Office security systems

Panorays, a rapidly growing provider of automated third-party security lifecycle management, unveiled a security intelligence solution known as Dark Web Insights. The new feature enhances Panorays’ award-winning third-party security management solution and serves as an additional layer of cyber security protection. Using Panorays’ Dark Web Insights, companies can now become proactive about knowing in advance of in-the-wild threats to their supply chain. The evaluator company automatically receives a notification when there is abnormal activity on the Dark Web regarding the third party.  The new Dark Web feature checks mentions of a company’s third party on hacker forums and other nefarious marketplaces. It provides the ability to monitor potentially malicious hacker chatter about opportunities to target the third party, sell databases of personal information or take advantage of system weaknesses for financial benefit. “With the latest rash of misconfigured servers and data leaks, many companies have discovered too late that a significant breach has occurred,” said Noam Maman, VP Product of Panorays. “Many third-party security solutions assess the attack surface of vendors, but do not venture into the Dark Web. With Panorays, companies receive further necessary visibility into the security posture of their third parties.”

Dahua Technology, a video-centric smart IoT solutions and service provider, held a press lunch at La Gradona Grupo Puerto Madero, Madrid, as a part of the Dahua Technology Partner Day. Hosted by Mr. Jiaqi Gao, Marketing Director of Overseas Business at Dahua Technology, and attended by 9 distinguished media entities from both inside and outside the security industry including Seguritecnia, Peldaño, Globb TV, Innovadores, and Digital Security Magazine, the press lunch provided a good opportunity to share the latest market trend and technological advancement in the industry. Mr. Jiaqi Gao made a speech before lunch, during which he explained the development trend of the modern security industry, and presented Dahua Technology’s advantages in this time. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the IoT in smart cities market is projected to grow from USD 79.5 billion in 2018 to USD 219.6 billion by 2023 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 22.5% from 2018 to 2023. It requires tight integration and collaboration of chip supplier, device manufacturer, application developer, cloud computing, big data technology etc. Video-centric IoT solution Dahua Technology aims to create richer smart solutions to satisfy more customers’ needs With the development from a device oriented to an application/solution oriented industry, understanding the business challenges, tailoring the solutions to address these challenges and monetising its data, have become essential parts of the value chain, thus, an open system and collaboration between different players in the value chain are a must. "Dahua Technology, as a video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider, has multi-dimensional data collection technologies, know-how and expertise in monetising and utilising video centric data, and continuously strong R&D capabilities,” said Mr. Gao. By actively participating in the formulation of agreements on industry standards like ONVIF, exploring hardware ecosystem by joining OSSA, and opening up its own hardware platform such as DHOP, Dahua Technology is slowly but steadily building the open technology structure. It introduced DIPP (Dahua Integration Partner Program) protection scheme in 2017 in order to ensure that its partners receive corresponding technological benefits and commercial profit. By doing so, Dahua Technology aims to create richer and more improved smart solutions to satisfy more customers’ needs, as well as to grow and achieve mutually with its partners in this ever growing industry.

Luxriot Video Management System (VMS) software was introduced to the market in 2005. To get its market share Luxriot used various critical USPs; something that is not offered or claimed by any other competitive products. Quality, stability and set of features can't be called USPs, as these are mandatory and market driven aspects of any product. What is so unique about this Enterprise Edition? Even though customers only pay the standard fixed fees, they can obtain a license that sets no software limitations on the number of channels they could use on the server (of course, hardware limitations apply). Complete surveillance ecosystem solution One might say – everyone claims superior support! How is Luxriot’s different? It's easy to explain. Luxriot’s technical support is easy to reach and swift in response, where its availability is not related to the package purchased. Luxriot provides detailed support to all its partners and provides top level business relation flexibility. All customers are always VIP for Luxriot. The Unlimited Edition holds the same advantages found in the Luxriot VMS Enterprise Luxriot Evo S offers the modern and feature-packed analogue of the Luxriot VMS. The Unlimited Edition holds the same advantages found in the Luxriot VMS Enterprise. Armed with 64-bit performance, the software maximises hardware utilisation at full specs. And the Luxriot Evo Global, an enterprise-level version of the software, offers a complete surveillance ecosystem solution with an intelligent central server governance hierarchy for organisations of any scale, even when distributed across multiple sites. Stand-alone server solution Luxriot’s stand-alone server solution still offers Enterprise Edition with no software limitations on number of channels per server. But what is more important, is that they hold on to their motto: video surveillance solution is not only about top performing product, but also about superior customer service. As market share of Luxriot in Asia is constantly growing, it is critical for them to be able to maintain the same level of service that helped them to succeed. Due to this, they are proud to announce the launch of Luxriot's new office in Shenzhen, China; that will be responsible for APAC region. Ensuring their worldwide customers and partners will be able to enjoy the same superior customer support that Luxriot is proud to provide.

Join the growing Viking Electronics community on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter to connect with other Viking Electronics fans and get the edge on all things Viking. “We recently held a contest for free Viking Electronics T-shirts that led up to the unveiling of our new mascot, Vin the Viking. It has been fun seeing the response and watching the community grow.” – John Hepokoski, Purchasing and Social Media. Viking Electronics engineers and manufactures over 500 security and communication products in the USA. Products include Emergency Phones, Entry Systems, Paging Interfaces, Mass Notification Systems, Hotline Phones, Autodialers, Enclosures and more. In addition to their extensive analog line, Viking offers a large selection of IP products that are SIP compliant. Based in Hudson, Wisconsin, Viking’s 50+ year legacy is built on reliability and electronic innovation. Viking manufactures products that are designed to last and they offer many of their products in Enhanced Weather Protection.

As part of Security Officer Appreciation Week, Corps Security is hosting an inaugural ‘Thank Your Security Officer Day’ on Thursday 19th September to thank their dedicated security guards. Working in partnership with a range of clients, the management team at Corps Security will thank their security officers in person as well as sharing stories across several social media platforms to acknowledge those who go above and beyond delivering an unprecedented level of service. Security Officer Appreciation Week, a US initiative, takes place from 15-22nd September. It’s an international week of recognition and provides the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the important security officers that keep people, and the workplaces and buildings they occupy, safe and secure. "Our security officers work hard in often difficult conditions and at unsocial hours to keep people safe and our clients’ buildings secure. This is an opportunity for us to recognise their dedication to their work and thank them for their service,” said Mike Bullock, CEO of Corps Security. “In future years, we plan to build on the success of today by increasing the range of activities.” Interest in all operational aspects Expertise of your security officers has been instrumental in securing the medal collection that is on display" “I would like to put on record my thanks and personal appreciation for the work you are doing and especially for the support you have given me over the past five months. It is clear that you have taken a very personal interest in all operational aspects of the scheme and this is to the benefit of the company, the tenants, the owners and to me.”, Head of a West End theatre. “Your security officer has proven himself to be an extremely conscientious and professional individual who has the best interests of all around him at the forefront of his thoughts. His work is pivotal to the security of the garrison site and his dedicated contribution and the level of support he provides cannot be underestimated.” , Logistics Unit, HM Armed Forces. Enthusiasm to assist “You have some really impressive staff and their friendly support and enthusiasm to assist is a credit to Corps Security. I would not have achieved the many tasks I had in hand, were it not for the assistance of your security officers!” , exhibition organiser. “The expertise and advice of your security officers has been instrumental in securing the loan of the world-class and very high-value medal collection that is now on display. Thank you too for providing such a professional and smartly turned-out team to provide security for the opening ceremony – their contribution in calmly managing security, control of entry and car parking gave both my team and the local police great confidence.” , museum manager.

