Pip Courcoux

Abloy UK has released a white paper to explore how the critical infrastructure sector can unlock the potential of smartphones in the workplace to improve employee mobility, job satisfaction and productivity. Despite consumer usage of smartphones increasing significantly over the last decade, many organizations haven’t been as quick to tap into the uses and benefits that smartphones can provide. Smartphones, an extension of IT infrastructure Abloy recognizes that smartphones should be an extension of IT infrastructure, and users can benefit from the device far greater than just a phone on a network. Integrating a device is more cost effective, functional and secure. The paper looks at how the cloud, integration, 5G and advances in battery life all mean that smartphones are now essential pieces of IT equipment, which should be used when they’re the most efficient tool for the job. Importance of mobile access in critical infrastructure The white paper also outlines the solution available to achieve this ‘keyvolution’, such as the CLIQ system It explores how critical infrastructure organizations can particularly benefit from this transition, as widespread roll out can deliver financial savings, environmental benefits and improve operational efficiencies. The white paper also outlines the solution available to achieve this ‘keyvolution’, such as the CLIQ system, PROTEC2 CLIQ technology and the new BEAT digital padlock. BEAT is a keyless solution that combines a digital key, a mobile app and a heavy-duty, Bluetooth padlock, ideal for critical infrastructure sites. Future of smartphones in access control systems Pip Courcoux, Sales and Product Manager at Abloy UK, said “We believe that smartphones will become a much more integral part of the next generation of access control systems. They are capable of so many functions that have become a central part of businesses network infrastructure.” Pip adds, “We have probably only realized a fraction of the value that smartphones can bring, and how they can provide the edge computing and connectivity necessary for true digital transformation. This will only be increased further by the introduction of 5G, offering faster connection speeds and a faster transfer of data.” Revolutionising remote access control He further stated, “Ultimately smartphones will revolutionize remote access control by bringing it into the digital era. The overall benefits of flexibility, time and financial savings, improved security and ease of use are too good to ignore. Their role in helping to effectively secure and manage sites allows critical infrastructure organizations to provide service continuity while building resilience.”

Abloy UK launches a new CPD training course approved by RIBA, entitled ‘Digital Transformation in Physical Security’, which attendees can complete to achieve double CPD points. This course provides insight into the disruptive world of digital technology, and how it’s impacting on conventional physical security with the introduction of mechatronic locks and keys. Delegates will learn how the technology can be deployed to achieve an innovative, integrated and future-proof locking solution. The course reveals the benefits of this technology including improved levels of security, traceability and management of assets. Access control solutions Attendees will also examine how improvements in efficiency can reduce an organization’s carbon footprint to create a more sustainable future. Another topic covered is how digital technology can be integrated into an organization’s operational systems and processes to deliver a safer, more efficient work place - leading to a rapid return on investment. An explanation is given as to why this technology is more cost effective and quicker to deploy The course explains how the data from a locking system can be shared with health, safety, and staff competency processes to contribute towards seamless corporate compliance. In addition, an explanation is given as to why this technology is more cost effective and quicker to deploy, while at the same time being more aesthetically pleasing than many conventional access control solutions. Attendees of the course will work towards a number of learning outcomes, such as how to improve the design and usability of buildings with the inclusion of digital, future-proof mechatronic locking solutions to help achieve Smart Buildings. Mechatronic locking solution They will also learn how the cost-effective, aesthetic deployment can return a speedy ROI, and take confidence in being able to deliver scalable and flexible locking solutions, which can quickly and easily be adapted as the building or end user’s needs change. Insights will also be given into how a mechatronic locking solution reduces cost and improves sustainability, and has become part of the IoT and Big Data, and the benefits that delivers. Pip Courcoux, Sales and Product Manager - CLIQ Systems at Abloy UK, explained: “Here at Abloy we have a long standing heritage in manufacturing high quality products and delivering innovative and compliant locking solutions for the most demanding of applications. Our Academy has underpinned this by providing training courses to educate and inform on standards, legislation, best practice and now developing technology with this brand new CPD.”

