Banking & Finance security applications

Dahua Technology, with its award winning deep learning algorithms, proudly releases WizMind – a portfolio of solutions composed of project-oriented products including IPC, NVR, PTZ, XVR, thermal and software platforms, delivering precise, reliable and comprehensive AI solutions to verticals including government, retail, energy, finance and transportation. WizMind's human-oriented solutions Powered by AI and deep learning algorithms, WizMind provides comprehensive human-oriented solutions including facial recognition, privacy protection, human video metadata, people counting and stereo analysis, enabling rapid and precise reaction. In addition, it provides more precise and effective AI search to locate targets, generating various human data for business analysis. According to IHS, the total market value of professional video surveillance equipment will grow to $27.2 million by 2023 To protect portrait data, WizMind provides outstanding privacy protection. Based on deep learning algorithms, WizMind supports real-time mosaic masking of the human face or body detected in the monitoring area, which is needed in courtroom scenarios and may be valuable to retailers which can optimize their business through intelligent analysis of customer flow, recorded without violating privacy or GDPR. WizMind based on vehicles WizMind boasts multiple vehicle-based AI solutions, such as ANPR and vehicle metadata, illegal parking which provide more attributes of vehicles for easy control, quick search and business analysis. It is widely used in urban areas, residential community entrances, parking lots and toll stations. By extracting and comparing plate numbers with databases, ANPR helps managers of parking lots and city roads improve vehicle management efficiency with functions like Blacklist Alarm and VIP Recognition. ANPR also supports vehicle tracking, which helps police efficiently locate vehicles according to the crosschecking result. ANPR is able to recognize plate numbers in over 58 countries. WizMind with thermal technology WizMind combines deep learning algorithms with thermal imaging technology to help users achieve ultra-long-distance monitoring in harsh environments, non-contact temperature monitoring and early fire prevention. The Dahua WizMind series is compatible with mainstream third party technology partners With an accuracy of 0.3 degrees Celcius and a speed that monitors three people per second, Dahua’s High Accuracy Body Temperature Monitoring Solution has been widely and successfully applied within transportation hubs, financial institutions, commercial complexes, schools and other places all over the world, joining the global efforts in pandemic prevention and control. WizMind Ecosystem Initiating openness and collaboration, the Dahua WizMind series is compatible with mainstream third party technology partners, such as Milestone, AxxonSoft, ISS and others. Furthermore, WizMind Ecosystem provides the DHOP and sufficient API for our technology partners, enabling them to combine real AI joint solutions to our common customers, and a series of marketing activities will be engaged with our ecosystem partners. Dahua WizMind, a high-end AI series, aims to serve demanding scenarios in many vertical industries. With the mission of “enabling a safer society and smarter living”, Dahua Technology will continue to focus on “innovation, quality and service” to serve its partners and customers around the world.

Due to the escalating coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd and ABEC Exhibitions and Conferences P Ltd, have decided that Secutech India will not take place in 2020. The decision is the result of travel restrictions and strict social distancing guidelines currently in place across India, and a lack of availability at the fair’s venue – the Bombay Exhibition Centre – during an appropriate time later this year. The fair will take place at the same location in Mumbai in May 2021. Stemming the spread of COVID-19 The Indian Government has taken extensive measures to stem the spread of COVID-19. Beginning from March 25, a 21-day nationwide lockdown was announced, effective until April 14. This has since been extended for another 19 days, effective until May 3. Strict social distancing regulations have been imposed, and all incoming and outgoing international and domestic flights have been suspended. With uncertainty and tight travel restrictions in place not only in India, but around the globe, pre-fair planning and preparations for Secutech India, originally scheduled from May 7 – 9, 2020, were severely hindered for the fair’s exhibitors and visitors. The decision to defer to 2021 Commenting on the cancellation, Ms Regina Tsai, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd, said: “The evolving situation, including local and international travel restrictions as well as constantly changing public health guidelines made it impossible for the fair to be held as scheduled. Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to find a new available time slot at the fair’s venue to adequately serve the interests of our exhibitors in 2020. Because of this, we have taken the difficult decision to defer the fair until 2021.” Mr Manish Gandhi, COO, ABEC Exhibitions & Conferences P Ltd, further commented: “As members of an industry that prioritises safety and security, we are confident that the industry is in full support of our decision. We remain committed to supporting the business of our stakeholders wherever possible, and we look forward to welcoming the full fraternity for another productive few days of trade in 2021."

Motorola Solutions has agreed to acquire IndigoVision, a U.K.-based provider of end-to-end video security solutions. The boards of Motorola Solutions, its holding company and IndigoVision have reached an agreement on the terms of a recommended cash acquisition for approximately $37.2 million, representing a premium of approximately 116 percent based on the average share price over the most recent 12-month period. The acquisition will be funded by existing cash resources of Motorola Solutions and become final in May 2020. Motorola Solutions has a strong presence in the large and expanding area of video security since acquiring Avigilon in March 2018. Their product offerings include high-definition cameras, advanced video analytics, network video management hardware and software and access control solutions. IndigoVision is a developer of complete, end-to-end video security solutions from cameras to video recorders to body worn cameras to security management software. Motorola Solutions says the IndigoVision range of products, global presence and customer base are "highly complementary" to Motorola Solutions' existing presence in video security. Among the benefits is enhanced geographical reach across a wider customer base. "The access we will now have to Motorola Solutions' range of innovative technologies will create new opportunities for IndigoVision and enable us to bring an exciting proposition to the market that allows us to further deliver on our goal of delivering safety, security and business intelligence," says Pedro Vasco Simoes, Chief Executive Officer of IndigoVision. "We share IndigoVision's commitment to providing next-generation, end-to-end video security solutions that enhance safety, security and efficiency," says John Kedzierski, Senior Vice President, Video Security Solutions, Motorola Solutions.

With just days left until the planned industry trade show, Reed Exhibitions has canceled ISC West over concerns about the COVID-19 coronavirus. Here is the statement on the decision: 'We at ISC West want to express our concern for everyone impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus. Based on our close monitoring of ongoing developments with the virus, recent reports from public health officials and extensive consultation with our partners in the global security community, ISC West, scheduled to be held March 17-20, will now occur in July at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. We take pride in offering vital business opportunities to our customers, including networking, education and access to new products and technologies, and commit ourselves to making July’s ISC West 2020 event live up to high standards. Over the coming weeks, along with ISC West’s Premier Sponsor SIA - we will continue to serve the industry, creating ways to connect, collaborate and keep our world moving during this difficult period.'

With growing concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus, Motorola Solutions and its Avigilon brand have released a statement on their decision to pull out of this year's ISC West. The trade show, one of the biggest in the security industry, hosts over 30,000 security professionals and over 1000 exhibitors each year.  The company states: "After careful consideration, we have withdrawn from this year’s ISC West trade show due to the widespread impact of the coronavirus." Official sources of updates "While ISC West is one important opportunity to demonstrate the power of Motorola Solutions' video security and analytics portfolio, the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and partners is our top priority. We are grateful to the ISC West organizers for their understanding and look forward to attending and supporting future ISC West events." ISC West will occur as scheduled March 17th through 20th, 2020, says Reed Exhibitions, despite the concerns. A statement from the show organizers is as follows: "While we regret that some companies have made the decision not to take part in ISC West 2020, we are focused on making ISC West 2020 a successful, safe, and enjoyable event for all attendees and exhibitors."

