Security access systems

With cybercrime rising and new cybersecurity legislation tabled by the UK government, BM TRADA is encouraging businesses to achieve ISO 27001 certification sooner rather than later to safeguard information security and avoid non-compliance. Cybercrime has risen significantly in recent years, with 32% of businesses in the UK now attacked at least once a week, according to statistics gathered by The Independent. Phishing and ransomware attacks have had a particularly disruptive impact, with 61% of businesses in the UK reporting staff having received fraudulent emails or accessed fraudulent websites. Effects of a cyber breach  The long-term effects of a cyber breach on businesses and the economy have led to the UK Government to recently announce the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, aimed to strengthen the UK’s cyber defences. Amongst other intentions, the Bill is set to expand the remit of the existing regulation, put regulators on a stronger footing, and increase reporting requirements to build a better picture of cyber threats in government. BM TRADA launched a white paper on ISO 27001 Information Security Management Systems certification Following the announcements, BM TRADA, part of the Element Materials Technology group, has launched a white paper on ISO 27001 Information Security Management Systems certification. The paper from the pioneering management systems certification provider introduces the internationally recognised ISO 27001 standard, what the certification process entails, and the benefits of achieving the certification. Information security  Lee Horlock, Head of Technical & Approvals – Management Systems at BM TRADA, said: “In today’s technologically evolving world, information is now one of the most valuable assets for any organisation. Protecting this information is critical, not just from an ethical point of view but also to comply with regulations such as GDPR and the UK Data Protection Act 2018." “We urge all businesses and those in control of information security to become ISO 27001 certified, if they are not already. Doing so offers a number of benefits, from being able to outwardly project trust and confidence in your information security, reducing the risk of financial and reputational loss, to being able to demonstrate compliance, which is now often also needed for business tenders.” BM TRADA’s white paper Within BM TRADA’s white paper, readers will find a case study on how the certification provider helped NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care achieve ISO 27001 standard, not long prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pioneering the project was Phil Scott, IT Security Manager for NHS Greater Manchester Shared Services, who had the following to say: “We knew ISO 27001 certification would make us pioneers in our field, but we didn’t realise what a difference it would make as we faced a global pandemic. Our staff and customers could work from home quickly and easily, while other parts of the healthcare system were struggling months later. Feedback from customers was overwhelmingly positive, boosting team morale at an incredibly difficult time.”

As part of its global expansion plan, Integrity360 has acquired Grove Group, a long-standing cybersecurity and cloud services company headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.  The acquisition provides Integrity360 with approx. 600 additional customers across 51 countries, a deep partnership with pioneering NDR (Network Detection and Response) vendor Darktrace, and another global SOC (Security Operations Centre) location bringing the group's SOC locations to 5. Innovative XDR/MDR solutions Integrity360’s range of services have been recognised 4 times in a Gartner market guide Grove customers will benefit from access to Integirty360’s extensive cyber services portfolio encapsulating cyber risk and assurance, cyber security testing, incident response, infrastructure, end-point, PCI compliance, and a highly comprehensive range of cyber security managed services including innovative XDR/MDR solutions.  Integrity360’s innovative range of services have been recognised four times in a Gartner market guide most recently as a Representative Vendor for the second year running in the Gartner guide for Managed Detection and Response services. Grove with Integrity360 Grove, like Integrity360 has a long and deep history in cyber security and was founded in 2005, employs approx. 50 employees and is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa with a regional office in London, UK. Grove has grown strongly over the last five years with a CAGR of over 22%, and during 2023 achieved sales of approx. €17m. Grove serves over 600 customers, across multiple countries and regions including the UK, Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, and Mauritius.  Grove has developed deep and long-standing relationships with several of the world’s pioneering cybersecurity vendors including Darktrace, Proofpoint, ESET, and Mimecast. The combination of Grove with Integrity360 brings group annual revenues to approx. €130m (up from approx. €85m in 2022) and expands group resources to over 500 employees.   Grove’s technical support operations  Grove’s technical support operations will serve as another SOC operation based out of Cape Town Grove’s technical support operations will serve as another SOC (Security Operations Centre) operation based out of Cape Town and will be combined with Integrity360’s other four SOC’s in Dublin, Sofia, Stockholm, and Naples – together operating with over 140 dedicated engineers, consultants and cyber experts in delivering a wide-ranging set of managed services for customers including EDR, XDR and MDR (Endpoint Detection and Response, Extended Detection and Response, and Managed Detection and Response).  Grove’s relationship and deep technical skills in Darktrace have led to the company winning the Darktrace partner of the year award for three consecutive years, and its innovative “dSOC” managed service for Darktrace technology is enabling a growing number of customers to optimise their investment in Darktrace AI-driven threat detection and response technology. Grove’s expertise in Darktrace solutions will add to that developed by Integrity360 following the partnership that it formed with Darktrace in early 2024. Enhanced range of services  Ian Brown, Executive Chairman at Integrity360 commented: “We are delighted to be welcoming Grove to Integrity360. The enhanced group significantly expands our existing activities and cyber services across other continents including Africa and the Caribbean in addition to bolstering our existing markets throughout the UK and continental Europe." "The addition of another Integrity360 regional hub in Cape Town will further enable us to serve the local needs of customers, and the SOC will add to and expand our already considerable 24/7 SOC operations. Both companies share a passion for customer service and innovation and we look forward to offering the group’s enhanced range of services to our collective customers and partners over the coming weeks and months”. Integrity360 group  Pip Witheridge, Founder and Chairman of Grove commented: “I am delighted that Grove is joining Integrity360 and continuing the growth journey that we started some 19 years ago. Thanks to the support of our customers, partners and employees Grove has grown and flourished during that time and I am confident will continue to do so being part of the Integrity360 group”. James Vintin, CEO of Grove commented: “The connection between Grove and Integrity360 has developed over an extended period of time, and we could not be more delighted to be joining the group and working closely with Ian and the Integrity360 team over the coming years. I am excited about the future for us as an organisation, for our people and in particular for what the enhanced group can provide our customers and partners moving forward”.

Sustainability is doubtlessly a top-of-the-list issue industry-wide, especially in the hospitality sector. This industry has, in fact, created a serious threat of carbon emissions resulting from the energy used and the subsequent waste, accounting for 5% of world emissions, as approximated by the World Tourism Organisation. As a result, many businesses are now actively seeking innovative technologies to adopt more sustainable practices, from energy consumption to waste management, and ensure their operations minimise environmental impact while delivering exceptional guest experiences. Sustainability standpoint  Richard Neville, Chief Technology Officer at VITEC, says: “There is growing awareness of the role that technology can play in helping hotels provide highly customised guest experiences while also hitting their sustainability targets. Let’s face it, hotel guests want to feel pampered.” “They want to feel like special consideration has been taken for them specifically. IPTV, Video on Demand, and interactive services can offer that unique and tailored experience. There are many advantages from a sustainability standpoint as well, ranging from IPTV systems’ higher energy efficiency over conventional cable or satellite TV systems to their simple reduction of paper waste.” Smart technology Smart technology can also be a great way for businesses to improve their sustainability IPTV technology is making waves, shaping the future of sustainable hospitality. Interactive services not only provide a unique and personalised customer experience, allowing guests to enjoy all of a hotel’s services and facilities from the comfort of their in-room TVs, but smart technology can also be a great way for businesses to improve their sustainability and cut down on carbon emissions.  This helps reduce energy wastage and consumption, and even save on energy bills. This blog will explore how technological upgrades can benefit businesses in the hospitality sector on their journey to sustainability. Saving energy Most IPTV systems, for instance, are generally energy-efficient compared to traditional cable or satellite TV systems. Traditional systems may require a different set-top box in each room, which can be very consuming in terms of energy. IPTV works with the existing infrastructure and thus requires little or no new hardware. Current solutions in IPTV will accommodate integration with hotel energy management systems that switch off TVs automatically when rooms are not occupied. This way, energy wastage can be significantly reduced. Minimising paper waste Digital check-in and check-out processes reduce the number of printed receipts and paper forms In-room paper materials like TV guides, menus, and promotional brochures lead to a great amount of waste. IPTV can replace them with digital content accessible right through television, thus not requiring printed material and ensuring current information is always up to date.  Digital check-in and check-out processes reduce the number of printed receipts and paper forms that need to be used.  Encouraging eco-conscious customers IPTV can enhance the guest experience by offering features that align with sustainability goals. The more eco-conscious customers the business attracts, the more likely they are to treat the hotel or cruise liner with sustainability in mind. This means that customers are likely to ensure that waste is recycled correctly, and that lights and devices are switched off when not in use. Not only can sustainable hospitality be used as a marketing tool, but it might also attract customers who will ensure these standards are upheld. Enhancing sustainability The use of these technologies will be vital in advancing the future of sustainable hospitality Smart room technologies, such as automated lighting, climate control, and occupancy sensors, are another way to significantly reduce energy usage. Light and door sensors can ensure that the hotel or cruise ship is only using energy when absolutely necessary.  Not only can they detect activity, but these technologies are also designed to use less energy overall—with LED bulbs using less energy per wattage than older models of lighting. As more travellers prioritise eco-friendly accommodations, the use of these technologies will be vital in advancing the future of sustainable hospitality. Other smart technologies Hotels and cruise liners are being looked at for their Environmental Social Governance (ESG) more than ever, so being able to meet these standards is important not only for regulation needs but also for the customer’s satisfaction. The three “R”’s of reduce, reuse, and recycle should be started with a focus on reducing in every aspect. The choice of technology can severely determine how much energy a business uses and wastes a day. Investing in IPTV and other smart technologies not only benefits the environment but also enhances brand reputation and operational efficiency.

