Physical security

SecureBI, a strategic advisory firm delivering business intelligence to the security industry, and the American Crime Prevention Institute (ACPI) have established a partnership to bring online crime prevention training and certification courses to law enforcement agencies and security professionals across the country. ACPI has pioneered the development and delivery of in-person crime prevention training and certification programs for law enforcement since 1998. With the new online educational offerings, ACPI can provide efficient delivery of content for professional development and certification remotely using video and online communication tools. ACPI certifications are well-respected throughout the public safety arena, demonstrating a commitment to crime prevention and expertise in proactive security strategies. Law enforcement agencies "The future of professional development and certification will be driven by the evolution of online technologies and collaboration tools," said Dan Keller, Executive Director, ACPI. "As an organisation dedicated to making learning accessible to everyone, we looked for ways to modernise our course delivery. Partnering with SecureBI allows us to meet demand for our rich library of offerings for law enforcement agencies, and to expand our reach to security industry professionals.” Initial online courses will be offered live and cover a variety of topics, including: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), December 1-4, 2020 Community Engagement for Law Enforcement, December 8-10, 2020 Security Assessment for Law Enforcement Personnel, January 11-15, 2021 For security professionals As additional courses are added to the online collection, a certification track will be developed specifically for security professionals in addition to existing law enforcement certifications. "APCI and SecureBI both share a dedication to helping leaders achieve their goals through continuing education. As the world transitions to a more remote, online workforce, it is up to us to ensure e-learning opportunities are readily available and easily accessible," said Brandon Reich, CEO, SecureBI. "This partnership is about a joint vision of simplifying access to certification opportunities and education that enables law enforcement and security industry professionals to validate their expertise and proficiency in creating safe and secure environments."

Boon Edam Inc., a global provider of security entrances and architectural revolving doors, announced they are showcasing a new optical turnstile, the Speedlane Compact, as well as presenting the inaugural first episode of BoonTV about “Scalable Security” at the Global Security Exchange Plus (GSX+) virtual exhibition hosted by ASIS International. Security professionals from across the globe are converging online to participate in over 100 educational sessions, network with peers, and visit the virtual “Marketplace” to browse and learn about new and innovative security technologies. Boon Edam’s Marketplace Profile at GSX+ features information about a new physical security solution, the Speedlane Compact optical turnstile. Biometric device integration Due to the global outbreak of COVID-19, security professionals are tasked with providing a “touchless” entry A video teaches security managers about the key features of this new turnstile, created out of a need for a shorter security barrier with the same level of security as more robust optical turnstile models. The Speedlane Compact features swinging barriers, generous space for access control or biometric device integration, and tailgating, safety and low-object detection sensors - all in a compact footprint ideal for locations where interior space is at a premium. The Speedlane Compact has recently won the Security Today 2020 New Product of the Year Award in the Pedestrian Security Entrances category. This honour is awarded to products that are considered to be particularly noteworthy in their ability to improve security. Due to the global outbreak of COVID-19, security professionals are tasked with providing a “touchless” entry experience while maintaining the security of the building. Touchless entry Boon Edam’s Marketplace Profile contains a “Security Entrances” Brochure which outlines the types of security entrances that also fulfill the need for touchless entry. Boon Edam’s Entry Experts are available the entire week of the GSX+ event to field questions and host face-to-face meetings to discuss further how to make buildings contactless and secure. The Boon Edam virtual booth will also feature a 20-minute episode of BoonTV where host, JC Powell, Vice President of Sales at Boon Edam, will introduce the concept of “Scalable Security.” JC discusses the three basic capability levels of security entrances relative to tailgating mitigation - deterrence, detection and prevention - in order to help security professionals, identify the best entrance type for each area of their building.

Alcatraz has announced the appointment of Holley Hunt as the company’s Director of Business Development. Hunt will lead Alcatraz in discovering and pursuing new business opportunities and partnerships as the technology security startup carves out a new industry, Autonomous Access Control. Alcatraz Chief Revenue Officer, Tina D’Agostin said, “As a leader in the security space, Holley is an excellent addition to the Alcatraz team in this critical time of our go-to-market strategy and execution. She has impressive security industry business development experience with world-renowned security leaders.” Tina adds, “What’s also impressive is that, throughout her career, Holley has taken the extra step of serving as a mentor to her peers in the industry and also in encouraging young women to get into STEM fields to help create future leaders.” Business Development and Sales expert Prior to joining Alcatraz, Hunt served as Director of Business Development for Johnson Controls Prior to joining Alcatraz, Hunt served as Director of Business Development and Global Strategic Account Executive for Johnson Controls. She also was Business Development Manager for Qognify, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Kepler Group and Regional Sales Manager for Bosch Security Systems. She has also served in a variety of volunteer roles, including mentor-protégé chair for the ASIS San Diego Chapter, Board Member of the San Diego Security Association and the Orange County Alarm Associations and President of Inland Empire Alarm Association. Creating Risk, Operations, Cyber and Controls experts Hunt created an active global networking group called Cool Peers Rock for practitioners to connect and benchmark best practices. She also developed School of ROCC, a program for high school STEM students, which helps create future leaders in Risk, Operations, Cyber and Controls. “With Alcatraz, I’m starting a new chapter and it’s all about the rock. And by rock, I mean several things, a foundation to set my future and an opportunity to focus on the Alcatraz Rock autonomous access control platform,” said Hunt. Alcatraz Rock autonomous access control platform She adds, “The Alcatraz Rock is just what’s needed for security in general, access control in particular, and during this time when we need to create a touchless experience for our business environments. With the Alcatraz Rock, your face is your badge and that delivers an impressive level of security.” Alcatraz has changed the way that companies leverage access control systems, by providing a facial authentication solution that leverages 3D, artificial intelligence and analytics to modernise existing access control technology. Mask Detection feature Enterprises are choosing to deploy the Alcatraz Rock as their first line of defence against unauthorised access, to deliver effective and secure autonomous access control. Because Alcatraz's platform also detects masks, it has become the perfect post-COVID solution for businesses that want to deliver touchless security in their buildings while observing state and local mask mandates.

Safetrust, a globally renowned virtual credential solutions provider, has announced bringing Touchless Mobile Access and WiFi options to the millions of HID iCLASS SE and multiCLASS SE readers deployed currently with their new SABRE MODULE. Touchless Mobile Access The 30-second plug-in makes the SABRE MODULE the fastest way to enable touchless mobile access at the door, turnstile or elevator, while using existing readers. SABRE MODULE enables hands-free access authentication from a configurable distance As organisations transition back to the workplace, eliminating community touchpoints of legacy door readers is paramount for employee safety. Unlike traditional cards and key fobs that in practice are touched at the reader, the SABRE MODULE enables hands-free access authentication from a configurable distance. Dynamic credential management With dynamic credential management, administrators can instantly issue and reissue a secure mobile credential to employees or visitors with the click of a button, removing the need for face-to-face on-boarding and handling cards.  “Lifetime warranty should mean for a lifetime,” said Jason Hart, Chief Executive Officer of Safetrust, adding “We independently developed the SABRE MODULE to extend the useful life of existing HID iCLASS SE and multiCLASS SE readers, by adding the connectivity and sensor features that were missing.” SABRE MODULE Jason further said, “By adding IoT technology to the reader, organisations can augment their traditional physical access solution and utilise the readers as network-connected sensors for touchless access, presence detection and remote management, in addition to being forward capable as industry standards continue to evolve.” The SABRE MODULE is WiFi-enabled and supports digital certificate 802.1x authentication, MQTT and SIA OSDP, allowing for full remote management of the traditional RFID reader, irrespective of the reader’s current wiring configuration. The module is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty.