ISC West will occur as scheduled March 17th through 20th, 2020, says Reed Exhibitions. Following is a statement from show organizers: We take pride in offering vital business opportunities to our customers, including networking, education and access to new products and technologies and are working diligently to ensure ISC West 2020 and our other events live up to our high standards. While we regret that some companies have made the decision not to take part in ISC West 2020, we are focused on making ISC West 2020 a successful, safe, and enjoyable event for all attendees and exhibitors. Close Monitoring Over the last few weeks, Reed Exhibitions and our partners in ISC West have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 virus and its impact on members of the global security community. We are collaborating closely with the Sands Expo Center and local public health authorities and following local, state and federal public health guidelines, including those issued by the CDC. We have additional precautionary measures in place, including enhanced cleaning and sanitization across all public areas and customer touchpoints in the show and we are constantly reviewing our health protection activities, public health messaging, hygiene and medical control measures with the aim of strengthening our COVID-19 response further in line with up to date public health advice and guidance, including that of the CDC. Health and Safety We will continue to provide updates on our website as we get closer to ISC West. The health and safety of our team members and guests is our utmost priority. Our policies and best practices are in close collaboration with our venue partner, Sands Expo Center. The Sands Emergency Management Team works closely with local officials and are taking appropriate steps to protect team members and guests as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD). Sands is prepared to follow any additional protocols or guidance, as they are made available by the CDC or SNHD.

One of the biggest trends in security and technology today is centered around solutions that take advantage of the wealth of connected security systems and devices powering the organizations all over the world. As the number of cloud-powered systems and sensors have massively grown in recent years, security leaders in the private and public sectors have started to look at ways to leverage the data from these devices to better the lives of employees, customers, and residents. But while the dream of creating a smarter, safer environment remains the top priority for organizations throughout the world especially as they continue to face the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, a myriad of factors hold security leaders back from implementing more advanced technologies across their infrastructures. AI as a disruptor of physical security One of the main reasons being that the advent of these cloud based technologies indubitably generate massive amounts of data that hamper any practical use by security professionals and often times create cognitive overload and paralysis by analysis. A myriad of factors hold security leaders back from implementing more advanced technologies across their infrastructures Organizations face the challenge of trying to answer numerous questions using the big data generated by the various systems and technologies. How are they going to handle the influx of information that all these disparate systems generate? How can it be analyzed to extract any useful information or insight? What IT security controls are put in place to safeguard the data? How can the data be effectively curated and funneled to the right people at the right time? How can we make our security footprint be more proactive rather than constantly reactive? The answer is artificial intelligence. AI is undoubtedly one of the bigger disrupters in the physical security industry and adoption is growing at a rapid rate. And it’s not just about video analytics. Rather, it is data AI, which is completely untapped by the security industry. Improving your competitive advantage Today, all divisions of an enterprise are trying to leverage AI and big data to improve their competitive advantage and bottom line, including accounting, sales and marketing, material sourcing, and research and development. We need to ensure that the physical security industry realises they can significantly benefit from better, faster, and more accurate intelligence from the now unstructured, bottomless silos of security data; only then will this result in positioning physical security from a primarily reactive business to a revolutionary new proactive environment. AI is undoubtedly one of the bigger disrupters in the physical security industry and adoption is growing at a rapid rate As an industry, we need to focus on reinventing how security personnel and safety resources are allocated in the public safety and corporate security industry. And it all has to start with intelligence derived from big data using AI. Security leaders in the physical security and law enforcement industry can combine multiple data sources with predictive and prescriptive analytics and artificial intelligence to inform and dynamically deploy personnel, assets, and technologies. This approach drives automation of their current manual processes to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of their entire security operations. Intelligently predicting the future? Bottom line: AI can change up your security game by automatically deciphering information to predict the future using a wide range of sources and data that have been collected, whether past, present, and future. That’s right; you can look into the future. By grabbing a hold of this AI-powered crystal ball, decision-makers can perform long-term strategic planning and informed day-to-day operational decision making. And what’s more, AI powered platforms are software-based, often delivered using as-a-service business models that empower security personnel to go beyond traditional static business intelligence visualization and reporting systems to transformative dynamic, predictive and prescriptive decision-making environments. Today’s platforms are also not your traditional, old school, expensive PSIMs; they are cost-effective, configurable to your needs and dare we say, easy to operate. Every security leader I have spoken with lately want to extend AI to their security programs. They don't always know precisely where AI will fit, but they understand the need to operationalise more of their security practices. The overall why is that we should all work collaboratively to help organizations across the globe leverage the tools available to transition away from a reactive stance and gain informed insight into the future where we are truly prepared for and one step ahead of what is coming down the road.

Every building starts with the entrance. A solid enterprise risk mitigation and security strategy include protecting that entrance. Often, risk mitigation strategies protecting the entrance have included high-resolution video surveillance cameras, video management systems, and access control solutions. But that strategy and set of security solutions only tells part of the story. Imagine a security guard who is protecting a facility after hours, when an individual approaches the entrance and seeks to gain access. The security guard can pull up the video surveillance feed and see the individual and his movements, which appear to be suspicious. But he also needs to hear him in order to decide the next decisions and actions. Does he escalate the situation, calling for backup and for first responders’ response, or does he allow the individual access to the building because he works there and is authorized to enter?   Meet high-definition voice What the security guard needs is to be able to hear and to communicate with that individual. All enterprise security systems need three primary components in order to successfully protect the entrance and to mitigate risk – access control, video surveillance, and the ability to hear and communicate. Each component plays an integral role in supporting a unified security system, and without all three, the security system is not complete. Access control can be thought of as the brains of a security system by holding data and permissions. It serves as the arms and hands of the system; it can either keep someone out or invite them in. IP video allows a security team to remotely position a set of eyes anywhere an IP camera can be placed on a network. With a video management system, security teams can see what is happening and decide how to respond. However, with remote viewing, the event may be over by the time security physically responds.  Audio adds interactivity That three-component enterprise security system – comprising IP video, access control, and high-definition voice working together mitigates risks and provides value. It also means that security is interactive. Security teams talk and listen to the person that’s seen on a video surveillance system, no matter where the location or how remote. If the person is lost or simply needs assistance, security personnel can talk to them and provide direction and reassurance. Even more, in an emergency, an interactive solution becomes a critical life-saving tool, as it provides data that can be shared between security, police, emergency services, and more. Audio can also detect voices, noises, breaking glass, or other sounds that are not within direct view of a video camera. An interactive security system creates an informed response, by providing real-time situation awareness management. Post-event, it supports forensics and investigations to mitigate future security incidents.  Audio and COVID-19 We are living in extraordinary times. As businesses begin to reopen and stay open, they are looking for any tools that can help them overcome the enormous challenges they face. In buildings and facilities, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a new security perimeter, one that demands contactless access with entry and exit, and that has also created a new duty of care for security professionals. Now more than ever is the need to interact and communicate with individuals moving in and out of doors and spaces without physical intervention. Intelligent communications, integrated with contactless access control, can help a business to comply with pandemic safety guidelines and ultimately, reopen for business and stay open.  COVID-19 has also increased the need for clean-room isolation and quarantine spaces, sometimes in areas not originally intended for that use, where risk of infection is high, and equipment must be easily disinfected between patients. Here, purpose-built cleanroom intercoms, providing clear touchless communications despite the noisy environment, have emerged as critical tools for enabling patient care while reducing the need to enter the contaminated space. For example, voice communication can enable hospital staff to verify identity and to communicate with patients without entering the isolated and infectious environment, which can save on personal protective equipment (PPE) and reduce the amount of exposure to the virus. In non-emergency healthcare facilities, such as medical centers, voice can effectively relay information to building occupants and visitors for screening purposes. Visitors can be seen and heard. For example, a patient who seeks access to a medical center for an appointment can hear important instructions from a nurse via the intercom solution. Seeing the person that you talk to is one thing but hearing them conveys a much better sense of closeness, making it possible to maintain a high level of security and customer service.  The whole story Today’s security systems should no longer simply involve video surveillance cameras generating feedback and images to a security guard. Instead, a new ecosystem for enterprise security and risk mitigation has emerged, and it’s one that involves video surveillance, access control, and high-definition voice. That ecosystem can ensure well-rounded and responsive information management and security platform, all communicating with each other and offering actionable insight into risks and potential physical breaches. Audio is the new value hub of the connected and intelligent school, campus, building, correctional facility, and more. Simply put, a silent security system cannot be an effective security system. In every situation, it is crucial for all security professionals to mitigate risk, no matter what they are protecting. This emphasizes the need to hear, be heard, and be understood in virtually any environment.  

