Green security

Sensor specialist HENSOLDT is providing massive support for the German ‘European Sky Shield Initiative’ ESSI: As part of an order from Diehl Defence worth more than 100 million euros, HENSOLDT is supplying its high-performance TRML-4D radars, including a maintenance and training package, to Latvia and Slovenia. The radars will be deployed in the two ESSI countries as part of the IRIS-T SLM air defence system. This means that HENSOLDT currently has more than 80 air defence radars of various ranges under contract as part of the ESSI initiative alone. Latest AESA radar technology HENSOLDT CEO Oliver Dörre said: "The pent-up demand in European air defence is enormous. We have already made so much progress with the expansion of our production capacity that we can already supply all customers in record time." TRML-4D has delivered excellent detection skit in Ukraine and prevailed against strong competition The TRML-4D has delivered exceptionally good detection performance in Ukraine and prevailed against strong competition during live tests in Latvia. It is based on the latest AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar technology and ensures the rapid detection and tracking of around 1,500 targets within a radius of up to 250 kilometres. It is capable of quickly and reliably detecting and tracking all types of air targets - cruise missiles, rockets, drones and aircraft - and classifying them for engagement. Development of key technologies HENSOLDT has decades of experience with radar systems for air defence and is actively driving the further development of key technologies in this field. In addition to the TRML-4D high-performance radar, the company's portfolio includes the SPEXER short-range radar, the Twinvis passive radar and radars for securing ship and air traffic.  Both the TRML-4D and the SPEXER are part of the German Armed Forces' NNbS air defence system for close and short-range protection, which was commissioned in January. HENSOLDT also supplies radars for the German Navy's new frigates and corvettes, for airspace surveillance and for approach control at military airfields.

The wait is over! The Cyber Express proudly announces the return of World CyberCon, India Edition, set for September 27, 2024, in Mumbai. Under the theme “Strengthening India’s Digital Frontier: Preparing for Future Challenges,” this prestigious event is not just a conference but an award ceremony and exhibition. It offers a platform for recognition, networking, and showcasing the latest innovations in cybersecurity.   Event highlights World CyberCon 2024 promises an enriching agenda with key discussions on:  Navigating Regional Cybersecurity Compliance and Overcoming International Barriers  The Future of Cybersecurity: AGI’s Role in Threat Mitigation  Beyond the CISO Role: Exploring Opportunities in Investment, Leadership, and Advisory  Safeguarding National Digital Assets: A Focus on Data Security  Why attend World CyberCon 2024?  Attendees will delve into strategies for cyber resilience, exploring how organisations can build and maintain robust defenses against an ever-changing threat landscape.   Knowledge Sharing: Gain insights from industry pioneers through in-depth discussions and presentations.  Networking: Connect with peers, potential clients, and industry pioneers in dynamic environments.  Government Keynotes: Hear from prominent government officials on national cybersecurity priorities.  Award Ceremony: Celebrate outstanding contributions to the field of cybersecurity.  Exhibition Zone: Discover the latest innovations in cybersecurity technology.  Business Prospects: Explore new opportunities for growth and collaboration.  Post-Event Highlights on TV: Extend the reach and impact of the event's key messages through exclusive post-event highlights featured on a TV news channel.   Entertainment: Enjoy a stand-up comedy performance for a light-hearted break. Speakers   Some of the esteemed speakers at the conference include:  Lt Gen (Dr) Rajesh Pant: Former National Cyber Security Coordinator, Prime Minister’s Office, GOI & Chairman, CSAI.  Manoj Abraham, IPS: ADGP (Intelligence), Kerala Police.  Kalpesh Doshi: Group CISO, HDFC Life.  Dr. Nareshkumar Harale: Vertical Head & Vice President - Cyber Security, ReBIT.  Amit Joshi: CISO, Adani Cement - Cyber Security, Adani Enterprises Limited.  Deval Mazmudar: Cybersecurity Advisor, TJSB Bank.  Harshad Mengle: Group CISO, Tata Chemicals  Prianshu Khandwala: CISO - Head Information Security, Sun Pharma  Dhiraj Rank: CISO, TATA AIG General Insurance Limited  Sunil Nishankar: CISO, Future Generali India Life Insurance  Deepak Bhosale: Associate Vice President, Asian Paints  Makesh Chandramohan: CISO, Aditya Birla Capital  What sets this conference apart?   Organised by The Cyber Express, a global pioneer in cybersecurity news with 50K+ registered users and 200k+ monthly website visitors, World CyberCon offers unmatched opportunities to engage with industry experts, discover nationwide prospects, and access exclusive insights.  Who should attend?  Attendees will also benefit from robust lead-generation opportunities and access to an event app Tailored for CISOs, CIOs, CTOs, security auditors, heads of IT, cybercrime specialists, network engineers, and all stakeholders in internet safety, World CyberCon India Edition 2024 provides invaluable opportunities to gain insights, forge connections, explore business opportunities, and discover innovative solutions. Attendees will also benefit from robust lead-generation opportunities and access to an event app for one-on-one meetings with registered attendees.  Join the conference For more information and to register, please visit the World CyberCon 2024 Website. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of India’s premier cybersecurity event, where visitors can shape the future of cybersecurity, gain valuable insights, and connect with industry pioneers. 

On June 26, 2024, high school and college students led the movement to protect their local communities as they showcased their ideas to prevent targeted violence and terrorism during the Invent2Prevent (I2P) Spring 2024 competition finals. Preventing targeted violence Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Centre for Prevention programmes and Partnerships (CP3), I2P empowers youth to play a pivotal role in preventing targeted violence and creating more resilient local communities. The student teams presented their projects to judges from academia, education, and government sectors to win funds to further their initiatives. Invent2Prevent programme “Preventing targeted violence is a top priority for the Department of Homeland Security, and we are committed to working with and empowering our partners across the nation to do so,” said Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo. “The Invent2Prevent programme is a critical part of this work, and this event demonstrates our support for youth-led initiatives to develop innovative, community-based programmes to reduce targeted violence and terrorism at campuses and communities across the country.”  Critical thinking skills During the final event, the University of Maryland College Park won at the collegiate level During the final event, the University of Maryland College Park won at the collegiate level, and Penn Manor High School won at the high school level. The University of Maryland’s project, infOasis, equips teens with the media literacy skills needed to engage with digital content thoughtfully, critically, and responsibly. "I’m so thankful for such an amazing opportunity to help enhance our homeland security and make a tangible impact on my peers," said Zoe Cross, a University of Maryland student. "infOasis has such a bright future ahead of it and I can’t wait to continue the mission of empowering teens through critical thinking skills."  Prosocial activities Penn Manor High School’s project, Friday Fun, transforms study halls into periods for students and teachers to engage in prosocial activities to decrease stress and social isolation. "I2P not only widened our perspectives, but it was inspiring as young people to be included in the conversation of how to protect our communities," Fatuma Mussa, Penn Manor High School student said.  Spring 2024 competition Each team identified opportunities to improve the health and wellness of their schools In total, students from 53 universities and high schools competed nationwide for the Spring 2024 competition. Each team identified opportunities to improve the health and wellness of their schools, campuses, and communities and then developed a relevant initiative to decrease the likelihood of violence.  Targeted violence and terrorism "I'm so inspired by the students who participated in the spring competition at a challenging time for schools and universities,” said CP3 Director Bill Braniff. “Targeted violence and terrorism are preventable, and these students showed us and the rest of the nation that by investing in strengths, like coping skills, critical thinking, relationship building, heightened community awareness, and physical and mental wellness we can sow the seeds of prevention.”  Sustainment programme Since Invent2Prevent began in 2021, more than 1,200 students have participated, representing 119 universities across 33 states and the District of Columbia, along with 138 high schools from 26 states. The sustainment programme helped to create a nationwide debate competition to combat hate and promote civil discourse Previous I2P finalists have applied for a year-long sustainment programme to build on their projects’ successes. So far, 13 collegiate teams have participated in the sustainment programme. One past winner who participated in the sustainment programme, George Washington University (GWU), won third place with its Talk with Me: Debate to Deflate Hate project in 2023. The sustainment programme helped to create a nationwide debate competition to combat hate and promote civil discourse. DHS CP3 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention As a part of the competition, four educators and approximately 50 college and high school students submitted written arguments for how best to address hateful rhetoric in schools while respecting free speech and academic freedom. During lunch hour of the Spring I2P final, the top two students with the best speeches debated live for prize money on whether social media poses a detriment to national security or protects lives. I2P finalists can also apply for a DHS CP3 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention grant to further increase their impact. So far, more than $2.6 million in grants have been awarded to support and sustain student-developed programmes. Spring 2024 results The following are the complete results for the Spring 2024 final competition:  University Competition 1st Place, University of Maryland College Park: InfOasis helps students gain and apply critical thinking skills when consuming or creating media The team developed infOasis to fill the critical gaps in media literacy education. The project created a unique set of online toolkits with interactive modules and fun, modern mini-games to enhance media literacy skills. The toolkit is free and accessible to everyone, but undergraduate college students are the target demographic. Many college students struggle to detect manipulative content due to the volume of information they are exposed to when entering college. Through this hands-on learning experience, InfOasis helps students gain and apply critical thinking skills when consuming or creating media.  2nd Place, Missouri State University: The team created the C.R.A.N.E. Project (Creating Resilient Atmospheres through Natural Exercise) to prevent bullying and social isolation in schools through physical exercise. Research has shown that students who feel lonely can also have an associated increase in aggressive behavior or a lack of inhibition. This tool helps students release anger or negative thoughts more healthily by participating in yoga or martial arts. Teachers received videos of yoga and martial arts by certified instructors to share with their students and were educated on the benefits of mindfulness. The project focuses on 4th-8th grade students because the team found that they are most susceptible to issues like social isolation and anxiety and need effective coping mechanisms.  3rd Place, Ohio Dominican University: SHELVE stands for See, Hear, Evaluate, Learn, Voice, and Empower – a call to action to educate the youth The team’s Shelve the Hate: a Toolkit for Action project empowers librarians to play a pivotal role in the fight against targeted violence and online mobilisation against violence. SHELVE stands for See, Hear, Evaluate, Learn, Voice, and Empower – a call to action to educate the youth and raise awareness about preventing this violence. The toolkit provides resources, ideas, guides, graphics, research, and links to national organisations that share ways to prevent targeted violence. Through a website, middle school, high school, college, and community librarians can share these tools with fellow educators, parents, and students. In this way, the project seeks to empower libraries as a natural gathering place to centralise prevention efforts.  High School Competition 1st Place, Penn Manor High School: The team’s Friday Fun project seeks to create positive emotions among students and teachers to reduce stress and social isolation. High school students and teachers engaged in prosocial activities, like group games, friendship-making bracelets, door decorating, “Fast Friends” BINGO, and pet therapy. The project is based on the broaden and build theory in positive psychology, which suggests that when people enjoy themselves, they tend to feel positive emotions, which can increase their well-being and resilience. Through these activities, the team seeks to create connections and a sense of community, protective factors that can decrease the likelihood of violence. They hope to use this as an opportunity to increase awareness of mental health and the importance of checking in on peers.  2nd Place, Urban Assembly Institute of Math & Science for Young Women: The team held a field day event for students and officers where they were able to break down barriers The team’s Bridging the Gap project aims to reduce tension between youth of color and police officers in downtown Brooklyn, New York. A survey of 116 students at the school showed that over 90% did not feel safe in the presence of police officers. To lower this tension, the student team created unique one-pagers and presentations for 500 students and 30 officers that explain the need for improving relationships and how to do so. The team also held a field day event for students and officers where they were able to break down barriers, begin to form relationships and create a safer and more resilient community.  3rd Place, Englewood S.T.E.M. High School: The team created Mind Over Mad-Her as an anti-violence initiative to reduce female-on-female bullying in high school. It seeks to bring young women together by identifying and celebrating their commonalities and differences. The team made zero-cost group therapy available to both victims and perpetrators of female bullying. This therapy supports the development of positive coping skills and empathy that offset negative feelings. The project supports young women to recognise how traumatic experiences can subconsciously influence the way they handle anxiety and insecurity. 