With immediate effect, netfiles GmbH, a provider of virtual data rooms and highly secure data exchange solutions, is adopting passkey authentication as an additional and convenient option to log in. Thanks to passkeys, users no longer have to remember passwords and can keep their user accounts reliably protected against phishing and cyber-attacks. It has long been understood that logging in with a password is a not particularly secure way of accessing applications, websites and online shops. Why? Because there is a serious danger that passwords could be intercepted or become known due to data breaches. Troublesome chore Microsoft reported 4,000 password attacks per second last year–up from “only” 115 attacks in 2015 Moreover, this threat is constantly on the rise: Microsoft alone reported 4,000 password attacks per second last year–up from “only” 115 attacks in 2015. For users, it is also a troublesome chore to think up passwords that are hard for others to guess – and then remember them. This explains why simple passwords are used all too often, and why one and the same password is often used for multiple services. Security and data protection “We attach supreme importance to security and data protection, because our customers use netfiles mostly to exchange confidential, mission-critical and/or personal information,” explains Thomas Krempl, Managing Director of netfiles GmbH. “This being the case, it is crucial to make the login procedure too as secure as possible. That is why we are now one of the first data room providers to support passkeys as an exceptionally secure but also simple and convenient login alternative.” How does passkey authentication work? Secret private key is stored either on the user’s computer or mobile device, under password manager Passkeys are based on pairs of cryptographic keys. When a user registers with a web service, two keys – the passkeys – are generated. A secret private key is stored either on the user’s computer or mobile device, under their password manager, or on their FIDO2 security key (a hardware token similar to a USB stick). In contrast, the online service only stores the public key. For all future login attempts, the web service issues a “challenge” that can only be solved correctly with the private key. Users then authenticate themselves with a fingerprint, via facial recognition, with their FIDO2 stick or by entering the device PIN. In the background, the correct answer is then forwarded to the web service and the user is granted access to his or her account. The advantage? Since no passwords have to be transmitted via the Internet and users no longer have to remember their passwords, passkeys provide robust protection against data theft and are quite simply easier to use. Netfiles products With immediate effect, customers can use passkey authentication to log in to all netfiles products: netfiles Deal Room – a virtual data room for due diligence audits and company/real estate transactions netfiles Board Room – for meeting management and board-level communication All netfiles data exchange solutions.

The Partnership for Priority Verified Alarm Response (PPVAR), an organisation established to promote the value of verification and validation of alarm events during the emergency response process, recently announced a new Vice President.  The new PPVAR Vice President for Alarm Industry role will be filled by Ms. Tammy Cozby, VP of Commercial Monitoring at Everon. With over three decades of experience, Tammy has dedicated herself to central station management within the security sector. Actively engaged in industry associations, Ms. Cozby brings her experience to PPVAR to continue to improve the alarm response process. She remarked, “I feel very honorued for this opportunity.” Current PPVAR Board The current PPVAR Board term is led by President Mark McCall, Director of Global Operations for IMMIX The current PPVAR Board term is led by President Mark McCall, Director of Global Operations for IMMIX. The PPVAR board is structured to alternate the role of President between the alarm industry and public safety each term. The current President, Mark McCall, is from the alarm industry and will maintain his role until the end of his term in 2025. At that time, the current Vice President for Public Safety, Frank Fernandez, Chief of Police/ Director of Public Safety (Ret.) will step into the role as President. The complete board includes:  Mark McCall - President Frank Fernandez - Vice President of Public Safety Tammy Cozby – Vice President Alarm Industry Joey Rao-Russell - Treasurer Kristy Johnson - Secretary David Holl - Immediate Past-President Rob Baxter John Chiaramonte Bob Finney Scott Harkins Andy King Tom Nakatani Steve Walker Jeanne Palmer-Wulforst - Executive Director PPVAR’s mission  PPVAR’s board is unique in that it represents a balanced team of professionals from the public safety, electronic security, alarm monitoring industries and consultants to these fields. Each one has demonstrated exceptional commitment to their industry and is dedicated to improving public safety. Each of the individuals enjoys excellent relationships across public and private sectors, and each brings a unique perspective on the issues related to the alarm response process. Their collective expertise and diverse insights ensure PPVAR’s mission to encourage the exploration and adoption of proven alarm verification technologies.

Corsha Inc., a Washington D.C.-based cybersecurity firm, known for its innovative Identity Provider for Machines of all kinds, has been awarded a new contract through a competitive RFP released by the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CyManII) for the Department of Energy (DOE). Corsha will join a diverse team led by Michigan Tech University, collaborating with experienced organisations in manufacturing, cybersecurity, and sustainability. Cybersecurity playbook The aim of the project’s Industrial Use Case is to demonstrate a secure digitalisation of a small-to-medium manufacturer’s (SMM) existing equipment to improve energy efficiency through a cybersecurity playbook and program. Smart Manufacturing implementations can be effective in helping achieve positive economic impact only if the systems are secure, interoperable, low complexity, cost-effective, and technically sustainable.  Corsha Platform Corsha Platform will provide the cybersecurity measures to securely connect the digitised data The thermal curing process of the FRP rebar at Neuvokas Corp in Ahmeek, MI will be the focus of the Michigan Tech-led project. By digitising and securing Neuvokas’ digitised composite rebar conveyor oven curing process, the project will demonstrate and share the significant improvements in process feedback, quality control, throughput, and energy efficiency. The Corsha Platform will provide the cybersecurity measures to securely connect the digitised information across the transformed Neuvokas digital thread.  Dr. Vinh Nguyen at Michigan Tech University will lead the project and serve as Principal Investigator: “I’m excited to lead a real-world project inclusive to academia, industry, and the public sector who represent the stakeholders needed to meet the goals of US manufacturing,” Dr. Nguyen said. “We’re seeing rapid advancements in manufacturing technologies and need to make sure we’re measuring ourselves to cost-effectiveness, security, and sustainability metrics.” Digital ecosystem Corsha’s platform will be critical to managing access to the digital thread at Neuvokas Corp. developed on this project. “Manufacturers want to move to a more digital ecosystem but often find that transformation daunting,” said Eric Kumar, Head of Customer Success at Corsha. “We love to help our customers implement the right identity and access management measures to bring data assurance and confidence in connectivity they need to jump into Industry 4.0.” “We are thrilled to collaborate with Michigan Tech, Neuvokas Corp, and CyManII on an important priority for the Department of Energy,” said Anusha Iyer, CEO and Founder of Corsha. “Our goal is to show that cyber can act as a bridge to protect and even better -- enhance the operational efficiency of small and medium manufacturers.”

