Videx Electronic Keypads for Access Control Systems

There’s growing noise around smart homes and smarter security. You’ve probably heard it. But there is a place where access control and more have been smart for decades: the workplace. Home automation and IoT are still playing catch-up with the commercial sector. A new insights report from ASSA ABLOY and IFSEC Global — “The Smart Door Locks Report 2018” — measures just how fast consumer smart technology is running. According to a survey conducted for the report, 61% of households now claim to own at least one smart home device or system. Energy monitors, home CCTV cameras, intruder alarms and smart door locks are the most popular, according to the report. All these functions, of course, have been available to businesses for years.61% of households now claim to own at least one smart home device or system Educating The Smart Home Consumer Paradoxically, report data also questions how much consumers really know about their smarter home. A surprising 42% of those surveyed, for example, were unaware they could control a smart door lock from their phone. In fact, many leading smart door lock models offer this feature, delivered by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and an app. Despite a wealth of features offered by the latest smart door locks — remote and location-based locking/unlocking; voice activation; timed access; emailed entry alerts; and integration with smart camera and lighting systems — most people still have limited knowledge of their capabilities.  Smart technology is increasingly becoming the new norm in terms of home security  Only 14% of survey respondents described themselves as “very familiar” with what a smart lock can do. Even though most of them probably use smart access control solutions at their workplace. Secure Homes Through Smart Technology Monitoring and security are not the only drivers for smart home adoption. We humans also love convenience, and modern living presents us with problems that smart home technology can solve. Ironically, given the report’s findings, it takes a smartphone to really unlock the convenient possibilities of smarter living. The device that’s “always to hand” is central to the newest generation of smart door locks.A smart door lock is a convenient way for a landlord or agency to offer round-the-clock check-in and check-out If homeowners wish to remotely manage property access for friends and family, many smart door locks oblige. You let in guests remotely, send them a virtual digital key, or provide a temporary or single-use PIN to unlock the door. It is just as easy to revoke a digital key, if you don’t want its owner to come around anymore. This is a significant improvement over sharing physical keys — or hiding one under the doormat. We cannot be totally sure where a metal key ends up and have no way to track or cancel it once it’s “out in the wild”. Commercial access control offers such functionality as standard, of course.  In addition, smart door locks offer more than just stand-alone operation and clever functions. In a domestic setting, magic happens when locks work in harmony with a home automation system, connected by protocols like Z-Wave, ZigBee or Wi-Fi. "Smart" Security On The Move  The smartphone is becoming a remote control for managing a connected life beyond just home (and even workplace) security. According to Accenture, the parcel delivery services market will grow by $343 billion by 2020. Just like home security, convenience is a major driver of change. Homeowners can send guests a virtual digital key to their phones, or provide a temporary or single-use PIN to unlock the door A recent PostNord pilot in Sweden aimed to remove the inconvenience of waiting home for a postal delivery. Selected customers of some major Scandinavian e-retailers could choose to have parcels delivered inside their front door, if it was equipped with a Yale smart door lock.  Home delivery is among potential smart services covered in “The Smart Door Locks Report 2018 ”. When asked whether the ability to receive parcels securely in a porch or lobby would make them more likely to invest in a smart door lock, 79% said it would.It is easy to revoke a digital key, if you don’t want its owner to come around anymore Vacation Rentals And Smart Home Tech ASSA ABLOY research published in 2017 forecasts continued growth in the European vacation rentals sector (at 5.8% CAGR). Smart door locks are also making an impact here, at both ends of the market: for service providers — agents and homeowners — and for travelers. A smart door lock is a convenient way for a landlord or agency to offer round-the-clock check-in and check-out, without creating extra work or staff costs. Both Intersoft, in Croatia, and Hoomvip in Spain have built vacation rentals management systems around an app and the ENTR® smart door lock. Agents issue, revoke, track and manage virtual keys for all their guests, saving everyone time and hassle. travelers use their phones and an app to unlock their apartment. For these visitors the smartphone is already an essential travel accessory. It is a boarding pass, a credit card, a travel guide, and a postcard home... why not a door key, too? And if this key is backed by a trusted home security brand — and a company with vast experience in the mature market for commercial “smart” security — better still.

