Quorum Security Systems - Experts & Thought Leaders

From humble beginnings providing bus services along the New South Wales and Queensland coasts in Australia, Transit Systems has not only gone on to become one of Australia’s biggest public transport providers, but has also made significant inroads overseas, having purchased several bus routes from the First Group London, United Kingdom, in 2013. Employing over 2500 staff Australia-wide, Transit Systems operates from 26 depots and terminals, with a fleet of 500 buses and 40 ferries. When Quorum Security Systems were approached by the company to install an access control and surveillance system at their newest Sydney depot, they were able to develop a multi-faceted solution providing far more than just security. More Than Just Security The Sydney-based security integrator Quorum Security Systems, twice named MOBOTIX dealer of the year in 2014 and 2015, are strong proponents of a consulting-based approach to design. "After a series of meetings and site visits, we created an extensive business case with the client, along with detailed ROIs. This was then developed into a totally bespoke system, which went far beyond security," explains Chris Pearson, Managing Director at Quorum Security Systems.It became clear that an integrated approach using IP surveillance cameras would best serve to improve services and cut costs "Surveillance is fast leaving behind its traditional role of securing premises against unlawful entry,” he adds, “moving increasingly into the spheres of risk mitigation, compliance monitoring and process management." Working to identify the core needs of Transit Systems, it became clear that an integrated approach using IP surveillance cameras, along with access control and fleet tracking technology, would best serve to improve services and cut costs, while offering a clear audit trail along the way. An Integrated System MOBOTIX IP cameras were integrated with a sophisticated access control system incorporated with long-range RFID readers with prox-boosters to allow dual custody-tagging of either buses and drivers, or buses and routes. Armed with a wealth of fully traceable real-time information, Transit Systems were now able to streamline and enhance their business and operational processes, saving both time and money. Surveillance monitoring is ensuring that buses are refueled before leaving the depot and that any vehicle damage is always reported, a comprehensive record of driver and vehicle movements is used for dispatching and scheduling purposes, and OH&S compliance is enforced, with the footage also serving as proof that due diligence has been carried out. In addition to this, payroll time and attendance has also been automated. Surveillance monitoring is ensuring that buses are refueled before leaving the depot and that any vehicle damage is always reported The installation also doubles up as a PA system, which is essential for mustering on a dangerous goods site and also extremely useful communicating with staff over such a large area. Simple Installation Easy to install and configure, with low power and network bandwidth consumption, the MOBOTIX cameras offered just the flexibility, functionality, and high image quality required to achieve effective coverage throughout the depot. The versatile mounting of the S15 camera, with its dual lenses each connected to a cable of up to 2 meters, means vehicles sitting in the fueling bays or repair docks can be monitored from all sides. An M15 camera with a long-pass filter and ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology, records the license plate of every vehicle that leaves and enters the depot, and hands-free entry and exit both increases site security, safety of drivers and reduces manpower requirements. Furthermore, the cameras provide a fool proof real-time backup of all movements recorded by the access control system for auditing and compliance purposes.The cameras provide a fool proof real-time backup of all movements recorded by the access control system for auditing and compliance purposes A Wireless Solution The MOBOTIX decentralized concept makes this easy because the recordings are compressed and stored on the SD card inside the camera, so the bandwidth required to transfer the images to the NAS is very low. Indeed a MOBOTIX system can support up to 10 times more cameras per server compared with a centralized VMS-based recording system, requiring no additional computers. Retro-fitting such a large installation into the purpose-built depot was not without its challenges: "You’re talking about 2 foot thick concrete slabs in the bus bays throughout the whole depot. Cabling through the concrete was unfeasible from a financial and time point of view," Chris explains. "The MOBOTIX cameras were powered from existing poles inside the depot and we used a ubiquity Wi-Fi to transmit the footage back to the NAS." This innovative surveillance and access control system has enabled Transit Systems to monitor the behavior of vehicles and people throughout the depot, bringing a significant increase in effectiveness, efficiency and safety. With Government funded bus routes incurring penalties for failing to meet on-time targets by at least 9%, this achievement promises further financial savings. Equally, because the video surveillance system footage provides protection against negligence claims by proving due diligence, expensive litigation proceedings can be avoided. The role of security is evolving and this example shows one of the many diverse ways in which security can be applied to modern business practices to make operations more efficient and economical.