The doors have closed on this year’s Global Security Exchange (GSX), held at Chicago’s McCormick Place this week. Presented by ASIS International, an association for security management professionals, the event offered six days filled with education and networking for the global security community. Attendance was strong with 20,000 registrants from more than 125 countries and 550+ exhibitors packing the convention centre. Security professionals also engaged in sessions around the world via Global Access LIVE! streaming—with participants in more than 15 countries. “GSX serves as a powerful forum for convening security leaders across the globe to learn, share information and network,” said Christina Duffey, CPP, 2019 ASIS President. “I leave this year’s GSX more energised about our association, our profession, and our industry. I am eternally grateful to our Chicago Chapter and host committee for their strong support and look forward to GSX 2020, which will take place in Atlanta.” Four key factors affecting perceptions GSX 2019 launched on Saturday, 7 September, with ASIS member certification reviews and the start of continuing education workshops in support of professional accreditations. Sunday, September 8, brought a lively Town Hall providing attendees with an open discussion forum with ASIS volunteer leaders. Monday, 9 September, the keynote address was delivered by geopolitical expert and author Ian Bremmer, Ph.D., covering the most pressing risks, trends and economics around the world. More than 3 million people are moving into urban environments every week” He described four key factors that are affecting global perceptions and can stoke conflict and uncertainty, including the decline of the ‘social contract’ (i.e., flat wages, scandals involving privileged class, and sense that government and employers no longer represent the needs of the people they serve), immigration, the ‘forever’ wars (i.e., the 18-year conflict in Afghanistan), and the role of social media in stoking division and fears. He also cited news headlines, including the consequences of Brexit, China’s global investments in Western Democracies, and the lack of a “Plan B” in dealing with Iran. New innovations in security profession The GSX Exhibit Hall opened Tuesday, 10 September with more than 550 exhibitors and innovative feature areas including the GSX Disruption District, X-Learning stages, and the D3 (Drones, Droids, Defense) Learning Theater, and new this year, the Startup Sector pavilion, highlighting new innovations in the security profession. Tuesday’s General Session speaker, Steve Demetriou, Chair and CEO, Jacobs, spoke on changing times. According to Demetriou, “Today, more than half the world’s population lives in urban environments, and more than 3 million people are moving into urban environments every week.” John F. Kelly, retired four-star general, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security and White House Chief of Staff, kicked off Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Wednesday, 11 September. General Kelly also touched on changes in Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agency structures and policies since 9/11 and described how the dramatically increased collaboration across the intelligence and enforcement agencies in recent years has made the country much safer. Evolving world needs security practitioners Tarah Wheeler emphasised that the world requires security practitioners to continue to update their thinking New to GSX this year and a first for the security industry, 12 companies were selected to compete in the first-ever GSX Pitch Competition. The closing general session featured Tarah Wheeler, Cybersecurity Policy Fellow at New America, who emphasised that the evolving world requires security practitioners to plan ahead and continue to update their thinking. “We are at GSX because we want to be fierce protectors,” she told the audience before providing valuable guidance on how to prepare before an incident response is required. “I think like a bad guy so I can keep people safe—and you should start thinking like a bad guy too.” Deviant Ollam, Physical Penetration Specialist with the CORE Group, gave the closing Game Changer session alerting the audience to the many ways that potential “bad actors” can gain access to sensitive company data, resources, and facilities. Ollam described three distinct attack surfaces—physical, digital, and human—and pointed out that attackers often find the most vulnerable points at the intersections of these areas, where the responsibility may not be clear and protective procedures may be weak. Free access to security education He emphasised the potential value of penetration testing, and encouraged testers to help make the world safer, saying “if you’re not making the blue team better, you’re not doing your job.”  Expanded for 2019, the Security Cares program was created to empower and positively impact the local communities serving as GSX host cities. Now in its fourth year, the program connected leaders of Chicago area community organisations and small- to medium-sized businesses with free access to valuable security education, networking, funding opportunities, and resources. GSX 2020 will take place September 21-23 in Atlanta.

The extensive analysis and discussion preceding any decision to implement a new physical security solution – whether it’s hardware, software or a combination of both – often focuses on technology, ROI and effectiveness. When it comes to deciding what type of security entrances to install at your facility, you will almost certainly also consider the aesthetics of the product, along with throughput and, if you’re smart, you’ll also look into service concerns. Each of these factors has its important place within the evaluation process, and none should be overlooked as they all have a significant effect on how well your entrances will perform once they are installed. Culture influences door solution decisions How significant will the change from current entrances to security entrances be for employees? Still, one additional factor actually trumps everything: if you have not considered your organisation’s culture in choosing a security entrance, you may be missing the most important piece of the puzzle. Culture is a part of every other decision factor when selecting an entry solution. Before you make a decision about what type of entrance to deploy, you need to consider and understand the values, environment and personality of your organisation and personnel. For example, how significant will the change from current entrances to security entrances be for employees? If people are accustomed to simply walking through a standard swinging door with no access control, this will be a culture change. Beyond this, whether you are considering a type of turnstile, a security revolving door or possibly a mantrap portal, simply walking through it will be a significant change as well. Training employees on door security You’ll want to know whether employees have ever used security entrances before. If these types of entrances are in place in another part of the facility, or in a facility they’ve worked in at an earlier time, the adjustment will not be as great as if they’ve never used them at all. Consider, too, how your personnel typically react to changes like this in the organisation or at your facility. They may be quite adaptable, in which case there will be less work to do in advance to prepare them. However, the opposite may also be true, which will require you to take meaningful steps in order to achieve buy-in and train employees to properly use the new entrances. With the increased importance of workplace security, discussing new entrances with  workforces will help maintain a safer environment Communicate through the decision-making process All of this will need to be communicated to your staff, of course. There are a number of ways to disseminate information without it appearing to come down as a dictate. Your personnel are a community, so news about changes should be shared rather than simply decreed. As part of this process, you’ll need to give some thought to the level of involvement you want for your staff in the decision-making process. Finally, do not overlook the special needs among your personnel population. You undoubtedly have older individuals on staff, as well as disabled persons and others who bring service animals to the office. Entrances need to be accessible to all, and you never want to be in the position of having a gap in accessibility pointed out to you by the individual who has been adversely affected. New security entrance installation By communicating early and often with your personnel, you can alleviate a great deal of the anxiety Once you have made the decision about which security entrances to install, training your personnel on how to use the new security entrances – both before and after the installation – will help to smooth the transition. Because workplace security is such a big issue right now, it makes sense to discuss the new entrances in the context of helping to maintain a safer environment. They will prevent violent individuals from entering, decrease theft, and most of all, promote greater peace of mind during the workday. If you can help them take control of their own safety in a responsible way, you have achieved much more than just a compliant workforce. By communicating early and often with your personnel, you can alleviate a great deal of the anxiety and concern that surrounds a significant change in the work environment. Schedule group meetings Consider your employees; what type of communications do they respond best to? A few suggestions to educate staff on the benefits of the new entrances include: Typically, you would communicate a general message 2-3 months in advance and then provide more specific information (for example, impacts to fire egress, using certain entrances during construction) in a follow up message closer to the installation date. Schedule group meetings to: announce the rationale for increased security, share statistics on crime, review the new security changes that are coming, show drawings/photos of the new doors/turnstiles, and show the orientation videos available from the manufacturer. These meetings are an excellent way to work through user questions and directly address any concerns. Once the installation of a new security system is complete, it is a good idea to have an "ambassador" on board to help employees use these new systems Ensure you monitor public areas If you are implementing a lot of new changes, such as a new access control system, new guard service and security entrances, you might consider hosting a ‘security fair’ on a given day and have the selected vendors come for a day with tabletop displays to meet employees and answer questions during their lunch. This could be a great way to break the ice in a large organisation. Make user orientation videos (provided by the manufacturer) available in several ways, for example: Intranet Site Monitors in public areas—lounges, cafeteria, hallways, etc. Send to all staff as email attachments Immediately after installation, once the doors or turnstiles are operational but before they are put into service, train ‘ambassadors’ on how to use the door/turnstile. Have these people monitor and assist employees during peak traffic times. What is the ultimate success of the installation? By communicating clearly and openly with your population you can greatly facilitate adoption and satisfaction If you have thousands of employees, consider dividing them into groups and introduce the new entrance to one group at a time (Group A on Monday, Group B on Tuesday, etc.) to allow a little extra orientation time. Place user education ‘quick steps’ posters next to the door/turnstiles for a few weeks to help employees remember the basic steps and guidelines, e.g., ‘stand in front of the turnstile, swipe badge, wait for green light, proceed.’ Ask your manufacturer to provide these or artwork. While there are always going to be people who are resistant to change, by communicating clearly and openly with your population you can greatly facilitate adoption and satisfaction. Your responsiveness to any issues and complaints that arise during and after the implementation is equally fundamental to the ultimate success of the installation.

