Security communication

By now your organisation should know the drill. To keep your enterprise safe from unauthorised access you take the basic precautions: create strong passwords that are not re-used and are updated frequently, use updated anti-virus software, employ host and network-based intrusion detection and prevention, data encryption, etc. etc. However, complacency has no place in cybersecurity. Hackers are working round-the-clock to outwit your most ardent security professionals. Here are a few specific vulnerabilities that require immediate and constant attention to stay safe in a hostile security world. Protect against burst attacks You may be aware of DDoS, or distributed denial of service attacks. In fact, Cisco writes that these online attacks — where high-volume traffic floods a system’s servers, making web traffic extremely slow — grew 172% in 2016. But in the last few years, Cisco documents how "burst attacks", a type of DDoS attack that floods traffic in short bursts at random times over a prolonged period, has skyrocketed. They claim that in one study, 42% of the companies faced a burst attack in 2017. Burst attacks change vectors throughout an attack, making it difficult to create a signature to block the attack According to Radware, on-premises DDoS protection needs to adapt to counter these often less than one-minute attacks. While the majority of these solutions detect burst attacks, they write that "most of them limit the rate of bad (and legitimate) traffic to a certain threshold, resulting in a high level of false positives." One big challenge is burst attacks change vectors throughout an attack, making it difficult to create a signature to block the attack. They recommend adopting two key solutions: 1) a behavioural DDoS protection system that utilises machine learning algorithms to identify the patterns of burst attacks, and 2) measuring the degree-of-attack (DoA) surface, which looks at the bandwidth or rate of a specific type of traffic and the percentage of a given type of traffic out of the entire distribution of traffic. If an attack rates high in both the bandwidth and percentage parameters, then it gets a high DoA surface score, showing that a burst attack likely occurred. Prioritise network infrastructure Nefarious actors have been exploiting both enterprise level and small/home office and residential routers For companies with in-house information technology staff, network infrastructure usually gets plenty of attention. Proper configuration, maintenance and security are often key considerations for infrastructure due to its importance to the business. What about smaller entities? Do you have a small switch or router you either purchased or leased from your internet service provider? If so, when was the last time you updated it? In Alert TA18-106A, the United States Computer Emergency Response Team (US-CERT) shares information dating all the way back to 2015 on how nefarious actors have been exploiting both enterprise level and small office/home office and residential routers and switches. If you haven’t changed passwords and updated the software/firmware on these devices yet it should be near the top of your priority list. Hide sensitive web pages from search engines Search engines are an easy first step for someone looking to exploit your environment. They can conduct searches of your known web presence, looking for pages which might not have been meant for the general public but are still accessible. Using robots.txt pages can be excluded from search engine crawlers. Entrepreneur.com suggests checking out a tutorial from SEObook.com to learn more about how you can do this. Keep in mind this will only deter the most basic attackers as more sophisticated attackers will conduct manual searches. Update passwords on your IoT devices Data at rest is important, but data in transit is just as important to encrypt, particularly sensitive information It is shocking how many IoT devices are used in our daily lives, such as security and video conference cameras, cars, and smart sensors, but also contraptions you probably forgot are now connected to the internet, such as garage doors, appliances, etc. Tom’s Guide gives a good list of the many things you should remember to update. Use encryption to protect data in transit Encryption your data at rest – when it is stored somewhere – is incredibly important. However, your encryption efforts should not stop there. Data in transit is just as important to encrypt, particularly sensitive information. This could include communication between your websites and applications or even just communications within your company. Unencrypted information is at risk to an eavesdropper on your network. To prevent the data from being usable to potential eavesdroppers, ensure you are using encrypted connections such as HTTPS, SSL, TLS, FTPS, etc.

