Chris Fergus

Ava Group a provider of risk management services and technologies, announces that an Ava Group Company solution has been selected to protect a major military closed data network from the threat of tampering and tapping. The project to deploy its fiber optic intrusion detection and location solution is valued at around US $11M and asserts Ava Group’s status as a pioneer in data network protection. Ava Group Chief Executive Officer, Chris Fergus states: “We are proud that the Future Fiber Technologies (FFT) solution has been selected through a rigorous competitive tender, to deliver the very highest levels of protection to a closed data fiber optic network.” Asset owners can be potentially exposed to the threat of state-on-state action, terrorism and industrial espionage, as well as incident without motive Closed Fiber Network The principal task of this project supports The Ministry of Defense in India, who has the responsibility to protect its closed user group data network which is one of the largest in the world and used by more than one million military personnel. Any data network is as strong as its weakest link. Government departments, intelligence services, military organizations, financial organizations, nuclear facilities and commercial businesses with valuable intellectual property will have stringent measures in place to mitigate physical and cybersecurity threats yet are often oblivious to the danger of leaving even a closed fiber network unprotected. As such, the asset owners can be potentially exposed to the threat of state-on-state action, terrorism and industrial espionage, as well as incident without motive. Introducing Additional Vulnerabilities With low-cost readily available technology that requires little expertise, it is possible for an agenda-driven individual, or state-sponsored actor to tap and infiltrate a network at the fiber optic level and harvest data, without raising the alarm, or leaving an evidence trail. Chris Fergus, Ava Group CEO comments: “Any data breach is of grave concern, but those that pass undetected raise the stakes significantly. What’s more, in some instances fiber networks run across vast distances, meaning there could be tens of thousands of potential entry points for attack.” Unlike the widely used data encryption and protection schemes used to protect data in transit, Ava Group’s solution does not involve manipulation or processing of the data streams, thus avoiding third-party access to the data and therefore introducing additional vulnerabilities. Furthermore, processing or encryption of the data has a significant detrimental impact on bandwidth and latency, thus negating a major benefit of using fiber networks. Ava Group expects additional revenue from spares and support for seven years after the initial three-year warranty period Globally-Recognized Cybersecurity Standards Kevin Berry, Ava Group’s Head of Information Security explains: “The FFT solution does not see or process the data, cannot access it and there is no requirement for encryption. Consequently, the network infrastructure is fully protected at every point and crucially performance is unaffected. Another major benefit of the FFT solution is that deployment is completed with zero network downtime and can be rolled out across live infrastructure utilising dark fibres.” A further reason for organizations to choose Ava Group company solutions is the recent launch of its Global Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCoE). The initiative provides all customers with expert guidance and assurance that the products deployed on their data networks meet globally-recognized cybersecurity standards. The project is expected to be delivered in phases over a 15-month period, with the FFT solution beginning to strengthen the network from day-one of the installation. Ava Group expects additional revenue from spares and support for seven years after the initial three-year warranty period.

Ava Group, a market provider in the provision of risk management services and technologies, announces the launch of the Global Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCoE). This new program demonstrates Ava Group’s strong commitment to data security of customers, by providing expert guidance and assurance that the products deployed on their data network infrastructure exceed stringent globally-recognized cybersecurity standards. NIST Cybersecurity Framework The CCoE takes full advantage of the NIST Cybersecurity FrameworkAva Group customers operate some of the most at-risk infrastructure around the world, across sectors that include extractives and energy, utilities, government and military sites. The CCoE’s mission is to ensure a high standard of cybersecurity and that all Ava Group products are subjected to rigorous and continuous testing during development and their entire lifespan to ensure there are no weaknesses in the product that could compromise an organization’s security credentials. The CCoE takes full advantage of the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, combined with 2900 cybersecurity standards from globally-recognized independent testing organization Underwriter Laboratories (UL). Cybersecurity Threat Prevention In addition, the CCoE offers customers access to security configuration information, product-specific hardening guides and validated testing reports, as well as offering greater value with expert advice regarding enhancements for the protection of the entire data network infrastructure. The Ava Group has a long standing and proven pedigree in data network infrastructure protection through its Future Fibre Technologies (FFT) Data Network Infrastructure Physical Security (DNIPS) application. In launching the CCoE, Ava Group has once again taken a market leading position"Head of Information Security at Ava Group, Kevin Berry states: “Any time an organization selects a product to place on their data network it represents the possibility for increased risk. The CCoE mitigates this risk, providing security and IT teams with the peace-of-mind that the deployment and running of the application will not expose them.” Berry stresses that: “Today, it is not enough to implement robust cybersecurity hardening as a one-time test or event – it needs to be part of rigorous ongoing lifecycle program that responds and adapts to the changing threat landscape.” Data Network Protection The scale of the cybersecurity threat remains high with predictions that by 2019 a business somewhere in the world will succumb to an attack every 14 seconds. The financial burden of which is estimated to be an average of US$ 800,000 (Source: PwC Global State of Information Security Survey). The total annual cost to the global economy is estimated at over US$ 6 trillion (Source: Herjavec Group 2017 Cyber Crime Report). Ava Group CEO, Chris Fergus, concludes: “In launching the CCoE, Ava Group has once again taken a market leading position both in respect of the cybersecurity of all its products and in their application to protect our client’s data network infrastructures.”