ASSA ABLOY, the globally renowned provider of door opening solutions, has collaborated with long-time security partner, LenelS2 to enable mobile access to IP-enabled IN Series access control locks via the LenelS2 BlueDiamond app. Through the app, users can pre-load their most frequented pathways to enjoy streamlined access to doorways, use their phone as a badge even while it remains in a pocket or bag, and utilise voice commands on their smart phone or other connected device to conveniently unlock and open doors. This facilitates enhanced security that helps prevent unauthorised access of information. IN120/IN220 locks integration with ASSA ABLOY access control IN120/IN220 locks work with ASSA ABLOY IP-enabled Access Control Partner software IN120/IN220 locks work with ASSA ABLOY IP-enabled Access Control Partner software, allowing straightforward integration into new or existing access control systems. These system integrations allow for easy changes to access rights, detailed transaction history and other advanced functionality options. “Working together, ASSA ABLOY and LenelS2 are committed to making access to spaces more seamless and convenient without compromising security,” said Joseph Sceviour, Product Manager for ASSA ABLOY’s wireless solutions, adding “We are excited about the flexibility that the BlueDiamond app offers users of IN120 and 220 Series access control locks.” Enhanced access control solution “Further expanding the BlueDiamond ecosystem supports our objective to provide a next-generation, convenient and more secure access control experience,” said Greg Berry, Vice President, Mobile Credentialing, LenelS2, adding “We look forward to bringing this experience to IN120 and 220 users.” IN120 and IN220 are ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 locks available in cylindrical, mortise, multi-point and exit device configurations. They are offered in a wide range of finishes and decorative levers that complement any design style, to serve designers and architects in a variety of vertical markets.

Iris ID, the global renowned provider of iris recognition technology solutions, announced that it has begun shipping IrisTime, a new biometric time and attendance platform that offers a fully customisable and accurate solution, to meet the pioneering workforce management needs of small businesses to enterprise organisations worldwide. IrisTime IrisTime also offers a new recognition technique for authenticating employee identity that uses a fusion of iris and face recognition to increase accuracy and convenience of use.  IrisTime’s open Android-based platform accommodates hundreds of current time and attendance applications while also enabling independent software vendors (ISVs) to create custom software solutions meeting specific organisational needs. The platform is shipped with a standard app, which is capable of meeting the needs of many organisations of varying size. Iris ID’s IrisTime platform is contactless, an essential consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic" “Furthermore, Iris ID’s IrisTime platform is contactless, an essential consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mohammed Murad, Vice President, Global Sales and Business Development, Iris ID. Enhanced accuracy and convenience IrisTime biometric time and attendance platform is unaffected by employees wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, masks and goggles. A recent study by a federal agency showed that systems using only facial recognition technology could be up to 50% less accurate, especially when people wore masks or face coverings. “IrisTime biometric platform uses fast auto-focus to quickly and conveniently authenticate employees’ identity, at distances up to 24 inches,” said Murad, adding “Also, IrisTime’s accuracy is unsurpassed as it is the first time and attendance platform that combines identifying characteristics from both an employee’s iris and face.” Seamless integration with payroll software Murad further stated, “That accuracy, along with seamless integration with payroll software, helps the platform eliminate potential errors while calculating hours worked, as well as benefits such as disability and accrued vacation time.” Using IrisTime, employee authentication takes less than a second, a vital consideration during busy shift changes. While clocking in, the IrisTime screen displays an employee’s name, company I.D. number and photo, along with the time and date of the activity. Biometric technology authentication Biometric technology authenticates identity with no need for employees to present a card Biometric technology authenticates identity with no need for employees to present a card or remember a personal identification number to clock in or out. However, IrisTime integrates with card-based access control systems to create multi-factor authentication at mission-critical sites. The companies that are currently using Iris ID platforms for time and attendance or access control have no need to re-enroll employees in order to use IrisTime software. For any size company, IrisTime provides a high return on investment by eliminating costs associated with administering and managing punch, barcode, magnetic swipe or proximity cards and PINs. The accuracy of the biometric technology ensures the identity of an employee, eliminating the ability of employees to clock in for each other in a costly payroll fraud known as buddy punching. Iris-based authentication systems “Fraud, along with inaccurate or outdated payroll technologies, may cost a business thousands of dollars annually,” said Mohammad Murad, VP of Global Sales & Development at Iris ID. Iris ID currently provides iris-based authentication systems for the world’s top workforce management solution suppliers, such as Paychex and SimplyWork, as well as for many global enterprise customers. Murad adds, “For more than 20 years, Iris ID has been the globally renowned innovator of flexible and reliable iris authentication solutions. Now, we are revolutionising the time and attendance function with a biometric platform, which is aimed at meeting many of the unprecedented challenges facing employers today. IrisTime is the time clock for the modern workforce.”

