Counter Terror

Echodyne, the manufacturer of innovative, high-performance, small electronically scanned array (ESA) radars for government and commercial markets, has announced that it will demonstrate enhanced airspace situational awareness by visualizing EchoGuard sensor data through augmented reality at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2019 in Chicago, IL. The UAV systems company will showcase the technology at Booth #2805 from April 30th to May 2nd, 2019. AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2019 At AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2019, Echodyne will display its state-of-the-art EchoGuard radar system During the AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2019 international security conference, Echodyne will display its state-of-the-art EchoGuard radar system and demonstrate how it offers superior performance for both primary UAS (Unmanned Aerial Surveillance) use cases: commercial mission safety, and counter-UAS (counter drone surveillance). The demonstration will feature an AR interactive experience using Microsoft’s Hololens and allows participants to experience unprecedented airspace situational awareness. Echodyne has quickly emerged as the preferred airspace situational awareness provider with its small, commercially-priced ESA radar– the first of its kind in the industry. Recently, the Company affirmed its participation in a number of initiatives at UAS Centers of Excellence across the country, including NASA’s Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) Technical Capability Level (TCL), FAA’s UTM Pilot Program (UPP) and FAA’s UAS Integration Pilot Program (IPP). Airspace Management Solutions In addition, Echodyne’s co-founder and CTO, Tom Driscoll, will be leading a session track at AUVSI on sensor data fusion for successful airspace management solutions on Wednesday, May 1st at 11:00 AM. “Having the ability to demonstrate how our EchoGuard radar contributes to airspace safety at the premier conference for the unmanned systems industry is just another exciting step for Echodyne,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. “This is another example of Echodyne delivering high-tech innovation that enhances both mission and public safety.”

Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd (“Hikvision”) has announced a new business team dedicated towards developing intelligent solutions for fentanyl-related substances regulation. This is a solid move to respond and contribute to the joint efforts between the governments of China and the U.S., together with the international community, to combat drug crimes and protect the public health and safety. Relying on Hikvision’s advanced video technology and big data analytics, the new dedicated team will be committed to develop the intelligent solutions for fentanyl regulation. Public Safety And Combating Drug Crimes  In recent years, how to effectively regulate and control the new types of psychoactive substances, including fentanyl, has become a serious international problem. In late 2018, the leaders and governments of China and the U.S. reached an agreement on the cooperation in law enforcement and Fentanyl control. Recently, China’s Ministry of Public Security, National Health Commission, and National Medical Products Administration jointly announced to regulate all fentanyl-related substances as a class of controlled substances (with non-medical use), which takes effective May 1. Custom Video Intelligent SolutionsCreating more values to the society through our advanced technology has always been the goal Hikvision pursued" Due to its numerous variants and low threshold for synthesis, Fentanyl has put forward a new challenge to the technology of drug inspection and control. The new dedicated team of Hikvision is composed with the experts in many fields like system architecture, central platform, algorithms and products. With experience in video intelligent application and big data analytics, the team will conduct in-depth research on key technical issues existing in Fentanyl’s production, storage and transportation, and develop customized intelligent solutions to facility the optimization on drug control. Mr. Cai Changyang, Senior VP of Hikvision, said: "Creating more values to the society through our advanced technology has always been the goal Hikvision pursued. The problem with new types of drugs, including fentanyl-related substances has caused risks and hazards worldwide. Therefore, the company has decided to set up a dedicated team to respond to challenges and to join the joint endeavor, aiming to make contributions to protect the physical and mental health of humanity, as well as safeguard our communities and society."

Thailand’s leading business hub for security solutions, Secutech Thailand, is set to return from 28 – 31 October 2019 alongside Thailand Lighting Fair, Thailand Building Fair, and Digital Thailand Big Bang. Under the banner of ‘Smart City Solution Week 2019’, the four fairs together will serve as a one stop shop for smart city professionals to source all of the latest security, building automation, lighting and digital infrastructure solutions. “The Thai government aims to establish 100 smart cities over the next two decades,” said Ms Regina Tsai, the Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd. “Within this context, ‘Smart City Solution Week’ delivers a win-win for Thailand’s smart city stakeholders. The arrangement will not only create visitor synergies amongst the four fairs, but it will also help to build even more momentum for Thailand’s smart city sector.”  Secutech Thailand – Security + AI Ms Tsai said that she expects to see an increase on last year’s visitor numbers during Smart City Solution Week 2019 Secutech Thailand has embraced the smart city concept since the first edition in 2011, and under its new theme of ‘Secutech Thailand – Security + AI – Empowers Sustainable City Development’, the fair will deliver all of the latest AI and IoT security innovations for the smart city sector. The 2018 edition of the fair featured a record 250 exhibitors (2017: 150) and attracted 8,420 visitors to 7,000 sqm of exhibition space.       Ms Tsai said that she expects to see an increase on last year’s visitor numbers during Smart City Solution Week 2019: “Many of the distributors and system integrators that visit Secutech Thailand also have business interests in the lighting, building automation and digital infrastructure sectors. By running Secutech Thailand alongside Thailand lighting Fair, Thailand Building Fair, and Digital Thailand Big Bang, we will create a convenient one-stop sourcing platform that will draw in even more buyers to Secutech Thailand.” Sustainability, The Key Theme At Smart City Week 2019 All four fairs will be held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, and in keeping with the modern push towards sustainable living, each fair offers a unique sustainability theme. The Thailand Lighting Fair is set to be held under the theme of ‘IoT + City: A Sustainable and Livable Future’ The Thailand Lighting Fair, for example, is set to be held under the theme of ‘IoT + City: A Sustainable and Livable Future’. Jointly organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd and The ExhibiZ Co., Ltd, the fair is a home for exhibitors to showcase their unique lighting accessories and electronic components; as well as smart and sustainable lighting solutions for cities and commercial environments. Sustainable Solutions Sustainable solutions will also be on display throughout the halls of the Thailand Building Fair. Run by the same organizers as the Thailand Lighting Fair, the show is a regional hub for building automation and electrical engineering solutions which include products that promote energy efficiency and facilitate smart living. Meanwhile, established in 2017, Digital Thailand Big Bang is a B2C platform that receives government backing to promote digital technologies. The fair is organized by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) to showcase the ways that big data can be used to transform society and improve urban living standards. Just a few of the solutions that can be found at the fair include city management systems, cloud computing, fintech products, and digital infrastructure such as submarine cables and satellites. Smart Police And Smart Transportation Zones In line with the smart city theme, the 2019 edition of Secutech Thailand will feature four zones, each of which will display products for different smart city sectors. A key element of smart cities – smart transportation, will be served at the ‘Smart Transportation zone’ The ‘Smart Police zone’, will host IoT technologies that assist smart policing, such as real-time crime mapping systems, body-worn cameras, crowd management systems, gunshot detection systems, predictive policing systems and more. Another key element of smart cities – smart transportation, will be served at the ‘Smart Transportation zone’. Here, trade visitors will find smart surveillance systems, vehicle monitoring systems, as well as traffic and security control centers. Safe Factory And Smart Campus Zones Elsewhere, the ‘Safe Factory’ and ‘Smart Campus’ zones will deliver the latest early warning disaster systems, emergency response systems, personal alert applications, and products capable of providing real-time air quality information.  In addition to this, Thailand’s fire safety fraternity will be able to locate all of the latest fire extinguishers, alarms and emergency equipment at the concurrent ‘Fire & Safety Thailand’ event; while three further events: ‘SMALiving’, ‘SMACity Solution’, and ‘Info Security Thailand’, will host all of the latest advances in their related sectors.

