps to ensure good corporate governance and ethical standards in the development of our technology. We're generating mechanisms to prevent misuse and we are building educational practices internally. Based on the UNGP’s three pillars: protect, respect, and remedy, we are developing a set of Responsible Technology Principles and procedures for the development, selling, and use of our products. Need for video technology regulation In addition, we are currently evaluating all the various technology areas in which our video software can be used, such as with third-party integrations that utilise e.g., facial recognition. We are mapping out the advantages and disadvantages for societies. One key area of concern is how local authorities are mapping and storing data about us as individuals. This is the reason why we're inviting more legislation to regulate video technology rather than less. Engaging With policymakers We are meeting ministers and trade organisations as we believe this needs to be a joint effort where all parties are heard We are proactively reaching out to and connecting with policymakers and other relevant stakeholders to discuss our approach to and take on Responsible Technology and encouraging the political landscape to work with us around regulation and legislation. We are meeting ministers and trade organisations as we believe this needs to be a joint effort where all parties are heard and where we can openly weigh the advantages and the challenges of technology, whether it is video, facial recognition, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, or other technologies. Striking a balance Implementing Responsible Technology is a journey, not a destination. To give it the focus needed, we have created a dedicated team to implement this initiative at Milestone Systems. At the same time, we are reaching out to the political landscape to discuss how we balance regulation without hindering innovation. Video technology used ethically We are a global company with worldwide operations, and we are having dialogues about how video technology is being used and how we can have meaningful talks about what regulation and legislation should look like. However, we don’t necessarily want to limit access to the technology itself. Facial recognition We encourage the policymakers to engage with us in the industry so that together we can strike the fine line Facial recognition is a great example of this. The EU is considering making live facial recognition illegal. That would be a huge inhibitor of proactive terrorism prevention. For example, if a well-known terrorist is walking down the street and is being mapped out against Interpol’s most wanted list, the authorities should be able to react. However, if a person walking down the street but is not mapped out or does not have any priors then the city should not be allowed to store the data of that individual’s whereabouts at that point in time. This potential legislation is concerning to me as a citizen of Europe. Instead, we encourage the policymakers to engage with us in the industry so that together we can strike the fine line for the better good of all of us. Maintaining high ethical standards We have a firm understanding and expectation that ethical standards are a huge driver in the security business. Citizens are not in favour of technology companies abusing data about them and monetising from things that they have not opted in to do. Soon, I think we will see many more companies and governments leaning toward suppliers that do have a responsible mindset and high ethical standards for partnerships. Ethical practices Our journey toward Responsible Technology is an ongoing process, and we must remain steadfast in our commitment to ethical practices and the protection of human rights. We recognise that the rapidly changing technological landscape continually presents new challenges and opportunities. For this reason, we continuously look into how we can improve, for example, our end user licence agreements to avoid potential human rights abuses. An industry responsibility Security companies must prioritise careful planning and preparation, including developing policies and procedures For Responsible Technology to truly become a reality, compliance with international human rights laws and data privacy regulations is critical. Security companies must prioritise careful planning and preparation, including developing policies and procedures that govern the ethical use of video surveillance systems. The secure and ethical community In today's technology environment where deep integrations, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are becoming the norm, Responsible Technology is more relevant than ever. The security industry has a unique opportunity to set an example for other sectors by promoting a secure and ethical development community that prioritises Responsible Technology, trustworthy data collection, and the protection of human rights. We must all rise to this challenge and embrace our role as ethical leaders for the greater good of both people and societies.

Inadequate security measures on your essential infrastructure can have severe consequences.  Consequences  Consider the rail industry: If a vandal cuts the cables on a vital mechanism that controls train signals, train safety is jeopardised. To avoid train collisions or derailments and thus significant damage to property and potential loss of life, the operating company must shut down the service until the infrastructure is repaired and the network is up and running again. The disruption affects the rail ecosystem itself, but also the people using the trains, the transportation of cargo, and more. The financial cost of repairing the damage, restoring signal functionality, and compensating for delays can be substantial. For another example, consider electrical substations: A fire or targeted attack can damage the system and lead to devastating power outages.     Traditional surveillance limitations  Traditional video surveillance has its limits when it comes to protecting transformer stations Traditional video surveillance has its limits when it comes to protecting transformer stations. The facilities are often located in rural areas, where straying animals or flying leaves trigger false alarms. 3D Surveillance solutions overcome these challenges by volumetrically securing the area and immediately detecting intruders only raising the alarm in the event of a human intruder and even identifying drone attacks.  Protecting critical infrastructure with 3D surveillance  Critical infrastructure must be monitored. It remains at risk if operators do not have systems for monitoring entire areas rather than just the periphery if security personnel has limited information in case of an intrusion and if security response protocols are not automated.  3D Surveillance solutions 3D Surveillance is an important tool for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of those who rely on it. Integrating LiDAR technology, 3D Surveillance solutions provide a comprehensive view of the area being monitored with real-time monitoring and response, protecting critical infrastructure from damage and providing a more comprehensive security system. Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence Security personnel can identify and verify threats more easily and track the movements of individuals or vehicles, as well as respond to incidents as they happen. 3D Surveillance systems can be equipped with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to detect patterns and anomalies that may indicate a potential threat. This can help to prevent potential attacks or accidents before they occur, as well as enable more accurate responses to incidents.  Talent challenge  Turning to autonomy by implementing sensor- and software-based solutions requires fewer if any, in-person patrols 3D Surveillance can also help tackle the talent challenge in the industry: Recruiting security professionals involves extensive background checks, and jobs in the industry are notorious for their low salaries, which results in high staff turnover. Turning to autonomy by implementing sensor- and software-based solutions requires fewer if any, in-person patrols and ensure reliable infrastructure protection.   Additional security measures In many countries, more stringent legislation now mandates the implementation of additional security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure, particularly at a country's points of entry, such as airports and harbours. Protecting the perimeter is no longer enough. For instance, airport management must ensure that critical areas, including the space around aircraft and near unauthorised access points, are secure. While multi-layered screening of individuals at the perimeter is a valuable security measure, it must be complemented by smooth and efficient surveillance of the entire area, which can only be achieved through advanced technology.   Different adoption rates 3D Surveillance technology is only beginning to gain traction in most locations, and adoption rates differ significantly from one region to another. For instance, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe have embraced 3D Surveillance to a greater extent than Western Europe. Regions with lower adoption rates will likely catch up as they seek to reinforce the security of their critical infrastructure, especially given the conflict in Eastern Europe.  Vandalism and damage protection 3D Surveillance enhances the security of critical infrastructure, reduces the risk of downtime and loss of revenue 3D Surveillance offers reliable protection against vandalism and damage - major concerns for companies that rely on critical infrastructure. LiDAR-based, software-enhanced 3D Surveillance solutions provide real-time insights and enable automatic processing of the information so that operators can autonomously and quickly detect and respond to potential threats. These solutions are scalable and customisable, allowing companies to adapt their security measures to their unique needs and changing environments. 3D Surveillance enhances the security of critical infrastructure, reduces the risk of downtime and loss of revenue, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. Asset management and maintenance planning Beyond its security benefits, 3D Surveillance can help with tasks such as asset management and maintenance planning. It can help identify potential problems or maintenance needs before they become more serious issues by providing a real-time view of the monitored infrastructure. This can help to reduce downtime and keep critical infrastructure running smoothly.  Real-time management  The same technology can also perform volume monitoring tasks and thus facilitate the management of valuable resources such as bulk material, grain, wood chips, or chemicals. By scanning the stock 24/7 and automatically calculating stock volume updating records in real-time, this technology supports lean production systems and automated processing. 

