Radio frequency Identification

Zimperium, the global pioneer in AI-empowered mobile security, announces new research from its zLabs threat research team detailing the evolution of ToxicPanda 2.0, an advanced Android banking trojan that significantly expands both its technical capabilities and the scale of its fraud campaign. The latest variant represents a new generation of the original ToxicPanda banking Trojan and introduces 167 remote commands, expanding credential theft from a handful of banking applications to 349 banking, financial, e-wallet, and cryptocurrency applications across 16 countries, and adding sophisticated techniques to compromise Android devices, harvest banking credentials, and maintain long-term persistence on infected devices. Adding sophisticated techniques As mobile app adoption continues to rapidly grow for use in banking services, enterprise applications, digital identities, and sensitive corporate data, increasingly sophisticated Android malware poses ever greater risks to both consumers and corporations. "ToxicPanda 2.0 demonstrates how quickly mobile malware continues to evolve," said Nico Chiaraviglio, Chief Scientist at Zimperium zLabs. "Rather than simply stealing credentials, this malware automates device compromise, expands financial targeting on a global scale, and abuses legitimate Android features to gain control over infected devices. It reflects the increasing sophistication of modern mobile threats." Zimperium's AI-empowered, on-device mobile security protects organizations against advanced threats like ToxicPanda by detecting malware, device compromise, phishing overlays, and malicious application behavior before attackers can steal credentials or gain control of the device.

Allied Universal®, the world’s pioneer security and facility services provider, announces the appointment of Jordan Avnaim as Global Chief Information Security Officer. Avnaim will be responsible for the company’s global cybersecurity strategy and operations.  Avnaim brings more than 20 years of experience to this role and will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive, risk-based cybersecurity program designed to help protect Allied Universal employees, systems, data and technology platforms against evolving cyber threats. Reporting to Loretta Cecil, global general counsel, he will also oversee and manage the company’s cybersecurity resources and teams, working closely with our technology, legal, operations and business teams across more than 100 countries and territories. Complex global organisations “Protecting our people, systems and data is fundamental to our ability to serve customers and operate effectively around the world,” said Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO of Allied Universal. “Jordan is an accomplished cybersecurity leader who combines deep technical expertise with a clear understanding of business operations and enterprise risk. His leadership will help us continue to strengthen our cyber resilience while supporting the innovation and responsible growth of our company.” Experienced in developing and pioneer cybersecurity, technology risk and regulatory compliance programs for large, complex global organisations, Avnaim has advised boards and executive leadership teams, strengthened enterprise security capabilities and built high-performing teams focused on protecting critical infrastructure, sensitive information and business operations. Enterprise risk management “Jordan brings an exceptional combination of cybersecurity leadership, enterprise risk management experience and sound business judgment,” said Loretta Cecil, global general counsel of Allied Universal. “He has demonstrated an ability to translate complex technical risks into clear business priorities, respond effectively when incidents occur and establish accountability across large global organisations. Jordan will provide independent oversight and transparency while enabling close collaboration with our technology and operational leadership.” Previously, Avnaim served as chief information security officer at Hyundai AutoEver America and at Entrust Corp. where he was responsible for the company’s global information security program across more than 150 countries, 40 offices, and 20 data centers. He also held several senior technology risk and information security leadership positions at the Capital Group Companies. Operational readiness and collaboration Avnaim holds a Master of Engineering in management of technology, with an emphasis in information security and risk management, and a Bachelor of Engineering in computer engineering and mathematics from Vanderbilt University. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, Certified Information Systems Auditor and a member of InfraGard, ISACA and ISC2.  “I am honoured to join Allied Universal and support an organisation whose mission is centered on helping keep people and businesses safe,” Avnaim said. “Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that requires strong governance, operational readiness and collaboration across every part of an organisation. I look forward to working with colleagues around the world to further strengthen Allied Universal’s cybersecurity capabilities, protect its critical assets and support the company’s long-term growth.”