Security expert Abloy UK highlights the importance of physical security to protect against digital data breaches, following the recent approval of a new standard that offers the ability to add tangible authentication to secure online accounts. WebAuthn, which has now been approved by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), standardises an interface for secure authentication of users in web-based applications and services.  An extension implemented in this standard is the Credential Management API, which allows users to authenticate using ‘something’ other than a password, such as a gesture, biometric reading or a key. Security Against Cyber-Attacks Most of the major browsers have already implemented support for this standard in anticipation of its approval - something that Abloy has welcomed in line with its own view that having something physical to rely on as well as electronics is inherently more secure. If you can get close enough to the individual and get enough data you can fill in the gaps and recreate the identity" Pip Courcoux, Sales and Product Manager - CLIQ Systems at Abloy UK, explained: “In many ways, security against cyber-attacks is similar to security against physical attack. For example, a stolen password is a stolen credential, a phishing attack is similar to wireless credential cloning.” “If you can get close enough to the individual and get enough data you can fill in the gaps and recreate the identity. Although passwords have become more complex and harder to duplicate, they may just not be good enough alone.” Time-Based Access With this in mind, Abloy offers PROTEC2 CLIQ, a state-of-the-art locking solution based on detainer disc cylinders and electronic identification. PROTEC2 CLIQ provides mechanical security and allows for flexible control of keys and access rights, and complete audit trails via a web-based management system. This system’s mechanical key has been developed over generations to be one of the most secure mechanical platforms in the world. Combining this with the CLIQ microelectronics platform introduces an additional layer of security and flexibility through advanced encryption and time-based access principles. Pip adds: “As the big tech companies continue to develop Artificial Intelligence and Quantum computer chips, the digital world will face new threats, so passwords and encryptions could be broken in milliseconds.” “But when electronic security fails, Abloy customers will sleep soundly knowing they are ahead of the curve, having chosen a balanced approach to their security where mechanical and digital work in harmony.”

Abloy UK is delighted to announce that its Digital Transformation team has been awarded CLIQ Competence Centre by ABLOY certification, becoming the only approved center of excellence for CLIQ in the UK and Ireland, and one of only six certified CLIQ Competence Centres globally. Abloy believes the future of locking and access control is a combination of digital communications and precision mechanical products. For several years the company has invested in developing CLIQ technology to deliver the best range of solutions to meet the increasingly complex and demanding requirements of the market. Provide Technical Expertise The centers have been audited by experts from Finland to ensure the teams meet and maintain the high standards required At the core of this strategy has been the creation of a number of centers of excellence, with teams trained and equipped to provide technical expertise and professional service and support for CLIQ technology. The centers have been audited by experts from Finland to ensure the teams meet and maintain the high standards required. These include: Technical expertise: Technical knowledge of CLIQ products and CLIQ Web Management software. Customer and service expertise: Detailed pre-order planning and on-going technical support to maximize customer satisfaction. Commercial expertise: Business Strategy and long-term customer support. Master key capabilities - Expertise and procedural knowledge of Master key systems for Eplanner and CLIQ Web Manager usability. Production expertise: Production processes and security related to CLIQ located in the state-of-the-art factory in Willenhall. Deliver Comprehensive Service Achieving CLIQ Competence Centre certification exclusively positions Abloy UK as the only authorized CLIQ service and support center in the UK & Ireland. To continue further development of this initiative, Abloy has strengthened its team, recently adding three people to the sales and technical departments to provide the resources needed to deliver comprehensive service and support for CLIQ customers. I’m delighted to award Abloy UK certification as CLIQ Competence Centre by Abloy making them the 6th Centre of Excellence for CLIQ" Mervi Hiltunen, Solution Manager for Abloy Oy, says: “Abloy Oy is continuing to invest globally in CLIQ technology, and we believe it’s equally important to make sure the teams that support our customers are trained and equipped to provide professional expertise and service. I’m delighted to award Abloy UK certification as CLIQ Competence Centre by Abloy making them the 6th Centre of Excellence for CLIQ.” Electromechanical Locking Solutions “In 2019, Abloy aims to expand the network of CLIQ Competence Centres in North America, South Europe and APAC to become recognized as the first class service and solution provider also in these market areas.” Pip Courcoux, Sales & Product Manager CLIQ Systems for Abloy UK, adds: “Innovation is all about new ideas, creative thoughts and imagination in either products or services.” “It’s not enough just to have a market leading product, at Abloy we recognize that as the market place adapts to new technologies, threats and opportunities, our service to our customers must also change. This certification by Abloy Oy endorses our capability to provide first class services and ensure that we maintain and grow our position as the leader of electromechanical locking solutions in the UK and Irish markets.”

