The increasing cyber security threat and COVID-19 are causing challenges everywhere, including in the energy sector. The European Network for Cyber Security (ENCS), the Association of European Distribution System Operators (E.DSO), and the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E), hosted the first of two webinars to discuss some of these challenges. ‘Cybersecurity: Data Sharing’ webinar Renowned cyber security experts from the grid operator community, public organizations and industry discussed actual and emerging threats, the most recent regulatory developments, and the main challenges connected to data sharing. It was concluded that only with harmonization of efforts in the areas of security requirements, scoping for information security management systems and knowledge sharing, the rapidly increasing challenges can be managed. Access, trust and interoperability for data In the opening keynote session, Ms. Catharina Sikow, Director Internal Energy Market, DG ENER, highlighted European Commission's growing commitment to strengthen EU's leadership on digitalization and cyber security, especially in the light of the energy transition and EU recovery, stating that “Access, trust and interoperability for data are the three pillars for information to flow in Europe. Cyber security is essential for a strong & sustainable energy system in Europe.” Saad Kadhi, Head of CERT-EU, European Commission, highlighted that “The threat landscape is continuously evolving and the attack surface is growing. Several nation-state threat actors are very well resourced and some criminal groups are adopting their playbooks.” Need to share threat data more efficiently Targeted intrusions, ransom-ware attacks and other types of breaches are now customary" Saad adds, “Targeted intrusions, ransom-ware attacks and other types of breaches are now customary. To keep them at bay, we have no choice but to share threat data, more efficiently and at a bigger scale, by building bridges across cyber security communities.” Nicolas Richet, Head of Digital Section, ENTSO-E Secretariat, said “This third edition of our joint cyber security events with E.DSO and ENCS has allowed us to demonstrate the grid operators’ commitment and continued efforts to enhance the reliability of the European power network.” Deterring security incidents at DER installations Maarten Hoeve, Technology Director at the European Network for Cyber Security (ENCS), presented how vulnerabilities in DER infrastructure can be exploited to disrupt electricity supply. He said, “The stability of the electricity grid is becoming dependent on distributed energy resources (DER), such as solar panels and windmills. Security incidents at DER installations could lead to large disruptions of the electricity grid, even to the extent of a European black-out.” Concluding the event, Roberto Zangrandi, Secretary General of the Association of European Distribution System Operators (E.DSO), said “After 3 years now, our joint update with key stakeholders on Cybersecurity has become a beacon for the electricity grid operators. This meeting in particular, and the next one, proves that only through joint efforts hacking dangers can be and will be tackled.” The event highlighted the importance of security across critical business processes, harmonization of the approaches throughout Europe and the need to act now.

At the official launch of CyberCenturion Vll, Nick Chaffey, Chief Executive, UK, Europe and Middle East, Northrop Grumman announced that the 2020/21 focus of the competition will be on encouraging greater diversity in the cybersecurity sector. CyberCenturion VII is open to all secondary school students in the UK, UK Crown Dependencies and UK Overseas Territories and starts in October 2020 with the national finals due to take place in April 2021. CyberCenturion is the UK edition of the global CyberPatriot program, sponsored and led by Northrop Grumman, designed by the U.S. Air Force Association and delivered in the UK in partnership with the Cyber Security Challenge UK. Cybersecurity teams “Our mission at Northrop Grumman is to recruit, develop and retain the most talented employees, and that means having access to the most diverse talent pool to ensure that our cybersecurity teams retain a vigor and dynamism that matches the challenges in our sector,” Chaffey said at the virtual launch. “We believe that continuing to create a work force and a workplace that is diverse and values diversity and fosters inclusion is both the right thing to do and pivotal to delivering innovation. It will take time for CyberCenturion to reach every school in every neighborhood, but we are asking for your support to achieve this important aim.” Crack cyber crime If COVID-19 restrictions prevent a face-to-face final in 2021, the final will take place as a virtual event CyberCenturion is a UK-wide competition which gives secondary school pupils the opportunity to develop and bring a myriad of skills into play to crack cyber crime. The multi-round event, for which there is no fee to participate, culminates in a national final for the highest scoring teams. If COVID-19 restrictions prevent a face-to-face final in 2021, in line with qualifying rounds, the final will take place as a virtual event. CyberCenturion VII is adopting the theme of space, to highlight the unlimited opportunity that young people from all backgrounds in cybersecurity have, linked to the pioneering work Northrop Grumman does in space. This ranges from the historic Lunar Module, the vehicle that landed men on the moon, to the Mission Extension Vehicle (MEV) and James Webb Space Telescope. Inspirational people Nitya Sri Adapala is a past winner of CyberCenturion: “It opened my eyes and those of my teammates to a whole world of inspirational people that we could talk to and learn from. As a direct result of entering CyberCenturion, the enrollment onto Computer Sciences at our school went from 3 people to 18 - it’s been fantastic and I do feel proud of myself and my teammates for encouraging girls into the industry.”