Cellebrite DI Ltd., a pioneer in AI-powered Digital Investigative and Intelligence solutions for the public and private sectors, today announced that Cellebrite Genesis is expanding to more global markets and is now generally available for enterprise organisations. The expansion builds on a successful early access program and strong momentum following Genesis' June 2026 public safety launch. Genesis has seen meaningful user growth worldwide and continues to expand internationally, with availability now in Australia and the United Kingdom and is expected to be available to the European Union later this month. Public safety departments Made generally available for the public sector in June, Genesis is serving a growing mix of national, regional and local agencies around the world, including some of the world's largest regional and metropolitan police departments along with public safety departments, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices and correctional facilities of varying sizes. Purpose-built for a broad range of corporate investigations, Genesis helps enterprise teams move from manual evidence review to AI-assisted investigation that surfaces connections in minutes rather than weeks for internal corporate investigations spanning employee misconduct to financial fraud, M&A due diligence, insider threat and incident response, eDiscovery pre-processing and regulatory and compliance matters. Uncover missed connections As Cellebrite customers apply Genesis to active cases, the impact is tangible, accelerating the speed and efficacy of investigations across an array of crime types such as crimes against children, narcotics, human trafficking, homicide and cold cases. The following examples demonstrate how Genesis helps investigators move faster, uncover missed connections and turn digital evidence into action: Averting a planned school shooting: Following the arrest of a young student who threatened to commit a school shooting, investigators queried his phone data in Genesis and, within five prompts, identified and apprehended a second student across the country plotting a similar attack. Surfacing evidence that helped protect children: Genesis surfaced new information that had been missed in the initial manual review of a suspect's device, giving investigators the probable cause needed to arrest an accused child predator after a year-long investigation. Converting prison conversations into actionable intelligence: A major law enforcement agency used Genesis to analyse three months of phone calls by five prison inmates and identified three minutes of conversations that involved the location of illegal firearms. As a result, the police seized more than 200 guns and arrested three suspects as part of a broader investigation.    Validating findings in a high-profile corporate investigation: In a case of potential financial wrongdoing tied to a scrapped IPO, it took investigators months to piece together who was involved - running the same data through Genesis surfaced it in minutes, while validating the findings. Triaging large video and audio files so a private digital forensics company could quickly isolate 20 video clips showing evidence of a crime, helping their client move the case forward quickly rather than needing to rely on manual review that would have taken days. Uncovering a terrorist financing network: After two months of manual review, a regional police agency used Genesis to immediately gain information about a suspected terrorist finance network. Validating new leads in a missing person cold case: A small county sheriff's department received a new tip related to a cold case. Investigators used Genesis to query all the records, and they were able to immediately determine the new information was not relevant to the case; manually running down this lead would have taken weeks. Mission of protecting communities "Genesis was built on the belief that evidence should move at the speed the investigation demands. In two months, that belief has scaled from early access to a proven solution that is trusted on multiple continents, and now, with enterprise availability, we're bringing that approach to the organisations who want to protect themselves from fraud, insider threats and data theft," said Shiven Ramji, CEO of Cellebrite. "It is exciting to hear the impact Genesis is having on investigations and our customer feedback. Genesis is an example of the rapid innovation our customers can expect, ensuring we can deliver on our mission of protecting communities, nations and businesses." Proprietary chat platforms Innovation within Genesis continues to move forward. The Company also added Deep Investigator, a new capability for mobile extractions. Deep Investigator surfaces data that usually resides in unparsed and other databases, thus going deeper into the content of mobile devices, helping investigators uncover digital evidence that lives in hard-to-reach places, including brand-new applications, proprietary chat platforms and data sources that are not fully understood. Deep Investigator automatically surfaces additional investigative leads with citations to the underlying evidence while applying Genesis' built-in guardrails, ensuring responses remain grounded only in the provided evidence. Every query and action is logged with the user's identity and timestamp, creating a complete audit trail. In the coming months Cellebrite expects to include new features and enhancements that add both expanded agentic capabilities and increased support for additional data sources. These innovations are designed to help investigators work smarter and faster, with an even better user experience.