HID, a worldwide pioneer in trusted identity solutions, announces the availability of the new HID® Signo™ Mechanical Keypad Reader 40T, engineered to offer high performance in harsh and challenging environments where the weather is wet or cold and visibility is low.  The new reader has a robust IP-65 rated construction meaning the electrical components are dustproof and watertight along with a traditional mechanical push button keypad to make it easy to use when wearing gloves or where some users of a building are visually impaired due to low light conditions. Mobile-ready features “As a high-performance reader with reliable features for harsh environments, it’s a great offering for customers who have a preference or specification for a traditional mechanical device,” says Spencer Marshall, HID’s Head of Europe. Spencer Marshall adds, “It also comes with all the security and mobile-ready features you’d expect from our signature range of Signo readers, providing customers with the utmost flexibility. Whether using the keypad, smartphones, fobs, or cards, users can gain fast and easy entry into buildings.” Key features of the Signo 40T reader The new Signo 40T Reader comes with the following key features:  Digital wallet ready - Support for a wide range of credential technologies, including HID Mobile Access® via native Bluetooth® and near field communication (NFC) capability, the new reader supports credentials in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. This means users get touchless entry without having the added step of opening additional apps.  Enhanced security - Highly secure storage of cryptographic keys on certified secure element hardware, plus a new surface detection feature that enables the reader to automatically recalibrate and optimise read range performance, the new Signo 40T Reader is ideal for door applications requiring a wall switch mount. Easy connectivity - Out-of-the-box support for Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) for secure bidirectional communication, the new Signo 40T Reader is designed to easily integrate and fit without requiring considerable time or unnecessary extra cost from installation engineers. The reader is designed to enable remote management, too. The new HID Signo Mechanical Keypad Reader 40T is available in Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.

HID, a worldwide pioneer in trusted identity solutions, announces the availability of the new HID® Signo™ Mechanical Keypad Reader 40T, engineered to offer high performance in harsh and challenging environments where the weather is wet or cold and visibility is low.  The new reader has a robust IP-65 rated construction – meaning the electrical components are dustproof and watertight – along with a traditional mechanical push button keypad to make it easy to use when wearing gloves or where some users of a building are visually impaired due to low light conditions. Range of Signo readers “As a high-performance reader with reliable features for harsh environments, it’s a great offering for customers who have a preference or specification for a traditional mechanical device,” says Spencer Marshall, HID’s Head of Europe. “It also comes with all the security and mobile-ready features you’d expect from our signature range of Signo readers, providing customers with the utmost flexibility. Whether using the keypad, smartphones, fobs, or cards, users can gain fast and easy entry into buildings.” Key features of Signo 40T Reader  The new Signo 40T Reader comes with the following key features:  Digital wallet ready — Support for a wide range of credential technologies, including HID Mobile Access® via native Bluetooth® and near field communication (NFC) capability, the new reader supports credentials in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. This means users get touchless entry without having the added step of opening additional apps.  Enhanced security — Highly secure storage of cryptographic keys on certified secure element hardware, plus a new surface detection feature that enables the reader to automatically recalibrate and optimise read range performance, the new Signo 40T Reader is ideal for door applications requiring a wall switch mount. Easy connectivity — Out-of-the-box support for Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) for secure bidirectional communication, the new Signo 40T Reader is designed to easily integrate and fit without requiring considerable time or unnecessary extra cost from installation engineers. The reader is designed to enable remote management, too. The new HID Signo Mechanical Keypad Reader 40T is available in Nordic countries including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

3xLOGIC, the pioneering innovator in security and business intelligence, has launched four new camera and imager solutions providing exceptional high-definition quality and intelligent software to improve business insights.  Each camera offers unique features tailored to business needs. Some include fixed lens capabilities, AI analytics, enhanced visual performance for poor lighting conditions, and more. VISIX™ Dual Thermal Imager VISIX™ Dual Thermal/Visible Light Imager combines visible light and thermal imaging with edge-based deep learning analytics for enhanced security and real-time monitoring, revolutionising surveillance for improved efficiency and effectiveness. This Dual Imager integrates a 5MP, 4mm visible light sensor with a 56-degree field of view, and a 320x240 resolution thermal imager in a single housing. Perfect solution for day or night surveillance and threat detection in retail, education, commercial Perfect solution for day or night surveillance and threat detection in retail, education, commercial, and warehousing. It can also support temperature detection for applications such as food manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, and chemical manufacturing where tight temperature control is required. Alerts will be generated when a temperature goes higher or lower than the set threshold, or when a temperature is raised or lowered at a defined ratio and interval. This helps operators reduce the risk of fire, explosion, and food spoiling. VISIX™ 5MP Ball Turret Camera Series The cameras are easy to install, with optimal 70’ IR and perimeter coverage VISIX™ 5MP Ball Turret Camera Series features highly adjustable, easy-to-install, high-definition cameras in housing preferred for use cases where optimal infrared coverage and clarity are required in challenging lighting conditions. This camera is well suited for perimeter surveillance of storefronts, parking lots, and inventory areas ensuring precise threat detection day and night. This cost-effective solution is flexible and versatile for indoor or outdoor use, providing clarity in otherwise poor visibility areas. The cameras are easy to install, with optimal 70’ IR and perimeter coverage, True Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), and Fixed or Varifocal Lenses. VISIX™ 10MP Fixed Dual Imager VISIX™ 10MP Fixed Dual Imager offers high-definition coverage with the ability to manually adjust two 5MP lenses in one housing unit. This allows for dual use of the imagers, including using one for edge-based AI video analytics to accurately detect and track people, objects, and vehicles — making it well suited for installations in small spaces where the imager can offer full coverage, for instance: dual entrances, turnstiles, and hallways. The camera comes with vandal-proof housing, WDR to provide clear images in challenging lighting, and IR of 60’ each lens (120’ total).  VISIX™ 20MP Varifocal Surround Camera End-users gain the use of four separate images in a single housing with the power to pan, tilt, and zoom VISIX™ 20MP Varifocal Surround Camera has four independent imagers capable of manual adjustment that can be positioned to cover virtually any security footprint. End-users gain the benefit of four separate images in a single housing with the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom each sensor individually. It comes with Audio and Alarm capabilities, remote zoom, WDR, and IR up to 100’. The camera is designed for large areas where full video coverage is needed such as large commercial spaces, warehouses, data centres, and car parks.  The Dual Thermal/Visible Light Imager, Fixed Dual Imager, and Surround models come with edge-based analytics that carry out object detection and tracking within the devices themselves with insights and metadata transmitted back to operators. This reduces the need for costly server rooms, making deep learning analytics more accessible for a range of applications. Based on deep learning, false alarms from wildlife, moving trees and wind, are reduced.  Advanced AI video analytics Mike Poe, Director of Product Management at 3xLOGIC, says: “With the latest camera models, 3xLOGIC is expanding the options available to the market for affordable and easy-to-install devices that carry out vital AI analytics at the edge. This makes advanced AI video analytics accessible to many different applications with no need for expensive server rooms, additional cabling, and extra ongoing maintenance.” “The dual-image cameras take this cost efficiency even further by combining two imagers in one device, making it simple for end-users to benefit from two lenses in the same housing without multiple devices and installations needed.”

