Akuvox Security Surveillance Monitors  (5)

Though many office workers across the globe have found themselves working remotely for the past year, we are seeing a bit of a silver lining, as vaccine rollouts hint at a return to some pre-pandemic sense of normalcy. However, while some of us might opt for a fully-remote work life, others are anticipating a hybrid solution. Even before the pandemic, offices were taking a new, more open layout approach—moving past the days of cubicles and small office configurations. Going forward, offices and other workspaces will be tasked with supporting a hybrid work solution, as well as increasing hygiene measures. Video intercom solution This is where an IP video intercom solution can assist. Below are four ways they can help usher in a smarter, safer work environment: Video intercoms assist in creating a more hygienic work environment - The outbreak of COVID-19 has raised awareness of germs and just how easily a virus can be transmitted by face-to-face contact. Germ barriers are popping up in many aspects of our daily lives, where we were not likely to see them before Unfortunately, the door is also the easiest of these germ barriers to breach As such, we’re becoming accustomed to seeing plexiglass barriers at restaurants, grocery stores, and even coffee shops. However, many don’t realize that one of the best germ barriers is a simple door. Unfortunately, the door is also the easiest of these germ barriers to breach. All it takes is a knock or a doorbell ring to make us open our germ barrier and be face-to-face with whomever is on the other side. Increasing hygiene safety A simple step to increase hygiene safety and visitor security in commercial buildings and workspaces is an IP video intercom. Installing a video intercom will allow staff to see and speak with visitors without breaching that all-important germ barrier. A video intercom system provides a first line of defense, enabling the user to visually confirm the identity of the person on the other side of the door first before granting access. It can also be used to make sure proper procedures are being followed before a person is allowed to enter, such as using hand sanitizer, wearing a mask, and following social distancing guidelines. Basic security needs A major topic of conversation the past year has been how to manage occupancy in all facilities Video intercoms for occupancy management and basic security - A major topic of conversation the past year has been how to manage occupancy in all facilities—ranging from grocery stores and retail shops to restaurants and commercial buildings. Workspaces and offices are no exception. A video intercom provides a quick and convenient method of seeing who, or what, is on the unsecure side of the door before opening. For basic security needs, if a business has a door opening into an alley, a video intercom would be used to ensure no one is waiting outside to force their way in when the door is opened. Personal protection equipment Such solutions can also be used to ensure a person is carrying proper credentials, or wearing proper personal protection equipment (PPE), before entering a sensitive area. For example, if a lab has a room which can only be accessed by two persons at a time wearing specific protective gear, a video intercom could ensure each person is properly equipped, before allowing access that particular room. Additionally, for office or workspaces that have shared common areas, such as a cafeteria, gym or even conference rooms, managing access to these spaces will remain a priority, especially with post-pandemic restrictions in place. Video intercoms are a comprehensive safety and security tool for any workspace Deliveries of packages, work-related materials, or even food are common in any office or workspace. Video intercoms can assist in facilitating safe deliveries by visually and audibly confirming the identity of the individual. The visitor could be your next big client, your lunch delivery, a fellow employee with a faulty access card, or your mail. Video intercoms are a comprehensive safety and security tool for any workspace. Visitor management systems Video intercoms provide a cost-effective solution in small to mid-sized office facilities - One significant advantage of video intercom systems is the variety of applications available. Systems range from simple one-to-one video intercoms, to buzz-in systems, to full-fledged visitor management systems in mixed-use buildings. While they might lack the resources and manpower many enterprises have, small-to medium-sized offices can also take steps to ensure the safety of their staff and customers. Like any business, controlling who comes into the building is a primary way of maintaining safety. Video intercoms work in conjunction with access control systems to provide an identifying view of visitors or employees with lost or missing credentials. They allow staff to both see and hear those on the unsecured side of the door to determine intent before granting access. Most quality video intercoms will provide a clear enough image to allow an identification card to be read by holding it close to the lens, adding another opportunity to verify identity. Touchless intercom activation One major trend is the option of providing a touchless door activation Video intercoms provide a touchless option - Even prior to COVID-19, one major trend is the option of providing a touchless door activation or touchless intercom activation of a video intercom for those without proper credentials. Though touchless isn’t a new solution to the access control market, the pandemic introduced a renewed focus on these types of solutions to provide hygienic access to visitors. For offices and other workspaces looking to make investments into post-pandemic solutions to assist in reopening, touchless can support these efforts. When it comes to smart, secure workspaces, many people think instantly of cameras or monitors, access control, and alarm systems. Proper access credentials However, video intercoms are often the missing piece of a building’s security puzzle. A video intercom provides an identifying view that is not always available from a camera covering a large area. They allow those without proper access credentials a method of requesting entry, and just like cameras, they can be activated by alarms to allow staff to clearly see and communicate. If a workspace or office is important enough to be secure, it’s important enough to be sure of who is there before the door is opened. In 2021, it’s not enough to ensure the physical security of your staff and visitors, but also to ensure they are accessing a hygienic environment. Video intercoms provide that security and peace of mind.