Security professionals are recognising the intelligence value of leveraging publicly and commercially available information. This information can now be accessed more effectively from typically hard-to-reach regions. Also, the technological capabilities have matured in our age of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Intelligence has historically been based on classified data. However, today’s unclassified data, including open-source intelligence (OSINT), is increasingly being used to provide context and queuing for other types of intelligence. Advanced identity intelligence Babel Street is a technology company providing advanced identity intelligence and risk operations using an AI-enabled data-to-knowledge platform to unlock insights from a flood of data. The company provides advanced data analytics and intelligence for the world’s most trusted government and commercial organisations. Experts have predicted that by 2025 over 463 exabytes of data will be generated each day globally The sheer volume of data is growing exponentially. Experts have predicted that by 2025 over 463 exabytes of data will be generated each day globally. Not only are we seeing exponential growth in the volume of data, but there is also disparity in the veracity and the variety of data. This is being compounded by the ‘app economy’ in which data is created in a new format for every app added around the globe. Human language technology “The problem is that the data ‘junk’ and the ‘crown jewels’ are in the same bucket, and government and commercial entities need better and faster ways to extract intelligence from these torrents of data,” says Farid Moussa, VP, Strategy & Public Sector, Babel Street. Prior to joining Babel Street, Farid retired from the National Security Agency (NSA). He has guided video, image, speech, and text analytics (VISTA) and developed an appreciation for human language technology. An elusive source of data is the Dark Web, where every user, by design, is attempting to obfuscate their identity, and bad actors are hiding much better. “This presents a cat and mouse game – the cat must be smarter than the mouse, but the mouse is continually getting smarter,” says Moussa. Intelligence tools for data analysis SIGINT and HUMINT – while both vital – are also the most expensive forms of intelligence There are several intelligence tools for analysing data. One of them is signals intelligence (SIGINT), which refers to electronic transmissions collected by ships, planes, ground sites, or satellites. Another is human intelligence (HUMINT), which is collected in a human-to-human fashion. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) is obtained by searching on topics or entities of interest that are publicly available on the Internet at large. Today, these various categories are often done in ‘silos of excellence.’  However, the best practice is using all forms together in a holistic fashion. SIGINT and HUMINT – while both vital – are also the most expensive forms of intelligence, while OSINT, which is growing in importance, is most cost-effective. All are vital forms of intelligence; OSINT is complementary and crucial to holistic intelligence practices. Holistic intelligence practices When it comes to physical security of people and places, OSINT has become a critical source of actionable information. Security directors leverage Publicly Available Information (PAI) to safeguard against threats to individuals, property, travel routes, and event sites. By monitoring PAI, security teams can detect and respond to potential dangers, including during and after events where thorough preparation is vital. Online information can contain warning signs of impending threats. It informs security professionals in uncovering digital traces, confirming intentions, and addressing risks across language barriers, ensuring proactive risk management for the protection of people and property. Role of Natural Language Processing (NLP) The Internet and social media were mostly English language by default, but that has changed exponentially Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a crucial capability that has evolved to recognise the richness and variety of words and names in multiple languages and scripts, and their use across cultures. Using machine learning and linguistics algorithms, the technology simultaneously considers numerous types of name variations. At one time, the Internet and social media were mostly English language by default, but that has changed exponentially.  Babel Street’s world-class entity matching technology measures over 100 features to calculate the similarity of entities across multiple languages. Despite advances in data management and the cloud, there are still multiple challenges and complexities with integration of these data elements. Challenges include spelling variances/phonetics, language translation issues, criminal evasion, human error upon input, typos, etc. Accessing data from a scattered landscape While there have been advancements in cloud technologies, agencies utilising open-source data are typically working within a highly scattered data landscape and must use a wide array of tools to get at the relevant pieces. This fragmentation makes it difficult to run analytics and apply AI and machine learning at scale in order to derive actionable insights.  Unstructured and relationship data are visualised through advanced link analysis As with many disciplines, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the game when it comes to intelligence. NLP and AI algorithms are employed to enhance datasets for greater quality, usability, and completeness. Unstructured and relationship data are visualised through advanced link analysis, geographic heat maps, influential entity carousels, topic clouds, and patterns by time and day. Geographic heat maps The advanced algorithms accurately score and prioritise critical entities within the relationship network while providing the citations from which an AI/ML-based decision was made. “With the democratisation of AI, the world is becoming flat,” says Moussa. “Just like the most prosperous countries, even the poorest countries have the most advanced capabilities to do damage. Third-world economies often present a scenario where the financial gain of nefarious schemes and low-to-no regulation combine to incentivise bad actors.” The Challenges of Name Matching Identity has been an ongoing challenge for intelligence analysis due to the vast complexity of linguistics, spelling and cultural variances, human error, as well as human evasion. Technology and data science approaches are maturing, however machine translation can still struggle with meaning. The best-of-breed natural language processing capabilities run against the data while it still is in its native language. This minimises the occurrence of analytic errors caused by inaccurate machine translations. This minimises the occurrence of analytic errors caused by inaccurate machine translations It’s tempting to think that name matching is like doing a keyword search. The complexity of language makes it more challenging. New names are