Antaira Technologies is a developer and manufacturer of industrial networking devices and communication solutions for harsh environment applications and is proud to announce the expansion of its industrial networking infrastructure family with the introduction of the LNP-0800G-M12-67-24. Antaira’s LNP-0800G-M12-67-24 Layer 2 unmanaged series switch offers dependability and ease-of-use functionality in harsh industrial environments. The IP67-rated switch was designed specifically for industrial applications that are subject to high vibration and shock. Backed by our 5-year warranty, we guarantee your devices will be fully functional for years to come. Complete power failure Our switch offers 24 to 55VDC redundant power inputs through 4-pin M12 T-coded male connector. A total power of 180W is available for supplying up to eight IEEE 802.3af (PoE) & 802.3at (PoE+) devices. Built-in fault tolerance ensures against PoE system or PD overloads thanks to the PSE management system. In the cases of complete power failure, the LNP-0800G-M12-67-24 uses bypass technology to keep data communication flowing even if the switch is offline. Easy to manage, the 8-port 10/100/1000 Mbps LAN M12 ports offer 148,800pps for fast packet switching with store and forward technology. The 8-pin M12 CAT6A sockets with X-coding female connectors feature auto negotiation speeds, full/half duplex mode, and auto MDI/MDI-X connections.

Three technology advancements are set to transform the transport industry ‒ command and control technology, connectivity, and the cloud. The combination of these will enable operators to support the growing demand for safer, and more connected, passenger journeys. According to Synectics, capitalising on the opportunity that new technology presents will help transport operators improve safety, security, and service efficiency, while also supporting the transition to seamless, multi-modal passenger travel. The global surveillance specialist will use InnoTrans 2018 ‒ taking place from 18-21 September in Berlin ‒ to explain the opportunities and migration path that operators can take advantage of to reach this reality. Surveillance and data management solutions We are looking forward to discussing the opportunities with visitors at this year’s InnoTrans" Greg Alcorn, Divisional Director for Transport and Infrastructure at Synectics, explained: “For over 30 years we’ve been providing surveillance and data management solutions for on-vehicle, transport infrastructure, and public space sectors. Until relatively recently, these sectors have operated very separately. However, with an increase in urbanisation and the Smart City trend, these independent environments are now merging." “This change is driven by two key factors. Passenger expectation is a crucial driver for change ‒ members of the public want seamless travel where they are informed at every stage, and confidence that operators are working in a coordinated way to deliver efficiency. Furthermore, the global focus on transport security is pushing organisations and agencies to look at how they can work more collaboratively with each other, emergency services, and local authorities." “Meeting these expectations can seem a daunting prospect, but by using the right technology in the right way, it needn’t be. We are looking forward to discussing the opportunities with visitors at this year’s InnoTrans.” Unifying data from on-vehicle systems Synergy 3, and other transport-specific solutions, can be implemented by operators to unlock capabilities at their own paceSynectics (Hall 4.1 / 310) will be supporting this message by demonstrating how its command and control platform, Synergy 3, and other transport-specific solutions, can be implemented by operators to unlock capabilities at their own pace. “The first step for many,” said Jürgen Fuchs, Director of Strategic Projects at Synectics, “is to adopt a ‘back office function’ that is able to unify data from on-vehicle systems – CCTV, vehicle trackers, telematics, ticketing, journey management, passenger info, and passenger WiFi etc. – to gain an accurate picture of service usage, passenger safety, and vehicle performance." “Many customers already use our on-vehicle solutions to do exactly this. They can investigate incidents more quickly, integrate with third-party systems, reduce fuel consumption through informed service and route planning, and even improve training for staff using the data gathered. However, where things get even more interesting is when you start looking at vehicle-to-ground connectivity.” Centrally managed train-to-ground solution According to Synectics, Synergy 3 is an integral component in this logical progression, enabling static, centrally based teams to gain this same unified view in real time, over a WiFi or cellular network. In the last year, for example, the company developed and delivered a train-to-ground solution that enabled a European rapid transit operator to receive, manage, and respond to on-vehicle passenger help requests remotely from a central command centre. Command and control technology facilitates major security improvements such as persons of interest tracking and incident response"This opens up a considerable amount of potential for the transport industry. Jürgen continued “Integration with specific systems, as well as the ability to translate real-time data into action and respond to threats, presents so much opportunity for the converging worlds of on-vehicle and infrastructure." Facilitating security improvements “Real-time, precise service updates for passengers (including details of connecting transport services for more streamlined transfers), location-based advertising, and improved passenger help services are demonstrable benefits that improve customer satisfaction." “Command and control technology facilitates major security improvements such as persons of interest tracking and incident response. Operators have the functionality at their fingertips to work more collaboratively with external services and agencies to ensure the safety and security of passengers at every stage of their connected journey.” It is a collaborative, connected future Synectics feels will only be further strengthened with the adoption of cloud-based solutions. Greg concluded: “Few sectors are likely to benefit more from cloud capabilities than the transportation industry. Improving passenger safety and experience Connecting IoT devices and transmitting information securely to the cloud has significant advantages"“Connecting IoT devices and transmitting information securely to the cloud has significant advantages for managing and sharing information. Within transport organisations, it means, for example, that different departments can access live data dashboards tailored to exact needs without duplicating effort, saving both time and resources. Crucially, it also allows operators to rapidly and confidently share video and data evidence with relevant external parties including emergency services and authorities. “The net effect is a highly connected, highly effective transport network where all relevant parties can work together to improve passenger experience and safety.” Synectics, with offices located in Germany, UK, US, UAE, Singapore, and Macau, is ideally suited to delivering end-to-end, converged solutions that connect the entire transport landscape. The company has specialist expertise across on-vehicle systems in rail, light rail, coach, and bus with over 27,000 systems deployed worldwide, as well as a long track record in network, station, and critical infrastructure systems including the fourth largest metro system in Europe. Its solutions currently protect over five billion passenger journeys each year.

The NATO Communications and Information (NCI) Agency has awarded Airbus the Enterprise NATO Public Key Infrastructure (E-NPKI) contract to design, implement and deliver a new framework of services for the management of public key certificates. The purpose is to improve secure communications among NATO organisations as well as between NATO and other organisations and countries. The new E-NPKI system will provide accredited certificate services on NATO networks up to secret level. Full service support including a test facility and training will take place across more than 70 NATO sites. The contract includes setting up a dedicated E-NPKI Service Desk that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It will ensure system availability, incident and configuration management as well as certificate and digital identity card management. Facilitating secure transfer of information The capability delivered through this three-year firm fixed price contract will be incorporated into NCIA’s service catalogue and will enable NATO nations to procure the NATO approved service. Airbus was awarded the NATO Communications Infrastructure Project few months ago The purpose of a public key infrastructure (PKI) is to facilitate the secure electronic transfer of information between people and entities, utilising techniques of asymmetric cryptography. It enables security services, such as confidentiality, integrity, non repudiation, and authentication, by applying rigid processes of registration and issuance of digital certificates that bind public keys with respective identities of entities such as: people, services, devices and organisations. Polaris IT modernisation programme An effective PKI is a combination of hardware and software products along with policies and procedures able to manage the life cycle of digital certificates including creation, storage, distribution, and revocation. The E-NPKI project, together with the IT Modernisation Project and the NATO Communications Infrastructure Project, are part of the wider IT modernisation programme named Polaris, which aims to transform NATO's static IT infrastructure into a homogeneous enterprise. Airbus was awarded the NATO Communications Infrastructure Project few months ago. This new contract strengthens Airbus’s position as a NATO supplier for communication systems and services.

The beginning of the school year and upcoming seasonal changes remind us that demand for security systems, like almost everything else, is seasonal to some extent. Making improvements to educational facilities during the summer months – including installation of security systems – is the most obvious example of seasonal demand, but there are others. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which vertical markets for security are impacted by seasonal changes in demand?