Insider threat programs started with counter-espionage cases in the government. Today, insider threat programs have become a more common practice in all industries, as companies understand the risks associated with not having one. To build a program, you must first understand what an insider threat is. An insider threat is an employee, contractor, visitor or other insider who have been granted physical or logical access to a company that can cause extensive damage. Damage ranges from emotional or physical injury, to personnel, financial and reputational loss to data loss/manipulation or destruction of assets. Financial and confidential information While malicious insiders only make up 22% of the threats, they have the most impact on an organization Most threats are derived from the accidental insider. For example, it’s the person who is working on a competitive sales pitch on an airplane and is plugging in financial and confidential information. They are working hard, yet their company’s information is exposed to everyone around them. Another type of insider, the compromised insider, is the person who accidentally downloaded malware when clicking on a fake, urgent email, exposing their information. Malicious insiders cause the greatest concerns. These are the rogue employees who may feel threatened. They may turn violent or take action to damage the company. Or you have the criminal actor employees who are truly malicious and have been hired or bribed by another company to gather intel. Their goal is to gather data and assets to cause damage for a specific purpose. While malicious insiders only make up 22% of the threats, they have the most impact on an organization. They can cause brand and financial damage, along with physical and mental damage. Insider threat program Once you determine you need an insider threat program, you need to build a business case and support it with requirements. Depending on your industry, you can start with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, NERC CIP, PCI, etc. Talk to your regulator and get their input. Everyone needs to be onboard, understand the intricacies of enacting a program Next, get a top to bottom risk assessment to learn your organization’s risks. A risk assessment will help you prioritize your risks and provide recommendations about what you need to include in your program. Begin by meeting with senior leadership, including your CEO to discuss expectations. Creating an insider threat program will change the company culture, and the CEO must understand the gravity of his/her decision before moving forward. Everyone needs to be onboard, understand the intricacies of enacting a program and support it before its implemented. Determining the level of monitoring The size and complexity of your company will determine the type of program needed. One size does not fit all. It will determine what technologies are required and how much personnel is needed to execute the program. The company must determine what level of monitoring is needed to meet their goals. After the leadership team decides, form a steering committee that includes someone from legal, HR and IT. Other departments can join as necessary. This team sets up the structure, lays out the plan, determines the budget and what type of technologies are needed. For small companies, the best value is education. Educate your employees about the program, build the culture and promote awareness. Teach employees about the behaviors you are looking for and how to report them. Behavioral analysis software Every company is different and you need to determine what will gain employee support The steering committee will need to decide what is out of scope. Every company is different and you need to determine what will gain employee support. The tools put in place cannot monitor employee productivity (web surfing). That is out of scope and will disrupt the company culture. What technology does your organization need to detect insider threats? Organizations need software solutions that monitor, aggregate and analyze data to identify potential threats. Behavioral analysis software looks at patterns of behavior and identifies anomalies. Use business intelligence/data analytics solutions to solve this challenge. This solution learns the normal behavior of people and notifies security staff when behavior changes. This is done by setting a set risk score. Once the score crosses a determined threshold, an alert is triggered. Case and incident management tools Predictive analytics technology reviews behaviors and identifies sensitive areas of companies (pharmacies, server rooms) or files (HR, finance, development). If it sees anomalous behavior, it can predict behaviours. It can determine if someone is going to take data. It helps companies take steps to get ahead of bad behavior. If an employee sends hostile emails, they are picked up and an alert is triggered User sentiment detection software can work in real time. If an employee sends hostile