Delta Scientific, the manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, announced that, on March 7, over 70 leading security specialists met at Delta Scientific headquarters to discuss the state of the vehicle access control market in North America. These security specialists came together to view anti-terrorism portable systems, barriers, bollards, crash-rated gates and other solutions and how each product fits in a comprehensive vehicle access system.  SAFETY Act Minimizes Insurance Risks The vehicle access control budget is actually being buttressed by the new certification of the SAFETY Act of 2002""Budgets remain high for vehicle access," relates Greg Hamm, Delta vice president of sales and marketing. "The Defense Department continues to fund large scale vehicle access projects. Although border wall projects may impact spending at the Department of Homeland Security, its vehicle access control budget is actually being buttressed by the new certification of the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technology (SAFETY Act) of 2002." This certification minimizes insurance risks for organizations that deploy authorized Delta vehicle access control products to protect against terrorists and errant drivers. All products certified are covered retroactively back to 1984 and are now authorized to carry the SAFETY Act Designated mark.  Backing Of The DHS "By minimizing insurance risks to deploying authorized Delta vehicle access systems, this certification lets customers feel comfortable knowing that they have the full faith and backing of the Department of Homeland Security," emphasizes Hamm. Delta Scientific secures over 110 Federal buildings, including the Pentagon, U.S. Supreme Court, Federal courthouses and FBI locations "As the only manufacturer having such certification for wedge barriers, beam barriers and crash gates, this announcement is encouraging commercial organizations to more fully explore using such life-saving products in their anti-terrorist and safety vehicle access solutions." Attendees were also able to analyze the security options of Delta's full line of portable, towable bollards plus wedge, swing arm and newly introduced beam barricades. Securing Government Buildings Worldwide  In the United States alone, Delta Scientific secures over 110 Federal buildings, including the Pentagon, U.S. Supreme Court, Federal courthouses and FBI locations. Delta also provides vehicle access control for over 200 U.S. embassies and consulates in 130-plus countries, including State Department headquarters, as well as those of the United Kingdom and other nations. In addition, Delta Scientific vehicle access control equipment protects high profile corporate headquarters, logistic sites that store and ship vital materials, transportation hubs and even the private residences of powerful, influential people.