The optical precision sorter uses multiple IDS industrial cameras along a 1.5-metre inspection section to classify potatoes by size and quality, with up to five grades produced in a single pass. Rising quality requirements and labour shortages are forcing agricultural businesses to modernise their sorting processes. Those seeking to ensure product quality while reducing the burden on staff need more than a simple pass/fail separation system. What is required is multi-grade sorting that reliably classifies produce by both size and quality and has proven itself in continuous operation. This is precisely where the Farmsort.one optical precision sorter comes in. It brings industrial inspection principles to small and medium-sized agricultural businesses, combining size grading and quality inspection in a single pass. In most cases, it eliminates the need for manual re-sorting altogether. Rising quality requirements At the core of the system is a 1.5-metre inspection section. Along this section, each potato is captured optically several times. Depending on the configuration, two or three industrial cameras from IDS Imaging Development Systems monitor the continuous product flow from different angles. Unlike systems that inspect each tuber from all sides at a single inspection station, the assessment does not rely on every individual object rotating freely. Instead, quality is evaluated directly within the process, based on repeated inspections, redundancy and controlled product handling. This enables the system to deliver reproducible results even when foreign material or adhering soil is present. Delivering reproducible results “We did not want a spot assessment like those used in many conventional systems on the market, but rather a controlled inspection over a defined distance,” explains Jan Kiwitt, Project Manager at schmiede.one. “The combination of a guided conveyor system and multiple inspections enables reliable detection of quality characteristics while maintaining a consistent throughput.” Reduced energy consumption Farmsort.one sorts both unwashed and washed potatoes into up to five grades at throughput rates of up to two tonnes per hour. At the core of the system is a fully electric conveyor-based track system, a concept previously used primarily in large-scale industrial operations. Compared with pneumatic sorting mechanisms, it offers more precise product handling, lower wear and tear, and reduced energy consumption. The controlled guidance of the produce forms the basis for consistent sorting results, even when processing unwashed potatoes, foreign material or crops harvested under challenging conditions, where free-flowing systems can lose accuracy. At the same time, it enables continuous operation regardless of labour availability. Short transmission paths For visual inspection, schmiede.one relies on industrial cameras from IDS. They capture each potato multiple times along the 1.5-metre inspection section, enabling objective quality assessment directly within the sorting process. For compact integration into existing sorting lines, USB3 Vision industrial cameras are used. Short transmission paths, straightforward integration and reliable image transfer ensure consistent inspection performance throughout the entire inspection section. Depending on the specific configuration of the system, two to three IDS U3-3270CP Rev. 2.2 USB 3.0 Vision cameras are used. One camera classifies the objects and detects both foreign objects, such as stones, and small defects on the tubers, such as wireworm holes. Another camera tracks every single object along the conveyor belt. When used in conjunction with a rotary encoder, the position of each tuber can be determined with precision, enabling damaged produce or produce that does not meet specifications to be selectively removed. Low-maintenance continuous operation Integration is carried out using the IDS peak SDK, which supports reproducible parameterisation, correct camera mounting and precise focus adjustment. “In line-integrated sorting systems, reliability and integration security are key factors, alongside image quality,” emphasises Jürgen Hejna, Product Manager for 2D Machine Vision at IDS. “Reliable interfaces, long-term availability and reproducible camera settings are crucial for low-maintenance continuous operation.” Compromising sorting accuracy Rather than simply distinguishing between “good” and “bad” produce, Farmsort.one sorts potatoes by both size and quality in a single pass into up to five grades. Defective potatoes are removed via the first outlet, oversized potatoes via the second, while Grade A produce remains in the main product stream. This results in market-ready produce straight from the sorter, eliminating the manual re-sorting step typically required when using systems that only separate defects. Under real-world operating conditions, many farms achieve throughput rates of 1.4 to 1.7 tonnes per hour without compromising sorting accuracy. As many as 73 per cent of users have eliminated manual re-sorting altogether, significantly reducing their reliance on sorting personnel. Season-critical continuous operation The system has been designed with a modular architecture. Growers can start with a smaller configuration and later expand the system with additional sorting outlets or extra cameras. The line control system is designed for flexibility and supports both 24 V signals and FlowControl. An optional remote monitoring capability allows sorting parameters to be adjusted and optimised remotely. Farmsort.one is a solution developed within the Grimme Group and is already in use on more than 50 farms. Service and sales are supported by an established network, helping to ensure the system’s technical availability during season-critical continuous operation. Additional methods for improving defect detection are being investigated for future applications. These include monocular depth analysis and multispectral inspection methods in the NIR and SWIR ranges. The aim is to reliably record further quality characteristics and to supplement visual sorting with additional objective criteria. Industrial cameras and Software from IDS provide the technical foundation for stable, repeatable inspection and enable the integration of camera-based quality assessment into compact sorting lines.

