Counter surveillance

Sentrycs – a global technology major in the cyber-based RF segment of counter-drone solutions – announced strategic deals that will see the implementation of its advanced counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) solutions across multiple military bases throughout Europe. The field-proven Israeli technology provider will enable its customers to mitigate the immediate threats from small and commercial drones performing ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions over sensitive sites, including military bases, and occasionally attacking forces as demonstrated in recent years in Ukraine-Russia conflict and in the Middle East. Multi-layered C-UAS solution The systems will be deployed either as a standalone or as a vital part of a C-UAS solution Sentrycs solutions, employing proprietary protocol analysis technology, can passively detect those drones, track their flight, identify their model, unique serial number, and ID, enabling distinction between friendly and enemy drones. Once a drone becomes a threat, the system neutralises the drone, landing it safely in a predefined zone. The systems will be deployed either as a standalone or as an integral part of a broader multi-layered C-UAS solution to enable effective protection against different kinds of drones. Sentrycs' unique capabilities "Winning these projects signifies a meaningful market recognition of Sentrycs' unique capabilities and technology leadership," said Yoav Zaltzman, CEO of Sentrycs. Yoav Zaltzman adds, "Our commitment to ongoing innovation and our agility in adapting to the fast-changing threats, along with strong customer support allow us to provide a field-proven and effective long-term solution. We are proud to contribute to the security of our allies with our advanced counter-drone solutions."

British universities are cited as some of the best in the world; working on cutting-edge and revolutionary research. Physical security measures The Director General of MI5 and senior politicians warned last week these institutions are being targeted for their intellectual property (IP) by hostile states and spies and as a result, this is a threat to national security. In the face of this, universities must work at speed to increase their physical security measures and keep their academia and research safe, while balancing the need for an open exchange of ideas that is vital to academic progress. Open sharing and collaboration Noah Price, G4S Academy International Director, said, “Threats against universities are on the increase and are expected to rise further." "Hostile states target universities because unlike government agencies or security services, these institutions prioritise the open sharing and collaboration of research, ideas, and education, which can make them more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and espionage." Multi-layered security Intellectual property theft committed by an external threat actor is expected to increase by 30% in the UK "Universities working on cutting-edge research need to implement targeted multi-layered security as a matter of urgency to protect sensitive research.” Intellectual property theft committed by an external threat actor is expected to increase by 30% in the UK in the next year, according to G4S’s first-ever World Security Report. Insider threats A preventative measure being considered by the UK government is for academics involved in critical scientific research at British universities to undergo vetting by security services. With internal threats expected to increase next year according to 94% of UK Chief Security Officers, vetting of university staff and regular re-vetting are actions G4S supports. Unauthorised access “Leaking of sensitive information, unauthorised access to company data or networks, and intellectual property theft are all expected by almost a third of respondents to our survey,” Price said. “Vetting and regular re-vetting are a really good physical security measure to detect those trying to infiltrate an organisation, or to see if anyone has been turned.” What physical security measures can be taken? AI surveillance systems may also be another; allowing security officers to monitor the movements Universities must implement a robust security operation preventing both physical and cyber threats. Implementing two-factor authentication on research devices, as well as passcode or biometric access controls are just two examples. AI surveillance systems may also be another; allowing security officers to monitor the movements of individuals ethically. Documents access Institutions should also monitor who is accessing certain documents on their devices. If there is no need for an individual to be reading a piece of research this could be a sign they are attempting to access confidential information and may be an insider. Price said, “While we all want universities to share academia, knowledge, and expertise, they must do so within a secure environment that protects IP from being stolen and also protects our national security. Implementing and maintaining a robust security operation is the best way to do this.”

Over recent months, global rivals have made rapid progress in the proliferation of VTOL & Fixed Wing platforms and breakthrough technologies being used and integrated into their military strategies and warfare activities. Such escalation in recognition, advancement, and use, has posed a significant threat to U.S. programmes and security, impacting civil and commercial targets alike. With these threats on the doorstep, it is essential to efficiently build out powerful countermeasures against malicious drone activities and to rapidly roll out these defence strategies and applications.  Challenges with drone activity With these pressing needs in mind, ACI (the American Conference Institute), will gather top government pioneers, counter-unmanned technology experts, and global allies to share insights and build a collaborative plan to counteract the evolving challenges posed by drone activity. The 3rd Annual National Congress on Counter UAS Technology will take place on May 23-24, 2024, at the Cooperative Plaza Conference Center in Arlington, VA.  Real-time usage of drone technology The 2024 event will shed light on the most complex technologies and legislation evolving in drone technology For those looking for an interactive review of global drone activities and national defence applications, this is the event for those visitors.  Delving into the real-time usage of drone technology in war, emerging federal policies, and more, the 2024 event will shed light on the most complex technologies and legislation evolving in this space, while also providing a platform for collaborative efforts between government pioneers and technology innovators.  Speakers at the summit Government, DoD & Industry Speakers at the summit will include Chairman, Major Gen (USAF-ret) James Poss (CEO, ISR Ideas, Former Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for ISR, HQ, U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C), Jeremy Kofsky (Senior Fellow, Information Warfare Institute for AI Research, Former AI Implementation DoD Fellow, USMC), Micah Campbell (Executive Director, UAS & Emerging Entrants Security AXU, Security & Hazardous Materials Safety), Travis Moran (Senior Reliability & Security Advisor, Federal Energy and Regulatory Commission (FERC)), Colonel Mike Parent, USA, (Chief, Joint Counter sUAS Office Acquisition and Resource Division) Brandon Youngblood, Group Manager, UAS Security and C-UAS Integration, FAA) and many more!