ISC East, sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA), the Northeast's premier security industry convention for new products, solutions and technologies, announced its co-locating with Infosecurity North America and Unmanned Security Expo (USE). This move provides security professionals with even more opportunities to yield the benefits of robust educational sessions, listen to high-level speakers, explore new products and services, network with fellow security industry members and more. ISC East, Infosecurity North America and Unmanned Security Expo will take place November 14-15, 2018 at the Javits Center in New York City. Cyber-physical crime prevention "New York is considered home to some of the most influential technology brands in the world. And given the city's burgeoning cybersecurity space, bringing Infosecurity North America and Unmanned Security Expo here is a natural fit, as well as an excellent way to facilitate face time with the best and brightest the city has to offer," said John Hyde, Exhibition Director, Infosecurity North America. "We're on track to drive over 4,000 security professionals to the show this year - many of who are executive-level decision makers. Co-locating with these two additional leading security shows opens the door of opportunity, helping attendees meet new companies and professionals who all have one common goal: bringing home tangible tactics to fight complex, evolving cyber threats." USE provides an area solely dedicated to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Ground Robotics & Vehicles (UGVs), counter-drone solutions Counter-drone security solutions The second year since its inception at ISC West in April 2017, USE provides an area solely dedicated to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Ground Robotics & Vehicles (UGVs), counter-drone solutions and the software and applications that support them. Attendees will have access to hands-on demos of the latest innovations in drone technologies, conversations with industry experts about changing FAA regulations, and more. Infosecurity North America & USE "With Infosecurity North America and Unmanned Security Expo co-locating with ISC East, attendees will have access to an abundance of resources and educational opportunities, arming them with the tools and skills needed to defend against today's emerging cyber-physical security threats," said Will Wise, Group Vice President of the ISC Security Portfolio at Reed Exhibitions. "We're looking forward to having these powerhouse conferences under the same roof for the first time and bringing the brightest minds in security together to knowledge-share." Listed on Trade Show Executive's Fastest 50 Lists, ISC East was named one of the "Fastest 50" growing shows in the country by Net Square Feet of Exhibit Space and is continuing to expand. Through its partnership with Infosecurity North America and USE, ISC East will attract more attendees than ever before, providing them with access to new companies, associations and industry peers, all in the same convention center.

Hytera, a global provider of innovative Professional Mobile Radio (PMR) communications solutions, announces that it has signed contracts with Secretariat of Public Security of the State of Alagoas, Brazil to provide TETRA communications infrastructure as the expansion of the statewide mission critical communications network and four-year maintenance service. The total contracts value is around 6.5 million US dollars with the infrastructure contract around 1.3 million and the service contract around 5.2 million. “We are excited being chosen as the equipment and service provider of Alagoas’s statewide TETRA system. The state authority shows confidence in Hytera’s ability to deliver advanced and reliable public safety communications networks. For the expansion, we presented the latest development of TETRA technologies,” said John Zhou, the General Manager of Hytera Brazil. “The new contracts as a milestone for Hytera Brazil recognise us not only as a leading TETRA solution provider, but also a trusted service provider, and it is the embodiment of Hytera transformation globally.” In early 2014 Hytera delivered TETRA infrastructure, terminals and dispatcher to the public safety users of State of Alagoas TETRA communications network In early 2014 Hytera delivered TETRA infrastructure, terminals and dispatcher to the public safety users of State of Alagoas, who were modernising its communications systems to better serve the communities and prepare for the global soccer fiesta, the World Cup 2014. The newly signed equipment contract includes 31 sites with Hytera’s latest TETRA innovation, DIB R5 base station. It adopts a maintenance-free, space-saving design and can be installed on walls, antenna masts or in tunnels. Thanks to its low power consumption and passive cooling, it is ideal for use in areas where power supply is critical or where there is a need for battery-based, portable base station solutions. With the expansion of the TETRA network, different public safety forces such as police, firefighters and emergency response in the State of Alagoas will share the network to facilitate optimal cooperation when the situation requires, which is another big step forward by the local authorities to improve the security of the state.