In today’s fraught times, business continuity and success hinges on how you manage the visitors to your company. By prioritising safety and security, and coupling them with top-notch attention and customer service, you win loyalty and gain a reputation that will serve you in years to come. An excellent way to accomplish this is by identifying and implementing the best visitor management system for your company. And visitor management systems go beyond ensuring the safety of your visitors and staff safety from your visitors. A feature-rich VMS will track your guests' activities, so you can better understand their preferences for future visits. That way, you can manage visitor experience and tailor amenities and preferences. Both customer loyalty and brand reputation benefit. Visitor management systems: who uses it, and why is it used? Visitor management refers to all the processes put together by an organisation to welcome, process, and keep track Visitor management refers to all the processes put together by an organisation to welcome, process, and keep track of all the guests daily. A visitor management system (VMS) is the technology used to manage guests for their convenience, safety, and security. Several features are typical in today’s applications. They include preregistration tools,  video intercoms, self-check-in stations, and health screening. In visitor management, the term "visitor" doesn't only refer to guests but also anyone without an authorized access credential. For instance, an employee without their access credential logs in as a visitor. The same applies to a delivery man or a technician carrying out routine maintenance. A VMS helps to account for everyone within the organisation at any given time. Who uses visitor management systems? You need a visitor management system to manage a school or hospital, an office, or even a residential building. Here's why: Visitor management system for schools: schools are among society’s most vulnerable facilities. A VMS is almost mandatory in this setting. It helps to identify visitors, detect intruders, and alert security of any unauthorised access. Visitor management system for offices: A VMS accounts for guests at all times. They include clients, maintenance contractors, delivery men, employees without credentials, friends, and family, Visitor management system for hospitals: access control is essential in hospitals, and managing visitors plays a major role. Hospitals offer access to pharmaceuticals, medical records, newborns, and expensive equipment. It is crucial to monitor restricted hallways and sections with video intercoms and track unauthorised persons' movements. Residential visitor management system: tracking people's movement is a key VMS component. In case of a crime, knowing who had access to the building within a specific time frame can help in the investigation. Plus, tracking the activities of visitors can deter future crime. Why is the visitor management system important? A video intercom makes it much more difficult for a visitor to impersonate a known guest. VMS accounts for everyone within the organisation in cases of emergency. VMSs can prevent intruders and alert the security department of a breach. A VMS creates a positive visitor experience, which shapes perception of the organisation. With a trusted VMS in place, employees can focus on being productive. Health screening gives staff peace of mind. It increases employees' willingness to return to work in the midst of the COVID 19 pandemic. How does a good VMS address occupant and visitor safety? The necessary technology to ensure building safety The best visitor management systems contain the necessary technology to ensure building safety. To maximise occupant and visitor safety, a VMS should have the following features: Job one of a VMS is visitor identification. It also helps deter potential criminals. Some VMSs go beyond identification by running a quick check on the visitor's ID and alerting security of any discrepancies. By identifying and proving a visitor's identity, the VMS ensures the safety of employees and other visitors. VMS helps with compliance A good visitor management system helps the organisation follow regulations, such as for occupancy. In the COVID era, some states may require health screening for guests. Health screening helps protect the building's occupants from exposure to health hazards. Information security VMSs also aid in information protection. It takes mere seconds for a rogue visitor to download files into a jump drive, photograph exposed blueprints, or copy customer lists. Visitor management systems restrict visitor access to parts of the building and track the whereabouts of guests. Visitor privacy With pen and paper systems, walking up to the receptionist often gives visitors full view of the visitors list. Visitor management systems seal that vulnerability. Visitors can check in without fear that anyone nearby can see their information. Emergency evacuation With a good VMS, the exact number of people within the building is always known. In the case of an emergency, first responders can use VMS data to identify everyone on site. This is a safety net for both the occupants and visitors to the organisation. How to manage building visitors System features depend on the purpose and setting of the VMS. Yet certain features and processes are essential. Preauthorisation and health screening The first step is knowing the visitors upfront. Preauthorisation allows everyone to know who is coming and when. Guests specify the time and purpose of their visits. You get to welcome and accommodate your visitors accordingly. Some systems may also be able to upload documents of interest, such as proposals, contracts, presentations, or agendas. Health screening is critical today. It signals that the organisation cares about its guests. A visitor is more likely to visit an organisation that prioritises health and safety. Health screening is a way to protect your staff and send the right message. Video intercom Along with health screening, video intercom is a key element of VMSs. It enables secure video identification with remote, touchless, and COVID-safe access into buildings. Intercoms are a safe and secure way to communicate with audio and video without physical contact. Video allows you to visually verify the visitor. The audio component enables spoken communication. Some systems even use facial recognition technology and mobile app unlock. When integrated with access control, visitor arrival is seamless. Upgrade to touchless access Touchless access is the safest and most secure VMS option Touchless access is the safest and most secure VMS option. It is more sophisticated because it receives visitors without them having to lift a finger. It's also convenient and effective. In this time of the novel coronavirus, the demand for hands-free systems is surging. VMS has pivoted to met this demand. Many organisations are finding how touchless systems increase safety in the workplace. Visitor logging is essential for managing guests to your building. Besides being a source for verification and data tracing, it also helps in real-time to know who signed into the building and who hasn't signed out yet. Tracking the movement of visitors within the facility makes it clear where they are at all times. This way, there can be an effective emergency action plan for visitors and other occupants. This feature has use in contact tracing, health investigations, and other investigations, such as for theft.

Security experts have discussed the demise of the passwords for years. As early as 2004, Bill Gates told the RSA Security Conference that passwords “just don’t meet the challenge for anything you really want to secure.” Change has been slow, but the sudden increase in remote working and the need for enterprises to become touchless as they try to encourage teams back to the office is increasing traction. Here we look at the future of passwordless authentication - using the example of trusted digital identities - and share tips on choosing a solution that works for your organisation. The move away from passwords was beginning to gain momentum pre-pandemic. Gartner reported an increase in clients asking for information on ‘passwordless’ solutions in 2019. Now Gartner predicts that 60% of large and global enterprises, and 90% of midsize enterprises, will put in place passwordless methods by 2022. This is up from 5% in 2018. The many limitations of passwords are well-documented, but the cost of data breaches may be the reason behind this sharp upswing. Stolen credentials – usually passwords – and phishing are the top two causes of data breaches according to the 2019 Verizon Data Breach Incident Report. Each breach costs businesses an average of anywhere between £4M to £8M depending on which studies you read. A catalyst for change As in so many other areas, the pandemic has been a catalyst for change. Newly remote workers using BYOD devices and home networks, sharing devices with other family members, and writing down passwords at home all make breaches more likely. And seasoned home workers represent a risk too.  It also means that enterprises are developing new procedures to mitigate the spread of disease. This includes a thorough examination of any activity that requires workers to touch surfaces. Entering passwords on shared keyboards or touchscreens falls squarely in this area of risk. As does handling physical smart cards or key fobs. Enterprises are expanding their searches from “passwordless” to “passwordless and touchless,” looking to replace physical authenticators. In the quest to go touchless these are items that can be easily eliminated. The future of passwordless authentication Using fingerprint or facial recognition often only provides a new front-end way to activate passwords Common alternatives to passwords are biometrics. But, using fingerprint or facial recognition often only provides a new front-end way to activate passwords. Passwords are still required for authentication after the biometric scan and these live in a central repository vulnerable to hackers. With one successful hack of the central repository, cyber-criminals can swipe thousands of details. In other words, biometrics on their own are not an improvement in security, only a better user experience. They need to be combined with a different approach that adds another layer of security. A more secure option is to move away from the centralised credential repository to a decentralised model. For example, one based on trusted digital identities. This is where digital certificates are stored on users’ phones. Think of encrypted digital certificates as virtual passports or ID cards that live on a worker’s device. Because they are stored on many separate phones, you are able to build a highly secure decentralised credential infrastructure. A solution that uses people’s phones is also compatible with touchless authentication systems. You can replace smart cards and key fobs with a phone-based security model and reduce the number of surfaces and items that people touch. This is especially beneficial for workplaces where people have to visit different sites, or for example in healthcare facilities. Replacing smartcards with a phone in a pocket reduces the number of items that clinicians need to take out and use a smartcard between and in different areas, which may have different contamination levels or disease control procedures. How do trusted digital identities work?   Workers unlock their mobile devices and access their trusted identity using fingerprint or facial recognition Here’s an example installation. You install a unique digital certificate on each user’s mobile device — this is their personal virtual ID card. Authorised users register themselves on their phones using automated onboarding tools. Workers unlock their mobile devices and access their trusted identity using fingerprint or facial recognition. Once they are authenticated, their device connects to their work computer via Bluetooth and automatically gives them access to the network and their applications with single sign on (SSO). This continues while their phone is in Bluetooth range of their workstation, a distance set by IT. When they leave their desk with their phone, they go out of range and they are automatically logged out of everything. Five tips on choosing a passwordless solution More automation means less disruption Consider how you can predict and eliminate unnecessary changeover disruptions. The task of onboarding large or widely dispersed employee populations can be a serious roadblock for many enterprises. Look for a solution that automates this process as much as possible. Scalability and your digital roadmap Will you maintain remote working? Having a high proportion of your team working remotely means that passwordless solutions will become more of a necessity. Are you expecting to grow or to add new cloud apps and broader connectivity with outside ecosystems? If so, you need password authentication that will scale easily. Encryption needs and regulatory requirements If your workers are accessing or sharing highly sensitive information or conducting high-value transactions, check that a solution meets all necessary regulatory requirements. The most secure passwordless platforms are from vendors whose solutions are approved for use by government authorities and are FIDO2-compliant. Prioritise decentralisation Common hacker strategies like credential stuffing and exploitation of re-used credentials rely on stealing centralised repositories of password and log-in data. If you decentralise your credentials, then these strategies aren’t viable. Make sure that your passwordless solution goes beyond the front-end, or the initial user log-in and gets rid of your central password repository entirely. Make it about productivity too Look for a solution that offers single sign on to streamline login processes and simplify omnichannel workflows. For workers, this means less friction, for the enterprise, it means optimal productivity. Security improvements, productivity gains and user goodwill all combine to form a compelling case for going passwordless. The additional consideration of mitigating disease transmission and bringing peace of mind to employees only strengthens the passwordless argument. The new end goal is to do more than simply replace the passwords with another authenticator. Ideally, enterprises should aspire to touchless workplace experiences that create a safer, more secure and productive workforce.