For the past several years, there has been a focus by integrators and customers to assure that their card-based access control systems are secure. To give businesses an extra incentive to meet their cybersecurity threats, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has decided to hold the business community responsible for failing to implement good cybersecurity practices and is now filing lawsuits against those that don't. For instance, the FTC filed a lawsuit against D-Link and its U.S. subsidiary, alleging that it used inadequate safeguards on its wireless routers and IP cameras that left them vulnerable to hackers.Many companies perceive that they are safer with a card but, if done correctly, the mobile can be a far more secure option  Now, as companies are learning how to protect card-based systems, such as their access control solutions, along comes mobile access credentials and their readers which use smart phones instead of cards as the vehicle for carrying identification information. Many companies perceive that they are safer with a card but, if done correctly, the mobile can be a far more secure option with many more features to be leveraged. Handsets deliver biometric capture and comparison as well as an array of communication capabilities from cellular and Wi-Fi to Bluetooth LE and NFC. As far as security goes, the soft credential, by definition, is already a multi-factor solution. Types Of Access Control Authentication Access control authenticates you by following three things:  Recognises something you have (RFID tag/card/key), Recognises something you know (PIN) or Recognises something you are (biometrics). Your smart phone has all three authentication parameters. This soft credential, by definition, is already a multi-factor solution. Your mobile credentials remain protected behind a smart phone's security parameters, such as biometrics and PINs. Organizations want to use smart phones in their upcoming access control implementations Once a biometric, PIN or password is entered to access the phone, the user automatically has set up 2-factor access control verification - what you know and what you have or what you have and a second form of what you have.                 To emphasize, one cannot have access to the credential without having access to the phone. If the phone doesn’t work, the credential doesn’t work. The credential operates just like any other app on the phone. The phone must be “on and unlocked.” These two factors – availability and built-in multi-factor verification – are why organizations want to use smart phones in their upcoming access control implementations. Smart Phone Access Control Is Secure Plus, once a mobile credential is installed on a smart phone, it cannot be re-installed on another smart phone. You can think of a soft credential as being securely linked to a specific smart phone. Similar to a card, if a smart phone is lost, damaged or stolen, the process should be the same as with a traditional physical access credential. It should be immediately deactivated in the access control management software - with a new credential issued as a replacement. Your mobile credentials remain protected behind a smart phone's security parameters, such as biometrics and PINs Leading readers additionally use AES encryption when transferring data. Since the Certified Common Criteria EAS5+ Computer Interface Standard provides increased hardware cybersecurity, these readers resist skimming, eavesdropping and replay attacks.            When the new mobile system leverages the Security Industry Association's (SIA) Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), it also will interface easily with control panels or other security management systems, fostering interoperability among security devices. Likewise, new soft systems do not require the disclosure of any sensitive end-user personal data. All that should be needed to activate newer systems is simply the phone number of the smart phone.All that should be needed to activate newer systems is simply the phone number of the smart phone Bluetooth And NFC The Safer Options Bottom line - both Bluetooth and NFC credentials are safer than hard credentials. Read range difference yields a very practical result from a security aspect. First of all, when it comes to cybersecurity, there are advantages to a closer read range. NFC eliminates any chances of having the smart phone unknowingly getting read such as can happen with a longer read range. There are also those applications where multiple access readers are installed very near to one-another due to many doors being close. One reader could open multiple doors simultaneously. The shorter read range or tap of an NFC enabled device would stop such problems. However, with this said in defense of NFC, it must also be understood that Bluetooth-enabled readers can provide various read ranges, including those of no longer than a tap as well. One needs to understand that there are also advantages to a longer reader range capability. Since NFC readers have such a short and limited read range, they must be mounted on the unsecure side of the door and encounter all the problems such exposure can breed. Conversely, Bluetooth readers mount on the secure sides of doors and can be kept protected out of sight. Aging Systems Could Cause Problems Research shows that Bluetooth enabled smart phones are continuing to expand in use to the point where those not having them are already the exceptions With that said, be aware. Some older Bluetooth-enabled systems force the user to register themselves and their integrators for every application. Door access – register. Parking access – register again. Data access – register again, etc. Newer solutions provide an easier way to distribute credentials with features that allow the user to register only once and need no other portal accounts or activation features. By removing these additional information disclosures, vendors have eliminated privacy concerns that have been slowing down acceptance of mobile access systems. In addition, you don’t want hackers listening to your Bluetooth transmissions, replaying them and getting into your building, so make very sure that the system is immunised against such replays. That’s simple to do. Your manufacturer will show you which system will be best for each application. Research shows that Bluetooth enabled smart phones are continuing to expand in use to the point where those not having them are already the exceptions. They are unquestionably going to be a major component in physical and logical access control. Gartner suggests that, by 2020, 20 percent of organizations will use mobile credentials for physical access in place of traditional ID cards. Let’s rephrase that last sentence. In less than 18 months, one-fifth of all organizations will use the smart phone as the focal point of their electronic access control systems. Not proximity. Not smart cards. Phones!

