Radio frequency Identification

DICE Corporation, a developer of alarm monitoring, video and automation software, announces that AURA is now built into DICE's dispatching products. Clear Response Monitoring and Clear Watch are the first monitoring centers to put the integration into service. The security dealers they support can now sell on-demand guard response alongside monitoring, with dispatch handled inside DICE in areas AURA covers across the United States. AURA is a technology platform that connects alarms to a network of vetted, state-licensed private security response partners. When an operator selects AURA response for a site, AURA dispatches the closest available responder and oversees the callout from its 24/7 control room. AURA reports an average response time of 18 minutes through its proximity-based dispatch. Proximity-based dispatch DICE connected AURA through its PSAP Connect broker, the same dispatch engine that links DICE monitoring centers directly to more than 700 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and delivers alarm dispatches straight into their CAD systems. DICE leads the alarm monitoring industry in directly connected PSAPs, and it also provides 911 services through its sister company, IPtelX. With AURA added, one engine now automates dispatch to both first responders and private guards. Monitoring centers on DICE gain wider automated dispatch coverage, reaching a licensed guard where police attendance is limited or a guard is the right first response. Traditional alarm monitoring Clear Response Monitoring uses the integration to give its dealers a guard response option on traditional alarm monitoring. When an alarm needs someone on site, the operator dispatches a responder straight from DICE. Clear Watch pairs the integration with DICE AI video detection. DICE AI flags likely threats on camera, a Clear Watch operator verifies the event, and a licensed guard is dispatched without switching systems or re-entering site details. Video tells the operator what is happening; AURA puts someone at the property if required. How it works The dealer signs up a site with the monitoring center, and its details go into DICE. The customer opts in to guard response, and the dealer completes the contract. The site is switched on for AURA, and site and contact details pass to AURA automatically. When an alarm or verified video event needs a guard, the operator chooses AURA response without leaving DICE. AURA dispatches a licensed responder. Status updates for dispatch, arrival and completion post back to the alarm history. If necessary, law enforcement can then be dispatched. Separate dispatch console There is no separate dispatch console, no second screen on the control floor and no re-entering customer data. Managers can review analytics, callout history and reports in the AURA customer platform. Sites can also be set up so the property contact receives a text with a live tracking link and a report when the job is done. Dealers gain a recurring service to sell without running vehicles, hiring guards or managing response. Once a customer says yes, the monitoring center and AURA handle every dispatch. The dealer keeps its brand and remains the customer's point of contact. The service suits homes, commercial sites, construction sites and vacant properties. Customer's point of contact "Our dealers have been asking for a way to offer real guard response without building it themselves," said Glen Carter, President of Clear Response Monitoring and Clear Watch. "Through DICE, our operators go from an alarm or a verified event on camera to a licensed guard on the way, from the same screen they work every signal on. Our dealers make the sale, step away and earn recurring revenue, and their customers get someone at the door when it matters." "Monitoring centers should not have to bolt on another system to add a service," said Cliff Dice, Founder and CEO, DICE Corporation. "We built AURA directly into the DICE platform so a center can turn on guard response site by site, using the data it already holds. AURA runs on the same PSAP Connect engine that already reaches more than 700 PSAPs, so one dispatch engine now serves first responders and guards alike. Clear Response and Clear Watch show it working on both alarm and AI video monitoring, and the integration is ready for any monitoring center on DICE." AURA response network "DICE doesn't wait for the market to change before it moves. It builds for where monitoring is heading, and that made it the natural partner for us," said Grant Williams, Chief Product Officer, AURA. "Bringing the AURA response network into DICE gives central stations a new service to offer their dealers, without adding a single new system for their operators." "We started AURA because we believe safety is a fundamental right, not a luxury," said Warren Meyers, CEO, AURA. "Getting help to people faster means working with companies that are willing to move with their markets, and DICE is exactly that kind of company. They saw where monitoring was going and chose to lead rather than follow." DICE dispatching products The AURA integration is available now to monitoring centers using DICE dispatching products. Each center agrees terms with AURA, and DICE support then enables the integration. AURA confirms coverage for each site before it is switched on. Dealers can add guard response through Clear Response Monitoring or Clear Watch. AURA provides on-demand guard response. It works alongside, and does not replace, police or other public emergency services.

HID, a pioneer in trusted identity solutions, has joined the FIDO Alliance Board of Directors to help accelerate the shift to passwordless authentication across the enterprise. Sean Dyon, Vice President of the Authentication Business Unit, will serve as the company’s Primary Board Delegate. HID joins the Board with decades of leadership across physical and digital identity, bringing a real-world perspective to the Alliance’s work advancing interoperability, lifecycle management and deployment at scale. “HID has been a longtime and valuable contributor to the FIDO Alliance, and we're pleased to welcome them and Sean Dyon to our Board,” said Andrew Shikiar, Executive Director and CEO of the FIDO Alliance. “As enterprises scale passkey deployments, HID's perspective on converged physical and digital identity will help us bring the security and usability benefits of passkeys to a wider range of environments.” Digital identity work together The FIDO Alliance enables identity technologies that put trust and simplicity at the center of interactions among people, services and devices, including the open standards behind passkeys and passwordless sign-in. Passkeys built on FIDO standards are phishing-resistant because they never transmit reusable passwords and bind authentication to a specific device and origin. The Alliance's board shapes its strategy, standards and certification priorities, and HID will contribute to that work through board governance and strategy discussions, collaborating with other industry leaders to advance more secure, interoperable authentication. HID’s appointment comes as passkey implementation moves from limited pilots to wider deployments, a shift that has brought attention and scrutiny to interoperability, lifecycle management and how physical and digital identity work together at scale. FIDO-certified authenticators A FIDO Alliance member since 2015, HID has contributed to working groups spanning FIDO2, digital credentials and consumer deployment, and has partnered with the Alliance on research into identity security and convergence. HID also builds FIDO-certified authenticators and authentication platforms trusted by enterprise and government users worldwide. This expertise will be valuable as the Board guides a broader shift already underway in the market: 93% of organizations are now at some stage of passkey adoption and 65% report high or expert technology familiarity, according to the FIDO Alliance and HID report. On the Board, HID will draw on that dual vantage point to represent enterprise priorities around converged identity, lifecycle management and multi-vendor interoperability as passwordless adoption accelerates from pilot programs to full-scale deployment.           Lifecycle management and interoperability "As enterprises scale passkeys and passwordless authentication, the standards behind them must address the real-world challenges of deployment, lifecycle management and interoperability," said Sean Dyon, Vice President of the Authentication Business Unit at HID. “The FIDO Alliance has been instrumental in advancing open standards for secure, passwordless authentication, and we are proud to contribute to that work. Because our business spans both physical and digital identity, we understand these challenges across the full range of how people authenticate. That is the perspective we intend to bring to the table.”