constantly created, with multiple spellings and no set of rules to encompass how names are formed. They are variable across languages, scripts, cultures, and ethnicities. Culturally specific nicknames and aliases add to the complexity. Replacing human involvement The investigation of the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013 spotlighted an example of the significance of intelligence analysis. Even though the FBI had issued a detain alert for Tamerlan Tsarnaev back in 2011, Tsarnaev managed to travel to Russia in January 2012; and in July 2012, he returned to Boston. He was not detained on either occasion because there were too many names on the lists, and Tsarnaev’s last name had been spelled differently from the way it was on travel documents, thus enabling him to get through security. With the Internet, social media, and the dark web, there’s been an exponential increase in public communications in various languages, adding significantly to the amount of analysis required to keep societies safe. Name matching, using AI, analyses multiple contextual data points across languages to arrive at matches. Name matching, using AI, analyzes multiple contextual data points across languages to arrive at matches A common misconception is that this technology will replace human intelligence. “It’s more accurate to recognise its role as a force-multiplier, allowing humans to focus on the on the harder problems and/or vetting the results of AI,” says Moussa. “The technology can efficiently analyse massive volumes of data and distill it into actionable information in a timely manner. It augments human capabilities, enabling analysis at speed and scale beyond human capacity, without replacing human involvement.” Commercial Technology to the rescue “When it comes to threat and identity intelligence, we face a risk-confidence gap, underscored by the challenge of integrating traditional tactics with the modern digital landscape,” adds Moussa. “We cannot ‘hire’ our way out of this problem. Instead, it is imperative that we adopt technology to scale our efforts and free humans to solve the harder problems that machines cannot solve yet.” The public sector loves to build things, but there are time-to-value and return-on-investment considerations to the ‘build or buy’ decision. When commercial technology can be leveraged by government, it frees resources up to work on problems that the commercial world hasn’t yet figured out, says Moussa. “The public and private sectors need to come together – one team, one nation, working together with mutual trust and collaboration,” he says.

Operational technology (OT) uses hardware and software to monitor and control physical processes, devices, and infrastructure. Historically, OT systems were not connected to the Internet and were therefore not vulnerable to cyber-threats. Internet of Things (IoT) However, today’s OT systems are increasingly part of a company’s networks as technologies converge and the Internet of Things (IoT) gains prominence. No longer can OT systems be counted on to be “air-gapped,” that is, not connected to other systems. When OT systems are vulnerable, companies face a “cyber-physical risk.” A bad actor could create a catastrophic risk in the physical security world by compromising OT systems. To understand more about OT and the related cybersecurity concerns, we spoke with Lisa Hammill, VP of Commercial Markets for Shift5, a company that applies cybersecurity best practices to OT systems and networks, thus dramatically reducing their cyber risk. Q: What is operational technology (OT)? How are the cybersecurity concerns for OT different than those for information technology (IT) systems? Hammill: Operational technology (OT) refers to the computer systems that underpin critical infrastructure, enabling it to run continuously and reliably. For example, planes and trains rely on OT to execute basic flying or driving commands. OT cybersecurity solutions for planes, trains, or weapon systems must be capable of the basics of IT cyber-hygiene Most OT is built on legacy technology manufactured before cybersecurity became a priority and relies on serial bus networks like MIL-STD 1553, CAN 2.0, or RS-232, instead of the standard TCP/IP communications protocols that IT security solutions can monitor and defend. Any effective OT cybersecurity solution for planes, trains, or weapon systems must be capable of the basics of IT cyber-hygiene, including ensuring signed software and firmware updates, full data capture, and continuous monitoring and detection aboard planes, trains, and weapon systems. This all makes cybersecurity for onboard OT difficult, but not impossible. Q: What is a “cyber-physical risk” and why is the term important? Hammill: Cyber-physical systems integrate digital components into physical objects and infrastructure; we focus on critical infrastructure like transportation as well as weapon systems. Cyber-physical risks manifest when actors intrude on these delicate processes to manipulate real-world outcomes, whether that’s grounding plane flights, or disabling train brakes. The risks of attacks facing OT within cyber-physical systems are highly consequential, can cause disruptions to civil society, economic disruption, and potential harm to citizens, as well as shift the balance of power in military conflict and geo-political matters. Q: Please describe the breadth of the risks when it comes to OT cybersecurity. Hammill: Cyber-physical attacks can jeopardise business and mission-critical operations, and risks are highly consequential when it comes to transportation systems, creating safety risks for operators and passengers, economic impact, and millions in downtime losses, remediation, and ransom payments. Transportation is a particularly vulnerable sector of critical infrastructure. An attacker could leverage a tested playbook to disrupt operations with minimal effort As we’ve seen from recent attacks demonstrating the attackers’ focus is trained on this space. The motivation of an attacker will vary, but for example, let’s say a bad actor wanted to target an aircraft to disrupt service and ground a flight. There have been examples of basic cyber-attacks targeting noncritical aircraft systems; however, many of these systems remain vulnerable. An attacker could leverage a tested playbook to disrupt operations with minimal effort. An attacker could target a system considered least critical to passenger safety systems categorised as a Design Assurance Level E (DAL E) like an in-flight entertainment system. This type of system has been hacked before and could be used as a vector for a ransomware attack. If an attacker takes control of video screens on seatbacks mid-flight, they would certainly damage passenger trust. They would also likely try to move up the design assurance level chain to gain further access. For example, when a plane pulls into a gate, communication between the aircraft and airline operations happens automatically. An attacker could exploit this connection to move from one system to another. If an attacker gets into those communications channels, they could alter data or hold