Steve Bell

A free cyber audit tool has been released to its customers by a global technology leader in integrated access control, intruder alarms management and perimeter protection, in what it believes is an industry first. Gallagher Security has unveiled its Security Health Check (SHC) tool to help its customers identify and understand potential vulnerabilities within their security system. Security risks and system vulnerabilities SHC identifies system vulnerabilities, assesses the severity of the threat, and provides specific recommendations Gallagher Security customers can use the SHC utility free to run an automated check via their Command Centre system at any time, reducing the time and expense of performing regular manual audits. SHC identifies system vulnerabilities, assesses the severity of the threat, and provides specific recommendations to mitigate the risk and ensure correct system configuration. It also provides a mechanism to compare against earlier audit results to ensure organizations can track improvement over time and better plan system upgrades. Gallagher chief technology officer Steve Bell said: “We designed SHC to give sites ownership of the state of their system as security risks and system vulnerabilities aren’t static. It’s important to us to promote and support a culture of ongoing improvement within our industry.” Lighting and building systems SHC proactively addresses the ever-evolving threat of cyber-attack, while supporting sites to protect the data held within their access control system. “Security systems can be vulnerable to cyber-attack for a variety of reasons, and the consequences can be significant,” said Bell. A cyber breach via security systems can potentially allow access to personal data" “A cyber breach via security systems can potentially allow access to personal data, restricted areas, and intellectual property, it could also lead to unauthorized control over HVAC, lighting and building systems in order to disrupt operations.” Gallagher believes that in today’s world of evolving threats, it’s no longer enough to supply the tools and walk away. Cyber-Secure solutions As the first security system manufacturer to offer a system audit tool of this kind, Gallagher hopes to inspire the security industry to become more transparent with its customers and empower them to better understand their vulnerabilities. Gallagher dedicates significant resource to the research and development of cyber-secure solutions, and has a commitment to helping customers gain full visibility and a deep understanding of how their security system works.

Traka has integrated with global technology specialist Gallagher’s powerful Command Centre system to enable users to operate from one central platform to maintain critical key and equipment management. The seamless integration with Gallagher Command Centre ensures complete data integrity with Traka, allowing users to create a system to benefit from key efficiencies. This includes granting access levels and receiving Traka events and alarms on an individual and group level, in real-time. Users can benefit from a single credential operation for both door access and keys and equipment managed by Traka, which can be controlled by time and day on an automatic basis, with instant audit control reporting as and when required. Enhances complete site control This integration enhances complete site control, centralized site visibility and real-time monitoring"Steve Bell, Gallagher’s Chief Technology Officer, said: “Gallagher Command Centre is powerful software that is fully scalable and supported by continuous investment in research and development. Traka is an industry leader in key and management solutions so they’re a natural integration partner for us. This integration enhances complete site control, centralized site visibility and real-time monitoring, ensuring situational awareness for all assets on both local and remote sites, safely and securely.” Traka software has been designed to support intelligent key and equipment management control with a significant number of benefits and additional functionality. This includes varying staff access to selected items and providing curfew functionality to ensure keys are checked out and returned in specific, defined time allocations. Newest updates to Traka now presented to Gallagher Command Centre users include dedicated fault logging, whereby issues with keys and assets can be reported with a capability to ‘lock-in’ the asset until its fixed to reduce downtime and disruption. Improved efficiency and decreased downtime Gallagher Command Centre and Traka can create an environment with improved efficiency, decreased downtime"Kyle Arterton, Integration Manager at Traka added: “Gallagher is one of the foremost global innovators and suppliers within the security industry. This is a truly exciting integration for Traka, where together we have delivered a significant futureproof technology that paves the way for users to benefit from one complete building control system. “Gallagher Command Centre and Traka can create an environment with improved efficiency, decreased downtime, and significantly reduced administrative overheads. The more integrations Traka can build with like-minded industry leaders, the more we can deliver simple, intelligent ways of enhancing site management. When combined with our established installation and support services, it demonstrates our capability to be ‘local when you need us, global when it counts.”