What many security professionals are yet to realize is how COVID-19 has led to fundamental changes in security policies that will ultimately affect them. The introduction of medical technology, such as thermal scanners, to access control implementations is a new phenomenon. The coronavirus pandemic has propelled a new requirement onto organizations to conduct health checks – specifically, body temperature checks – at the door before an employee, contractor or visitor is given access to a building. A fever could be an indication that the person is infected with COVID-19. When a fever is detected, the person’s card (employee badge) will not open the door. Integrating thermal detection and access control The sudden, unexpected need of thermal detection to be integrated into physical access control is emerging as the “new normal.” Convergence of these technologies are rapidly being considered a best practice, as organizations look to reopen in compliance with public health guidance, prioritising the protection of people’s health. One company that is dealing with this new challenge to integrate health monitoring technologies with access control is Open Options, a provider of software-based, open platform access control solutions. The company is actively advising its customers and partners on preparations for reopening buildings and campuses with the merging of temperature checks and access control.  “We have been having discussions with a variety of our customers, who are being forced to completely alter their business practices,” said Chuck O’Leary, President, Open Options. No longer is access control just about getting people through a door “No longer is access control just about getting people through a door, with the familiar ‘who, when and where’ aspects of physical access. Now, it’s also about ensuring the health of people.” New vetting processes In addition to adding thermal detection – essentially acting as a touchless thermometer to take people’s temperature one person at a time – a new vetting process is now being mandated or, in some places, at least strongly recommended. For example, the visitor management system collects data on an individual and asks a list of questions that can be used for vetting possible risks for carriers of COVID-19 -- questions such as “Have you been outside the Country recently?” and “Have you been in close proximity of someone who is known to have COVID-19?” The pre-authorization process for access also now requires verification that the person is wearing a mask.  The president of Open Options also stated that there are in-depth discussions happening in the security industry about the use of mobile devices and Bluetooth for contact tracing and monitoring where people go in a building. Contact tracing If an infected person somehow gains access to the building (perhaps due to being asymptomatic), a company would still be able to “contact trace” every interaction that the infected person had with others in the building in previous days. A mobile device can act as a “beacon” that is tracked. Information from it can be piped in through the access control software platform, according to O’Leary. This information becomes highly relevant for facilitating quarantines and other healthcare actions in order to limit or stop an outbreak in a building.  Furthermore, how people interact with card readers at doors is expected to change. Employees and visitors are likely to want to avoid touching a keypad reader or tapping a card on a reader in fear of the potential risk of catching the coronavirus. Legacy readers with keypads and older, inefficient technology will likely need to be replaced in the post-COVID-19 world. Rethinking access control “You may want to consider more sophisticated technologies that will save time, money and hassle in the long run,” added O’Leary. Rethinking access control will take much more than just putting a bottle of hand sanitiser on the front desk of a lobby. Rethinking access control will take much more than just putting a bottle of hand sanitiser on the front desk Software becomes integral as the cohesive “glue” to tie it all together for security management, according to the head of Open Options. Customization, which generates the need for more professional services, is expected to increase. A robust set of APIs become useful to rapidly meet integration requirements. “Being able to integrate with other technologies, such as thermal scanners, contact tracing apps or contactless technology, is important,” said O’Leary. “While a proprietary approach locks a customer in, an open approach is more adaptable as policies and protocols continue to change and evolve with mitigation strategies for COVID-19.” Four tips to handle the new complexity Based on the training programs that it is offering to integrators and end-user customers on how to prepare for reopening buildings and do it safely and responsibly, Chuck O’Leary offered four tips for security professionals to consider when moving forward amid the “new normal” in a post-COVID world. Communicate realistic expectations that all employees, contractors and visitors are now expected to participate in a pre-authorization health check before getting access to the building. Create an environment where there is some level of comfort and assurance that the location is at a lower risk for spreading the virus. Realize that your organization can no longer operate with people going in and out freely. Stay vigilant about cybersecurity, using encrypted technology to prevent hacking of new devices, such as thermal scanners, connected to your organization’s network. “There is now a shift away from an open campus environment. You don’t get to just walk into a building anymore,” said the president of Open Options. “You aren’t free to walk around a corporate campus, bypassing health checks and entering buildings like you used to.” You don’t get to just walk into a building anymore The new convergence of access control and thermal detection to comply with new security policies and public health guidelines is reshaping the experience of walking into a building. Having an authorized credential, such as a plastic card, a keyfob or a smart phone credential, is not enough anymore. Now, not only do they have to wear a mask, but people also need to prove they don’t have a fever for their credential to work at all. Security professionals likely never guessed they’d one day need to oversee health checks, too. 