Brinqa, the pioneer in exposure management for enterprise security teams, announces it has acquired PlexTrac, the trusted platform for offensive security validation, workflow, and reporting. The acquisition adds the ability to verify that remediation has actually worked, uniquely positioning Brinqa to identify and prioritise the exposures that matter most, drive remediation, and prove the fix held, closing the CTEM loop. The acquisition also makes Brinqa the largest standalone vendor in Unified Exposure Management, with over 3,000 customers across 57 countries, including more than 25% of the Fortune 500. Solving exposure management challenges “We've spent over a decade building the platform enterprise security teams trust to prioritise what to fix first,” said Dan Pagel, CEO at Brinqa. “PlexTrac brings real offensive security depth, from practitioners who have spent years proving exactly how attackers get in. Pairing that expertise with our exposure assessment platform gives customers proof they can defend to a board, an auditor, or any AI system acting on that data.” Brinqa has spent more than a decade solving exposure management challenges for the world's largest and most complex organisations, including Nestlé, PhonePe, Cambia Health Solutions, Guidewire, and SAP. That focus paid off in 2025 with 164% year-over-year growth in new bookings, a 32% increase in new-logo average selling price, and inclusion in the inaugural Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Exposure Assessment Platforms. Momentum accelerated further in 2026, with new logo bookings more than doubling year-over-year and existing customers expanding their deployments as Brinqa shipped new AI capabilities, including new MCP interfaces, the AI Attribution Agent, and the AI Deduplication Agent. Robust data foundation The PlexTrac acquisition builds directly on that trajectory, adding the capability enterprise security teams kept asking for: proof that a fix actually worked. Combined with a robust data foundation, MCP, and Bring Your Own AI, customers can connect that same validated exposure data to the AI models and tools they already use, making high-value exposure intelligence available across teams. "Exposure management only matters if teams can prove the fix worked, and that's the gap Brinqa now closes. We've watched this team build category-defining technology, and this acquisition sharpens their lead at a moment when security organisations are demanding validated, AI-ready data," said Thomas Krane, Managing Director at Insight Partners and member of Brinqa's board of directors. Acquisition highlights Brinqa now serves 3,000+ customers across 57 countries, giving PlexTrac's offensive security community direct access to Brinqa's data foundation and AI agents. Brinqa now fully closes the CTEM loop, from discovery and prioritisation through validated proof that a fix worked. The combined company is now the largest standalone vendor in Unified Exposure Management, bringing together two companies independently recognised in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Exposure Assessment Platforms. Every confirmed exploit and fix from PlexTrac flows into Brinqa's data layer, strengthening the Cyber Risk Graph and sharpening every AI agent, whether Brinqa's own or one a customer runs via Brinqa’s Bring Your Own AI program. Dan DeCloss, founder and Chief Customer Brand Officer of PlexTrac, joins Brinqa's executive leadership team and board of directors to lead the combined offensive security practice. Pre-remediation testing For Brinqa's customers, it means faster confirmation that a fix worked, and evidence to back up what security teams report to auditors, insurers, and the board. A vulnerability marked “closed” in a ticketing system is a status update. A vulnerability confirmed closed through validated retesting is proof. For PlexTrac's customers, it means pentest teams and workflows now plug directly into a CTEM program instead of sitting next to one. Brinqa's prioritisation engine focuses pentest resources on the exposures that matter most to the business, and validation now covers both ends of remediation: pre-remediation testing to confirm an exposure is exploitable, and post-remediation retesting to confirm the fix held. Security, IT, and offensive security teams work from one prioritised list. Offensive security practitioners The PlexTrac solutions will continue operating as standalone offerings, giving existing customers the same experience they have today, with the option to extend into Brinqa's broader platform as their programs evolve. “PlexTrac was built by offensive security practitioners, for offensive security practitioners, and that's not changing. Joining Brinqa gives our team a bigger platform to prove that hands-on offensive security expertise still matters, even as more of this work gets automated,” said DeCloss. With PlexTrac, Brinqa becomes the operating system for enterprise exposure management: the layer where every decision, every fix, and every proof point comes together. Brinqa was represented by Covington & Burling in the transaction.