The physical security market continues to experience growth as users look to capitalize on the promises of emerging technologies and because of this, 2017 proved to be a great year for Oncam. In fact, this year was the best year in Oncam's history in terms of sales, as 360-degree fisheye cameras have gone from being a “specialty” camera used only in certain applications to a primary device for enabling total situational awareness. Today, many of our customers leverage 360-degree cameras exclusively to provide extensive coverage inside a facility or in a large outdoor area, with traditional narrow field-of-view cameras used only at “choke” points. Increase In Cybersecurity Threats And Breaches At the end of 2016, we predicted a major trend this year would be an increase in cybersecurity concerns for users of physical security systems, and we were right. An increase in cybersecurity threats and breaches have put organizations on watch. Based on this and the adoption of more IT-centric infrastructure and protocols, there is significant collaboration between IT and physical security, and true “convergence” is finally starting to happen. The adoption of video analytics also continued to increase this year, as most video surveillance projects involved the use of some form of analytics and data analysis. Demand For Safeguards As we move into 2018, the trends of 2017 will roll over, and cybersecurity will continue to be a major issue. Suppliers of hardware and software will put an even greater emphasis being cyber secure and end users will increasingly demand safeguards. Additionally, the deployment and use of advanced analytics based on newer artificial intelligence-based technologies will continue to increase. It will be the technology providers that find ways to allow users to capture additional value from the information collected by security systems that will accelerate growth. Oncam made significant investments in new products that leverage analytics and cloud technologies. In 2018, we will continue to invest in the development of new products, with a focus on solutions for particular applications across industry segments. Beyond our technology advancements, we've invested significantly in boosting our sales force in the Americas and adding industry experts to ensure sustained customer and partner success with our solutions. From our vantage point, Oncam is well positioned to capitalize on opportunities for growth in the coming year.

Videx Security has strengthened its flagship GSM intercom range by adding a new app designed specifically for installers and engineers who fit and maintain Videx GSM systems. The new app which complements the existing GSM app includes a new host of features that’s compatible with all GSM models and enables an engineer to program an unlimited number of sites and intercoms that they’re responsible for to help manage them all more effectively and conveniently. Programming access codes and proximity fobs James Gray, project manager at Videx, said “The new app provides a wide range of convenient, user friendly features that help make an engineer’s job easier. Within the app, installers can store useful information about the site such as the address and site contact details and they’re able to program all apartments and buttons, access codes, proximity fobs, dial to opens, time bands and general settings too”. Events for each intercom and site can be viewed from within the app, which are also stored on a cloud server" James added, “Events for each intercom and site can be viewed from within the app, which are also stored on a cloud server and sent directly from the intercom to the cloud allowing them to be viewed on multiple devices. Additionally, there is an advanced settings page and a diagnostics tools section to assist the engineer should they need to diagnose a problem. Installation manuals and a useful help section can also be easily accessed within the app too.” Videx GSM systems app The app is available for both Android and iOS and allows the intercoms to be programmed via SMS. All the intercom settings are stored on a cloud server which offers the advantage to allow multiple engineers to share the data on their devices and also offers peace of mind as the data is backed up automatically. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store free of charge. Once downloaded, installers will need to register via the app. Registration can take up to three working days while the user is verified as an installer or engineer. The app can be used with all current and older model GSM intercoms.