Open platform video technology software is more than just a product; it's a tool that helps customers achieve their desired business outcomes. Safety, round-the-clock security, and increased operational efficiencies are now the norm due to video technology. Responsible Technology Despite humanity’s impressive technological advances, we also recognise the immense responsibility that comes with technological innovation. It's not enough to focus solely on the positive impact video technology can make, we must also be vigilant in identifying and addressing any potential negative consequences it can have on society and its citizens. This is the role of Responsible Technology. Data privacy We want to use all the good things that technology innovation brings, whether it be video, AI, ML, facial recognition, etc. We want to use all the good things that technology innovation brings, whether it be video, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, facial recognition, etc. to serve people in societies in a responsible way. That means making sure that we regulate technology in a way that respects human rights and data privacy. Addressing the challenges The challenge is, that rather often technology leaders and policymakers either have conflicting interests or collaborate too late. To be responsible, business leaders must support their societies and policymakers in making regulations in the interest of the common good. At Milestone Systems, we are actively looking at how we develop our software responsibly, how our partners responsibly sell our software, and very importantly, how our customers use our software with a responsible mindset. Ensuring good corporate governance As a long-time partner within the security industry, we’re celebrating our 25th Anniversary this year, we are supporting the regulation of video technology for the good of society. However, it of course needs to strike the fine line between the right legislation and not hindering innovation.  UNGP The UNGP is the most authoritative and widely adopted set of principles for responsible business At Milestone Systems, we want to play an active role in this and that is why we have pledged our support to the UN's Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). The UNGP is the most authoritative and widely adopted set of principles for responsible business. The principles call on governments and companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and remedy actual and potential human rights abuses. Since its launch in 2011, the UNGPs have received wide support from states, civil society organisations, and the private sector, making them the key global foundation for business and human rights. Protect, respect, and remedy Through this commitment, we are taking steps to ensure good corporate governance and ethical standards in the development of our technology. We're generating mechanisms to prevent misuse and we are building educational practices internally. Based on the UNGP’s three pillars: protect, respect, and remedy, we are developing a set of Responsible Technology Principles and procedures for the development, selling, and use of our products. Need for video technology regulation In addition, we are currently evaluating all the various technology areas in which our video software can be used, such as with third-party integrations that utilise e.g., facial recognition. We are mapping out the advantages and disadvantages for societies. One key area of concern is how local authorities are mapping and storing data about us as individuals. This is the reason why we're inviting more legislation to regulate video technology rather than less. Engaging With policymakers We are meeting ministers and trade organisations as we believe this needs to be a joint effort where all parties are heard We are proactively reaching out to and connecting with policymakers and other relevant stakeholders to discuss our approach to and take on Responsible Technology and encouraging the political landscape to work with us around regulation and legislation. We are meeting ministers and trade organisations as we believe this needs to be a joint effort where all parties are heard and where we can openly weigh the advantages and the challenges of technology, whether it is video, facial recognition, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, or other technologies. Striking a balance Implementing Responsible Technology is a journey, not a destination. To give it the focus needed, we have created a dedicated team to implement this initiative at Milestone Systems. At the same time, we are reaching out to the political landscape to discuss how we balance regulation without hindering innovation. Video technology used ethically We are a global company with worldwide operations, and we are having dialogues about how video technology is being used and how we can have meaningful talks about what regulation and legislation should look like. However, we don’t necessarily want to limit access to the technology itself. Facial recognition We encourage the policymakers to engage with us in the industry so that together we can strike the fine line Facial recognition is a great example of this. The EU is considering making live facial recognition illegal. That would be a huge inhibitor of proactive terrorism prevention. For example, if a well-known terrorist is walking down the street and is being mapped out against Interpol’s most wanted list, the authorities should be able to react. However, if a person walking down the street but is not mapped out or does not have any priors then the city should not be allowed to store the data of that individual’s whereabouts at that point in time. This potential legislation is concerning to me as a citizen of Europe. Instead, we encourage the policymakers to engage with us in the industry so that together we can strike the fine line for the better good of all of us. Maintaining high ethical standards We have a firm understanding and expectation that ethical standards are a huge driver in the security business. Citizens are not in favour of technology companies abusing data about them and monetising from things that they have not opted in to do. Soon, I think we will see many more companies and governments leaning toward suppliers that do have a responsible mindset and high ethical standards for partnerships. Ethical practices Our journey toward Responsible Technology is an ongoing process, and we must remain steadfast in our commitment to ethical practices and the protection of human rights. We recognise that the rapidly changing technological landscape continually presents new challenges and opportunities. For this reason, we continuously look into how we can improve, for example, our end user licence agreements to avoid potential human rights abuses. An industry responsibility Security companies must prioritise careful planning and preparation, including developing policies and procedures For Responsible Technology to truly become a reality, compliance with international human rights laws and data privacy regulations is critical. Security companies must prioritise careful planning and preparation, including developing policies and procedures that govern the ethical use of video surveillance systems. The secure and ethical community In today's technology environment where deep integrations, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are becoming the norm, Responsible Technology is more relevant than ever. The security industry has a unique opportunity to set an example for other sectors by promoting a secure and ethical development community that prioritises Responsible Technology, trustworthy data collection, and the protection of human rights. We must all rise to this challenge and embrace our role as ethical leaders for the greater good of both people and societies.