With the coming of a New Year, we know these things to be certain: death, taxes, and… security breaches. No doubt, some of you are making personal resolutions to improve your physical and financial health. But what about your organisation’s web and mobile application security? Any set of New Year’s resolutions is incomplete without plans for protecting some of the most important customer touch points you have — web and mobile apps. Every year, data breaches grow in scope and impact. Security professionals have largely accepted the inevitability of a breach and are shifting their defense-in-depth strategy by including a goal to reduce their time-to-detect and time-to-respond to an attack. Despite these efforts, we haven’t seen the end of headline-grabbing data breaches like recent ones affecting brands such as Marriott, Air Canada, British Airways and Ticketmaster. App-level threats The apps that control or drive these new innovations have become today’s endpoint The truth of the matter is that the complexity of an organisation’s IT environment is dynamic and growing. As new technologies and products go from production into the real world, there will invariably be some areas that are less protected than others. The apps that control or drive these new innovations have become today’s endpoint — they are the first customer touch point for many organisations. Bad actors have realised that apps contain a treasure trove of information, and because they are often left unprotected, offer attackers easier access to data directly from the app or via attacks directed at back office systems. That’s why it’s imperative that security organisations protect their apps and ensure they are capable of detecting and responding to app-level threats as quickly as they arise. It’s imperative that security organisations protect their apps and ensure they are capable of detecting and responding to app-level threats as quickly as they arise In-progress attack detection Unfortunately, the capability to detect in-progress attacks at the app level is an area that IT and security teams have yet to address. This became painfully obvious in light of the recent Magecart attacks leveraged against British Airways and Ticketmaster, among others. Thanks to research by RiskIQ and Volexity, we know that the Magecart attacks target the web app client-side. During a Magecart attack, the transaction processes are otherwise undisturbed Attackers gained write access to app code, either by compromising or using stolen credentials, and then inserted a digital card skimmer into the web app. When customers visited the infected web sites and completed a payment form, the digital card skimmer was activated where it intercepted payment card data and transmitted it to the attacker(s). Data exfiltration detection During a Magecart attack, the transaction processes are otherwise undisturbed. The target companies receive payment, and customers receive the services or goods they purchased. As a result, no one is wise to a breach — until some 380,000 customers are impacted, as in the case of the attack against British Airways. The target companies’ web application firewalls and data loss prevention systems didn’t detect the data exfiltration because those controls don’t monitor or protect front-end code. Instead, they watch traffic going to and from servers. In the case of the Magecart attacks, the organisation was compromised and data was stolen before it even got to the network or servers. Today’s proven obfuscation techniques can help prevent application reverse engineering, deter tampering, and protect personal identifiable information and API communications Best practice resolutions The Magecart attacks highlight the need to apply the same vigilance and best practices to web and mobile application source code that organisations apply to their networks—which brings us to this year’s New Year’s resolutions for protecting your app source code in 2019: Alert The key to success is quickly understanding when and how an app is being attacked First, organisations must obtain real-time visibility into their application threat landscape given they are operating in a zero-trust environment. Similar to how your organisation monitors the network and the systems connected to it, you must be able to monitor your apps. This will allow you to see what users are doing with your code so that you can customise protection to counter attacks your app faces. Throughout the app’s lifecycle, you can respond to malicious behavior early, quarantine suspicious accounts, and make continuous code modifications to stay a step ahead of new attacks. Protect Next, informed by threat analytics, adapt your application source code protection. Deter attackers from analysing or reverse engineering application code through obfuscation. Today’s proven obfuscation techniques can help prevent application reverse engineering, deter tampering, and protect personal identifiable information and API communications. If an attacker tries to understand app operation though the use of a debugger or in the unlikely event an attacker manages to get past obfuscation, threat analytics will alert you to the malicious activity while your app begins to self-repair attacked source code or disable portions of the affected web app. The key to success is quickly understanding when and how an app is being attacked and taking rapid action to limit the risk of data theft and exfiltration. Protecting encryption keys is often overlooked but should be considered a best practice as you forge into the new year with a renewed commitment to app security to ensure your organisation’s health and well-being in 2019 Encrypt Finally, access to local digital content and data, as well as communications with back office systems, should be protected by encryption as a second line of defense, after implementing app protection to guard against piracy and theft. However, the single point of failure remains the instance at which the decryption key is used. Effective encryption requires a sophisticated implementation of White-Box Cryptography This point is easily identifiable through signature patterns and cryptographic routines. Once found, an attacker can easily navigate to where the keys are constructed in memory and exploit them. Effective encryption requires a sophisticated implementation of White-Box Cryptography. One that combines a mathematical algorithm with data and code obfuscation techniques transforming cryptographic keys and related operations into indecipherable text strings. Protecting encryption keys is often overlooked but should be considered a best practice as you forge into the new year with a renewed commitment to app security to ensure your organisation’s health and well-being in 2019. Protecting applications against data breach According to the most recent Cost of a Data Breach Study by the Ponemon Institute, a single breach costs an average of $3.86 million, not to mention the disruption to productivity across the organisation. In 2019, we can count on seeing more breaches and ever-escalating costs. It seems that setting—and fulfilling—New Year’s resolutions to protect your applications has the potential to impact more than just your risk of a data breach. It can protect your company’s financial and corporate health as well. So, what are you waiting for?

