Counter Terror

HID Global, a worldwide provider of trusted identity solutions, announced that it has acquired Crossmatch, a provider of biometric identity management and secure authentication solutions, from Francisco Partners. Crossmatch’s portfolio of products includes biometric identity management hardware and software that complement HID’s broad portfolio of trusted identity products and services, making HID Global one of the world’s major providers of fingerprint biometric technologies. Identity Management Solutions “Our acquisition of Crossmatch strengthens HID Global’s ability to offer innovative biometric identity solutions to hundreds of millions of users worldwide,” said Stefan Widing, President and CEO of HID Global. “Adding Crossmatch to our company will extend HID’s market leadership in the trusted identity space and allow us to fulfill the promise of biometrics in critical identity applications.” Founded in 1996 and based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Crossmatch employs over 270 professionals across a global network of development hubs and strategic sales offices. With the acquisition, HID Global gains advanced biometric identity management solutions for civil government, defense and commercial applications, as well as a secure multifactor authentication software solution. Crossmatch’s public-sector biometrics business enhances HID’s reach into immigration and border control Crossmatch’s Public-Sector Biometrics Crossmatch’s public-sector biometrics business enhances HID’s reach into immigration and border control, law enforcement, and military and defense markets with products and solutions that include criminal booking, rapid mobile identification, background checks, security clearance processing, military base access, counter-terrorism and mobile intelligence gathering, visa processing and citizen services. The Crossmatch commercial biometrics business extends HID’s portfolio to include a broad array of single finger readers, modules, sensors and software developer kits (SDKs) for multiple vertical markets including – retail, financial, healthcare and OEM markets. This is a global business supporting a large volume of integrated partners. Crossmatch is also a provider of single fingerprint sensors to point-of-sale (POS) terminal manufacturers and is integrated with the major POS software applications. Behavioral Biometrics For Frictionless Access HID also gains a unique secure authentication solution, DigitalPersona, that goes beyond the traditional multifactor approach to cybersecurity. DigitalPersona adds an array of risk-based factors, including behavioral biometrics, for secure, frictionless access to Windows and cloud, web, mobile and traditional applications. “I am very pleased that Crossmatch is joining the HID family. Countering today’s advanced security threats requires innovative, comprehensive identity management solutions incorporating both biometric and non-biometric components. Our market-leading biometric identity management solutions and unique composite authentication solution perfectly complement HID’s already robust offerings. This will enable us to provide our global customers with an even broader range of trusted identity solutions, and our employees with increased opportunity for professional growth,” said Richard Agostinelli, CEO of Crossmatch. 

NTT Security, the specialized security company of NTT Group, has strengthened its UK management team with the appointment of Azeem Aleem to the position of Vice President Consulting and Head of its UK & Ireland (UK&I) business. Azeem is a highly respected cybersecurity specialist and joins following a six-year tenure at RSA Security, where most recently he held the role of Global Director and Head of its Worldwide Advanced Cyber Defense (ACD) Practice. Experienced Cybersecurity Expert “Azeem is a very experienced cybersecurity expert and leader with a strong global background and I am very glad to welcome him to NTT Security. He will strengthen our UK management team, but also contribute, based on his extensive experience, to the success of our EMEA organization,” says Kai Grunwitz, Senior Vice President EMEA at NTT Security. Azeem joins NTT Security with a strong track record in cybersecurity with over 15 years’ experience in cyber defense technologies, security operations, counter threat intelligence, data analytics and behavioral classification of the cybercriminal. Within the domain of organizational operations, Azeem has wide-ranging experience in managing P&L, driving operational excellence, change management and process re-engineering. Azeem has been at the forefront of architecting cyber resilience capabilities against Advanced Persistent Threats Cyber Threat Prevention Azeem has been at the forefront of architecting cyber resilience capabilities against Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) for some of the best financial, government and public sector organizations across Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East. He has worked with both national and international law enforcement agencies around intelligence training, detection and investigation of cybercrime. As a subject matter expert, he has made frequent appearances on regional television and radio programs commenting on the increase of cyber threats that are affecting the security of our connected society.  A published book author and academic criminologist, he has authored several periodicals on advanced security threats in peer reviewed journals and security magazines. He is an eminent plenary conference guest speaker both at national and international level.

G4S, global integrated security company, is pleased to host two briefings by an analyst from the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) at the Global Security Exchange (GSX) booth #1439 on Tuesday, Sept 25, 2018 and Wednesday, Sept 26, 2018 at 11 am. The presentations will highlight salient security threats to the U.S. private sector operating around the world. The content on Tuesday will address issues in Western Hemisphere and Asia, while the Wednesday session will cover Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Cyber Security And Counterterrorism OSAC shares information with more than 5,000 constituent organizations, including G4S, on a variety of security concerns The Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) is a Federal Advisory Committee with a U.S. Government Charter and promotes security cooperation between private sector interests and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security worldwide, under the U.S. Department of State. The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the security and law enforcement arm of the United States Department of State and a world leader in international investigations, threat analysis, cyber security, counterterrorism, security technology, and protection of people, property, and information. OSAC shares information with more than 5,000 constituent organizations, including G4S, on a variety of security concerns, including crime, terrorism, contingency planning and information security that is used to improve the security of customers. A global event with security professionals attending from around the world, GSX is an ideal venue for OSAC analysts to share the results of their research. Intelligence Analysis, Reporting And Alerts Using the information provided by organizations such as OSAC, G4S identifies, analyzes and reports organizational threats and provides situational awareness services. To help its clients adapt to the evolving risk landscape, G4S runs a 24/7/365 Risk Operations Center.  The Risk Operations Center delivers access to comprehensive intelligence ensuring near real-time awareness of dynamic risks that matter. Services include intelligence analysis, customized intelligence reporting, intelligence alerting, embedded analysts, travel risk advisories, dashboard monitoring of threats, situational awareness alerts and notifications. “As a constituent partner of OSAC, G4S and its clients benefit from trusted global security information,” said Robert Dodge, Executive Vice President, G4S Corporate Risk Services. “We encourage all GSX attendees to visit the G4S booth 1439 to hear the briefings.”