Inadequate security measures on your essential infrastructure can have severe consequences.  Consequences  Consider the rail industry: If a vandal cuts the cables on a vital mechanism that controls train signals, train safety is jeopardised. To avoid train collisions or derailments and thus significant damage to property and potential loss of life, the operating company must shut down the service until the infrastructure is repaired and the network is up and running again. The disruption affects the rail ecosystem itself, but also the people using the trains, the transportation of cargo, and more. The financial cost of repairing the damage, restoring signal functionality, and compensating for delays can be substantial. For another example, consider electrical substations: A fire or targeted attack can damage the system and lead to devastating power outages.     Traditional surveillance limitations  Traditional video surveillance has its limits when it comes to protecting transformer stations Traditional video surveillance has its limits when it comes to protecting transformer stations. The facilities are often located in rural areas, where straying animals or flying leaves trigger false alarms. 3D Surveillance solutions overcome these challenges by volumetrically securing the area and immediately detecting intruders only raising the alarm in the event of a human intruder and even identifying drone attacks.  Protecting critical infrastructure with 3D surveillance  Critical infrastructure must be monitored. It remains at risk if operators do not have systems for monitoring entire areas rather than just the periphery if security personnel has limited information in case of an intrusion and if security response protocols are not automated.  3D Surveillance solutions 3D Surveillance is an important tool for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of those who rely on it. Integrating LiDAR technology, 3D Surveillance solutions provide a comprehensive view of the area being monitored with real-time monitoring and response, protecting critical infrastructure from damage and providing a more comprehensive security system. Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence Security personnel can identify and verify threats more easily and track the movements of individuals or vehicles, as well as respond to incidents as they happen. 3D Surveillance systems can be equipped with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to detect patterns and anomalies that may indicate a potential threat. This can help to prevent potential attacks or accidents before they occur, as well as enable more accurate responses to incidents.  Talent challenge  Turning to autonomy by implementing sensor- and software-based solutions requires fewer if any, in-person patrols 3D Surveillance can also help tackle the talent challenge in the industry: Recruiting security professionals involves extensive background checks, and jobs in the industry are notorious for their low salaries, which results in high staff turnover. Turning to autonomy by implementing sensor- and software-based solutions requires fewer if any, in-person patrols and ensure reliable infrastructure protection.   Additional security measures In many countries, more stringent legislation now mandates the implementation of additional security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure, particularly at a country's points of entry, such as airports and harbours. Protecting the perimeter is no longer enough. For instance, airport management must ensure that critical areas, including the space around aircraft and near unauthorised access points, are secure. While multi-layered screening of individuals at the perimeter is a valuable security measure, it must be complemented by smooth and efficient surveillance of the entire area, which can only be achieved through advanced technology.   Different adoption rates 3D Surveillance technology is only beginning to gain traction in most locations, and adoption rates differ significantly from one region to another. For instance, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe have embraced 3D Surveillance to a greater extent than Western Europe. Regions with lower adoption rates will likely catch up as they seek to reinforce the security of their critical infrastructure, especially given the conflict in Eastern Europe.  Vandalism and damage protection 3D Surveillance enhances the security of critical infrastructure, reduces the risk of downtime and loss of revenue 3D Surveillance offers reliable protection against vandalism and damage - major concerns for companies that rely on critical infrastructure. LiDAR-based, software-enhanced 3D Surveillance solutions provide real-time insights and enable automatic processing of the information so that operators can autonomously and quickly detect and respond to potential threats. These solutions are scalable and customisable, allowing companies to adapt their security measures to their unique needs and changing environments. 3D Surveillance enhances the security of critical infrastructure, reduces the risk of downtime and loss of revenue, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. Asset management and maintenance planning Beyond its security benefits, 3D Surveillance can help with tasks such as asset management and maintenance planning. It can help identify potential problems or maintenance needs before they become more serious issues by providing a real-time view of the monitored infrastructure. This can help to reduce downtime and keep critical infrastructure running smoothly.  Real-time management  The same technology can also perform volume monitoring tasks and thus facilitate the management of valuable resources such as bulk material, grain, wood chips, or chemicals. By scanning the stock 24/7 and automatically calculating stock volume updating records in real-time, this technology supports lean production systems and automated processing. 