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 method have made it among the most widely used for biometric authentication across industry sectors ranging from banking and finance, retail, and healthcare, to government and law enforcement. It performs biometric technology’s “something you are” function while offering unique characteristics that make it particularly valuable for many applications. Unique identifier The fingerprint biometric has the permanency of being reasonably stable and consistent over time Among these characteristics is the pervasiveness and special nature of the fingerprint -- almost everyone has one, and each is a unique identifier. The fingerprint biometric has the permanency of being reasonably stable and consistent over time. It is also easy to acquire, measure, and process. High adoption rate Another key attribute of a fingerprint biometric is its ability to be protected against threats ranging from abuse and misuse to theft, imitation, and substitution. When it is used with recognition techniques the resulting solution performs with a combination of accuracy, speed, scalability, and ease of use. Fingerprint biometric solutions also have the highest adoption rate among biometric authentication solutions according to an industry report published by Payments Journal. Three interrelated components There are three basic components in any fingerprint biometric system as shown in Figure 1:  capture (using a sensor that can capture even the most difficult finger types); liveness detection (using the Presentation Attack Detection – or PAD – technique); and matching (including preventing rejection of a legitimate user). Biometric algorithm The sensor captures and pre-processes the fingerprint data. It must be able to successfully capture fingerprint images for a range of skin types and print conditions under diverse temperatures, humidity, light, surface oil, dust, dirt, and other environmental conditions. A biometric algorithm then extracts minutiae data about the fingerprint ridges (endings, bifurcations, islands, etc.) and their orientation and position. PAD technique Implementing a presentation attack detection (PAD) technique at this stage activates the fingerprint biometric system’s second key element: liveness detection. This verifies the fingerprint’s authenticity and that it belongs to a living person. The system’s third element – matching – occurs after the PAD-verified fingerprint dataset has been securely stored as a record, known as a template, inside an enclave with cryptographic protection. Check for liveness The corresponding template of the legitimate user is then retrieved from secure storage When the fingerprint is presented for matching, it is rechecked for liveness. The corresponding template of the legitimate user is then retrieved from secure storage and the process of matching the fingerprint with this template is executed. This must be completed accurately and without rejecting a legitimate user. Types of fingerprint sensing technologies There are four prevailing categories of sensing technologies used with fingerprint readers: optical, capacitive, thin-film transistor (TFT), and multispectral imaging (MSI).  Optical and capacitive method Optical is the most mature sensor technology and offers the benefits of a compact size, good capture Optical is the most mature sensor technology, and offers the benefits of a compact size, good capture and matching performance, a small enough size to fit in most desktop environments or shared workstations, and a high level of accuracy at a cost-effective price point across all use cases. The capacitive method, on the other hand, is less prone to fake finger attempts while also offering a thin and compact size for space-limited applications, the power efficiency to support battery-operated devices, and the ability to handle both indoor and outdoor lighting conditions. TFT technology The third technology goes a step further in capture accuracy. TFT technology can accurately recognise the smallest fingerprint features with ultra-high resolution and is used either as a larger-size matrix capacitive proximity detector (capacitive fingerprint sensor) or a larger-area matrix light detector (optical fingerprint sensor). It is ideal for in-the-field mobile identification applications that require a cost-effective, ultra-slim, and lightweight solution with low power consumption. MSI technology MSI technology differs from all three approaches, projecting multiple colors of light into the finger from different angles to collect both surface and subsurface biometrics data. It captures the most difficult fingerprints of diverse demographics, in a wide range of challenging environments. HID has used this patented technology in fingerprint readers that are compliant with ISO 30107-3 PAD Level 2 for advanced anti-spoofing against fraud. The technology also improves matching and offers sophisticated endpoint security that prohibits cyber criminals from gaining unauthorised access to networks by turning fingerprint readers into secure endpoints. Best practices for technology selection Much is expected of the current fingerprint solutions, including delivering a low total cost of ownership Much is expected of the current fingerprint solutions, including delivering a low total cost of ownership. There are three top considerations: security, suitability, and usability. Each is important and the best approach is to strike a balance between all three. Following are the questions to ask during the selection process: Security: What is the regulatory environment? Financial and government services, healthcare, and law enforcement are some examples of highly regulated sectors with elevated security compliance requirements. Are there mandates in place for advanced capturing and biometric authentication specifications? How important is it to ensure anti-spoofing through liveness detection? Will endpoint security be required so that, if the fingerprint device is hacked, no network, system, or data behind the firewall will be impacted? Suitability: Where will the biometric technology be implemented? There will be additional considerations if it is to be embedded in portable, battery-operated devices that require low power consumption. Where will the technology be used? Will it need to fit into small spaces or be used in challenging indoor or outdoor conditions and environments? Will durability be important? Some deployments will face unpredictable weather and difficult lighting conditions for image capture. Will the technology be used for mission-critical border control or a more common – and less demanding -- commercial use? Usability Is it critical that the technology easily and consistently perform capture and matching? Will there be high volumes of fingerprint captures and matches? Is “friction frustration” a concern? If so, the solution must perform matching quickly and accurately to sustain high levels of user productivity. Will the fingerprint device be used by one person exclusively, or multiple people in a shared workstation setting? How diverse is the user population? Some readers are designed to handle all types of fingerprints and diversified demographics. Different applications  Fingerprint biometrics is a proven solution to address real-world challenges, each with its requirements The answers to these questions will help determine the best choice of fingerprint technology. Different applications apply fingerprint biometrics to very different use cases but in all cases. It is a proven solution to address real-world challenges, each with its requirements. For instance, in a healthcare clinician’s terminal area or a similar shared environment with limited space, a durable, low-profile capacitive sensor may be the right answer. For an organisation in a highly regulated, mission-critical environment like a bank or border control agency, advanced technologies such as MSI readers may be needed to avoid the serious repercussions of a spoofed identity or the rejection of a legitimate one. Requirements for a biometric solution These are just a few of the requirements to consider when choosing a fingerprint solution. In banking and finance, alone, fingerprint biometrics is used for applications ranging from transacting at the ATM to customer onboarding (eKYC), compliance (AML/KYC), and fraud prevention.  The retail sector adds even more, including age verification, loss prevention, point of sale (POS) security, self-service checkout, and secure time and attendance.  Law enforcement organisations have their unique requirements, using fingerprint biometrics for background checks, criminal booking, crime investigation, inmate management, mobile identification, and more. For government agencies, typical applications include benefits distribution, border security, citizen ID, employ authentication (SSO/MFA), and voter registration. Each application requires a thorough assessment of the best fingerprint technology for the job. The right touch The right solution will deliver the optimal balance of security, suitability, and usability Fingerprint biometric solutions empower a wide range of use cases with the simple touch of a finger. The right solution will deliver the optimal balance of security, suitability, and usability based on an analysis of criteria including specific application requirements, the characteristics and size of the user population, and challenges posed by environmental conditions. Accuracy, efficiency, and security The world faces increasingly dangerous fraud, account takeover, and impersonation threats. As industries and enterprises work to improve and evolve their identity and access strategies to combat these threats, fingerprint biometrics continue to prove their value through solutions that meet the key selection criteria while delivering the highest levels of accuracy, efficiency, and security.