For a data centre operator, risk rarely comes down to a single system or department. It can begin with a cut fence, an intruder approaching a substation, an alarm no one trusted enough to investigate, or a rack that ran hot overnight. The cause may be different, but the consequence is often the same: an interruption to operations that can be costly. More than half of significant data centre outages can now cost a company over $100,000, and roughly one in five exceed $1 million, according to the Uptime Institute's 2024 Annual Outage Analysis. Same operational risk conversation The challenge is that the industry tends to sell protection the way it is organised internally: one function at a time, with perimeter security pitched to the Security Director, substation protection routed to facilities, and rack thermal monitoring and inspection left to reliability engineering. A VP of Operations, however, is responsible for uptime across the entire site, making the fence and the rack part of the same operational risk conversation. Perimeter detection, electrical monitoring, alarm management, and rack inspections may fall under different departments, but they all serve the same basic purpose: identifying problems early enough to prevent them from affecting operations. Other critical equipment A perimeter breach, for example, often begins as a security event. If the intruder reaches a substation or other critical equipment, it quickly becomes an uptime issue. Security may investigate the incident, but the operational impact will be measured by lost capacity, service disruption, and recovery time. Bringing these controls into a single program gives operators a more complete view of the risk they manage. It also helps reduce the gaps that appear when each department plans, purchases, and operates its systems independently. At the outer edge of a property, data centres can stretch for miles of dark, lightly staffed perimeter. Much of that darkness is by design. Many sites are built as low-light facilities to avoid adding light pollution to the surrounding area, which is good for neighbouring communities but leaves conventional cameras with little to work with. Thermal imaging removes that dependency, reading the heat signature of a person or vehicle in complete darkness. Detecting movement early matters because the farther a potential threat travels into the site, the less time an operator has to assess and respond. Multilayered security approach The solution can be a multilayered security approach, beginning with a radar system such as the Flir R-190/R-290 detecting movement as it approaches or crosses the perimeter. It works in concert with both the bi-spectral FH-Series AI thermal/visible cameras and the bi-spectral Elara DX-Series thermal/visible PTZ cameras to verify the activity and continue tracking it. Instead of relying on a single sensor or an isolated alarm, the operator receives multiple sources of information that help determine whether the event requires action. Those detections can feed into Flir Latitude VMS, giving the control room a common view of the event. Flir Nexus® connects sensors and systems so that information gathered at the fence reaches the person responding. Fixed radiometric thermal cameras Moving deeper into the property, the substation is one of the most important points of exposure. The equipment feeding power to the data halls is essential to the operation, yet it is often less visible than the systems inside the building. Fixed radiometric thermal cameras can continuously monitor transformers, electrical connections, and other energised equipment for abnormal temperature changes. While technicians could miss a loose or deteriorating connection during a visual inspection, an infrared camera detects the heat it produces well before the equipment fails. That allows the operations team to investigate and make repairs during a planned maintenance window rather than responding after an outage. Energised electrical equipment Inside the data hall, the available response time becomes even shorter. GPU-dense racks can draw several times the power of the traditional 8 to 12 kW rack, creating more heat in a smaller space. Under those conditions, a cooling issue or component failure that developed over several days could escalate within minutes. Periodic handheld inspections also play an important role, as they allow maintenance teams to view assets from multiple angles and distances. Fixed thermal monitoring provides visibility between scheduled surveys, while handheld tools with route-based inspection capabilities, such as the Flir i65 and Assetlink software, support more detailed inspections, analysis, and documentation when a potential issue is identified. Onboard tools such as reference imaging ensure these handheld inspections result in repeatable, trackable thermal data, making it easier to identify changes over time and support repair decisions. When combined with safety equipment such as infrared windows, maintenance teams can help maintain uptime by safely inspecting energised electrical equipment. Early fire detection Security and operations are often managed separately, leading different teams to purchase thermal technology for different purposes. The security department may invest in thermal cameras for perimeter protection, while the operations team deploys thermal equipment for electrical inspections, early fire detection, and rack monitoring. Although these purchases are often made independently, they address closely related risks. Simply put: the purchases come from different budgets because the organisation is divided that way. The risk itself is not. Thermal imaging systems Grand View Research valued the data centre physical security market at $1.87 billion in 2023 and projects it will reach $4.83 billion by 2030. Mordor Intelligence projects the thermal imaging systems market will grow from $5.78 billion in 2025 to $8.71 billion by 2031. These may appear to be separate markets, but operators experience them as parts of the same uptime challenge. Both are intended to reveal developing issues, provide enough information to act, and prevent a larger disruption. Compliance requirements are also moving operators toward a more coordinated approach. The 2023 edition of NFPA 70B placed greater emphasis on documented electrical maintenance and thermographic inspection. Inspection records, identified deficiencies, and corrective actions are increasingly part of the facility’s broader maintenance and audit process rather than being managed informally or in isolation. None of this means operators need to replace systems that already work. It means they should view perimeter protection, power monitoring, interior surveillance, rack conditions, and compliance as part of a single reliability program. Radiometric monitoring of critical equipment Flir supports that full path, from radar and thermal detection at the perimeter to radiometric monitoring of critical equipment inside the facility. By connecting those capabilities, operators gain a clearer view of risk across the site and more time to respond before a condition escalates into an outage. For most data centre operators, the first step is not another purchase order. It is a change in perspective: seeing the path from the outer fence to the inner rack as one continuous reliability environment.