The security industry is going increasingly digital these days, with more small- and medium-sized businesses joining their global brethren by moving their data to the cloud, leveraging the benefits of artificial intelligence, and embracing more open solutions. Innovation is expected to continue at a rapid pace, thanks in part to the residual effects of the pandemic which has driven changes that might have otherwise taken five years or a decade or more to get into customers’ hands on a global scale. Let’s take a look at the trends that will dominate ISC West 2023. Improved analytics Analytics is about expedience, and in the surveillance world, it makes it possible to identify and search for the “who did it?” clip you need. For analytics, along with the cloud, it comes back to the core themes of being able to do more with technology Analytics also provides more actionable intelligence than a simple surveillance camera may provide, from identifying high-traffic areas during select times of the day and alerting staff to pay greater attention to these areas, to business intelligence that can enable a company to staff a store with more employees. For analytics, along with the cloud, it comes back to the core themes of being able to do more with technology and relying less on humans. Leveraging the cloud The cloud story is very related: it provides the ability to perform video-related tasks from anywhere on any device. In addition, the cloud makes it easier to share videos with other stakeholders and collaborate on investigations. By storing video on the cloud, end users reduce their total cost of ownership because they no longer have to invest in onsite storage solutions, while gaining greater storage capabilities and thereby future-proofing their solutions. Deployment patterns Because the cloud requires a less total cost of ownership and can be intuitive, it is driving interest in solutions Another interesting trend that we’ll be hearing more about this year is the overall deployment patterns of video surveillance systems. This is part of the cloud trend, but the broader trend is the amount of effort it takes to deploy, monitor and maintain the video surveillance system. Because the cloud requires less total cost of ownership and cloud access can be intuitive, it is driving interest for solutions that can be hosted in the cloud. Interoperability vs. proprietary Related to the debate of open vs. closed solutions is how much the surveillance market prefers a turnkey solution compared to a more custom best-of-breed and tailored solution. Smaller and mid-market companies will be more interested in the turnkey solutions provided by a single vendor, while enterprise-level companies traditionally gravitate toward investing in customised solutions that are more likely to address their unique security challenges. One other related trend to keep an eye on is the role of the integrator as part of the rise of cloud and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) offerings.

Technology is driving new opportunities in the security industry. Innovation trends include artificial intelligence (AI), edge-based systems, mobile systems, a greater focus on software, and efforts to simplify operation of security systems, even as capabilities become more complex. ISC West 2022 reflected these changing trends. “In addition to emphasising technology innovation, ISC West also reflected an industry that is resilient, dedicated and passionate,” said Mary Beth Shaughnessy, the Event Director of ISC Security Events. ISC West 2022 “Almost 12,000 dealers, installers, integrators, end users and consultants reconnected at ISC West 2022, and there were nearly 20,000 total industry professionals in attendance (including manufacturers),” adds Mary Beth Shaughnessy. The 550 exhibitors and brands on display reflected an industry that has come through the COVID-19 pandemic in better shape than ever, poised for even greater success in the years ahead. Turning video and access control into knowledge Deployment of AI to ‘watch video’ can inform users of what’s happening in real-time Motorola Solutions emphasized several themes that were heard repeatedly throughout the show. “One trend is fulfilling the need to turn video and access control into sources of knowledge, inside the enterprise,” said John Kedzierzski, Motorola Solutions’ Senior Vice President of Video Security and Access Control. Deployment of AI to ‘watch video’ can inform users of what’s happening in real-time, while monitoring access control yields the equivalent of an operating system inside a building. Using the Cloud offers consumer ease-of-use to systems The second trend listed by Motorola Solutions is working to bring the consumer ease-of-use experience into enterprise security solution applications. Professional security systems were previously complicated to buy, install, manage and upgrade. However, using the Cloud, even distributed enterprises can bring consumer ease-of-use to systems, from improving the out-of-box installation experience to boosting the ability to manage the system. Transition to ‘mobile first’ interfaces The third trend emphasised by Motorola Solutions is transition to ‘mobile first’ interfaces, reflecting the need for busy security executives to be on-the-go, but with full access to their systems, without being chained to their desks. Since the last springtime ISC West show in 2019, Motorola Solutions has grown rapidly, both organically and through acquisition of IndigoVision, Pelco, Openpath, Envysion, and Ava Security. Cloud-based Orchestrate system Integration is simple through a ‘drag-and-drop’ approach that doesn’t involve writing code In addition, the company is making it easier to integrate video and access control systems with Motorola’s radio systems, typically carried by security guards. The cloud-based Orchestrate system translates ‘events’ from access control and video, to trigger notifications on a mobile radio. Integration is simple through a ‘drag-and-drop’ approach that doesn’t involve writing code. Simplifying implementation of AI Artificial Intelligence (AI) has traditionally been associated with the use of large servers or even intelligence in the Cloud. Several exhibitors at ISC West helped to change that misconception. For example, Oosto offers a simpler and more economical approach. They supply edge appliances for AI. The purpose-built Vision AI appliance, a small box, puts intelligence at the ‘near edge’, by connecting to up to five cameras. Easy and dependable ‘failover’ ensures redundancy without a big investment, and the system can work with any IP camera, including an end user’s installed base of cameras. Oosto’s TCO (total cost of ownership) calculator Oosto’s TCO (total cost of ownership) calculator spells out how much a customer can save versus using a big server, including lower costs such and power and cooling. AI was probably the biggest buzzword at ISC West, but there was also emphasis on the practical results of applying AI to physical security. Artificial Intelligence (AI) - the biggest buzzword at ISC West I believe our purpose is to bring buzzwords, like Cloud and AI together in a way that is useful to end-users" “What surprises me (at the show) is that there is a lot of generic marketing of AI, but we are trying to step back from our analytics and look at applications that serve certain end-users,” said Jeff Corrall, Vice President - Product Management at March Networks, adding “As an industry, we are still at the stage of AI as a buzzword.” Jeff Corrall further said, “I believe our purpose is to bring buzzwords, like Cloud and AI together in a way that is useful to end-users. We have to live with the buzzwords, but what we really want is to apply them. That creates a stickiness with the end-user — when high technology is making a difference.” March Networks Labs address specific end-user problems and then apply their systems to provide a solution. Jeff Corrall adds, “A lot of AI is responding to what the customer is asking for, and we are stepping back and making sure the end-user will use it on a consistent basis.” ‘Edge versus cloud’ was a common theme at ISC West Edge versus Cloud ‘Edge versus cloud’ was a common theme at ISC West, pondering where in a system the ‘intelligence’, such as AI and machine learning, as well as other functionality, should reside. Among the companies addressing the quandary was Axis Communications, which focused on the issue using a racing theme at their presentation to the industry press. The winner of the ‘race?’ - The combination of both approaches working together as a team, of course. AXIS Speed Monitor on exhibit One introduction at the show was the AXIS Speed Monitor, a speed detection app available using ACAP Axis Communications also highlighted the deep learning analytics of the ARPEC 8 camera chip (introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic), which will be deployed across their camera line. One introduction at the show was the AXIS Speed Monitor, a speed detection app available using ACAP (Axis Camera Application Platform), the capability to load ‘apps’ onto camera chips at the edge. They also introduced the D4100-E Network strobe siren (a smart edge device), the Audio Manager Pro (a cloud-based software system enabling zoning and callouts for specific areas in a building), the W101 body worn cameras with GPS capabilities, and a Barcode Reader for doorstop applications (another ACAP app). ‘App Store’ approach to expanding applications Azena is at the centre of expanding applications at the edge, promoting new applications through an ‘App Store’ approach that sells software apps that can be loaded onto cameras that are equipped with Azena’s operating system. In the last couple of years, the company (formerly known as Security and Safety Things) has expanded its offerings. There are currently 108 apps in the store from 30 to 40 app developers. There are 14 camera models (from six manufacturers) that are commercially available and run their operating system. The newest camera is a fisheye model from Vivotek. “What we have seen is that a lot of the use cases are pretty unique,” said Fabio Marti, Vice President - Marketing for Azena. Two examples are an application that monitors a flame to ensure it is burning cleanly (no smoke). Another system monitors nets covering fish farms to avoid birds getting tangled up in the nets. Fabio Marti said “A challenge is to find new business avenues for integrators. Everybody is not eager to look beyond their comfort zone.” Focusing on software to ensure user experience Software systems are one of the major focal points for innovation in security systems Software systems are one of the major focal points for innovation in security systems and Verkada is focusing on how software innovation can improve systems. “For decades, innovation was on the hardware front,” said Filip Kaliszan, Verkada’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), adding “We saw an opportunity for more innovation on the software side. The customer experience revolves around software.” Ensuring an end-to-end experience “We want to guarantee an end-to-end experience,” adds Filip Kaliszan. As a new company with a ‘hybrid cloud’ approach, Verkada focused on appealing to end users to convince them of the value proposition. Once an end user was convinced, Verkada brought in an integrator partner to deliver the solution. In effect, Verkada finds demand and brings that demand to the integrator. Software-centric operation of a modern building Verkada is broadly focused on ‘software-centric operation of a modern building.’ After starting out in video, Verkada has since expanded into systems for access control, alarm systems, and other categories. They use a combination of third-party hardware and equipment that is custom designed to work seamlessly with their software systems. Verkada’s end goal is to put the various systems together into a platform. They will continue building each product category, which will eventually be unified into ‘the operating system for the building of the future.’

