Metrasens Ltd - Experts & Thought Leaders

Metrasens, a provider of advanced detection systems for security and safety applications announced its ongoing strategic partnerships with K-12 public school districts across the United States. By addressing the critical issue of extracurricular event safety, Metrasens solidifies its position as a pioneer in school safety and the go-to partner for enhancing security at campus events. School safety In the dynamic security landscape within educational settings, ensuring safety during extracurricular events has become a top priority for school administrators and athletic directors nationwide. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, there has been a concerning increase in shooting incidents at these events. From 2022 to 2023 alone, there was a 50% rise in K-12 school shootings during school events and a staggering 300% increase from 2019 to 2023. Proactive safety measures Ryan Petty, a Florida State Board of Education member emphasises the importance of proactive safety Ryan Petty, Florida State Board of Education member and father of Alaina Petty, a victim of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, emphasises the importance of proactive safety measures. "Schools can, and should continue to take practical steps towards building a safer environment for students on campuses, not only during school hours but also during extracurricular events," said Petty. "School districts adopting safety and security partners like Metrasens are taking practical steps in prioritising school safety." Prioritising compliance Recognising this critical issue, Metrasens has been chosen by public schools nationwide as a strategic partner in enhancing extracurricular event safety and addressing related challenges, such as the prevalence of vaping on campuses. With 300 systems deployed across more than 30 school districts and 200 individual schools, Metrasens is at the forefront of safeguarding students and staff and prioritising compliance. Metrasens Ultra systems Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) selected Metrasens to bolster safety measures for graduation ceremonies and extracurricular events. Daniel Garcia, Safety & Security Executive Director at Fort Worth ISD stated, "With regards to Fort Worth ISD graduations and other ceremonies, it's paramount that students, faculty, and visiting families feel assured and confident as they come together to commemorate these special occasions." "As we open our facilities to families, it's essential to offer reassurance that Metrasens Ultra systems provide a completely safe solution for all members of our school community." Security screening systems Metrasens' state-of-the-art security screening systems bolster safety protocols across 77 learning communities In the Oklahoma, Tulsa Public Schools (TPS) independent school district, Metrasens' state-of-the-art security screening systems bolster safety protocols across 77 learning communities. Dr. Matthias Wicks, former Chief of Police at Tulsa Public Schools, emphasised the district's unwavering commitment to securing all facilities and events, stating, "To accomplish our safety goals, we deployed Metrasens Ultra technologies and steadfast safety protocols to protect the well-being of everyone in attendance at our extracurricular events." Ultra detection systems Similarly, Moore Public Schools (MPS), Oklahoma's fourth-largest public school district, collaborated with Metrasens to bolster safety measures across 35 campus sites and large venues. Embracing a proactive stance towards safety, MPS integrated Metrasens Ultra detection systems to maintain the highest security standards. Dustin Horstkoetter, MPS Safety and Security Director, commended Metrasens for its unmatched reliability and quality, affirming, "the reliability and quality of Metrasens solutions are incomparable." Proactive campus security BHS aimed to stay ahead of potential risks and ensure the safety of its students and staff Further solidifying its position as a pioneer in school security, Barberton High School (BHS), situated within Ohio's Barberton City School District, chose Metrasens as a pivotal partner in its proactive approach to campus security. Recognising the need to enhance security protocols in light of recent incidents targeting schools nationwide, BHS aimed to stay ahead of potential risks and ensure the safety of its students and staff through this partnership. Non-intrusive security "We believe having another layer of security that is non-intrusive and is safe to use is a logical step forward," said Jeff Ramnytz, Superintendent of Barberton City Schools. "We highly recommend Metrasens to other school districts seeking to enhance their security measures." Extracurricular event safety "Extracurricular events such as football games, basketball tournaments, and other school activities often attract individuals from inside and outside the immediate community, presenting unique security challenges," said Todd Hokunson, Chief Commercial Officer at Metrasens. "In response to these concerns, Metrasens is committed to shaping the safety landscape in educational environments through innovative solutions and strategic partnerships." Secure environment These key partnerships underscore Metrasens' dedication to providing innovative solutions prioritising safety and compliance in educational settings. As administrators and safety directors continue to navigate evolving security challenges, whether securing extracurricular school activities or addressing the growing issue of vape usage on campus, Metrasens remains steadfast in its mission to empower educators and protect students, ensuring a secure environment conducive to learning and growth.