it hostage, while the airline halted operations to resolve the issue. Q: What industries/markets are most vulnerable to OT cybersecurity threats and why? Hammill: Operational technology lacks the historical focus on cybersecurity that IT has, and basic best practices are nascent for OT industry-wide. Cyber-attacks targeting Colonial Pipeline and Florida's water systems (in 2021) have spurred those industries into action to prioritise cyber hygiene. The aviation and rail industries are watching and taking proactive steps to prevent such cyber-attacks. As weapons systems and vehicles on roads, rail lines, and in the air add on new technology, they are at risk of cyber-attacks Shift5 defends planes, trains, and weapon systems because these vehicles leverage a vast swath of distinct serial bus networks and protocols unseen in other critical infrastructure technologies. We have experts creating a tool that can monitor and detect traffic aboard these bespoke networks. And as weapons systems and vehicles on roads, rail lines, and in the air add on new technology, like autonomation, they are increasingly at risk of cyber-attacks. Q: What are the various sources of OT cybersecurity risks (e.g., other governments, individual hackers, criminal organisations, etc.)? Which are the most urgent and/or pervasive? Hammill: Because of their ability to cause deeply consequential impacts on the business, economy, and human safety, OT cybersecurity risks must be considered scrupulously. Attackers targeting OT could have a range of motivations, from financial gain or market advantage through the theft of intellectual property, to insider threats and geopolitical advantage in a contested environment. It’s no secret that most malicious adversaries choose the path of least resistance when developing their attack strategy. When OT is aboard planes, trains, and tanks, we’re only in the early innings of creating obstacles for those actors to overcome. One threat we’re watching closely is the evolution of ransomware targeting OT. Digital extortion could cause operational disruption and impact consumer trust. Q: What is the Shift5 approach to cybersecurity? Hammill: Shift5 extends 40 years of expertise in adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures from IT endpoint security into the OT world. For the first time in history, operators can apply cybersecurity best practices to OT systems and networks, dramatically reducing their cyber risk. Shift5 allows rail, aerospace, and defense to generate data-informed insights and make accurate decisions Shift5 brings complete observability and threat detection to OT systems as cyber-physical attacks become an increasingly attractive strategy for digital attackers. By providing visibility into the data that powers their most expensive, longest-lived, and most consequential fleet assets, Shift5 allows rail, aerospace, and defense companies to generate data-informed insights and make timely, accurate decisions once considered impossible. Q: Has OT cybersecurity trailed IT cybersecurity in terms of awareness? If so, why is it true, and how can organisations become more aware (and more prepared) of OT cybersecurity risks? Hammill: OT cybersecurity is nascent compared to IT security, but the industry is catching up. While most organisations understand the importance of visibility and observability in IT systems to enable their defense, very few have this same level of oversight for their most expensive, consequential, and longest-lived OT-powered assets. Simple best practices geared towards defending OT can make an adversary’s job more difficult. Start with taking inventory of all OT assets, then move to gain situational awareness so you can develop your baseline for “normal” operations (and can identify any abnormal events), and finally take steps to shore up gaps in cybersecurity. Q: Tell me more about Shift5. Hammill: Shift5 was founded by Josh Lospinoso and Michael Weigand, two of 40 people hand-selected to stand up to U.S. Cyber Command, the nation’s most elite unit of cyber-defenders. There, Mike and Josh became familiar with challenges in defending weapons systems, and the idea for Shift5 was born. Shift5 provides OT cybersecurity and operational intelligence for fleet operators and military platforms Military weapon systems are built on the same OT infrastructure found within planes and trains, and today Shift5 provides OT cybersecurity and operational intelligence for fleet operators and military platforms. Our customers include the DoD, US Army, Air Force, and Navy, and several of the largest U.S. passenger rail and household-name aviation companies. Many of these industries are beginning to seek out partnerships with Shift5; for example, AEI HorizonX, the venture capital investment platform formed between AE Industrial and The Boeing Company, today works with Shift5. Q: What is the biggest misconception when it comes to OT cybersecurity? Hammill: A common misconception is that OT aboard planes, trains, or weapon systems isn’t at risk. Many security experts have implemented air gapping as a cybersecurity strategy to keep cybersecurity threats away from sensitive systems. However, due to the convergence of IT and OT, there are more inroads to OT than ever, and air gapping isn’t as effective. Transportation assets like planes and trains are flying and rolling data centers that produce valuable and useful data, and they need to be protected just as we protect client data or IP. It’s a hard problem to solve, but the stakes are high and attackers are increasingly aiming their attention at this surface area. Modern cybersecurity principles must be extended to the onboard OT networks of aerospace, rail, and defense Amid the war in Ukraine, we saw attackers target the Belarusian Rail System to thwart Russian adversaries, and Russia digitally attacked Viasat to disable this critical piece of infrastructure ahead of a kinetic strike. Digital attacks facing aerospace, rail, and defense targets are on the rise, and modern cybersecurity principles must be extended to their onboard OT networks. Q: How can organisations start to address these challenges? Hammill: Cybersecurity done well is a lot of preventative work, and when we hear no news, that’s often good news. The U.S. government has increased the levels of dialogue around cybersecurity risks facing US critical infrastructure operators and has led by example in sharing information to help critical infrastructure organisations bolster their defenses. I recommend that transportation organisations engage proactively with local FBI field offices or CISA Regional Offices to establish relationships in advance of any cyber-incidents and visit the websites of CISA and the FBI where they will find technical information and other useful resources. They should also take advantage of other resources like TSA, AAR, ICA, and relevant ISACs that have working groups focused on these challenges. I encourage every transportation operator to understand the risks for these large transportation assets through vulnerability assessments, pen testing, and exercises just as they do with their IT environments.