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

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

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.

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.

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

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, announces that Evolv Express®, the company’s people-screening system, has been selected as a security partner in Northwestern University’s new Ryan Field following a rigorous evaluation process. As Ryan Sports Development prepares to open the first NFL-type stadium in college sports, they evaluated available screening solutions before selecting Evolv Express to help deliver an elevated fan security experience. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the location of the potential threat while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. Advanced sensor technology The New Ryan Field, in the final stages of construction, will have a capacity of 35,000 fans when it opens on October 2nd with a nationally televised game. In addition to Northwestern football games, New Ryan Field will also host other athletic and community events throughout the year. The project is designed to set a new standard for the college football experience and boasts several features and innovations fitting its ambitious vision, including the Evolv Express security systems. The multi-year agreement between Evolv and Ryan Sports Development includes a variety of marketing elements and designates Evolv as Northwestern University’s “Official Fan Screening Provider.” Exceptional arrival experience “Our goal for the New Ryan Field is simple: build the best place to watch football in America,” said Pat Ryan Jr., CEO of Ryan Sports Development. “That ambition covers not only the event itself, but also the entire time that a fan is on site. We built a stadium designed to represent the future of college athletics, and so much more, and we rigorously evaluated available screening technologies and selected Evolv Express because it aligned with our goals of delivering a secure, convenient, and exceptional arrival experience.” “When an institution invests in creating what it believes will be the premier college football venue in the country, every decision matters, including the first impression fans receive when they arrive,” said John Kedzierski, President and CEO of Evolv Technology. Ambitious stadium projects “Northwestern had the opportunity to evaluate the industry’s leading screening solutions as part of this landmark project, and we are honoured that Evolv Express was selected to help deliver the elevated fan experience Ryan Field is designed to provide. It’s a testament to the strength of our technology that one of the most ambitious stadium projects in college sports chose Evolv to help welcome fans through its gates.” The New Ryan Field at Northwestern is another signature deployment on Evolv’s growing roster of higher education customers, as well as numerous stadiums, arenas, theme parks, schools, hospitals and other public spaces around the world.