emails, they are picked up and an alert is triggered. The SOC and HR are notified and security dispatched. Depending on how a company has this process set-up, it could potentially save lives. Now that your organization has all this data, how do you pull it together? Case and incident management tools can pool data points and create threat dashboards. Cyber detection system with access control An integrated security system is recommended to be successful. It will eliminate bubbles and share data to see real-time patterns. If HR, security and compliance departments are doing investigations, they can consolidate systems into the same tool to have better data aggregation. Companies can link their IT/cyber detection system with access control. Deploying a true, integrated, open system provides a better insider threat program. Big companies should invest in trained counterintelligence investigators to operate the program. They can help identify the sensitive areas, identify who the people are that have the most access to them, or are in a position to do the greatest amount of harm to the company and who to put mitigation plans around to protect them. They also run the investigations. Potential risky behavior Using the right technology along with thorough processes will result in a successful program You need to detect which individuals are interacting with information systems that pose the greatest potential risk. You need to rapidly and thoroughly understand the user’s potential risky behavior and the context around it. Context is important. You need to decide what to investigate and make it clear to employees. Otherwise you will create a negative culture at your company. Develop a security-aware culture. Involve the crowd. Get an app so if someone sees something they can say something. IT should not run the insider threat program. IT is the most privileged department in an organization. If something goes wrong with an IT person, they have the most ability to do harm and cover their tracks. They need to be an important partner, but don’t let them have ownership and don’t let their administrators have access. Educating your employees and creating a positive culture around an insider threat program takes time and patience. Using the right technology along with thorough processes will result in a successful program. It’s okay to start small and build.

Today, the world is connected like never before. Your watch is connected to your phone, which is connected to your tablet and so on. As we’ve begun to embrace this ‘smart’ lifestyle, what we’re really embracing is the integration of systems. Why do we connect our devices? The simplest answer is that it makes life easier. But, if that’s the case, why stop at our own personal devices? Connection, when applied to a business’ operations, is no different: it lowers effort and expedites decision making. Integrating security systems Systems integration takes the idea of connected devices and applies it to an enterprise Systems integration takes the idea of connected devices and applies it to an enterprise, bringing disparate subcomponents into a single ecosystem. This could mean adding a new, overarching system to pull and collect data from existing subsystems, or adapting an existing system to serve as a data collection hub. Regardless of the method, the purpose is to create a single, unified view. Ultimately, it’s about simplifying processes, gaining actionable insights into operations and facilitating efficient decision-making. Although integration is becoming the new norm in other areas of life, businesses often opt out of integrating security systems because of misconceptions about the time and resources required to successfully make the change. So, instead of a streamlined operation, the various security systems and devices are siloed, not communicating with each other and typically being run by different teams within an organization. Time-Intensive process When systems are not integrated, companies face a wide range of risks driven by a lack of transparency and information sharing, including actual loss of property or assets. For example, a team in charge of access control is alerted to a door being opened in the middle of the night but can’t see what exactly is taking place through video surveillance. Without integrated systems they have no way of knowing if it was a burglar, an equipment malfunction or a gust of wind. Without integration between systems and teams, the ability to quickly put the right pieces in front of decision makers is missing. Instead, the team would have to go back and manually look for footage that corresponds with the time a door was open to figure out which door it was, who opened it and what happened after, which can be a time-intensive process. Integrating access control and surveillance systems Theft and vandalism occur quickly, meaning systems and users must work faster in order to prevent it This slowed response time adds risk to the system. Theft and vandalism occur