Cathexis Technologies is exceptionally proud to have played an important security role in Pope Francis' visit to Ireland last weekend. Cathexis worked alongside its Dublin-based, Gold Channel Partner, Mongey Communications, and the Irish Garda, to facilitate the critical role of surveillance management. With an official itinerary that was jam-packed with meetings, visits and official engagements, all within a two-day schedule, His Holiness, had a whirlwind visit through Dublin, which included the World Meeting of Families and Festival of Families at Croke Park on Saturday 25 August. Fully-integrated CCTV IP cameras Cathexis worked with Mongey Communications to provide a fully-integrated 24/7 surveillance management solution Cathexis, a global video management software developer, worked in partnership with Mongey Communications, a renowned supplier of security equipment such as CCTV IP cameras, to provide a fully-integrated 24/7 surveillance management solution that would effectively manage the entire visit. The CathexisVision IP video management software suite provided an around the clock CCTV surveillance solution, which supported three linked control rooms to ensure an immediate response to any situation of potential security threats. Video management software solutions Cathexis is a headquartered in Durban, South Africa, with operations spread throughout the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. “We are exceptionally proud to have played a role in the Pope’s World Meeting of Families visit,” says Mark Ross, managing director of Cathexis Europe. “Cathexis is committed to providing the most efficient and effective, tailored video management software solutions, to provide maximum return on surveillance investment,” he added. CathexisVision gained global industry recognition when it took top honours for the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2018 Cameras & surveillance management The Cathexis Europe Technical team worked alongside Mongey throughout the design, build up and operations over the weekend to ensure that CathexisVision was providing optimal performance, and to provide additional cameras and surveillance management to the police service of the Republic of Ireland (Gardai). Earlier this month, CathexisVision gained global industry recognition when it took top honours for the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2018, when it was announced the overall winner in the Video Surveillance Software category. “We are delighted that we had the opportunity to play a part in the Pope’s historic visit to Ireland at the weekend, and are exceptionally honoured for the ongoing international recognition,” concluded Ross.

HID Global, a global provider of trusted identity solutions, has announced that HID is the world’s first ticketing solution provider to be certified to deliver more secure, lower cost, faster contactless tickets based on an open standard called Calypso Light Application (CLAP). CLAP-certified SOMA Atlas Public transportation authorities around the world no longer need to accept lower security, incompatibility and slower speeds or be locked into a proprietary low-end ticket system. HID’s CLAP-certified solution, SOMA Atlas, is now recognised by the Calypso Networks Association (CNA) as providing interoperability and greater flexibility to transportation operators. “HID Global is bringing a new level of trust to low-cost contactless tickets for public transportation by supporting an open standard that will overtake the proprietary memory cards commonly used for low-end tickets, such as single trip tickets,” said Cesare Paciello, Vice President, Ticketing & Transport with HID Global. “Being the first ticket provider in the world to achieve Calypso Light Application certification positions HID strongly to lead the way to enable mid-sized and smaller public transportation networks to do next-generation automated fare collection.” Contactless CLAP ticketing Recognised widely and deployed in many countries for secure, fast and flexible ticketing, Calypso is an open standard of contactless ticketing, suitable for multiple applications, especially public transportation in which Calypso cards and NFC mobile phones are used. To extend the success of the Calypso standard and help solve the incompatibility of low-cost tickets, a worldwide group of transport operators in the Calypso Networks Association, a not-for-profit standards body, ratified a set of specifications for the Calypso Light Application standard. CLAP tickets have the same security as high-end tickets, such as sports season tickets, but at a lower cost CLAP tickets have the same security as high-end tickets, such as sports season tickets, but at a lower cost than typical Calypso tickets. CLAP is also simple to deploy because, unlike proprietary memory cards, the use of CLAP tickets does not require development work to be integrated into an Automated Fare Collection (AFC) System. Automated Fare Collection System To become the first ticketing solution provider to receive the CLAP certification, HID had to pass the technical evaluation that was conducted by Elitt, a CNA-accredited laboratory. HID has been working with Calypso technology since 2014, resulting in the development of the SOMA Atlas, an OS architecture that combines the multi-application capabilities of the KIAT operating system with the Calypso 3.1 standard. HID achieved its first Calypso certification in July 2016 with SOMA Atlas V1, which proved to be one of the fastest products of its kind. RFID, key management and smart card tokens As the next logical step in its evolution of an open standards-based approach, HID’s ticketing and transportation team in Italy developed the CLAP-certified SOMA Atlas OS architecture to broaden the customer acceptance of more secure ticketing by small to mid-sized transportation operators. Known as the ticketing solution provider that delivered millions of tickets for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, HID provides end-to-end ticketing solutions, including transportation ticketing terminals, data capturing software, key management capabilities, RFID paper tickets, smart card tokens, smart wristbands, among other components. Its multi-application operating systems can be integrated with existing hardware.