Vismo has announced Vismo AI, developed to enhance the protection of users’ at-risk employees anywhere in the world while streamlining security processes end-to-end. Demonstrated at GSX 2026 (14 – 16th September, Atlanta) Vismo AI allows security operations to ask “draw me a geo-fence, "and" show me where my people are"-  and much more – and give advice to employees faster than ever via the Vismo Locate & Protect App on their phone or other device. Data processing and management “Vismo AI answers are grounded in users organisations’ own data, live intelligence risk feeds and app users themselves. For added security, it doesn’t take answers from the open web,” says Vismo CEO Tom Cowling. A live map interface overlays real-time employee GNSS location updates, global threat/incident feeds and active weather alerts onto a centralised screen, allowing users – typically an organisation’s security team - to immediately see if an employee is close to a developing real-world threat. “Asking questions of Vismo AI and giving it instructions saves keying-in time and leads to rapid end-to-end information and data processing and management,” Cowling adds. “The result is enhanced protection of at-risk employees, from giving advice on how to stay safe during an incident to providing updates about evacuation to a place of safety.” Single message thread Vismo AI can carry out all necessary actions, including geo-fencing and mass or personal notifications, in a single message thread.  “That’s a real step up in employee safety,” Cowling adds, “Thanks to security operations receiving incident alerts with Vismo AI giving named providers, severity levels and timestamps, and indications of accuracy.” Every interaction with Vismo AI is saved and named, allowing details of an incident to be quickly picked up again - days later if necessary. Lower-severity items Answers can give the last known address or location of a specific employee, the time of that “fix”, the level of its accuracy and the battery strength of the employee’s phone or other device. A manager can instruct Vismo AI to “take me there”, or “show me where my people are” on a map, with a pin highlighting their known, or last known, location. Answers to any question can be rebuilt by asking for a shorter list of, for example, lower-severity items only.  And Vismo AI can give unprompted information, for example about a nearby Vismo advisory to app users or any employee on 5% battery. Data processing and management “Managers can ask what is happening in a country or region and in reply get active incidents grouped by risk level, with each item’s location, expected duration and what it means for employee safety and travel arrangements,” says Cowling. “That gives a detailed overview and saves a lot of time.” For example, a manager can ask “List all my level 5 alerts in the gulf right now.” Location and personnel data is never used by Vismo to train the underlying model of Vismo. Vismo AI is covered by the same certified information security management standard - ISO 27001 - as the rest of the Vismo platform.

Hikvision and Aramco have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for collaboration in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced imaging technologies to support environmental monitoring, biodiversity protection efforts, and other sustainability initiatives. The MoU establishes a framework for the two organisations to assess potential areas of cooperation, including AI-enabled native vegetation health monitoring, fauna assessment and monitoring, environmental data analytics, and knowledge sharing. The collaboration may also explore opportunities for joint research, technical workshops, and the development of innovative digital solutions that help contribute to more efficient environmental assessment and monitoring. Environmental data platforms Through this understanding, both parties intend to exchange expertise and evaluate technologies that aim to help enhance biodiversity monitoring, improve environmental data collection, and support data-driven decision-making. The MoU also outlines the potential for future collaboration in advancing AI-powered monitoring systems, integrating intelligent technologies with environmental data platforms, and promoting innovation in environmental monitoring. This MoU reflects the aim of Hikvision and Aramco to explore innovative technologies that help contribute to environmental protection efforts, knowledge exchange, and the development of targeted and effective digital solutions.

SwiftConnect, the connected access network for places and spaces, announces that international law firm Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has launched company badges across major digital wallets for mobile-only access at its new London office at 25 Moorgate. As WFW prepared to relocate, more than 450 of their lawyers and staff were provisioned with a mobile credential ahead of their move-in. “Using mobile access at 25 Moorgate from day one is another example of how Watson Farley & Williams is investing in forward-thinking technology across the firm,” said Steven Bridger, Global Head of IT Projects and Change at WFW. “Working with SwiftConnect meant we could give our people an easy and secure way to access the building using their Apple and Android devices versus fumbling for a plastic badge at the turnstile, office doors, smart lockers and printers.” Access control system SwiftConnect’s connected access network integrates the firm’s IT and access control systems, HID credentials and readers, and the mobile app for an effortless Street-to-Seat® experience: WFW employees can now access everything from the base building lobby turnstiles to office spaces and lockers with Vecos Adaptive Workplace Storage technology–all using their mobile devices. Phoenix Trescray led the installation and configuration of the firm’s access control system in their new building. “Watson Farley & Williams wanted a mobile wallet and Street-to-Seat access experience done properly, and we are glad they turned to SwiftConnect, putting WFW among other security-conscious enterprises who look to us to deliver intuitive and modern solutions,” said Brandon Arcement, Vice Chairman at SwiftConnect. Self-service access experience “Our connected access network enables an on-demand, self-service access experience that removes friction for employees and frees security administrators from time-consuming, manual processes.” The deployment contributes to the firm’s vision to create a technology-first, experience-driven workplace, while advancing their sustainability goals–empowering them to remotely issue and revoke digital passes versus printing and manually managing plastic cards.