As we head into a new year, it’s fair to say that it isn’t easy out there for the security integrator community. That’s understandable given the big ruptures felt in the market for physical security in 2023. Typically, Commercial Real Estate (CRE) landlords are the biggest and most influential buyers of physical security hardware and software, but this is starting to wane as heightened borrowing costs and biting inflation cause real estate valuations to plunge. Building security upgrades A lot of CRE landlords are in a fight for survival which unfortunately doesn't leave much room for budget spend on building security upgrades. This state of affairs is a problem for security integrators with extensive connections in the CRE space. Where do they pivot their services to keep their business growing in 2024? From the conversations I’ve been having with integrators and customers alike over the past few months – the answer is that the growth potential lies in the enterprise space. The trajectory of enterprise IT and physical security Aren’t enterprises carrying out cost-cutting efficiency drives and downsizing office space to reflect hybrid working It might initially feel unnatural to see the enterprise segment as a potential driver of demand for physical security services and products. Aren’t enterprises carrying out cost-cutting efficiency drives and downsizing office space to reflect hybrid working habits? These things are true but also present an opportunity for the right physical security proposition. Standardisation of enterprise IT Take efficiency drives as an example. A key element of such efforts is an acceleration towards the standardisation of enterprise IT platforms, hardware, and solutions, using the cloud. What was once a focus on moving on-prem systems and workloads to the cloud has shifted to efforts to keep cloud OpEx costs down by centralising as much as possible. Practically, this means utilising APIs to plug disparate IT applications and services into central platforms that boast a “single pane of glass” view. APIs APIs drive consumption, open new business models, and foster cross-industry partnerships APIs aren’t anything new to enterprises. They drive consumption, open new business models, and foster cross-industry partnerships. However, the use of APIs in the physical security sphere has been surprisingly slow to take off. There are multiple elements to this but a key reason is that some security software products on the market aren’t cloud-based. Adding cloud-based solutions to network Others are cloud-based, however, and these are the solutions that security integrators need in their portfolio to serve the influential enterprise market segment and its approach to IT networks. Selling the value of these solutions requires integrators to take it a step further by speaking the language of the enterprise IT buyer and understanding their goals. The power of cloud-based access control in the enterprise Hybrid working and the occupancy rate fluctuations it brings require closer monitoring of access events The continued relevance of physical security for enterprises can’t be understated. After all, hybrid working and the occupancy rate fluctuations it brings require closer monitoring of access events – not less. Despite the discourse around office downsizing, the reality for most enterprises is that the office can’t be done away with completely and there’s always going to be growth experienced by successful companies that require an upgrade in physical square footage. Physical security  Access control systems that are cloud-based will be preferred by the enterprise to fulfill the essential function of physical security. That’s because they align with the push towards centralisation in the cloud that enterprises are carrying out business-wide. Access control has the potential to result in lots of disparate dashboards and apps. Think video management, license plate recognition, building management software, elevator monitoring, hot desking solutions, guest booking software, room booking functions, and more. Uniting all of these functions in one platform suits enterprise security teams well. Access control solutions Linking employee databases to an IAM solution, or creating seamless experiences by tying access credentials But this only scratches the surface. Access control solutions that can be integrated with hugely popular corporate software applications like Okta, Azure Active Directory, and Google Workspace quickly catch the eyes of enterprise IT security teams by pulling in the same direction as the broader tech stack. Whether it’s applying AI analytics to anomaly detection, linking employee databases to an Identity Access Management (IAM) solution, or creating seamless experiences by tying access credentials to things like meeting room bookings, it’s through APIs that cloud-based access control can thrive in an enterprise setting. Security integrators It’s worth also noting that as enterprises grow, access control gets harder. Managing the access requirements of thousands of employees across a global real estate footprint requires the scale that cloud computing is best placed to bring. Security integrators who can join the dots to make that link are well positioned to pivot toward the enterprise. Broadening horizons Concepts like smart access and applying AI to access data to automate the monitoring of occupancy rates This pivot is understandably a daunting prospect but the potential for natural synergy shouldn’t be overlooked. Concepts like smart access and applying AI to access data to automate the monitoring of occupancy rates and security anomalies won’t be completely alien to cloud-first enterprises. That’s an opportunity for integrators to upsell more sophisticated security set-ups in a way that they may have found more difficult with CRE clients and prospects. Tailored propositions It would be remiss to avoid mentioning that ‘enterprise’ is a very loose term that encompasses businesses across multiple industry verticals. To better pivot, security integrators need to offer tailored propositions specific to set verticals that cover all bases as opposed to offer, for example, piecemeal alarm or video product solutions. Enterprise industry verticals Security integrators should be weary of all-encompassing narratives in 2024. Whether or not the global economic picture darkens, there are always going to be pockets of growth within certain enterprise industry verticals. Plus, anecdotally, the indicators point to enterprises being the driver of demand for cloud-based access control as we head into the new year. Integrators who can dial into that shift have a lot to gain and nothing to lose.

When a bomb detonated in the Port of Beirut, I had hundreds of employees under my care inside the blast zone. Within just two hours, I was able to determine who was impacted, understand their safety conditions, and share resources for on-the-ground support—all thanks to mobile technology. For Chief Security Officers, receiving calls like these launches a variety of protocols and necessary decision-making with the safety and security of people and assets as a top priority. And these calls are only becoming more common. Dependence on threat intelligence Mobile phones have dominated the post-COVID environment where people work from anywhere Threats ranging from natural disasters to geopolitical conflicts are becoming more frequent and complicate the responsibility organisations have in keeping their people safe. To meet these needs CSO’s are staying ahead of negative outcomes through creating a greater dependence on threat intelligence. In these times, effective, real-time risk management depends on hyper-local data from technology that is accessible, portable, and dynamic–such as cell phones. Mobile phones have revolutionised the way people live and work. They allow us all to walk around with a computer in our pocket, bringing the world to our fingertips and eliminating digital borders for over 90% of the world's population. Mobile phones have dominated the post-COVID environment where people work from anywhere and have geographically distributed teams but are also more vulnerable to threatening events. Mobile-friendly risk management platforms Mobile technology assigns workers with easy entry to data that can help keep them and their teams safe As we approach 2024, many organisations are adopting comprehensive risk management tools that empower personnel across the organisation with the intelligence and knowledge they need to stay safe wherever they are.  Mobile-friendly risk management platforms, such as Crisis24 Horizon, provide always-on awareness, on-hand threat intelligence, and immediate communications and distress signalling through location monitoring. Users receive location risk assessments and push notifications directly to their devices about nearby issues and threats no matter if they are on or off the job. While only select risk managers have complete control of the platform and all sensitive employee data is protected through encryption, the app distributes critical intel to foster a culture of shared awareness and responsibility. Thus, mobile technology empowers employees with easy access to information that can help keep them and their teams safe. Creating a culture of mobile technology adoption In the last few years, the world has proven the importance of being well-informed of risks and mitigation plans to minimise harm. However, psychological barriers tend to trump physical barriers when it comes to accessing the vast array of tools our mobile devices offer. World has proven the matter of being well-informed of risks and relief plans to minimise harm Adopting this technology and establishing a culture that enforces risk management across an organisation is a daunting challenge that demands substantial commitment from leadership to be successful. Some companies have tackled this challenge by positioning security technology as part of the organisation’s employee benefits package, such as commuter benefits and health insurance, to encourage people to take advantage of these resources and learn how to use them.   Cohesive risk management culture Technology is only as effective as the people whose actions it informs, which is why adoption and integration are so important. When a cohesive risk management culture meets a powerful technology platform, individuals are enabled to receive threat alerts and counter their impacts, letting others know when and how to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their team.  For more information on mobile technology and other security trends, check out the Global Risk Forecast, an annual report by Crisis24 that provides a comprehensive analysis of key events around the world most likely to affect operations in the coming year.

These days, business is more collaborative, adaptable and connected than ever before. In addition to offering new identities and access privileges, new applications and data also increase the attack surface available to cyber criminals, hacktivists, state actors and disgruntled insiders. These new identities need to be handled carefully. CISOs must develop an identity management strategy that is consistent across on-premises, hybrid and cloud systems. Good security is built on solid identity governance and administration (IGA) principles. From ransomware to supply chain intrusions, high-profile cybersecurity events frequently take advantage of weak identity and access management procedures. The Identity Defined Security Alliance found that 84% of organisations experienced an identity-related breach during its one-year study period. Robust IGA system Consequently, organisations need to find best-of-breed solutions for each section of the fabric Some of the most well-known cyber-attacks have not been made possible by a nation-state exploiting a remote zero-day vulnerability; rather, they have been made possible by something as basic as a hacked orphaned account. This resulted in lateral movement from an insecure platform to a high-value system, illegitimate privilege escalation or unsanctioned access to a computer system. To safeguard against such attacks, organisations must be aware of who has access to their systems and apps, and guarantee that access is revoked when it is no longer required. Here, a robust IGA system is helpful. It is not the whole picture, though; IGA is part of a larger identity fabric. A report by KuppingerCole noted that “Identity Fabrics are not necessarily based on a technology, tool or cloud service, but a paradigm for architecting IAM within enterprises.” The report pointed out that the paradigm is created using several tools and services. That’s because, contrary to marketing claims, no one vendor has a platform that provides all the needed elements. Consequently, organisations need to find best-of-breed solutions for each section of the fabric. Threats to the new corporate landscape Due to their exclusion from the corporate firewall and the security culture that comes with working on-site, remote employees and third parties are desirable targets for hackers. The transition to online office suites is another vulnerability that hackers are taking advantage of–for instance, through bogus authentication login dialogues. Additionally, hackers are using technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence to circumvent current security tactics. A cyberattack powered by AI will imitate human behaviour and develop over time. Even publicly available information might be used by this "weaponised AI" to learn how to get past a target’s defences. CISO and the business users Attackers will finally find an entryway, but firms can protect the new perimeter–their identities It's no longer possible to secure the traditional perimeter. Attackers will eventually find an entryway, but businesses can protect the new perimeter–their identities. To defeat these threats, organisations must look again at identity and access management tools and how they are weighed against the impact on the organisation. Should you mandate multi-factor authentication (MFA) more often and earlier? Should only company-owned devices have access to networks, or should access be restricted to specific business hours or regions? Should access to sensitive information and critical systems be given just temporarily or should it be offered on a task-by-task basis? Both the CISO and the business users they assist should be asking these questions. Staying ahead of threats with identity Access control limits decrease dangers but can come with a cost. If you give your users too much access, your organisation becomes susceptible; if you give them too little, productivity suffers. But there are ways to strike a balance with security, compliance and productivity. More CISOs are turning to Zero Trust–which is based on the principle of maintaining strict access controls and not trusting anyone by default–to protect their systems from new attack types. However, Zero Trust is reliant upon having a thorough and baked-in strategy that underpins it.  Other actions that companies can take include implementing automation for identity management, such as automating workflows for approval. This would significantly lessen the administrative burden and friction that security solutions like multifactor authentication (MFA) or time-restricted access to critical systems have on business users. This might include restricting access to particular devices, capping access hours during the day or enforcing MFA based on user behaviour. Identity fabric: Putting it all together Make sure your identity architecture is scalable, secure, and provides a seamless user experience These are just two elements of the identity fabric approach. Most organisations today have implemented pieces of an identity fabric, which is basically an organisation’s identity and access management (IAM) infrastructure and typically includes a mix of modular IAM solutions for multi-cloud and/or hybrid environments. Now, organisations need to define, enhance and develop this infrastructure. They must also institute guiding principles for how it should operate, meet current and future business requirements as well as identity-related cybersecurity challenges. In doing so, businesses can move past identity platforms and adopt an identity fabric perspective. The key is to make identity governance the starting point of your identity fabric strategy, ensuring seamless interoperability within your identity ecosystem. Make sure your identity architecture is scalable, secure, and provides a seamless user experience. Aligning security with business Due to the increase in knowledge workers using the cloud and working remotely, attackers are focusing on this group. These employees are easier to compromise, give access to valuable data and offer more attack targets. Knowledge workers also lack an administrator’s level of security expertise. Therefore, as part of their security fabric strategy, enterprises require a scalable IGA system. It is easier to comply with security and access regulations and takes less time for IT teams to do normal administrative activities when they invest in IGA, a crucial tenet of identity security. CISOs and boards, though, are currently looking at more than identity management. IGA is at the centre of the debate about security and governance. Taking an identity fabric-based approach, with a foundation built on modern, cloud-based IGA, will safeguard identities, increase productivity, and make staff adherence to organisational procedures easier.