Misconceptions about AI and analytics in video security are common due to the rapid evolution of the technology and varying levels of understanding. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and analytics are increasingly used as interchangeable terms when discussing video security cameras. AI v/s analytics While there is some overlap, it is important to articulate the differences between them when speaking to stakeholders or customers. As the myriad types of AI gain more prominence in the global dialogue and privacy concerns are increasingly raised, security professionals need to take extra care to educate executives and management in any organisation so that they can, in turn, represent the company's use of AI tools accurately. AI and analytics in video security Security cameras use subsets of AI, namely machine learning and deep learning, to recognise and classify objects The intent of this article is not to do an academic deep-dive on either AI or analytics, but instead to position each discipline as it relates to modern AI-based video security. The goal is to educate operations and management about the use of AI in video surveillance to support informed decision-making across the organisation. It’s worth mentioning that while AI is often used as a catch-all term, security cameras use subsets of AI, namely machine learning and deep learning, to recognise and classify objects.  Misconceptions Here are four common misconceptions about AI and analytics:  Misconception #1: AI and analytics are the same  People often confuse AI with analytics, but they're distinct. AI is used in the video industry to enhance analytics and analysis capabilities. The technique involves the use of the machine and deep learning algorithms to recognise or classify known objects like a person or vehicle. AI can further detect unique attributes of objects such as the colour of clothing, or additional objects that are carried or worn such as backpacks or glasses. Object detection  The processes overlap somewhat when AI is also used to enhance the analysis of complex behaviours Analytics, on the other hand, refers to the process of analysing what the detected object is doing. The processes overlap somewhat when AI is also used to enhance the analysis of complex behaviours. Is a vehicle traveling left or right in the camera’s field of view, possibly going the wrong way down a one-way street? Did it enter a restricted zone? Should a car arrive in this area at 3 a.m.? These are basic binary (yes/no) analytic tasks. Ascertaining whether two people are fighting or if someone is shoplifting is a more nuanced analysis that requires a sophisticated AI algorithm capable of considering multiple data points before alerting staff to suspicious behaviour.​ Addressing false positives with AI-assisted analytics ​Before AI-based object detection, analytics were prone to false positives any time the lighting changed (a passing cloud could change the pixels). Working together, AI and analytics have largely solved the issue of false positives for the objects they recognise. On a properly installed camera, AI-assisted analytics can issue proactive alerts or search through hours of footage for humans or vehicles with specific attributes incredibly quickly. AI adds classification and behaviour information to raise the overall accuracy of analytics and analysis. AI can also be used to enhance image quality in cameras, so there are many other ways it can be utilised.  Misconception #2:  AI can operate autonomously and replace security personnel  AI coupled with analytics can help operators monitor an increasingly larger number of cameras for anomalies and events While AI can enhance surveillance and response, the nuanced understanding and decision-making capabilities of humans are still crucial in most scenarios. AI coupled with analytics can help operators monitor an increasingly larger number of cameras for anomalies and events that may warrant attention, but the decision on how to act still firmly rests with the operator. This increasingly ‘intelligent’ assistant represented by AI helps security teams focus on what matters in an increasingly complex world, but it’s a team effort. And while AI’s capability to operate autonomously will surely improve, it’s hard to imagine a world in which it would be wise to let it make important decisions without human oversight.  Misconception #3: AI-based security cameras are invading the privacy Safeguarding personally identifiable information (PII) is a critical responsibility of any organisation. Because of the prevalence of data breaches, everyone is keenly aware of the risks of PII ending up in the wrong hands. For video security systems, it’s essential to realise that the descriptive metadata an AI-based camera captures is composed of anonymous data about the humans it detects.  Attributes such as the colour of clothing and whether a person is carrying a backpack or wearing a hat are certainly not sufficient to identify anyone personally. And while there may be grey areas with some AI systems that attempt to classify gender and age, they are still not identifying a specific person. Facial recognition Facial recognition is a specific, focused function, and while it might be improved with some AI-based techniques Most importantly, AI does not equal facial recognition. Facial recognition is a specific, focused function, and while it might be improved with some AI-based techniques, facial recognition has had its separate evolution distinct from AI. Facial recognition has privacy implications, while most AI implementations do not.  AI-based detection Additionally, AI-based detection of humans and vehicles typically happens “on the edge”, processed within the camera itself, while facial recognition almost always requires a separate VMS/server application and database to function. So, AI-based cameras don’t, by themselves, do facial recognition.  Misconception #4: AI can learn anything on its own  AI-based algorithms are only as good as the training they’ve received While AI can significantly enhance video surveillance capabilities, the machine and deep learning algorithms are not infallible. They require human oversight to manage false positives and interpret complex situations. AI-based algorithms are only as good as the training they’ve received. For example, human and vehicle detection algorithms have been carefully trained by R&D departments in laboratory settings with hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of representative images. This is why they can be very accurate when installed correctly. AI ‘on-site learning’ cameras For AI-based systems to truly learn to recognise something, they must also be informed when they get something wrong. This type of training usually occurs under the supervision of experienced AI developers. Recently, new AI ‘on-site learning’ cameras have become available. These can be trained by operators to recognise unique, customisable objects such as forklifts, shopping carts, airplanes, logos on vehicles, or any object an organisation might want to track or count. These systems must also be trained to be accurate. Intelligent training application AI on-site learning is also a great way to increase overall accuracy in any setting prone to false positives A typical on-site training challenge would be to capture an object in every lighting condition. To overcome this, forward-thinking vendors include an intelligent training application that automatically generates additional images across a range of luminance values, saving operators substantial time and effort while increasing accuracy. AI on-site learning is also a great way to increase overall accuracy in any setting prone to false positives.  Conclusion  Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for making informed decisions when implementing AI and analytics in video security systems and gaining consensus from stakeholders. As AI becomes ubiquitous across industries, it has the potential to lose its true meaning, particularly because we are only scratching the surface with machine and deep learning applications.  AI’s current capabilities and limitations Most importantly, we have to help educate all of our constituents that AI and analytics are not the same It’s also important to recognise that general (or strong) ‘AI’ does not yet exist. This is the ability of a machine to do any intellectual task a human can do. However, the marketing ship has long since sailed, so the best we can do is stay informed about AI’s current capabilities and limitations. Most importantly, we have to help educate all of our constituents that AI and analytics are not the same. AI does not equal facial recognition. Nor does it replace the need for human oversight. AI-based technology AI is a long way from non-structured, comprehensive learning and decision-making in a way humans would describe as ‘intelligent.’ With those caveats in place, the current AI-based technology functions as a fantastic assistant for security teams helping them to better protect people and property. 

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 antiquated and no longer cutting. The now and future of overnight security is in remote guarding. Pioneered by companies like Los Angeles-based Elite Interactive Solutions, which was founded back in 2007, remote guarding is revolutionising the overnight security business. Minimising criminal activity Remote guarding is fast becoming the most popular choice among commercial end-user property owners Remote guarding utilises a combination of cutting-edge technology, “digital guards,” highly trained security agents, and local law enforcement if and when necessary to minimise the potential of criminal activity. For those adequately enlightened to its overwhelmingly impressive crime prevention capabilities, remote guarding is fast becoming the most popular choice among commercial end-user property owners to secure and protect their investments. What Is remote guarding?  Remote guarding is a revolutionary concept and increasing trend in security systems that utilises a combination of methods to effectively analyse potential threats to property. Cameras and/or other monitoring devices running highly advanced algorithmic software are installed in strategic areas or vulnerable places onsite and remotely located security agents are immediately notified of any activity within a designated perimeter of the property. A blend of AI, cybersecurity, and video analytics When properly deployed by an expert provider, the technology stack includes a proprietary blend of video analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. Done right, “noise” is effectively filtered out, allowing agents to act on legitimate alerts and achieve zero false alarms communicated to first responders. Today, there are a lot of terms and descriptions tossed around about remote guarding, remote video, virtual guarding, etc., but those attributes must be present to represent the true definition of the offering and its many virtues. Realtime situational awareness Many systems have a two-way speaker that allows the security agent to give a verbal warning When specially trained security agents are alerted to trespassers, possible intruders, or other suspicious activity, they analyse the situation in real-time and determine the necessary level of action. Many systems have a two-way speaker that allows the security agent to give a verbal warning, known as a voice-down, to the individual(s) that they are being watched. Most perpetrators, often believing the response is emanating directly from security personnel on the property itself rather than from a remote command centre, flee immediately. However, if the threat persists, the security agent enlists local law enforcement to get on the scene.  Customised remote guarding When properly deployed, remote guarding systems are also customised to specific properties. A team of consultants visits the client’s property to evaluate its vulnerabilities and where to best place cameras and/or other monitoring devices for system efficacy. Traditional security shortfalls  According to Keith Bushey, a retired commander for the Los Angeles Police Department, there is much frustration between law enforcement officers and potential victims of crime due to the historically unreliable performance of traditional burglar alarm systems and central monitoring stations. He states about 90% of security-related calls are false alarms, a problem that has been well-documented through the years. Onsite challenges When a legitimate emergency does occur, the perpetrators have often already done their damage When a legitimate emergency does occur, the perpetrators have often already done their damage and/or escaped by the time law enforcement arrives.  Onsite security guards are not the remedy either as they bring their own set of issues and challenges.  Unexpected costs Traditional security systems can also have unexpected costs. The cost is not only in the security guards’ paycheck or the cost of the equipment itself. The cost comes when an actual incident occurs. In worst-case scenarios, the security guard(s) are injured, the business suffers inventory loss, and/or damage is sustained to the property.  The medical and other costs for the security guard(s), the loss of inventory, property damage, deployment of law enforcement resources, and possible fallout of legal expenses all add up. Even in the best-case scenario, false alarm expenses incur if law enforcement is dispatched. These, among many others, are some of the primary issues that remote guarding resoundingly answers as a superior alternative. A bounty of benefits Remote guarding systems have been proven to cut costs and be more effective than traditional security systems. Even though the monthly monitoring costs of remote guarding are significantly higher than traditional intrusion detection system monitoring, the much higher effectiveness in crime reduction, elimination of false alarms, and augmenting or replacement of manned guards result in a substantially higher return on investment (ROI) to the end user. Easy tracking of threats The security cameras already have their image captured on record, making them easier to track down For example, case studies have demonstrated reduced security costs for clients by 60%, on average. These reductions have come from the costs of security staff, inventory, or property loss, plus saving money on insurance premiums and deductibles. The nature of remote guarding reduces the risk and costs of false alarms, with professional security agents able to determine an actual threat before law enforcement is called. In a rare instance when a perpetrator escapes before law enforcement arrives or can detain the individual(s), the security cameras already have their image captured on record, making them easier to track down and identify. Reduction of false alarms The significant reduction in false alarms is greatly appreciated by law enforcement, as it allows them to focus on real emergencies or crises. Better relationships are also developed between clients and law enforcement, as remote guarding systems are highly reliable in providing accurate and real-time information to officers as they approach the scene. In short, it assists law enforcement in doing their job more effectively, as well as more safely thanks to having eyewitness information before engaging in an active crime scene.  Partnership When you combine the decreased cost with the increased efficiency and success rate, it is easy to see why many commercial end-user property owners across the country are making the shift to remote guarding. It’s also an outstanding opportunity for professional security dealers and integrators to partner with a remote guarding services provider to bring a superior solution to their end customers and pick up a recurring monthly revenue stream in the process.