The UK Government has been working to reduce the risks associated with illegal drone use since a high-profile incident at UK’s Gatwick Airport in December 2018, when a drone sighting triggered a three-day shutdown of the UK’s second busiest airport, disrupting the travel plans of 140,000 people and affecting 1,000 flights. To address growing security threats by drones, the UK Government has released its ‘Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Strategy’. ‘Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Strategy’ This strategy sets out our approach to countering the threat the malicious or negligent use of drones can bring" “This strategy sets out our approach to countering the threat the malicious or negligent use of drones can bring,” says Brandon Lewis, the U.K. Minister of State for Security. “It will provide the security the public and drone users require to continue to enjoy the benefits of leisure and commercial drone use and facilitate the growth of the drone industry.” “Given the challenge posed by rapid advances in drone technology and the potential threat, the strategy will provide overarching direction to our efforts,” says Lewis. The strategy focuses on ‘small drones’, those weighing less than 20 kg (44 pounds). Countering malicious use of aerial drones The UK Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Strategy centres on mitigating the highest-harm domestic risks resulting from malicious use of aerial drones. They are: Facilitating terrorist attacks, such as modifying commercially-available drones to conduct reconnaissance or attacks. Facilitating crime, especially in prisons, where drones are currently used to deliver contraband. Disrupting critical national infrastructure, such as airports, where a malicious incursion using a drone can have serious safety, security and economic consequences. Potential use by hostile state actors. Maximising benefits of drone technology The initiative will also look to build strong relationships with industry to ensure high security standards Over the next three years, the strategy will seek to reduce the risks posed by the highest-harm use of drones while maximising the benefits of drone technology. It will develop a comprehensive understanding of evolving risks and take a “full spectrum” approach to deter, detect and disrupt the misuse of drones. The initiative will also look to build strong relationships with industry to ensure high security standards. Further, promoting access to counter-drone capabilities and effective legislation, training and guidance will empower the police and other operational responders. Tactical response to drone-based threats Because technology is rapidly evolving, the response needs to keep pace, according to the strategy document. Lewis adds, “We will therefore work to understand how drone-based threats might evolve in the future, both at the tactical and strategic levels.”  The strategy will be to build an end-to-end approach to tackling the highest-harm criminal use of drones. It will also work to make it easier to identify malicious drone use against a backdrop of increased legitimate use. Legal drone operators will be required to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and to pass an online competency test before flying a drone. Retailers who follow a specific set of safety guidelines when selling drones will be designated ‘DroneSafe’. Unmanned traffic management system The government is working toward future implementation of an unmanned traffic management (UTM) system, which provides a means of preventing collisions between unmanned aircraft and other manned or unmanned aircraft. The current strategy includes early planning for the system. An Industry Action Group will ensure a continuing relationship with the drone industry and help to improve existing counter-drone measures and identify new opportunities, such as use of ‘Geo-Fencing’ to restrict drones from flying in certain areas. Regulating commercial and domestic drones The UK Department of Transport is responsible for safe and lawful use of drones within the UK airspace The strategy will seek to communicate the UK’s security requirements to the counter-drone industry and to encourage a thriving sector that is aware of, and responsive to, the needs of government. Regulating drones is the responsibility of two UK government departments. The UK Department of Transport is responsible for safe and lawful use of drones within the UK airspace, while the Home Office has overall responsibility for domestic counter-drone activity. Fast-evolving drone and counter-drone technology Also, the Center for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI) has been involved in reducing the vulnerability of sensitive sites, including airports. New performance measures will track the strategy’s success. Due to the fast-evolving nature of drone and counter-drone technology, the intent is to review and, if necessary, refresh the strategy in three years.