Metrasens, a recognised pioneer in advanced detection systems for security and safety applications, announced its selection by the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) in bolstering safety measures for graduation ceremonies and extracurricular events. Serving nearly 75,000 students across 140 schools, FWISD conducted a meticulous internal assessment of various technologies, ultimately selecting Metrasens as the preferred solution. FWISD deployed six Metrasens Ultra systems during its 2024 graduation ceremonies. The deployments strengthened safety protocols while synergizing with existing security measures, underscoring the district's unwavering commitment to safety as evidenced by its comprehensive security and safety policies. Fort Worth ISD graduations "We are confident in our choice of Metrasens Ultra to elevate our extracurricular safety efforts," said Daniel Garcia, Safety & Security Executive Director at Fort Worth ISD. "With regards to Fort Worth ISD graduations and other ceremonies, it's paramount that students, faculty, and visiting families feel assured and confident as they come together to commemorate these special occasions." "As we open our facilities to families, it's essential to offer reassurance that Metrasens Ultra systems provide a completely safe solution for all members of our school community." Metrasens Ultra systems The passive nature of Metrasens Ultra systems adds an additional layer of safety for all Metrasens Ultra, renowned for its cutting-edge sensor technology, swiftly and accurately pinpointing potential threats such as concealed weapons, all without emitting any harmful radiation. Its versatility enables effortless transition between indoor and outdoor settings, while its portability ensures convenient setup and relocation between facilities, without necessitating physical contact. The passive nature of Metrasens Ultra systems adds an additional layer of safety for all, including individuals with medical implants or expectant mothers. Moreover, the systems' sleek design and portability seamlessly align with the steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety of all attendees. Advanced detection technology "We are honoured to have been chosen by Fort Worth ISD to implement our advanced detection technology at their extracurricular events," said Chris Arbeitman, Vice President of Market and Business Development at Metrasens. "The district's dedication to safety aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative solutions that meet the diverse security needs of our customers."

Metrasens, a provider of advanced detection systems for security and safety applications, is pleased to announce its partnership with the Central Indiana Educational Service Centre (CIESC), which provides cooperative purchasing programmes for member school districts across Indiana. Through this partnership, CIESC member schools, as well as 270 other districts that are members of other Education Service Centres (ESC) across Indiana, can purchase Metrasens Ultra weapons detection systems through the CIESC Cooperative Contracts programme. Ultra weapons detection systems This collaboration empowers all school districts in Indiana that are a member of their ESC with readily available, discounted contracts for Metrasens Ultra weapons detection systems. By tapping into the CIESC Cooperative Contracts product and service procurement programme, schools can avoid the costs and administrative complexities associated with initiating their request for proposal (RFP) process. Safety and security solutions “We are happy to welcome Metrasens as an approved vendor and integral part of our Cooperative Contract purchasing service,” said Kelly Taylor, Director of Cooperative programmes. “This collaboration enables our member schools to access Metrasens’ cutting-edge technology when evaluating safety and security solutions. We value the contribution of the Metrasens Ultra, a pivotal weapons detection system that empowers our member schools to prioritise the safety of students, staff, and the broader community.” Proactive and accurate approach Portable and easy to operate, Metrasens Ultra allows for efficient and respectful screening Metrasens epitomises a proactive and accurate approach to identifying potential risks within educational settings. Trusted by school districts nationwide, Metrasens Ultra systems play a vital role in weapons detection at extracurricular events and vape detection within school premises. Harnessing magnetic detection technology, Metrasens Ultra is designed with safety in mind for all individuals, including pregnant women and those with medical conditions, operating with a passive search method. Portable and easy to operate, Metrasens Ultra allows for efficient and respectful screening, ensuring a secure environment without hindering access. Invaluable dual-functionality tool “We are excited to be working with Central Indiana Educational Service Centre and to provide our support to their member school districts in achieving their safety and security objectives,” said Chris Arbeitman, Vice President of Market and Business Development at Metrasens. “Metrasens Ultra stands as an invaluable dual-functionality tool, seamlessly integrating weapons and vape detection capabilities into a school’s security infrastructure. It achieves a delicate balance between effectiveness and non-invasiveness, enhancing existing layers of protection.”