Active shooter situations grab the most attention, but there is a long list of other threats facing schools, including bullying, vandalism and emergency medical situations. Broadly speaking, a comprehensive approach to school security should prioritise prevention, preparedness and response to all threats.  Holistic security approach “Fostering a culture of safety within a school, which involves strong relationships, trust, and communication, is highly effective and does not require significant costs,” says Christin Kinman, End User Sales Consultant with Allegion, a security manufacturer. “It is crucial to educate stakeholders about the unintended consequences of quick fixes, like barricade devices, to ensure informed decision-making and a holistic security approach. The goal should be to promote safety and security for all, every day, in every situation.” Integrated and successful security plans  While this might solve a particular challenge, it can also create unintentional conflicts" "Creating an integrated security plan requires a multi-faceted approach," says Kinman. "Too often, security measures are implemented as a reaction to either an event or a specific vulnerability. While this might solve a particular challenge, it can also create unintentional conflicts," adds Kinman. “Creating a successful security plan involves a comprehensive approach,” she says. “An effective, systematic approach begins with assessing, identifying, and valuing assets, identifying threats and vulnerabilities, quantifying the impact of a loss, analysis and prioritisation, and finally, development of mitigation measures.” Safety and security An effective resource is the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), which provides a framework to help with school assessments, including identifying and valuing assets, identifying external threats and internal vulnerabilities, assessing the impact of loss, and analysing and prioritising mitigation measures.  Safety and security are words used seemingly interchangeably when it comes to schools, but they mean different things. “How we define these terms influences planning and addressing challenges,” says Kinman. “It is easiest to think of these terms as being either external or internal to the individual.” Coordinated security Safety is internal to the individual and relates to the individual’s perception of being free from harm Security is external to the individual and encompasses the protective physical, emotional, and environmental measures implemented in conjunction with policies, procedures, and training, as well as mental health measures and social and emotional learning.  Safety is internal to the individual and relates to the individual’s perception of being free from harm or danger. Coordinated security measures create an environment of safety. Four main elements of physical security Kinman lists four main elements to physical security, often referred to as the 4D’s. These elements are deter, detect, delay, and deny:  Deter refers to measures implemented to prevent an attack or threat from happening. These are usually visual deterrents that communicate legitimate use. Detect refers to measures that can detect the presence of a threat, such as video surveillance and monitoring. Delay refers to measures that slow down an attack or increase the level of effort needed for an incident to occur. Finally, deny refers to measures that prevent or restrict access to valued assets. Four layers of ground perimeter A layered approach to school security creates “layers” that must be defeated for an event to occur, says Kinman. Typically, the four layers are the ground perimeter, the private grounds around the building, the building perimeter, and the building interior. The ground perimeter layer demarcates public vs private space, and deterrence is the primary objective. The grounds layer allows for identification of legitimate vs illegitimate users and detection is the primary objective. The building perimeter layer prevents illicit users’ intent on harm from gaining access. The primary objectives at this layer are delay/deny. The building interior protects the most valuable assets, and the denial of an unauthorised individual is the primary objective. Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety The second element is impact, also rated on a scale of 1-5 and ranging from negligible to catastrophic “Quantifying loss and assessing risk is one of the most important steps in creating an integrated security plan,” says Kinman, who explains that the two elements that guide this step are probability and impact. Probability is the likelihood that an event will occur, typically rated on a scale of 1-5 ranging from rare to almost certain. The second element is impact, also rated on a scale of 1-5 and ranging from negligible to catastrophic. “Probability multiplied by impact equals risk, which has a score ranging from 1-25,” says Kinman. “The higher the score, the higher the risk.” An analysis of vulnerabilities and threats using a matrix yields a systematic approach to prioritise improvements and identify mitigation measures. For statistics on crime and safety in schools, visit the Report on Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2022. Security improvements “The costs of school security encompass various aspects, including physical measures, personnel, training and policy enforcement,” says Kinman. “While there is no fixed amount, it often involves investments in technology, such as access control and emergency response systems. Many security improvements do not require additional funding, like training staff and students on security protocols and implementing policies to create a culture of safety.” Generally, funding for public school security is a shared responsibility among federal, state and local governments; communities also contribute. “Striking a balance between shared responsibility and ensuring adequate resources is crucial for effective school security,” says Kinman. K-12 school security  Community members and parents can donate by being vigilant and noting any suspect activities Various stakeholders play crucial roles in enhancing K-12 school security in addition to schools and communities. Stakeholders include community members, parents, local government, local law enforcement, first responders and non-profit organisations.  “Engaging these stakeholders fosters a comprehensive approach to school security,” says Kinman. Community members and parents can contribute by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities. Local government can support schools with funding and resources, while local law enforcement and first responders can provide expertise, conduct drills, and establish emergency response protocols. Safe and secure learning environment In addition, non-profit organisations can offer valuable resources, training, and support programmes to address specific security concerns.  “By involving all these stakeholders, schools can tap into a diverse range of expertise, resources and perspectives, pioneering to a more effective and comprehensive approach to school security,” says Kinman. “Collaboration and communication among these entities are vital to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff.”