Teledyne FLIR today announces the launch of the A8481, a new compact HD MWIR science camera designed for researchers and engineers who need significantly more thermal detail without changing the workflows, optics, software, and infrastructure they already use. Built around a 1280 × 1024 HOT MWIR SLS detector, the A8481 delivers four times the pixels of VGA A-Series cameras while maintaining the compact form factor of the A67xx platform. For many research programs, moving from VGA thermal imaging to HD has traditionally required adopting a larger camera platform, resulting in new mounting systems, optics considerations, integration work, and validation efforts. Research environments worldwide The A8481 addresses this challenge by bringing HD MWIR imaging into the same compact A-Series body already deployed throughout laboratories, test facilities, and research environments worldwide. “The A8481 removes one of the biggest barriers to adopting HD thermal imaging,” said Matthew Hasty, Director of Product Management for Automation and Science at FLIR. “Researchers have long wanted more thermal detail without introducing the complexity of a larger camera platform. With the A8481, customers can move to 1280 × 1024 HD thermal imaging while continuing to use the same compact A-Series workflow, optics ecosystem, software environment, and integration infrastructure they already trust.” Radiometric thermal data The camera combines a 1280 × 1024, 8 µm HOT MWIR SLS focal plane with thermal sensitivity below 30 mK to deliver detailed radiometric thermal data across a wide range of scientific and industrial applications. Researchers can collect measurement-grade thermal imagery while using the same FLIR Precision Optics ecosystem, mounting interfaces, connectivity, and FLIR Research Studio workflow already established in their facilities. The A8481 supports GigE Vision, GenICam, and CoaXPress connectivity while providing precision trigger and synchronisation functionality for deterministic data capture. Its integrated motorised three-position filter wheel supports expanded temperature measurement ranges, while compatibility with motorised, manual focus, microscope, and macro optics enables users to maximise measurement pixels on target. Temperature measurement ranges The camera is designed for a broad range of research, testing, and measurement applications, including electronics analysis, battery research, combustion studies, propulsion testing, non-destructive testing, materials characterisation, and academic research. The combination of HD spatial resolution, radiometric recording, and microscope optics allows users to measure thermal behaviour from full assemblies down to individual components and microscopic features. "The real advantage of the A8481 is that customers can increase the amount of thermal information they capture without disrupting established test procedures," said Jerry Beeney, Sales Manager, R&D Science, Teledyne FLIR. Rapid thermal events "Whether they're upgrading from an existing A-Series camera or building a new measurement system, the A8481 provides HD detail, measurement-grade data, and compatibility with the software, optics, and workflows they've already invested in. It delivers more insight while keeping implementation simple." In addition to HD imagery, the A8481 supports fully radiometric, ATS recording within FLIR Research Studio Professional for acquisition, analysis, collaboration, and reporting. Windowed imaging modes can achieve frame rates up to 13,733 Hz, enabling users to capture rapid thermal events while maintaining the measurement capabilities required for scientific and engineering investigations. Scientific and engineering investigations The A8481 joins Flir's science camera portfolio as the compact HD MWIR upgrade path for existing A-Series users, providing enhanced thermal detail and measurement capability without requiring researchers to redesign their workflows or test environments. The Flir A8481 will be available beginning October 2026 through Flir's global network of sales representatives and channel partners. A8481 demonstrations and application consultations are available for organisations evaluating HD MWIR thermal imaging for research and testing applications.

When news broke that a Renoir painting had been stolen from an exhibition in the south of France, days after 600 diamonds were taken from a museum in Vienna, few in the art or security worlds would have been surprised. Europol had recently published “Changing Tactics, Changing Targets: The Evolving Nature of Museum Heists,” highlighting criminals’ growing focus on high-value objects and their increasing use of force. The latest theft also echoes the Louvre heist almost a year ago, both in how quickly it unfolded and in the security lessons it exposes. When every second counts Both French museum thefts happened in broad daylight. Both were fast. CCTV from the Renoir museum shows the perpetrators cutting through the perimeter fence early in the morning. Police were reportedly on site within five minutes of the alarm being raised. It still wasn’t fast enough. That matters. For many museums and galleries, simply building higher walls or stronger fences isn’t an option As criminals become bolder, custodians of national treasures and high-value objects need to rethink where protection begins. For many museums and galleries, simply building higher walls or stronger fences isn’t an option. These buildings are often architectural landmarks and public spaces. Turning them into fortresses defeats the point. But there is another lever security teams can pull: earlier detection. A few extra seconds of warning could give on-site security or nearby police the time they need to intervene before a work of art disappears. Forget the Hollywood lasers The cover of Europol’s museum heist report shows a criminal wielding a mallet in front of artefacts protected by red laser beams. It is the kind of security system made famous by films including “Entrapment,” “Ocean’s Twelve” and “The Thomas Crown Affair.” Virtual perimeters aren’t science fiction. But the technology available today looks very different. Museums and galleries need stronger protection without compromising their architecture or the visitor experience. One technology attracting attention is LiDAR, a spatial sensing system that uses lasers to understand what is happening within a physical environment An invisible perimeter The technology sends out laser pulses and takes millions of spatial measurements every second LiDAR is already used in environments ranging from railway stations and prisons to electricity substations. Its appeal lies in its accuracy and flexibility. It can operate indoors and outdoors, integrate with existing cameras, alarms and sensors and strengthen security without major physical alterations to a site. The technology sends out laser pulses and takes millions of spatial measurements every second, building a three-dimensional picture of its surroundings. Security teams can use that data to create virtual zones around a building, room or individual exhibit. Those zones can be changed as the site changes. Three-dimensional picture A museum perimeter, for example, might remain protected around the clock. A gallery being prepared for a new exhibition could be temporarily excluded while authorised staff work inside it. Once the zone becomes active again, an intrusion can trigger an immediate alert. The same principle can work while a museum is open. If someone gets too close to an exhibit, crowds begin to form or a person remains in a sensitive area, the system can alert staff or bring up feeds from relevant cameras. That means security teams can focus their attention where it is needed instead of relying on someone to spot every incident across banks of CCTV screens. Seeing what cameras can miss During an attempted robbery, LiDAR can identify the location and movement of people and vehicles During an attempted robbery, LiDAR can identify the location and movement of people and vehicles, including their direction and speed. It also has a significant advantage over conventional CCTV: it does not depend on external light. Detection can continue in bright daylight or complete darkness. That makes the perimeter less about a physical barrier and more about knowing, instantly, when someone crosses a line they shouldn’t. Security before the doors even open The technology can do more than detect intruders. Walk-through simulations allow teams to move through a virtual version of a site much as they would navigate an open-world computer game. Before an exhibition changes, teams can test how a new layout could affect visitor movement, identify blind spots and bottlenecks and assess evacuation routes. That gives security teams the chance to find problems before visitors arrive, not after something goes wrong. Protect the art, not the fortress Museums and galleries face a fundamental tension: make art and culture accessible while protecting objects that can be culturally irreplaceable and financially priceless. The answer cannot simply be more barriers. The next generation of museum security needs to detect threats sooner without getting between visitors and the works they came to see. The strongest perimeter may be the one nobody notices.