Videx, globally renowned manufacturer and supplier of access control and door entry systems, has strengthened its presence in the international access market by launching a new web server access control system, WS4. WS4 web server access control  The WS4 web server access control system can manage up to 20 entrances locally or remotely from anywhere via a mobile phone, tablet or PC using a web browser to connect to the system. Additionally an app is available for both iOS and Android. The WS4 can have up to 2,500 users and store up to 50,000 events which can also be viewed online or via the app. The system also has up to 250 programmable access levels to restrict access to certain days and times for users. Easy and flexible installation The WS4 is designed to ensure installation and use is extremely easy and flexible" Sian Luxton, Key Accounts Manager at Videx, said “The WS4 is designed to ensure installation and use is extremely easy and flexible. There’s no need for a dedicated computer or requirement to download specific software; it’s completely managed via the web server. Operators simply need to register online with their serial number to start using the system’s software application and get it up and running.” The heart of the system is the WS4 controller available in a one entrance, two entrance and four entrance control cabinet complete with battery backed power supply. The cabinet includes an Ethernet connection to connect to a LAN or the internet allowing programming and management to be carried out from anywhere. Remote access control and management Sian Luxton adds, “What’s extremely attractive about the WS4 is that full management of the system can be carried out remotely. This can include the adding and deleting of users, the changing of settings and the viewing of event logs. Up to 10 operators can be setup with different access rights." He gave an example saying, “An administrator/manager or an installer or monitoring facilities only. Additionally, the firmware of the devices can also be updated remotely”. Seamless integration with Mifare proximity readers Mifare proximity readers and coded access keypads connect to the control cabinet via an RS485 link further simplifying the installation. Readers are available as a standalone surface in the compact black finish of the mini range of readers and can also be integrated into door entry panels, both vandal resistant and modular. Sian added, “Email alerts to inform the administrator or engineer of certain situations such as mains failure, devices offline or doors left open can also be set up. These can be categorized specifically too, so that the right person is alerted to any issue. For instance, offline device alerts can be emailed to the engineer, and ‘door open too long’ events to the system manager. Additionally, a daily or weekly email can be scheduled to inform the administrator or engineer of the health of the system, all online and connected to the internet.”

Favorable government initiatives towards energy efficiency, a resurgent construction sector, and the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), will turn the Middle East smart home market into a US$1.86 billion dollar industry by 2022, according to a recent study. The Middle East Smart Home Market report, authored by analysts TechSci Research, said demand for smart lighting, HVAC, security and access control, entertainment, and other IoT-connected home devices will grow 28 percent annually, with revenues more than tripling in value from an estimated US$536 million in 2017. The December 2017 study said video surveillance, intrusion and fire detection, along with access control would be among the fastest growing smart home segments, with revenues from these applications reaching US$332 million by 2022, up from US$91 million in 2017. Smart Home Security SolutionsAccess control will be among the fastest growing smart home segments In the GCC, high per capita incomes and growing preferences for luxurious, networked and high-tech homes is also a key factor, with the UAE (US$203 million) and Saudi Arabia (US$182 million) comprising 38 percent and 34 percent respectively of the entire Middle East smart home market in 2017. The two Gulf countries will hold a similar market share right up to 2022 according to the report, opening up plenty of opportunities for suppliers of home automation, security, entertainment, and energy management. Many players from across the globe will look to establish partnerships with regional real estate developers, consultants, integrators and installers at the upcoming Intersec 2018 exhibition in Dubai. The three-day security, safety, and fire protection trade fair runs from 21-23 January 2018 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, and features a Smart Home and Building Automation section. More than 30 of the event’s 1,300-plus exhibitors will be part of a dedicated Smart Home Pavilion, where they will showcase their latest home automation, security, access control, energy management systems, and multimedia technologies. Remote Wireless Monitoring Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Intersec’s organizer Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “Smart, networked and tech-driven homes are making the transition from the realms of fantasy to reality, as increased consumer awareness, favorable legislation, and