The security industry knows the value of recurring revenue, as it’s the foundation of the residential security monitoring market. Commercial systems integrators have traditionally taken a different approach, focused on one-time commodity-based sales that lack the financial benefits provided through long-term serviced-based agreements. Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges faced by security systems integrators. And the truth is,  during economic uncertainty, businesses will find that companies that have adopted and implemented a sales model that incorporates a monthly-based service program will be more financially secure. Technology solutions TAMCO  was founded in 1994 by Jack Thompson who had a unique background that included technology integration, finance, and sales. With this knowledge, he set out to build a company that would introduce a finance offering and business model that addressed the pitfalls within cash and traditional lease procurement methods. The design of this finance offering was under the premise that most technology solutions are non-revenue generating assets. Most technology solutions are non-revenue generating assets The goal was to give the end-user customer a better way to pay with more control and flexibility as they entered in and out of technology lifecycles. At the same time, this new offering would give integrators easier ways to sell services with those technologies while shortening the selling cycle. With changes in telecommunication solutions several years ago, we noticed typical voice integrator partners attempting to diversify their technology solution offerings. We explored providing payment options for these additional technologies and found several areas with significant interest in our approach. About two years ago we saw increasing interest from within the security industry and this is now one of our top growth sectors today. Being in control Historically integrators have done a great job of getting customers accustomed to cash purchase transactions. While owning technology solutions may have felt like a way to be in control, customers have begun to realize that ownership is really not a necessity. It is the use of the technology and what they can do with the use of the technology that is truly meaningful. Now add to that the fact that technology continues to change more quickly than ever and I think it makes sense that customers are looking for better ways to pay for and manage their technology needs. Integrators have begun to express an overwhelming interest in creating recurring revenue At the same time, integrators have begun to express an overwhelming interest in creating recurring revenue. They are looking for ways to complement their one-time project-based revenue business or shift to a model that is focused on a regular stream of revenue. However, many integrators are not sure how to implement this new approach. As-a-service is just another way of saying a subscription service.  At the consumer level, we are all very familiar with subscription services, such as Netflix or Birchbox. Small to medium-size businesses and enterprise-level commercial customers are also familiar with equivalent type technology services from their hosted phone service subscriptions or software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions. As-a-service security  If an integrator can package their technology solution in the form of an as-a-service solution, they will have a much better chance of developing recurring revenue. A majority of as-a-service models involve the customer paying for hardware equipment upfront and then having a monthly payment only for monitoring or support services. Or, to avoid a large upfront capital outlay, the integrator may arrange for a traditional lease payment that gives the illusion of as-a-service but still results in the customer owning dated equipment at the end of the term. TAMCO takes a different approach because we help integrators create a very comprehensive and logical solution under a single, use-based monthly payment. The integrator still designs, configures, and recommends the technology solution appropriate for the customer. But TAMCO will take the cash sale price of hardware, software, installation, manufacturer warranty, multi-year maintenance and support, and convert all of that to a single all-inclusive monthly payment which the integrator can present to their customer. In addition, this as-a-service monthly payment also provides the customer with exclusive protection against technology obsolescence. Integrators have really been excited to learn of this approach and to convert to selling this way. Integrators can remove themselves from being a commodity sale and thereby maintain margins Integrators can remove themselves from being a commodity sale and thereby maintain margins. They  become much more successful at selling multi-year maintenance and support agreements, thereby building recurring revenue which is valuable to help weather slow periods of sales activities and economic downturns.  And following the market currents of subscription-based solutions helps create long term customer relationships. Whether an organisation works with TAMCO or not, there are certain foundational elements they need to embrace in order to build and adopt a successful as-a-service sales model. Some form of payment alternative like we discussed is certainly one of those elements, but it is not necessarily the most important. The technical expertise to deliver on support has to be there for the customer.  While sales training, mindset shift, and supporting marketing materials are all critical as well. 

Ethics are an important – but some might argue, undervalued – aspect of the security marketplace. To kindle the industry’s interest in ethics, the Security Industry Association (SIA) in early 2019 created a working group on Ethics in Security Technology. The working group developed a list of ethical principles, which were approved by the organisation’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors and became the SIA Membership Code of Ethics. SIA member companies must adhere to the Code of Ethics, and there are consequences of noncompliance, up to and including possible expulsion from the organisation. In addition to adopting the Code of Ethics, the Board of Directors have revised the organisation’s bylaws to require that members read, understand and adhere to the Code of Ethics as a condition of SIA membership. Navigating issues “SIA wanted to be proactive on this and give members resources to navigate day-to-day issues,” said Ron Hawkins, SIA Director of Industry Relations. He notes that the Code is intentionally written broadly to be applied to a range in cases, and to provide SIA leaders with latitude making decisions. Current members will be required to adhere to the code when they renew their membership Current members will be required to adhere to the code when they renew their membership, which will be sometime during 2020 or in the first half of 2021, depending on when a member joined (for a one-year term). If there is an ethics-related complaint or an issue with a member company, the matter is considered by SIA leadership, which will review the concerns and ask the member company to respond. The resulting judgment might be a written notice/warning, a suspension of membership or expulsion. Enforcement of the Code of Ethics might be triggered by media coverage, government announcements, or written complaints submitted to the SIA Executive Committee. Handling complaints Hawkins emphasises that each complaint will be handled by the Executive Committee and full Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis to address anything not specified in the principles, which focus on requirements rather than consequences. Hawkins says it would be unlikely that any public announcement would be made about enforcement of the Code unless or until a member company were expelled.  Since the Code of Ethics took effect on July 1, 2020, SIA has not taken any action on any member company. Any issue with any current member would be addressed on their membership renewal date, Hawkins said. The code applies to all SIA member companies, both manufacturer companies (which make up more than half of the membership) as well as to integrators, service providers, distributors and other member companies. Act with honesty, integrity and transparency Among the principles in the Code of Ethics are requirements to act with honesty, integrity and transparency, and to avoid fraudulent or misleading business practices. Marketing materials must be accurate. Sustainability and environmental impacts of products and services must be considered. The Code also opposes prejudice, harassment and abuse in the workplace The Code also opposes prejudice, harassment and abuse in the workplace. SIA companies should work with law enforcement to enhance public safety while respecting expectations of privacy. Cybersecurity risks should be monitored and mitigated “as much as reasonably possible, according to industry best practices.” Products, services and solutions should not be designed or manufactured in a manner as to “surreptitiously transmit information to third parties.” Finally, the principles require SIA member companies not to “knowingly” design, manufacture, sell or deploy products that have been deemed by any government authority or self-regulatory entity to “support the infliction of human rights abuses, the restrictions of civil liberties, and/or the implementation of other oppressive measures.”   Hawkins says that the interpretation of “knowingly” would be made by SIA leaders. Why does the industry need The Code of Ethics? He would not comment on whether the Code of Ethics applies to activities by global companies that do not involve that company’s U.S. subsidiary (which is a SIA member). Such details would be decided on a case-by-case basis by the SIA Board of Directors, he said. The Code of Ethics is needed in part because the security industry impacts important issues for society at large, from privacy to civil liberties to national security. The Code of Ethics is needed in part because the security industry impacts important issues for society “Everywhere you go, you encounter security technologies, such as video cameras in public places,” says Hawkins. “Even if someone is not a purchaser or user of security technology, they will encounter it every day. So security is in a unique position because of its reach beyond the people who buy and use it, and it requires consideration of issues such as civil liberties and privacy.” Hawkins notes that the SIA Board of Directors already has its own “Code of Ethics” which directs how board members perform their duties, such as abstaining from a decision that might involve a competitor.