Exhibitors at this year’s IFSEC are thinking outside the box in terms of how they communicate their value proposition and how they interface with customers. In the process, some are rethinking how big trade shows like IFSEC fit with their goals. Panasonic's approach to the 'race to the bottom' Thomas Lausten, MOBOTIX new CEO How Gallagher benefits from IFSEC without exhibiting Panasonic Systems Communications Europe Panasonic Systems Communications Europe is one of several companies emphasizing solutions at IFSEC rather than products. In Panasonic's case, the approach helps to explain why the company doesn't have a traditional trade show stand. Instead, Panasonic opted to sponsor sessions in the security management education theater on the show floor, and to host potential customers in a (quieter, cooler) meeting room upstairs. "We are inviting some of our key integrators for general business meetings in a relaxed environment, and offering two lunch-and-learn events about cybersecurity," says John Boyle, Panasonic's Country Manager for the UK and Ireland. There was standing-room only at the cybersecurity events, he adds. TBS specialises in 3D touchless biometrics and offers a full portfolio of fingerprint biometric technologies Compelling Value Proposition Trade shows seem historically to be about "here's our new box," Boyle observes. "We would rather talk to customers and channel partners about what issues they face, whether it's counting people or detecting scenes." Panasonic is creating solutions that combine their own technologies with third party partners filling in any gaps. "We are creating value propositions that we can take to integrators. They need a new story to tell their customers, not just a new box. Let's look at Panasonic's technology and how that adds value. If we have a compelling value proposition, we are giving our integrators an opportunity to get more business." Boyle acknowledges that the Panasonic approach is a way to bypass the price-focused "race to the bottom" that is lowering camera prices. "Pricing comes later if the value of a solution has already been established," he notes. Touchless Biometric Systems Philippe Niederhauser, Head of Sales and Marketing for Touchless Biometric Systems (TBS), Switzerland, is amazed at how many people come to IFSEC seemingly to browse around with little focus on what they need. "There are people who don't really know what they are looking for," he comments. "If I go to a trade show, I know exactly what I want." Niederhauser also sees some of his fellow exhibitors missing the boat in terms of marketing, tending to emphasize products rather than solutions. "Some people just put products out there, and they look similar; it is hard to differentiate," he says. "This is where you need to show a difference in products, and communicate the value proposition." TBS specializes in 3D touchless biometrics, and offers a full portfolio of fingerprint biometric technologies, also including 2D optical, 2D capacitative, and 2D multispectral systems. MOBOTIX Keeps Focus On Technology A challenge in Thomas Lausten's new position is to communicate the advantages of MOBOTIX more effectively to the market Trends at this year's show are a big emphasis on cybersecurity, more integrated systems and applications that extend beyond the traditional definition of security, says Thomas Lausten, who just joined MOBOTIX as the new CEO. Cybersecurity is a strong suit of MOBOTIX, given the German video company's unique platform, an approach Lausten describes as "a computer with a lens." He says a challenge in his new position is to communicate the advantages of MOBOTIX more effectively to the market and to achieve the company's unrealized potential. "I don't see Mobotix as a traditional camera manufacturer," he says. "There is a fundamental difference between launching a camera and having a core philosophy as a company. I have been tasked with [managing] a company with a potential to be re-defined. Our mission is to develop a more open source company, although still an end-to-end solution, and a company that looks at the industry in a different way." He says the industry can expect new camera and software releases as MOBOTIX keeps its focus on technology. Quality Communication Through Smaller Events Gallagher, a New Zealand-based access control and perimeter security manufacturer, is an example of a company that seeks to benefit from IFSEC without exhibiting at the show. Steve Bell, Gallagher's Chief Technology Officer, traveled thousands of miles to the show for the networking opportunities, and Gallagher hosted a channel partner event in the evening, leveraging the fact that others have traveled to the show. "Trade shows are expensive outlays," says Bell. "For our strategy, we like more focused events, getting smaller groups together. Sometimes the big trade shows aren't focused enough. The people we might want to communicate with only have a short time, and it's a noisy environment. We don't have the quality communication we'd like to have. Smaller events provide more quality time." With manufacturers looking for new ways to engage with customers and build their businesses, the role of trade shows like IFSEC will, of necessity, continue to evolve.  