Across many sectors, AI is transitioning from an experimental process to a trusted tool, but how will construction - and architectural ironmongery specifically - balance this technological opportunity with traditional practice? Artificial intelligence was once considered the trend of tomorrow, but it’s now here, and already it’s impacting the design, specification and management of the built environment. Following a period of refined development, the technology is emerging as a valuable tool for architectural professionals, with its growing role signifying far more than a passing industry trend. Passing industry trend According to the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Artificial Intelligence Report 2025, 59% of architectural practices now use AI on at least some projects, an increase from 41% in 2024. Furthermore, a global survey led by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2025 found that 56% of investors planned to increase AI investment, suggesting that the rate of adoption will continue to accelerate over the coming years. However, whilst innovation typically creates opportunity, there are challenges to address These findings represent a cultural shift, one where AI is firmly embedding itself into workflows and influencing the decision making process. However, whilst innovation typically creates opportunity, there are challenges to address. As more professionals equip themselves with an arsenal of AI-driven tools, are we in danger of becoming overly reliant on technology? Or are those reluctant to adapt likely to be left behind? Daniel May, Director at Consort Architectural Hardware, shares insight: Repetitive administration tasks “The development of the built environment has always relied on technical precision. Specifications naturally contain large volumes of product information and technical data, with professionals managing document-heavy tasks in the form of specification writing, door scheduling and BIM coordination in order to meet project requirements and compliance obligations. All of this data must be analysed and processed accurately - often in line with demanding timescales - and it is here where AI can offer the greatest value.” “Where time was once consumed by repetitive administration tasks and information processing, professionals are now embracing AI as a means of working more efficiently. For architectural ironmongery specifically, where specification accuracy is critical, AI has the potential to support architects and specification professionals as they navigate the product selection process. As a tool, AI can streamline documentation by rapidly processing performance data and certification requirements, whilst also identifying inconsistencies and absent compliance information within schedules.” Complex project requirements “AI systems are helping professionals navigate increasingly complex project requirements quickly, accurately and consistently. As machine learning and autonomous models continue to advance, these tools may further reduce the administrative burden associated with architectural work models whilst improving accuracy and minimising the risk of human error in the process. With that said, the effectiveness of AI software is very much reliant on the quality of the information it receives.” “With the sector so deeply tied to fire safety, accessibility, security and regulatory standards, the caution around adopting AI as common practice is of course justified. Historically, much of the construction industry has been measured in its adoption of new technology, partly due to the critical nature of compliance and the significant consequences of error. Though, AI feels somewhat different because of its pace and potential, and as such, organisations must be measured in their approach to it, ensuring that professional knowledge remains central to delivering safe, efficient and compliant building projects.” The human element As industry standards and the legislation surrounding the built environment continues to evolve, so too will the methods used to achieve high level design and compliance. Seemingly, AI looks set to have an increasingly prominent role, but it should be viewed as a collaborative partner capable of enhancing professional expertise as opposed to a system that can, or should, do it all. Daniel continues: “At this stage, AI alone simply can’t understand the nuances of individual projects and that has implications for both design and compliance. This is particularly relevant in the post-Grenfell regulatory landscape, where accountability, traceability and evidence-based decision-making have become fundamental to product specification and delivery.” Building greater trust “Although AI can assist with information processing, the technology is not ultimately responsible for the decisions being made. Accountability has rightly become a major focus point in construction, and as AI continues to disrupt practices, the industry must ensure that responsibility remains clearly defined. AI-driven errors could lead to serious penalties in relation to compliance, safety and project delivery, proving human expertise remains critical.” “Moving forward, greater transparency within AI systems will be key. If professionals are able to understand how or why AI recommendations have been generated, they can assess them with confidence, building greater trust in the technology.” Architectural design solutions “When it comes to architectural design, the emotional intelligence, contextual understanding and creative balance offered by a team of professionals far outweighs the speed that AI can offer. Already, AI is being used to support visualisation and concept development for multi-layered projects in hospitality, healthcare and commercial environments to name a few, helping teams to explore ideas and communicate concepts at a quicker rate.” “However, can AI effectively develop architectural design solutions based on the bespoke requirements of a project, the operational needs of its users or even the general character of the building? Most would argue that it’s not conceivable, because AI lacks the lived experience and contextual understanding that comes from being present in the project itself.” Architectural ironmongery products “For architectural ironmongery products, professionals must regularly assess how products will function in real environments. Human intuition is impossible to replace and those informed design decisions, made by human professionals, will always be essential. Whilst some question whether AI could one day plan and deliver a project from concept to completion, perhaps the more important question should be whether future generations of professionals could lose the critical design and specification skills that are needed, should the industry become too dependent on AI.” “There is a growing sense of inevitability surrounding AI’s influence on architectural ironmongery and the wider built environment. As the industry continues to embrace this new wave of technological development, it is important to remember that innovation must complement the knowledge, judgement and accountability of the professionals who create safe and functional buildings, not replace it.”