Governments and corporations face crisis events every day. An active shooter terrorizes a campus. A cyber extortionist holds a city for ransom. A hurricane washes away a key manufacturing facility. Not all critical events rise to the level of these catastrophic emergencies, but a late or inadequate response to even a minor incident can put people, operations and reputations at risk. Effective Response Plan In 2015, for example, the City of Boston experienced several record-breaking snowstorms that forced the city to close the subway system for three days. The extreme decision cost the state $265 million per day and was largely attributed to a lack of preparation and an inadequate response plan by the transportation department. The reputation of the head of the transportation department was so damaged by the decision she was forced to resign. Being able to better predict how the storms would impact the subway system’s aging infrastructure – and having a more effective response plan in place – could have saved the state hundreds of millions of dollars (not to mention the transit chief’s job). A comprehensive critical event management strategy begins before the impact of an event is felt and continues after the immediate crisis has ended. This full lifecycle strategy can be broken into four distinct phases – Assess, Locate, Act and Analyze. Assessing Threats For Prevention Security teams might have complained about not having enough intelligence data to make accurate predictionsIdentifying a threat before it reaches critical mass and understanding how it might impact vital assets is the most difficult challenge facing security professionals. In the past, security teams might have complained about not having enough intelligence data to make accurate predictions. Today, the exact opposite might be true – there is too much data! With crime and incident data coming from law enforcement agencies, photos and videos coming from people on the front line, topics trending on social media and logistical information originating from internal systems it can be almost impossible to locate a real signal among all the noise and chatter. Being able to easily visualize all this intelligence data within the context of an organization’s assets is vital to understand the relationship between threat data and the individuals or facilities in harm’s way. Social Media Monitoring Free tools like Google Maps or satellite imagery from organizations like AccuWeather, for example, can help understand how fast a storm is closing in on a manufacturing facility, or how close an active shooter is to a school. Their usefulness, however, is limited to a few event types and they provide only a very macro view of the crisis. Data from building access systems, wifi hotspots, corporate travel systems, among others, can be used to create a profile Critical event management (CEM) platforms, however, are designed specifically to manage critical events of all types and provide much greater visibility. Internal and external data sources (weather, local and national emergency management, social media monitoring software, security cameras, etc.) are integrated into these platforms and their data is visualised on a threat map. Security teams can quickly see if there are actual threats to the organizations or communities they are protecting and don’t lose time trying to make sense of intelligence reports. The more they can see on a ‘single pane of glass,’ the faster they can initiate the appropriate response. Locating A Threat Once a threat has been deemed a critical event, the next step is to find the people who might be impacted – employees/residents in danger, first responders and key stakeholders (e.g., senior executives or elected officials who need status updates). Often, this requires someone on the security team to access an HR contact database and initiate a call tree to contact each person individually, in a specific hierarchical order. This can be a time-consuming and opaque process. There is no information on the proximity of that person to the critical event, or if a person has skills such as CPR that could aid in the response. Ensuring ahead of time that certifications, skill sets, or on-call availability is included with contact information can save valuable time in the middle of a crisis response. Going even further, data from building access systems, wifi hotspots, corporate travel systems, among others, can be used to create a profile of where a person just was and where he or she might be going in a CEM platform. This information can be visualized on the threat map and help determine who is actually in danger and who can respond the fastest. The emergency response then becomes targeted and more effective. Security teams can quickly see if there are actual threats to the organizations or communities they are protecting Acting And Automating The third step is to act and automate processes. If there is a tornado closing in on a town, for example, residents should not have to wait for manual intervention before a siren is activated or a message sent out. Organizations can build and execute their standing operating procedures (SOPs) fully within a CEM platform. Sirens, alarms, digital signs and messages can all be automatically activated based on event type, severity and location. Using the tornado example, an integration with a weather forecasting service could trigger the command to issue a tornado warning for a specific community if it is in the path of the storm. Summon Security Guards Warning messages can be prepared in advance based on event type so there is no chance of issuing a misleading or unclear alert Warning messages can be prepared in advance based on event type so there is no chance of issuing a misleading or unclear alert. All communications with impacted individuals can be centralized within the platform and automated based on SOP protocols. This also includes inbound communications from first responders and impacted individuals. An employee confronted by an assailant in a parking garage could initiate an SOS alert from his or her mobile phone that would automatically summon security guards to the scene. Conference lines can also be instantly created to enable collaboration and speed response time. Additionally, escalation policies are automatically engaged if a protocol is broken. For example, during an IT outage, if the primary network engineer does not respond in two minutes, a designated backup is automatically summoned. Eliminating manual steps from SOPs reduces the chance for human error and increases the speed and effectiveness of critical event responses. Analysis Of A Threat Looking for ways to better prepare and respond to critical events will not only improve performance when similar events occur again It’s not uncommon for security and response teams to think that a critical event is over once the immediate crisis has ended. After all, they are often the ones pushing themselves to exhaustion and sometimes risking life and limb to protect their neighbours, colleagues, community reputations and company brands. They need and deserve a rest. In the aftermath of a critical event, however, it’s important to review the effectiveness of the response and look for ways to drive improvements. Which tasks took too long? What resources were missing? How many times did people respond quickly? With a CEM platform, team performance, operational response, benchmarking data and notification analysis are all captured within the system and are available in a configurable dashboard or in after-action reports for analysis. Continuously looking for ways to better prepare and respond to critical events will not only improve performance when similar events occur again, but it will also improve response effectiveness when unforeseen events strike. Coordinate Emergency Response Virtually every organization has some form of response plan to triage a critical event and restore community order or business operations. While many of these plans are highly effective in providing a structure to command and coordinate emergency response, they are reactive in nature and don’t account for the full lifecycle of a critical event – Assess, Locate, Act and Analyze. Whether it’s a large-scale regional emergency or a daily operational issue such as an IT outage, a comprehensive critical event management strategy will minimize the impact by improving visibility, collaboration and response.

Facial recognition has a long history dating back to the 1800s. To track down criminals, such as infamous bandits Jesse Woodson James and Billy the Kid, law enforcement would place “Wanted Alive or Dead” posters advertising bounties and soliciting public cooperation to help locate and even apprehend the alleged criminals. In addition to the bounty, these posters would include a photo and brief description of the crime, which would then be circulated to law enforcement agencies around the country and displayed in every US Post Office to speed up apprehension. Facial Recognition Advancements in artificial intelligence and biometric technology have led to the widespread use of computerised facial recognitionToday, technology such as social media, television and other more specialized communication networks play a more influential role in the recognition process. Advancements in artificial intelligence and biometric technology, including the development of Machine Learning capabilities, have led to increased accuracy, accessibility and the widespread use of computerized facial recognition. The significance of this means that facial recognition can occur on an even larger scale and in more challenging environments. This article will explore key milestones and technological advances that have resulted in the modern incarnation of facial recognition, before discussing the capabilities of cutting-edge “one-to-many” technology which is increasingly being used by counter-terror defense, police and security forces around the world. Technology Inception And Developments The technology was able to match 40 faces an hour, which was considered very impressive at the time The 1960s marked the start of computerized facial recognition, when Woodrow Wilson (Woody) Bledsoe developed a way to classify faces using gridlines. Bledsoe’s facial recognition still required a large amount of human involvement because a person had to extract the co-ordinates of the face’s features from a photograph and enter this information into a computer. The technology was able to match 40 faces an hour (each face took approximately 90 seconds to be matched) which was considered very impressive at the time. By the end of the 1960s, facial recognition had seen further development at the Stanford Research Institute where the technology proved to outperform humans in terms of accuracy of recognition (humans are notoriously bad at recognizing people they don’t know). By the end of the century, the leading player in the field was a solution that came out of the University of Bochum in Germany – and the accuracy of this technology was such that it was even sold on to bank and airport customers. From this stage on, the facial recognition market began to blossom, with error rates of automatic facial recognition systems decreasing by a factor of 272 from 1993 to 2010 according to US Government-sponsored evaluations. The aim for facial technology is to achieve successful and accurate recognition on commonly available hardware like live CCTV feeds and standard computing hardware Modern Usage Of Facial Recognition Fast-forward to the modern day and facial recognition has become a familiar technology when using applications such as the iPhone X’s Face ID capability or MasterCard Identity Check, passport e-gates at airports and other security and access control points. These solutions implement a consensual form of identity verification, as the user has a vested interest in being identified. This is a “one-to-one” facial recognition event, one person in front of the camera being compared to one identity either on a passport or the app. In these scenarios, the hardware is specifically developed for the application at hand, therefore technically much easier to accomplish. Facial recognition can now be used in a variety of governmental and commercial environments The safety and security world brings a much more complex problem to solve – how to pick out a face in a moving and changing environment and compare it to several faces of interest. “One-to-many” facial recognition is a much harder problem to solve. It’s even more challenging when the aim is to achieve successful and accurate recognition on commonly available hardware like live CCTV feeds and standard computing hardware. And unlike in the 1960’s where identifying a face every 90 seconds was acceptable; the safety and security market requires near instant feedback on who a person matched against a watchlist is. Security And Safety Applications The idea behind all facial recognition technologies is broadly the same: you start with an image of a person’s face (ideally a high quality one, although machine learning means that to a point we can now even use video without reducing accuracy). A fully front facing image is best, think a passport photo, but machine learning and new software has made this more flexible. An algorithm converts this image into a numeric template, which cannot be converted back to an image and so represents a secure one way system. Every numeric template is different, even if it started out as an image of the same person, although templates from the same person are more similar than templates from different people. The accuracy of facial recognition continues to increase alongside deployments in more challenging and complex environments What happens next sounds simple although the technology is extremely complex: templates of people’s faces are taken in real time and compared to those in the database. The technology identifies individuals by matching the numeric template of their face with all the templates saved in a database in a matter of seconds or milliseconds. To put this into perspective, imagine you are at the turnstiles of a busy train station looking for a person on the run. Today’s facial recognition technology would be able to identify that person should they pass in view of a CCTV camera, as well as notify the police of any additional persons of interest, whether they are a known terrorist or missing vulnerable person on an entirely separate watch list. Because of technical progression, facial recognition can now be used in a variety of governmental and commercial environments, from identifying barred hooligans attempting entry at a football stadium or helping self-excluded gamblers at casino to overcome addiction. Real-Time Assessments The latest evolution of facial recognition pits the technology against an even more challenging application – directly matching individuals from body worn cameras for real time recognition for police officers on the beat. This capability equips first responders with the ability to detect a person from a photo and verify their identity with assurance. The broader implication for this means that every interaction, such as stop and search or arrest, can be supported by real-time facial recognition which will see cases of mistaken identity driven down on the streets. First responders can now for the first time be deployed and furnished with the ability to identify wider groups of people of interest with a degree of accuracy that previously relied only on the fallible human memory. As the accuracy of the technology continues to increase alongside deployments in more challenging and complex environments, its ability to support government initiatives and law enforcement means the debate about the lawful and appropriate use of facial recognition must be addressed. Facial recognition should not be everywhere looking for everyone, but when used properly it has the potential to improve public safety and we should make the most of its potential.