In my coverage of China Tariffs impacting the security industry over four recent articles, products on the tariff schedules routinely integrated into security solutions included burglar and fire alarm control and transmission panels, video surveillance lenses, HDTV cameras used for broadcast use cases and fiber optic media converters. The general ‘callout’ of ADP (Automatic Data Processing) devices and peripherals technically includes servers, workstations and microcomputers, all of which are commonly used to support security solutions. The underperformance, from June 15 to August 24, of U.S. stocks with high revenue-exposure to China, and that of Chinese stocks with high revenue-exposure to the United States was significant and almost identical at 3.2%, significant losses to some investors already involved in security industry M&A activity. Significant public safety Facial Recognition (FR) vendors leveraging AI expanded their market focus to retail and public safety While it was not apparent that practitioners’ security program budgets kept pace with the growth of the more popular solution providers like video surveillance and cyber security, the ICT industries supporting the security economy continued to expand, especially in wireless and wired infrastructure, including preparations for 5G wireless rollouts. These omnipresent technologies drove significant public safety, smart city and public venue projects in 2018. Facial Recognition (FR) vendors leveraging AI expanded their market focus to retail and public safety. In 2018, virtually every public presentation, webinar and published Q&A on social media monitoring and facial recognition technologies I worked on, involved significant pushback from privacy advocates, almost to the point of alarmism. Massive risk reduction Several solution providers in these areas have made significant strides on data protection, accuracy, powered by AI and documented crime reduction cases; however, this real news is quickly shadowed by privacy advocates, seemingly ignoring massive risk reduction, especially in the case of active assailants and gang-related crime. Will FR become mainstream? The cautious security industry may take a cue from the maverick retail industry, sports venue and VIP verification solution providers that grew in 2018. 2019 trends: presupposition or repudiation; winners and losers. Chinese tariffs have had a huge impact on the security industry, which can be seen from changes to U.S and Chinese stocks  Although technology adoption forecasting is inexact, there are definitive opportunities in the security industry born on necessity. With the widespread problem of false alarm transmission and inability for first responders to ‘be everywhere,’ developers of solutions that provide automated verification and alternative security incident detection are expected to become mainstream. Promising detection systems The use of AI, NLP, LiDAR, UAS (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles aka drones) with surveillance and thermal imaging will grow, mostly due to higher acceptance in other industries like autonomous vehicles, rail safety, terrain and post devastation mapping/rescue. However, legacy ‘listing’ or certification organisations will be forced to make an important decision for their own survival: work toward integrating these promising detection systems into acceptance by insurance, licensing and standards development organisations. 2019’s ‘true’ Industrial Philanthropists will be needed to fund early warning tech for firefighters and the presence of active assailants 2019’s ‘true’ industrial philanthropists will be needed to fund early warning tech for firefighters and the presence of active assailants. For these use cases, 5G infrastructure rollouts, FR acceptance, lower cost perimeter detection and long range object and fire recognition by LiDAR and Thermal imaging will all be watched closely by investors. Should public agencies and philanthropical solution providers in the security industry cross paths, we may just yet see a successful, lifesaving impact. Cyber risk profile The ‘Digital twin’ refers to a digital replica of physical assets (physical twin), processes, people, places, systems and devices that can be used for various purposes. Your ‘Security Digital Twin’ has a similar physical and cyber risk profile, either through common threats, similar assets or both. Good news: managing your risk, protecting assets and securing your facilities in 2019 will get easier as security digital twin profiles will grow in maturity, while keeping their data sources private. This will be accelerated by the maturity of AI-based, auto-generated visualisations and image recognition, that happens to also drive the FR solutions. The 5G wireless infrastructure market is emerging as far more of a quantum leap in connectivity, like ‘wireless fiber optics’ performance, than an upgrade to 4G LTE. The 5G infrastructure market will be worth $2.86 billion by 2020 and $33.72 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 50.9%. Intelligent applications The explosion of ingested voice, video, and meta-data, the interconnectivity of devices, people and places, and the integration of intelligent applications into expanding ecosystems all require faster communications. To be more accurate, 5G rollouts will accelerate in 2019; however, current project funding will include and be impacted by future enterprise security connectivity: 5G and FWA (Fixed Wireless Access). 5G rollouts will accelerate in 2019; however, current project funding will include and be impacted by future enterprise security connectivity Quite simply put, larger solution providers are gently coaxing practitioners into seemingly ‘open systems;’ the negative discovery during an M&A process, audit or integration with a smart city’s public/private partnerships will continue to be revealed, and related industries will force reform. Autonomous things will be enabled by AI and image recognition. With few affordable rollouts of security robots and outdoor unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) that leveraged platforms popular with research and even NASA, the autonomous security robot was mostly MIA from a security practitioner’s program in 2018. Perimeter intrusion detection One platform was even accused of intimidating homeless people in a public place, at a major city. Industries mutually beneficial are often unaware of each other; this will change gradually: one major domestic airport is currently evaluating a UGV platform performing perimeter intrusion detection, runway weather conditions and potential aircraft taxiing dangers. The platform is being used largely in transportation research, yet offers significant opportunities to the security industry. Research firm Gartner estimates that 70% of today’s technology products and services can be enhanced with ‘multi-experience’-based VR/AR/MR The ‘immersive experience’ of virtually any security or threat detection is a twist on virtual/augmented/mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) with additional sensory features. Although VR/AR/MR is well underway in other industries, there are several companies with solutions like VR-based active assailant training that could provide a fighting chance for practitioners, employees, visitors, faculty and children. Research firm Gartner estimates that 70% of today’s technology products and services can be enhanced with ‘multi-experience’-based VR/AR/MR. Security ecosystem members Not necessarily MIA, but of special mention is the need of security and safety practitioners to prioritise communications systems over ‘nice to have’ expansive video surveillance systems for mass casualty threats. This will eventually improve with 5G for Enterprise solution rollouts. At the past GSX and upcoming CES Technology trade shows, a new roundup of technologies is discovered: a wider diversity of protection promise to save ASIS members on their technical security program is realised. With each of the ‘winners,’ (5G, AI, NLP, LiDAR, UAS [Unmanned Aerial Vehicles aka drones], thermal imaging, digital security twins and smart-city-friendly technologies) it is both exciting and challenging work for both security practitioners and solution providers. All things equal and with the necessary technology acceptance testing processes, this is a truly great time for security ecosystem members.

Many venues are using access control, video surveillance systems, sensors, and additional hardware solutions as part of a broader security strategy. By utilising so many disparate systems, corporate security teams are left with information “silos” that create inefficiencies and hamper communication. This abundance of hardware has left teams with too much data or too many tools, to manage effectively. Armored Things offers a software solution. The company’s “spatial intelligence platform” currently collects more data than other security intelligence solutions, utilising a broader range of sources and fusing data together rather than integrating it. The platform currently focuses on taking in data from WiFi, access control, and video surveillance systems and applying machine learning to deliver customers features such as real-time predictive analytics to prevent incidents like bottlenecks or overcrowding. Spatial Intelligence is an approach to physical security that enables users to collect, manage, and interpret data in a single platform. Combine machine learning with data The term can best be used to describe how digital transformation has affected physical security. Spatial Intelligence in its infancy looked like video surveillance data combined with machine learning to produce video analytics. The spatial intelligence solutions of today can combine machine learning with data of any source, type, and size to deliver value across a large organisation, not just the security team, says the company. Armored Things’ Spatial Intelligence platform unifies data from information silos to support data-driven decisions around operations and security. By fusing data from multiple sources, we can produce more consistent and useful insights for our customers” A suite of analytics, reporting and visualisation tools helps customers gain a real-time understanding of people and flow in their space. By removing the guesswork of everyday decisions, the product enables customers to make data-driven decisions at a moment’s notice, according to the company. Armored Things is more than a data management tool. “By fusing data from multiple sources (rather than only cameras or only WiFi), we can produce more consistent, accurate, and useful insights for our customers,” says Kevin Davis, Chief Security Officer at Armored Things. "Being able to collect the data is the first step, but turning it into actionable intelligence is where Armored Things excels.” IP cameras and other IoT-enabled devices The range of data sources includes IP cameras and other IoT-enabled devices and even outside data sources like bus schedules and weather reports. Armored Things has built a team of public safety and technical experts with the mission to keep people safe where they live, work, and play. By leveraging emerging technology to enhance physical security, the company built the software-centric Spatial Intelligence Platform for large organisations to enhance the safety and operations of their space. Schools and education facilities are among the customers that can benefit. The leadership at Armored Things cares deeply about school safety, so the recent epidemic of campus violence has definitely been a large topic of conversation, according to the company. “By delivering our products to a greater number of customers, Armored Things hopes to continue making schools a safe place to learn and gather,” says Davis. Recently, there was a significant bottleneck lasting nearly 30 minutes at the Syracuse-Clemson football game. Unifying data into one platform Digital transformation is disrupting the way our customers think about physical security,” Using Armored Things technology and providing real-time data to security and operations personnel could have identified the bottleneck as it began to form. This would have notified relevant personnel, who could have taken steps to mitigate the problem before it turned into a security risk. Keeping the security infrastructure simple is imperative to success. Integrating a software solution into the security strategy shouldn’t complicate existing operations, says the company. “Armored Things Spatial Intelligence Platform can bring your security and operations into focus by unifying all of your data into one platform for ease of use,” says Davis. For this reason, the team chose to integrate not only with customers’ existing security infrastructure but with non-traditional data sources (e.g. WiFi, event schedules, ticketing) as well. “By combining and analysing a more diverse dataset, Armored Things can help our customers make better decisions with deeper data-driven insights,” says Davis. "Digital transformation is disrupting the way our customers think about physical security,” says Davis. “As a team, our aim is to help our customers adapt to the digital age, as they transition from hardware to software-centric security solutions. Fostering organisational change is difficult, and our team hopes to make the transition process easier for our customers.”