In an emergency, information is pivotal. More information provides better understanding of an emergency and empowers potentially life-saving decision-making. Emergency response teams depend on information to guide their efforts and to deliver targeted assistance. On the front lines of emergency response are 911 and field responder agencies, which must direct reaction to life-or-death situations rapidly and efficiently. Historically, 911 operators had to respond based on very little information, perhaps just a voice on the phone or a location on their screen. Providing critical information Today, there are literally millions of information sources available, ranging from connected buildings to vehicle telematics to live video streams to health information from wearable devices. In fact, there are 540 million connected devices, any one of which could provide critical information in an emergency. But how can those information sources be leveraged to improve emergency response? That’s the mission and value proposition of RapidSOS, an ‘intelligent safety platform’ company that connects 911 operators with the vast universe of information available to promote better and faster emergency response. Highly sophisticated operation The platform is integrated into every major public safety software system and first responder agency “RapidSOS fuses human and artificial intelligence to put critical information from any connected device directly into the existing systems and operating procedures of first responders across the United States,” says Michael Martin, CEO of RapidSOS. RapidSOS is widely used by first responders. The platform is integrated into every major public safety software system and first responder agency. There are more than 4,600 software integrations that serve more than 21,000 first responders and 911 agencies. In 2023, RapidSOS supported the lifesaving work of public safety across 171 million emergencies with 3.3 billion data payloads. The system is adaptable and configurable to support any agency, from a highly sophisticated operation in New York City to a local sheriff running their own 911 center. Intelligent analytics and reporting RapidSOS Unite is the latest evolution of the product, a single solution that includes AI automation, rich content pathways, redundant connection to caller phones, and access to millions of connected devices. In an emergency, Unite intelligently fuses data from among millions of sensor feeds into a unified picture of an incident, allowing public safety officials to view real-time location, health profile, telematics, alarm data, and more. RapidSOS Unite is the latest evolution of the product, a single solution that includes AI automation RapidSOS offers core modules that handle call, text, video, sensor, mapping, and administration tools, and that provide partner data from connected devices. Additional modules provide enhanced geographic information system (GIS) data, and automated translation and transcription. There is also a single sign-on (SSO) upgrade, intelligent analytics and reporting, and seamless integration into field responder applications. Field responder applications Consider how an emergency might unfold and how RapidSOS can help. In a car accident, data from a modern automobile telematics system can alert a 911 operator of the accident as it happens. Data from a passenger’s wearable device might provide information about their health and condition. A nearby video or traffic camera could fill in details of how the accident occurred. Useful information in an emergency might come from any one of thousands of sources, including public safety data, sensor feeds, enterprise security systems, smart phones, etc. In a train derailment, electronic access to the cargo manifest can identify which train cars contain hazardous materials and how to manage the specific type of hazmat. This information could save valuable time when responding to incidents like the Feb. 3, 2024, Norfolk Southern train derailment involving 38 cars in East Palestine, Ohio. Consider how an emergency might unfold and how RapidSOS can help Institutional security partners Norfolk Southern is one of the companies that provides information to first responders using RapidSOS; in effect, the company provides a direct digital link from their rail security operations to any first responder in the United States. Amazon’s global operations centers also interface with RapidSOS to provide critical information to first responders. Partnering with corporate security helps to better support the flow of data from institutional security partners and their solutions. Information can transform and guide emergency responses. For example, in a structure fire, real-time sensor feeds throughout a building can help 911 and first responders understand how the fire is progressing. Real-time security camera footage Having access to live feeds can save lives as 911 provides pre-arrival instructions such as CPR Leading the way to providing video feeds from private camera systems to 911 operators is an agreement between Eagle Eye Networks and RapidSOS, which was announced in April 2024. The agreement allows an enterprise to opt-in to share real-time security camera footage from an Eagle Eye video stream during a live 911 call. Having access to live feeds can save lives as 911 provides pre-arrival instructions such as CPR.  “Security cameras are crucial in many locations, including schools, but previously those cameras could not be accessed by 911 during an emergency but were only used for investigation after an incident,” says Martin. Improving fire and life safety systems RapidSOS is also integrated with Honeywell’s Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS) system, a cloud platform that combines software and hardware to improve fire and life safety systems. Technology integrations between the two companies further modernise and digitise the public safety communications process to provide faster, more accurate communications with emergency centers (i.e., 911 agencies). RapidSOS technology securely transmits detailed data about an emergency CLSS provides real-time visibility and connectivity to help systems integrators and facilities managers make informed decisions and manage fire systems more efficiently. When combined with Honeywell's solutions, RapidSOS technology securely transmits detailed data about an emergency, such as the type of hazard, severity, and location within the impacted building, to emergency response centers. Video object detection Rapid SOS’s emerging Harmony artificial intelligence (AI) product serves as a ‘co-pilot’ for 911 operators, helping them manage the high volume of emergencies by making their response more efficient. Harmony pulls all the sensor feeds in an emergency and works to make only the most important information available in the hands of 911 and first responders. Harmony can take key insights from text and video data, use ‘sentiment analysis’ to determine the emotion tone of a message, and help 911 professionals using language translation, keyword alerts and video object detection. Harmony can help local agencies as they address a 25% average staffing shortage by providing additional support to 911 professionals while lessening the workload. Harmony is also working to help RapidSOS expand the ecosystem, stitching more data together and quickly making it more actionable than ever. Emergency response system RapidSOS also interfaces with Iamresponding, a comprehensive end-to-end emergency response system for first responders in the fire and other emergency sectors. Iamresponding’s field responder application is used by RapidSOS to get information out to first responders in the field. More than 650,000 first responders use RapidSOS’s field application RapidSOS’s recent acquisition of Iamresponding helps the company improve the connection with the last mile “in-the-field” piece of the puzzle, ensuring partners across computer-aided dispatch (CAD), integrated applications, mobile data terminals, body cameras and other responders have access to critical data. More than 650,000 first responders use RapidSOS’s field application. Enhancing emergency response RapidSOS’s Safety Pioneer Program formalises the important partnership between RapidSOS and public safety agencies. Participants in the program receive early access to new platform features, contribute to the platform roadmap, and drive feedback to enhance emergency response. “911 and first responders do incredible lifesaving work,” says Martin. “Everything we have done and built at RapidSOS is a direct result of the engagement, partnerships, inside advice and insight we have gotten from public safety. We have learned from them, developed new technologies and tested them.” Martin adds: “Companies have data and we now know how to make that data actionable into the hands of 911 and first responders to save lives. This is an exciting moment for us continuing our mission in partnership with public safety, and for technology and security companies to have a major hand in that.” {##Poll1719488782 - What is the most valuable benefit of artificial intelligence (AI) in an emergency call center?##}

In the competitive world of physical access control, Big Tech companies are seeking to play a larger role. Physical access competition Apple Wallet continues to stake its claim on mobile credentialing. Amazon One Enterprise is pushing a palm-based identity service. Google/Nest offers smart locks for home access control, with identity and access management provided in the Google Cloud. The entry of these big companies in the historically fragmented physical access control market is causing disruption and foreboding new levels of competition.  Apple Wallet impacting credentialing trends  The popularity of mobile wallets and contactless technologies in general has grown, creating more demand At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June 2021, the company announced support for home, office and hotel keys, including corporate badges and student ID cards, in Apple Wallet. Later, the company announced Hyatt as the first hotel partner to support the technology. Since then, the popularity of mobile wallets and contactless technologies in general has grown, creating more demand for a seamless solution such as Apple Wallet. Easy access  In 2023, HID Global announced the availability of their employee badge in Apple Wallet, allowing staff and guests to easily access corporate spaces with their iPhone or Apple Watch, including doors, elevators, turnstiles, etc. Employees just need to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader to unlock.  Factors affecting the rate of adoption However, implementing and maintaining an Apple Wallet-based access control system can incur costs for hardware updates, software licencing, and ongoing maintenance. Factors affecting the rate of adoption include the need to upgrade existing infrastructures to accommodate the technology, and the necessity for access control manufacturers to develop and implement integrations with Apple Wallet.  Benefits of adoption Keys in Apple Wallet take full advantage of the privacy and security built into the iPhone and Apple Watch With larger companies leading the way, some smaller ones might take longer to catch up. There is also a need to educate building owners and administrators to see the value and benefits of switching to Apple Wallet-based access control. Convenience and greater security can accelerate adoption. Keys in Apple Wallet take full advantage of the privacy and security built into iPhone and Apple Watch. Sensitive data protection A compatible app, specific to the building’s access control system, is needed. Once added, credentials are securely stored in the iPhone's Secure Enclave, a dedicated hardware chip designed for sensitive data protection.  Holding an iPhone near an NFC-enabled reader enables transmission of encrypted credentials. In addition to Near Field Communication (NFC), some systems also utilise Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for added security, longer read range, and hands-free unlocking. Phones need sufficient battery charge to function.  Amazon One Enterprise Enables Palm-Based Biometrics  In November 2023, Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS) announced an identity service providing comprehensive and easy-to-use authentication for physical and digital access control. The system enables users to employ their palm as an access control credential, allowing organisations to provide a fast and contactless experience for employees and others to gain access to physical locations as well as digital assets.  Physical and digital locations Physical locations include data centres, office and residential buildings, airports, hotels, resorts Physical locations include data centres, office and residential buildings, airports, hotels, resorts, and educational institutions. IT and security administrators can easily install Amazon One devices and manage users, devices, and software updates using AWS’s Management Console.  Elimination of physical credentials An advantage of the Amazon approach is the elimination of physical credentials such as fobs and badges, and digital elements such as personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords. AWS says security is built into every stage of the service, from multi-layered security controls in the Amazon One device, which is the same technology used in the Amazon Go retail stores, where shoppers can pay for purchases by scanning the palm of their hands. The devices combine palm and vein imagery for biometric matching and deliver an accuracy rate of 99.9999%, which exceeds the accuracy of other biometric alternatives, says the company. AI and ML The palm-recognition technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create a “palm signature” that is associated with identification credentials such as a badge, employee ID or PIN. Boon Edam, a revolving door and turnstile manufacturer, offers Amazon’s palm biometric technology on its equipment, and IHG Hotels & Resorts uses the technology to provide employees a convenient way to identify themselves and gain access to software systems. Google and Nest Devices in Access Control  When the Nest × Yale Lock is connected to the Nest app, a resident can unlock a door from their phone Google’s Nest devices include smart locks for home access control. The Google Nest × Yale Lock allows access control via both physical keys and passcodes accessible through the Google Home app. When the Nest × Yale Lock is connected to the Nest app, a resident can unlock a door from their phone. Passcodes can be created for family, guests, and other trusted persons. Alerts can be provided whenever someone unlocks and locks the door. When Nest “knows” a resident is away, the door can lock automatically. Voice control, Google Home app Voice control, using Google Assistant integrated with various Nest devices, enables use of voice commands to lock and unlock doors, thus adding another level of convenience. Smart home devices from various manufacturers can be controlled through the Google Home app. SMART Monitoring ADT’s Self Setup smart home security systems integrate Google Nest smart home products with ADT security and life safety technology, including SMART Monitoring technology. Microsoft Azure is another company that could impact access control. The Microsoft Azure Active Directory is an identity and access management platform that could be extended to physical access control, leveraging existing user credentials. Long-Range Impact on the Security Marketplace  Big Tech companies are creating platforms for managing access control data, integrating with other security systems Increasingly, Big Tech companies are creating platforms for managing access control data, integrating with other security systems, and offering analytics for optimising security and building operations. Big Tech is also actively researching and developing new technologies for access control, such as facial recognition, voice authentication, and AI-powered anomaly detection.  Access control communication and integration As their involvement in physical access control grows, Big Tech companies could potentially gain more influence in setting industry standards for access control communication and integration, similar to how they have become dominant in other areas such as mobile platforms. Given their expertise in user interface design and data analysis, Big Tech companies could help to direct how future access control systems are managed and how users interact with them, including more intuitive and user-friendly operations. Future of physical access control Existing concerns about privacy, security, and potential dominance by a few Big Tech companies could spill over into physical access control. However, traditional security companies, startups, and industry consortiums are also actively developing innovative solutions. Ultimately, the future of physical access control will likely be shaped by a combination of many different players and technologies – large and small. 