Global and domestic threats have highlighted the need for tighter security across all verticals. One of the technologies that has redefined situational awareness and intrusion detection is thermal imaging. Once a technology exclusively manufactured for the military operations, thermal cameras today are deployed across hundreds of security applications and continue to see strong demand in existing and emerging commercial markets. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain Technology Overview And Early Adoption What distinguishes thermal cameras from optical sensors is their ability to produce images based on infrared energy, or heat, rather than light. By measuring the heat signatures of all objects and capturing minute differences between them, thermal cameras produce clear, sharp video despite unfavorable environmental conditions. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain. Originally a military developed, commercially qualified technology, the first thermal cameras for military and aircraft use appeared in the 1950s. By the 1960s, the technology had been declassified and the first thermal camera for commercial use was introduced. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s - when FLIR Systems introduced a camera with an uncooled thermal detector - when the technology began to see substantial adoption beyond government defense deployments. Installations At Critical Infrastructure Sites In the 2000s, industrial companies were some of the first adopters of thermal, using the technology for predictive maintenance to monitor overheating and machine malfunctions. In the years following the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, there was an increase in thermal camera installations across critical infrastructure sites. Stricter security requirements drove the deployment of thermal cameras for perimeter protection, especially in the nuclear power sector. Thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and their sharp images result in higher performing analytics In 2010, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Committee released its 73.55 policy, which states nuclear facilities must “provide continuous surveillance, observation and monitoring” as a means to enhance threat detection and deterrence efforts onsite. Because thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and because their sharp images result in higher performing analytics, thermal cameras quickly became the preferred option for nuclear facilities. Likewise, following the 2013 sniper attack on PG&E Corporation’s Metcalf transmission substation, the Federal Energy Regulation Commission introduced the Critical Infrastructure Protection Standard 014 (CIP-014). The policy requires utilities to identify threats to mission critical assets and implement a security system to mitigate those risks. This statute also led to more thermal installations in the utility sector as thermal cameras’ long-range capabilities are ideal for detection of approaching targets beyond the fence line. The demand from both industrial and critical infrastructure entities, as well as other factors, helped drive volume production and price reduction for thermal, making the technology more accessible to the commercial security marketplace. Commercial Applications In recent years, the increasing affordability of thermal cameras along with the introduction of new thermal offerings has opened the door to new commercial applications for the technology. In the past, thermal cameras were designed for applications with enormous perimeters, where the camera needed to detect a human from 700 meters away. Locations like car dealerships, marinas and construction supply facilities can be protected by precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras providing an early warning to security personnel Today, there are thermal cameras specifically designed for short- to mid-range applications. Developed for small to medium enterprises, these thermal cameras ensure property size and security funds are no longer barriers to adoption. Lumber yards, recreation fields and sports arenas are some of the commercial applications now able to implement thermal cameras for 24-hour monitoring and intrusion detection. Affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses Innovation And Advancements Innovation and advancements in the core technology have also spurred growth in thermal camera deployment, providing faster image processing, higher resolution, greater video analytic capabilities and better camera performance. In particular, affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses that need outdoor, wide area protection. Car dealerships, marinas and construction supply locations all store valuable merchandise and materials outside. Without protection, these assets are vulnerable to vandalism and theft. However, by providing precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras provide an early warning to security personnel so that they can intervene before a crime is committed. By helping to deter just one incident, the thermal solution delivers a clear ROI. New Market Opportunities Not only are there more thermal cameras in use today than ever before, but there are also more thermal sensors being integrated with other multi-sensor systems, driving the adoption of thermal in new markets. For large perimeter surveillance applications, thermal is repeatedly being integrated with radar and drones to expand situational awareness beyond the point of fixed cameras. Users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment In the commercial market, thermal imagers are combined with optical sensors, analytics and LED illuminators into one solution that integrates with central monitoring station platforms. By bringing these technologies together, users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment. The result is a lower number of false positives, reducing the total cost of ownership for the solution. These multi-sensor solutions also feature two-way audio capabilities, which enable remote security officers to act as “virtual guards” and speak to intruders in real-time to dissuade them from illegal activity. The introduction of solutions that integrate all these state-of-the-art technologies under one unit reduces the amount of capital and infrastructure needed for deployment. Consequently, more small businesses and alarm monitoring companies can implement advanced perimeter security technologies like thermal sensors, some for the very first time. Thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras Multi-Sensor Thermal Solutions Multi-sensor solutions featuring thermal are quickly gaining traction and opening the door to new business opportunities for the security channel. One of the primary reasons for the strong market interest in these systems is they enable integrators to increase their recurring monthly revenue (RMR). With intense price competition and eroding margins on CCTV equipment, integrators have to rely on RMR to grow their businesses. Offering remote video monitoring services and virtual guarding technologies is one of the best ways to do so.  Additionally, there is a clear demand for it. Central stations are continually looking for new technologies to offer their customers and businesses are interested in economical alternatives to physical guards. In conclusion, thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras that are a substantial segment of the outdoor security protection market. From nuclear power plants to construction locations, thermal technology is being implemented to secure sites around the globe.