Gallagher’s new mobile solution significantly reduces costs and simplifies administration through a range of exclusive features Gallagher, a technology manufacturer, announced the global release of its latest state-of-the-art mobile security solution: Gallagher Mobile Connect. Harnessing Bluetooth wireless technology and the power of smartphones, Mobile Connect transforms a mobile phone in to an access device—empowering businesses to use mobile technology in place of traditional access cards. Partnering with Nok Nok Labs and the FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) Alliance, Gallagher’s unique Mobile Connect solution uses FIDO certified authentication to deliver exceptionally safe and secure credentials.Cutting-Edge FIDO Protocols “Mobile Connect really brings the best of both worlds to the market,” said Steve Bell, Chief Technology Officer at Gallagher. “It makes access simpler and easier for users while operating on highly-secure, cutting-edge FIDO protocols that give businesses supreme confidence in their security.” “Our goal is always to develop simple solutions underpinned by the strongest security, and that’s what we’ve achieved here” Delivering more than just peace-of-mind, Gallagher’s new mobile solution significantly reduces costs and simplifies administration through a range of exclusive features. In addition to eliminating the costs of supplying and replacing access cards, Mobile Connect customers will enjoy a unique subscription model, which allows for credentials to be transferred between users and reissued to devices. Optional Two-Factor Authentication Using two-step remote provisioning, Mobile Connect delivers secure enrollment by sending an email invitation with SMS code to verify the user and mobile device. This creates further administration efficiencies by removing the need to physically deliver an access card. Optional two-factor authentication, either PIN or biometric, provides added security and flexibility for sites using Mobile Connect. “We’re thrilled with this latest release in our mobile technology development program and the simplicity it brings to our customers. Our goal is always to develop simple solutions underpinned by the strongest security, and that’s what we’ve achieved here,” said Bell.

Leading security technology manufacturer, Gallagher, has recently released their latest products and updates to the global security market. The release includes Command Centre v7.40, an update to the company's renowned security management platform, the all new MobileReader, and the F3 Series Fence Controllers. Enhancing User Experience The new generation of products are designed to enhance the customer experience by improving organizational efficiency, automating manual interactions and streamlining processes such as visitor management and perimeter alarms management. "We have taken our mobile solution a step further by enabling guards to be more mobile while maintaining complete visibility over a site. Creating value for our customers is core to what we do here at Gallagher and our latest releases again deliver on this promise," says Steve Bell, Chief Technology Officer - Security. "The new series of fence controllers again shows our commitment and investment to the innovation we incorporate into all aspects of our product development. From the technology and functionality through to the aesthetics, our customers know they are receiving a product that has had every aspect carefully crafted," says Bell. Further Details About Gallagher's Latest Products: Command Centre v7.40 boasts features designed to improve operational efficiency while enhancing the user experience. The introduction of a barcode scanner integration for the Gallagher Visitor Management Client and Kiosk significantly speeds up the entry and exit process for visitors to site. Other enhancements to the visitor management suite include customisable branding on the kiosk, and further automation of host interactions saving the host time. Gallagher's T20 Card +PIN Terminals will also receive a software upgrade with the release of v7.40 enabling the management of perimeter alarms as well the ability to perform overrides and conduct maintenance and repairs on the fence line. Gallagher's new Mobile Reader extends security across your site and beyond the door by giving guards the freedom to search cardholder's details and access privileges without returning to a workstation. The Gallagher Mobile Reader is designed to work with all the latest Apple devices operating on iOS 8 or iOS 9. The F3 Series of fence controllers deliver high-performance electric fence management suited to any environment and are available with stand-alone and networked capabilities. The flexibility of the design allows the controllers to be installed in either portrait or landscape orientations while the information offered by the LED icon panel on the front of the controller allows technicians to quickly and easily identify the cause of an alarm, check the fence status and view voltage output. The addition of a Magnetic Key (included with each controller) allows operators to perform common functions simply such as clearing historic alarms.