Comelit has provided bespoke black-finish video door entry panels to The Metalworks, a former Victorian factory site that has been transformed into an exclusive gated residential development with a private courtyard and garden. Set in the heart of vibrant and fashionable Old Town in Clapham, The Metalworks, established by boutique property development company The Malins Group, now presents twenty four loft style design apartments – which are all now sold - and two commercial properties. To maintain the iconic feel of the twentieth century factory, Comelit, working with installation partner ATI Fire and Security Limited, was specified for the door entry system, utilising its specialist ViP IP Network solution, with a bespoke black finish; installed to operate with Comelit’s premium touchscreen Icona Monitor. Comelit’s colour Icona Monitors is fitted in each apartment to present residents with hands-free full-duplex audio from each external entrance Comelit’s ViP system Says Sandra Brownlie, Operations Director at The Malins Group: “The founder of the original 1904 factory, William Bainbridge Reynolds was a pioneering arts and crafts designer whose work remains highly collectable today.  He insisted on everything being “as flawless as he could make it, yet absolutely individual.” “This is a philosophy we have carried through to every element of grand restoration of The Metalworks, right through to the door entry system.  With Comelit Group renowned for style and high specification solutions, we had no hesitation in reaching out to create a solution that would complement the look and feel of the development.” Comelit’s ViP system includes Comelit’s colour Icona Monitors, fitted in each apartment to present residents with hands-free full-duplex audio from each external entrance. Bespoke door entry system Simon Robinson, Managing Director at ATI Group added: “The Metalworks is a unique development, whereby every detail has to be carefully considered in line with the design principles and traditions of the historic factory restoration programme. This is even down to the security on site, which is why we called in the expertise and style of Comelit Group, to create a bespoke door entry system.”   Tailored to suit homeowner’s preferences, Comelit’s Icona Monitors include customisation of ringtone and video memory functionality where missed callers can be recorded on the apartment monitor when the resident returns. Residents can communicate with each other on the system if desired, as the system allows unlimited call traffic at any time without becoming engaged. When presented with our VIP offering, it offers a powerful security solution that provides residents the convenience of audio and visual updates" Powerful security solution Francesca Boeris, Comelit UK Managing Director concluded: “Comelit worked closely with ATI Fire & Security Limited and The Malins Group to ensure the door entry systems installed, achieved the desired balance between style and technology, as is synonymous with the legendary designs of William Bainbridge Reynolds.” “When presented with our VIP offering, it offers a powerful security solution that provides residents the convenience of audio and visual updates. We believe, finished in bespoke black, it is the perfect blend of smart door entry to add the finishing touches to the beautiful restoration of The Metalworks.” With backlit touch-sensitive controls and a 4.3 inch colour LCD screen, the Icona Monitor is available in flush-mounted, surface-mounted or desktop versions and in white or black finishes.

