Cook Security Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

Columbia Bank, a Northwest community bank headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, sought to upgrade their video surveillance solution to improve image quality and retention time. They also wanted to maximize field of view to deliver a more forceful and expansive – yet, less intrusive – solution. Working with Cook Security Group, Inc., Ross Armstrong, vice president of physical security at Columbia Bank, chose to overhaul video surveillance in their 150-plus branches across the Northwest, many of which included older analog cameras. They chose to install a mix of Hanwha Techwin models including Wisenet P series PNM-9000VQ multi-sensor / multi-directional outdoor vandal-proof dome cameras with 5 megapixel lens modules and Wisenet X series XND-8020F 5 megapixel indoor flush mount dome cameras. Surveillance cameras managed by Omnicast VMS The project, which started in June of 2018, has already deployed over 1,200 Hanwha Techwin cameras across 80 locationsColumbia Bank is in the process of the multi-phase upgrade that converts their existing branches to Hanwha Techwin video surveillance cameras managed by Genetec’s Security Center Omnicast Video Management System (VMS). The project, which started in June of 2018, has already deployed over 1,200 Hanwha Techwin cameras across 80 locations. They will complete another 60 sites in 2019, and 30 more in 2020. The video cameras serve as part of an overall physical security plan and are positioned to provide expansive coverage of bank interiors including teller lines, exteriors including parking lots and surrounding areas and ATM machines. Cameras bundled with analytics Armstrong said Columbia Bank tested out a of variety of models before deciding on Hanwha Techwin. “I didn't know which camera vendors would give us the biggest bang for the buck,” he said. “But I settled on Hanwha Techwin for a couple of reasons. One, is the price competitiveness and, two, the fact that the cameras come bundled with so many analytics that many companies want to charge extra for those licenses.” One of the analytics features the Columbia Bank security team uses with regularity is the loitering feature, specifically at their ATM machines One of the analytics features the Columbia Bank security team uses with regularity is the loitering feature, specifically at their ATM machines. “If an individual is loitering around one of our ATMs beyond the set time limit, then we have it programmed into Genetec’s Security Center to send an alert." "Omnicast snaps a photo of the loiterer and emails it to everyone designated on our security team. We then can take a quick look at that photo and quickly determine whether or not somebody is utilizing the ATM as a customer or if they're doing something they're not supposed to, such as trying to break into the ATM or installing a skimmer.” Health monitoring of the cameras Armstrong said, as he tested cameras from other vendors, he noticed a consistent drop rate which he was concerned would get worse. Even though 98 percent availability seems acceptable, any downtime creates a risk of missing critical events" “Security Center provides health monitoring of the cameras, and what I looked for was if the availability started dropping below 98 percent. Even though 98 percent availability seems acceptable, any downtime creates a risk of missing critical events. One camera model we were testing was experiencing regular outages, where we would lose 30 seconds off and on throughout the day. These short loses added up quickly and we were seeing availability times dropping somewhere around 93 to 94 percent. That wasn't acceptable. “When I reviewed the data on the Hanwha Techwin model, the average availability was consistently above 99 percent, which was so impressive. It might just be a two percent difference, but it's inevitable that the one time you need it is the one time that camera is not working as expected. Columbia Bank was unwilling to accept the risk of utilizing equipment that failed to meet our standards, and decided to partner with Hanwha Techwin, who provided a much more reliable end user experience.” Utilizing H.265 and WiseStream compression Impact on network infrastructure and bandwidth were also determining factors for Columbia Bank as they chose to upgrade their video surveillance system. Armstrong said he was disappointed to find many camera manufacturers were not quickly integrating usage of H.265 compression technology into their products. He said he is impressed that Hanwha Techwin utilizes H.265 in so many of its camera models, as well as the fact that Hanwha has incorporated its own WiseStream technology into its cameras, making them even more efficient. Hanwha Techwin Wisenet P and X series cameras use H.265/H.264/MJPEG with Hanwha’s exclusive WiseStream II compression technology Hanwha Techwin Wisenet P and X series cameras use H.265/H.264/MJPEG with Hanwha’s exclusive WiseStream II compression technology. WiseStream dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the image. Combined with H.265 compression, the bandwidth efficiency can be improved by up to 75 percent compared to current H.264 technology. Installing non-Intrusive cameras Community banks are charged with keeping employees, customers, and assets safe, but also need to present a warm and inviting environment since they are often a hub of civic activity. In-your-face video surveillance cameras in a bank can be threatening to any would-be criminal, but they are also off-putting to customers that visit banks on a day-to-day basis. This allows us to get higher quality images – and a wider field of view – while not intruding into people’s personal space"When Armstrong and his team were evaluating camera solutions across its branches, they wanted to find a way to let customers know they were providing the latest in video security without the potentially intrusive analog cameras that often can be found just inches away from customers during transactions at the teller counter. Higher resolution 5 megapixel cameras “It’s a balance – you want customers to feel secure, but you don’t want them to feel like they are in a prison or a fishbowl,” said Armstrong. He said they removed the older analog cameras on the teller line and replaced them with the higher resolution 5 megapixel Hanwha Techwin models, which were placed off the teller line. “This allows us to get higher quality images – and a wider field of view – while not intruding into people’s personal space,” he said. SPD-150 49 Channel Decoder for connectivity One way to convey that Columbia Bank is all business when it comes to security was with an innovative decoder offered by Hanwha Techwin. Armstrong said they wanted to have video monitors showing surveillance camera feeds in certain higher-risk locations so that customers would know they are being recorded, and that would serve as a deterrent to any would be criminals. However, with the change in hardware, they were unable to connect monitors directly to a DVR. Armstrong said Hanwha’s SPD-150 49 Channel Decoder has allowed them to connect analog, HDMI, and VGA. Columbia Bank has provided video evidence to help law enforcement investigate a variety of incidents including drive-by shootings, traffic accidents, and arson “Being able to put one Hanwha decoder unit in a branch and run three monitors off of it – as well as the ability to hook monitors up to some cameras directly – has saved us tremendous amounts of money while adding a visual security feature.” Adding cameras outdoor to assist community Columbia Bank has long emphasized that they are a community bank that’s community minded. When Armstrong and his team decided to upgrade their video surveillance solution, they made the decision to add video surveillance cameras to the exterior of all bank locations not only to protect their customers as they come and go, but also to assist the community and law enforcement when incidents occur in areas surrounding their branches. We’re very pleased with the solution from Cook Security Group, Hanwha Techwin, and Genetec" “We look at it as the opportunity to give back to the community and provide assistance in a variety of ways,” said Armstrong. So far, Columbia Bank has provided video evidence to help law enforcement investigate a variety of incidents including drive-by shootings, traffic accidents, and arson. Satisfied with the system’s performance Columbia Bank has been well served by the Hanwha Techwin-Genetec security solution and Armstrong said they are very satisfied with the performance of the system. “Hanwha Techwin has been a phenomenal partner for us,” he said. “And that’s what I look for in a security provider – a long-term partnership. We’re very pleased with the solution from Cook Security Group, Hanwha Techwin, and Genetec and we look forward to completing all phases of the project.”