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

Genetec Inc., a pioneering technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, announced that Heathrow Airport’s multi-year investment in Genetec solutions is enabling them to continuously innovate and transform operations. The joint effort provides Heathrow with a unified view across large-scale airport operations to secure people and assets, bringing efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience while ensuring data privacy and cybersecurity compliance. Deployed Genetec Security Centre Heathrow deployed Genetec Security Centre to bring all of its IP security systems onto one unified forum London Heathrow is Europe’s busiest airport, handling approximately 80 million passengers and 14 million tons of goods annually. Over 76,000 employees work around the clock to ensure the airport’s smooth operations across its 1,227-hectare site, including maintaining passenger flow, securing the premises, and managing over 1,300 daily take-offs and landings for 89 different airlines. Heathrow initially deployed Genetec Security Centre to bring all of its IP security systems onto one unified platform. What began as a 2,000-camera deployment in 2016 has since more than quadrupled in size, incorporating everything from video and access control to LIDAR, analytics, automatic licence plate recognition (ALPR), and more. Genetec solutions Genetec solutions are used to go far beyond security. For example, Genetec solutions are used to monitor over 150 km (93 miles) of baggage belts and facilitate the daily entry and exit of over 150,000 vehicles. “We’re essentially running a small city operation that happens to be called Heathrow,” explains Danny Long, IT Product Owner for physical security products at Heathrow. “Alongside the traditional airport security functions, we’re responsible for the monitoring of roads, retail space, three train stations, a bus terminal, offices, a church, fuel stores, a high voltage electrical network, and all the other associated infrastructure that maintains passenger flow.” Software and firmware updates Genetec Security Centre supports 90 other stakeholder groups working across 110 control rooms Genetec Security Centre now supports 90 different stakeholder groups working across 110 distinct control rooms, all of whom have different needs and access rights. Customised dashboards enable individual teams and third parties, such as police, government agencies, airlines, and retailers, to focus on their specific tasks. For example, some operational staff are given the tools to monitor passenger flow and are automatically notified when security lines grow too long. Meanwhile, colleagues in IT don’t see camera feeds. Instead, they have access to system health dashboards that notify them of devices that have fallen offline or require software/firmware updates.  New requirements “The joy of working with London Heathrow is that the team is constantly striving to put our system through its paces and identify new areas where it can add value,” states Simon Barnes, Director of Business Development, Genetec, Inc. “While our software is configured to their requirements at the time, once in the field, new requirements emerge, and we have to adjust to their reality." “My job is to translate business requirements into workable solutions and Genetec provides me with the valuable tools to achieve that,” concludes Long. “Our experience with Genetec has been very positive. We’re only looking to expand in terms of the size and usage of the system.”

In 1899, the Texas Legislature authorised the formation of the Southwest Texas State Normal School, which opened in San Marcos four years later. At the time, the school’s mission was to prepare Texas public school teachers, but over the years, it has undergone several expansions and name changes to reflect its evolution into the major multi-purpose university Texas State has become. From its humble beginnings located in a single building, Texas State’s original San Marcos campus has grown to cover a 485-acre campus that is home to 267 buildings, as well as an additional 5,038 acres of recreational, instructional, farm and ranch land. The university added a second campus in Round Rock, which has grown from 15 temporary buildings to a 101-acre campus with state-of-the-art facilities. Electronic key control systems Texas State’s student population has kept pace with its physical expansion, growing from 303 in 1903 to more than 35,546 in 2013 – marking the 16th consecutive year of enrolment growth for the university. Texas State reviewed its security policies and chose the need to execute electronic key Anticipating major physical and population growth to continue into the future, Texas State reviewed its security policies and determined the necessity of implementing electronic key control systems in sensitive areas. Based on its size, the understanding was that as many as 85 of these systems could potentially be needed as part of this initiative. Aggressive construction campaign Texas State was faced with a particularly challenging growth-related issue in September 2013, as its freshman enrolment surged to more than 5,000. Like many universities, Texas State requires its freshmen to live on campus, which it sees as a tool for retention. That policy seems to be working, with approximately 80 percent of freshmen living on campus technically returning for the following semester. To accommodate the growing ranks of on-campus residents, the university has pursued an aggressive construction campaign, building a new residence hall complex every two years to house approximately 600 additional students with plans to break ground this fall on a third new housing complex. In all, Texas State spent more than $190 million on new or renovated buildings, with more construction planned into the foreseeable future. Update key management policies Maintenance staff members would often reach for the key to a particular building they needed to access With a large number of individuals requiring access to so many facilities, the university recognised that key management had the potential to become a high-risk issue and determined to become proactive in reducing that risk. Maintenance staff members would often reach for the key to a particular building they needed to access, only to find it was already checked out. They would then be forced to go through the time-consuming – and frustrating – process of determining who had the key last and tracking that person down to retrieve it. The decision was made to update key management policies and practices to make them more efficient and effective. “We’ve been especially happy with the KeyWatcher’s access and reporting capabilities, and the system’s reporting tools make reviewing events and issues incredibly simple,” Kyle Estes Associate Director of Housing for Facilities Services Texas State. Options for key management systems To combat these problems and increase the security and effectiveness of its key management, Texas State charged its University Police Department and other stakeholders with undertaking an extensive review of the available options for key management systems on the market. This exhaustive process involved gathering research from printed materials and online research, having discussions with current customers of the various vendors, and listening to on-site presentations from the companies under consideration. At the conclusion of its review of key control cabinets and systems, Texas State chose KeyWatcher Touch from Morse Watchmans. This exhaustive process involved gathering research from printed materials and online research The main factors that led Texas State to choose KeyWatcher Touch systems were its robust feature set and competitive pricing. The school was also impressed by Morse Watchmans’ receptiveness to its specific needs – a six-digit user ID, for example – and ability to implement changes quickly. Access to support was also a main consideration, so Texas State appreciated that the system was produced domestically by a company with a 130-year history. Enterprise management capability Of the KeyWatcher systems to be implemented, the largest number were to be deployed for Texas State’s Department of Housing and Residential Life, which provides housing and services to approximately 7,000 residents in 25 facilities. The department also operates a facilities service group consisting of 110 full-time employees and a staff of 170 building paraprofessionals. The department also operates a facilities service group consisting of 110 full-time employees Because of the personnel changes the department experiences on an annual basis, the system’s enterprise management capability has been a valuable feature, as have its robust reporting capabilities, says Kyle Estes, Texas State’s Associate Director of Housing Facilities Services. Having keys available in each residence hall for use by maintenance staff has made the department more efficient and reduced their liability; staff no longer need to carry multiple master keys across campus for different buildings. Centralised management features “Because the system automatically generates a log of who has each key, we’ve been able to establish much better employee accountability for key usage,” Estes says. “The ability to set a maximum duration that each key can be checked out and to receive alarms when that limit is exceeded has eliminated the problem of having keys unnecessarily checked out and as a result inaccessible when someone needs them.” Ease of use and centralised control parts fed by the system’s web capabilities All KeyWatcher Touch systems deployed at Texas State are connected to the university’s network and interface with its card access and email systems. The ease of use and centralised management features provided by the system’s network capabilities have streamlined the once cumbersome process of generating reports and reviewing incidents. One particular feature, the ability to access the system from anywhere, has made the system even more effective, Estes says. Earliest adopters of KeyWatcher Touch As one of the earliest adopters of KeyWatcher Touch, the Housing and Facilities Department served as a test case of sorts for the system. Based on the success the department has had, combined with its continued rapid growth and expansion, Texas State University’s 85-system implementation is ongoing. As more systems are added, expansion will be a consideration moving forward, but Estes doesn’t anticipate that being a problem. “We’ve found that expanding these systems is fairly easy and doesn’t involve time-consuming processes that could delay implementation of key management for particularly sensitive areas,” Estes says. “Overall, the system has been very reliable, and the support staff has been very responsive and regularly available to help resolve the very few minor issues we’ve encountered in a timely manner."