iDenfy, the global RegTech solution provider that delivers identity verification and fraud prevention tools, has implemented Czech Bank iD into its electronic identity verification software. The addition of the new digital ID or non-document verification method for the Czech market gives businesses a native alternative for verifying Czech citizens through their existing bank login credentials, without asking for a physical document during the onboarding process. Czech Bank iD is a nationwide, bank-issued digital identification system introduced in the Czech Republic in 2021. It allows citizens to use their internet banking credentials to authenticate themselves for both e-government and private sector services. Separate identity document The system is currently used by over 5,000,000 internet banking users, which corresponds to an adoption rate of 57% across the Czech Republic with 9 million people. Czech Bank iD runs on the OIDC protocol and operates through a bank delegation model, meaning the verification is confirmed directly by the user’s bank rather than through a separate identity document. iDenfy’s non-document verification platform was built to operate alongside the platform’s standard document-based KYC flow. Businesses can configure the platform to automatically route users to the Czech Bank iD path when traditional document capture is unavailable or produces insufficient image quality, a scenario that iDenfy’s internal data consistently shows as a recurring source of session drop-off. The combined flow is available to all iDenfy clients at no additional cost and can be activated in the dashboard settings without any additional integration work. Additional integration work To perform a successful verification, Czech Bank iD checks the person’s given name, family name, middle name, full name, date of birth, nationality, sex, phone number, and full address details. Where available, it can also return document data, such as document type, number, issue date, expiration date, issuing country and authority. This gives businesses a verification result that is both broad in scope and consistent in structure, since the data is returned directly by the bank network rather than extracted from a scanned image. As defined by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183, each of the EU 27 will have to implement the EU Digital Identity Wallet for citizens and residents by the end of 2026. Every bank, payment, and electronic money institution will have to support wallet-based credentials as Strong Customer Authentication measures. Bypassing security controls The Czech Republic has the third-highest risk of cyber fraud globally, according to security firm Gen Digital, which conducted research from Avast, AVG, and Norton companies. Social engineering attacks, a form of psychological manipulation in which criminals trick people into giving up private data, downloading malware, or bypassing security controls, made up 86% of the threats that happened in the country. iDenfy states that for businesses that serve Czech market users, the ability to verify identity through a credential that more than five million adults already use for banking and government access can remove a document capture step that often contributes to onboarding drop-off. It still maintains a secure enough compliance procedure to keep the process trustworthy for both the user and the business so it can validate a real person behind it. Digital identity networks “Czech Bank iD has become one of the most widely trusted digital identity credentials in the Czech Republic. Our clients that serve that market can now meet Czech users on those terms and present a verification path that feels familiar and requires no additional physical document capture at the point of onboarding,” said Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy. It is worth mentioning that iDenfy’s KYC software currently covers over 16,000+ government-issued documents across over 200+ countries and territories. If a case is not resolved automatically, it is reported to iDenfy’s internal compliance review team, which works 24/7 to review identities and fix any onboarding issues. “Czech Bank iD is deeply embedded in how Czech citizens already access banking, government, and private sector services. For our clients, adding Czech Bank iD is not just an onboarding improvement. It is a direct connection to one of Central Europe’s most established digital identity networks,” added Domantas Ciulde. Czech Bank iD support is available now across iDenfy’s identity verification platform.