Simultaneous suicide bombings at several churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on April 21 were of a scale, sophistication and level of coordination that hasn’t been seen since 9/11. Nine suicide bombers targeted three churches and three hotels on Easter morning, and the resulting casualties numbered 359 dead, including 45 children, and about 500 injured. The complexity of the attacks suggests the bombers received help from an outside organization, likely the Islamic State (IS). Sadly, security warnings from Indian intelligence officials, which might have helped to prevent or minimize the attacks, were ignored by Sri Lanka security weeks earlier. In the wake of the massacre, two of Sri Lanka’s top security officials were asked to resign, and Sri Lanka’s president promised to completely restructure state security. Contradiction To The Terrorism Report The twin calamities provide a dramatic counterpoint to an observed global decrease in terrorist attacksA motivation for the Sri Lanka tragedy is thought to be the March 15 shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, where 50 people were killed and 50 more were injured. A 28-year-old Australian white supremacist was arrested and charged with murder. Taken together, the twin calamities provide a dramatic counterpoint to an observed global decrease in terrorist attacks, as documented in a recent report. The suicide bombers in Sri Lanka were eight men and one woman, most of them well-educated and coming from the middle or upper class. One was the leader of National Thowheeth Jamaath, the homegrown militant Islamist group the government has blamed with carrying out the attacks. There is also evidence to corroborate a claim of responsibility by IS. Some 60 people have been arrested in the investigation. Even days later, police continued to find explosives and said there was still danger. Multiple Attacks One explosion on Easter morning occurred at St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, 20 miles north of Colombo, where more than 100 were killed. Another bomb killed 28 people at the Zion Church in Batticaloa, and an unknown number died at St. Anthony’s Shrine, a Roman Catholic church in Colombo. The three hotels that were attacked were all in Colombo – the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury The three hotels that were attacked were all in Colombo – the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury. Two more explosions happened Sunday afternoon, one at a small guest house and another at the suspects’ safe house, where three officers were killed. Security at houses of worship has been a high-profile concern in the United States in recent years following incidents such as an attack at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in downtown Charleston in 2015 that killed nine people. Just last October, 11 people were killed and six others injured in a shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Hardening Security At Churches “It’s no longer enough to pray for a safe and secure environment,” commented Patrick Fiel of PVF Security Consulting in an Expert Panel Roundtable discussion. “Churches are soft targets. Clergy and parishioners will need to work closely with security consultants and local law enforcement to harden their facilities.” Access control, CCTV solutions and mass notification systems are all helpful and can be placed unobtrusively so as not to interfere with aesthetics of the church, Fiel adds. The scale and scope of the bombings in Sri Lanka provide a wakeup call to the global likelihood of terrorist attacksIt doesn’t appear technology would have made much difference in the case of the Sri Lanka attacks, although awareness and vigilance can have an impact. At Zion Church in Batticaloa, for example, a bomber was stopped by pastors from entering the congregation area where some 500 people gathered. Because of their suspicions, the bomb was instead detonated in a courtyard where children were eating breakfast; 28 people died. The scale and scope of the bombings in Sri Lanka provide a dramatic wakeup call to the continuing global likelihood of terrorist attacks. The last territory of the Islamic State in Syria fell in March, but IS and its ideology live on, and continue to be a global terrorism threat. And that’s just one among many possible sources of terrorism worldwide. Hopefully, the recent incidents do not foreshadow more attacks that are even more deadly.