Abloy UK has launched a new discussion paper which outlines the potential for system integration in the critical national infrastructure sphere and assesses the vast scope of benefits that could be achieved from a truly integrated way of operating. UK CNI Organizations Pip Courcoux, Sales and Product Manager - CLIQ Systems, said: “With an ever-growing population and greater sustainability and efficiency targets, UK critical national infrastructure (CNI) organizations are under more pressure than ever before.” “The connected world is revolutionizing the way critical assets are protected, but is true system integration really achievable? The concept of ‘integrated thinking’ is a mind set to help us move forward with a philosophy that because it should it can, not because it can it should.” SMART Infrastructure Solutions “If we think about connecting the solution holistically throughout the design, engineering, sales and support process, and adopt an integrated thinking relationship marketing strategy, then we will achieve true connected status and create SMART Infrastructure solutions.”

Security expert Abloy UK has launched the new CLIQ Go App, designed to allow small to medium sized organizations to remotely manage their security from wherever they are, keeping their business secure ‘on the go’. Managing a business today comes with many security challenges and the needs of the business may be constantly changing and evolving with time. For instance, staff leaves, new staff joins, lost keys and changing of access rights. CLIQ Go App The CLIQ Go App moves security to a new dimension, enabling business owners to remotely control security in their building and premises from their mobile device. Features include the ability to schedule access to rooms or give contractors time-limited access. If a key is lost, access can also be revoked using the CLIQ Go App, all managed from a cloud-based system. Cloud-Based Mobile Security System Owners can expand the system without disruption, with the assurance of a flexible, highly-encrypted, permission-controlled security system that allows them to focus on growing the business. Lost keys are a serious security risk, but with CLIQ Go, it’s so easy to manage access control" Pip Courcoux, Sales and Product Manager - CLIQ Systems for Abloy UK, said: “Lost keys are a serious security risk, but with CLIQ Go, it’s so easy to manage access control. This revolutionary locking system keeps your business on the move and can be adapted to your organization’s evolving security requirements.” High Security CLIQ Cylinders Compatible CLIQ Go products include high security CLIQ cylinders for all door types, which feature a battery in the key for a low maintenance solution, with no cabling and a long lifetime of 200,000 cycles. CLIQ programming devices are also available for keys, with desktop or mobile versions. The cloud-based system means that the CLIQ Go app works seamlessly, and a locksmith can manage the system as an optional service.