Named one of Money magazine’s Best Colleges in America 2023, Fairfax-based Geoge Mason University (Mason) is the largest public research university in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Its 10,000 faculty and staff provide classes and support services across three regional campuses, an international branch campus in Songdo, South Korea, and five instructional sites. With more than 40,000 students hailing from all 50 states and 130 countries and a six-year graduation rate that is well above the national average, Mason continues a rapid upward enrollment trajectory that saw headcount and credit hours increase by nearly 2 percent in Spring 2022 and Fall 2023 applications rise by 11 percent.  R1 research university In addition to a heavy emphasis on diversity – U.S. News and World Report named it the state’s best public university for diversity and innovation – Mason is a pioneer in technology and research with 40 percent of its students majoring in STEM fields. It is also the youngest nationally ranked R1 research university, a top 10 public university for cybersecurity programmes, and a top 20 public university for five different engineering and education online programmes.  University's challenge Providing an exceptional experience had to balance with the need to maintain public access to appropriate services Mason’s rapid growth requires it to embrace system-wide innovation, particularly when it comes to providing a safe, secure university environment for students, faculty, and staff. Providing an exceptional experience had to balance with the need to maintain public access to appropriate services, as well as the convenience of contactless entry and the ability to act quickly when credentials were lost, or stolen or the user’s status with the university changed.  Goal “We have a very open campus. Most of our doors are unlocked from 7 AM until 11 PM and we have a public library, so we need to make sure access control isn’t in the way. On the other side, we need to make sure that if something does happen, we can react quickly to unfolding scenarios,” said Daniel W. Anthes, Director of Technology Services, at George Mason University. “The goal is to make it safe, easy, and seamless for people to navigate campus.” Case study  Mason had already implemented a card-based access control solution featuring HID® Seos credentialling technology, HID OMNIKEY® chips, HID Asure ID card printing software, HID FARGO® printers, and HID Signo™ card readers.  Photo identification cards were encoded with appropriate credentials allowing the holder to access everything from parking to residence and dining halls to facilities and services, including data centres, libraries, and shops by simply tapping or swiping. “Eventually, we reached the point that the switch to mobile credentialling was a straightforward next phase. This would make it easier for staff and students to get where they needed to be without having to fumble with a set of keys,” said Anthes.  HID's solution HID Mobile Access lets any compatible mobile device – smartphones, tablets, or wearables – be used as a credential Mason again turned to HID and Atrium, deploying the HID Mobile Access® solution with Seos as the underlying credential technology. Atrium provisions and manages the lifecycle of the HID Mobile Access credentials. HID Mobile Access lets any compatible mobile device – smartphones, tablets, or wearables – be used as a credential to securely access doors, gates, networks, and more. It significantly increases convenience and boosts operational efficiency without compromising security.  HID Mobile Access Because Mason had Signo readers already in place, deployment of HID Mobile Access required just a simple upgrade. Importantly, while mobile access eliminates the need for physical access cards, the highly versatile Signo readers support the widest range of credential technologies via native Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), and Apple Wallet – meaning those who choose to can continue using their physical ID cards until they are ready to transition to mobile access.  Seamless integration “Once you get them using the technology, at that point the realisation hits that this phone access is awesome. Or you can use your Apple watch and never even pull your phone from your pocket. There are a lot of things you have to navigate when considering credentials." "Fortunately, the HIDand Atrium Campus partnership offers the complete solution, bundled together and working seamlessly in the way I expected. The seamlessness of the mobile credential and how quickly they can get where they need to be with their phone or wearable is cool to see in action,” said Anthes.  Final results Mason’s more than 50,000 students, faculty, and staff can leverage mobile credentials at any campus In addition to access to approximately 7,000 doors across its campus locations, Mason’s more than 50,000 students, faculty, and staff can leverage mobile credentials at any campus cash register, printer, copy machine, and retail and recreational facility. Mobile access will increase the convenience factor exponentially for students, for example enabling express check-in for residence halls at the start 2024-25 school year which will let students bypass queues that in the past were hundreds deep and go straight to their dorm rooms.  Mason Mobile ID Mason Mobile ID has also driven a significant drop in the issuance of temporary and replacement cards, saving both the university and students time, money, and frustration. Students can also easily switch credentials to a new wearable or mobile device, eliminating the need to have this done in person – a significant convenience when Apple released its iPhone 15 shortly after Mason transitioned to mobile access.  Safety standpoint “We are only two months in, so there are a lot of benefits we have yet to see with Mason Mobile ID, but I’m excited about what we’ve already started noticing in terms of students engaging faster with their peers and community." "The police department also absolutely loves the wearables from a public safety standpoint, because they can get through the doors a whole lot faster than they could with the traditional cards or when they had to fumble with keys,” said Anthes.  Operational efficiency Going forward, Mason is exploring expanding mobile access to shuttle buses, which would also allow them to track utilisation data, and for more special events access. “New technology like mobile access is how Mason improves operations, so if there is an opportunity, I will certainly push to have HID involved. There are a lot of things you have to navigate when considering credentials. Fortunately, the HID and Atrium Campus partnership offers the complete solution, bundled together and working seamlessly in the way I expected,” said Anthes. 

i-PRO Co., Ltd. (formerly Panasonic Security), a global pioneer in professional security solutions for surveillance and public safety, announced that the Arkansas Department of Corrections (DOC) has chosen to modernise its surveillance camera system with i-PRO network cameras and recorders. More than 4,000 cameras help the Arkansas DOC oversee 17,000 inmates and 32 facilities. Working closely with system integrator Progressive Technologies, The Arkansas DOC has already replaced approximately 60% of their analog cameras with a mix of high-resolution i-PRO multi-sensor, fisheye, PTZ, bullet, dome, and compact dome cameras, and modernised their NVRs with i-PRO NX and NU recorders. Resolution, reliability, and cybersecurity Reliability is also a must-have for the DOC in an environment hostile to technology Arkansas DOC Containment and Surveillance Coordinator Drake Palmer talked about the impact of moving from analog to high-resolution digital cameras. “It’s like night and day. 4K is what allows us to see if someone’s handing an inmate a pen or a shank. We went from having blurry images to complete clarity. From a narrow field of view to a wide field of view. There are a hundred different things that these cameras have made easier and safer for inmates and staff.” Reliability is also a must-have for the DOC in an environment hostile to technology. Cybersecurity is also a key concern, which is why they replaced existing IP cameras that lacked cybersecurity features at a facility they took over. At that site, Palmer brought in the easy-to-install i-PRO NU all-in-one recorder, took out the low-end cameras and recorder, deployed i-PRO cameras and the NU recorder and had everything up and running in 10 minutes. Exploring video analytics At each of the DOC’s facilities, an officer monitors the video surveillance system on site. But with as many as 800 cameras on some sites, it’s impossible for one person to watch them all. Palmer anticipates taking advantage of i-PRO’s video analytics in the future to help with that. He is also exploring using line-crossing analytics to phase out the legacy microwave solution in place to surveil the facilities’ perimeters and identify/prevent contraband drops. Licence plate recognition is also of interest to Palmer as a way to identify vehicles of interest that frequent the facilities. As the Arkansas DOC continues to modernise its surveillance system in phases, Palmer says, “We’ll be able to move gradually from reactive to proactive use of our camera system.”