FIPS 201-2 compliant and global Physical Access Control System (PACS) experts, Gallagher, show they can achieve under 1.5 second PIV transactions at a recent National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) workshop in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Hilderegard Ferraiolo, PIV Program Lead at NIST, put a question to Gallagher and a panel of PACS vendors at the workshop - is a 1.5 second PIV transaction possible? Efficient PIV Card Transcations The GSA's Office of Government Wide Policy - Identity Assurance and Trusted Access Division raised concerns from one of their first FIPS 201-2 installations where measurements had shown the turnstiles took anywhere between 3.5 to 4.8 seconds to grant access on PIV card presentations. This result posed potential problems such as staff entry bottle necks and queue frustration. Gallagher's Chief Technology Officer Steve Bell affirmed the Gallagher PIV Solution records a 1.2 second access transaction, significantly faster than other PIV access solutions on the market. "The combined use of newer Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) certificates on PIV cards and our solution's uniquely efficient architecture allows much faster access transactions than previously thought achievable," explained Bell. "Our architecture is designed to manage PIV card authentication and access decisions natively, without requiring additional hardware. This, combined with Gallagher's high speed HBUS reader protocol, delivers extremely quick and efficient PIV card transactions. Less hardware than most competing solutions reduces FIPS 201-2 installation costs and sped up the entire PIV card access transaction. Many other manufacturers still rely on the outdated Wiegand reader protocol as part of the transaction, slowing down the whole process of getting through the door." Bell believes that ongoing advances in PIV card chip technology could see access times sub-1 second in the near future and that access speeds under 1.5 seconds remove significant barriers to FIPS 201-2 adoption to deliver more convenient user experience, interoperability, and security benefits inherent in the FIPS standard. The Gallagher PIV Solution is listed on the GSA's PACS Approved Products List (PACS APL) for single and dual factor authentication solutions for procurement by the Federal government.

Gallagher's central management platform Command Centre v7.30 and new mobile application will be among latest releases on display Leading integrated security technology company, Gallagher, is showcasing and demonstrating its latest product releases at the largest security industry trade show in the U.S. - ISC West. The event runs from April 15 to April 17 2015 at the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas - Gallagher booth # 28073. Gallagher's Chief Technology Officer Steve Bell is participating in two specialist demonstrations during the show; SIA InteropFest Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) and the PSIA Physical-Logical Access Interoperability (PLAI) demo. OSDP As Foundation For Next Generation Of Physical Access Control Systems Last year's OSDP demonstration saw hundreds turnout as access control manufacturers demonstrated how they incorporate OSDP into their technology; Bell expects this year to be no different with many manufacturers again keen to demonstrate the use of OSDP as a foundation for the next generation of physical access control systems. This year's event is being held on the evening of Wednesday April 15 from 4.30pm - 6.30pm at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. PLAI Demo To Feature Current Functionality Of PLAI Specification The following morning, Thursday April 16 from 9.30am at the Veronese Room of the Venetian/Sands Expo Center, Gallagher will join an elite group presenting at the PLAI demo which will feature the newest additions to the Alliance's specification as well as the current functionality of the PLAI Specification. ISC West Helps Accelerate Gallagher's  Brand In The U.S. Market "ISC West has proven to be a valuable event for us. It's helped accelerate our brand in the U.S. market place and introduced new networks and partnerships. The calibre of exhibitors is excellent and encourages continued product innovation and development in a fast changing security environment," says Bell. Gallagher's next generation central management platform Command Centre v7.30 and their new mobile application will be among the latest releases on display. Command Centre v7.30 boasts many new features that expand and build on the capabilities available in previous versions. Also on display will be the award winning T20 Card + PIN Terminal, Controller 6000 Starter Kits, and the GSA approved, and FIPS 201-2 compliant, Gallagher PIV Solution. Further Details About Gallagher's Products On Show At ISC West: "It's helped accelerate our brand in the U.S. market place and introduced new networks and partnerships" Command Centre v7.30 introduces a mobile client that significantly extends visibility and control of access and perimeter alarms. Using an Apple iPhone running iOS8, users can monitor and acknowledge alarms; and check and override door and zone status remotely. Command Centre v7.30 also introduces enhanced graphical reporting to help users create meaningful data and easily identify security and business trends. The Gallagher PIV Solution purpose built and approved for the U.S., delivers exceptional security with the fastest form of authentication for the Federal market. Compliant FIPS 201-2 it enforces both business policies, identity, and credential management for all government employees and contractors. Controller 6000 Starter Kits provide a faster and more cost effective way to get a small site up and running with integrated access and alarms management. The award winning and durable T20 Card + PIN Terminal extends operator control right to the door. The T20 simplifies safety for operators by enabling visual access to multiple alarms zones and states via a detailed mimic panel. It also allows easy alarm management with IT grade encryption levels for a single zone, multiple areas, or the total site.