quickly, meaning systems and users must work faster in order to prevent it. Security systems can do more than communicate that theft or vandalism occurred. Properly integrated, these systems alert users of pre-incident indicators before an event happens or deter events altogether. This gives teams and decision makers more time to make effective decisions. Integrating access control and surveillance systems allows for a more proactive approach. If a door is opened when it’s not supposed to be, an integrated system enables users to quickly see what door was opened, who opened it and make a quick decision. Integrated solutions are more effective, more efficient and help drive cost-saving decisions. Ideally, companies should establish integrated solutions from the start of operations. This allows companies to anticipate problems and adjust accordingly instead of reacting after an incident has occurred. Security camera system Although starting from the beginning is the best way to ensure comprehensive security, many companies have existing security systems, requiring integration and implementation to bring them together. Typically, companies with established security systems worry about the impact to infrastructure requirements. Is additional infrastructure necessary? How and where should it be added? What financial or human resources are required? These concerns drive a mentality that the benefits gained from an integrated solution aren’t worth the costs of implementation. Thankfully, this is becoming less of a problem as security providers, like Twenty20™ Solutions, work to offer adaptable solutions. With flexible options, operators don’t worry about adding or replacing infrastructure to align with a provider’s model. This allows users to monitor camera footage and gate traffic from one system If a company has an existing security camera system, but identifies a need for access control, a modern integrated solution provider can supply the gates for access points and equip the gates and cameras with the technology to connect the two. This allows users to monitor camera footage and gate traffic from one system. This model also spares operators additional costs by using a sole vendor for supplemental needs. Overall management of security While a single, unified system is beneficial for cost saving, it can also help the overall management of security. The ability to view all operating systems in one dashboard allows security personnel to manage a site from any location, reducing the expense and effort required to manage a system. The mobile world today means security directors no longer need to be in a centralized operations center to see alerts and make decisions. This simplifies processes by allowing users to quickly see an alert, pull up a camera, delete a user or check an access log from a phone. Modern networks are secure and accessible to those with permissions, without requiring those users to be physically present. Consolidating security systems is the first step companies can take toward streamlining work, information and costs. The next step is integrating all sites, both remote and on-grid. Energy and communication technology The integration of sites and systems turns mountains of data and information into actionable intelligence Traditional methods demanded two systems: one for on-grid facilities and another for off-grid locations. With advancements in energy and communication technology, the need for multiple systems is gone. Data from remote sites can be safely and securely fed into an existing system. These remote locations may gather, distribute and manage data in a different manner than a connected system due to the cost of transmission via remote connections (i.e., cellular or satellite connection). The end result, however, is a consistent and holistic view of operations for the decision maker. The integration of sites and systems turns mountains of data and information into actionable intelligence. With connected devices monitoring occurrences at individual sites, as well as events across locations, the data tells a story that is unhindered by operational silos or physical space. Identifying patterns and trends Instead of providing 10 hours-worth of footage that may or may not be relevant, system analytics can provide users with the specific set of information they need. Incidents once discarded as ‘one-off’ events can now be analyzed and data-mapped to identify patterns and trends, directing future resources to the most critical areas first. Consumers are increasingly expecting everything they need to be right where they need it – and businesses are right behind them. The current generation of security professionals are increasingly expecting the simplicity of their everyday personal tasks to be mirrored in enterprise systems, which means giving them the ability to see what matters in one place. A unified system can provide just that, a single view to help simplify processes, promote cost saving and accelerate decision making.