A week of mass shootings this summer has again spotlighted the horror of gun violence in public spaces. A 19-year-old gunman opened fire at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California on July 28, injuring 13 and killing four (including the gunman). In El Paso, Texas, less than a week later, a lone gunman killed 22 people and injured 24 others. In Dayton, Ohio, a day later, a gunman shot 26 people during a 30-second attack, killing 9 and injuring 17. Rising active shooting incidents Beyond the grim statistics are three distinct incidents, linked only by the compressed timeline of their occurrence. Still, there is a tendency to want to find a pattern: Why do these incidents happen? How can we prevent them? In total, 91 people were killed and 107 more were injured in locations such as workplaces, schools, and public areas One attempt to analyse trends and commonalities among mass shooting incidents is a research report published by the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) titled “Mass Attacks in Public Spaces – 2018”. Looking at the totality of major mass attacks last year, the report seeks to find patterns that can shed light on the attacks and suggest strategies to prevent and mitigate future incidents. Mass shootouts Between January and December 2018, 27 incidents of mass attacks – in which three or more persons were harmed – were carried out in public spaces within the United States. In total, 91 people were killed and 107 more were injured in locations such as workplaces, schools, and other public areas. The National Threat Assessment Center report considered all the mass attack incidents in 2018 and analysed some trends and statistics: Over half (59%) took place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., and 63% of the attacks ended within 5 minutes of when they were initiated. Most of the attackers were male (93%); the youngest was a 15-year-old student and the oldest was 64. Nearly a fourth of the attackers (22%) had substance abuse problems, and half (48%) had a criminal history, whether violent or non-violent. About two-thirds (67%) experienced mental health symptoms, commonly depressant and psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations or delusions. Almost half (44%) had been diagnosed with a mental illness prior to the attack. The main motives were domestic, personal or workplace grievances (52%); followed by mental health/psychosis (19%); 22% had unknown motives. Most (85%) of attackers had at least one significant stressor in their lives in the last five years; 75% had experienced stressors that occurred in the previous year before the attack. Personal stressors included the death of a loved one, a broken engagement of physical abuse. Work- or school-related stressors included losing a job, being denied a promotion, or being forced to withdraw from classes. More than half of attackers (56%) experienced stressors related to financial instability. Personal issues such as homelessness or losing a competition were also stressors. Nearly all the attackers (93%) engaged in prior threatening or concerning communications. Most of the attackers (78%) also exhibited behaviors that caused concerned in others. For the majority of the attackers (70%), that concern was so severe that others feared specifically for the safety of the individual, themselves, or others. The Secret Service report also analysed the overall impact of several factors: Mental health and mental wellness - Mental illness, alone, is not a risk factor for violence, and most violence is committed by individuals who are not mentally ill. Two-thirds of the attackers in this study, however, had previously displayed symptoms indicative of mental health issues, including depression, paranoia, and delusions. Other attackers displayed behaviors that do not indicate the presence of a mental illness but do show that the person was experiencing some sort of distress or an emotional struggle. The importance of reporting - Since three-quarters of the attackers had concerned the people around them, with most of them specifically eliciting concerns for safety, the public should be encouraged to share concerns they may have regarding coworkers, classmates, family members, or neighbors. Need for a multidisciplinary threat assessment approach - There is a need to standardise the process for identifying, assessing, and managing individuals who may pose a risk of violence. Law enforcement and others are taking steps to ensure that those individuals who have elicited concern do not “fall through the cracks.” Law enforcement personnel should continue developing close partnerships with the mental health community, local schools and school districts, houses of worship, social services, and other private and public community organisations. Threat assessment Threat assessment refers to a proactive approach to violence prevention, an investigative modelMany of the resources to support the threat assessment process are already in place at the community level, but require leadership, collaboration, and information sharing to facilitate their effectiveness at preventing violence, according to the report. ‘Threat assessment' refers to a proactive approach to violence prevention, an investigative model originally developed by the U.S. Secret Service to prevent assassinations. It has since been adapted to prevent all forms of targeted violence, regardless of motivation, including K-12 school shootings and acts of workplace violence. When implemented effectively, a threat assessment generally involves three key components: Identify, Assess and Manage. Identify, assess and manage Public safety entities rely on people who observe concerns to identify the individual to law enforcement or to someone else with a public safety responsibility. In educational settings or workplaces, concerns may be reported to a multidisciplinary threat assessment team that works in conjunction with law enforcement when needed. The responsible public safety entity is then tasked to assess the situation to determine how they can manage any risk of violence posed by the individual.