Historically, concerns about inclusion and diversity have not been widely discussed in the security market. In the last couple of years, however, the Security Industry Association (SIA) and other groups have worked to raise awareness around issues of diversity and inclusion. Specifically, SIA’s Women in Security Forum has focused on the growing role of women in all aspects of security, and SIA’s RISE community has focused on “rising stars” in an industry previously dominated by Baby Boomers. The next generation of security leaders There is a business case to be made for diversity and inclusion, says a report by McKinsey & Company. According to the management consulting company, gender-diverse companies are 24% more likely to outperform less diverse companies, and ethnically diverse companies are 33% more likely to outperform their less diverse counterparts. Furthermore, the “next generation of security leaders” – employees under 30 – are particularly focused on diversity and inclusion. Diversity refers to the traits and characteristics that make people unique A panel discussion at ISC West’s Virtual Event highlighted aspects of inclusion and diversity, starting with a definition of each. Diversity refers to the traits and characteristics that make people unique. On the other hand, inclusion refers to the behavior and social norms that ensure people feel welcome. “We are all on a journey, and our journey takes different paths,” said Willem Ryan of AlertEnterprise, one of the SIA panelists. “There are opportunities to improve over time. We can all change and increase our ability to have a positive impact.” Industry responsibility The industry has a responsibility to the next generation of industry leaders to address issues of inclusion and diversity. Forbes magazine says that millennials are more engaged at work when they believe their company fosters an inclusive culture. So the question becomes: How do we unify and create opportunities to work with and champion tomorrow’s leaders? SIA is driving change in our industry to achieve that goal. More women are active in SIA than ever before. The SIA Women in Security Forum now has 520 members, said Maureen Carlo of BCD International, the SIA Women in Security Forum Chair and another panelist. Also, more women than ever are chairing SIA committees and serving on the SIA Board of Directors. More women than ever are chairing SIA committees Overcoming unconscious bias Former SIA Chairman Scott Shafer of SMS Advisors, another of the panelists, noted that SIA awarded the Chairman’s Award to the Women in Security Forum in 2019, and to the RISE community steering committee in 2020. “There are lots of ways we are seeing the elevation of women and ethnic groups in the security industry,” said Shafer. One topic of interest is the problem of “unconscious bias,” which can be overcome by looking at something through some else’s lens. Ryan suggested use of the acronym SELF –  Slow Down, Empathize, Learn, and Find commonalities. Ryan recalled the value of being mentored and having someone shepherd him around the industry. “Now I want to give back,” he said. “We need to look at the things we can change in ourselves, in our company, in our communities, and in our industry. Change comes from the bottom and the top.” Increasing representation “It takes all of us to increase representation everywhere,” said Kasia Hanson of Intel Corp., another panelist. “We have in common that we are all human beings. Let’s make sure the next generation all have opportunities.” Diverse companies can attract better talent Moving forward, the panelists urged the industry to get involved and create opportunities because inclusion drives diversity. Diverse companies can attract better talent and attain a competitive advantage. Awareness of unconscious bias, and working to eliminate it, is an important element of change. Despite the progress the security industry is making, change continues to be incremental. As Ruth Bader Ginsburg has said, “Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time.”

Can a smart card be used securely for multiple applications (and among multiple companies)? End users are demanding such interoperability, and they also want openness to switch out their access control systems in the future without being “locked in” to one vendor. Those are the goals of the LEAF Identity consortium, a collection of companies that can share encrypted access codes for numerous applications to enable MIFARE DESFire EV2 chip cards to be used across multiple vendors. Smart card systems - more secure Almost everyone in the industry now knows that low-frequency (125 kHz) “prox” cards are not secure; in fact, low-cost cloning equipment is readily and inexpensively available. As the industry transitions to encrypted cards, challenges of interoperability persist. Keeping smart card systems more secure are encrypted “keys” – strings of 32 alphanumeric characters encoded onto the card chips. Information is exchanged via radio frequency (RF) in a challenge-response interaction when a card is presented to a reader. The most recent EV2 card enables one encrypted key to be used for up to 16 devices (and among a variety of manufacturers). LEAF consortium enables encryption sharing using protocols that ensure each manufacturer’s systems can interface with a card chip in the same way. Specifically, each card has a “shared data structure,” which means that the location of information is arranged on a card chip in a predictable and consistent manner. Member companies adhere to that structure in order to be interoperable using a single credential. There are no license fees or intellectual property rights involved.  Secret key The approach involves a LEAF Custom Cryptographic (Cc), a “secret” key owned by the end user but managed by a third party. “When we present these concepts to integrators, they realize that, first, they need to get their clients to pay attention to the risks around proximity cards and to migrate to encrypted card technology,” says Laurie Aaron, Executive Vice President, WaveLynx Technologies Corp. “Then we explain the benefits of custom-owned keys and of the LEAF data structure. Then integrators can differentiate themselves by selling the value of the end user staying in control and having unlimited interoperability.” Access control manufacturer WaveLynx is implementing the LEAF concept, which is the brainchild of CEO Hugo Wendling, who saw the advantages of leveraging the ability of an EV2 chip card to authenticate access to multiple applications. Key management service WaveLynx set up the specification, maintains the website, and is involved when a manufacturer wants to become LEAF-enabled. They provide a key management service (for life) to end users based on LEAF capabilities. End users “own” the keys and can ask to share them with any other manufacturer. Sharing a key involves two key custodians (engineers), each of whom only has access to half of the encrypted key in order to keep it secure. Combining capabilities The LEAF consortium provides a way for smaller manufacturers to work together to increase their market share without putting anyone’s intellectual property at risk. Working together, smaller manufacturers can assemble systems to compete more effectively with larger manufacturers. In effect, they combine their capabilities rather than compete. LEAF Consortium partners include Allegion, ASSA ABLOY, Brivo, Eline by DIRAK, Linxens, RFIDeas, and Telaeris. Biometric partners include Idemia and IrisID. Biometric devices may either store their biometric on the card or on a central database and access it through the badge number. The LEAF standard continues to evolve in terms of where a biometric template is stored on the chip. Although the standard does not currently offer mobile credentials, mobile functionality will be available by the second quarter of 2021 (or sooner).