CIE (CIE Security), a global distributor of audio-visual and security brands, is pleased to announce the UK launch of the A05C Access Control Unit from Akuvox (Akuvox Networks). The A05C is the first of Akuvox’s brand new series of smart IP access control readers and features a distinct 5-inch HD color screen that is attractive in design and easy to use. AI and dual-camera Technology The A05C is one of the most advanced IP access control readers available on the market The unit also incorporates the latest deep-learning AI and dual-camera technology, which allows for secure, touch-free verification via face recognition, Bluetooth, RFID or QR Code scanning, all of which are supported by the Akuvox SmartPlus smartphone app. With these features available as standard, the A05C is one of the most advanced IP access control readers available on the market. Furthermore, the A05C access reader is also available with optional thermal detection modules to check anyone entering the building for fever-like body temperatures. Deploying contactless technologies “The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has changed the world - as we return to work, school, university and other public access environments, there is a large number of high frequency 'touch points' involved in our daily lives that are likely to spread germs and viruses,” commented Chris Edwards, Marketing Director of CIE. Chris adds, “With this in mind, Akuvox have been focusing on adding more products to the range that reduce these touch points during day-to-day activities by using a wide range of contactless technologies and features. The A05C is a prime example of product that Akuvox has produced to meet the demands for the growing architectural trend for COVID-19 secure ‘contactless pathways’ in the workplace.” A05C smart IP access control reader Akuvox is one of the renowned worldwide brands for IP intercoms, access control, and telephony equipment. Established globally, as well as in Europe, its mission is to improve people's lives with better communication, greater security, and more convenience, all through its product offering. The A05C smart IP access control reader comprehensively delivers on this promise. The unit also embraces QR code-based access control for ‘one time’ access for external visitors Featuring face recognition technology integrated into an access control unit, the A05C will automatically compare the visitor’s face with a database of enrolled faces and perform automatic match notification to grant access. The unit also embraces QR code-based access control for ‘one time’ access for external visitors. Typically, residents/building managers can generate a QR code from the Akuvox SmartApp for a visitor to use on their mobile device, which will allow entry to the building (or specific area) on a limited use/fixed time basis. Wide range of authentication methods The A05C complete range of authentication methods for ultimate security and flexibility are: Secure infrared face recognition. QR Code (eg. for one-time access). NFC, RFID, and Bluetooth contactless via smartphone, ID card, or keyfob. Body temperature detection (if paired up with the Akuvox MD02 unit). The A05C Access Control Unit is IP65 rated so can be used for external gate systems and high-impact areas. This advanced access control device also supports ONVIF open standard for effective integration with other third-party IP systems and devices, such as IP CCTV cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVRs). 

Vanderbilt, globally renowned provider of state-of-the-art security systems, has announced the addition of three ZKTeco biometric readers into its access control portfolio. ZKTeco biometric readers The latest addition to the ever-growing access control portfolio comes off the back of the launch of the company’s Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) readers, plus the inclusion of Akuvox’s IP Door Entry Phones into their collection of products. As with the BLE readers, the biometric readers integrate with Vanderbilt’s access control ACT Enterprise software, version 2.10 or later. The ZKTeco biometric readers that now integrate with Vanderbilt’s ACT Enterprise are the MA300, the SF420, and theSLK20R. These readers are renowned for their fast and accurate fingerprint algorithm, easy installation and connectivity, and smooth operation and management. Advanced ZK fingerprint algorithm The MA300 offers unparalleled performances by adopting an advanced ZK fingerprint algorithm" Speaking on the MA300 fingerprint reader, Paul McCarthy, Product Manager at Vanderbilt, explains, “The MA300 offers unparalleled performances by adopting an advanced ZK fingerprint algorithm for reliability, precision, and excellent matching speed. It comes in a metallic casing and is IP65 rated. This means it is resistant to water, dust, and other outside damages. As such, this makes the MA300 ideal for both internal and external mounting scenarios.” Turning to the SF420, McCarthy states that “the SF420 brings the flexibility to be installed as a standalone or with any third-party panels that support 26-bit Wiegand.” SF420 and MA300 user recognition readers He adds, “Both the SF420 and MA300,” McCarthy continues, “Possess one-touch-a-second user recognition and can store 1,500 templates. But while the SF420 can host 5,000 cards and 80,000 transactions, the MA300 can take on an additional 5,000 cards more, and 20,000 additional transactions.” Adding further weight to the advantages of the MA300, it also contains full access control features with anti-passback, an access control interface for third-party electric locks, a door sensor, an exit button, an alarm, and a doorbell. Moreover, it works with ACT Mifare Classic cards. The SF420 also works with ACT Mifare Classic cards, but only UID versions. ACT Enterprise software The final addition to the portfolio is the SLK20R. For the MA300 and the SF420 to work with ACT Enterprise software, one enrollment reader, the SLK20R, is required. The SLK20R primarily operates by capturing the fingerprint template into the ACT Enterprise software, and then the template is distributed to the readers on a network via IP. These new biometric readers can be enrolled by an administrator card when the device works in standalone mode. TCP/IP and RS485 are available so that the devices can be connected quickly and conveniently. A license is also required to work with ACT Enterprise. ACTE-Bio licenses are sold as a per door license.