The Ava Group was formed from the takeover of MaxSec Group (MSP) by Future Fibre Technologies Limited (FFT) in December 2017, with the new group name approved at the EGM on 10th May 2018. Merging MSP And FFT The group is a provider of risk management services and technologies, used by commercial, industrial, military and government companies across the world. The Ava Group encompasses Future Fibre Technologies and both MaxSec Group companies - BQT Solutions and Ava Global. The Group features a range of complementary solutions including intrusion detection and location for perimeters, pipelines and data networks, biometric and card access control, as well as secure international logistics, storage of high value assets and risk consultancy services. For decades, the Ava Group continues to build upon a portfolio of services and technologies for the most complex and demanding markets.The group is a provider of risk management services and technologies, used by commercial, industrial, military and government companies across the world The new group will operate under two divisions – a Services Division (Ava) and a Technology Division (FFT and BQT). The merger represents a unification of three firms. Each company holds similar values and philosophies about how to do business; producing an excellent service for the customer, with an emphasis on integrity and transparency. New Appointment As Group CEO The Ava Group has announced that Chris Fergus was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer. Chris commented: “I am excited to lead the group under the new identity of ‘Ava Group’, leveraging the combined strengths of our experienced leadership team and innovative products and services to build a Sales-and-Marketing-focused global Risk Management organization.” Chris has extensive experience within the security integration and services sectors. For the past two years Chris has been the CEO of Ava Global, and SVP Strategy and Business Development for MaxSec Group Limited (MSP), and served as an Executive Director on the board of MSP. Chris has also served as a Director of FFT for the previous 18 months. Chris was previously employed for 20 years with G4S, most recently as Regional Managing Director, Middle East, managing a portfolio of Security & FM joint ventures with a total revenue in excess of US$1 billion.

The growing international focus the Dubai Expo 2020 has brought to the Middle East will be highlighted at Intersec 2015 The upcoming Dubai Expo 2020 has sparked fresh impetus in the Gulf security market, as authorities look to secure critical infrastructure and protect the millions of expected visitors to the showpiece event. The Middle East region’s first ever Expo is expected to attract more than 25 million people from around the world, while a price tag of at least US$9 billion suggests the host Emirate is pulling out all the stops to create state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. The immense security challenges that come with hosting such a major attraction means the Middle East is expected to be hotbed of innovation from international players in the safety and security market, with more than 1,300 getting ready to showcase their latest products and services at the 17th edition of Intersec in Dubai. Prominent companies exhibiting at the three-day event, which takes place from 18-20 January 2015 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, are targeting large-scale business growth and increased opportunities, as a result of the Expo 2020. “The Dubai Expo 2020 will create major global opportunities in the safety and security industry, and will encourage new ideas for innovation,” said Alessio Grotto, the President of Italian exhibitor Videotec, which is launching its latest range of video surveillance PTZ cameras at Intersec 2015. “Authorities will spend a huge amount on defense and security for supporting infrastructure, including airports, transportation, hotels and stadiums. New plans on how to secure sensitive areas, as well as to protect government officials and the influx of visitors will be drawn up and existing installations will have to be updated,” he added. Organized by Epoc Messe Frankfurt, Intersec is the world’s largest trade fair for security, safety and fire protection. Long-time exhibitor and global security solution provider G4S expects the regional security market to be worth US$ 7 billion in 2015, with a steady 10 per cent growth rate likely to continue at least up until 2017. Chris Fergus, Regional Managing Director, Middle East at G4S, said: “Hosting world renowned events such as the Dubai Expo 2020 will undoubtedly require world class security measures that need to be implemented prior to and alongside the event. “From risk mitigation plans to incorporating the latest electronic security to event security, the requirements are endless, not just at the event’s location, but nationwide. Event security is a key service line in G4S, as we have experience in securing the largest regional entertainment and sports events here in the UAE,” added Fergus. “The Dubai Expo 2020 will create major global opportunities in the safety and security industry, and will encourage new ideas for innovation" While many Intersec exhibitors anticipate an influx of new business opportunities, others say they are already feeling the impact of the Dubai Expo, including Axis Communications, one of the world’s top ten security companies. “Numerous projects from the public and private sectors are already taking place, most notably in transportation, hospitality, retail and critical infrastructure,” said Gilles Ortega, Regional Director of Axis Communications for the Middle East and Africa. “As a result, we expect the growth for network video surveillance in the GCC to grow by 25 per cent over the next five years.” Echoing the sentiment was Milind Borkar, Vice President of Sales at Infinova and March Networks for the Middle East & Africa and South Asia, who said: “Dubai Expo 2020 is setting the stage for many new developments and projects across the Middle East, thus increasing the security requirements in all these facilities. Infinova is looking at a broader picture and is observing a big boom across the entire security market.” The growing international focus that major events have brought to the Middle East will be highlighted at Intersec 2015, which is expected to grow by 15 per cent year-on-year, and will host 13 country pavilions from Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, UK and the USA. Ahmed Pauwels, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, said: “Large-scale international events coming up in the region not only create demand for stringent safety and security measures, but also drive fresh waves of innovation from the leading providers as they adapt their products to the ever-changing needs of today.” "As the largest international safety and security platform serving the wider region, Intersec provides international manufacturers and suppliers unmatched networking and business development opportunities" “As the largest international safety and security platform serving the wider region, Intersec provides international manufacturers and suppliers unmatched networking and business development opportunities.” As many as 300 exhibitors will be making their debuts at Intersec 2015, which features an enlarged conference line-up covering Fire Safety; Information Security; Commercial Security; Disaster Management; Occupational Safety and Safety Design in Buildings. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Intersec is the largest and most international of Messe Frankfurt’s global network of security and safety exhibitions, which include: Secutech India, Secutech in Taiwan, Secutech Thailand, Intersec Buenos Aires, Secutech Vietnam and Seguriexpo Buenos Aires.