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

Combining VIVOTEK’s branded video security business with March Networks paves the way for the combined brands to meet customers’ increasing appetite for integrated solutions rather than individual components. The merger brings VIVOTEK's branded video security business together under one operating structure with March Networks’ enterprise-grade video surveillance, AI analytics, and cloud-managed security solutions. Customers now have access to a broader, more integrated portfolio spanning enterprise video management, advanced cameras, edge artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, recording platforms, and business intelligence, says Net Payne, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at March Networks and VIVOTEK. Distinct product strategies Given the combined companies, product development, sales, marketing, and customer support can move in step rather than in parallel. March Networks and VIVOTEK were already both part of the Delta Electronics family, but they previously operated as separate businesses with distinct product strategies, teams, and routes to market. March Networks and VIVOTEK announced the merger of their branded video security businesses last spring following Delta Electronics' acquisition of remaining VIVOTEK shares. “Aligning our complementary capabilities lets us innovate faster, simplify engagement, and respond more quickly to a market moving toward AI, cloud and intelligent video,” says Payne. This merger reflects a broader shift across the physical security industry, adds Payne. “Customers no longer see video purely as a tool for reviewing incidents after the fact,” he says. “They expect it to help identify risks earlier, simplify investigations, improve operations, and support better decisions across the organisation.” Cloud video management Meeting customer expectations requires more than bolting AI features onto existing systems Meeting customer expectations requires more than bolting AI features onto existing systems. Rather, it requires cameras, edge intelligence, recording, software, cloud services, and business data working together as one coordinated platform. “By bringing March Networks and VIVOTEK together, we combine deep expertise across the full video technology stack while preserving the relationships, sector knowledge and customer focus both companies have built over many years,” says Payne. “Our goal is to make intelligent video more integrated, scalable, and practical for customers and partners worldwide.” Both entities bring strengths to the combined companies. March Networks brings experience in enterprise software, cloud video management and large-scale deployments; while VIVOTEK brings strength in imaging, camera technology and edge intelligence. Together they seek to ensure more choice when designing systems, a clearer path for future expansion, and technologies that work together more effectively without compromising the reliability, cybersecurity, and support customers expect from both companies. Advantages for channel partners Channel partners gain a broader portfolio to address a wider range of customer requirements, combining components as each deployment demands. Channel partners also benefit from expanded geographic reach, deeper technical expertise, and greater investment in training and enablement. “Importantly, this is designed to be a seamless transition,” says Payne. “Partners keep working with the teams and relationships they already know, while gaining access to new capabilities and certification opportunities. Over time, that alignment should make it easier to design, deploy and support complete solutions.” Because they are established and respected brands, March Networks and VIVOTEK branding will continue to be used. Rebranding is not a goal, and neither identity is being replaced by the other. Coordinated decision-making “The immediate priority is organisational alignment by making it easier for customers and partners to benefit from the combined portfolio,” says Payne. Product branding will continue to reflect the relevant portfolio and market context. As product roadmaps become more closely coordinated, customers can expect greater interoperability and a more cohesive experience, says Payne. Any future branding changes will be managed carefully and communicated clearly. Combining the businesses reduces duplication and enables coordinated decision-making across product strategy, engineering, sales, marketing, operations, and customer support. “Instead of developing capabilities independently, teams can share their expertise, align roadmaps, and direct investment to where it has the greatest customer impact,” says Payne. Combining specialised knowledge globally The combined organisation operates across six continents and more than 75 countries The combined organisation includes more than 300 research and development (R&D) engineers across four Centres of Excellence in Canada, Taiwan, Italy and Poland, thus bringing together a substantial base of specialist knowledge. The unified network also sharpens the ability to prioritise global opportunities, respond to regional needs and bring innovations to market faster. The combined organisation operates across six continents and more than 75 countries, supported by more than 1,100 certified channel partners. That footprint provides greater capacity to support multinational customers while staying responsive to local market needs. Looking ahead, future growth will increasingly come from helping customers turn video into useful, actionable intelligence. “The market is moving beyond conventional surveillance toward solutions combining AI, cloud services, edge processing, video management and operational data — and our new structure brings these together as one connected solution rather than several isolated technologies,” says Payne. Broader technical expertise There will also be closer collaboration among specialists in imaging, hardware, software, analytics, and cloud, which is important given how much customer infrastructure, regulatory, and deployment requirements vary. The companies can support cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments, giving organisations a practical path toward more intelligent video. More choice comes from bringing together complementary technologies across product groups. Greater scale is achieved through a larger engineering organisation, broader technical expertise and more capacity to invest in innovation. Challenges for the industry at large Looking to the future for the industry at large, the greatest challenge will be managing the rapid growth of AI Looking to the future for the industry at large, the greatest challenge will be managing the rapid growth of AI responsibly, securely and at scale, says Payne. Video systems will generate more data and automate more decisions, but organisations must be able to trust how that intelligence is created, protected, and applied, he adds. “Cybersecurity, privacy, data sovereignty, system interoperability and AI accuracy are more important than ever,” says Payne. Addressing these elements requires expertise across the entire technology stack: from camera and edge processing to recording, cloud infrastructure, video management and analytics. “Together, March Networks and VIVOTEK can coordinate development across all these layers, giving customers flexible architectures that balance innovation with security, transparency and operational control,” says Payne.

IQSIGHT seeks to bring visual intelligence to environments where clarity, reliability, and trust matter the most, says CEO Sabrina Stainburn. Formerly Bosch Video Systems, IQSIGHT is an intelligence-first video security company, combining more than 60 years of engineering expertise with real-time intelligence to help organisations see clearly, act confidently, and improve outcomes in environments when every second matters. While the brand is new, the technology, reliability, and trust behind it are familiar— the products still carry the Bosch name, and the engineering teams remain the same to ensure the continuation of the Bosch legacy. As a result, customers can expect the same standards they rely on today. Embracing emerging technologies IQSIGHT is embracing emerging technologies. “We are applying AI where it delivers value by helping systems understand what is happening and surface the events and patterns that matter most—so customers can detect risk earlier, make faster decisions, and operate with confidence,” says Stainburn. With intelligence at the edge, the cameras act as sensors to secure premises, make buildings safer, and monitor perimeters — without requiring a cloud connection. Edge-based AI also supports integration into existing systems to add visual intelligence without a rip-and-replace — such as adding cameras with visual gun detection outside of entrances or supplementing systems with the ability to detect clothing colour and other attributes. IQSIGHT combines the Bosch video portfolio with new AI-enabled capabilities AI-enabled capabilities IQSIGHT combines the Bosch video portfolio with new AI-enabled capabilities designed to remove blind spots IQSIGHT combines the Bosch video portfolio with new AI-enabled capabilities designed to remove blind spots and support earlier, better-informed decisions. The portfolio continues to include intelligent cameras, such as the FLEXIDOME, AUTODOME, DINION, and MIC models, AI-enabled Intelligent Video Analytics Pro (IVA Pro) offerings, and recording and video management solutions, such as BVMS software. This year, the portfolio will also expand with technologies and solutions built on IQSIGHT’s new intelligence-first platform. Vertical markets that are core to the strategy include government, critical infrastructure, education, and smart cities, all industries closely connected with safety, continuity, and operational performance. In these environments, visual intelligence helps organisations address practical challenges — securing perimeters, enhancing safety, and improving traffic flow — so they can operate securely and efficiently. Visual intelligence helps organisations address practical challenges Operating securely and efficiently “Reliability is essential in these industries, and our cameras are engineered to Bosch quality standards and designed to perform in demanding conditions, including extreme weather, while delivering dependable video and accurate analytics where it matters most,” says Stainburn. “These strengths make our video solutions ideal for any industry where security must be uncompromised.”   IQSIGHT evolves from the sale of Bosch’s security and communications technology product business to European investment firm Triton on June 30, 2025. The product brands for video systems, access control, intrusion systems, and communications systems united under the roof of the new company Keenfinity Group. New organisational structure The Keenfinity Group now operates as a holding company consisting of four businesses In late 2025, Keenfinity Group introduced a new organisational structure designed to unlock the next chapter of growth and innovation. The Keenfinity Group now operates as a holding company consisting of four businesses, including the video systems business now called IQSIGHT. Bosch has a long history of partnerships and integrations, and partnerships will remain essential to how IQSIGHT delivers value and flexibility for customers. “We work closely with technology partners to ensure customers can use visual intelligence within the platforms and architectures that best fit their operations,” says Stainburn. Secure-by-design approach Deep integrations include VMS platforms, such as Genetec and Milestone, thus enabling real-time insights across on-premise and cloud environments. This approach gives customers choice — without compromising performance, security, or reliability, according to IQSIGHT. “Continually strengthening our existing partnerships is vital, and we regularly add capabilities to these integrations to deliver new features to enhance security and safety for customers,” says Stainburn. “Cybersecurity is not a feature for us — it’s a foundation,” Stainburn emphasises. “As video systems become more connected and intelligence moves closer to the edge, trust must be designed in from the start. We take a secure-by-design approach across our hardware, software, and integrations. That means protecting data at every stage — from capture to analysis to delivery.” Combining sight and intelligence Just as important, the company works closely with partners and customers to ensure systems fit into their broader security and IT strategies. “When organisations rely on video to make critical decisions, security and reliability must be non-negotiable,” says Stainburn. Stainburn sees video as evolving from traditional surveillance into “visual intelligence” — moving from simply recording events to understanding what is happening in real time. By combining sight and intelligence, organisations can see patterns, giving them the power to predict events that may happen. Proactively addressing risks Stainburn sees video as evolving from traditional surveillance into “visual intelligence” Traditionally, video security was based on video surveillance — an investigative tool for users to review what has already happened. With AI, users can take a different approach — looking at patterns to better secure their premises and have the foresight to intervene before incidents escalate. AI helps systems understand what is happening in a scene, enabling them to discern between a person standing at a train platform and an individual vandalising a train platform, someone holding a power drill versus someone holding a gun. “This level of visual intelligence brings clarity to unfolding events to assist users in proactively addressing risks,” says Stainburn. AI-enabled video systems With foresight, end users can prevent those events from occurring or other issues from escalating. The ability to discern patterns can also influence decisions around safety, resource use, and the customer experience, says Stainburn. “While security will always remain core, we expect visual intelligence to play an increasingly important role in improving operational efficiency across many environments over the next five years.” Not all AI-enabled video systems are equal. Edge, cloud, and GenAI-based tools have different strengths and selecting one approach over another depends on the application or the problem customers need to solve. IQSIGHT works closely with integrators and end users to understand the challenges they are addressing and to provide guidance on the best AI approach to reduce risks, lower response times, and improve operations. Proof of concept projects are important to demonstrating performance in the real world. That’s where IQSIGHT gains an advantage with solutions that deliver reliable results even in challenging conditions, says Stainburn.