Nowadays, the telecare sector still relies heavily on traditional systems or even analog systems, which lags behind the proliferation of smart technology in other sectors. Akuvox, with its blockbuster indoor monitor, is tipping the UK telecare sector towards more humane, proactive and intelligent care through a project involving half a million elderly people living in thousands of care homes. Akuvox's customer, a key telecare service provider in the UK, sought to transform its traditional telecare system to address two crucial problems: Long response time to emergency calls and limited extensibility in functionality, which hampered the ramping up of its telecare service. Akuvox's solution enabled smooth and HD audio & video communication, which enjoyed <50 milliseconds audio delay. Solutions And Benefits Akuvox’s indoor monitor IT82, which enjoys compelling SIP and Android competence, was the silver lining for the customer. It not only delivered stellar user experience for the residents, but also improved their service quality in many ways, by creating a much safer and improved living environment, enhancing the management efficiency and work productivity, and reducing TCO. Surpassing traditional or non-SIP systems, IT82 set off emergency calls in seconds, which is a critical life-saving feature. Moreover, it enabled smooth and HD audio & video communication, which enjoyed <50 milliseconds audio delay. Its expertly-tuned Android OS was easy for consolidating all kinds of routine service via apps, such as paying bills and booking repair appointments, which boosted the amenity of residents’ living and mitigated the risk of accident from their running errands from place to place. In contrast, the original non-Android panel was limited in features, and it was also difficult to introduce new functions.  The expertly-tuned Android OS was easy for consolidating all kinds of routine service via apps It is also noteworthy that whether it was configuration, firmware upgrading or software updating, they were efficiently carried out in bulk by auto-provisioning or via Akuvox management software. Simple Deployment And Management The ‘Contact List’ app allows the seniors to easily make hands-free audio or video calls to the monitoring centre, family, friends as well as neighbours. It is a convenient way for them to spend more time together and acquire a sense of belonging and intimacy.  The live camera feed from the rooms of bedridden residents enables remote monitoring in real time Alarm activation is easy, prompt and guaranteed. If elders feel unwell or have a fall, they simply pull the cord connected to IT82, and a call for help is immediately dialled out. Also, connected with various sensors, such as door magnet, smoke detector and infrared sensor, IT82 will emit alarm sirens in case of hazards to urge the resident to take preventative action, whilst automatically issuing an alert to the service centre.  The built-in camera of IT82 is a boon to the carers. They are able to see the condition of the elderly and the emergency scene during the call, and guide them to take preliminary self-help. In addition, the live camera feed from the rooms of bedridden residents enables remote monitoring in real time.  Why Akuvox? Akuvox is a pioneer in SIP and Android-based intercom solutions. Drawing on 12 years of SIP experience and almost 10 years of Android competence, IT82 is one of the few massively-deployed Android indoor monitors worldwide. It not only delivers stable systems, but also possesses exceptional capability of deep customisation.