Gallagher’s perimeter security solutions include the K20 Tensioner Link System and Z10 Tension Sensor Gallagher – an international leader in access control and security systems technology – are previewing the latest releases in their extensive product portfolio at security show: Intersec Dubai, from 18 - 20 January 2015.  “Intersec Dubai provides a great opportunity for people to be able to see our product in operation and talk to our team about the unique features and functionality Gallagher brings to the security market” said Steve Bell, Chief Technology Officer at Gallagher. New features and technology are continuously introduced to Gallagher’s suite of hardware and software access control and perimeter security solutions. Recent releases include the latest version of Gallagher's world-renowned security software, Command Center. Gallagher’s award winning perimeter security solutions, including the K20 Tensioner Link System and Z10 Tension Sensor, will have live demonstrations during the show.  Recent developments in Gallagher’s integrated access control technology range include the introduction of competency displays on their T20 Card + PIN Terminal. This enables enhanced health and safety management, and improved enforcement of onsite and regulatory requirements. Competency displays are available in nine different languages including English, French, Spanish, German, Dutch, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, and Thai. The Card + PIN Terminal operates on Gallagher's HBUS communications protocol which supports high-level encryption and high-speed communications. Intersec Dubai is held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The Gallagher team and their live product demonstrations will be located in Hall S2, Stand D11.

Bell will lead the company's security product development and business analyst teams The Gallagher Group - internationally renowned for its innovative solutions in the Security, Animal Management, and Fuel Systems industries - has announced the appointment of Steve Bell to the role of Chief Technology Officer - Security. Bell's new role is an executive appointment and he now sits on Gallagher's security division executive management team. Bell, who has over 25 years' experience at Gallagher, will lead the company's security product development and business analyst teams in driving long-term technology and product investment strategies. Bell has extensive experience in product development and senior R&D leadership in the security industry. "As Gallagher continues its growth in new technologies and new global markets we saw an opportunity to draw on Steve's extensive technical experience" said Curtis Edgecombe, Global General Manager - Security, for Gallagher. "Steve brings to the role a deep technical knowledge of physical security, cryptography, identity management, new product development, and related fields". Gallagher's suite of Access Control and Perimeter Security technologies has been drawing significant international attention in recent years with a number of award wins for innovation. Gallagher's security solutions are currently utilised in more than 130 countries around the world, and are employed in all major industries, including: education, ports and airports, military and defense, critical infrastructure, mining, prisons, finance, entertainment and healthcare.