Companies at GSX 2023 emphasised new ways that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud can address long-standing issues in the security market. Among the exhibitors at the event in Dallas were companies seeking creative ways to apply technology, lower costs, and make the world a safer place. Reflecting on the exhibition, here are some additional takeaways. Expanding AI at the edge  i-PRO is a company reflecting the continued expansion of edge AI capability in the security market. Today, more than half of the company’s lineup supports AI at the edge so the customer has a wide choice of form factors when seeking to leverage the feature set.  AI processing relay, extended warranty i-PRO is increasing their warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases I-PRO also has an “AI processing relay” device that accepts non-AI video streams and applies edge analytics. AI has progressed from a high-end technology to a feature available in a variety of cameras at different price points. i-PRO is also increasing its warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases depending on a customer’s refresh schedule and lifecycle management. Active Guard, MonitorCast The company’s video management system (Video Insight) is continuing to build new features including “Active Guard,” an integrated metadata sorter. Their access control platform, MonitorCast, is a Mercury-based solution that is tightly integrated with Video Insight. Their embedded recorders now have PoE built in.  “We can move at a faster pace to fill out our product line since leaving Panasonic,” says Adam Lowenstein, Director of Product Management. “We can focus our business on adapting to the market.” Emphasis on retail and other verticals  Shoplifting is a timely issue, and retail is a vertical market that got a lot of attention at GSX 2023. “We see a lot of retailers who are primarily interested in protecting employee safety, but also assets,” says Brandon Davito, Verkada’s SVP of Product and Operations. “Shrinkage is a CEO-level priority.”  “Retailers are getting more engaged with security posture, instead of letting perpetrators walk,” Davito adds. Intrusion detection Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm On the alarm side, Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm, and operators can review videos to confirm the alarm. Other capabilities seeking to discourage trespassers include sirens, strobes, and “talkdown” capabilities.  International expansion Verkada continues to expand internationally with 16 offices in all, including Sydney, Tokyo, and London. The core value proposition is to enable customers to manage their onsite infrastructure more simply, including new elements such as PTZ cameras, intercoms, and visitor management. Verkada emphasises ease of use, including a mobile application to allow access to be managed across the user base. Forging partnerships “We are committed to the channel and industry, and we continue to build relationships and expand our reach,” says Davito. Among the industry relationships is a new partnership with Convergint, which was hinted at during the show and announced later the same day. They are also expanding their partnerships with Schlage, Allegion, and ASSA ABLOY.  Working with other verticals They offer new features for K -12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage Verkada has also found success across multiple other verticals, notably healthcare, where they integrate with an electronic medical records system. They offer new features for K-12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage. They are integrating wireless locks to secure interior doors in schools, looking to secure the perimeter, and installing guest management systems. Transitioning the mid-market to the cloud  Salient is squarely focused on the “mid-market,” a large swath of systems somewhere between small businesses and enterprise-level systems. Pure cloud systems are not as attractive to this market, which has a built-out infrastructure of on-premise systems. Adding a camera to an existing system is easier and less expensive than tying it to the cloud. Benefits of cloud It’s a market that may not be ready for the pure cloud, but there are benefits to be realised from adding a cloud element to existing systems. “We are continuing to augment our premise-based solutions with added cloud capabilities and flexibility,” says Sanjay Challa, Salient’s Chief Product Officer.  The feedback Salient hears from their customers is “I want to own my data.” The hybrid cloud approach offers the right mix of control, flexibility, and unit economics. Cloud add-on capabilities We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive" Cloud add-on capabilities include bringing more intelligence about system operation to the user via the cloud. Over time, Salient expects to sell more cloud-centric offerings based on feedback from integrators and customers. “We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive over time,” says Challa.  Vaidio AI technology Salient seeks to be a transition pioneer to help customers realise the path to the cloud. Their approach is “crawl, walk, run,” and helping customers make the transition at each stage. Salient has added AI to its product offering, incorporating Vaidio AI technology from IronYun into a powerful suite and broad array of on-premise analytics, which are gaining traction. The seamless approach makes it easy for customers to embrace AI analytics, although Salient remains broadly committed to open systems. Addressing ‘soft’ features for integrators AMAG is in the process of enhancing its product line with the next generation of access control panels. However, “product” is just part of the new developments at AMAG. In addition to “hard” features (such as products), the company is looking to improve its “soft” features, too; that is, how they work with the integrator channel. Integrator channel Rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, is relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence" “We have the depth of our legacy customer base we can learn from, we just need to close the feedback loop quicker,” says Kyle Gordon, AMAG’s Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, and commercial Excellence, who acknowledges the value of reinstating face-to-face meetings after COVID. “We are laser-focused on nurturing our integrator channel,” he says.  “Developing new features takes time, but rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, that’s relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence,” says Gordon. More cohesive internal communication is another useful tool, he says.  Disrupting the cloud based on price  Wasabi is working to make cloud applications less expensive by offering a “disruptive” price on cloud storage, $6.99 per terabyte per month (80% less than hyperscalers). Contending “hyperscalers” like AWS are charging too much for cloud storage, Wasabi is using its own intellectual property and server equipment co-located in data centres around the world. Wasabi sells “hot cloud storage,” which refers to the fact that they only have one tier of storage and data is always accessible. In contrast, a company such as AWS might charge an “egress fee” for access to data stored in a “colder” tier.  Cloud storage “We saw that several video surveillance companies had not yet adopted cloud storage, and we saw an opportunity to make it easy to use,” said Drew Schlussel, Wasabi’s Senior Director of Product Marketing. “We just install a little bit of software that allows them to store data in the cloud and bring it back from the cloud.” Performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies such as Genetec and Milestone. Emphasising performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price, their data centres are certified to SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards.  Faster throughput for weapons detection Xtract One is a young company focusing on weapons detection in a time of accelerated concern about gun issues post-COVID. Founded in Canada and based on technology developed at McMaster University, Xtract One has found a niche in providing weapons detection at stadiums and arenas. These customers already have budgets, and it is easy to shift the money to a newer, faster technology. Madison Square Garden in New York City is among its customers.  Cost savings solution Xtract One can increase throughput to 30 to 50 people per entrance per minute (compared to 5 to 6 people per minute when using metal detectors). The solution doesn’t require anyone to empty their pockets and the system alarms on items beyond guns and knives. Using Xtract One allows customers to reduce the number of screening lanes and security staff, providing additional cost savings, all while getting fans through the screening process in half the time. Purpose-built sensors The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties In addition to stadiums and arenas, Xtract One, formerly Patriot One, is also getting “inbound” interest from schools, hospitals, manufacturers, and other verticals that makeup 50% of their business. “We’re on a rocket ride, mainly because the weapons issues are not going away,” says Peter Evans, CEO and Director at Xtract One. The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties, all correlated by an AI engine.  Providing early warning of violence ZeroEyes is another company focused on weapons detection. Their AI gun detection system works with video images to identify if someone is “brandishing” (carrying) a weapon. In other words, the system does not detect concealed weapons. Identifying someone carrying a weapon provides early warning of a possible violent act. Increased response with AI-enables images Images are identified by AI and sent to a monitoring centre where a human confirms the image before contacting first responders. Knowing the location of a shooter enables staff to lock entry points, move people to safety, and direct first responders. The company was founded to leverage existing camera views to stop mass shootings and gun violence by reducing response times. 

A pioneer in the access control sector since 1971, AMAG Technology is looking to the future and the next generation of products that will expand its services to customers. “In our vision, we have advanced approaches that will not only provide our partners with advanced technologies but also ones that are easier to install with tools to expand their services,” says David Sullivan, who was appointed President of the venerable access control company in September 2022. New challenges at AMAG Sullivan brings a new outlook to the AMAG business, a part of Allied Universal, and a new vision to lead the company into the future. We caught up with David Sullivan to discuss his new challenges at AMAG and the journey ahead as the company looks to the future. Q: How does your background inform your approach to leading AMAG? I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry David Sullivan: With the exception of only a few short years, my career has been in access control. I have experience with several systems and have had the privilege to manage several successful access control companies. As a result, I bring a great deal of experience into my role at AMAG. I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry. Q: How would you describe AMAG’s journey over the last several years and how do you see the future? Sullivan: Prior presidents of AMAG always shared their leadership vision and direction with senior leaders located in the United Kingdom. This had an impact on the full direction of the business, sometimes limiting its ultimate success. Before I became a part of AMAG, these senior leaders that were located in the UK retired, placing for the first time the full management responsibilities of the president. This has allowed me to integrate the business into a single team, with single objectives, and a single vision. We expect to begin to reveal this new vision in the coming weeks. We are excited about the future of AMAG and believe we will surprise the industry with our new products and approach in the coming months and years. Q: How important is it that a manufacturer provides both hardware and software solutions? How does AMAG’s approach (in general) differentiate it in the market? We can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish Sullivan: Regardless of the manufacturer, we all provide hardware and software. An access control solution is not complete without both. Some of us choose to make our panels, and others do not. Those who are dependent on third-party suppliers are restricted to the developments and direction of that company, and while it might be perceived to be an open technology, it still is proprietary to the hardware manufacturer. AMAG has controlled its manufacturing of panels from day one. The result means that we can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish. Q: How does the breadth of AMAG’s product suite provide advantages to customers and/or integrators? Sullivan: AMAG’s product portfolio is unique and provides the end user with an end-to-end identity management solution from one company. Our Control Room PSIM, Symmetry CONNECT Identity Management Solution, Symmetry Access Control, and Symmetry GUEST solutions all integrate to provide the user with a broad set of features and capabilities from a single provider. There is no finger-pointing when we come to support your system. We hold full responsibility for making it work and can quickly provide a resolution to any application difficulties the user may be experiencing. Q: How does AMAG address the divide between on-prem and cloud systems? How do you help customers make the transition and/or plan for the future? We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem Sullivan: In our current product portfolio, we have three products that are cloud-based. Our mobile credential platform (Symmetry Mobile), our visitor management solution (Symmetry GUEST), and our physical identity and access management solution (Symmetry CONNECT) are all offerings that operate in the cloud. We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem, web client, and cloud-based offerings. One of the primary objectives is to ensure that the large installed base of systems that are out there today will be able to migrate not only to our next generation but as well to the cloud if the client so desires. Q: What is AMAG’s approach to mobile credentialing? Sullivan: As an access control provider, adding Symmetry Mobile credentialing to our portfolio just made sense. We want our customers to have a forward-thinking solution with the opportunity to save money not only on the physical badges but the cost of printing and distributing badges. Mobile credentials can be easily issued and revoked remotely, reducing administrative overhead, and eliminating the need for physical inventory management. Organisations can centrally configure what devices are used and the read range for each type of device and operating system, thus providing flexibility. Symmetry Mobile offers a customised questionnaire that controls access and reduces liabilities. Q: What has surprised you the most in your first year or so leading AMAG? Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company Sullivan: I wouldn’t say I was surprised by this as much as happy to see, but I would say that the quality of our people was a pleasant surprise. As well, the AMAG product offering is broad and has some unique elements. When coupled with the depth of the resources that we have in AMAG, I know that we are second to none. Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company that has so many talented people. Q: Please describe your dealer channel, and how you are seeking to expand it. Sullivan: The AMAG products are sophisticated and typically are installed for higher-end applications. With this sophistication comes a need to be well able to install such a solution. We have a strong group of certified and loyal partners who help us to deliver these enterprise solutions. We desire to provide our existing partners with updated and competitive systems to offer to their end users. Q: What is the security industry’s (and/or AMAG’s) biggest challenge in the next five years? We need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated Sullivan: I believe that the advancements that we are seeing in technology provide our industry with the opportunity to truly change how security is provided to our collective customers. As we advance these solutions, we will need to do so responsibly and in a way that helps the channel’s abilities. We need to find ways to train our partners to both install and support these more complex solutions. At the same time, we need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated, moving away from proprietary closed systems to open and cohesive solutions. This will ensure that the users get the best, and most complete solutions. Q: What does the industry as a whole misunderstand about AMAG -- time to set the record straight! Sullivan: Well, I am not ready to openly share where we are heading. We are in the process of putting together some advanced approaches to how we will do business with our partners. We are focused on providing tools that will enhance their services to their customers, and with products that are leading edge. I can only state that all should keep their eyes on AMAG, because over the next few years, we are going to surprise some people, and more importantly make our loyal partners quite powerful.