Razberi Technologies has extended its Razberi Monitor™ solution with new video health monitoring features. Razberi leverages its patent-pending deep packet inspection technology to assure security professionals that their cameras are providing secure and reliable audio and video streams. Razberi’s latest software automatically reboots cameras and sends alerts when problems are detected. Razberi Monitor provides complete system health and cyber monitoring solutions for video surveillance systems. Camera health and cybersecurity solution Razberi Monitor integrates video health with award-winning Razberi CameraDefense for a complete camera health and cybersecurity solution. Razberi Monitor also detects video server, storage and malware issues in real-time. The camera reboot feature automates a major remediation step, saving Razberi customers time and money" Video health monitoring with the camera reboot feature is immediately available with Razberi’s EndpointDefender™ and ServerSwitchIQ™ intelligent edge video appliances. According to Stephen Schwartz, VP of Product Development at Razberi Technologies. “The camera reboot feature automates a major remediation step, saving Razberi customers time and money.” Video health monitoring Razberi’s EndpointDefender and ServerSwitchIQ with video health monitoring enables Cook Security Group to save on the cost of sending maintenance crews to check on potential downed cameras. The camera reboot feature eliminates the need to physically check a camera for data loss and automates the process. “This feature will greatly benefit our customers, along with our NOC, many times a camera needs a simple reboot to restore functionality,” said Daniel Smallwood, VP of Product at Cook Security Group. “Solutions like this are exactly why we partnered with Razberi!”

Cook Security Group (CSG) successfully unveiled its privately branded video surveillance solution, Piko VMS, during their 2019 Technology & Innovation Summit in Portland Oregon. Health monitoring Cook named Razberi Technologies as their hardware partner to provide the intelligent appliance and health monitoring component to the new VMS brand. “While we still have strong relationships with our traditional video partners, we wanted to provide an open cloud-enabled platform to deliver seamless integrations of multiple technologies. This is beyond just video, as we have already integrated with dozens of apps such as analytics, alarm, access control, retail, HR, IoT...the list goes on. All designed to bring our customers efficiencies and give them the technology they’ve been waiting for” states Brian Cook, CEO of Cook Security Group. Three together creates an industry changing solution for our Financial & Commercial Customers" Secure, simple, and open “We are excited because Piko is secure, simple, and open. Secure because all traffic is encrypted including video and outbound only. Simple because Piko is extremely user-friendly, needs no enterprise requirements or complexity, and offers adaptive scaling. Open because Piko offers endless APIs and ways to integrate. Those three together creates an industry changing solution for our Financial & Commercial Customers.“ adds CTO Levi Daily. Integration with Mobile Interface Piko also includes a wide variety of video analytics and integrations, providing customized notifications, proactive machine learning, and 24/7 health monitoring. “Customers come to us with ideas or pain points and we develop then implement. They drive our solutions and Piko makes it easy” Brian adds. Piko fully integrates with Cook’s secure mobile & online interface, Cook Command Center, and includes 10GB’s of Cook’s Case Management module offering seamless secure sharing with law enforcement or other institutions. Razberi chosen as hardware partner Piko and the ServerSwitchIQ provide everything our customers are asking for" Cook chose Razberi Technologies as their hardware partner, loading Piko on Razberi’s robust ServerSwitchIQ, complete with an integrated server & managed PoE switch. “We chose Razberi based on their solid reputation in the marketplace” states Daniel Smallwood, Cook’s VP of Technology. “They provide CameraDefense built in to combat cyber threats, anti-virus, proactive machine learning, and UL, CE, FCC, & RoHS Certifications.” “They are IP camera agnostic and completely scalable in terms of storage, PoE ports, etc. Piko and the ServerSwitchIQ provide everything our customers are asking for and at roughly half the price of a traditional DVR.” Smallwood adds. Expertise in video surveillance “Razberi’s partnership with Cook is exciting,” said Joe Vitalone, CMO of Razberi Technologies. “Razberi believes it should be easy for anyone to deploy, manage, and cybersecure their enterprise video surveillance system. Cook’s reputation in the financial industry will make it possible for Razberi’s expertise in video surveillance and cybersecurity to continue to provide solutions to financial institutions on a larger scale.”