How’s this for a simple access control scenario? You walk up to a door, wave your hand in front of a button, the button lights up, and the door opens. That’s the simplified user experience that startup Openpath is promoting as it enters the crowded and mature market for physical access control. Openpath says a simple user experience provides the extra boost needed for mobile credentialing to gain momentum. In this case, it’s even simpler than using a card credential (no searching in a bag or purse for the card). And there’s no personal identification number (PIN) code to remember; no “intrusive” biometric element that can concern some users. James Segil, President and Co-Founder of Openpath, says the simplified process “uses fewer thought cycles.” Reliability of the system comes from Openpath’s SurePath triple-connect technology “We wanted to make mobile access control that people want to use and can use safely and with ease,” he says. “We wanted to make using a smart phone for access control easier and more reliable than using a keycard.” Simplified user operation In the simplified scenario, the mobile credential resides on a smart phone that can remain tucked away in the user’s purse or pocket. The credential remains active without the user needing to open an app. The wave of the hand signals intent, which causes the button to light up, activate and the door is ready to open. Segil says the simplicity of operation has contributed to the system seeing an unheard-of 94% adoption rate among users. Reliability of the system comes from Openpath’s SurePath triple-connect technology. The smart phone credential is delivered using Bluetooth, WiFi or LTE (cellular) – whichever signal reaches the reader first enables the door to be opened. So even if a company’s WiFi is down or Bluetooth proves unreliable, there is still a third option. Openpath deploys “seamless” cloud integration and makes it easy for landlords and tenants to integrate Openpath with other systems Seamless cloud integration Segil is a serial entrepreneur who has had experiences as a frustrated user, dealing with many different offices, people and access control deployments over the years – subletting office space, changing PIN codes, dealing with 10 different offices using 10 different cards. Based on that experience, Openpath’s founders saw a need for a more user-centric approach to access control, and a chance to improve the office experience to be more aligned with employees’ experiences in their smart homes. Segil says he also saw “significant lethargy” among incumbent players in the access control space, and a market in which mobile and cloud technologies had still not taken hold. In addition to a simplified user experience built around mobile credentialing, Openpath deploys “seamless” cloud integration and makes it easy for landlords and tenants to integrate Openpath with other systems. The “elegant” readers, including a flush-mounted version, fit in well with high-end office environments. The company launched in May 2018. Openpath has been signing up national and regional channel partners all across the U.S. Openpath is focused on the commercial real estate market, where they have already seen significant adoptions, especially among mid-sized companies. Larger deployments as part of new construction are in the pipeline. National system integration In the past six months since its launch, Openpath has been signing up national and regional channel partners all across the U.S. and now has a nationwide footprint and is able to service customers all over the U.S. They are not yet disclosing any specifics about the number of partners they have signed up and who they are. “I can share that we have a number of large national system integration and security brands on board as channel partners and many more regional and local system integrators,” says Segil. They are looking for additional integrator partners. “There is a cohort of folks out there who say ‘I get it,’ and I want to offer it to my customers,” says Segil. The cloud element of the system can provide recurring monthly revenue (RMR). Openpath’s system offers flexibility in terms of meeting each customer’s security needs. In addition to the “super convenient” scenario described above, the system can also be configured to be “super secure,” using two-factor authentication and other measures, says Segil. There are multiple “flavors” between the two extremes. It can also be integrated with elevators to enable the buttons on allowed floors. Integration with existing systems Cloud software simplifies operation for both tenants and landlords. The system is backwards-compatible to existing systems and can be used to retrofit and mobile-enable a legacy system, providing the benefits of mobile features and cloud operation to multiple sites. The software can interface with enterprise applications such as Active Directory, and an application programming interface (API) facilitates integration with other systems and building components. It operates with marketing automation platforms such as Flack and visitor management systems such as Envoy. The system is backwards-compatible, providing the benefits of mobile features and cloud operation to multiple sites Open standards make the system easy to install in new or existing buildings using RS485, or Cat 5 or Cat 6 wiring, whatever is in place. Retrofit installations can use existing panels, servers, software, etc., or they can be replaced. The Openpath panel is installed right next to an existing panel in a retrofit and preserves all legacy integrations of the previous system. Access credentials compatibility In its simplest configuration, the Openpath system consists of single or four-door panels wired using standard ports, Wiegand ports and REX ports, each connected to software in the cloud. Each panel works offline if the internet connection is down. Various key fobs, cards and other credentials are available in addition to mobile credentials. Openpath was one of the new exhibitors at last fall’s GSX show in Las Vegas, occupying a large-sized booth for a startup company. The “beautiful” hardware drew a lot of attention, says Segil. “The channel loves us, and we signed a lot of people,” he adds. “We were excited by the response.”