The University of California San Diego (UCSD) Police Department is a full-fledged law enforcement agency responsible for patrolling, investigating, and preventing crime within its jurisdiction. Spanning over 1,200 acres and comprising 900 buildings, UCSD’s campus presents unique challenges for law enforcement. The department’s Communications Division serves as the nerve centre, coordinating responses to emergencies, managing communications, and ensuring coordination among officers. Garrett Williams, a seasoned Sergeant at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) Police Department, oversees the Communications Division. With over two decades of experience, Williams understands the critical role technology can play in public safety. The challenge Before partnering with RGB Spectrum, UCSD faced significant obstacles in its dispatch operations Before partnering with RGB Spectrum, UCSD faced significant obstacles in its dispatch operations. Dispatchers juggled multiple computers, including a CAD, radio, and phone computer, each requiring separate keyboards and mice. “I didn’t look to RGB to solve all my problems. However, I understood all that could be accomplished once the team showed us how the technology operated and what was possible,” Garrett Williams, Sergeant, University of California San Diego Police Department. “Three separate mice and operators constantly moving side to side to look from one to the other and then having to move their hands back and forth between control devices - anytime they have to do that, it’s slowing their workflow down; we figured there had to be a better solution,” shared Williams. “And up to 25% of our operators were suffering from repetitive movement and neck Injuries, resulting in downtime and light duty restrictions.” Why UCSD chose XtendPoint KVM-over-IP UCSD wanted a seamless KVM solution that integrated multiple systems over IP under a unified interface. It explored various options before discovering RGB Spectrum’s XtendPoint™ solution, which provides local and remote access to source computers, consolidates separate monitors into multi-view displays, and unifies control for more streamlined operation and enhanced efficiency. With RGB’s XtendPoint KVM system, UCSD grew access to the fire alarm system at each operator’s station UCSD’s key selling point was its ergonomic benefits. It offered a solution to the ergonomic challenges plaguing dispatchers by minimising the need for multiple keyboards and mice. So did replacing monitor clutter. With the XtendPoint solution, single-signal monitors are consolidated on each console using multiview displays that can handle up to four computer signals each or up to eight signals displayed on just two pieces of glass. A notable feature of this solution is the ability to offer each operator customised display viewing, even in a multi-shift operation. A KVM-over-IP backbone offers additional benefits. Before, only one dispatcher station could see the fire alarm system. With RGB’s XtendPoint KVM system, UCSD expanded access to the fire alarm system at each operator’s station. Now, no matter where dispatchers are seated, they have access to all needed systems. How UCSD uses RGB’s solution The RGB Spectrum solution marked a significant turning point for UCSD’s dispatch operations. Dispatchers experienced a dramatic improvement in efficiency, ergonomics, and situational awareness. Gone are the days of dispatchers juggling multiple control devices. With a unified interface, dispatchers can control all systems from a single keyboard and mouse. A streamlined workflow accelerated response times and reduced errors. Video integration proved invaluable. Dispatchers can now access live video feeds and additional mission-critical systems directly within one system interface, providing them with real-time visual information as required. With a unified interface, dispatchers can control all systems from a single keyboard and mouse Additionally, support for video integration with a video wall provided opportunities for enhanced collaboration and situational awareness. Commented Williams, “The flexibility of the RGB system also allowed UCSD dispatchers to leverage video wall capabilities. They can easily share critical information and task lists with colleagues. A more collaborative environment has facilitated communication and coordination among dispatchers, ensuring that tasks are efficiently managed and prioritised during high-stress situations. We can use the RGB system to throw things up on the wall so other dispatchers can see what’s happening and interact as needed.” “In addition," said Williams, “the resilience of the RGB XtendPoint system is invaluable in maintaining operational continuity. For example, in the event of a problem at a station, technicians can work on the issue while the dispatcher moves to a backup computer or station, allowing dispatchers to continue critical work without interruption. This proactive approach to system maintainability and resilience saves time and resources and ensures that dispatch operations remain fully functional at all times.” The result The impact of XtendPoint KVM-over-IP on UCSD’s dispatch operations has been profound. UCSD witnessed significant improvements in efficiency, ergonomics, and situational awareness. Efficiency soared as dispatchers seamlessly controlled multiple systems from a single interface. Ergonomic issues were mitigated, and dispatcher morale improved, enabling dispatchers to respond more effectively to emergencies. Future plans with RGB Spectrum Williams is enthusiastic about the wraparound monitors RGB has announced Looking ahead, UCSD sees opportunities to leverage RGB Spectrum’s technology further to enhance operations. RGB system’s versatility also enables UCSD to adapt to evolving threats and emergencies. In the event of, say, a building evacuation or siege, for example, UCSD could almost immediately establish a satellite facility. Williams is enthusiastic about the wraparound monitors RGB has announced. “We are looking at RGB’s new, yet to come to market, 43-inch curved monitors that will be the finishing touch for even better ergonomics and a customised workspace.” Another potential interest is a “flyaway” kit, a transportable command-and-control system with integral radio access. This mobile system would enable UCSD to monitor special events, such as festivals, where real-time situational awareness is crucial for ensuring the safety of attendees and staff. Williams notes, “We can have a mobile command post set up near a festival or special event, take one of our dispatch systems and put it there without having to move a lot of equipment or figuring out how to get it on the network.” Implementing RGB Spectrum’s solutions UCSD also aims to extend the reach of its dispatch operations by providing in-the-field personnel with access to real-time information. By equipping mobile units with RGB’s AV-over-IP systems via smartphones, police officers could receive critical updates and better collaborate with dispatchers to respond to incidents. “If you think of the unthinkable, like a school shooting, it would be ideal to share live coverage of what’s happening, detailed building schematics, and info on weapons the assailant might be using. Who doesn’t want to know what’s potentially happening behind closed doors before walking in? It’s situational awareness on a whole new level,” commented Williams. The partnership between the UCSD Police Department and RGB Spectrum has proven successful. By implementing RGB Spectrum’s solutions, UCSD transformed its dispatch operations to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, ergonomics, and situational awareness. And it is just a start.

360 Vision Technology, the UK-based manufacturer of ruggedised HD, radar, and thermal PTZ surveillance cameras, has been selected to supply its radar surveillance camera technology to a solar farm site in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Predator Radar camera  Capable of generating 1-Megawatt of electrical power, the solar farm site was constructed by VARTEC EPC Limited for Lowther Renewables Ltd, to help offset the carbon footprint of its parent company, AJ Lowther & Son Ltd, which provides a range of steelwork, cladding, and refurbishment services, including steelwork structures catering for manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, commercial and equestrian buildings. In collaboration with VARTEC, a technical specification for the solar farm was jointly devised by Craig Carton, 360 Vision Technology’s Technical & Customer Support Manager, resulting in the specification of a 360 Vision Predator Radar camera unit specified to secure the entire site. Cost-effective perimeter solution With up to 200m radius/400m diameter constant surveillance capability, this provides a highly effective solution The 360 Vision Predator Radar camera unit deployed integrates radar technology with a Predator 1080p HD camera, to offer a cost-effective perimeter and wide area surveillance solution. With up to 200m radius/400m diameter constant surveillance capability, this provides a highly effective solution with which to secure the solar farm site, while minimizing costs compared to traditional CCTV camera solutions, with only one radar/camera unit being required. Surveillance cameras installation “The site’s remote countryside location, coupled with its significant slope and numerous access points along its perimeter, presented many challenges,” says Craig Vardy, Managing Director of VARTEC. “Lowther Renewables required coverage of the entire solar farm and it would normally have required several traditional security cameras to provide adequate surveillance coverage which would have been prohibitively expensive. However, we were able to negate the need to install several surveillance cameras by specifying just one 360 Vision Predator Radar camera unit to cover the same area.” Object detection Predator Radar works in all-weather scenarios (rain, fog, snow, mist) providing uninterrupted protection Designed for applications where wide area detection and tracking of moving objects is required, Predator Radar works in all-weather scenarios (rain, fog, snow, mist) providing uninterrupted protection by scanning 360° twice every second, to detect and automatically track up to 40 simultaneous objects. “At the site, on detection of an object by the Predator Radar camera, an alarm activation is sent to the NX Witness VMS via an I/O module." Live and recorded video and audio "NX Witness sends this alarm onwards to the Sentinel alarm management platform at the Doncaster Security Operations Centre (DSOC), where alarms are prioritised and evidence for the events is retrieved. This provides the operators with live and recorded video and audio, allowing them to make a quick and accurate decision as to the cause of the alarm." "Operators are guided through pre-defined manual and automated actions, based on the cause, to ensure a rapid response to the situation. The whole alarm handling process is fully audited allowing further analysis and reporting post alarm handling.” Real-time activation At DSOC, any Predator Radar camera alarm activations are overlaid on the screen to notify the operator DSOC detects, responds, and reports any threat activation in real time, meaning the solar farm is protected and immediately aware of any security issues. At DSOC, any Predator Radar camera alarm activations are overlaid on screen to notify the operator that an intruder has been detected, and tracking images are automatically sent to the operator’s screen for visual confirmation, all while the object is continuously and automatically tracked, whatever its path onsite. Dispersing threats On verification of an alarm threat, DSOC operators analyse the video data to make an informed decision; to either contact the police, a keyholder, or OCTAGA, Hereford (a key-holder/physical patrol guarding service who responds in the event of an incident needing attendance). Providing an additional deterrent and avoiding the requirement for a physical attendance to the site for every activation, the Predator Radar camera carries integrated LED white light capability, to help confirm and disperse threats in the hours of darkness.  Cloud-based NX Witness VMS In addition to DSOC, monitoring of the site and events can also be performed via a cloud-based NX Witness VMS “Since its installation, the VARTEC installed radar-based camera system has run trouble-free and there have been no false alarms, thanks to visual verification from DSOC,” says Anthony Lowther, of Lowther Renewables. In addition to DSOC, monitoring of the site and events can also be performed via a cloud-based NX Witness VMS, where the transmitted video and data can be accessed remotely and a live insight viewed via a graphically rich desktop interface. Error-free security surveillance solution Craig Vardy adds, “Using the unique capabilities of the 360 Vision Technology Predator Radar camera, we were able to provide an error-free security surveillance solution while also saving the customer money on capital outlay by using just one radar unit, versus the several traditional video cameras that would have been otherwise required to secure this large solar farm site.” “We are very happy to have been able to support VARTEC and Lowther Renewables to secure an effective solution for their challenging wide area surveillance challenge at the solar farm site,” says Craig Carton of 360 Vision Technology. Radar camera solutions “Across the globe, our innovative radar camera solutions are supporting high-security, safety, and site management applications, from the protection of national borders to protecting utility and commercial sites." "This 5-acre solar farm project underlines the highly effective surveillance capability of the Predator Radar camera range.”

Machine learning (ML) is a field within Artificial Intelligence (AI) and one of the more common buzzwords in the physical security market. ML focuses on building computer systems that can learn and improve on their own, without being explicitly programmed for every scenario. Machine learning is poised to revolutionise physical security by offering a more proactive, data-driven approach to securing people and assets. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is Machine Learning (ML) and how can it benefit physical security? 

Headlines of violence in our schools are a reminder of the need to keep educational institutions safe. In fact, if there is a positive aspect to the constant bombardment of headlines, it is that it keeps our attention perpetually focused on how to improve school security. But what is the role of physical security systems? As the new school year begins, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Are schools safer because of physical security systems? Why or why not? 

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?