If one employee stands less than six feet away from another employee, a fob attached to a lanyard around his or her neck emits an auditory beep – an immediate reminder to observe social distancing. If an employee were to be diagnosed with COVID-19, a cloud-based database provides a record of who at the company the sick employee had contact with. These capabilities of HID Location Services ensure social distancing and provide contact tracing to enable companies to return to work safely. They have been deployed in a pilot program at HID Global’s Corporate Headquarters in Austin, Texas. Social distancing using a BLE beacon To ensure social distancing, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon is emitted from an employee’s fob (or from a badge that has the same functionality). The beacon communicates peer-to-peer with a beacon emitted by another employee’s fob or badge to alert if the location of the two employees is less than six feet apart. To ensure social distancing, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon is emitted from an employee’s fob For contact tracing, the beacons communicate via a nearby “reader” (a BluFi BLE-to-Wi-Fi gateway) to the Bluzone cloud-based software-as-a-service. The building area covered by each reader constitutes a “zone,” and the system records when two beacons are signaling from the same zone, which indicates contact between employees. In effect, the system records – historically and forensically – who was near whom (and for how long) using the zone-based approach. “In the workplace, we provide organisations with visibility into the location of their workforce,” says Mark Robinton, Vice President, IoT Services Business Unit at HID Global. Pilot program spans variety of environments By documenting where a sick individual moved in the building, the system also can guide any need to close off a certain area for deep cleaning. Instead of quarantining a whole building, a company could quarantine a small subset of employees who were likely exposed. Importantly, the system only reports data, while management makes the actual decisions about how to respond. The site of the pilot program is the 250,000-square-foot HID Global facility in Austin, which includes a variety of environments, including manufacturing areas, an executive suite, cubicles, a training area, a cafeteria, and lobbies. This spectrum of use cases enables the pilot program to evaluate how the system works in various scenarios. The building in Austin has two floors, plenty of natural lighting and emphasises sustainability in its design. HID Location Services ensure social distancing and provide contact tracing Pilot starts small and expands For the pilot program, 80 readers were installed in a wide area in the facility, including a variety of environments. Initially 30 badges and 30 fobs, all BLE-enabled, were issued to employees. If a badge identifies another nearby beacon (suggesting a social distancing failure), it emits a blinking LED light, which can be seen by the offending co-worker. The fobs emit an audible beep, which employees have overwhelmingly said they prefer. Observers overseeing the pilot program have documented employee reaction and comments. It emits a blinking LED light, which can be seen by the offending co-worker There were challenges in setting up the pilot program remotely to ensure fewer employees were on site during the pandemic. The equipment was provisioned in Florida and then shipped to the Austin location. Fine-tuning was required to adjust the signal strength of the BLE beacons. The badges were initially more powerful, but the strength was dialed back to be comparable to the fobs and within the six-foot social distancing range. Signal strength is also a variable in diverse environments – the 2.4 Ghz signal tends to reflect easily off metal, so adjustments in signal strength are needed in a factory setting, for example, versus a collection of cubicles.   “This facility is large enough and diverse enough that it provides great test results and quality data to analyse,” says Dean Young, Physical Security Manager at HID Global. “Our employees are eager to be part of the pilot to demonstrate that we use the technologies we provide to our customers, and they want to help us stay in compliance with social distancing and contact tracing.” Ensuring privacy while protecting employees HID Global’s headquarters had approximately 425 employees before the coronavirus pandemic lowered the number drastically to include only essential workers. As more people return to work, additional fobs and badges are being issued to expand the scope of the pilot program. The program is also incorporating contact tracing of suppliers and others who visit the facility. Except when triggered by contact among employees, locations are not recorded. Each employee’s location is always available in real-time (e.g. in case of an emergency), but they are not “tracked.” Through BluFi placement and geofence capabilities, the system closes off private areas where location should not be monitored, such as a rest room. Geofencing also identifies when employees enter and/or exit the area covered by the pilot program. Although each beacon is associated with an employee, the employee’s identity is not part of the data stored in the cloud, so there are no privacy concerns. Data is completely anonymised, and no personally identifiable information (PII) is stored in Bluzone. Other computer systems in a company, such as a human resources (HR) program, can privately and securely store the identities associated with each beacon.   Other applications for HID location services In addition to social distancing and contact tracing applications, HID Location Services offer other use cases ranging from asset tracking and employee safety/security to location analytics. For example, the system can analyse room usage for better building management and operational efficiency. It can also quickly find people in emergency situations. These use cases ensure continued value for a system even after concerns about social distancing and contact tracing have faded. The system can analyse room usage for better building management and operational efficiency Another big selling point is the ability of a company to be better prepared in case of a future pandemic, or a second wave of this one, says Robinton. The HID Location Services social distancing and contact tracing applications will be available at the end of Q3 and will be rolled out through HID Global’s existing integrator channel. Vertical markets likely to embrace the technology include healthcare, where hospitals need to track patients as they come in and to know which other patients or staff they may have been exposed to. The financial sector is another likely market, as is manufacturing, which is looking to avoid the prospect of shutting down an entire plant. It’s better to address the three or four people who were near a sick employee than to shut down the plant. In the hospitality industry, fobs can be used to signal duress by the housekeeping staff.

The general public doesn’t give much thought to the important role of security officers in creating and promoting safer environments. The low-profile work of security officers is vital to protecting people, places and property. During the pandemic, newer aspects to that role have emerged. Security personnel have been called on to perform diverse tasks such as managing queues at the supermarket, safeguarding testing centres and hospitals, ensuring food deliveries, and supporting police patrols. The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and two other organisations in the United Kingdom are joining forces to raise awareness of the work of security officers and to recognise the vital importance of the duties they perform. BSIA, a trade association, includes members who are responsible for 70% of privately provided UK security products and services, including security guarding, consultancy services, and distribution and installation of electronic and physical security equipment. BSIA, the Security Institute and the Security Commonwealth Joining BSIA in the awareness campaign are the Security Institute, a professional security membership body; and the Security Commonwealth, which is comprised of 40 organisations from across the security landscape with common objectives to build professionalism, raise standards and share best practices. “The recognition of security officers as key workers is the start of a re-appraisal of what service they provide to the community in keeping the public safe and secure,” says Mike Reddington, BSIA Chief Executive. “As we exit lockdown and have to navigate public spaces again, [security officers] will have a crucial role in supporting public confidence. We are working closely with the Police and all other public bodies to find the best way to achieve this.” Security officers acknowledged as key workers The campaign will showcase security professionals as a respected, valued, professional service provider and a key worker that is acknowledged and embedded in daily lives. The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) and two other organisations in the United Kingdom are joining forces to raise awareness of the work of security officers “Great effort has been invested in the professional standards and capabilities of frontline [security] officers, and they have proven their worth during the coronavirus crisis in the UK,” says Rick Mounfield, Chief Executive, the Security Institute. “They, along with the wider security sector, deserve to be recognized, respected and appreciated for the safety and security they provide across the United Kingdom.” “[We are working to] build professionalism, raise standards and share best practices, and I hope this campaign can make more people recognise the changes we have all made and continue to make,” says Guy Matthias, Chairman of the Security Commonwealth (SyCom). The industry will be reaching out to companies, professionals, and organisations in the sector to participate in the campaign. The hope is that, over the coming weeks as lockdown is eased, the industry can play its part to ensure that the country emerges with confidence to start to recover and build for the future. Private security more important than ever The campaign will showcase security professionals as a respected, valued, professional service provider Across the pond in the United States, law enforcement professionals are facing a crisis of confidence during a time of civil unrest as protestors call to “defund the police” and to otherwise undermine and/or recast law enforcement’s role in preserving the peace and ensuring public safety. If an upshot is that public policing is starved of resources, the role of private security to supplement their mission is likely to increase. In short, the role of private security is more important than ever on both sides of the Atlantic. Public recognition of that role is welcome, obviously. In any case, the importance of their role protecting people, places and property has never been greater.

