Data Security - Expert commentary

Technology advances in the security industry are transforming the way modern systems are designed and installed. Customers today are looking for greater scalability and flexibility, lower up-front costs, and operational efficiency. Cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) solutions, AI-enhanced tools, and IoT-enabled sensors and devices are increasingly in demand. The traditional role of the systems integrator is evolving as a result. While security integrators have always worked closely with e...

In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, facial recognition has become a buzzword that often triggers privacy and data protection concerns. However, many security professionals may not realise that "facial recognition" is an umbrella term encompassing various technologies, each with distinct applications and privacy implications. Let's dive into what these technologies really mean for security system resellers, integrators, and end-users.  Facial recognition tech At its core, faci...

The artificial intelligence revolution in physical security has arrived, transforming how we protect people, assets, and infrastructure. From smart buildings that automatically adjust access protocols based on real-time threat assessments to healthcare facilities using AI-enhanced video analytics for patient safety, these technologies are reshaping the industry landscape. But with this transformation comes a new era of regulatory oversight that security professionals must navigate carefully.&nb...

As urban populations grow and security challenges evolve, Californian cities have increasingly turned to advanced surveillance systems to enhance public safety. Surveillance infrastructure Between 2022 and 2024, these cities have made significant strides in upgrading their surveillance infrastructure, driven by concerns over crime, public safety, and the need for more sophisticated emergency response systems. This article explores how California's urban areas are improving surveillance techn...

As the backbone of community welfare, healthcare facilities cater to crucial public needs from emergency care to specialised medical treatments, and due to its position as a significant facet of the world's critical infrastructure, the healthcare sector faces a multitude of challenges in ensuring patient and visitor security, managing high traffic, and safeguarding sensitive data. Medical sites, such as large hospitals and urgent care clinics, see a wide variety of patients, medical staff, adm...

As city managers, law enforcement agencies, and first responders face mounting pressure to combat crime and respond to emergencies with limited resources, real-time crime centres empowered by a new generation of data-driven technologies are emerging as an effective force multiplier.  Real-time crime centres Real-time crime centres (RTCCs) serve as centralised hubs where dedicated personnel leverage pioneering-edge technologies to analyse diverse data streams and provide critical support t...

Choosing the appropriate fingerprint technology for a given application is dependent on factors including the required level of security and matching accuracy, the desired capabilities and features, and the usability to achieve adoption and productivity goals. A successful evaluation process will help ensure that this mature and proven user authentication method performs as expected. Fingerprint biometric advantages The speed, simplicity, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of the fingerprint m...

With the rise of organised retail crime (ORC) making headlines, retailers are grappling with the dual challenge of safeguarding both their staff and store assets, while addressing the economic pressures that impact profitability and consumer demand.  RFID technology The key lies in identifying effective solutions to counter the current surge in ORC, enabling retailers to secure their vulnerable staff and protect inventory for paying customers. Technology plays a crucial role in supportin...

In the early stages of childhood education, kindergarten imparts foundational principles that shape future behaviour. Today, you can think about cloud computing in a similar manner: it has become a fundamental element in the architecture of modern technology. The cloud now plays a critical role in digital interaction, security, and infrastructure development. Far from being just another tool, the cloud is a cornerstone, providing essential support for the intricate network that supports today'...

These days, business is more collaborative, adaptable and connected than ever before. In addition to offering new identities and access privileges, new applications and data also increase the attack surface available to cyber criminals, hacktivists, state actors and disgruntled insiders. These new identities need to be handled carefully. CISOs must develop an identity management strategy that is consistent across on-premises, hybrid and cloud systems. Good security is built on solid identity go...

The average business owner or investor has some kind of security precaution in place, especially in the after-hours when there are fewer deterrents to inhibit criminal activity. Security guards, video surveillance systems, motion sensor lights, or even just fake cameras placed around the property are some of the common options people choose.  Future of overnight security Smart business owners are starting to realise, however, that some of these traditional security measures are becoming...

It’s no secret that the data security sector is constantly changing. It has an annual CGR of about 12.3%. Future trends in data security Much of this has to do with the rise of cybercrime in recent years, with reports showing that cyberattacks happen as often as every 39 seconds. To combat the growing rate of cybercrime, data security has been on the rise. As we journey further into this era, it becomes evident that a spectrum of significant trends is molding the future of data se...

Daniel May of Consort reviews the integration of access control systems in healthcare settings, outlining the benefits and key considerations decision-makers must make throughout product specifications.  From patient safety and traversal to the protection of sensitive data and pharmaceuticals, healthcare environments are faced with several operational challenges. And where security remains at the forefront of decision-making, modern access control systems may often hold the answers. Physi...

Security systems represent a significant investment, yet many organisations still only use a small percentage of their physical security systems’ capabilities. That’s before we even begin to consider the different ways that the likes of video, access control and ANPR can add additional value beyond security by serving the needs of other business functions. Whether that be to obtain additional insight, streamline compliance or drive operational efficiencies.  Consumption...

Global transportation networks are becoming increasingly interconnected, with digital systems playing a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of ports and supply chains. However, this reliance on technology can also create vulnerabilities, as demonstrated by the recent ransomware attack on Nagoya Port. As Japan's busiest shipping hub, the port's operations were brought to a standstill for two days, highlighting the potential for significant disruption to national economies and supply cha...