Foot traffic remained at respectable levels during Day Two of IFSEC International 2016 at ExCeL London. Attendees are bombarded with sensory overload as manufacturers look for new ways to stand out from the crowd. The result sometimes seems more like a lot of noise. Everyone is looking for ways to stand out from the noise of competing product features and claims at the show. One exhibitor, Tyco Security Products, is taking a different approach at this year's show, abandoning traditional emphasis on individual products and opting instead to focus on customer solutions targeted to end users. Tyco Security Products’ end-user targeted solutions Peter Ainsworth, Tyco Security Products' Director of Marketing for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), says everything at the Tyco stand -- from the layout to collateral material -- is built around the need to answer "so-what" questions from customers. "They want to know how we can save them money and make their lives better," says Ainsworth. A single brochure provides the "ultimate takeaway" for Tyco's visitors at this year's show; the "augmented reality" brochure has images that can be scanned with a smartphone to provide additional information, data sheets, etc. Tyco Security Products is also giving away a "magic cube" that can be configured as a cube showing Tyco's product lines, and then reconfigured into a multi-sided "star" shape that depicts various vertical market applications. There are "trigger points" on the cube that can be scanned using a smartphone app to provide additional information for potential customers, including videos. The design of both the brochure and the cube emphasise the message that Tyco Security Products understands customers' businesses. "This is where we see our product fitting within your establishment," says Ainsworth. "We take them through the journey at our stand." The brochure depicts the same journey and "helps the end customer understand what we can do for them," he adds. "It's not about intrusion, access or video, but about the total solution." "At a trade show like IFSEC, we are one of hundreds of stands," says Ainsworth. "We want something that people will remember us for. It's different and innovative, and reflects who we are as an organisation." TDSi Gardis access control "At a trade show like IFSEC, weare one of hundreds of stands.We want something that peoplewill remember us for. It's differentand innovative. It's not aboutintrusion, access or video, butabout the total solution" In addition to getting customers' attention, some manufacturers have other agendas. Gathering feedback for product development is another way exhibitors can get the most out of IFSEC. For example, TDSi is previewing its new Gardis access control platform at IFSEC, including all-new, intuitive software that is easier to navigate, and a new hardware controller, both conformant to ONVIF Profiles A and C. Two years in development, the system will be easier to integrate with third party systems, using a REST-based application programming protocol (API). The new TDSi products are six months or so away from launch, and TDSi is using the IFSEC show to get feedback about changes customers might like to see as the software is fine-tuned; then it will undergo extensive field trials in the next several months. Getting feedback from potential customers is an invaluable tool for TDSi's development engineers, and IFSEC is an ideal venue to provide the feedback. "We can do an awful lot in three days that would take us weeks driving around in a car or flying around," says John Davies, TDSi's Managing Director. "It's a cost-effective way to achieve the same thing. Also, every year at the show we dig up a couple of projects that pay for the stand. This year we met with a customer that has 900 sites. We're in the early stages of talking with them about the new platform." IFSEC 2016 provides a first look at the new TDSi technology, which Davies says the company will introduce to the U.S. market by 2017, likely as a hardware component of an OEM partner's access control system. The open, ONVIF-conformant strategy makes it possible. TDSi has not been active in the U.S. market for 10 years or more; developing the open-architecture product is a favourable alternative to entering the large market with an older, "me too" product, says Davies. HID Global Seos and Mobile Access solution Also at the show, HID Global introduced new high-definition direct-to-card printers, and showed its HID Mobile Access solution, powered by Seos. The company also emphasised integration of its Seos mobile credentialing system with time and attendance, fleet management and hand-held devices. There is a related managed services offering. A lot of buzz has surrounded Seos since it came on the market in September 2014, and currently there are several hundred mobile access systems installed worldwide, including hundreds of thousands of mobile identities in use in Western Europe and the United States. There have been several notable installations in the United States, especially among colleges and universities. HID Global is currently in the process of building out a "global wallet" in cooperation with chip manufacturer NXP, which is preloading its computer chips with Seos, usable for many applications beyond physical access control. At IFSEC, HID Global announced it has been selected by Vodafone Italy to modernise the company's physical access control system by providing a group of employees a mobile access solution across multiple sites and applications at the Vodafone Village in Milan.

Viação Santa Brígida partnered with Dahua Technology to improve the safety and efficiency of its bus fleet in São Paulo, Brazil. The integrated solution enables real-time monitoring, reduces blind spots, supports passenger counting and fare-evasion control, and helps operators respond to incidents more effectively. Overview - Viação Santa Brígida is a major operator serving São Paulo with a fleet of more than 650 buses. To improve fleet supervision, passenger and driver safety, and operational visibility, the client partnered with Dahua Technology to deploy an intelligent mobile video surveillance and fleet management solution featuring onboard cameras, passenger counting, vehicle tracking, and centralised real-time monitoring. Potential safety risks Challenges - Managing hundreds of buses operating across a densely populated metropolitan area requires continuous coordination and reliable access to operational information. Viação Santa Brígida needed a more effective way to monitor its vehicles in real time and respond rapidly to incidents. Limited visibility inside and around buses made it difficult for the company to verify events, identify potential safety risks, and support drivers during daily operations. Blind spots around large vehicles also presented a concern, particularly during passenger boarding, manoeuvring, and interactions with pedestrians and other road users. Assessing vehicle occupancy The company additionally needed better tools to address fare evasion and monitor passenger movement. Without centralised and accurate data, assessing vehicle occupancy, reviewing suspicious activity, and identifying possible revenue losses could be time-consuming. Another priority was improving the efficiency of fleet management. Information from individual vehicles had to be consolidated and made readily accessible to the operations team, enabling managers to make faster, better-informed decisions. Centralised management software Solutions - Working with Dahua Technology, Viação Santa Brígida deployed an integrated mobile video surveillance solution combining strategically positioned onboard cameras, intelligent analytics, vehicle information, and centralised management software. Cameras installed inside the buses provide continuous recording and real-time monitoring of passenger areas. This allows the operations team to review incidents, observe passenger movement, and obtain reliable video evidence when necessary. The system also helps identify cases of fare evasion, supporting the protection of company revenue and improving operational control. Passenger-counting capabilities External cameras give drivers a more complete view of the areas surrounding each vehicle. By reducing blind spots, the solution helps drivers see pedestrians, passengers, and other nearby road users more clearly throughout the journey. This is particularly valuable during boarding and disembarking, when people may be positioned close to the vehicle or outside the driver’s direct field of vision. The deployment also incorporates intelligent passenger-counting capabilities. By automatically analysing boarding activity, the system provides more accurate information about passenger volumes, vehicle occupancy, and potential discrepancies associated with revenue collection. Comprehensive view of fleet activity All information is brought together at Viação Santa Brígida’s Integrated Control Center, where operators can monitor the fleet through a video wall and Dahua’s mobile management software. The platform consolidates live and recorded video with vehicle location and operational information, giving the control team a clearer and more comprehensive view of fleet activity. The centralised system also supports the identification and investigation of unusual events. When an incident occurs, operators can access the relevant vehicle information and video footage, helping the company evaluate the situation and take appropriate action more efficiently. Continuous video monitoring Results - Dahua’s integrated mobile video surveillance solution has significantly improved Viação Santa Brígida’s fleet visibility by enabling continuous video monitoring, more accurate passenger counting, stronger fare-evasion control, and faster incident verification. External cameras also reduce blind spots, helping drivers operate more safely during daily journeys and passenger boarding. By centralising video, location, and operational data in the Integrated Control Center, the company can analyse events more quickly and make better-informed decisions. Overall, the collaboration between Viação Santa Brígida and Dahua Technology has delivered a safer, more transparent, and more efficient approach to public transportation management, benefiting the company, its employees, and the thousands of passengers who rely on its services each day. “Today, we can continuously monitor the cameras installed across our buses and provide our managers with more accurate operational information. Dahua’s technology helps us control fare evasion, improve safety for drivers and passengers, and manage our fleet with much greater efficiency and confidence,” says a representative from Viação Santa Brígida.