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

Genetec Inc, the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces Cairo Bank has successfully deployed the Genetec Security Center platform transforming how the financial institution monitors, manages, and optimises operations across one of Egypt’s largest branch networks. Cairo Bank is one of the largest and oldest financial institutions in Egypt, serving over three million customers through more than 230 branches. The security advancement was driven by new regulatory requirements from the Central Bank of Egypt, alongside Cairo Bank’s broader digital transformation agenda aligned with Egypt Vision 2030. Beyond compliance, the bank needed a scalable operational intelligence foundation to strengthen oversight, improve customer experience, and support long-term expansion and financial inclusion. Necessary operational foundation The implementation unifies video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection into a single platform, allowing operators to centrally manage more than 6,000 cameras across 122 active branches, with deployment across the full network nearing completion. The platform provides the necessary operational foundation for a centralised Command and Control Room, where operators can monitor branch activity, coordinate response, and support decision-making across the institution. The system also separates operational responsibilities. IT and security teams can monitor device health and system status without accessing sensitive video feeds, supporting strict data governance and privacy requirements. “Unification and scalability were just the starting points. From day one, I knew we wanted functionalities that add value to all aspects of our operations. Security Center delivered everything we wanted in one easy-to-use solution,” said Major General Hesham Tawfiq, Head of Security at Cairo Bank. Enhancing operational consistency Beyond traditional surveillance, the platform introduces automation and analytics capabilities that support both security and operational decision-making across its branch network. These capabilities are now embedded across the entire branch network, helping Cairo Bank strengthen compliance reporting, improve risk detection, and enhance operational consistency at scale. The platform also provides insights into branch activity patterns, customer flow, and operational trends, extending the value of security data beyond incident monitoring while keeping governance and operational control central to the deployment. Existing infrastructure investments Security Center’s open architecture allowed Cairo Bank to integrate best-of-breed hardware while preserving existing infrastructure investments. It also enables the bank to add technologies and expand the deployment over time without standardising on a single hardware provider. “We are honoured to work with a forward-thinking institution like Cairo Bank that continuously seeks new ways to leverage technology,” said Firas Jadalla, Regional Director, Middle East & Africa at Genetec Inc. “By unifying systems, the bank is building a consistent operational foundation for its branch network, allowing it to respond to changing regulatory and operational requirements while retaining control over how its environment evolves.” Providing technical support Integrated Technics, the systems integrator responsible for delivering the project, led the proof of concept, system design and implementation. The company continues to provide technical support and system optimisation as the deployment expands. “The Command and Control Room gives Cairo Bank a real-time operational hub built on Security Center, bringing video surveillance, access control and intrusion detection into a single interface. This enables operators to monitor activity across the branch network, coordinate responses and make faster, more informed decisions,” said Walid Alagamy, CEO of Integrated Technics.