With up to one million fans attending FIFA World Cup™ matches and festivities in Miami, Florida, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department has equipped the city’s host stadium with advanced connected safety technology to help protect spectators, athletes, and event staff. The technology is provided by Blackline Safety, a global pioneer in connected safety technology. Eight of Blackline’s connected EXO area monitors have been discreetly placed throughout the stadium to continuously monitor for potential hazards. Connected safety technology Highly visible, high-stakes environments like the World Cup require emergency responders to prepare for a wide range of potential risks, from accidental incidents to intentional chemical, biological, radiological and other public safety threats. Connected to the Blackline Live cloud platform, EXO technology provides incident commanders with real-time visibility into conditions, ensuring rescue teams can respond quickly if needed. “These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and being asked to protect such a large event is incredible,” said Marcel Berube, Hazmat, Logistics and Training Lieutenant with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department in Florida. “You’re there in case anything happens, and you have a product that’s going to assist you to help everybody if needed." Real-time visibility Of the eight devices deployed, four are EXO 8 area monitors, equipped to detect up to eight gases plus gamma radiation, as well as four G7 EXOs, EXO 8’s predecessor. The monitors transmit readings live over a cellular network to Blackline Live software that act as a central command platform for the fire crew, giving them the instant data to make fast decisions if needed. Its long-lasting battery means no downtime throughout the tournament. “Every day, our technology helps protect workers in some of the world's most demanding environments,” said Cody Slater, CEO, Blackline Safety. “At events like the World Cup, or the Winter Olympics in Italy earlier this year, that same mission extends beyond the worksite to help emergency responders protect the hundreds of thousands of people who have gathered to experience something unforgettable." Connected monitoring solutions This deployment reflects the growing role of connected safety technology in public event security. Increasingly, fire departments and emergency management organisations are adopting cloud-connected monitoring solutions that provide greater visibility, faster communication, and improved coordination during planned events and emergency response operations. Berube and his team were even able to use the data from Blackline's platform to inform the entire Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), a coordinated group of agencies including police, FBI, and more. Emergency response operations Blackline Safety worked closely with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue throughout planning and deployment to configure the system, support implementation, and help ensure the technology was ready for operational use before fans arrived. “Every experience I’ve had with Blackline has been great,” Berube said. “The support is excellent. If you have a question, they run you through it without a problem, and everyone is very helpful. Every time I've had an issue, problem, question, they've been very supportive.”

ZeroEyes, creators of the multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, announces that its AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform has been deployed by Kansas’ Bonner Springs–Edwardsville USD 204 to protect students and faculty against gun-related violence. USD 204 serves more than 2,400 PreK–12 students with 455 staff members across a network of schools in the suburban communities of Kansas City, Bonner Springs, and Edwardsville, including one high school, one middle school, three elementary schools, and two pre-K buildings. ZeroEyes complements the district’s multilayered security plan, which also includes school resource officers (SROs), secured entrances, and close, ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement agencies across all three communities.  Situational awareness platform The district secured funding through the Kansas Safe and Secure Firearm Detection Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, to purchase and implement ZeroEyes. “Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is at the core of everything we do,” said Lisa Terrell, Director of Education Foundation & Counseling Services. “The deployment of ZeroEyes is a natural extension of our district’s proactive, layered approach to security, enhancing the strong foundation we’ve built through trusted partnerships with local law enforcement, secure facilities, and dedicated personnel.” Digital security cameras ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation centre, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to law enforcement and local security teams, often in a matter of seconds from the moment a gun is detected. “Thanks to the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, we can provide an added level of confidence for USD 204’s families and community with ZeroEyes,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “It's great to see the district reinforce its commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive.”

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?

At mid-year 2026, the broader economy tells a story of resilience under pressure. Conflict in the Middle East has triggered a shock to the energy supply, driving oil prices up and reigniting global inflation. However, a total downturn has been averted. Exceptional, historic levels of business investment and data centre construction are providing a firm floor for growth, offsetting cooler consumer spending and keeping labour markets fundamentally stable. But how are changing economics impacting the physical security market? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How do changes in the broader economic climate impact physical security?