The New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA) is the organisation for parking information in New Brunswick, NJ. The duties of the Authority are to construct, improve, maintain and operate offstreet parking facilities, to promote traffic improvements and the free flow of traffic. The Authority is also responsible for the management and operation of on-street parking by means of parking meters and residential permit parking. The NBPA maintains a uniformed security force to provide an adequate level of security in its facilities and to patrol the downtown area. Uniformed security force Technology Objective - Apply a key control system that will tighten access to keys and allow management to more easily track and control the keys which are used for NBPA vehicles, administrative offices, revenue equipment (parking meters) and other Authority assets. The system additionally needs to be capable of remote access and programming so that emergency access to specific keys or other secured items can be granted instantly and without management physically having to be present. Key management system The Challenge - The NBPA has a fleet of 25 vehicles and the problem with a manual key control system (i.e. signing a key in or out) is that it would be difficult to determine, with certainty, which employee last drove a particular vehicle. Employees are requested to examine the vehicle prior to taking it out, making note of any scrapes, dents, etc., and then do the same when returning the car. When this is not done, it is very difficult to identify and prove who may have last driven the car or who was responsible for any damages and this can usually only be done by going back and checking logs which may or may not be accurate. Implementing a key management system with an audit trail would eliminate this problem. The NBPA is also responsible for the collection of coins from the various parking meters and keys to these meters must be carefully controlled and a verifiable audit kept, ensuring the integrity of the operation. In addition, lost or damaged keys can cost thousands of dollars to replace and knowing who last accessed a key can assist management in determining a remedial course of action. Priority email alerts Morse Watchmans Solution - KeyWatcher® Key Control System — The KeyWatcher is a customdesigned solution that automatically records the access history of each key, including user, date and time of checkout/ return. By releasing assigned keys only to users with the proper authorisation code, the KeyWatcher system helps to ensure that all assets of the NBPA are better secured and protected. The unit’s rugged stainless steel construction and near indestructible key fobs are designed for heavy use and the illuminated key slots make accessing and returning keys easier. KeyPro® Performance Software –The user-friendly PC application software delivers real-time polling transactions, status, alarm and reporting capabilities for the KeyWatcher system. Activity reports can be customised to trace key movements by time, date and user code or biometric access data. And because the software allows the KeyWatcher Key Control System to be conveniently accessed and programmed remotely via an IP connection, control of the keys can be more efficiently and safely managed. Additionally, priority email alerts can be sent to management to keep them informed of the whereabouts of high security keys such as those needed for parking meters. Accurate and detailed information In Action - The KeyWatcher cabinet holds every key used in the organisation – approximately 150 – and each user has defined access to specific keys. As well, the keys are programmed for the length of time they are allowed to be out and if the key is not returned within the scheduled time period, management is notified via a priority email alert. The KeyPro Performance Software generates reports which provide accurate and detailed information, such as which employees drove which cars and when, storage areas accessed, etc. The network connectivity of the system also allows management to remotely release any key, adding to the convenience and inherent safety provided by the KeyWatcher solution. For example, if on the weekend an employee calls in sick, management can go online remotely and release a key to the individual who is covering for the sick employee. Prior to the system upgrade to network connectivity, the NBPA used a “ghost” code for these incidents. The ghost code allowed a few senior managers to access most or all keys but it still meant that one of them had to physically go to the building to release the required key. Problems of unreported damage The Results - The problem of unreported damage to fleet vehicles has been totally eliminated since the NBPA started using the Morse Watchmans KeyWatcher system. This is because the system provides management with fully detailed and accurate reports of who accessed keys for which cars and when. Management is also able to better limit access to keys which are used for collecting coins from parking meters. If an employee is not authorised to take one of these keys, they cannot physically access it. Also, when reported information is combined with images from video surveillance cameras that are installed in the parking garages, management can absolutely determine who accessed any of the revenue equipment and when.

The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati serves the wastewater removal and treatment needs of Hamilton County, Ohio. The Sewer District uses a variety of vehicles and equipment, including vans, bulldosers, cranes, service trucks and cars. Operation of the equipment involves a total of 180 keys, used as needed by the district’s 150 or so employees. A KeyWatcher® key control and management system makes it possible to keep up with the keys. Three cabinets are located side-by-side on a catwalk in the Sewer District’s large garage. The garage operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so employees have access to the cabinets anytime, including the middle of the night. Three additional boxes are located elsewhere in the department – one in the maintenance shop, one in another wing of the building and one in the mechanics’ area. Embedded RFID chip Each cabinet has a capacity of 48 keys, organised by group: one cabinet is set up for customer service, another for repair, a third for inspection and cleaning, and a fourth for heavy equipment. About 150 employees have access to the keys, although some keys are restricted to individual employees or small groups. Employees access the key control system by scanning their employee ID badge/access card, which has an embedded RFID chip. “Before the key control system was adopted, keys were stored on a pegboard in the Sewer District with spare keys kept in a box,” said Rahn A. Wuest, Wastewater Collections (WWC) Supervisor of Cincinnati’s Metropolitan Sewer District. “Theoretically, supervisors kept a log of who took what keys, but the system was not accurate and didn’t work very well. Employees would often take keys home or put them in a locker, and no one would know who had which keys.” Assigning several vehicle keys The KeyPro III software is programmed to assign SmartKey rings to a vehicle number. The software tracks the keys and sends emails when a key has not been returned. It also handles assigning several vehicle keys to a limited number of employees who have access; most vehicle keys can be accessed by any employee. The system is set up to send an email if a key is kept out of the box for more than 20 hours. Reports supplied by the software can list how often a vehicle is being used, along with who’s using what equipment. The system can also tell who was driving a vehicle at a certain time, which is helpful information if there is a report of a district vehicle speeding or running a traffic light. If someone is looking for an available vehicle, it’s easy to jump on the system and see what’s not in use. Making work easier Now there are fewer lost keys in the District, with no need to put spare keys into service. People are still assigned “ownership” of the vehicle they use most of the time, but if there is a call in the middle of the night, the vehicle is available to be used by someone else. The District’s many keys are easier to access and control now with the KeyWatcher system in place – making work easier and more convenient for employees while keeping vehicles and equipment safe and secure.