Alcatraz, developer of autonomous access control products, has been added to the lineup of sponsors for PSA Security Network’s ADAPT 2020 virtual managerial conference for system integrators. PSA Network’s virtual event, held Oct. 6-8, 2020, will include sessions on topics ranging from industry, emerging technologies, physical security, operation improvements, managed services, and more. Participants will have the opportunity to network with other PSA Network members and vendors and gain access to additional tools and resources to help them reinvent their businesses in the post-COVID-19 economy. The event also includes a virtual trade show for sponsors to foster networking and engagement throughout the event and beyond. Mask enforcement solutions As a recently-added member to the PSA Security Network, we are thrilled to sponsor and participate in the ADAPT 2020" Alcatraz was just recently added to the PSA Security Network of partners, bringing facial authentication and mask enforcement solutions to the renowned product consortium for system integrators. “As a recently-added member to the PSA Security Network, we are thrilled to sponsor and participate in the ADAPT 2020 virtual conference,” said Alcatraz Chief Revenue Officer Tina D’Agostin. “We have some great information to share in this virtual format to those seeking post-COVID touchless and frictionless access control solutions.” Access control system Alcatraz offers a secure facial authentication platform that works with any access control system. It replaces or augments ID badging as a credential with facial authentication, 3D sensing, and artificial intelligence to enable highly secure and touchless entry into physical locations. An added feature that was designed specifically to address existing and potential future government-mandated face masks delivers face mask detection to ensure users are in compliance.

At this year’s ISC West virtual event, the largest converged security event of the year, SnapAV will introduce its new ClareOne Wireless Security and Smart Home Panel to thousands of industry professionals and showcase the platform’s complete line of wireless sensors, FusionPro dealer backend and suite of monthly interactive and alarm reporting service offerings.  Distributed exclusively by SnapAV, the ClareOne Wireless Security and Smart Home Panel has already begun to make waves in the security industry as it unifies full-featured home automation and security monitoring in a single-point solution that provides dealers with seamless installation, management and monetization. Simplifying smart home ISC West is widely known as the security industry’s most anticipated event of the year" ClareOne will help dealers drive more business by simplifying and controlling all aspects of the smart home, from home security and smart locks to smart lighting, climate control, wireless audio, and more. Plus, the ClareOne back-end platform FusionPro simplifies the way integrators manage installations and grow their RMR. “ISC West is widely known as the security industry’s most anticipated event of the year, meaning there is no better moment to introduce the new, industry-redefining ClareOne panel,” said Clint Choate, SnapAV Security Market Senior Director. “SnapAV has seen the extraordinary success of ClareOne platform, which makes us even more excited to share this latest expansion of its ecosystem that will bring dealers even greater benefits.” Wireless security experience On the front end, the new ClareOne panel elevates the smart home and wireless security experience in a slim package with a crisp 7” touch screen. The ClareOne encrypted security sensors and the panel’s 128 security zones enable maximum peace-of-mind for home and business owners. On the backend, FusionPro resets expectations of how intuitive and seamless installation and management of smart security and control systems can be. The new management platform provides a single-point solution to enhance dealer productivity, supporting everything from account setup, panel onboarding and central station selection through remote diagnostics and troubleshooting, with a native OvrC integration enabling advanced remote management. Smart home solutions ClareHome cellphone app delivers the intuitive ClareOne experience directly to the user’s cellphone device FusionPro features multiple service tiers - starting with Free for interactive smart home services - with low-cost monitoring service tiers that help dealers increase their