One factor aggravating concerns about workplace violence in corporate America is the easy availability of firearms. In many states, citizens, including employees, have the right to carry firearms onto a company’s property even though firearms are prohibited in the workplace. In effect, an employee prone to violence may have a firearm as near as their vehicle in the company parking lot. Currently, 23 states in the U.S. have so-called “parking lot storage” laws, which enable employees to store firearms in their vehicle’s trunk or glove box despite any corporate ban on weaponry. The laws have evolved as an expression of the Second Amendment “Right to Bear Arms” in the last decade or so. There is some variance in the laws from state to state, but they generally allow a citizen to carry a gun to and from work and keep it stored out of sight in their vehicle. Global Security Exchange (GSX) is the new branding for ASIS International’s annual conference and trade show Employee Second Amendment rights “The laws contend that employees should not have to give up their Second Amendment rights between home and the workplace and should be able to have a gun with them for protection from their front door at home to the front door of the workplace,” says Eddie Sorrells, Chief Operating Office/General Council of DSI Security Services. Sorrells will speak about the current state of the laws, how they came about, the nuances of state-to-state differences, and the possible impact on overall corporate security in a session titled “Employees Who Carry: Preventing Workplace Violence” at the upcoming GSX conference in Las Vegas, 23rd - 27th September. Global Security Exchange (GSX) is the new branding for ASIS International’s annual conference and trade show, attended by more than 22,000 security professionals from 100-plus countries. Sorrells’ session will be Sept. 24 from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Restrictions on gun visibility Employees may think the “right to carry” extends to the workplace, but the right only extends to the parking lot. The company still has the right to ban guns inside the premises. However, it is unlawful in some states for companies to search vehicles in parking lots, and companies who do so are violating the law, says Sorrells. Among the various state laws, some exempt public education institutions and other public venues. Depending on how the laws are written, there may be other exemptions, too. In Florida, for example, the law exempts any organisations that have explosives on site. With weapons on a company's property, a high-risk termination could potentially become violent Most laws require weapons to be stored securely out of sight. However, in Alabama, for example, it is legal to store validly permitted guns in full view during hunting season, Sorrells says. A resident of Alabama himself, Sorrells has been in the contract security business for 27 years, working mostly in multi-state operations. He has worked for 500 or so corporate security organisations throughout the country and is a practicing attorney who has studied issues of workplace violence and active shooters. “There is a political element to these laws, which were created with the goal of protecting Second Amendment rights,” says Sorrells, who says he sees arguments on both sides of the issue. However, political opinions aside, “if you’re a business owner, you have to contend with dozens of weapons on a company’s property,” he adds. “That could be an issue if a high-risk termination could potentially become violent. You have to assume there is a weapon in that person’s vehicle.” Sorrells' session will dive into the case law and illuminate some of the legal issues and how courts have addressed them GSX education program After the session, Sorrells hopes attendees will take away a good working knowledge of the state of the laws, how to comply with the laws, and issues such as posting of signs. The session will dive into the case law and illuminate some of the legal issues and how courts have addressed them. The timely session is an example of the valuable information attendees can gain by attending GSX. Sorrells has been attending the yearly ASIS International Conference and Exhibits for more than 20 years, at least since the mid-1990s. As the pre-eminent security organisation around the world, ASIS International provides unrivalled educational and networking opportunities at the yearly conference, he says. “There is a vast amount of networking and educational offerings on a wide variety of topics, including technology, legal issues, risk management, workplace violence, consulting, and anything under the sun,” says Sorrells. The newly branded GSX education program is led by subject matter experts from ASIS International, InfraGard (a public-private partnership between U.S. businesses and the Federal Bureau of Investigation), and ISSA (Information Systems Security Association). Sessions will deliver valuable, actionable takeaways to help attendees shape their security strategies. There will also be an exhibition of 550-plus suppliers and manufacturers highlighting the latest security solutions.

H-Farm has a strong track record supporting innovation and creativity in European start-ups. The company focuses on skills development, new approaches to education and digital transformation. Its most recent transformation project involved an access control system — for its own offices. H-Farm needed a solution to streamline access management for lots of people at a growing portfolio of sites and buildings. H-Farm experiences rapid turnover of users, both because new businesses join regularly and because they organise up to 300 events every year. Battery-powered locks Any new locks would need to extend an existing Axis system, but without adding complexity for day-to-day administration. To meet their needs, H-Farm selected a combination of Aperio® handles, security locks and escutcheons, each easy to retrofit, so day-to-day work at their busy offices would not be disrupted by intrusive installation. So far, 40 Aperio® Online H100 wireless door handles, 6 Aperio® Online L100 wireless locks and 4 Aperio® Online E100 wireless escutcheons have been fitted across multiple H-Farm locations in northern Italy. All Aperio® battery-powered locks are wireless, so no ugly cabling runs to H-Farm’s doors. Because Aperio® offers wide range of battery-powered devices, H-Farm can choose the precise wireless lock for every application: the L100 lock protects doors with high security demands; robust H100 handles suit interior doors with high traffic. Wireless access control Aperio® H100 enables customers to add doors to their access control solution because cost per door is lower H-Farm interior doors are mostly secured with the new Aperio® H100 wireless handle — Intersec’s Access Control Product of the Year in 2018. The Aperio® H100 packs the flexibility and affordability of Aperio® wireless access control into a slim, cleverly designed door handle. Its standard battery slots inside the handle, ensuring a minimal footprint. ASSA ABLOY’s device design team incorporated electronics into the handle lever on the outside of the door, without jeopardising security. Design has become a major feature of the H100’s appeal. H-Farm wanted devices to blend with the contemporary architecture of their new €101m H-Campus development. “Aperio® wireless access control hardware is solid, nice looking and perfectly fits our environment — solving our access problem,” says Alberto Aldrigo at H-Farm. The H100 and other Aperio® devices are easy to install; for the H100, basically two screws complete the job. Going forward, this will enable H-Farm to quickly bring new buildings into the same access system as they expand to fresh locations. The H100 fits around 90% of target doors with two main models: one for left-handled doors, the other right-handed. “The Aperio® H100 also enables customers to add more doors to their access control solution because the cost per door is lower,” says Tania Amico, Aperio® Sales Manager at ASSA ABLOY Italy. Seamless integration H-Farm managers want to control access to site doors, or bring entirely new premises into their access system The open architecture underpinning Aperio® devices enabled easy online integration with their existing Axis system via PRYSM AppControl. Remote operation from a single, central software interface is seamless, which makes administering the system easy. “The PRYSM AppControl software utilizes the integration Axis completed with Aperio®,” says Piergianni Marana, Key Account Manager at Axis. “And the AXIS A1001 Door Controller is based on open hardware, which makes installing and configuring an Aperio® wireless lock easy and seamless.” An Aperio® RS-485 Hub coordinates up to 8 Aperio® locks within a typical range of 15 to 25 meters, communicating with the admin system via the powerful AXIS A1001 IP Network Controller. One AXIS A1001 Door Controller can manage one wired door and one Aperio® hub, up to 9 doors per hub. AES 128-bit encryption ensures communication between lock and system is secure. Online Aperio® integration gives facility managers real-time status information about their premises. Aperio® locks are wireless, so there was no expensive or time-consuming cabling. The AXIS A1001 uses Power over Ethernet (PoE), which eliminates the need for power cables to the controllers, too. If needs change at a facility — perhaps H-Farm managers want to control access to more site doors, or bring entirely new premises into their access system — it’s quick, efficient and easy for an installer to fit Aperio® locks and integrate the doors with the AXIS Entry Manager control panel. To discover whether your existing security system is ready for wireless Aperio® locks, download a free, fast Compatibility Checker at https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/aperio-upgrade