One of Australia’s pioneering fully integrated property groups, Charter Hall has more than 31 years of experience in funds management and property investment in the core sectors of office, retail, industrial and logistics, and social infrastructure. Having carefully curated a diverse AUD 61.3 billion portfolio of more than 1,500 high-quality long-leased properties, partnership and financial discipline are necessarily at the heart of Charter Hall’s approach to commercial real estate. Acting in the best interest of its customers and communities, the company combines insight and inventiveness to unlock hidden value and nurture a development pipeline of more than AUD 9 billion that, long term, will deliver sustainable, technologically enabled projects for Charter Hall customers. Challenge Charter Hall is committed to exploring ways to leverage technologies to ensure security for buildings Charter Hall is committed to continuously exploring ways to leverage the latest technologies to advance sustainability and ensure security for its buildings and their surroundings. To that end, the company developed the Charli workplace app to provide its building communities with a range of services, features and benefits to create valued experiences that are convenient for its tenants.  From concierge services to building updates and alerts, Charli was designed to keep tenants connected with the broader workplace community and provide tenant managers with quick, convenient access to Charter Hall’s property management services for service requests and to report or log issues. Mobile access control Charter Hall recognised that integrating mobile access control into the app would optimise the role Charli could play in achieving a frictionless yet secure and sustainable tenant experience. “At the same time, we wanted to streamline our access technology by deploying universal readers across Charter Hall properties in tandem with mobile IDs, so access could be easily adapted for each building but still controlled at a central point,” said Loren Mellowship, General Manager - Wesley Place, who oversees the company’s three adjacent Wesley Precinct buildings in Melbourne. Solution Charter's Operations Team opted to deploy HID Mobile Access and Signo Readers for access control Building upon its existing relationship with HID, Charter Hall’s National Operations Team opted to deploy HID Mobile Access and HID Signo Readers for access control. Ensuring that everything was integrated for both Charter Hall and its tenants was a crucial part of the solution. The access control system became a foundational layer to build upon by pulling together all the disparate systems in the buildings. This was done not only through the readers, but also by utilising an API-based approach wherever possible. HID Mobile Access HID Mobile Access lets any compatible mobile device be used as a credential to securely access doors, gates, networks and more. It significantly increases convenience and boosts operational efficiency without compromising security. By eliminating the need for physical access cards to move throughout buildings and to access secure areas including parking, printers and lockers, the mobile access solution also reduces costs. Critical to the success of any technology investment and deployment is the involvement of key stakeholders throughout the process, as well as futureproofing and ensuring the longevity of the solution. This is true whether that investment affects a single asset or is portfolio-wide. HID Signo Reader HID Signo Reader supports the widest range of credential technologies via native Bluetooth and NFC  To that end, the highly versatile HID Signo Reader supports the widest range of credential technologies via native Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC) and Apple Wallet. It delivers unparalleled performance with ultra-secure storage of cryptographic keys and a connection to the future through secure bidirectional communication support. Each reader is also designed to be connected and managed remotely for easy upgrades. “We took a precinct approach, which is why HID was ultimately selected. Everything is now on the same backbone, which makes it a lot easier to manage what is going on, and everything is talking to the same central point,” said Mellowship. Result In conjunction with Charli, Charter Hall tenants and employees can now use their handsets to access the entire Wesley Precinct and its amenities, including end-of-trip facilities and FollowMe Printing. Charter Hall tenants and employees can now use their handsets to access the entire Wesley Precinct Self-onboarding for the building also allows the tenant to request and receive access any time of the day—without the delays of waiting for a physical card, phone call or someone to come to the building. “No one forgets their mobile device so they can use their mobile ID as a backup if they forget their physical card. Security guards also save time when new credentials need to be issued. It may only take 30 seconds to open a second app to do that, but if you’re doing 1,000 cards over a year that multiplies quickly. So, integration makes things more efficient. It saves time,” said Mellowship. Charli app About 4,000 people in Charter Hall’s Wesley Precinct will be leveraging HID Mobile Access via the Charli app. Though no benchmark metrics are available for comparison yet, the company and its tenants are realising significant savings through greater productivity thanks to managing access building-wide through a single app and streamlined remote credentialing. Savings are also realised through the elimination of costs associated with issuing physical access cards as well as deactivating and replacing them when they are lost or stolen. “HID Mobile Access allows secure, seamless access from street-to-seat and frees up everyone to focus on more valuable work,” said Mellowship.