Atyrau, one of Kazakhstan’s key regional cities, has been steadily advancing its urban development while facing growing demands on its road and traffic infrastructure. As vehicle volume increased and urban mobility became more complex, the city needed a smarter, more efficient way to manage traffic flow, improve road safety, and support the daily movement of residents, commuters, and pedestrians. In response, Dahua Technology delivered an intelligent signal control solution designed to enhance city infrastructure, improve mobility, and contribute to a safer and more sustainable urban environment. Critical traffic management Located in western Kazakhstan, Atyrau plays an important role as a regional economic and transportation hub. With continuous urban growth, the city’s roads have become increasingly busy, especially during peak hours. However, parts of the region’s road infrastructure remained insufficient, with some major roads lacking adequate traffic signs and signal lights. This created challenges for both vehicles and pedestrians, making traffic management more difficult and increasing safety risks across key intersections. Before the project, Atyrau faced several critical traffic management pain points Before the project, Atyrau faced several critical traffic management pain points. Congestion during peak hours had become increasingly prominent, requiring a cost-effective and flexible signal control system that could adapt to different road scenarios. In addition, unclear traffic lights and gaps in traffic management contributed to disorderly traffic conditions, including a serious chain collision involving nearly 100 vehicles in 2025. Increasing maintenance difficulty The city also needed a solution that would be easy to deploy and maintain. Many mainstream signal control systems are technically complex, which can increase maintenance difficulty and operational costs. For a growing city like Atyrau, the government required a practical system that could be quickly deployed, remotely commissioned, and adjusted with minimal disruption to citizens’ daily lives. To address these challenges, Dahua provided an intelligent traffic signal control solution combining signal controllers, signal lights, and traffic flow cameras. The system uses AI-powered traffic flow analysis to predict and manage traffic conditions with high detection accuracy, even in complex road environments. By synchronising traffic flow data in real time across multiple intersections, the system can dynamically adjust signal timing and generate optimised timing plans. Adaptive control capability A key advantage of Dahua’s solution is its simple deployment and adaptive control capability A key advantage of Dahua’s solution is its simple deployment and adaptive control capability. The system is designed to be easy to install, debug, maintain, and optimise, allowing traffic control strategies to be adjusted within seconds. This flexibility helps traffic departments respond more effectively to changing road conditions while reducing the burden on traffic enforcement and management teams. Dahua also provided professional traffic signal services, including green wave optimisation and traffic management support. Through its expert team and technical assistance, Dahua helped launch the first signal control demonstration project in the Eurasia region, strengthening local smart transportation capabilities and expanding the ecosystem of technical cooperation. The project also established a replicable model for medium-sized cities across Central Asia and other emerging markets, demonstrating how AI-powered urban mobility solutions can improve transportation efficiency, road safety, and sustainability with practical investment efficiency. Key adaptive intersections Following the deployment of the AI-driven intelligent traffic signal control system, Atyrau achieved significant improvements in urban mobility efficiency and traffic operations. Based on preliminary operational observations and traffic flow analysis at key adaptive intersections, peak-hour traffic efficiency increased by more than 15%, while average vehicle delay time was reduced by approximately 20%. The adaptive signal optimisation capability also improved traffic throughput across major corridors by an estimated 12–18%, helping reduce congestion during busy periods. Atyrau achieved significant improvements in urban mobility efficiency and traffic operations By enabling real-time traffic analytics and dynamic signal coordination, the project reduced unnecessary vehicle idling time by an estimated 18%, contributing to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Operationally, the intelligent traffic management framework reduced manual traffic intervention requirements by approximately 30%, allowing local traffic authorities to respond more efficiently to changing road conditions through data-driven decision-making. Greener urban environment Beyond traffic efficiency, the project brings wider value to the city and its residents. Smoother traffic flow helps reduce unnecessary idling and emissions, contributing to a greener urban environment. Safer and more orderly intersections improve mobility for drivers and pedestrians, while intelligent infrastructure supports the city’s long-term vision of digital transformation. By combining AI, real-time data, and adaptive signal control, Dahua’s solution helps Atyrau move toward a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future.

TECOM Group has enhanced security and accessibility across several of its flagship developments in Dubai, including Dubai Media City, with the installation of advanced Gunnebo Entrance Control solutions. Since its establishment in 1999, TECOM has shaped Dubai’s landscape as a hub for business and innovation. Its ten business districts, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Design District (d3), are home to nearly 12,000 companies employing more than 124,000 people. Entrance control solution Developments like Dubai Media City welcome thousands of people every day, serving as both workplaces and collaborative hubs where ideas and intellectual property are shared. This made it essential for TECOM to implement an entrance control solution capable of maintaining robust security while preserving the smooth flow of people and the open, professional atmosphere expected across its developments. Following a competitive tender, Gunnebo Entrance Control was appointed to combine advanced entrance control, seamless integration with wider access control systems and a sleek design suited to modern commercial environments. More than 40 SpeedStile FLs gates were installed across several buildings, chosen for their performance, adaptability and ability to support high volumes of daily movement without compromising the visitor experience. Access control technology The SpeedStile FLs features a slim, contemporary appearance designed to complement modern commercial spaces. Beyond aesthetics, it incorporates advanced single-person detection systems, monitoring tailgating, piggybacking and unauthorised attempts to access secure areas. Audible alerts assist on-site teams, while third-party integration ensures compatibility with existing access control technology, including group movement through card stacking capabilities. For TECOM, this blend of security technology and design has delivered both reassurance and efficiency. By implementing SpeedStile FLs across its developments, the Group has strengthened security while preserving the collaborative and welcoming environment that defines its business communities. Fadi Yakoub concluded: “TECOM communities attract some of the world’s biggest names alongside dynamic start-ups, making them vital contributors to the region’s knowledge and creative economy. We are proud of our long-term partnership to deliver seamless entrance control solutions across their developments. The SpeedStile FLs provides flexible, reliable management of people flow, while also creating a welcoming and professional first impression for business communities.”

Bournemouth and Poole College, the largest provider of further education and apprenticeships in the Dorset area, has installed Hochiki's ESP addressable fire detection range across its four-storey site, protecting a diverse mix of teaching environments including IT suites, kitchens, workshops and engineering bays. The installation was specified and delivered by SFA Fire and Security, working closely with the college to design a system capable of handling the varied fire risks found across further education provision. Subjects such as catering, automotive maintenance, construction and engineering carry a higher risk of nuisance alarms from dust and fumes, while IT and digital media spaces rely heavily on electrical equipment. A tailored approach was needed to protect the site without interrupting learning. Protecting valuable teaching time ESP's common mounting base allowed SFA's installers to work through the site using a single standard base across most devices, reducing the range of parts held on site and helping installation stay on schedule despite the complexity of the building. In kitchens and workshops, LPCB and VdS approved heat sensors were used to distinguish genuine fire risk from cooking activity and dust, reducing false alarms and protecting valuable teaching time. ESP's textual identifier gives staff the exact location of an activated device, supporting fast and accurate evacuation decisions in a large site with high footfall. Wall-mounted VADs, certified to EN 54-23, added audio and visual alerts throughout the college, ensuring alarms reach staff and students regardless of location or impairment. Where cabling access was limited by drop beams, wireless technology was integrated onto the ESP loop, avoiding extensive drilling and preserving the building's original structure. Successful projects together Naomi Fell, Projects Director at SFA Fire and Security, said: "This project presented numerous challenges due to the complexity of each room and storey within the college. Our extensive experience with Hochiki's products, combined with the consistently positive feedback from our end-users, made Hochiki the clear choice for this project. We met the college's stringent deadlines with minimal disruption to teaching and learning." Ryan Baulcomb, Regional Sales Manager at Hochiki, added: "Hochiki and SFA have a strong, long-term partnership, built on years of successful projects together. This installation shows what that partnership can deliver on a genuinely complex site. We're proud that our products continue to give installers and end-users the reliability and support they expect." Bournemouth and Poole College now benefit from a fire detection system tailored to the specific demands of each corridor, room and storey across the site, with the flexibility to adapt as the college continues to grow.