Facial recognition is becoming more popular in newer systems for access control — a shift that began before the pandemic and has intensified with a market shift toward “touchless” systems. A new facial recognition platform is emerging that responds to the access control industry’s increased interest in facial recognition by expanding the concept with a new higher level of technology. At the core of the new system is high-performance, true-3D sensing with facial depth map processing at low power consumption, which enriches the capabilities of small-footprint access control devices. New proficiencies include anti-spoofing (preventing the use of a 2D photo of an authorized user to gain entry) and anti-tailgating (preventing an unauthorized person from gaining entry by following an authorized user) in real time and in challenging lighting conditions. The system uses “true 3D sensing,” which incorporates single-camera structured-light 3D sensing—as opposed to dual-camera depth sensing or IR video imaging-based approaches. AI vision processing and 3D sensing technologies The new “Janus reference design” incorporates AI vision processing, 3D sensing technologies, and RGB-IR CMOS image sensor technologies from Ambarella, Lumentum and ON Semiconductor. Specifically, Lumentum’s high-reliability, high-density VCSEL projector for 3D sensing combines with ON Semiconductor’s RGB-IR CMOS image sensor and Ambarella’s powerful AI vision system on chip (SoC). The Ambarella, Lumentum, and ON Semiconductor engineering teams worked together to incorporate their complementary technologies into the reference design. A reference design offers OEM product and engineering teams a fully functional engineering reference implementation that they can use as the basis for their own product. Teams will often customize a reference design with their choice of various third-party hardware components to fit their product specifications and positioning. They might also integrate their own software, algorithms, and back-end system integrations. The advantage to this approach is that the manufacturer can get to market quickly with a next-generation product that emphasises their core strengths. 3D depth information for facial recognition Generally, it takes between nine months and a year for a manufacturer to get to market using a fully functional reference design, such as the one developed jointly by Ambarella, Lumentum and ON Semiconductor. The Janus platform leverages 3D depth information generated via structured light for facial recognition with a >99% recognition accuracy rate. Traditional 2D-based solutions are prone to false acceptance and presentation attacks, whereas 3D sensing delivers advanced security—just as mobile phones use true-depth cameras for facial recognition. 3D facial recognition also significantly reduces the gender and ethnic biases demonstrated by some 2D facial recognition solutions. The Janus reference design is also aimed at future smart locks for enterprise and residential use: its unique single-camera 3D sensing solution will help OEMs overcome cost and manufacturability barriers, while the ultra-low power edge AI capability can effectively extend the battery life, which in turn reduces maintenance cost. Video security and access control Ambarella sees touchless access control, as well as the convergence of video security and access control, as the mega-trends driving industry innovation and growth—using video, computer vision, and 3D sensing to not only address safety and security, but also to improve the user experience and public health, says William Xu, director of marketing for Ambarella. The convergence of video security cameras and access control readers has been widely discussed by leading access control OEMs. In many cases, they already integrate video security cameras, readers, door controllers, cloud-access, and the like. In most enterprise installations, one would typically find security cameras installed where there are access control readers. Combining the two devices significantly reduces the maintenance cost and system complexity. “In comparison to fingerprint or other contact-based approaches, Janus-based access control is touchless—requiring no physical contact with authentication hardware such as fingerprint sensors or keypads—reducing infection risk while enabling a seamless experience,” says Mr. Xu. “The Janus platform provides true 3D depth information to prevent unauthorized individuals from mimicking legitimate users, and the advanced embedded AI processor enables tracking and anti-tailgating algorithms. Janus-based devices perform well in challenging lighting conditions and they are capable of authenticating multiple users simultaneously, with imperceptible latency.” Access Control and public health What was once purely a security challenge—namely, how to prevent unauthorized entry into a restricted area—has evolved into a public health challenge as well. Many traditional access control methods, from number pads to fingerprint readers, require touch in order to function, and if the current global pandemic has made one thing evident, it’s that minimizing physical contact between users and surfaces is vital to community well-being. Janus was originally designed to facilitate the next generation of facial-recognition-based access control readers—enabling 3D sensing and high recognition speed for seamless authentication. COVID-19 has accelerated industry-wide research, development, and timelines for Janus-based solutions, says Mr. Xu. Deep learning and artificial intelligence drive all the new capabilities offered in Janus—capabilities that are only possible due to the platform’s high computational horsepower. The core deep learning and AI capabilities of Janus enable a wide range of advanced features only possible with an embedded vision SoC, says Mr. Xu. All are performed in real time, even when multiple users are being processed simultaneously. These include the extraction and comparison of facial depth maps with those registered in the system; 3D liveness detection, ensuring that the system can distinguish between real users and photo or video playback attacks; anti-tailgating, which relies on computer vision algorithms to detect and track when an unauthorized person follows a legitimate user inside; face mask detection; and people counting. VCSEL technology According to Ken Huang, Director of Product Line Management, 3D Sensing, Lumentum: “Lumentum’s VCSEL technology is one of the Janus design’s core strengths and differentiators. The process begins when Lumentum’s high-resolution dot projector projects thousands of dots onto the scene to create a unique 3D depth pattern of a user’s face. Most traditional biometric facial security systems rely on 2D images of users—simple photographs—which reduces authentication accuracy. In contrast, the 3D depth map generated by Lumentum’s technology provides the foundation of a more accurate, more secure, and more intelligent system overall. In addition, Lumentum’s VCSEL solutions incorporate a Class 1, eye-safe laser with zero field failures to date.” Adds Paige Peng, Product Marketing Manager, Commercial Sensing Division, ON Semiconductor: “If we think of Ambarella’s CV25 as the brain of the Janus design, the AR0237IR from ON Semiconductor is the eye. The AR0237IR image sensor captures the information, and the CV25 processes it. Other face recognition systems use two “eyes” – one to recognize RGB patterns to generate the viewing image stream, and another IR module to detect liveliness in motion. The Janus solution leverages a single “eye”—the AR0237IR—to obtain both visible and infrared images for depth sensing and advanced algorithms such as anti-spoofing and 3D recognition. AR0237IR also provides good sensitivity in various lighting conditions and supports high-dynamic-range (HDR) functions.” The single-camera 3D sensing solution for access control operates in three seamless steps: Step 1: Lumentum’s high-resolution dot projector creates a unique 3D depth map of a user’s face; Step 2: ON Semiconductor’s RGB-IR image sensor captures the high-resolution images from Step 1, even in low-light or high dynamic range conditions; Step 3: Ambarella’s advanced vision SoC takes the high-resolution images captured in Step 2 and uses deep neural networks (DNNs) for depth processing, facial recognition, anti-tailgating, and anti-spoofing while video encoding and network software run simultaneously.

Retail banks and financial services companies have a long history of dealing with the risk and potential threat of criminal activity. Arecont Vision Costar understands the unique needs of the retail banking and financial services market and provides customer-proven megapixel camera technology to specifically meet those needs for our customers around the world. Bank Crime Statistics In a typical year in the United States, according to the FBI cash losses total around $7.5 million, only about 22% of which is recovered by law enforcement agencies. Other nations have similar results. Acts of violence are committed in about four percent of the robberies, with employees suffering the most injuries; other countries are not immune and the rate varies around the world. Small banks and branch offices of banks are typically targeted nearly 47 times more often than main offices are in large institutions worldwide. The continuing deployment of IP megapixel camera technology is leading to more identifications and apprehensions of criminal suspects thanks to improved image quality delivering outstanding live video and forensic recording. Panoramic megapixel cameras provide undistorted, high-quality video with 180-360°coverage, non-stop indoors and out. Bank & Finance Applications Deter internal and external theft                                       Overall security with enough detail for customer and staff ID and vehicle/license plate ID Megapixel provides the ability for facial detail                             Improve staff productivity Resolve staff and customer disputes                Protect staff, customers, equipment and assets Ability to cover more with less (instead of manpower to control PTZs, panoramic cameras can cover it all of the time) Increased detail equals better forensics and reduced time from police and security professionals in post event investigations Monitor daily business                                   Forensic documentation to build cases Provide security, situational awareness, life safety Prevent fraudulent claims Quantifiable return on investment What Arecont Vision Costar's Customers Say Omar Valdemar, CPP, VP – Manager, Security Solutions, City National Bank, comments: “When City National Bank began integrating high quality megapixel security system solutions, Arecont Vision Costar was among many cameras that were tested. Arecont Vision’s high resolution and WDR technology made their cameras instrumental tools in City National’s security design”Alex De Barros of AV Enforce (integrator for ABSA Bank, South Africa) says: “Arecont Vision Costar outperforms all the current competitors. The price compared to analog cameras is better considering the fact that you gain so much. We were able to capture images for the bank that were never achieved before.”