Databuoy Corporation, a gunshot localisation and real-time emergency alert intelligence system, and the Philadelphia Police Department announced that SHOTPOINT, Databuoy’s life-saving gunshot localisation and detection system, has been selected by the Department for a pilot programme to help to reduce gun violence throughout the city. With gun violence on the rise, officials sought a solution that could accurately detect a gunshot and localise where it came from, to prosecute more offenders and hopefully lessen the number of incidents. When public safety is at risk, having real-time systems that seamlessly communicate vital information is key for first responders. Databuoy's SHOTPOINT system Databuoy's SHOTPOINT system can be deployed in nearly any environment with near-perfect results. SHOTPOINT eliminates false positives, without human intervention, and provides accurate, quickly deployed reports to first responders. “Our system works reliably in high noise environments and around vehicular traffic without false detections,” Kathleen Griggs, Databuoy CEO said. “The system is automated and gets information to responding officers instantly and has supported police response and investigations for multiple homicides in the years we have been installed.”  Game-changing technology SHOTPOINT is becoming more accessible to cities since it has been awarded MAS contract by GSA SHOTPOINT is a game-changing technology that is unsurpassed in its detection and location accuracy and one that law enforcement and security clients can trust. “We are deployed in some of the most volatile environments in the country, like the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas,” says former CBP Commissioner, David Aguilar, one of Databuoy Corporation’s Board of Advisor Members. “We are confident it will do the same for the City of Philadelphia.” SHOTPOINT is becoming more accessible to cities since it has been awarded a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract by the General Services Administration (GSA) on a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) contracting vehicle and is available on The Interlocal Purchasing System (TIPS) through a Minority Owned 8(a) Small Business. Pilot programme “We are committed to the safety of our citizens,” Robert Keehfuss, Philadelphia Police Department, Public Safety Technology Program Manager said. “Philadelphia needs a system that will instantly give us the precise location where the shot occurred. Every second counts when it comes to saving lives and catching shooters, so the faster we get the detailed information, the better chance we have of protecting our citizens.” The pilot programme between Databuoy and the Philadelphia Police Department will be ongoing for the next several months and cover one of the city’s heaviest gun violence areas. If the system performs to the goals outlined in the pilot, there is support for a larger rollout plan.

Cozaint Corp, the developers of intelligent surveillance solutions, has been selected by the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Police Department in Tucson, AZ, to deliver the BOBBY physical security tower to provide a “safe zone” location for local citizens to conduct sales transactions, custody transfers, or other dealing where a security monitored area would provide a safe setting. Cozaint’s BOBBY platform of physical security kiosk tower provides 24/7 situational awareness for organisations of all sizes with various IoT security sensors, constant video surveillance, and tied to a remote monitoring centre. Cozaint BOBBY kiosk tower The Cozaint BOBBY kiosk tower also has a 27” interactive display that displays information about local tribal activities as well as allowing for visitors to activate a “panic button” if they feel threatened. The BOBBY “safe zone” tower is connected to the tribal police department where officers can see and speak with the user to determine if an emergency exists and how best to respond. “With certain transactions occurring between complete strangers —such as online sales— sometimes our community may wish to meet at a more secure location where video surveillance and the ability to reach one of our officers in an emergency is all in one safe zone,” said LT. Elizabeth Esparza of the Pascua Yaqui Police Department. BOBBY safe zone tower BOBBY safe zone tower delivers peace of mind to Pascua Yaqui Police Department and its citizens With 360-degree video surveillance coverage and 24/7 video recording, the BOBBY safe zone tower delivers the peace of mind that the Pascua Yaqui Police Department and its citizens are looking for to safely meet others with eBay or other sales transactions, when custody transfer events occur, or other interactions where a safe and monitored location is preferred. “Our BOBBY tower unit is an ideal community safe zone security platform, where users can rest assured that they are being monitored for safety and security reasons when dealing with various transactions with others in the community,” stated Jay Jason Bartlett, CEO, Cozaint, adding “Interacting with the Pascua Yaqui Police team in the event of an emergency provides an additional level of security for the local community.” BOBBY tower unit The BOBBY tower unit also displays local community information as well as current events, helping to keep the community up to date on what is happening throughout the tribe. This particular BOBBY tower unit is located on tribal land in the desert of Tucson, AZ, where the summer rains and high temperatures create harsh operational conditions for an outside device such as this.

As physical security technologies become more complex, it is incumbent on the dealer/integrator to have the skills and expertise needed to ensure that a system operates smoothly. The value of integrators increasingly rests on the skill sets they bring to bear when installing a system. If the skills are missing, there is a problem. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What missing skills among security integrators can cause problems for customers? 

The death of Michael Brown at the hands of police in Ferguson, Missouri, in August 2014, highlighted to the public, the importance of body-worn cameras. There was no bodycam footage of the Ferguson tragedy. Arguably, it would have shed additional light on the shooting. Since then, body cameras have become a tangible legacy of Ferguson, Missouri. Bodycam footage is seen as providing greater accountability and ensuring an impartial record that can support, or debunk, any claims of police misconduct. Body-worn cameras are also finding their way into broader usage, even including customer service applications. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How important will body-worn cameras be moving forward? 

A new generation of security professional is waiting in the wings. They will be faced with unprecedented challenges, as they seek to transform the security marketplace to the ‘next level’. Technology changes ensure the market will be very different 10 years from now and the fresh labour pool will need to be able to meet the host of new challenges. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What exciting career opportunities in the security industry await the next generation?