Sharry, a global workplace experience platform built around digital employee badges, has successfully delivered its enterprise solution to London’s new international hub opened by PATRIZIA, a global real estate investment manager. The state-of-the-art mobile access leverages Gallagher Mobile Connect credentials and, through full integration with the Gallagher Command Centre access control system, enhances physical security and significantly improves the workplace experience. PATRIZIA’s international hub  Located in London’s Endell Street, PATRIZIA’s new international hub was opened after an extensive brown-to-green refurbishment that delivers sustainable ‘office of the future’ combining smart building tech, wellness amenities, hospitality services, street art, and flexible workspaces. The five-floor hub brings together PATRIZIA’s 200 UK-based employees. Their access to the existing Victorian building is completely managed through the PATRIZIA App and web-based PortalWX developed by Sharry. The workplace experience platform is fully integrated into the Gallagher Command Centre access control system allowing users to unlock their office doors simply and quickly by presenting their smartphones. Innovative approach If an employee arrives from another office, they can generate a mobile access badge in the app in seconds “PATRIZIA’s employees in London and those visiting from our other offices can enjoy seamless and touchless mobile access to our new international hub in London’s Covent Garden,” said Shreya Sheth, Associate Director, Building Technology & Sustainability at PATRIZIA. If an employee arrives from another office, they can generate a mobile access badge in the app in seconds. There is no need to send a new badge request, pick up the plastic card in person, or wait for it to be sent, and think about returning it when they leave. This innovative approach saves time while strengthening security policy. Next-generation security solution  “We are very excited to be supporting PATRIZIA with their new innovative London office. Their commitment to creating a flagship workspace for the future of work is truly inspiring. It's been an incredible honour to be able to support them with a smart workplace app and integrated access control solution for the space,” said Ondřej Vodňanský, Head of Sales EMEA at Sharry. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Sharry and PATRIZIA to deliver a next-generation security solution at their new London hub. By integrating our Mobile Connect credentials with Sharry's workplace platform, we've created a seamless and secure access experience that not only enhances security but also aligns with the modern, flexible work environment that PATRIZIA envisions,” said Gordon Swallow, UK Sales Manager at Gallagher Security. Enhance experience and operations Beyond mobile access, the PATRIZIA App offers users a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance their workplace experience. To name a few: Reservations: Employees can easily reserve shared workstations or book access to the Health Club. Service Requests: With one tap, users can request any service or maintenance through the app. Guestpasses: The app also simplifies visitor management by allowing users to invite guests to the building and send them a guestpass with all the necessary information. Integrated access control solution  Sharry provides an efficient platform for managing workplace access and offers powerful tools For facility and office managers, Sharry provides an efficient platform for managing workplace access and offers powerful tools for communication and engagement with all users, including the ability to send news updates, polls, and event invitations straight to the mobile app. Sharry and Gallagher's integrated access control solution significantly enhances physical security in many areas. For example, a manager can remotely revoke any mobile or plastic badge with just one click in the PortalWX. Even the end-user can immediately report their plastic card as lost in the PATRIZIA app and thus suspend it. The building operating system Finally, managers can access real-time data on workplace occupancy, enabling more informed decisions regarding space and amenities utilisation thanks to a partnership with Trigrr. The building operating system Trigrr has been deployed in PATRIZIA HQ to simplify system integrations and provide a centralised tool that unifies data, automation, and controls across Sharry, HVAC, IoT and lighting. Thanks to Trigrr BOS, occupants can remotely control office room temperature, adjust lighting, monitor CO2 levels, or launch smart scenarios directly in the Sharry workplace platform. "Partnering with Sharry on the new PATRIZIA international hub is a fantastic opportunity to generate more value by combining all applications and systems into a flexible tool that can adapt building behaviour in real-time according to the needs of the occupants," said Jean-Michel Verhulst, CEO of Trigrr.