As technology continues to catapult forward at a significant pace in the 21st century, banks are increasingly facing new security challenges to safeguard their buildings, staff, customers, and financial operations. Because of this, it is critical that banks invest in security systems that meet the complex and unique requirements of the financial environment. Vanderbilt’s SPC provides this solution through advanced, dedicated intruder detection features and products for banking applications. SPC offers versatile operation and comprehensive alarm management functionality. With the support of cloud services, end-user apps, and a dedicated software suite, this puts SPC at the forefront of modern intrusion detection.  Credito Cooperativo Consortium Italy’s Credito Cooperativo (BCC) consortium of banks are found throughout the length and breadth of the country and have served local communities for the past 134 years. There are 317 mutual not-for-profit organisations comprising over 4,300 branches, all of which work together to guarantee a range of products in keeping with the values and identity of a cooperative. Vanderbilt’s SPC is a true hybrid intrusion detection system that meets EN 50131 standards and has unmatched flexibility and scalability Headquartered in Cesena, Banca di Cesena e Banca di GATTEO Credito Cooperativo S.Coop is the first member of the BCC to initiate a new security infrastructure. The bank wanted a system that offered integrated between access control and intrusion detection as well as being reliable, easy to install and future proof. Hybrid Intrusion Detection Vanderbilt’s SPC is a true hybrid intrusion detection system that meets EN 50131 standards and has unmatched flexibility and scalability. SPC5000 and SPC6000 control panels are being installed at each branch, with the former able to be expanded per specific customers and project needs with up to 128 zones, 128 outputs, 16 system keypads, 16 doors and eight verification zones. SPC6000 expands upon this functionality with up to 512 zones, 512 outputs, 32 system keypads, 64 doors and 16 verification zones. SPC Connect offers the ability to customize how data is viewed by setting up a feature that allows Smart Security to manage and control access rights to individual panels and groups of panels. This means that tasks such as configuration management, troubleshooting, and regular maintenance can be carried out remotely, saving massive amounts of time and money, and enabling a swift resolution to any issues. SPC Connect Integration The control panels are being fully integrated with Vanderbilt’s pioneering SPC Connect system – a cloud-based solution that allows Smart Security to monitor, manage and control the SPC control panels remotely from any location. Personal security devices, such as the SPC Wireless Personal Alarm, increase the confidence and security of bank employees, while SPC also offers a set of specifically defined ‘Financial’ area types for ATM and vault environments with pre-defined times and enhanced security functions. Here’s how it works. Users can define the period during which an ATM or vault remains unset. Once that period expires, the ATM or vault automatically sets to an interlock group, thus denying further access to other ATMs or vaults if any area within a group is unset. The dual PIN feature is another measured safeguard, requiring two PINs to be entered within 30 seconds to set or unset an ATM or vault. Meanwhile, the All Okay feature requires users to confirm ‘All Okay’ on entry, otherwise an alarm is generated. Monitoring Safety Central Monitoring Stations (CMS) working with SPC quickly and correctly identify the source of any alarms. As a direct consequence, the number of needless callouts due to false alarms can be significantly reduced. For example, if the bank manager arrives early, he uses his card to gain access to the branch office and PIN to disarm the alarm. His code disarms the office and secure area but the ATMs, vaults, and safe deposit boxes remain armed.  A Central Monitoring Station is alerted to the early entry. They need to know whether the entry is routine or under duress. The monitoring station views the manager in live video as he executes a predetermined security procedure and until he hits an “All Okay” button. If there is a problem the manager sends a silent duress alarm rather than the “All Okay” button. The monitoring station can listen in and if necessary call the police. Banks wish to operate in an open and friendly layout while safeguarding their customers, staff, and assets Multiple Layers This is just one layer of automated security that Vanderbilt provides to protect banks and other financial institutions. For instance, SiPass® integrated (a product made by Siemens AG) offers protection against cyber threats and intellectual property espionage. Personal security devices, such as the SPC Wireless Personal Alarm, increase the confidence and security of bank employeesSiPass meets current IT security requirements for data protection and delivers the highest data security through encrypted data transmission throughout the network. SiPass is one Vanderbilt solution used at Bank Pekao, a Polish financial institution considered to be one of the safest banks at the pan-European level. Seismic detectors are designed for monitoring of ATMs, 24/7. They have been developed for false alarm immunity and even the subtlest attacks can be detected at a very early stage, repeatedly triggering an alarm that gives ample time for intervention.  Importance Of Security In Banking Security in banking is an essential issue. It requires thoughtful attention and procedure while allowing room for agility, adaptability, and dependability – flagship traits of the Vanderbilt brand. Banks wish to operate in an open and friendly layout while ultimately safeguarding their customers, staff, and assets. Vanderbilt’s solutions respond to these expectations and enable effective safeguarding foundations to be laid. 

Financial institutions of all sizes demand simple, reliable solutions to protect against fraud, theft, and accidents in the workplace. Advancements in camera resolution and storage capabilities have put pressure on banks and credit unions to upgrade their video surveillance systems. Upgrading to a modern, economical NVR server will greatly increase system performance and scalability for small-budget projects with benefits seen across both loss prevention and business insights. Reliable High Performance However, not all banks have the same security budget as large institutions. This makes high-power, custom-built solutions seem unrealistic; however, small projects featuring bandwidth limitations need to retain the ability to scale up depending on future surveillance demands. Before any system expansion can occur, reliable high-performance must be established. White-box solutions compromise quality and underperform when exposed to the tough requirements of the financial security market. Fortunately, custom-built, video-optimized solutions are not exclusive to large multinational financial institutions. Network Architecture When upgrading an ineffective digital security system, a new network architecture needs to be created. Usually, this means switching from DVR to NVR servers. As a result, network switches attach to the camera allowing for easier future system expansion. Along with the newly gained scalability, throughput performance on servers can achieve significantly higher levels.BCDVideo offers servers, networking and workstations that provide enterprise-quality performance for all financial projects, regardless of size Implementing a complete video solution with high-performance servers, modern networking protocols and powerful workstations in financial institutions is now possible, even for small projects. BCDVideo offers servers, networking and workstations that provide enterprise-quality performance for all financial projects, regardless of size. The Benchmark Magazine 2016 Infrastructure award winner Aurora Server Series earns its name by marking the dawn of a new era in DVR replacement. Small-budget projects that have previously succumbed to the pressure of sacrificing quality for short-term savings now have access to servers with redundant power, 12Gbps RAID controller with 2GB of Flash Based Write Cache, hot-pluggable helium hard drive, and 10,000 PassMark rated CPUs. These big project features fit price-conscious budgets while maintaining the high-performance found in enterprise surveillance. BCDVideo Titan Networking The Titan Networking Series is priced well below standard to ensure project size and scope does not prevent an integrator from deploying a complete networking solution. Without the added cost of a networking engineer, savings reach into the thousands. Additionally, by using cutting-edge technology like Shortest Path Bridging, Titan switches, backed by a five-year, on-site warranty, will run at a high-level for years. The Gamma Series workstations fill the void in commercial and enterprise environments. Ideal for access control and IP video surveillance, they are powerful enough to render high-quality megapixel images for applications running 24/7. Optimized for advanced graphics and video capabilities, smaller projects can use the Gamma Series as both a video recorder and viewer.