Terrorism is among the more unyielding security threats worldwide, but a report on global terrorism from the Institute for Economics & Peace, Sydney, Australia, provides reason for optimism, especially outside the world’s terrorism hot spots such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Europe is the region with the biggest improvement from the impact of terrorism and has recorded a marked fall in terrorist activity. The number of deaths in Western Europe fell from 168 in 2016 to 81 in 2017. Turkey, France, Belgium, and Germany recorded the most significant falls, with only the United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, Finland, and Austria registering increases. As a whole, deaths from terrorism fell for a third consecutive year, after peaking in 2014. Bombings and armed assaults have been the most common form of terrorist attack every year for the past 20 years. Ranking Countries Based On Impact Of Terrorism The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) was developed in consultation with the Global Peace Index Expert PanelThis article excerpts some of the insights from the Institute for Economics & Peace’s report Global Terrorism Index 2018: Measuring the Impact of Terrorism. The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank dedicated to shifting the world's focus to peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. The report ranks individual countries based on their impact from terrorism. The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) was developed in consultation with the Global Peace Index Expert Panel. The GTI scores each country on a scale from 0 to 10; where 0 represents no impact from terrorism and 10 represents the highest measurable impact of terrorism. Countries are ranked in descending order with the worst scores listed higher in the index. The United Kingdom scored 5.610 on the GTI scale, up seven spots in the ranking to No. 28. By comparison, the United States scored 6.066 (up 12 spots to rank No. 20), France scored 5.475 (ranked at No. 30) and China scored 5.108 (ranked at No. 36). Fall In Deaths But Rise In Terrorist Incidents Twenty-one countries in Europe recorded improvements on their GTI score in 2017, with 11 registering deteriorations in their scores. The impact of terrorism fell for the region on average. Europe recorded the largest percentage decrease in deaths from terrorism of any region in the world in 2017, with total deaths falling by 75 per cent. In Western Europe, deaths from terrorism fell by 52 percent, from 168 in 2016 to 81 in 2017 In Western Europe, deaths from terrorism fell by 52 per cent, from 168 in 2016 to 81 in 2017. From January until October 2018, fewer than 10 deaths were recorded in the region. Despite the fall in deaths, the number of terrorist incidents increased to 282 in Europe in 2017, up from 253 in the prior year. Furthermore, eight countries in Western Europe recorded at least one death from terrorism in 2017, the highest number in the past 20 years. 27% Decrease In Total Number Of Deaths At the top of the global ranking, No. 1 is Iraq (which scored 9.746 and accounted for 25 percent of the deaths from terrorism) and Afghanistan is No. 2 (with score of 9.391 and representing 23 percent of deaths). The rest of the Top 5 countries are Nigeria, Syria and Pakistan. Iraq recorded over 5,000 fewer deaths from terrorism in 2017, while Syria recorded over 1,000 fewer deaths The total number of deaths from terrorism fell by 27 per cent between 2016 and 2017, with the largest decreases occurring in Iraq and Syria. Iraq recorded over 5,000 fewer deaths from terrorism in 2017, while Syria recorded over 1,000 fewer deaths. The fall in deaths was reflected in scores on the GTI, with 94 countries improving, compared to 46 that deteriorated. Extremism Linked To Ex-Criminals There is a growing body of evidence that indicates people in Western Europe with a criminal background may be especially susceptible to alignment with extremist beliefs, radicalisation, and possible recruitment by terrorist groups, according to the report. Extremists groups provide a ‘redemption narrative’ for alienated young people with a criminal background, while also allowing them to use their illicit skills and networks. Most of the studies conducted in Western Europe find that more than 40 per cent of foreign fighters and those arrested for terrorist activity have some form of criminal background. This pattern of recruitment is of particular concern for countries in Western Europe, with the number of returning foreign fighters expected to grow in the years ahead as ISIL continues to crumble in Iraq and Syria, say the researchers. Increase In Far-Right Political Terrorism Elsewhere, the threat of far-right political terrorism is on the rise. There were 66 deaths from terrorism caused by far-right groups and individuals from 113 attacks for the years from 2013 to 2017. Of those, 17 deaths and 47 attacks occurred in 2017 alone. The majority of attacks were carried out by lone actors with far-right, white nationalist, or anti-Muslim beliefs In Western Europe, there were 12 attacks in the United Kingdom, six in Sweden, and two each in Greece and France. In the United States, there were 30 attacks in 2017 which resulted in 16 deaths. The majority of attacks were carried out by lone actors with far-right, white nationalist, or anti-Muslim beliefs. The GTI is based on the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) Global Terrorism Database (GTD), the most authoritative data source on terrorism today. The GTI produces a composite score so as to provide a ranking of countries on the impact of terrorism. The GTD consists of systematically and comprehensively coded data for 170,000 terrorist incidents.

ISC West in Las Vegas is the first of several major security trade shows planned for 2019 as part of the Reed Exhibitions ISC Security Events portfolio. Next up will be Expo Seguridad México in May in Mexico City, followed in June by ISC Brasil in Sao Paolo, and ISC East this fall in New York. Expo Seguridad México, May 7-9, will serve the important Mexican market for security goods and services. In Mexico City alone, a large population translates into plenty of buildings and facilities that need protection; security is a big concern and a large market. Concerns about information security, cybersecurity and convergence are also dominant topics. Benefitting from a revised trade agreement with the United States, Mexico offers a favorable business climate and low costs. In addition to video and other hardware products familiar at the U.S. show, Expo Seguridad also includes a large public safety/police component, a workplace, environmental and industrial safety sector, and fire products, offering a broad range of additional product categories. Developing Knowledge Of Attendees The FISSE (Innovation and Solutions of Security) conference room will have cybersecurity and electronic security speakersOn the exhibition floor will be the VIII International Conference for the Administration of Security and Law Enforcement, which will bring together renowned specialists in the security and public safety sector. Free conference track rooms will be provided on the exhibition floor to develop knowledge of attendees in various business areas. The FISSE (Innovation and Solutions of Security) conference room will have cybersecurity and electronic security speakers. Manufacturers, distributors, integrators, and national and international end users have come together at Expo Seguridad since 2002 to interact and exchange knowledge during the three days dedicated to the security industry. Expo Securidad México provides access to more than 350 exhibitors and the opportunity to interact, connect and develop face-to-face relationships with more than 16,300 security and public safety decision-makers. This year, Daniel Linskey, former Boston police chief, will provide a welcome speech at the opening ceremony and will share his experience and thoughts about the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Exhibition Of Public Safety Equipment The exhibit encompasses a selection of public safety equipment and vehicles, body armor, and counter-terrorism solutionsISC Brasil, June 25-27, offers a combination of physical security and emerging information and cybersecurity elements. An Infosecurity pavilion on the show floor and related conference track sessions highlight growing concerns in the marketplace. A large meeting of Brasil’s law enforcement commanders is collocated with ISC Brasil, and the exhibit encompasses a selection of public safety equipment and vehicles, body armor, and counter-terrorism solutions. A strong VIP attendee program ensures attendance by high-level decision-makers with money to spend. The ISC Brasil Congress is an educational program for continuing professional education and technical training for corporate end users, police commanders, distributors, integrators, law enforcement officials, security consultants, IT and public safety managers. Of the expected 18,000 attendees, some 53% come from corporate end users in several vertical industries. Some 21% of attendees are commercial system integrators, with 9% central monitoring systems and 5% law enforcement and public authorities’ safety. Security For Oil And Gas Companies Brasil’s economy has been improving steadily after a rough patch, and the ISC Brasil show has seen an uptick for the last two yearsBrasil’s economy has been improving steadily after a rough patch, and the ISC Brasil show has seen an uptick for the last two years. Brasil’s huge economy includes big industries that need lots of security – oil and gas companies, and automotive production are among the contributors to economic growth. Attendee and exhibitor satisfaction is strong for ISC Brasil, and the show is on a new growth path as the economic situation in Brasil continues to improve under a new president.  Large exhibitors at ISC Brasil include Bosch, Genetec, Hikvision, Dahua, HID Global, Honda, Yamaha, and Microsoft. Large Reed Exhibition offices in Mexico City and São Paulo manage the Latin American events and work with local partners, marketing organizations and clients. Emerging Technology Zone ISC East in New York, Nov. 20-21, continues to build momentum in 2019 after a successful 2018 show that saw double-digit growth both in exhibition space and attendance. Reed Exhibitions’ Infosecurity/ISACA North America Expo and Conference will again be collocated with ISC East, expanding information security and cybersecurity horizons for attendees. (ISACA is an international professional association focused on IT governance.) New at ISC East in 2019 will be an Emerging Technology Zone, providing a high profile for emerging technology companies at the show New at ISC East in 2019 will be an Emerging Technology Zone comparable to the one at ISC West, providing a high profile for emerging technology companies at the show. The Unmanned Security Expo, a big success last year, will be even bigger in 2019 with more exhibits than ever. There are good signs on the horizon for greater use of drones and robotics. Protection For Enterprises ISC East has traditionally focused on the ‘tri-state’ area around New York City – New York, New Jersey and Connecticut – an area rich in end user companies, especially in financial services, retail, entertainment and the media. In New York City alone, there are almost endless numbers of big enterprises that need protection, so a localized show is a natural, and doesn’t require the large pool of potential customers to travel away from their businesses. New York also has a large and active law enforcement community, and there are many large systems integrators that operate in and around the New York area. ISC East is a growing show that serves a large, unique audience. Growth of ISC East also suggests it is becoming more of a ‘super-regional’ event, drawing good attendance from the Southeast and Midwest in addition to the tri-state area.