Edward Snowden’s name entered the cultural lexicon in 2013, after he leaked thousands of classified National Security Agency documents to journalists. He’s been variously called a traitor, a patriot, a revolutionary, a dissident and a whistleblower, but however you personally feel about him, there’s one way to categorise him that no one can dispute: He’s a thief. There’s no doubt about it: Snowden’s information didn’t belong to him, and the scary truth is that he is neither the first nor the last employee to attempt to smuggle secrets out of a building – and we need to learn from his success to try to prevent it from happening again. Since the dawn of the digital age, we’ve fought cyber pirates with tools like firewalls, encryption, strong passwords, antivirus software and white-hat hackers. But with so much attention on protecting against cyber risks, we sometimes forget about the other side of the coin: the risk that data will be physically removed from the building. Douglas Miorandi, director of federal programs, counter-terrorism and physical data security for Metrasens, recently discussed the major risks to physical data security with SourceSecurity.com. Q: What do you believe are the main physical threats to data? The biggest threats I have seen in the physical data security space have varied over the years, but there are four specific risks that remain the same across the board for any organisation, which are: Every organisation is at risk of having data walk out the building with that employee The Insider Threat The Outsider Threat The Seemingly Innocent Personal Item Poor or Nonexistent Screening To beginning with, every company or government agency has at least one disgruntled employee working for them, whether they know it or not, and that means every organisation is at risk of having data walk out the building with that employee. That is what security experts call the insider threat. Q: What do you think influences employees to steal data from their own organisation? People steal data from their workplaces because they see some means to an end, whether it’s to expose something embarrassing or damaging due to a personal vendetta, or because they can sell it to a competitor or the media and benefit financially – meaning they don’t even need to be disgruntled; they might just want a quick way to make a buck. Financial data, too, is attractive, both for insider trading and selling to the competition. People steal data from their workplaces because they see some means to an end, whether it’s to expose something embarrassing or damaging due to a personal vendetta, or because they can sell it to a competitor or the media and benefit financially This can happen to both private companies as well as government agencies. Take Natalie Mayflower Sours Edwards for example, a Treasury Department employee who was caught in the act just last month, when she disclosed sensitive government information about figures connected to the Russia investigation to a reporter. She didn’t hack the system, she simply used a flash drive. And let’s not forget that Snowden was a contractor working for the NSA. Q: Many of us think of security threats coming from an outsider, do companies still face these type of threats? Yes. Unfortunately, organisations do not only need to worry about their own employees – companies and government agencies need to be wary of threats from outsiders. COTS devices include SD cards, external hard drives, audio recorders and even smart phones They can come in the form of the corporate spy – someone specifically hired to pose as a legitimate employee or private contractor in order to extract information – or the opportunistic thief – a contractor hired to work on a server or in sensitive areas who sees an opening and seizes it. Either one is equally damaging to sensitive data because of the physical access they have. Q: Whether it be an insider threat or an outsider threat, what are ways these individuals can steal sensitive data?  There are two types of personal items that can be used to steal data: the commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) variety, and the intentionally disguised variety. This is considered risk number three – the seemingly innocent personal item. COTS devices include SD cards, external hard drives, audio recorders and even smart phones, any of which can be used to transport audio, video and computer data in and out of a building. Intentionally disguised devices are straight out of the spy novel; they could be a recording device that looks like a car key fob, or a coffee mug with a USB drive hidden in a false bottom. Intentionally disguised devices are straight out of the spy novel; they could be a recording device that looks like a car key fob, or a coffee mug with a USB drive hidden in a false bottom Q: What is the difference between COTS and disguised devices? The difference between COTS and disguised devices is that if someone gets caught with a COTS device, security will know what it is and can confiscate it. The disguised device looks like a security-approved item anyone could be carrying into the workplace, making it especially devious. Sometimes these devices don’t just function to bring information out of a building; they are used to damage a server or hard drive once it’s plugged in to a computer or the network. Some are both – a recording device that extracts data and then destroys the hard drive.  Companies with airtight cyber security protocols can sometimes fall down when it comes to physically screening peopleQ: With these types of discrete items, can security personnel still catch individuals in the act? For example, through security screenings?  