RMR. FusionPro updates are free and automatic. ClareOne plays particularly nice with do-it-yourself smart home solutions, removing a common headache for security dealers and integrators. Customers will find it easy to use and learn the panel, and then expand the home control by adding DIY devices. For cellphone control, both at home and on-the-go, the new ClareHome cellphone app delivers the intuitive ClareOne experience directly to the user’s cellphone device. SnapAV is offering an exclusive promotion to new dealers, allowing them to experience the ClareOne platform and new panel firsthand. Clare Control products New dealers attending ISC West that sign up for an account with Clare Controls and SnapAV will receive a free ClareOne 2:1 Kit ($584.95 MSRP) and a free Clare Video Doorbell ($209 MSRP). Existing SnapAV dealers attending ISC West are also eligible to receive 20% off all Clare Control products. Redemption codes will be available through SnapAV’s virtual insert in the ISC West virtual swag bag. As an added value, ISC West attendees can also expand their knowledge of SnapAV’s newest and most popular products by exploring and downloading content from its virtual Tech Center page. SnapAV’s Tech Center will feature topical and product overviews of the new ClareOne Security Solution, OvrC ecosystem, WattBox, Araknis, Control4 OS 3, Signature by Episode, Luma & Visualint Surveillance and Control4 Intercom Anywhere.

Intersec, the world’s renowned security, safety, and fire protection trade fair, has been rescheduled to take place in January 2022, organiser of the trade event, Messe Frankfurt Middle East confirmed on September 24, 2020. The 23rd edition of the three-day event was originally set to run from January 24-26, 2021, at the Dubai World Trade Center, in Dubai, UAE. However, the event has now been moved to 2022, after extensive consultation with key industry stakeholders. Intersec Dubai 2022 “We’ve spoken to many of our exhibitors, industry trade associations, supporters, and partners over the last couple of weeks and have heard first-hand the many challenges they’re facing putting pressure on their ability to participate at Intersec in January 2021,” said Alexandria Robinson, Intersec’s Show Director at Messe Frankfurt. He adds, “Moving Intersec to its customary January dates in 2022 at the Dubai World Trade Center will allow time for recovery.” Webinar series in 2021 Ms. Robinson said Intersec will be very active throughout 2021, via its ongoing webinar series, while the team is now working towards creating a virtual event early next year, so as to engage industry leaders, regulators, government agencies and opinion formers. “We might be restricted physically, but we know there is a definitive need for critical conversations and discussions to address the challenges the industry has faced,” said Robinson. Digital forum to share ideas and solutions By hosting these talks via a digital forum, it enables us to keep connected to the industry" He adds, “By hosting these talks via a digital forum, it enables us to keep connected to the industry and nurture our existing relationships, while sharing solutions and common goals. We’ll share further details and plans about the digital event in the coming weeks.” Intersec’s popular free-to-attend webinar series, of which there’ve been 11 so far in the last four months, have kept thousands of attendees abreast of the latest industry trends and opportunities. Ensuring safety in COVID-19 pandemic period “We know we have a vital role to play in connecting and supporting the industry, and the Intersec webinars stimulate meaningful conversations, collaborations and success stories,” stated Robinson, adding “We will continue to run these and support our stakeholders in every way possible until we meet again personally, and safely, at Intersec 2022.” She further said, “One thing is absolutely certain, our community is resilient and will bounce back. It has been involved in many frontline situations throughout the course of this year and it will continue to play a critical role in the months ahead. Throughout 2021 and come January 2022, we’ll have much to share and learn from each other.” Intersec 2020 Intersec in 2020 featured 1,100 exhibitors from 56 countries, while attracting 33,872 visitors from 135 countries. The global industry event is supported by Dubai Civil Defense, Dubai Police, the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), Dubai Police Academy and Dubai Municipality.