Quorum Cyber – headquartered in the U.K., with offices across North America, announced the acquisition of Kivu Consulting Inc., a global cybersecurity firm specializing in Incident Response. The strategic move bolsters Quorum Cyber’s rapid global expansion, as it comes just months after it acquired Difenda, a North American company specializing in Microsoft Security Managed Services. Advisory services Founded in 2009, Kivu Consulting Inc, or ‘Kivu’, is a trusted partner in the global insurance, legal, and government sectors. The company is a pioneer in digital forensics, cyber incident response, business restoration, and ransom negotiations. Since its inception, Kivu has helped define the market for response, managed, and advisory services to protect organizations against compromised data, theft of trade secrets, and unauthorized access to data.  Incident response This transformative acquisition rapidly expands Quorum Cyber’s presence within these industries Kivu holds established relationships in over 40 insurance and legal panels across the U.S. and the U.K.  This transformative acquisition not only rapidly expands Quorum Cyber’s presence within these industries but also provides a robust foundation to strengthen its alliances and cements its status as a premier global threat management firm, renowned for its exceptional incident response capabilities.  Threat management services In addition, acquiring Kivu enables Quorum Cyber to deliver its threat management services from three operations centers in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada to its customers worldwide.  Federico Charosky, CEO and Founder of Quorum Cyber, stated, "We are incredibly excited to welcome Kivu to Quorum Cyber. Kivu's reputation for excellence and its strong history in incident response perfectly complement Quorum Cyber's capabilities." 24/7 security coverage Federico Charosky continued, "The integration of Kivu’s stellar incident response teams and U.S.-based SOC, together with Quorum Cyber’s existing U.K., U.S., and Canadian operations, enables us to provide unparalleled 24/7 security coverage." He adds, "This transaction highlights our rapid growth among incident response and threat management providers globally, reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional cybersecurity solutions throughout North America, the U.K., and beyond." Cybersecurity Shane Sims, Chief Executive Officer at Kivu, commented, "For the past 15 years, Kivu has leveraged its talent and forensic labs in the U.S. and U.K. to deliver threat intelligence-driven cybersecurity outcomes across every continent, serving organizations in all industries." He adds, "Our success has been built on trusted partnerships with leaders in insurance, legal, technology, and government – all sharing the same goal of fighting cybercrime." Strategic alignment Shane Sims continues, "Our acquisition by Quorum Cyber represents a strategic alignment with an organization and team that shares our mission, vision, and core values while immediately scaling our team, capabilities, and services in a big way." He further states, "This is a natural next step for Kivu, and I am excited about what it means for our employees, clients, and trusted partners." Growth strategy Quorum Cyber's back-to-back acquisitions of Kivu Consulting and Difenda underscore its aggressive growth strategy Quorum Cyber's back-to-back acquisitions of Kivu Consulting and Difenda underscore its aggressive growth strategy across North American and U.K. markets. Bolstered by ongoing support from investors, Charlesbank Capital Partners and Livingbridge, the two acquisitions equip Quorum Cyber with the resources to strategically expand its service offerings and customer reach.  Incident response expertise The integration of Kivu's incident response expertise and connections, coupled with Difenda's managed services capabilities, marks a significant step in Quorum Cyber's mission of asserting its market presence globally. Piper Sandler & Co. served as exclusive financial advisor to Kivu, and Mintz and Lowenstein Sandler served as legal advisors to Quorum Cyber.

The iconic thoroughbred racing, events, and hospitality operator, the Australian Turf Club is using Oosto’s facial recognition technology for face-based security protection throughout its facility. As the largest racetrack in Sydney, the elegant Club’s Royal Randwick Racecourse was bestowed its title by the Queen of England herself and is visited by more than one million patrons each year, creating a complex set of security requirements for guests and employees alike. The Club has also hosted World Youth Day with Pope Benedict and has featured in many blockbuster films including Mission Impossible. Delivering vast efficiencies Challenges for security teams included managing evictions of known offenders and self-excluded gaming patrons across multiple entries and exits. Relying on the human eye or memory alone proved to be challenging in recognizing repeat offenders at ATC’s other racecourse locations. Coupled with protecting more than 500 staff on major race days, 300 of which are security personnel, the Australian Turf Club was tasked with consistently maintaining a world-class entertainment experience without compromising on safety and security. Challenges for security teams included managing evictions of known offenders Once The Australian Turf Club implemented Oosto OnWatch real-time watchlist alerting to recognize potential security threats, the solution delivered vast efficiencies in operations by ensuring that evicted and banned patrons were immediately refused entry, while security teams were able to better track persons of interest throughout the venue without disruption. Video analytics software “We take our guests' privacy very seriously and use facial recognition for security and safety purposes only, with clear disclosure and with full compliance with Australian law,” said Gary Colston, Head of Security and Access at Australian Turf Club. “Fair and ethical use of the technology enables us to significantly improve the safety of our guests and staff without compromising strict privacy.” Colston added: “Positioned at key entry points, our passive cameras were turned into smart cameras with Oosto’s video analytics software nearly instantly. We didn’t have to invest in a bunch of brand new cameras or a massive amount of servers and things like that. It was easy for us to implement it on our system.” Protecting guarded points A key differentiation Oosto’s solution offers is the ability for users to search backward in time" Moreover, said Mr. Colston, “We needed something that was user-friendly. If it’s too complicated, [security teams] won’t use it and it becomes a waste of money.” Working together with security consulting partner firm, Quorum Security, Oosto was able to help ATC significantly improve the rate of detection of persons of interest on site. Added Eric Yang, Regional Head of Sales, Oosto: “A key differentiation Oosto’s solution offers is the ability for users to search backward in time, by having a photo loaded in the system and locate offenders’ whereabouts historically and quickly, as opposed to tracking their steps only from a specific point in time onwards. We’re very happy to see our product being rolled out here to its best use.” Facial recognition technology Oosto’s technology is also in use at the Club to help protect guarded points of entry for authorized employees. According to Mr. Colston, this proved especially beneficial recently: “One of our staff members was assaulted and we were able to obtain a photo of the person we thought had done it and run them through the facial rec system here and we were able to locate him at the event at the time and have that person banned.” The rate of facial recognition technology adoption among sports venues, casinos, and corporate buildings is increasing as a watchlist alerting, access control, and forensic investigation tool. The market is facing explosive growth and is expected to quadruple by 2026.