Pip Courcoux, Sales and Product Manager - CLIQ Systems at Abloy UK, discusses the current issues around cyber security and explains why organizations must assess the resilience of their suppliers to minimize the risk of attack. The landscape of security and access control has changed over the last decade, with the introduction of technology that allows for traceability and time management within mechanical keys. This has meant the conversation has changed - Passkeys, Cryptographic keys, Encryption keys are all becoming more commonplace. By default, we’ve become obsessed with cyber security, and high-profile cases and examples of data theft and loss are rife. Research shows that 93 percent of large organizations and 87 percent of small businesses experienced a security breach in 2013, with affected companies experiencing roughly 50 percent more breaches than in 2012. Although keys provide access to critical assets, including servers that hold customer data and provide access to offices where customers’ accounts are managed, we see many organizations that don’t know how many keys they have in circulation, or where they are at any given time. The Supply Chain For organizations handling any kind of data, great importance must be placed on resilience within the supply chain. When considering exposure to risk, physical supply chain management presents a number of unique challenges. Add to this the complex risks that cyber security poses, and ensuring a safe supply chain environment can seem like an impossible task. How ‘stable’ are your suppliers, do you know where they get their products from, how safe and protected are their assets, and how robust are their own relationships with their suppliers? Mitigating risk can involve identifying dependencies and vulnerabilities that can impact upon supply chains. Increasing the visibility of these areas allows organizations to anticipate their impact and to plan for the contingencies. The GDPR is a binding legislative act from the European Union for the protection of personal data Data Protection When it comes to the security of your data, areas that need to be considered include: What information are you sharing within your supply chain? Where is the data located? What are your suppliers doing with that information? Are they reselling that data? Is there a data controller and processing agreement in place? Are they prepared for compliance to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)? Enforcement date: 25th May 2018. How would you deal with a data breach? The GDPR is a binding legislative act from the European Union for the protection of personal data. The Regulation tackles the inconsistent data protection laws currently operating throughout the EU’s member states and facilitates the secure, free flow of data. If an organization fails to comply with the Regulation it could be fined up to 4 per cent of the company’s global annual turnover – and could severely damage its reputation. The Secure Option To combat these risks, Abloy UK offers a high level of both physical protection, with its high-quality locking solutions, and data protection using only accredited software and infrastructure providers. If an organisation fails to comply with the Regulationit could be fined up to 4 per cent of the company’s global annual turnover One example of this is PROTEC2 CLIQ, an electronic key system where all the power is retained by the key or locks themselves. This means no wiring is required, whether the system uses door cylinders, cabinet locks or padlocks. Users have secure access to the online management application from anywhere in the world and can change key access permissions, profiles, schedules and validity, even revoking their use virtually at the ‘CLIQ’ of a button. Mitigating Lost Key Risks CLIQ keys are validated daily, weekly or monthly keeping them continuously secure. Users are required to change their password every 3 months – but when was the last time you changed your keys? The CLIQ system enables the organization to comprehensively track and audit who has access to which locations, when they had access and how often. Access can be granted only at the exact moment it is required, mitigating the risk associated with lost or stolen keys. What’s more, Abloy uses accredited software and infrastructure providers that provide enterprise level SaaS solutions, compliant with European and National standards for physically secure key systems. Abloy also uses the latest techniques to secure its customers’ data behind three factor authentications, standard 256-bit encryption, advanced encryption and industry standard SHA-2 SSL certificates. So, when it comes to data security within your supply chain don’t leave anything to chance, mitigate the potential risks in advance and only use suppliers you can be sure will keep your data secure.

CLIQ CONNECT is the next generation of PROTEC2 CLIQ, an access control system based on mechanical high security disc cylinders combined with highly encrypted electronic locking and identification Abloy UK is highlighting the need for key security, following recent revelations that HMP Northumberland Prison incurred costs of up to £1 million to change the facility’s locks after a guard was allegedly taken hostage and had his keys stolen. Security systems had to be reviewed and locks changed, at an estimated cost of more than £500,000. In addition to this, moving prisoners from cells during the “re-lock” could have taken costs up to the £1 million mark. Easy-To-Use Access Control System Pip Courcoux, Sales & Product Manager CLIQ for Abloy UK, said, “Losing keys does happen even in the most unexpected of places, and the consequences can be very expensive and a logistical nightmare as we’ve seen in the case of HMP Northumberland Prison.” “However, organizations can protect against the threat of a compromised key system and avoid such expensive replacement programs by installing an access control system, such CLIQ CONNECT from Abloy.” "CLIQ CONNECT keys canalways be disabled, soalthough a lostkey may cost£100 to replace, the actualrisk is zero per cent" CLIQ CONNECT is the next generation of PROTEC2 CLIQ, an easy-to-use access control system based on mechanical high security disc cylinders combined with highly encrypted electronic locking and identification. Remote Key Management The system allows for remote key management, providing comprehensive audit trails on locks and padlocks, and the ability to electronically remove lost or stolen keys from the system, meaning security can still be confidently maintained in circumstances where a key has been misplaced. The CLIQ CONNECT online key uses Bluetooth 4.0 technology, enabling users to update keys wirelessly with a smartphone. The connectivity provides a real time audit trail on non-wired products such as padlocks and cam locks, and access rights can be granted to the user ‘on-site’. Cost And Risk Reduction Pip explains, “CLIQ CONNECT keys can always be disabled, so although a lost key may cost £100 to replace, the actual risk is zero per cent. This is because keys are only valid at specific times – this is sometimes restricted down to as little as five minutes operation before they are rendered invalid.” “This substantially reduces risk in the system and eliminates the potential huge cost and inconvenience of replacing all locks and keys. This is true key control and the holy grail for key champions in critical infrastructure or high security sites.” Save Save