The Palacio de Congresos, celebrating its 20th anniversary, is a state-of-the-art conference and exhibition centre in the heart of Valencia, Spain. Also known as the Palace of Light, due to its glass-fronted façade and distinctive roof design, the Palacio regularly accommodates large-scale international conferences organized by multinationals, trade associations and government organisations. Most events gravitate around the main auditorium with room for up to 1,481 participants, as well as smaller auditoria with capacities for 467 and 270 people. If needed, an IP-based video and audio network can connect up to 2,250 participants across these separate conference rooms. Bosch - DICENTIS Conference System Given the international character of most of the conferences it hosts, simultaneous interpretation is essential at the Palacio. The building management sought a solution that would take this into account, along with the facility’s existing architecture and infrastructure. Two of its three auditoria are equipped with fixed interpreter booths. Although the smallest auditorium and the conference centre’s ten smaller meeting rooms do not include interpreter booths, simultaneous interpretation is also often required in these spaces. It was also important that the new conferencing system would not require any additional investment for wiring or cable connections. The OMNEO Interface allows transportation of the language channels via the IT network from the auditoria with fixed interpreter booths The DICENTIS Conference System from Bosch provided the perfect solution. Because the system is IP-based and Ethernet compatible, the existing IT infrastructure of the Palacio de Congresos could be used. The OMNEO Interface allows transportation of the language channels via the IT network from the auditoria with fixed interpreter booths to the meeting areas that don’t have these facilities. DICENTIS streams the language channels from the interpreter desks to the DICENTIS Conference devices in the main auditoria, and also to all the active conference devices in the Palacio’s smaller meeting areas. The floor languages of the active conference devices, regardless of their location, are streamed back to the interpreter desks. Mobile installation To serve the smaller meeting areas, the DICENTIS central equipment is installed in a small mobile rack for easy transportation and setup. Additionally, the DICENTIS Conference devices with channel selector can be transported from one room to another in specially made, high-quality, lightweight and sturdy cases for protection during transit. The mobile rack simply connects to the room’s IT network plug to connect to the equipment in the various meeting rooms. This smart, mobile DICENTIS solution meets the requirements of all the meetings held in the Palacio de Congresos. The capacity for simultaneous interpretation in all the meeting areas means 2,250 participants can be connected across all conference areas big and small.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has expressed strong support for MI HB 5828 and HB5830, two bills designed to improve school security across the state of Michigan. Michigan Legislation In a letter to Michigan House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman Laura Cox and Vice-Chair Rob VerHeulen, SIA CEO Don Erickson praised the bills’ creation of a comprehensive school plan and fund to enable local districts to procure security solutions to protect students from malicious perpetrators and update building code requirements to include security measures. “Sadly, our nation’s schools have increasingly become a soft target for mass violence – at Sandy Hook Elementary, recently at Stoneman Douglas High School and in many other attacks,” said Erickson. “We support holistic approaches to improving school safety and security in response to these tragedies – recognising there is no single action that can be taken that will, by itself, make our schools safe.” SIA is a co-founder of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), a consortium of school security experts Improving school security SIA represents about 900 security and life safety solutions providers – companies that develop, manufacture and integrate technologies that help keep people and property safe from hazards. These industry leaders strive to introduce robust security solutions integrated into our nation’s K–12 public schools, private academic institutions, colleges and universities. In addition to serving member organisations working to improve security in schools and other environments, SIA is a co-founder of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), a consortium of school security experts that developed threat- and income-based guidelines for schools housing grades K–12 to implement appropriate, layered security measures. These guidelines are available to help guide school investments. Additionally, PASS provides integrators with risk assessments and white papers that can be used when working with schools to evaluate and establish the best security protections for their buildings. SIA believes state assistance like that in the Michigan legislation is a start to addressing key security gaps in schools and is especially critical to high-risk school districts or those with limited budgets.