Poor or nonexistent screening is the most substantial security threat to any organisation when it comes to sensitive data. Whether it’s an employee, an outside contractor or a device, the physical security risks are real, and everyone and everything entering and leaving a building needs to be screened. Unfortunately, screening often isn’t occurring at all, or is ineffective or inconsistent when it does occur. Even companies with airtight cyber security protocols can sometimes fall down when it comes to physically screening people and stopping them from stealing data through recording devices. Q: It’s surprising that so many organisations would neglect physical security when protecting their data. It’s a huge mistake, and the consequences can be dire. They range from loss of customer trust, exorbitant lawsuits and tanking stock prices in the private sector; and risks to national security in the public sector. Costs and resource allocation increase as well during efforts to reactively fix or mitigate the effects of physically stolen data. For both the private and public sectors, the risk for data to be physically removed from a building has never been greater. Years ago, it was much harder for the average Joe to figure out where they could sell stolen data. Now, with the Deep Web, anyone with Tor can access forums requesting specific information from competing spy agencies, with instructions on how to deliver it, greatly reducing the risk of getting caught – and increasing the likelihood people will try it. Although it’s getting easier to sell data, the good news is that all of these threats are avoidable with the right measures. Physical data security and cybersecurity must be considered the yin and yang of an airtight policy that effectively protects sensitive or confidential assets from a malicious attack Q: So how can an organisation protect against these risks? There are a number of ways – and the first one requires a change of mindset. Not long ago, the building/physical security department and the IT/cybersecurity department were considered two different entities within an organisation, with little overlap or communication. Organisations now are realising that, because of the level of risk they face from both internal and external threats, they must take a holistic approach to data security. Physical data security and cybersecurity must be considered the yin and yang of an airtight policy that effectively protects sensitive or confidential assets from a malicious attack. Q: How can companies and government agencies combine both physical data security and cybersecurity initiatives? Physical security managers can advise cybersecurity managers on ways to reinforce their protocols – perhaps by implementing the newest surveillance cameras in sensitive areas, or removing ports on servers so that external drives cannot be used. Organisations need to create an effective program and ensure it stays effective so people know it’s not worth the hassle to try In turn, the cybersecurity team can let the physical security team know that they have outside contractors coming in to work on the server, and the physical security team can escort the contractors in and stand guard as they work. Constant communication and a symbiotic relationship between the two departments are crucial to creating an effective holistic security protocol and, once you’ve got the momentum going, don’t let it slow down. Sometimes efforts start off strong and then peter out if priorities change. When guards are down, it’s an excellent time for a malicious actor to strike. Organisations need to create an effective program and ensure it stays effective so people know it’s not worth the hassle to try. It’s not just about the mentality, though. Using the right technology is just as important. Q: What type of technology can you use to protect physical data? Many problems can be avoided by simply using the right technology to detect devices that bring threats in and carry proprietary information out. Electronics such as hard drives, cell phones, smart watches, SD cards and recording devices have a magnetic signature because of the ferrous metals inside them. Using a ferromagnetic detection system (FMDS) as people enter and exit a building or restricted area means that anything down to a small microSD card triggers an alert, allowing confiscation or further action as needed. Electronics such as hard drives, cell phones, smart watches, SD cards and recording devices have a magnetic signature because of the ferrous metals inside them Q: How does FMDS work? In the most basic terms, FMDS uses passive sensors that evaluate disturbances in the earth’s magnetic field made by something magnetic moving through its detection zone. Nothing can be used to shield the threat, because FMDS doesn’t detect metallic mass; it detects the magnetic signature, down to a millionth of the earth’s magnetic field. FMDS is the most reliable method of finding small electronics items and should be part of the “trust, but verify” model Although it is a passive technology, it is more effective and reliable than using hand wands or the walk-through metal detectors typically seen in an airport, which cannot detect very small ferrous metal objects. FMDS can see through body tissue and liquids, so items cannot be concealed anywhere on a person or with their belongings. Whether or not the items are turned on doesn’t matter; FMDS doesn’t work by detecting a signal, but rather by spotting the magnetic signature that electronics contain. This is ideal, because most recording devices do not emit any signal whatsoever. In my experience, FMDS is the most reliable method of finding small electronics items (as well as other ferrous metal objects, like weapons), and should be part of the “trust, but verify” model, in which companies assume the best of their employees and anyone else entering the building, but still take necessary precautions. Q: What are the key takeaways for organisations looking to enhance data security? The toughest challenge in the security sector – whether it’s cyber or physical – is remembering that the bad guys are constantly looking for ways to slip in through the cracks, and security departments need to stay one step ahead to ward off both internal and external threats. Recognising the existing threats, putting together a holistic security strategy, and using the right technology to detect illicit devices comprises an effective three-pronged approach to protecting an organisation’s data. Organisations cannot afford to be passive about security and assume employees won’t steal data and spies won’t sneak in. Strong countermeasures are necessary because data loss can come from both inside and outside, in both private and public sectors, from places not everyone thinks of – and with technology like FMDS acting as a backup to the human element, organisations can lock down their data and keep the wolves in sheep’s clothing from getting through the door.