Physical security is essential for a modern production facility, users don’t want just anyone entering the building or accessing secure areas. But what about production machinery? Machine authentication is often a missing link in the security plan for manufacturers. Why machine authentication?  Most manufacturers have made significant investments in physical access control (PAC) for production facilities. Few shops currently hand out physical keys to employees or leave the building...

Our recent survey on the state of access control in 2023 showed that HID partners and end users, as well as security and IT professionals, may have varying needs and concerns but nearly all agree on one thing: the need for sustainable solutions. Operational transparency In fact, sustainability was a top issue for almost 90% of our survey respondents. Our end users and their consumers are primarily driving this demand, with ever-increasing numbers asking for operational transparency...

We work with and buy from “middlemen” all the time, yet the term remains loaded with negative connotations. It’s telling that the term remains gendered, no one has tried very hard to normalise the term “middleperson” in the same way as “chairperson” or “police officer.” Why? It’s easy to see a middleman as an inconvenience, someone who skims profit off the top while offering no real value to the end customer. Think of the second-hand c...

What would it take to make an office building perfectly secure, with 100% impregnability? Would you put padlocks on every door and window, and security gates in every corridor? Certainly, this would be very secure, but it doesn’t take a security expert to see how such a setup would be a huge waste of resources, nor would it be convenient for the people who need to work in the building.  Cybersecurity challenges  ​But while most businesses recognise that complete perfection in...

Regardless of their experience level or location, there is always a sense from close protection practitioners that there's a hunger to get back into the field and closer to the action. And why not? International travel coupled with diverse and challenging environments is all tied to a sense of mission. This is quintessential for close protection teams and starts with business travel.  Travel concerns But, while increasing, it's safe to say that business travel is unlikely to return to...

The promise of electric vehicles is closer to reality than ever before. New plans and investments at the federal level designate billions of dollars to move our country toward clean energy, including $2 million to help auto manufacturers retool facilities to increase EV production. Additionally, the Biden Administration has announced a goal to create 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035 and a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. Domestic EV marketplace The domestic EV marketplace has grown from...

DevSecOps is a vital strategy with automated security included in every phase of software development. Implementing DevSecOps means application and infrastructure security becomes a shared responsibility amongst the development, operations, and security teams which maximises protection at every level of the organisation.  Investing in DevSecOps strategies According to a recent report conducted by the Neustar International Security Council (NISC), an elite group of cybersecurity professi...

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 glo...

The nuances of data privacy continue to bombard organisations from all angles, and, amid the impending sunset of Universal Analytics (UA), it’s time to stop playing catch-up. Instead, by enacting future-proofing strategies around data as a first port of call, long-term compliance can be achieved as an automatic byproduct. Data privacy At data privacy’s ‘sunrise’, companies’ efforts were largely targeted towards the customer, ensuring that the ever-growing extent o...

Residential burglaries and break-ins are a problem for many homeowners. The FBI estimates there were approximately 1,117,696 burglaries in 2019 in the United States, which accounted for 16.1% of property crimes. Having proper home security can not only protect your home and belongings, but it can also keep your family safe. Even if you’re new to the idea of having and using smart home security devices, it’s easy to get started. This guide will provide the information and actionable...

Managing the technology stack and known vulnerabilities is becoming a key criteria for cyber insurance pay outs. Open source software has once again made the headlines following warnings to organisations about the release of a new version of OpenSSL. Released on 1st November 2022, the new version patched vulnerabilities in version 3.0 and above of the nearly ubiquitously used cryptographic library for encrypting communications on the Internet. Remote code execution The OpenSSL Project team to...

Two trends in recent years are combining to exacerbate insider threat risks at companies. First, companies continue to foster cultures of openness and collaboration that often run contrary to the needs of a security-oriented mindset. Second, the mainstreaming of hybrid work has made companies’ control over data and device usage during work more tenuous. Addressing insider threats We’ve seen repeatedly that companies have the tools, structural choices, and decision-making power acro...

The outlook for advancements in door security solutions is proving to be an extension of the positive trends that have emerged over the past few years and that continue to evolve in exciting new ways. That’s a good sign as we make our way along the road toward an ever-safer world. Improvements in a hybrid workforce  Here’s what we’re seeing: More and more companies are rethinking the office space and how electronic access control (EAC) security and data can help better s...

You’re no psychic. You probably don’t have the power of clairvoyance. But guess what? When it comes to your security, none of that matters. You can still create future-proof security by properly equipping yourself. Here’s how. Understanding access control Security is changing faster than ever before. With new threats inside the workplace and smaller security teams taking on more tasks, IT and security personnel must automate their processes using new technology. One difficu...

Hybrid cloud computing enables organisations to segregate their resources and workloads on-premise, in a private cloud, or a public cloud. But despite its many benefits, the hybrid environment also creates security concerns. AlgoSec’s co-founder and CTO, Prof. Avishai Wool shares his expert insights on some of these concerns and offers best practices to boost hybrid cloud security. Hybrid cloud computing Hybrid cloud computing combines on-premises infrastructure, private cloud services,...