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), with its prime location in the Centre of Europe, is the largest and most important international airport in the Czech Republic. Prague Airport handled 17.8 million passengers in 2019 and received the Airport Service Quality Award 2019 awarded by ACI1 for the second time in a row. At Prague Airport, there are different types of areas restricted to authorised personnel. These are governed by an access control system fitted with approximately 1,000 readers and over 1,500 secured points (doors, locks, etc.). Mifare Desfire cards are predominantly in use for the time being. Among these, Security Restricted Areas (SRAs) are the highest security areas, with 60 access points of high importance. Contactless biometric technology Due to the critical nature of those areas, Prague Airport needed a very high level of security, and decided to implement a biometric solution, as the card itself (including with the use of a PIN code), would not be deemed as secure enough. The biometric system had to be able to cope with over 20,000 individuals, with the capability to increase to up to 30,000 users in the future. Prague Airport decided to keep the existing access cards but to add a biometric verification level for the SRAs. This means that the biometric solution would have to be used in combination with the existing cards through a two-step process. In order to avoid any physical contact with the devices, for user convenience as well as for hygienic considerations, it was decided to deploy a contactless biometric technology. Access control system The readers were installed at existing control points and are fully integrated into the airport access control system Prague Airport tested two technologies capable of connecting to its access control system, among which IDEMIA’s MorphoWave Compact contactless fingerprint terminal. After a thorough testing period, the choice was to go for IDEMIA’s technology for a number of reasons including: great user experience with an easy and quick hand gesture, as well as a strict GDPR compliance with users’ biometric information stored only in their cards. Prague Airport deployed more than 60 MorphoWave Compact in its SRAs. The readers were installed at existing control points and are fully integrated into the airport access control system. More than 20,000 users now have their biometric data in their access cards and the system is fully operational. Embedded card reader IDEMIA’s seamless biometric technology helps address health and safety issues. Employees appreciate the user experience provided by the solution deployed: it is easy to tap the access card onto the embedded card reader situated at the top of the reader and then to just wave the hand in a quick simple movement to get 4 fingerprint verified in less than 1 second, without the need to touch any part of the device. Airports is a key vertical among the many different ones served by IDEMIA. The biometric devices are used by 35+ of them throughout the world for staff access control, as here in Prague. The company’s biometric solutions are also used for border control and passenger flow facilitation, in more than 30 different airports.

Beginning September 1, 2020, six Vision-Box Automated Border Control (ABC) eGates will greet arriving travellers enrolled in the NEXUS Program at Winnipeg International Airport. As the only international airport in the Province of Manitoba, Winnipeg is an important travel hub for the region, having served close to 5 million aviation passengers in 2019. NEXUS program NEXUS is a trusted traveller program operated by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) that expedites border crossings for pre-approved and enrolled Canadian, American, and Mexican citizens. Travellers enrolled in the NEXUS program avoid border entry lines by using specially reserved lanes equipped with identity screening platforms for expedited checks when entering the country from anywhere in the world. Automated Border Control (ABC) eGates ABC eGates will facilitate and speed up the border clearance of arriving NEXUS enrolled passengers The Automated Border Control (ABC) eGates will facilitate and speed up the border clearance of arriving NEXUS enrolled passengers from all international locations using safe and secure automated biometric facial matching. “Finding better ways to serve the needs of travellers is paramount for Winnipeg Airports Authority,” said Barry Rempel, WAA President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), adding “Adding Vison Box eGates for NEXUS users at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport not only enhances the customer experience but sets the foundation for future innovation and brings us one step closer to seamless, touchless passenger travel.” NEXUS touchless solution This is the first time that ABC Biometric eGates are being deployed to process NEXUS enrolled Travellers, instead of the regularly used NEXUS kiosks. It is also the first NEXUS touchless solution that will improve the border clearance process and give NEXUS travellers a unique convenience at the airport. The deployed GT-11 eGates are part of Vision-Box’s newest generation digital identity systems and will use the latest advances in biometric technology to securely and efficiently clear travellers using digital facial matching. The GT-11 eGates offer a smaller footprint than the previous NEXUS kiosks and are part of a modernising process for a seamless travel journey from curb to boarding at Winnipeg International Airport. Remote installation of border digital identity software This may also be the first time that a complete remote installation of border digital identity software has been successfully attempted and completed. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic that quickly spread across the globe, work at Winnipeg International Airport had to be stopped in February 2020, with only the physical installation of the eGates completed. Software and systems setup The ability to go live with a remote orchestrated installation is a major accomplishment" Logical setup of the software and system testing, prior to going live was then completed entirely from Vision-Box Lisbon headquarters, in close collaboration with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), using a dedicated secure connection. By remotely installing a border processing system, Vision-Box proved the feasibility and security of a remote installation process that could lead to far-reaching industry changes and cost-saving measures. “The ability to go live with a remote orchestrated installation is a major accomplishment,” said Miguel Leitmann, Vision-Box’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), adding “Our team, along with CBSA and members of the Winnipeg Airport Authority worked tirelessly across time zones, with frequent and intense communication, to make this happen. I couldn’t be prouder of this accomplishment and I congratulate all the agencies and people involved in making this project a reality.”  Orchestra Digital Identity Management Platform Vision-Box’s Orchestra Digital Identity Management Platform will manage the Nexus border clearance and crossing process. Orchestra manages in real-time the necessary parameters of traveller identification at the crossing point. After the traveller scans their NEXUS member card, a photo is taken of the traveller’s face and a secure identification match is made against the biometric facial information in the traveller’s NEXUS membership profile. This system gives CBSA and Winnipeg International Airport added flexibility with faster dedicated lanes that simplifies the airport border clearance process along the way.