With roots dating back to the year 1948, Italian pharmaceutical company Alfasigma is dedicated to advancing the state of healthcare under the company motto, ‘Pharmaceuticals with Passion’. Headquartered in Bologna, the multinational corporation was created in 2017 by the merger between Alfa Wassermann and Sigma-Tau. As a result, Alfasigma now employs about 3,000 people and markets a wide range of therapeutic drugs in 18 countries including the US, China, Russia and several European countries with annual revenues of EUR 1.06 billion. In order to keep up with the company’s ongoing evolution while emphasising building protection, Alfasigma decided to update the infrastructure of its corporate offices in Milan and Bologna. This large-scale remodelling project also required updating the fire alarm, intrusion detection and video security systems at both facilities to the highest standards. Security cameras for outdoor surveillance On the exterior of the buildings, FLEXIDOME IP starlight 7000 VR cameras were installed to provide 24/7 securityAssuming a long-term perspective, Alfasigma management headed into the project with three key requirements: First, saving cost by refurbishing already installed system components such as intrusion and fire alarm detectors. Second, accommodating for future building expansions and saving additional costs by installing a future-proof and scalable system. And third, adding around-the-clock security to the building’s exterior through modern security cameras built for outdoor use. For this reason, Alfasigma commissioned Bosch as the one-stop provider to equip the Milan office – home to the International Division – as well as corporate headquarters in Bologna with an IP-based solution. The video security set-up includes high-definition DINION IP 5000 HD cameras connected to recording stations and offering 1080p resolution images at 30 fps. On the exterior of the buildings, FLEXIDOME IP starlight 7000 VR cameras were installed to provide 24/7 security. Recording at 1080p and 60fps, the cameras incorporate starlight technology to deliver relevant images even in challenging light conditions. Extremely weather-resistant, water-tight and able to withstand high impacts, the cameras are highly suited for outdoor use, confirmed by IP66, NEMA type 4X and IK10 rating and installation in mission-critical environments such as airports and government buildings worldwide. MAP 5000 installed with LSN detectors The new fire alarm system is interfaced with the voice alarm system Plena via Smart Safety Link“The video surveillance products are excellent and have impressed me the most. We are very satisfied, above all, with the high quality of the products,” said Stefano Borsarini, Facility, Maintenance and EHS Manager at Alfasigma facilities in Bologna and Milan. The cameras are supplemented by the intrusion panel Modular Alarm Platform MAP 5000 installed with LSN detectors – a large portion refurbished from the legacy system – to safeguard Alfasigma’s offices at night. Fire alarm is provided by the Modular Fire Panel 5000 Series with four loops, processing signals from 190 fire alarm detectors and 28 manual call points. The new fire alarm system is interfaced with the voice alarm system Plena via Smart Safety Link thus optimising the operational security via a monitored connection. Successfully installed and customised according to client specifications, the Bosch fire alarm, intrusion detection and video security solution maintains the safety of Alfasigma’s employees and property at both sites. It also fulfils the key customer requirement of accommodating for future expansions in a modular, IP-based system that is able to keep pace with Alfasigma’s rapid evolution as an innovative multinational company.

3xLOGIC, Inc., a provider of integrated, intelligent security solutions, and a three-time Deloitte Technology Fast 500 winner, announces that the Bradley Business Center, located in Chicago, has installed a 3xLOGIC infinias CLOUD access control system throughout the redevelopment project. HTML Global, an IT Managed Services Provider (MSP), oversaw system installation and continues to provide remote system management. Bradley Business Center (BBC) is the largest redevelopment project on Chicago’s north side, comprising over 500,000 square feet, spread over 22 acres. The BBC offers a unique shared office environment for entrepreneurs and professionals and boasts a wide array of features and amenities. Controlling common areas Both organisations do the day-to-day administration of the system, with HTML Global providing back-up and higher-level functions At present, the 3xLOGIC infinias system manages a total of 43 internal doors throughout the complex, split between BBC-managed doors and those for a tenant company, Compass Health Center. The two organisations manage their own access separately but use some of the same network and PoE switches. BBC doors managed are mainly those controlling common areas and shared amenities— parking, fitness facility, rooftop terrace, and others—but also data rooms and other sensitive areas within the office space. Both organisations do the day-to-day administration of the system, with HTML Global providing back-up and higher-level functions when requested. “When we started with BBC, they were looking to us for our knowledge base, and we installed a few doors at that time. Then, we built out the system as they added new offices and common areas to be managed,” explained William Hunt, Managing Director, HTML Global. Cloud-based system “The distributed Ethernet network can easily handle all the doors and that simplified installation and on-going management. The BBC property management staff don’t want a server onsite, so a cloud solution nicely fits their needs. Another advantage for BBC is our RMR services and the fact that a cloud-based system is mainly operating expenses, not hardware capital expenses—that’s economically advantageous for a property management business.” “There are so many other advantages to a cloud-based system, especially our ability to add doors when any of the resident companies want to join the system, or to expand the number of doors for existing customers—we can add one door or hundreds of doors upon request,” said Hunt. “Compass likes the system functionality and ease-of-use so much, they recently expanded it to their Northbrook location, too. That way, when staff move between the two facilities, they only need one set of credentials.” Access control system Such high-level control and ease of use is accomplished with minimal hardware on site BBC controls access by zone and/or amenity for each credential holder, administrators can add zones and close access to other zones with a few keystrokes. Door control is granular, making it easy to provide all-areas access to senior staff and highly-limited access, for example, for contractors and temporary workers. Such high-level control and ease of use is accomplished with minimal hardware on site. Many administrators were up and running on the infinias system with very little training, if any. With a cloud-based access control system, new tenants can join the system with ease, or a tenant can be removed from the system in a matter of minutes. Fix things remotely Hunt again, “As an MSP, we are overseeing a system that updates itself automatically, and because BBC management doesn’t have a full-time IT person, that’s where we come in.” The future looks bright for HTML Global with the Bradley Business Center. Current office space is nearing fully-leased status, and BBC management is looking to expand their property offerings into additional buildings located on the same parcel. Hunt is impressed with another feature of the cloud-based system, “The network is set up on PoE switches, so if a door isn’t acting properly, we can fix things remotely, we don’t need to roll a truck—that’s very cost-effective.”

IDF Aluminium has installed transom closers, solenoid locks and hook locks from Alpro Architectural Hardware at a building in a historic section of London’s Finsbury Square. 4 Chiswell Street backs onto the Artillery Ground which has seen archery in Tudor times, some of the first organised games of cricket in the 1730s and even a hot-air balloon flight in 1784. The four-storey structure was refurbished by main contractor Parkeray to a design by Ben Adams Architects that created column-free office space with exposed concrete soffit and a signature golden mesh & grille facade based on curtain walling with bold circles. Automatic voltage regulation The glazing is unusual since the Reynaers’ curtain walling for the double-height reception uses innovative bracketry to support massive panes from Euroview Architectural Glass. The Alpro closers are on the distinctive gilt exterior doors and the client is also benefiting from solenoid bolts in the door heads. Alpro transverse action deadlocking bolts offer high levels of physical strength with holding forces of up to 2,000kg Alpro transverse action deadlocking bolts offer high levels of physical strength with holding forces of up to 2,000kg, a bolt throw of 14mm and models with oversize pins. The advanced microprocessor module provides power reduction allowing for continuous operation without heat generation as well as automatic voltage regulation, dual monitoring and access control features to fully monitor and control movement. Installers can use housings from the same series for surface mounting which facilitates the securing of glass doors. Dress plates are offered for a clean finish. Public sector environments The 4 Chiswell Street refurbishment was carried out with tenants in occupation and even involved use of abseiling techniques to replace glazing. A temporary reception was created for access and egress. Daylight has been maximised and floor-to-ceiling height is used wherever possible in a design that meets the Equality Act and includes a revised fire strategy. IDF specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of aluminium doors. The door projects are often in business and public sector environments where usage may be high but maintenance costs must be minimised. IDF has 30 years’ experience in the shop front and commercial door market. The company ensures a quality service by designing and fabricating all of its doors and shop fronts in-house with no use of sub-contractors. The client portfolio covers transport, local government, healthcare and education from schools through to universities.