To the lay person they appear to be simple LED light spots going back to the original style of illumination of the old 1800s palace (1876) that currently houses the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance, and that historically represents the first great building of the newly reborn Roman capital, as commissioned by the former Minister Quintino Sella. Hidden In Plain Sight The carefully hidden technology, however, transforms each of the 20 light points (appropriately designated “Roma lights”) decorating the external perimeter into a state-of-the-art tool to guarantee the security of the public in the area around the Ministry. The transformation is executed thanks to the internal installation of IP cameras produced and distributed world-wide by the German company MOBOTIX, equipped with software for recording and processing the images. Notwithstanding the innovation of the performance, the new lighting systems are perfectly integrated, from an aesthetic point of view, with the historic palace where they are installed: A very advanced system, therefore, in terms of technology, but completely hidden inside a design in perfect harmony with the place where the light spot is installed, as envisioned and implemented by Dr. Massimo Belli, Appointed Administrator of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Dr. Umberto Dall’Aglio, Director of the VI Office of the IV Department of the Ministry and by Architect Gianluca Canofeni, Director of the Works and Technical Administrator of the IV Department. High Efficiency At A Low Cost The transformation is executed thanks to the internal installation of IP cameras produced and distributed by MOBOTIX  “The motivation for the project was multifaceted: On the one hand to realize a control system based upon state-of-the-art video surveillance tools, and on the other hand implementing a new lighting project to substantially reduce electricity consumption – within the scope of energy efficiency –, guaranteeing at the same time a much longer useful life, and as a result a substantial reduction of maintenance costs”, said Lieutenant Colonel Saverio La Monaca, chief of the Central Security Organization of the Ministry. As per the costs, the analysis carried out by the Ghisamestieri teams, obviously as a function of the actual system utilization give a clear picture: It is foreseen that the initial investment will be recouped within only 4 or 5 years and economic savings of even 50% between the fifth and fifteenth year of useful life of the system. With respect to energy savings, MOBOTIX’ video cameras provide a further guarantee, since their energy consumption is extremely low in comparison with other technologies present on the market: about 4 to 6 watts per hour. MOBOTIX DualDome Cameras The project, comprises today 20 wall light spots installed in strategic positions throughout the Ministry. Each shelf hides inside 2 MOBOTIX DualDome cameras with 180 degrees field of view, for an overall total of 40 high-resolution IP security cameras. The images can be recorded inside the cameras 24/7 (color, and black and white) to be viewed at the control center located inside the Ministry building. The security personnel belonging to the military branch of the Financial Guard manage the complete video surveillance apparatus and constantly monitor the images of the cameras in real time. 10 wireless routers manufactured by the young Italian company 3WLan, are installed inside a similar number of wall brackets and are capable of guaranteeing the bi-directional Wi-Fi link between the control center and the patrols active outside the palace. This is possible thanks to an authentication on a RADIUS server that identifies the access permissions of the router on a list of authorized equipment. Exchange Data And Images In Real Time The new wireless system guarantees much more reduced operating expenses against a much more intensive use profile" “Especially in case of demonstrations, which is actually very common, our security operators are involved in the so-called pacification operations outside the palace for the purpose of first of all protecting the ministerial magistrates. These are carried out both on foot and inside our patrols – which implies the need to rapidly cross-check the owner of a particular vehicle or verifying the personal data on passports and identification documents. "Before installing the new intelligent light spots we relied on a GSM system that was, however, very expensive. The new wireless system guarantees much more reduced operating expenses against a much more intensive use profile”, added Giancarlo Varvo, who is responsible for security. The video surveillance technology available on the patrol vehicles, which are also equipped with tools to read license plates, or palmtop operating systems (also known as explorers) supplied to foot patrols, once within the radius of coverage of the poles equipped with Wi-Fi antennas, have the option of exchanging data and images with the operations center inside the Ministry by means of a recognition system. Furthermore, by connecting to a specific IP address, external patrols have the possibility to view the images recorded by a specific video camera in real time. Remote Day/Night Illumination Management Each support is also equipped with a remote switch that allows managing the illumination and video surveillance functions completely autonomously and independently from each other. While the light source turns on at dusk and switches off at sunrise, the cameras continue functioning 24/7, according to the specific settings they may record both in continuous mode or trigger upon an event, such as the movement of a pedestrian, or a sound. The cameras placed close to the entrances of the Ministry are capable of sending alerts in real time to the operations center, or activating a bollard along the perimeter thanks to an automatic vehicle license plate reading system. In fact, the operations room located inside the Ministry remotely controls the recording of more than 1,600 cameras" Nothing to object about the support of the engineers of Ghisamestieri, that proved to beat all times available and collaborative in answering the requirements of the Ministry. Also, no complaints about Genius, a unique world-wide illumination solution, capable of offering high level design and advanced technology in a single solution. No objections about the technology made in Germany of MOBOTIX. Securing The Facility With Additional Cameras “In addition to the project implemented with Ghisamestieri, we employed the technology of MOBOTIX also for other types of requirements, still obviously related to the security of the Ministry: 36 AllroundMono security cameras have already been installed on the roof of the palace to check potential attacks for instance through the air vent conduits to the so-called Tempest room, a completely aseptic environment for the protection of communications inside the Ministry. "In fact, the operations room located inside the Ministry remotely controls the recording of more than 1,600 cameras installed in various facilities connected to the department”, underscores Varvo. The light spots installed in Rome find their place in a wider project, where any illumination support can potentially serve as a technology node. Named “Genius” by their creators, regardless of the design or aesthetic form, any light spot is potentially capable of becoming a true security center, perfectly integrated from the aesthetic and urban points of view into city decor. Equipped with microphones and speakers, MOBOTIX’ cameras can put the citizens in touch with the operations centers of the police or ambulances by means of special buttons placed at the base of the pole or through the implementation of an RFID or magnetic strip identification system. “With respect to traditional poles with well-visible cameras installed outdoors, Genius represents a true video security system, not just a simple crime deterrent”, concluded Varvo.

PVcomBank, one of Vietnam’s fastest growing and most progressive banks, has acquired a cutting-edge March Networks video surveillance system.   Established in 2013 through a merger of PetroVietnam Finance Corporation and WesternBank, the Hanoi-based financial institution is a joint stock commercial bank with 115 branches throughout the country. Shareholders include Petro Vietnam with a 52 percent stake and Morgan Stanley with a 6.7 percent strategic interest. Prior to selecting the March Networks technology, PVcomBank had a variety of different video surveillance systems installed throughout its branch network. The bank wanted to upgrade to a high-performance solution it could eventually standardize on for all of its retail branches, ATMs and corporate offices, and centrally manage from its headquarters in Hanoi. “The March Networks system gives us the central management capability that we didn’t have before. It’s also reliable, user friendly and provides us with excellent quality video.” Enterprise-Class Video Surveillance The enterprise-class March Networks system PVcomBank is now deploying consists of 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs, Command Enterprise video management software and hundreds of March Networks IP cameras, including MegaPX WDR MiniDomes Zs and MegaPX Indoor IR Domes.More than 450 banks and credit unions worldwide rely on March Networks’ intelligent IP video solutions to keep their customers and employees safe PVcomBank relied on the advice of Intelligent Building Solutions (IBS), a security systems integrator and March Networks certified partner with offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore and Phnom Penh. “We wanted to upgrade to a high quality, enterprise system with central management and health monitoring,” said Nguyen Manh Hai, PVcomBank. “IBS recommended March Networks because of its track record as a global leader in the delivery of video surveillance solutions to the financial sector.” More than 450 banks and credit unions worldwide rely on March Networks’ intelligent IP video solutions to keep their customers and employees safe, and help reduce losses due to fraud, theft and liability claims. IBS, a supplier of security and building automation products, including video surveillance, access control and intrusion detection systems, began rolling out the March Networks system across PVcomBank’s branch network in June 2015 and expects to complete the deployment by the end of 2016. Hybrid Capability Results In Lower Costs The hybrid capability of the March Networks 8000 Series NVRs is ideal because, in addition to approximately 250 new March Networks IP cameras, PVcomBank opted to continue using analog cameras from its previous video surveillance systems. Continuing to use its existing cameras with the March Networks system kept costs down and resulted in noticeably improved video quality from the analog cameras. Access to video is restricted to the bank’s security staff and used to obtain evidence of burglaries, fraud and other reported incidents. Eight and 16-channel NVRs are equipped with 6 and 8 TB of onboard storage, respectively — sufficient for approximately 60 days of video retention. The 8000 Series recorders are available in 4, 8, 16 and 32 channel models and can accommodate two simultaneous recording streams — one lower resolution stream for viewing online, and another full resolution, full frame rate version for investigation purposes. Built for maximum reliability, they feature a secure Linux operating system to better protect against viruses and malware, and an internal battery backup for systematic shutdown in the event of power loss.The 8000 Series recorders can accommodate two simultaneous recording streams The 8000 Series recorders are also designed for easy maintenance with docking station architecture that keeps all cables securely connected to the back of the unit for faster, more convenient installation and servicing. Technicians can also take advantage of March Networks’ industry-first GURU Smartphone Application to scan the QR code on any 8000 Series NVR to quickly find the recorder’s serial number and warranty status, speed troubleshooting, link to video tutorials and use an installation audit feature to run automated reports on the video system’s configuration complete with camera field-of-views. Simplifying Day-To-Day System Administration The Command Enterprise video management software used by PVcomBank simplifies day-to-day system administration with centralized management and mass configuration tools, and provides real-time health monitoring that alerts administrators to performance issues. A customisable user interface with motion histogram and thumbnail images allows investigators to quickly zero in on video evidence. “We are very pleased with our March Networks video surveillance system,” said Nguyen Manh Hai. “We worked closely with IBS, our security systems integrator, to select a system that would meet all of our needs. The March Networks system gives us the central management capability that we didn’t have before. It’s also reliable, user friendly and provides us with excellent quality video.”