Verkada, the provider in cloud-managed enterprise building security, announced the release of its environmental sensor product line and its initial product, the SV11. The announcement comes on the heels of Verkada’s recent Series C funding and successful launch of its access control line, further establishing the company as the provider of the operating system for modern, integrated buildings. Monitoring “Our customers are responsible for the systems that keep facilities online, and our mission is to give those administrators the best possible tools to do their jobs,” said Filip Kaliszan, CEO and co-founder of Verkada. “Whether it be monitoring the status of a server room, the temperature of a patient room in a hospital, or the air quality of a school, the SV11 gives facilities and staff unprecedented visibility and control over the sites they’re responsible for keeping safe and secure.” The SV11 is a simple-to-deploy, powerful sensing device that provides enhanced visibility into what is happening in a physical space. The cloud-managed device seamlessly integrates with Verkada’s enterprise video security solution, allowing organisations to review context and quickly associate sensor events with relevant video footage. Real-time insights and proactive alerts The interface delivers real-time insights and makes it easy to respond to proactive alerts or conduct investigations into past incidents. Customers across a range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, education, retail, and hospitality, have already deployed the SV11 to monitor: Air quality: Protect one's environment from invisible threats like gas and chemical leaks, or detect illicit activities like vaping and smoking. Temperature and humidity: Monitor changes in temperature and humidity that may damage expensive infrastructure, materials, or food and medical supplies. Motion and occupancy: Detect motion or occupancy in bathrooms, locker rooms, and other private areas where cameras are not appropriate. Noise levels: Detect activity or disturbances without violating privacy. Receive and manage alert notifications remotely “The ability to deploy Verkada's sensor in our network closets has provided us with complete visibility into what’s happening in those rooms,” said Rick Palandro, Security and Facilities Operations Engineer at Fox Rothschild LLP. “With Verkada, I'm now able to receive and manage alert notifications remotely the moment temperature rises above a specific threshold. I can instantly mobilise the team to respond to HVAC issues. We’ve shifted from a reactive approach that often resulted in damaged equipment to a proactive one that ensures our equipment is always operating properly.” Monitoring preventative and predictive maintenance Verkada’s SV11 has empowered us to take a data-driven approach to food manufacturing" “Verkada’s SV11 has empowered us to take a data-driven approach to food manufacturing that helps us stay ahead of the curve on environmental improvements across our plant facility,” said Frank McKinney, COO and Plant Manager of Carolina Ingredients. “By pinpointing where we can set up both preventative and predictive maintenance, we can closely monitor and optimise air quality, efficiency of our HVAC units, and behaviours in the plant, which enables us to more effectively manage the business and deliver quality ingredients and superior blending services that support our customers.” Integration with video monitoring solution "We installed the environmental sensor across campuses in areas like bathrooms that are difficult to properly monitor and are therefore likely places for inappropriate activity such as vaping," said Marty Oliver, Director of Technology at Godley Independent School District. "Paired with Verkada's video monitoring solution, the SV11 provides a new level of visibility into what's happening in those spaces without infringing on students' privacy, giving principals, superintendents, and office administrators a more holistic understanding of student activity in school." Environmental sensor The introduction of the environmental sensor follows accelerated business growth in Q2 2020, highlighted by: Sixty-five percent quarter-over-quarter revenue growth (compared to Q1 2020), including new deployments with Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Rubrik, NextGen America International expansion with new Sales operations in Sydney and Latin America and deployments with Heinemann Australia, Lifeview Residential Care, and Transportes Canales A projection to double headcount by year-end 2020 (compared to year-end 2019) Expansion of its global channel partner program to more than 1,500 resellers The launch of its Access Control solution, which oversold in the first quarter of general availability and surpassed projected sales by more than 400 percent The release of the Bullet Series of hybrid cloud cameras as well as new features as part of a COVID-19 Response Suite, including People Heatmaps, Person of Interest Notifications, and Crowd Notifications Smart buildings The launch of the SV11 is the next step towards Verkada delivering on its vision to power the modern, integrated building. With security cameras at its core, Verkada is expanding its product offering with new applications such as access control and sensors to deliver the infrastructure that runs safer, smarter buildings.

Evolv Technology announced that Hersheypark® is using Evolv’s artificial intelligence (AI)-based, touchless security screening system as part of the much-loved theme park’s robust COVID-19 safety measures. Hersheypark was originally created by businessman and philanthropist Milton S. Hershey more than 110 years ago as leisure grounds for employees of Hershey's Chocolate Factory. Embodying the passion of its namesake, the park is dedicated to its global reputation as a safe, fun family destination offering something entertaining for everyone, regardless of age. Hersheypark welcomes millions of guests annually and was recently honoured by the 2020 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice awards. Evolv Express™ Using AI software and powerful sensors, Evolv Express™ can screen up to 3,600 people per hour Evolv is involved in the digital transformation of physical security, one that is touchless and addresses the ‘new normal’ threat of pandemic viruses as well as concealed weapons. Using AI software and powerful sensors, Evolv Express™ can screen up to 3,600 people per hour - 10 times faster than legacy approaches such as metal detectors, hand wands and manual inspections. The system enables Hersheypark to facilitate social distancing at its security checkpoints while minimising person-to-person interaction-requiring no stopping, no emptying of pockets or removing bags. Park guests simply walk through naturally, alleviating potential long lines at their entrances while greatly reducing contact between guests, employees and security staff. By using Evolv Express, organisations have been able to optimise the performance of their security teams while reducing screening expenses by as much as 70%. Renovated main entrance Following state mandates related to the pandemic and an abundance of caution, Hersheypark’s opening was delayed until July 3, which marked the debut of the park’s completely renovated main entrance designed to provide a stress-free, welcoming experience for guests. A component of a 23-acre “Hershey’s Chocolatetown” development and park expansion, the Evolv Express systems are located at Hersheypark’s new main entrance. Health and safety The health and safety of our guests, team members and our community are core to our brand" “Hersheypark prides itself on providing family fun in a clean, green and safe environment where our guests can relax and enjoy the day together,” said Garrett Gallia, vice president of communications and corporate relations at Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. “The health and safety of our guests, team members and our community are core to our brand and our most important commitment to all those who choose to honour us with a visit or work as a member of our team. Using Evolv’s touchless security screening platform is a perfect example of Hersheypark’s forward-thinking application of digital technology. Evolv Express is designed to grow with us to meet the current and future safety needs of our guests and employees, which we view as a significant benefit over traditional solutions.” Response to Evolv Express at Hersheypark has been uniformly positive. Guests welcome how rapid and unobtrusive the process is while making them feel even safer. Optimising staff resources The park’s security professionals emphasise how easy it is to learn and use the system The park’s security professionals emphasise how easy it is to learn and use the system while optimising their staff resources. With metal detectors, it typically takes the park four to five seconds per person for the screening, regularly followed by hand searching of bags or other personal items. With Evolv Express, most guests now stroll through at their normal pace not even realising the screening process is occurring and then begin their day of fun and relaxation. The park’s security team estimates a four-to-five times improvement in the number of guests screened per hour using the system when compared to metal detectors or other dated approaches. The frictionless experience that precludes unnecessary physical contact registers high on the list for everyone. Security screening process Our guests and security staff have been pleasantly surprised at the speed of the touchless screening experience" “We knew our former security screening process would provide challenges in the pandemic environment,” said Jason White, managing director of corporate safety and security at Hershey Entertainment and Resorts. “We’d already been evaluating how we could improve on our guest screening process and had piloted Evolv Express last fall because the system could accommodate thousands of people an hour in a frictionless, no-stop flow. As we began formulating the security screening aspect of our pandemic reopening strategy, it was clear that Evolv Express was the best solution that could meet our requirements. Our guests and security staff have been pleasantly surprised at the speed of the touchless screening experience that largely eliminates manual bag checks. The responsive customer support and working relationship we have with the Evolv team is just as phenomenal as their product.” Touchless security screening Deployed worldwide, Evolv’s touchless security screening systems have been used to screen more than 50 million individuals in an expedient, respectful manner. In addition to Hersheypark, customers include Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, L.L. Bean, Wynn Las Vegas, Georgia Aquarium, Set Jet, Oakland International Airport, two South Carolina school districts, the Biltmore Estate and hundreds of others. “Navigating the path to reopening requires an employee-and-customer-first commitment to safety, combined with the vision to embrace new policies, procedures and technologies,” said Evolv Technology Chief Executive Officer Peter George. “Hersheypark embodies that approach and it has been wonderful to see their security leaders like Jason White helping peers at other venues understand what’s required in this new normal. We’re thrilled to be working with such a visionary team.”