Delta Scientific, global manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, announced that, on February 14, a Delta MP5000 portable barrier stopped a stolen Ford Edge crossover SUV at the North Gate of the Naval Air Station - Corpus Christi. The trespasser had driven across the base to escape but crashed into the Delta unit and erupted into flames. The driver was shot and killed.  Delta MP5000 Portable Barrier Delta's totally self-contained MP5000 mobile deployable vehicle crash barriers carry a K8 rating "The charred SUV was seen in Navy photographs on top of the MP5000," related Greg Hamm, Delta vice president of sales and marketing. "One photo shows the front of the SUV suspended in the air. Parts of the vehicle are on the ground." Delta's totally self-contained MP5000 mobile deployable vehicle crash barriers carry a K8 rating (M40 ASTM rating), stopping 7.5-ton (6400 Kg) vehicles traveling 40 mph (64 kph). They tow into position to control vehicle access within 15 minutes. No excavation or sub-surface preparation is required. Once positioned, the mobile barricades will unpack themselves by using hydraulics to raise and lower the barriers off their wheels. DC-powered pumps will then raise or lower the barriers. Once the event is over, procedures are reversed, and the barriers are towed away. Temporary, Portable Barriers Last year, six of the Associated Press (AP) top-10 football schools stayed one step ahead of terrorists and errant drivers on their campuses by identifying vulnerable areas and securing them within minutes with Delta MP5000 temporary, portable barriers. In many situations, such as at the air base, the temporary barriers provide more flexibilities than a permanent solution. Delta always keeps an inventory of the MP5000s for purchase and quick delivery at their manufacturing facility in Palmdale, Calif. In many cases, they are needed for events that come up quickly, such as politician or celebrity visits and other unexpected incidents.

The school gate is more than just a physical barrier. The moment a child passes through, the school assumes their duty of care. That’s why regulations in France stipulate schools must verify the identity of everyone who enters. And the gate is where SMARTair now begins its work at Lycée Kreisker, in Brittany. This large, mixed-age school had high standards for a prospective new access control system. The security of the site and safety of students and staff who use it every day was a must. The school also wanted to get rid of keys. Their previous, stressful solution involved managing two separate key systems. However, managers assumed any user-friendly electronic system would break the budget. They also assumed an electronic access system would be too complicated to manage and take too long to deliver and install. Wireless Access Control System SMARTair readers control access through the main school gate — a critical first line of defense against intrusionThe cost-effective answer was an access control system with battery-powered locks. The first phase of SMARTair system installation is now complete. SMARTair readers control access through the main school gate — a critical first line of defense against intrusion. Classrooms and the intern room are protected with SMARTair wireless escutcheons. Around 2,000 credentials have been issued to staff and students. Basic administration is carried out in-house by non-technical staff, with the easy-to-use SMARTair software. System configuration and maintenance was easily and affordably outsourced. So, for example, selected doors can be pre-programmed to remain open between 9am and 5pm but require a credential for out-of-hours access. Affordability was another issue, and common to many public sector institutions. At Lycée Kreisker, there was insufficient budget for an elaborate, expensive access control system, as wired systems can be. With SMARTair there’s no wiring around the door, so installation is fast and unobtrusive. There are multiple SMARTair devices to protect different types of opening, so minimal alterations to existing doors are required. Protecting Staff, Students During Emergency SMARTair plays a key role in the Lycée’s regulatory duty to protect staff and students during an emergencySMARTair plays a key role in the Lycée’s regulatory duty to protect staff and students during an emergency, including terrorism or natural disaster: the “plan for implementing security” (or PPMS). SMARTair ensures only authorized people enter the building. Under the PPMS, real-time control enabled by SMARTair also allows staff and children to be safely confined within locked classrooms, should they need to await emergency services. With the myth that powerful access control must be expensive now shattered, Lycée Kresiker plans to extend the SMARTair installation to all doors. The process of becoming keyless — and stress-free — is under way.