Bell Ambulance Company, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been in operation since 1977 and grown into the largest provider of ambulance services in the state. The company responds to around 75,000 calls per year and provides a range of services including, basic life support, advanced life support, critical care paramedics, long-distance ground transportation and more. To accommodate its vast fleet of ambulances, the company operates 9 remote stations throughout the greater Milwaukee area. Each of these stations is a hive of activity, with ambulances coming and going 24/7, responding to calls around the city. Given the geographical area Bell Ambulance serves, vehicles often return to a different station from where they were dispatched – making the tracking and managing of keys a major challenge. Critical care paramedics Another main issue for Bell Ambulance was accountability. Video surveillance and access control systems are installed at each of its stations, but some are located in high-crime areas of Milwaukee. So while the company had deployed a great deal of security measures externally, anyone who managed to breach that security would have free access to keys, which were stored on hooks out in the open. An additional concern was the fact that ambulance drivers based at these stations are always out on the road, leaving stations unoccupied most of the time. This further underscored the need for a way to distribute keys securely without having a person responsible for that task. Newer ignition technologies The cost of lost keys had also become a pain point for Bell Ambulance. Whereas in the past, replacing a key may have been relatively inexpensive, the secure key fobs used with today’s newer ignition technologies are much more costly, around $300 each. In addition to this cost, when a key goes missing the ambulance’s ignition system must also be reprogrammed to prevent someone from starting and potentially stealing the vehicle. For any company that operates a large fleet of vehicles like Bell Ambulance, these costs can add up quickly. All of these factors created greater concern for key management, making it clear the company needed a better solution for securing keys at all of its locations. As Bell Ambulance worked with Hoffman Security Solutions to compare products from a number of manufacturers to find the best solution for their needs, finding exactly what the company was looking for proved to be a challenge. To Bell, it seemed that the perfect solution hadn’t yet been invented, which was indeed the case – sort of. Developing new solution Having established a strong relationship with Morse Watchmans, Nick Hoffman, co-owner of Hoffman Security Solutions, knew the company was developing a new solution that would be perfect for Bell Ambulance. “Their biggest hurdle was finding a system that would be flexible and scalable for the capacity of their fleet across all of their stations throughout Milwaukee, but while some of the products we looked at were close, none were quite right,” Hoffman said. “KeyWatcher Touch, which was in the first stage of beta testing at the time, opened the door to make this application feasible and provide exactly what they were looking for.” Extensive and exhaustive process Not surprisingly, flexibility was a key feature that made KeyWatcher Touch the right choice. Keys were rotating constantly throughout the system from location to location. Because the KeyAnywhere feature of KeyWatcher Touch addressed this, Hoffman knew he’d found exactly what Bell Ambulance needed. After an extensive and exhaustive process of qualifying KeyWatcher Touch, Bell Ambulance was so confident the solution was perfect for meeting their goals that they were willing to wait and pull the trigger once the solution hit the market. As a result, Bell ended up being one of the earliest adopters of KeyWatcher Touch. Transaction gathering functions “We were willing to be the first to implement KeyWatcher Touch when it came out and it’s worked out very well,” said Jason Becker, Senior Systems Administrator for Bell Ambulance. “We’ve had the system for about five years and as we’ve outgrown the initial system size, we’ve been able to add stations very easily.” Bell Ambulance currently has nine KeyWatcher Touch stations installed, three of which were purchased in the last 12 months. “We really like the KeyAnywhere feature and the automatic reporting and transaction gathering functions. Not having to go out to each of the nine locations to collect reports and other information is a major benefit,” Becker said. First-generation processor Two of these latest cabinets are equipped with the new second-generation CPU, which will be slowly phased into the remaining seven cabinets moving forward. Hoffman recommended the upgrade based on the growing size of Bell Ambulance’s systems, particularly in its busy maintenance department. With all of the company’s ambulances going in and out of the shop for repairs, oil changes, new tires and other services in a relatively short time, the volume and speed of transactions was going beyond the capabilities of KeyWatcher Touch’s first-generation processor. “Now the system is lightning fast – about four or five times faster than before,” he said. Because the KeyWatcher Touch system is networked and sends data in real time, Bell Ambulance has been able to integrate it with additional networked systems for more complete reporting. Key management system Networking the systems this way also helps Bell Ambulance monitor the safe driving profile of each of their drivers. As each driver checks in and out, they place a road safety fob into a reader in the ambulance, which logs driving habits to ensure safety. The fobs are stored in the KeyWatcher cabinets along with keys, and the system is programmed to prevent a driver from clocking out until both are returned. “When they go to check out, KeyWatcher Touch pulls up the key use report and will let the employee know that they need to return the key or safety fob to the cabinet,” Becker says. “By making sure keys and fobs remain on the premises, KeyWatcher Touch has had a huge impact on reducing and even eliminating the problems and high costs we were having with lost keys.” “Bell Ambulance is at the cutting edge of fleet management. They’ve created a cool integration that ties their time and attendance system and road safety fobs into the key management system,” Hoffman said.