Sonitrol, the globally renowned provider of verified electronic security solutions, has announced that CMS Corporation, an award-winning construction contractor, relies on one of Sonitrol’s newest offerings, Sonitrol Network Protection. CMS Corporation’s scope of services encompasses new construction, renovations, fueling systems, and energy and sustainability projects for a wide range of commercial and federal government clients. The company’s projects are approximately 70% Federal and 30% civilian undertakings. Upgrading network security According to CSO Online, the average small business loss when a network has been breached is US$ 170,000 According to CSO Online, the average small business loss when a network has been breached is US$ 170,000. CMS Corporation’s management knew that they needed to upgrade their network security in an effective, comprehensive and cost-effective manner. Matthew Wilson, Director of Information Technology at CMS Corporation, was impressed with Cisco’s reputation, and he was aware of their Cisco Meraki software. He chose Sonitrol Network Protection as the preferred network security solution because it offered a world-class solution provided by a known and trusted provider, Sonitrol. SB/MBEs more vulnerable to cyber-attacks The company, CMS Corporation’s Bargersville, Indiana Office is a two-story administrative space with a large workshop and fabrication area, and a large detached workshop/storage area. Small Business and Minority-Business Enterprises (SB/MBEs), like CMS Corporation, are particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, because their relatively small size means that they have a lower IT budget and resources. Furthermore, with CMS Corporation’s large number of federal government contracts, effective cyber security is essential to the company’s continued growth and success. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification compliance Due to upcoming Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) compliance, federal contractors are required to tighten their network security to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). “Cisco Meraki products enable us to have proactive insight into our network activity to help ensure compliance with current and new federal regulations,” Matthew Wilson explained. Sonitrol Network Protection Wilson was attracted to Sonitrol Network Protection’s ease of deployment, auto mesh VPN and seamless scalability Wilson was attracted to Sonitrol Network Protection’s ease of deployment, single pane of glass administration, auto mesh VPN, and seamless scalability. These features are powered by the Cisco Meraki products and solutions, installed by CMS Corporation, which include: MX68CW, MS120-8 FP switch, and four MR36 access points. They also have a handful of Z1 and Z3 devices in remote construction trailers that are able to support the software. In addition to topline network protection from potentially daily cyber-attacks and ransom-ware attacks, Wilson and his colleagues are now learning post-deployment that Sonitrol Network Protection offers a host of additional security features and benefits. Cisco Meraki and Sonitrol intregation Wilson noted, “Cisco Meraki and Sonitrol are a winning combination and Sonitrol’s knowledgeable, courteous installation staff made the transition to our powerful, new network protection quick and easy.” Sonitrol Network Protection, powered by Cisco Meraki, can protect any size company’s network, devices, and data from daily cyber-threats and attacks. Firewall and intrusion protection The solution provides firewall protection, intrusion protection and prevention, ransom-ware protection, anti-phishing, malicious file scanning and more, thereby protecting businesses from huge monetary and data losses. It is cloud-based and managed from a single dashboard GUI, making managing ones network easy. Sonitrol Network Protection solution also provides robust business management tools: content/URL filtering, application-aware traffic control, guest WIFI access, analytics and heat mapping, and custom reporting options. The technology stays current with automatic firmware and security patches, and it works within a connected ecosystem, delivering security on Day 1 of implementation.

Global professional services provider Equiom has 14+ offices across the globe with more than 600 employees. In 2014, Equiom employed just 200 people across two offices in two jurisdictions and had ambitious plans to grow into a global business. But while the business had plans to scale, its infrastructure was that of a small business and not able to support its ambitions. As such, the company undertook a review of its entire IT infrastructure, including the network, software, and servers, with a key focus on cybersecurity, to develop systems that could support the business’ growth strategy. External vulnerability testing Furthermore, Equiom believed its security had to be robust enough to provide peace of mind to regulators, investors, and shareholders. To address this challenge Equiom wanted to work with a specialist cybersecurity partner that could both help identify any weaknesses and vulnerabilities within the infrastructure and provide recommendations and training for improving its security posture. Equiom selected SureCloud to provide services globally including cybersecurity penetration testing services Following a competitive process Equiom selected SureCloud to provide services globally including cybersecurity penetration testing services, internal and external vulnerability testing and management, social engineering including simulated phishing exercises and simulated ransomware attacks and physical social engineering. All services were delivered as part of our Pentest-as-a-Service, which provides a centralised platform for managing of all elements of the projects, including Equiom’s vulnerability remediation programme. Cloud-based platform Stephen Roberts, Global Chief Information Officer for Equiom Group, commented: “SureCloud was the obvious choice as the team is extremely knowledgeable, and the company had invested heavily in its cloud-based platform to create a technical solution that is far more developed than anything else in the marketplace.” “We felt working with SureCloud would enable us to provide a single snapshot of our security posture at any given time. Ultimately, the platform offered us the ability to simplify the overall management process, which was a key differentiator for us. SureCloud takes what is, in reality, a highly complex set of requirements and makes it as simple as possible.” Accurately monitor progress “Through centralisation of all reports and data, including output from penetration tests, vulnerability scans and social engineering exercises, we have complete visibility over our infrastructure and can develop remediation action plans and accurately monitor progress in real time,” said Roberts. SureCloud provides peace of mind to our stakeholders and customers" “As we continue to grow, SureCloud provides peace of mind to our stakeholders and customers. When we compare new acquisitions to those parts of our business that have gone through the SureCloud process, we can see a very clear difference in the respective postures. This is a testament to SureCloud’s success in keeping our security posture in excellent health,” commented Roberts. Overall security posture “We have also worked with SureCloud to address additional challenges in the business. We are currently using its GDPR application, which feeds data back into the platform enabling us to assess our compliance status against our overall security posture. Now we have complete oversight of our infrastructure,” said Roberts. “The fact that SureCloud is easy to use and highly scalable means that as we work to triple the size of the business over the next four years, we can do so while confidently relying on the platform to ensure that security is not compromised during that process. Through SureCloud we have raised our security posture to a level where our systems can help detect threats so that we can prevent attacks before they impact the business”, concluded Roberts.

Traditionally, security industry professionals have often come from backgrounds in law enforcement or the military. However, the industry is changing, and today’s security professionals can benefit from a variety of backgrounds and educational disciplines. The industry’s emphasis on technology solutions suggests a need for more students of computer science, engineering and other technology fields. The closer integration of security with related disciplines within the enterprise suggests a need to prepare through a broad array of educational pursuits. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of higher education to create the next generation of physical security leaders?

For several decades, Baby Boomers represented the largest sector of employees in the physical security market. However, these security professionals born between 1946 and 1964 are now nearing retirement – or have already retired. How will the security market change as the next generations step up to make their contributions? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: As Baby Boomers approach retirement age, what are the positives and negatives in the physical security market?

School shootings are a high-profile reminder of the need for the highest levels of security at our schools and education facilities. Increasingly, a remedy to boost the security at schools is to use more technology. However, no technology is a panacea, and ongoing violence and other threats at our schools suggest some level of failure. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How have security solutions failed our schools and what is the solution?