An integrated security system that includes new IP cameras and two-way audio technology has seen the rate of injuries as a result of attacks on Post Office staff decline by 36% in just three years. This follows the deployment of a sophisticated monitoring and intelligent threat detection platform from Morphean, a Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS) innovator, which has not only helped to keep staff safe but has also protected ATMs from attack, helping to keep Post Office doors open. Post Office is responsible for the safety and well-being of 14,500 workers in 11,600 branches. The very nature of their combined service offering and the fact they are often located in rural areas, means branches are prime targets for thieves. Threat intelligence Opportunistic attacks on staff and equipment, and the use of expanding gas to break open ATM machines is not uncommon Opportunistic attacks on staff and equipment, and the use of expanding gas to break open ATM machines is not uncommon. In rural communities, attacks on equipment can leave branches out of operation for long periods. In the last year alone, there were 13,437 violent attacks on convenience store workers, 27% of which involved a weapon and 39% led to injury, according to The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) annual Crime Report. The Post Office security team wanted to build on its existing threat intelligence and response system, Grapevine, with a network of IP cameras and two-way audio into branches. Axis Communications cameras, microphones and speakers, connected to the Morphean Platform and hosted in the cloud, were installed in pilot branches by Kings Secure Technologies. Security automation Now that trial implementations have been completed successfully, the security team plans to expand coverage rapidly. In addition to the cameras, the networked speakers enable control centre staff to speak directly to customers and suspected criminals, alerting them to the fact they are under surveillance. The solution is also optimised to use low bandwidth dataFurther integrations are under way to bring security automation to other branches, such as providing the ability for remote agents to lock on-site safes in the event of an attack. Because of the challenges around connectivity in the areas where the most vulnerable branches are situated, the solution is also optimised to use low bandwidth data and is capable of streaming video over a 3G mobile network. Built-in intelligence The built-in intelligence of the Morphean Platform means staff are able to monitor footage for suspicious behaviour, such as individuals loitering near an ATM, and issue an alert to security teams who can then decide on the appropriate course of action. If it’s someone trying to find their wallet, no action is taken; if a crime is in progress, police will be notified along with video footage. In addition, staff are able to trigger an alert manually using an under-the-counter activation button, which can be investigated immediately by control centre staff at the alarm receiving centre (ARC). “The safety of our staff is our number one priority,” says Physical Security Manager for Post Office, Mark Dinsdale. Make significant differences Footage goes straight to the Morphean cloud, and the platform compresses video and is fully encrypted end-to-end" “We’ll never completely eliminate crime in our branches, but we are also not powerless against it and we are able to make significant differences to the safety of our people, as demonstrated by the new technology we are deploying.” “Post Officers, particularly those in remote areas without access to a nearby police station, value the easy access to help and now report feeling much safer at work,” he concludes. Paul Ottley, Account Director at Kings Secure Technologies, says there are more subtle benefits to the Morphean Platform. “Footage goes straight to the Morphean cloud, and the platform compresses video and is fully encrypted end-to-end. This means that even if criminals attempt to destroy cameras or on-site storage appliances, recordings of any incidents are secured in a manner that is admissible as evidence. This eliminates the challenge of sending out an engineer to collect footage. It’s a simple solution that is flexible and fully compliant with regulations such as the GDPR.”

Interphone, the security systems and building technology integrator, completes an advanced project for Ardmore Construction at the high-profile Sutton Point development, a vibrant new community at the heart of the London Borough of Sutton. The company was appointed to design and install the integrated security systems, which includes fibre infrastructure, BPT door entry, PAC access control, IP-networked CCTV and an IRS communal aerial system with SKY Q. The installation has been recognised by the UK Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) with Interphone nominated as a 2019 finalist in the Outstanding Security Installer category. Fibre backbone network The Interphone project team took the decision to move to fibre infrastructure to improve performance “Through the effort and commitment of our team the project was successfully completed on-time, within budget, and to the highest possible standards notwithstanding design changes in the building along the way, which required modification to our own design and approach to aspects of the installation,” explained Albert Dwek, Sales Manager at Interphone Limited. In particular, the Interphone project team took the decision to move to fibre infrastructure to improve performance and ensure it could deliver a high-specification security system. As a result, the company created a fibre backbone network, which allows CCTV images to be viewed in true 1080p/4k without compromising any other components of the system. Responsive working relationships Interphone worked closely with services engineers QuinnRoss Consultants Limited throughout the project. Michael Keenleyside, Electrical Engineer at Quinn Ross commented: “We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver the best possible service and solution for each of our clients, so it is essential to have highly responsive working relationships in place with key technology partners.” “Interphone was flexible and adaptive throughout the design and installation phases of the development, which ensure that any changes to system requirements were handled quickly and efficiently. Their team’s knowledge, understanding and commitment was essential to the success of the project.” The sophisticated CCTV solution incorporates a site-wide, IP-networked camera system and full-perimeter PTZ (Pan Tilt and zoom) camera system from HIKvision. Greater compression The full-perimeter system runs in real-time over three towers, three remote stations and two virtual concierge points with interlock ability The full-perimeter system runs in real-time over three towers, three remote stations and two virtual concierge points with interlock ability. The external PTZ camera images, recorded onsite, are also shared with the local police. This means the management company can keep the site secure for its residents, while allowing the police to protect the area in and around the development against crime. The PAC access control system enables all management tasks related to the tenants and staff to be administered from the central computer as and when required, ensuring the highest level of security around the site and added peace of mind. Meanwhile, BPT’s XIP door entry system offers significantly greater compression, providing the clearest and highest quality AV currently available, even with the significant background noise. Building communications The added PCS concierge facility also has improved switchboard software performance, delivering full control of building communications at two desks, so the system will never be engaged and never miss a visitor call. The primary focus when designing this project was the delivery of a system that could expand to meet changing requirements" “The primary focus when designing this project was the delivery of a system that could expand to meet changing requirements. As a result, we have implemented a system that not only uses the most up-to-date technology, but by its design, has been future proofed with the ability to grow. Therefore, the developer can meet all its internal requirements and ensure high levels of security for residents, visitors and members of the public,” commented Dwek. Technical capabilities David Dobouny, Operations Director at Interphone Limited added: “We are committed to the highest levels of service delivery. This project was selected to demonstrate our technical capabilities covering access control and CCTV systems for our NSI accreditation. We achieved a grade A rating, with zero faults and no negative comments regarding on-and off-site documentation, design and installation. This is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved, especially considering the size of the project.” Sutton Point is a large-scale mixed-use scheme located close to the town centre. The high-profile development included the full demolition of an existing tower, and the design and construction of 332 one-and two-bedroom apartments, prime three-bedroom penthouses, 21,000 square feet of retail space, 18,000 square feet of office space and an 80-bedroom hotel.

The concept of how security systems can contribute to the broader business goals of a company is not new. It seems we have been talking about benefits of security systems beyond “just” security for more than a decade. Given the expanding role of technologies in the market, including video and access control, at what point is the term “security” too restrictive to accurately describe what our industry does? We asked the Expert Panel Roundtable for their responses to this premise: Is the description “security technology” too narrow given the broader application possibilities of today’s systems? Why?

Sometimes customers expect more out of a security system. A brand new security system just doesn’t perform as the customer expected it would. In fact, one might argue that the many variables in today’s complex systems make it more likely than ever that some element of a system might not measure up to a customer’s expectations. What happens then? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What happens if a customer’s expectations of system performance are greater than what a physical security system can deliver?

What lessons, if any, are there to be learned from the recent attacks in Paris? Recent events in Paris highlight the deadly and changing face of terrorism in 2015. Two gunmen armed with Kalashnikov assault rifles attacked the Paris offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo on 7 January, killing 12 people in all, including eight Charlie Hebdo employees and two national police officers. Two days later, the terrorism continued with a hostage crisis at a printing firm at Dammartin-en-Goel and at a kosher supermarket in Paris, where four hostages were murdered before the assailant was killed by police. The world has been shocked by the events, and many are evaluating what we can learn from them to help us prevent or minimise such future attacks. We asked our panel if there are lessons to be learned specific to the security industry.