falling installation costs drive smart home demand across the world. In the Middle East, security is an integral part of a home’s infrastructure, and deployment of security and access control systems such as wireless locks, IP-enabled devices, and iris detection systems, is increasing.” Smart, networked and tech-driven homes are making the transition from the realms of fantasy to reality" “The technology allows home-owners to monitor activities through their smartphones, tablets and other wireless devices from anywhere and anytime, and the latest solutions in the market will be on show at Intersec 2018’s Smart Home and Building Automation section.” IP-Based Integrated Security Bird Home Automation from Germany, and Italian companies Videx Electronics, FDF, Ksenia Security, and AVS Electronics, are among the global manufacturers sharing the stage at Intersec 2018’s Smart Home and Building Automation section, which at more than 300sqm, is 15 percent larger than the previous year. First-time exhibitor Ksenia Security will launch Lares 4.0, an IP-based integrated smart system where users can control through a single source the entire home eco-system, including access control, CCTV, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), along with other IoT-connected devices, such as entertainment systems. Lares 4.0 For Residential And Building Security Flavio Zarlenga, Sales and Marketing Director at Ksenia Security, said Lares 4.0 can be controlled at home with a mobile user interface or remotely via a dedicated mobile app. “It’s possible to receive, even by e-mail, not only main alarm signals but also important information about the system status, while by means of the integrated web-server, users can remotely manage the system using smartphones or tablets,” said Zarlenga. “Lares 4.0 represents by far the most advanced and reliable solution in the digital revolution for both security and home and building automation. It can control lights, climate, irrigation, doors, windows, or any type of IoT-connected appliances, on top of all the security aspects such as video surveillance, intrusion detection, or access control.” “We’re fully aware of the huge potential in the Middle East smart home and building automation market, and totally confident in our new IoT solutions to meet and exceed expectations,” added Zarlenga. “Our platforms are already fully integrated with the most important Home Automation Systems and, via cooperation with our local partners, we’ve recently developed some interesting projects in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain.” We’re fully aware of the huge potential in the Middle East smart home and building automation market" Video Door Security Solutions Elsewhere, Spanish manufacturer Fermax, a specialist in audio and video door entry systems, will showcase its latest versions of audio and video access control kits, along with new IP solutions for building communications and security. Elena Ravello, Brand Manager of Fermax, said the company already has a strong presence in the Middle East, having worked on several projects across the region. “Fermax has been in the Middle East for more than ten years, and our door entry systems are installed in top reference constructions such as the Palm Jumeirah UpTown Motor City, and Princess Tower in Dubai,” said Ravello. “Fermax targets residential and commercial communications along with the security markets, and Intersec gives us the opportunity to launch new products, explain personally the technical specifications and the benefits of our products as well as show their operation. We also want to enhance our brand globally, and we take advantage of this big event to meet our partners and customers, and of course find new clients from all the Middle East, North Africa and Asia regions.” VOIP-Powered Home Automation AVS Electronics will also debut its new range of Raptor wireless home automation control panels at Intersec 2018, where it will demonstrate its KNX/MODBUS interface for seamless operation. CEO Fabio Baro said, “The latest trend in the smart home market is towards integration within systems. The more a solution can be integrated with other applications in today’s smart home environment, the more successful that solution will likely become.” The latest trend in the smart home market is towards integration within systems Others at Intersec 2018’s Smart Home and Building Automation section include Nuesmart with its smart battery lock and CP Plus with its range of home automation solutions including VOIP-based services. In its 20th anniversary edition, Intersec 2018 will occupy 59,000sqm across 12 halls, with the show’s other six sections covering Commercial Security, Fire & Rescue, Perimeter & Physical Security, Information & Cyber Security, Safety & Health, and Homeland Security & Policing. Drones Pavilion New developments include a Drones Pavilion and an indoor Drone Zone, while returning features include the Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion in the Fire & Rescue section, as well as an Outdoor Demonstration Zone of the latest fire rescue applications in action. A comprehensive three-day conference programme will be spearheaded by Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) Forum, while other topics will cover cyber security, drones, artificial intelligence, commercial security, and fire protection.