About 20 miles northeast of Battle Creek, Michigan, and 30 miles southwest of the state capital of Lansing lies the bucolic city of Olivet, population 1600. Olivet may be small as far as municipalities go, but it knows how to think big when it comes to protecting the safety of the 1250 students enrolled in its three Olivet Community Schools.  Schools of Choice programme That may sound like a large student body for a town its size until they realise that the district serves a geographic area of over 100 square miles and communities that rely on an economy based primarily on farming, light industry, and the area’s two largest employers – the University of Olivet and the schools themselves.  As a participant in the state’s Schools of Choice programme, the district can accept pupils from neighbouring areas, which make up roughly 33% of the Olivet Community Schools population in addition to the city’s resident students.  John Mertz Mertz's career has progressed from teaching to roles such as Director of Instructional Services Guiding school operations is Superintendent John Mertz. With 33 years of public education experience in Michigan, his career has progressed from teaching to roles such as Director of Instructional Services, Assistant Superintendent, and now Superintendent. This is his fifth year in Olivet.  “The interesting thing about being a school superintendent is that there are several things I didn’t know were going to come with the job and never received training on,” says Mertz. “And one of the biggest ones is school safety and security.” Video monitors  He recalls a Saturday night when he was doing some work in his office while his daughter was attending a school event that evening. When he happened to look up at the large video monitors behind him displaying the schools’ camera feeds, he was surprised to see a lot of people coming and going during that hour. “I thought, who are all these people? Where are they going?” Mertz says when he looked a bit closer, he saw there were kids with backpacks and baseball bats who were all heading to the middle school gym, where they held practice. “I didn’t have any idea how they got in,” he says. “It turns out the coaches had a key that they used to unlock doors whenever they needed to after regular hours.” Unfortunate events He adds that it’s an unfortunate but common fact that many school districts have far more keys in circulation than have been officially issued. “It can be difficult to figure out where the keys are coming from." "Are they being shared, or copied? For me, that was a huge aha moment. I found myself saying we’ve got to do something about this; we’ve got to make sure we’re controlling who is getting into our buildings, for what purpose, and when.”  Communication and transparency Mertz and the district to push for major improvements in the school’s safety and security system That’s what compelled Mertz and the district to push for major improvements in the school’s safety and security system. But Mertz says that before the district could even consider who to work with and what to purchase and install, his team had to make its case to the schools’ stakeholders – the staff members, the board of education, and parents. “The community needed to understand the rationale that warranted the upgrades. It’s all about communication and transparency.” Updating the access control systems “The biggest changes we identified meant replacing our outdated and often grainy security cameras with sharper, more advanced units and stepping up the capacity and capabilities of our access control system so we could better schedule and manage access at perimeter doors and for activity spaces." "But what was especially crucial was adding digital access control to our classrooms, which was a priority for further enhancing student and teacher safety.” Fiber connections and wireless networks Mertz adds that before deploying advanced cameras and access control, upgrades to fiber connections and wireless networks also had to be made. “So, we started reaching out to security system integrators and experts in access control like ASSA ABLOY to start figuring out what technology was out there that would be the most advantageous for our district. It was quite a journey.”  Relationship, reliability, and response time Ultimately, Mertz says the district issued an RFP. “Along with assessing what we needed and increasing our knowledge of the solutions available, we were also concerned about the kind of partnerships we were going to form with the companies that would be awarded the upgrade project." "We talked about the importance of the relationship, reliability, and response time. We wanted companies that could continue to provide support and be accountable if issues arose after the project was done.”  Three key solutions Olivet Community Schools ended up choosing PDT of Byron Centre, Michigan to be their systems integrator Upon completing their thorough vetting process, Olivet Community Schools ended up choosing People Driven Technology (PDT) of Byron Centre, Michigan to be their systems integrator. PDT Account Executive Charlie Booth explains that gaining a full understanding of Olivet Community Schools’ requirements helped narrow the decision to three key solutions and organisations. Integrating cameras, access control, and analytics “We brought Genetec™ in and did a demo of their Unified Security Solutions platform that integrates cameras, access control, and analytics to make everything work seamlessly together,” says Booth. At the same time, he started talking with ASSA ABLOY Integrated Solutions Specialist David Hood who then facilitated a demo of the SARGENT IN100 Aperio® Wireless Lock. SARGENT IN100 Aperio® Wireless Lock “We chose the Aperio line because the Olivet classroom doors always needed to be online and communicating with Genetec in case global actions were needed to secure doors, like in a lockdown,” explains Booth. “Having IN100 electronic access control locks at each door means the facilities department now just issues keycards to staff instead of brass keys, making it much easier to manage credentials. For the video surveillance upgrade, we specified state-of-the-art i-PRO cameras.” 24/7 door monitoring Superintendent Mertz says, “The integration of the new cameras and access control solution with the Genetec platform and AI analytics allows us to monitor door activity 24/7." "It gives us a keen understanding of who is in the building and when.” He says that along with ensuring only those with card credentials have access, the system also alerts staff if a door has an issue such as a card reader/lock battery that needs replacing. ZeroEyes AI gun detection Mertz adds, “We also incorporated weapons detection software. We received a grant from the state for ZeroEyes AI Gun Detection." "And in a partnership with the City of Olivet, we obtained a grant for our first school resource officer. None of this would have been possible without upgrading our infrastructure, cameras, access control technology, and analytics nor without the support of our school and community stakeholders.” Complement security features Technology features i-PRO cameras district-wide, over a hundred SARGENT IN100 Aperio wireless access control locks Olivet Community Schools’ complement of security technology features i-PRO cameras district-wide, over a hundred SARGENT IN100 Aperio wireless access control locks for classrooms, and the Genetec Security Centre unified platform. Christopher Dunn, Public Sector Account Executive for Genetec, further explains the value of his company’s solution, “One of the largest challenges Olivet faced was moving away from the fragmented system of the past where there was one platform for video and a separate one for the limited access control system they had." Human, vehicle, and threat detection "They needed to be able to harness the power of the technology at the edge that the new cameras offer and utilise it with applications that can detect things like the differences between human beings, vehicles, and potential threats.” He adds, “Because of how Genetec is structured and integrates so perfectly with other products, we’re able to bring everything into a ‘single pane of glass’, including analytics. That single pane of glass provides a dashboard that combines video and data feeds from multiple sources into a unified view.” Curb-to-core approach Dunn says that bringing everything together in one platform also eliminates the need for training on multiple systems, which was another highly important priority for Olivet Community Schools.  According to David Hood, “ASSA ABLOY takes a curb-to-core approach when working with school districts, starting with the perimeter and then working inwards. Olivet Community Schools has followed that same approach. They have the perimeter protected with access control on every door along with video surveillance, and working inward to offices and classrooms, they now have integrated solutions throughout.” People Driven Technology Hood adds that collaborating with People Driven Technology and Genetec has been outstanding. “People Driven Technology understands our solutions and hardware, and they’re certified on our products." "That’s made installation and integration with i-PRO, Genetec, and analytics applications a seamless process for Olivet Community Schools.”  An automatic classroom lockdown “It's all about student safety, staff safety, and community safety,” emphasises Mertz. “When you have people in your facilities, putting in these extra measures buys extra time." "So, heaven forbid, if there ever is an incident, you're prepared for it, ready to react, ready to swing into action with the systems in place that are going to help you do that, including activating an automatic classroom lockdown if necessary. Safe and secure building “When you look at success, it all comes back to the district and the kids. Now I determine success on whether our kids are safe. Are they happy? Are they healthy? Are they in an environment where they feel comfortable? That's really what it's all about now, especially coming out of COVID." "You need to have kids feel like they're in a place where there are trustworthy adults around them, where the building is safe and secure, and where they feel comfortable to learn.”

HID®, a worldwide pioneer in trusted identity solutions, announced that Baiduri Bank, a member of Baiduri Bank Group and the largest conventional bank in Brunei Darussalam, has implemented the HID Approve™ powered by the HID Authentication Platform across its consumer and corporate banking platforms, offering a single trusted authentication source for customer identity.  Protecting customer identity "HID is thrilled to partner with Baiduri Bank to enhance its authentication and security infrastructure,” said Lena Abdelahad, VP - Authentication Business Unit, HID. Lena Abdelahad adds, "We are committed to providing solutions that help protect banking customers’ identities all while reducing complexity as part of our dedication to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the industry." Balance between technology and customer experience "Banking is about people and meeting their needs, and at Baiduri Bank, we believe in striking a balance between the use of technology and customer experience," said Simon Hansman, Chief Information Officer of Baiduri Bank. Simon Hansman adds, "Baiduri Bank is proud to be the first bank in Brunei to leverage cloud technology to enhance our customers’ experience." Cloud-based authentication infrastructure HID Approve helps to reduce complexity with standards-based, scalable solutions covering the entire authentication journey Baiduri Bank realised an opportunity to undertake a digital transformation to help ensure the delivery of a smooth customer experience, which entailed updating its digital banking software to build upon a cloud-based authentication infrastructure. Baiduri Bank integrated HID Approve powered by the Authentication Platform across its consumer and corporate banking platforms. Offering a single trusted authentication source for customer identity, HID Approve helps to reduce complexity with standards-based, scalable solutions covering the entire authentication journey.  Customisable security policies HID Approve provides mobile authentication and transaction signing with robust security protocols, hardened through standards-based cryptography. Featuring customisable security policies to protect communication channels, HID Approve is backed by rigorous third-party security testing and independent audits. HID Approve helps to deliver a more seamless user experience, simplified compliance, flexible deployment, and lower cost of ownership compared to traditional solutions.  Seamless user experience "Given its experience with such projects and because HID Approve was already integrated with our core banking platform of interest, we felt HID was the best vendor for us," said Henry Voon, Head of IT Systems, Baiduri Bank. Henry Voon adds, "HID’s global brand recognition gave us confidence. The level of support HID provided, especially for implementing cloud-based projects, was key for our smooth launch." HID Authentication Platform Baiduri Bank’s corporate and consumer channels are secured with the rigorously tested and highly scalable HID Authentication Platform. The multi-channel, multi-tenant authentication offering is a perfect fit for Baiduri’s needs thanks to HID’s ability to integrate one solution across its whole business. 