Security requirements for critical infrastructure are changing rapidly. Recent events, such as the discovery of a drone at Leipzig Airport, have once again demonstrated how quickly modern technologies can become a security challenge. This makes dialogue between industry, authorities and emergency services all the more important. Security Essen, which will take place at Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September 2026, is placing precisely this exchange at the heart of two key programme highlights: the European Drone Conference and the Emergency Services Forum. Unmanned aerial systems open up a wide range of potential applications – from inspecting critical infrastructure to supporting security and emergency services. Protection of critical infrastructure At the same time, they present new challenges for operators of sensitive facilities. The European Drone Conference on 23 and 24 September will therefore bring together experts from the security industry, public authorities, academia and politics to discuss current developments, the regulatory framework and effective protection strategies. The conference is organised by the Drone Expert Committee of the German Security Industry Association (BDSW), together with Security Essen and the Confederation of European Security Services (CoESS). Experts discuss drone deployment, detection and countermeasures Around 20 specialist presentations will examine drone technology from various perspectives – ranging from regulatory issues and the protection of critical infrastructure to detection and counter-drone systems. Managing new risks In his statement, Cornelius Toussaint, Vice-President of the BDSW and Chair of the Drone Expert Committee, will focus on security and drone technology in Germany. Marcus Schermann (DB Sicherheit GmbH) will discuss the protection of critical infrastructure, using multicopter operations as an example. Drone management, with a particular focus on detection and countermeasures, is the main theme addressed by the two speakers, Ralf Holstein and André Danner (German Business Protection GmbH). The programme is complemented by presentations on research and development, as well as international keynote speeches from the worlds of politics and the security industry. The central question is how to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the technology whilst effectively managing new risks. Public safety authorities Emergency Services Forum (Blaulichtforum) takes place for the first time In collaboration with Feuerwehr-Magazin (Fire & Rescue Magazine) and Rettungs-Magazin (Emergency Medical Services Magazine), the Emergency Services Forum 2026 will make its debut at Security Essen. On 22 September, the new forum will bring together public safety authorities and organisations (BOS), the security industry and public authorities, focusing on a key question: How are new threat scenarios and technologies changing security and emergency response? On stage, experts from the fire service, police, civil protection, the security industry and defence will discuss current challenges: What role will drones and autonomous systems play in future operations? Shared situational picture How well is Germany prepared for CBRNE incidents and hybrid threats? And how do control centres, communication technologies and networked systems ensure that a shared situational picture emerges in an emergency? The focus will also be on cooperation between civilian and military actors. Specialist conferences included in the trade fair admission ticket Both the European Drone Conference and the Emergency Services Forum will take place directly in Hall 5. Admission is already included in the Security Essen trade fair ticket. Tickets for Security Essen 2026 are available online. A day ticket costs €49. The trade fair is open from 9 am to 6 pm from Tuesday to Thursday and from 9 am to 4 pm on Friday.

Paxton’s new Solo system is giving student housing providers a simpler way to manage access at scale. This case study looks at how JPR Fire, Security and Data used the phone-based, cloud-hosted security system to modernise access for around 500 students without the need for network infrastructure. Homes for Students provide 235 student housing properties across the UK and Ireland. JPR Fire, Security and Data provide the security system for the One London Road site in Newcastle-under-Lyme. Access control solution Until recently, the housing was secured using a classic standalone access control solution requiring no network infrastructure. The existing system was becoming difficult to manage, with approximately 500 residents across 5 blocks, including the onsite gym. Registered students gain access by entering a valid access code or presenting their fob. The site managers were continuously replacing lost fobs, creating additional running costs for the system. Mike Gater, Department Manager at JPR Fire, Security and Data, approached the site after attending Paxton’s launch event for Solo; a phone-based, cloud-hosted access control system. Mike saw the opportunity to upgrade the site to a more modern solution. Cost-effective option Solo is a smart, convenient, connected access control system. With the simplicity of standalone and the power of a networked solution; Solo is designed to make access control a simple, cost-effective option where a smartphone is used to administer the system and gain access through the door. With the free Paxton Solo app, the site management team can administer access to the premises from anywhere, via their smartphone. For the students, it means never having to remember an access code or to carry a fob, as they will simply use their phone to gain access to their building. Appropriate access permission When a smartphone with appropriate access permission is presented to a Solo controlled door, the phone communicates to the Solo controller using Bluetooth Low Energy frequency to instruct the door to open. With minimal Wi-Fi on site, the phone uses mobile data to confirm appropriate access permissions are available for that door. Where no network connectivity is available, the credential can be stored on the phone for 3-4 hours, to allow access even if the phone is offline. By running Solo alongside the existing standalone system for a period, students were migrated over to Solo in a phased approach. The access code for the legacy system was changed to prevent access via this means, once all residents were up and running with the Paxton Solo app. Existing standalone system Mike said: “As soon as we saw the Solo introduction, we knew it would be a great fit for our clients at One London Road. The premises have no network infrastructure, so a standalone system was always going to be a requirement. But with approximately 500 students on site, our clients would really benefit from more features of a centralised system.” “We know that Solo is very new, but since it’s a Paxton product, we had faith in it from day one. We know Paxton products are reliable, and if it’s needed, the Paxton team is there to support.” As a Paxton Platinum Partner, JPR Fire, Security and Data have extensive experience with Paxton products, so felt very confident in proposing an innovative solution to meet the requirements of their valued and longstanding client. Network infrastructure requirements Mike continued: “Aside from the benefit of Solo being cloud-based, with no network infrastructure requirements, the other real selling point for our customers was the price. The upfront cost of the Solo kit is very accessible. Even with the ongoing cost of the door subscription, our clients would see a cost saving compared to extending their previous standalone system, as they were constantly replacing lost fobs in significant numbers. They were immediately interested in the new system.” With the introduction of the Solo system on site, One London Road was also able to secure access to the students’ common rooms. Where previously access was available to anyone who had gained entry to the building, Solo ensures that only students in residence with appropriate access permissions can use the space by presenting their phone to the Solo DoorTag. Providing accurate information Tallulah-Mae Moran, General Manager at Homes for Students said: “Paxton’s Solo system has reduced the ongoing costs of replacing fobs and time spent doing this. The ability to see the date and time of who accessed which door is extremely useful for us and allows us to manage the site to a better standard and provides accurate information when investigating issues on site. It also allows us to set users up and manage this remotely rather than provide and collect physical fobs. It has been a worthwhile investment and will continue to be effective in years to come.” JPR Fire, Security and Data intends to continue proposing Solo as a solution for all clients who are in search of a standalone system in the future.

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

Like other disciplines in the world of corporate security, executive protection is evolving from reactive to proactive. Unlike reactive bodyguards, modern executive protection professionals use a proactive approach focused on risk mitigation, advance planning, and threat intelligence to prevent incidents before they happen. What is the role of technology? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can physical security technology promote better executive protection?

Adequate video surveillance coverage depends entirely on a facility's layout, square footage, and security goals. Historically, better coverage required more cameras, but technology innovations are changing those expectations and undermining previously held rules of thumb. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Do today's video systems generally require more cameras or fewer cameras, and why?