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, announces that it has renewed and expanded its subscription agreement with the Houston Astros, a Major League Baseball team. Under the new agreement, which builds on an original partnership initiated in 2023, the Astros are upgrading their Express fleet to the latest Evolv Express® Gen2 hardware. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the person and location of the potential threat, while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. Advanced sensor technology The system is designed to screen visitors effectively while helping minimize congestion and disruptions to traffic flow at entry points. These systems are deployed venue-wide at Daikin Park, the team’s 41,000-seat stadium in downtown Houston, TX, and provide entry screening for all guests and ballpark staff. The renewal agreement also deploys Evolv eXpedite™ systems at Daikin Park, a first for a professional baseball stadium. eXpedite is Evolv’s AI-powered weapons detection solution for bags and is intended as a complement to Express in situations where venue entrants are carrying multiple items. At Daikin Park, the eXpedite units will perform screening for venue staff, who often arrive with high-clutter bags. Professional baseball stadium “Evolv has been a trusted supplier to the Astros since 2023, and we look forward to continuing our productive relationship into the future,” said Marcel Braithwaite, the team’s Senior Vice President, Business Operations.  “Over the years, Express has helped us create a great guest arrival experience at hundreds of ballgames, concerts, and other events at Daikin Park.  The upgrade to Gen2 hardware and the addition of eXpedite help us continue to deliver on our experience goals and standards for guests and staff alike.” Entertainment customer roster “We’re pleased to grow and renew our relationship with the Astros and Daikin Park,” stated John Baier, Evolv’s Vice President of Sports & Entertainment. “Together with the world-class staff at the team and ballpark, we’ve had a positive impact on more than nine million venue guests to date, and we’re excited to help welcome many million more in the coming years.” With the Astros renewal, Evolv’s customer count in professional baseball stands at twelve.  The new subscription agreement also cements the company’s position within the Houston sports market, where all four major league teams are customers. In addition, elsewhere in Texas, Evolv has professional and collegiate sports customers spanning from Dallas to El Paso. Worldwide, the company counts some 100 organizations on its sports and entertainment customer roster.

Keihan Bus, established in 1922, is a long-standing public transportation provider with over 100 years of service in Japan. Its network spans Osaka, Kyoto, and Shiga prefectures, offering a wide range of safe and reliable transportation services and carrying over 10,000 passengers daily. The company also operates routes that serve major tourist destinations such as Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto and Dotonbori in Osaka, as well as direct access to the venue of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan—a major international event expected to attract millions of visitors from around the world. Through these services, Keihan Bus contributes to both regional mobility and Japan’s broader efforts to welcome global travellers. Among all its depots, the Hirakata Depot manages the largest fleet and is regarded as one of the company’s key operational hubs. To enhance manpower dispatch efficiency in its bus depot, Keihan Bus implemented VIVOTEK’s intelligent traffic solution to improve operational workflows. Challenges Hirakata Depot expanded its parking space and increased its fleet to around 120 vehicles As part of its relocation on March 23, 2025, the Hirakata Depot expanded its parking space and increased its fleet to around 120 vehicles, underscoring the need for a more efficient vehicle management system.  Even before the move, manually verifying each bus’s parking location was labour-intensive and inefficient. Staff had to physically check where each bus was parked and update a whiteboard using numbered magnets to represent each bus. Compounding the issue, new regulations introduced in April 2024 limiting driver work hours further exacerbated the shortage of bus drivers. This heightened the urgency of reducing operational workloads through digital transformation. To meet these challenges, Keihan Bus aimed to modernise its analog parking management process and streamline daily operations, especially at its busiest depot. Solutions LPR cameras were installed throughout the depot to capture and recognise the licence plates of buses in real time To achieve operational efficiency, Keihan Bus, in close collaboration with IBS Japan and Mobile Create, implemented a Bus Depot Monitoring System powered by VIVOTEK’s licence plate recognition (LPR) technology, using VIVOTEK’s IP9165-LPR-v2 JPN 12–40mm cameras. LPR cameras were installed throughout the depot to capture and recognise licence plates of buses in real time during entry, exit, and parking. The captured data is processed to identify the latest detected location of each vehicle, and the parking information is displayed on digital signage. This allows drivers to quickly find their assigned bus before beginning their shift, reducing unnecessary delays and confusion. By replacing this analog system with digital monitoring, the company has significantly improved its efficiency and reduced the workload for both drivers and depot staff. Benefit According to Keihan Bus, choosing VIVOTEK’s solution has brought multiple advantages: Reliable Performance: The camera evaluation results were highly positive, with excellent recognition accuracy that inspired confidence in the system’s reliability. VIVOTEK’s WDR Pro technology effectively reduces the impact of harsh backlighting, such as strong afternoon sunlight, while its SNV (Supreme Night Visibility) ensures that licence plates remain clearly visible even in low-light conditions. User-Friendly Setup: Compared to other options, VIVOTEK's system offered a more intuitive setup process. Strong Local Support: The local support provided by IBS Japan, including on-site assistance, was more responsive and comprehensive than that of other vendors. System Compatibility: The data transfer format was compatible with the depot’s existing infrastructure, allowing for a smoother integration process. Customer feedback “After implementing the system, we monitored its performance and fine-tuned the settings to fit our operational environment. As a result, the accuracy has remained consistently high and stable over time. Knowing that long-term maintenance support is available makes us feel secure,” Keihan Bus Hirakata Depot. “This was our first experience working on a solution-based project, and we started from scratch, feeling our way through. Thanks to the strong support from IBS Japan, we were able to successfully take off.” “Gaining hands-on experience with a camera-based solution has become a major source of confidence for us. Although this was our first time implementing an LPR solution, having this successful case now gives us the confidence to apply and propose it for future projects as well,” Mobile Create Co., Ltd.

As physical security technologies become more complex, it is incumbent on the dealer/integrator to have the skills and expertise needed to ensure that a system operates smoothly. The value of integrators increasingly rests on the skill sets they bring to bear when installing a system. If the skills are missing, there is a problem. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What missing skills among security integrators can cause problems for customers? 

The transportation industry is unique because it plays a role in both the minutiae of everyday life and the overall economy's well-being. Providing uninterrupted and efficient transportation services depends heavily on the safety and security of transportation entities. Due to the vast amount of people frequenting transit stations and the importance of the items on ships and ferries, the transportation sector faces multiple challenges that evolve as the industry advances. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of the transportation industry?