HID, the worldwide pioneer in trusted identity solutions, announces that the University of Dundee is updating its city campus estate implementing HID® Mobile Access® and signature HID Signo™ readers throughout its buildings to guarantee it has a modern, secure, and reliable access control system to allow staff and students to enter using both RFID cards and smartphones. Mobile-ready HID Signo readers The project will involve buying and installing new mobile-ready HID Signo readers at around 40 buildings – a staged rollout being completed over two years by a specialist security installer, Scottish Communications Group. In addition, the University has purchased 10,000 HID Mobile Access licences to offer its academic community the option to use their Apple and Android smartphones for touchless entry into its facilities. Safe and secure modern system “We wanted a modern system which is safe, secure, and easy for everyone to use,” says Colin Stebbing, the University’s Head of Precinct Services. “Complying with forthcoming legislation was also another important project requirement." "With bills like Martyn’s Law soon to be enacted, ensuring the University is ready for this was important given that we must protect to ensure everyone is safe. The HID solution enables us to not only lock down buildings immediately, but it has built-in functionality which we can leverage over time, meaning we’ve invested in ‘future proof’ equipment which will last us long term.” University of Dundee A thriving institution with ambitious development plans, it is currently building a new £40 million facility The University of Dundee is a public research university in Scotland renowned for its academic excellence in dentistry, medicine, science and engineering, and life sciences. Based in the heart of the city, it is home to over 16,000 students, and 3,300 staff and is ranked 33rd in the Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.   A thriving institution with ambitious development plans, it is currently building a new £40 million facility called the Innovation Hub. This will offer commercial organisations flexible laboratory, meeting, and office space and, over the next 10 years, it is anticipated the Hub will help create up to 280 new high-quality jobs. Touchless smartphone entry The new HID Signo readers integrate with the University’s existing AEOS access control software from Nedap. Supporting both native Bluetooth® and Near Field Communication (NFC) connectivity, they allow touchless smartphone entry and are fast to install as the wiring uses common protocols like OSDP [Open Supervised Device Protocol] and Wiegand. Furthermore, existing access cards already in circulation can be used with the new HID Signo readers thereby speeding up the rollout. University's challenges Historically, the University used to print and issue plastic RFID cards so staff and students could access buildings. This process was laborious and time-consuming, especially during peak times like Freshers Week when some 2,500 – 3,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled. Issuing cards was logistically complex due to the high demand and the need for thorough identity checks, which could take up to 10 minutes per card. HID Mobile Access Shifting to HID Mobile Access completely changes this and delivers wireless credentialling Shifting to HID Mobile Access – which utilises cloud-based HID Origo management software integrating with the AEOS system – completely changes this and delivers wireless credentialling.  This significantly simplifies all the licencing, allocation of credentials, setting of building access rights, and validating or revoking of IDs – all of which are done virtually and remotely. Mobile credential “Once registered by Student Services in AEOS, a student simply gets an email to their phone, they tap on a link, the app automatically uploads and a mobile credential is granted,” says Paul Brady, HID’s End User Business Manager for Physical Access Control Solutions. “Not only does this improve the overall student experience because it’s substantially quicker and more efficient, but it’s far more sustainable as you’re not issuing PVC cards anymore.”   Dual system approach While the strategy and aspiration are for the university population to shift wholesale to mobile access, its approach is to operate a dual system. “We recognise that some visitors and staff still want to use a physical pass and not all employees have a university-issued mobile credential,” explains Stebbing. “HID Signo readers allow us to run both credential types in tandem, with HID Mobile Access giving us the option to scale up to include digital wallets from Apple and Google, as well as integrate with digital campus cards should we decide to go down this route in the future.” FARGO DTC4500e printers FARGO range integrates easily with the AEOS software so that Student Services staff can issue physical IDs Given RFID cards are still required, the University of Dundee utilises its reliable FARGO DTC4500e printers to back up this transition to digital transformation. The FARGO range of ID card printers integrates easily with the AEOS software so that Student Services staff can easily issue physical IDs themselves.   “HID Signo readers are going in now across the main buildings including the Innovation Hub site,” says Stuart Leslie, Scottish Communications Group’s director. Encryption, communications, and authentication standards “HID’s reputation is built on reliability and security with its solutions supporting the latest encryption, communications, and authentication standards." "Their devices have an open architecture so they’re easy to install and integrate which reduces the cost for the university and makes time to value that much quicker.” Motorola MOTORTRBO Ion smart radios In addition, the Scottish Communication Group is supplying Motorola MOTORTRBO Ion smart radios to the University’s security staff. The radios will be configured to run HID Mobile Access so they can open doors fitted with the new HID Signo readers. Because these smart radios also link to the University’s CCTV, alarm systems, and CriticalArc Safezone® App, security staff need to carry only a single device to fulfill their duties.  

In 2023, Jacksons Fencing completed a successful implementation of state-of-the-art fencing and access control solutions for Newbury Football Club, marking a significant step in the club's return to its historic grounds at Faraday Road. This project not only secures the site but also restores a vital community hub that has served the Berkshire area for over 50 years. A history of challenges In 2018, Newbury Football Club was evicted from its longstanding ground, which was designated for redevelopment as part of the nearby industrial estate. The situation worsened in August 2021 when the clubhouse was destroyed in a suspected arson attack, leaving the site in disrepair, and deeply affecting the community. Safeguarding the grounds After extensive campaigning, a high court hearing, and a change in local government, the club received approval After extensive campaigning, a high court hearing, and a change in local government, the club received approval to return to Faraday Road in 2023. The decision was celebrated widely, as the site has long been considered the 'home of football' in the district. Despite the joyful return, the club faced the critical challenge of safeguarding its grounds against future threats. A security-focused solution Understanding the gravity of the situation, Jacksons Fencing swiftly developed and implemented a robust security plan designed to protect the site and integrate seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Safety and security were the top priorities. To achieve this, Jacksons Fencing installed secure Barbican® fencing and gates around a portable cabin, temporarily designated for storing equipment and serving as changing rooms. This fencing provides a strong barrier against potential vandalism and unauthorised access, featuring anti-vandal design elements like welded pale-through-rail construction and no visible fixings. EuroGuard® Flatform mesh fencing Strategically placed around the grounds to provide effective demarcation and prevent stray footballs from leaving the area, Jacksons Fencing’s EuroGuard® Flatform mesh fencing is constructed with twin wires and unique mesh security clips. This fencing is both durable against vandalism and aesthetically pleasing with its green polyester powder coating and ‘invisible’ screening effect, blending with the natural surroundings of the club. A heavy-duty warden barrier was installed at the entrance to the grounds, primarily serving to control access and prevent unauthorised vehicular entry with a simple but effective manual parking solution. Community-centric design The security solutions were designed with the community in mind. The fencing along well-traveled footpaths ensures that the area remains accessible for dog walkers and pedestrians, while benches placed between pitches maintain visibility and encourage community engagement. These measures ensure that the football grounds remain a welcoming and integral part of the district. Reinvigorating community spirit Through detailed planning, careful consideration, and comprehensive execution, the successful implementation of these security measures has enabled Newbury Football Club to reopen its beloved grounds with renewed confidence. Revitalising the community spirit, the premises are a safe and secure environment for players and fans alike.  Security and access control solutions Peter Jackson, Managing Director, of Jacksons Fencing, says, "We’re immensely proud to have played a pivotal role in the revival of Newbury Football Club at its historic Faraday Road grounds. We hope that the implementation of comprehensive security and access control solutions not only ensures the safety and integrity of the site but also matches the community’s natural and aesthetic values." "By installing robust yet visually pleasing fencing and access systems, we’ve helped create a secure environment where players, fans, and the entire Newbury community can come together and enjoy their beloved sport with peace of mind."

The client encountered serious security challenges, particularly the unauthorised entry into the office premises. This breach highlighted the urgent need for a reliable access control solution. With 200 users needing access through different methods such as RFID cards, Bluetooth®, and QR codes, the client sought a comprehensive, cloud-based access control system that could efficiently manage and monitor access, while also being scalable and user-friendly. Challenges The client sought a cloud-based access control system to address the following challenges: Unauthorised Access Unauthorised individuals had entered the office premises, creating a major security threat. This breach not only endangered employee safety but also put sensitive information and office assets at risk. Credential Management Handling multiple credential types for 200 users was a complex task. The client needed a solution that could seamlessly integrate RFID cards, Bluetooth®, and QR codes without complicating user experience or administrative processes. Scalability and Integration The client required a scalable, cloud-managed solution that did not depend on third-party hardware or software integration. They needed a flexible system that could grow with their needs and be managed remotely without additional dependencies. Solution Matrix implemented a comprehensive cloud-based access control system to address the client's challenges by offering the following solutions: Advanced Access Control Matrix installed sophisticated door controllers and readers to ensure only authorised personnel could access the premises. By utilising COSEC ARC DC200P controllers and COSEC ATOM RD100E readers, the system effectively monitored and controlled access points, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorised entries. Multi-Credential Support Matrix's solution accommodates various credential types, including RFID cards, Bluetooth®, and QR codes. Through its COSEC APTA app, Matrix enabled Bluetooth® and QR codes as access credentials for the client. This facilitated easy management of different credentials, providing a seamless experience for users while maintaining high-security standards. On-Cloud Deployment The implementation of COSEC VYOM ensured a scalable, cloud-based solution. This allowed the client to manage the system remotely without the need for additional hardware or software integrations, offering flexibility and future-proofing the solution. Results The cloud-based deployment offered the needed flexibility and ease of management Matrix effectively resolved the client’s challenges by delivering a robust, multi-credential access control system that ensured both security and scalability. Unauthorised entries were prevented, credential management for users became effortless, and the cloud-based deployment offered the needed flexibility and ease of management.  This all-encompassing solution not only enhanced security but also streamlined administrative processes, significantly improving the client’s operations. Products offered COSEC ARC DC200P: Two Door Controller COSEC PANEL200P: Access Controller Hub COSEC ATOM RD100E: EM Proximity-based Reader with IK07 design COSEC VYOM ACM 10K User Days: Cloud-based Access Control for 10,000 User Days COSEC VYOM ESS 10K User Days: Cloud-based Employee Self Service l for 10,000 User Days This case study illustrates how Matrix's Access Control and Time-Attendance solution successfully tackled and resolved the client’s security issues, ensuring a secure and efficiently managed office environment.

College campuses are meant to be places of learning, growth, and community. Fostering such an environment requires the deployment of policies and technologies that ensure safety and security. Considering the growing role of security technology in the higher education market, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new applications for security technology in the college and university markets?

Transportation enables the movement of goods and people, facilitates trade and commerce, and is crucial for businesses to operate and expand. Security technology plays a major role both in protecting today's various transportation systems and increasingly to make them more efficient. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new in technology serving the transportation market?

Factors such as stable demand and large contracts make the government market particularly enticing for security companies and professionals. However, entering and thriving in the government market presents a number of challenges. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the unique aspects of the government market, and how should the industry adapt?