Customer: The Absa Group Limited is one of South Africa’s largest financial services groups, offering a complete range of banking and wealth management products and services. Absa Bank's business is primarily in South Africa, and the group has equity holdings in banks in Mozambique and Tanzania. Absa is a subsidiary of Barclays Bank, a major global financial services provider with an extensive international presence in Europe, the United States, Africa and Asia. Challenge: Absa Bank’s objective was to streamline its processes and reduce costs while maintaining a clear focus on the individual customer’s experience. Their decision to deploy megapixel network cameras in a proof-of-concept video surveillance installation was based on leveraging the greater system efficiencies, functionality and superior image quality of megapixel technology. Megapixel Solution: The new security surveillance system at Absa Bank was installed by AV Enforce Electronics (AVEE) of South Africa. The system employs Arecont Vision's 2.0 and 3.0 Megapixel Cameras positioned behind teller stations to closely monitor transactions between bank employees and clients. In addition, Arecont Vision's 8 Megapixel 180-degree and 360-degree Panoramic Cameras (AV8185 and AV8365) watch over customer queues, automated teller machines (ATMs) and the general banking hall with extreme image detail. Each Arecont Vision megapixel camera at the Absa Bank installation is connected to a power-over-Ethernet network switch that serves as the network video connection and also as the power source to the camera. Cameras are recorded on Luxriot network video recorders. The system is monitored locally by authorized management personnel. Arecont Vision's AV3105 3-Megapixel Camera uses a ½ inch CMOS sensor to provide 2048x1536-pixel progressive scan images at up to 15 frames per second (fps). The camera is built with Arecont Vision's massively-parallel MegaVideo technology, providing image processing at billions of operations per second. It can output multiple image formats of larger areas to allow simultaneous viewing of the full resolution field of view and regions of interest. The Arecont Vision AV2105 2-Megapixel Camera provides 1600x1200-pixel video at up to 24 fps, with light sensitivity of 0.1 lux at F1.4. Features include forensic zooming on archived video, region-of-interest views, as well as image cropping and motion detection. The panoramic view cameras used at the Absa Bank proof-of-concept installation are the 180-degree Arecont Vision AV8185 and 360-degree Arecont Vision AV8365 8-Megapixel Cameras. Both models employ four 2-megapixel sensors enclosed in 6-inch IP66-rated domes and provide up to 6400x1200-pixel images at 5.5 fps. The cameras can be set for lower resolutions at higher frame speeds, such as 1600x1200-pixel images at 22 fps or 800x600-pixel images at 88 fps. The cameras also use Arecont Vision MegaVideo video processing at billions of operations per second. Light sensitivity is 0.2 lux at F2.0, and the cameras provide image cropping and up to four regions-of-interest. “Arecont Vision outperforms all the current competitors,” said Alex De Barros of AV Enforce. “The price compared to analog cameras is better considering the fact that you gain so much. We were able to capture images for the bank that were never achieved before.” Megapixel Benefit: The proof-of-concept system atAbsa Bank has demonstratedthat megapixel cameras aresuitable for applications inthe banking environment andrepresent a significant upgradein system functionality comparedto standard-resolution cameras Arecont Vision megapixel network cameras use H.264 compression to minimize bandwidth and storage needs and are available at costs comparable to standard-resolution alternatives. Megapixel images provide much more detail in playback mode for forensic investigations. Operators can zoom in for up-close views on stored images. They can view specific parts of a larger image, such as a person's face. A benefit for Absa Bank is creation of a database of suspected criminals to allow operators to identify them easily. The use of megapixel video enables a larger area to be covered with fewer cameras, which reduces overall system cost which make it easier to realize ROI. Higher-resolution images boost the functionality of systems, enabling pristine image quality at industry-leading high frame rates, while minimizing bandwidth usage with H.264 video compression. The proof-of-concept system at Absa Bank has demonstrated that megapixel cameras are suitable for applications in the banking environment and represent a significant upgrade in system functionality compared to standard-resolution cameras. In addition to lower bandwidth and storage requirements, megapixel cameras can dramatically decrease costs related to other elements of a system, such as fewer software licenses, less cabling, fewer lenses, and a decrease in man-hours needed to bring it all together. “There is a lot at stake in the banking environment, and megapixel imaging can vastly improve the performance of the video surveillance systems in this important market,” said Ethan Maxon, Middle East and Africa Regional Sales Manager of Arecont Vision. “We continue to spread the word about the unparalleled image quality and resolution of Arecont Vision's megapixel IP video cameras. It's good to know that Absa Bank has experienced those benefits first-hand.”

New software developments have dominated technology innovation in the physical security industry for years, making more things possible to the benefit of integrators and end users. However, hardware is another important piece of the puzzle. No matter how great your software, the system doesn’t perform unless the hardware works too. In our enthusiasm over software developments, let’s not overlook the latest in the hardware world. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How do hardware improvements drive better physical security?

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have made a big splash in the physical security market, transforming video analytics to a new level of accuracy. In fact, the terms have become common buzzwords throughout the industry. However, the potential for AI and machine learning to impact the physical security industry goes far beyond their ability to improve video analytics. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Beyond better video analytics, how can artificial intelligence (AI) and/or machine learning benefit the physical security market? 

The advent of a truly new market for the physical security industry is a rare occurrence. Particularly rare is a new market that is both fast-growing and provides an environment that is not just conducive to application of physical security technologies but that actually demands it. Such is the case with the market for legalized marijuana. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of protecting the cannabis industry?