Live events at large venues like arenas, stadiums or convention halls – whether they involve wrestlers breaking chairs over each other’s heads, Axl and Slash letting bygones be bygones and reuniting Guns ‘n’ Roses, your favorite NFL team annihilating the opposition 62-3, or a convention involving anything from politics to food to Star Trek – are exciting affairs that channel the camaraderie of the crowd into a powerful collective energy. But they also are vulnerable to threats. Physical security solutions Terrorists and other malefactors have known for centuries that any large gathering of people has inherent vulnerabilities on which they can prey: Crowds make it hard for security to keep track of any single person or spot unusual behavior, and the number of people congregated in one space amplifies the impact of any attack. In recent years, organisers of large events have augmented the security methods they use to protect a venue, using both walk-through metal detectors and hand wands, and deploying K9 and police units to patrol the lines to enter security. But these current methods share a universal flaw: to be caught, evil-doers have to be on the verge of actually entering the venue with hundreds of other people, which means they can still cause a massive amount of destruction. In a survey conducted by Brivo, 50 percent of business security leaders felt they lack adequate budget and financial resources to invest in physical security solutions. Augmented security measures Organisers of large events have augmented the security methods they use to protect a venue, using both walk-through metal detectors and hand wands Security professionals and event organisers are constantly on the verge of finding new methods to implement in order to add an extra layer of security at venues and large facilities. For example, at this year’s Coachella Music Festival in Indio, California, which attracts over 100,000 attendees each year, organisers boosted their security initiatives by adding drones, armed guards, magnetometers and dog patrols. Unfortunately, large entertainment festivals have been a target for ill-intended individuals. Last year, the 91 Route Festival in Las Vegas, Nevada took the lives of more than 50 people and injured over 500. In the United Kingdom, 22 people lost their lives to a suicide bomber at an Arianna Grande concert in the Manchester Arena. Yet, concerts aren’t the only place new security initiatives and technology need to be implemented in, but also sports arena and large facilities. Metrasens partnered with Villa Park, the football grounds for Aston Villa Football Club in the UK, to conduct a trial using FMDS technology, Proscreen 900, to screen fans Current screening methods Conventional walk-through metal detectors are a compromise between effective screening and high throughput, as they successfully detect metal objects, but only can screen about five or six people each minute. They are generally placed 10 to 20 yards from a venue’s front façade, either just outside or just inside, to screen people as they enter the facility. Hand wands are used for anyone that sets off the walk-through detector as a secondary screening method for confirmation. Many facilities also use observational methods to screen, such as drones, CCTV, security officers or police walking the crowd and looking for suspicious behavior, or explosives-sniffing K9 units patrolling the area. Security personnel are aware of these pre-security-screening vulnerabilities around the perimeter of the venue Security method limitations Each of these methods has intrinsic limitations. Observational security methods are just that – observation-based, not detection-based. They rely much more heavily on human factors that introduce greater degrees of error and chance, and positive visual identification of a suspicious threat requires a relatively close proximity to observe the threat. They’re also slow and laborious. Walk-through detectors and wands will catch someone trying to enter a facility with a weapon, but by the time they do, it may be too late – a terrorist will already be well within proximity to do a lot of damage. Bad guys don’t need to actually enter the venue; they just need to get close enough to injure or kill a large number of people. That can happen – and has happened, such as with Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 – right at the security point, where a terrorist will be surrounded by dozens or hundreds of people and 10 to 20 yards away from the critical asset: the interior of the venue. Security personnel are aware of these pre-security-screening vulnerabilities around the perimeter of the venue. What they haven’t had