CLIQ® Connect takes advantage of Bluetooth 4.0 technology, enabling users to update keys wirelessly with a smartphone Abloy UK has launched its innovative new CLIQ® Connect technology that enables PROTEC2 CLIQ® keys to be activated through a smartphone. CLIQ® Connect is set to revolutionise the flexibility, time-saving and ease of use of remote access control by bringing it into the mobile era. Remote Management Capabilities PROTEC2 CLIQ® allows for the remote management of disparate or large electronic master-keyed sites at any time, from anywhere in the world. The system provides comprehensive audit trails on locks and padlocks and the ability to invalidate lost or stolen keys, thereby assuring secure key management at all times. Increased Connectivity The latest addition to the system is the CLIQ® Connect online key, which takes advantage of the latest Bluetooth 4.0 technology, enabling users to update keys wirelessly with a smartphone. The connectivity provides a real time audit trail on non-wired products such as padlocks and cam locks, and access rights can be granted to the user ‘on-site’. Users will see a return on their investment from the combined benefits of time saved, increased efficiency and the substantially improved level of security. PROTEC2 CLIQ® Potential Applications Abloy’s PROTEC2 CLIQ® system is ideally suited to organizations that have a number of engineers and contractors visiting remote sites, and offers a solution for many different sectors including defense, utilities, telecoms, transport, education and healthcare. Pip Courcoux, Sales and Product Manager, CLIQ® Systems for Abloy UK, said: “We’re really excited to be bringing the CLIQ® Connect system to the UK, as it’s a complete game-changer and will transform remote key management as we know it. “Building on the significant success of the original PROTEC2 CLIQ® solution, the CLIQ® Connect key is extremely user-friendly, as it operates just like an ordinary key and utilizes a familiar smartphone interface. “Keys have a battery life of up to 2 years even if used daily, with very high durability and IP-57 rating. They are also 100 per cent compatible with all existing PROTEC2 CLIQ® systems without the need for new cylinders, making it possible for current customers to upgrade their system with ease.”

The site is now equipped with padlocks, cylinders and keys from the ABLOY Protec2 CLIQ range A critical public utility that also attracts 190,000 tourists every year provides the ultimate security challenge. Infrastructure safety is paramount, but so too is the flexibility required to welcome hundreds of daily visitors. At Llyn Brenig Reservoir and Visitor Centre, the answer was ASSA ABLOY`s CLIQ® technology. ASSA ABLOY UK, Technical Sales Manager Comments “Critical infrastructure requires a flexible, high-security locking solution. Exactly for these high demanding projects like these we have developed the CLIQ® locking system,” says Pip Courcoux, Technical Sales Manager at ASSA ABLOY UK. Welsh Water required for its new locking system a premium levels of security as the site has valuable plant equipment and the risk of fuel theft, metal theft or poaching is ever-present. The system needs to contain weatherproof equipment, because a number of site padlocks are on gates and barriers exposed to North Wales’ harsh elements all year round. Specifically Designed To Meet The Needs Of Welsh Water The site is now equipped with padlocks, cylinders and keys from the ABLOY Protec2 CLIQ® range. The new CLIQ® electromechanical keys are part of an ABLOY Protec master-key system specifically designed to meet the needs of Welsh Water. CLIQ® keys can operate in both mechanical and electronic cylinders. The padlocks for external usage are made of durable materials such as hardened boron steel provide effective protection against drilling, sawing, cutting, twisting or shimming. The plastic cover provides additional protection against dust and impact. Now access rights at Llyn Brenig can be tailored to every keyholder’s precise needs, and can be amended on demand. CLIQ® also guarantees long-term cost savings for the utility, because locks no longer need to be changed when keys are lost. Missing keys are just deleted from the system. Llyn Brenig site manager Nick Kite says: “The greater functionality of CLIQ® is very important, allowing us to change key access rights, download audit trails and remove missing keys as required. It gives us that extra flexibility and greater confidence.” Click here to view more CLIQ case studies Find out more about CLIQ