Apstec Systems (Apstec) announces that its Human Security Radar (HSR) system will be deployed at the Palexpo Exhibition and Congress Centre in Geneva to improve safety and security for the International Motor Show 2019. Asptec’s HSR system is the world’s first fully automatic real-time mass people screening solution. Held over a period of ten days, the Geneva International Motor Show is one of the automotive industry’s flagship events and attracts large numbers of visitors every year. The organisers are anticipating up to three-quarters of a million visitors over the duration of this year’s event, with capacity reaching 150,000 attendees a day during peak times. Largest Conference Centres The Palexpo is one of the largest conference centres in Europe, and as such has a duty of care to its visitors HSR is uniquely well suited to managing this level of throughput and providing a high level of security without causing disruption to the flow of visitors into the venue, or negatively impacting their experience. Two HSR systems will be deployed for the show, each capable of screening up to 10,000 people per hour. The Palexpo is one of the largest conference centres in Europe, and as such has a duty of care to its visitors. Traditional security checkpoints or manual searches, which scan one individual at a time, are not suited to large venues and public places, leading to queues and delays. Although security is still paramount, attention has moved towards the need to add a critical level of defense that doesn’t impede visitor experience. Cost-effective solution HSR was designed to address this challenge, and offers a practical and cost-effective solution to security screening in high footfall scenarios. The first fully automated, real-time mass screening solution, HSR provides seamless security to protect public places from terrorist attacks. Developed by specialists in the fields of radio physics, electronics and software engineering, the walkthrough system has been built in conjunction with authorities and ‘end users’ in security and counter-terrorism. HSR screens for mass casualty threats including improvised explosive devices concealed on the body or in body-worn bags, and firearms wherever they are carried, without the need for an operator to inspect suspect materials.  It leverages centimeter wave technology, meaning it can discriminate explosives from benign materials, with a high degree of accuracy. Security screening The Palexpo’s deployment of HSR is the latest major implementation of this new technology Gregory Labzovsky, CEO, Apstec, explained: “Until recently, it’s been almost impossible to secure public spaces in a simple and cost-effective way, with existing approaches to security screening proving to be impractical, inconvenient and expensive to operate. HSR enables venue owners to close a critical security capability gap without impacting the experience of their patrons. We’re delighted to be working with The Geneva International Motor Show to enhance safety for thousands of motoring exhibitors and enthusiasts.” The Palexpo’s deployment of HSR is the latest major implementation of this new technology. The system has been installed in some of the world’s busiest airports, as well as in sports stadiums, entertainment venues, mass transport hubs and networks.

Brazilian infrastructure company Companhia Energética de Pernambuco (CELPE) is the main supplier of electricity in the country’s Northeastern state of Pernambuco. Headquartered in the state capital Recife, one of the most important economic and urban hubs in the country, CELPE serves a population of more than 8,8 million inhabitants in the 184 municipalities of Pernambuco. As part of the Brazilian government’s commitment to clean energy, the CELPE grid also contains several hydropower plants at rivers across the state. Detecting And Deterring Power Thefts Providing electricity to private customers and industrial clients in the expansive region requires a 136,762 kilometers distribution network and 4,386 kilometers of transmission lines. As critical parts of the power infrastructure, CELPE operates 240 substations across Pernambuco. But as most of these stations are located in remote areas, the last few years saw an alarming increase of vandalism and theft of expensive power cables. Looking to safeguard its vital infrastructure, CELPE needed an integrated security solution that achieved three goals: firstly, keep out criminals and alert police upon security breaches. Secondly, provide seamless access control for the 300 maintenance teams in the field. And thirdly, connect fire alarm, communications, and voice evacuation on an integrated system that allows for remote management from CELPE headquarters. Bosch Video Security And Intrusion Detection Systems  For video security, Bosch installed its AUTODOME IP starlight 7000 HD cameras, integrated via the Bosch Video Management System (BVMS) As a one-stop solutions provider, Bosch won the contract for equipping sixteen substations with video security systems, access control, communications, fire alarm and voice evacuation as well as intrusion alarm connected on the Building Integration System (BIS). For video security, Bosch installed its AUTODOME IP starlight 7000 HD cameras, integrated via the Bosch Video Management System (BVMS). The fire alarm revolves around smoke and heat detectors, while for voice alarm and evacuation, Plena Mixer Amplifiers are connected to driver loudspeakers. All systems and cameras are monitored by security personnel at the company’s control center in Recife. IP Cameras With Built-In Video Analytics For added security, selected cameras feature built-in video analytics to automatically set off intruder alarms and alert authorities. The system also fulfills the key customer requirement for remote management via the management system BIS (Building Integration System), including administration of user credentials and access rights for the 300 maintenance teams serving various substation sites. Successfully installed at sixteen stations in Pernambuco, the Bosch solution has proven to be an asset for CELPE and its personnel. Aside from safeguarding valuable infrastructure against criminals, the system has also streamlined communications among the service teams in the region by including elements such as conferencing and automatic alerts for fires and intrusions through a messenger system. The remote management of user access rights at the substations has enhanced the overall service level and prevented security breaches. Satisfied with the end-to-end solution, CELPE has now commissioned Bosch to equip approximately 240 electrical substations over the next years.

Statistically speaking, incidents of terrorism are unlikely to impact most businesses and institutions. However, the mere possibility of worst-case-scenario attacks is enough to keep security professionals awake at night. Compounding the collective anxiety is the minute-by-minute media coverage when an attack does occur. The immediacy of the shared experience of global tragedy impacts us all – including security system decision-makers. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the rise in terrorism impacting the physical security market?

When security topics become a part of current events, it is usually in a negative light. Security generally only becomes news when it fails, sometimes in a dramatic, high profile and tragic way. However, security failures can also shed light on lessons learned and opportunities to improve. Working toward better security can translate into the purchase of more goods and equipment supplied by our market. For additional insights into the intersection of security and current events, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Good news or bad news? How do news reports and/or current events influence the general public’s opinion of physical security?

Hospitality businesses work to provide a safe and pleasant customer experience for their guests. Hotels offer a “home away from home” for millions of guests every day around the world. These are businesses of many sizes and types, providing services ranging from luxury accommodations to simple lodging for business travelers to family vacation experiences. Hospitality businesses also include restaurants, bars, movie theaters and other venues. Security needs are varied and require technologies that span a wide spectrum. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of the hospitality market?