until recently is a way to screen mass amounts of people for weapons of mass casualty as far away from the critical asset as they can, and as far away from densely populated areas as they can, all while not impeding throughput resulting from the requirement for patrons to divest their possessions. Expanding security reach with FMDS The far perimeter of a venue is an ideal place to screen for weapons of mass casualty. Most of the time, a terrorist is trying to get closer to the immediate perimeter of the venue, to inflict the most damage to large groups of people waiting to get in; farther away, event attendees are walking toward the entrance and thus are more dispersed, not standing in clusters or lines. This advance screening is possible using ferromagnetic detection systems (FMDS). The FMDS systems in the trial, Proscreen 900, were placed outside, where individuals were screened for large weapons before they even entered the football stadium Metrasens recently partnered with a football stadium in Birmingham, UK to conduct a trial using FMDS technology to screen fans. The trial took place in March at Villa Park, the football grounds for Aston Villa Football Club. The stadium can hold over 42,000 people. The FMDS systems in the trial, Proscreen 900, were placed outside, where individuals were screened for large weapons before they even entered the football stadium, adding an extra layer of security. FMDS is highly accurate – there is no false alarm rate, because it is programmed to find only what security personnel need to find In the most basic terms, FMDS uses passive sensors that evaluate disturbances in the earth’s magnetic field made by something magnetic moving through its detection zone. Everything else is invisible to it; it doesn’t see people, clothing, backpacks, purses, etc. Nothing can be used to shield the threat, because FMDS doesn’t detect metallic mass; it detects a magnetic signature, down to a millionth of the earth’s magnetic field. It is also highly accurate – there is no false alarm rate, because it is programmed to find only what security personnel need to find (e.g., a weapon). Although it is a passive technology, it is more effective and reliable than using observational security methods to screen a perimeter, because the technology will never miss something the way a human would. Recognising moving magnetic signatures An important point is that the system only works on moving objects. This makes it immune to environmental conflicts such as rebar that would trip up conventional metal detectors and allowing people to be screened quickly and unobtrusively without stopping to divest their possessions as they walk toward a venue – up to 50 or 60 people a minute. FMDS does not need people to be organised into lines or groups; it simply detects a magnetic signature on anything that passes. It runs on batteries – there is no need for an electricity source, as with a walk-through detector – and can be placed on just about any form factor (a pole, a stand, etc.). This gives security personnel flexibility when deploying FMDS, allowing them to create a wide perimeter around a venue without worrying about portability or a power source. Screening can be as obvious or as concealed as personnel prefer for a particular situation, based on the form factor they select. FMDS simply gives the opportunity to add a layer of security where there currently is not an effective solution All of these combine into a solution that creates a way to close a gap in mass screenings at large events, by expanding the secure perimeter and creating a highly accurate way to detect weapons of mass casualty farther away from a critical asset and large crowds. It does not replace screening for smaller items necessarily, and all large venues should use a layered security solution that also deploys tactics like roving security guards, walk-through metal detectors and hand wands. FMDS simply gives the opportunity to add a layer of security where there currently is not an effective solution. Effective mass screening solution Pessimists sometimes muse the world is getting more dangerous with each passing year, and that technology is at least partially responsible for both the breadth and depth of the increasingly creative ways bad guys harm people. But some technologies also are responsible for helping to fight against those threats and make the world safer, and FMDS is one of those. By providing a foolproof method of detecting weapons of mass casualty before terrorists get too close to an event venue, FMDS gives event security personnel a way to better protect large events, making them less dangerous and keeping people safe. Images source: Metrasens