I have been thinking a lot about the U.S. government’s ban on video surveillance technologies by Hikvision and Dahua. In general, I question the wisdom and logic of the ban and am frankly puzzled as to how it came to be. Allow me to elaborate. Chinese Camera Manufacturers Reality check: The government ban is based on concerns about the potential misuse of cameras, not actual misuse. Before the government ban, you occasionally heard about some government entities deciding not to use cameras manufactured by Chinese companies, although the reasons were mostly “in an abundance of caution.”  Even so, I find the targeting of two Chinese companies – three if you count Hytera Communications, a mobile radio manufacturer – in a huge government military spending bill to be a little puzzling. I can’t quite picture how these specific companies got on Congress’s radar. The government ban is based on concerns about the potential misuse of cameras, not actual misuse What level of lobbying or backroom dealing was involved in getting the ban introduced (by a Missouri congresswoman) into the House version of the bill? And after the ban was left out of the Senate version, was there a new wave of discussions to ensure it was included in the joint House-Senate version (with some minor changes, and who negotiated those?). It all seems a little random. Concerns For The U.S. Furthermore, the U.S. ban solves neither of the two main concerns that are generally used as its justification: Concern: Cybersecurity. The U.S. ban “solves” the issue of cybersecurity only if both of the following statements are true. No security system that uses a Hikvision or Dahua camera or other component is cybersecure. Any system that does not use a Hikvision or Dahua camera or other component is cybersecure. What level of lobbying or backroom dealing was involved in getting the ban introduced into the House version of the bill? The ban ignores the breadth and complexity of cybersecurity and instead offers up two companies as scapegoats. Our industry has sought to address cybersecurity, and the one principle that has guided that effort is that cybersecurity is an issue that must be addressed by manufacturers, consultants, integrators and end users – in effect, everyone in the industry. Cybersecurity does not begin and end with the manufacturer and banning any manufacturers from the market does not ensure better cybersecurity. Concern: “Untrustworthy” Chinese companies. Hikvision and Dahua are only two Chinese companies. Any response to concerns about whether Chinese companies are trustworthy would need to cover many more companies that manufacture their products in China. Australian TV recently claimed that “All Chinese companies pose a risk. Because of Chinese laws, there is a requirement for companies to be engaged in espionage on behalf of the state.” Even if one embraces that extreme view, the logic fails when only two companies are targeted. One source told me that 60 to 65 percent of the global supply of commercial video cameras are manufactured in China, so it’s a much bigger issue than two companies.The Chinese government has much more effective ways of conducting espionage than exploiting security cameras And is U.S. security at risk unless or until it is cut off from more than half of the world’s supply of video cameras? Even Western camera companies manufacture some of their cameras and/or components in China. Why name only two (or three) companies, only one of which has ties to the Chinese government? If the goal of the U.S. ban was to address the possibility of cybersecurity and/or espionage by the Chinese government, shouldn’t there be other companies and product categories included? Clearly, video surveillance is not the only category that has the potential for abuse. The Chinese government has much more effective ways of conducting espionage than exploiting security cameras. Global Response To U.S. Ban And now that the U.S. ban has been passed, how is the ban being misused to justify a new level of alarm about Chinese companies? Australian television effortlessly made the leap from “software backdoors” to a concerted and organized effort by the Chinese government to use cameras to be the “number one country for espionage.” And it’s not just about government facilities: “Even on the street, [cameras] have the potential to inadvertently contribute toward Chinese espionage activity by providing real-time information about the situation on the ground,” says the Australian TV report. If all Chinese companies pose a risk, why is the U.S. government targeting specific companies rather than all Chinese companies? If all Chinese companies pose a risk, why is the U.S. government targeting specific companies rather than all Chinese companies, or at least those with electronics or computer products that could be used for espionage? What about the espionage potential of the 70% of mobile phones that are made in China? What about other consumer electronics such as PCs or smart TVs? How many government facilities that are eliminating Dahua and Hikvision cameras have employees who use iPhones or use other electronic equipment from China? Artificial Intelligence & IP-Over-Coax Also, consider the impact of the ban on business. Hikvision and Dahua have had many successes in the video surveillance market, including in the U.S. market. They have added value to many integrators and end user customers. They have been on the forefront of important trends such as artificial intelligence and IP-over-coax. And, yes, they have made technologies available at lower prices.Cybersecurity issues have plagued several companies in the industry, not just Hikvision and Dahua Cybersecurity issues have plagued several companies in the industry, not just these two, and both Hikvision and Dahua have worked to fix past problems, and to raise awareness of cybersecurity concerns in general. Is a U.S. ban on two companies an appropriate response to a series of geo-political concerns that are much bigger than those two companies (and bigger than our entire market)? Should two companies take the brunt of the anti-Chinese backlash? Video Surveillance Cameras Is the video surveillance market as a whole better or worse for the presence of Hikvision and Dahua? Is it up to the U.S. government to make that call? In some ways, thoughts of Chinese espionage are a sign of these uncertain political times. Fear of video surveillance is perfectly congruent with long-standing anxieties about “Big Brother;” suspicion about China taking over our video cameras just rings true at a time when Russia is (supposedly) controlling our elections. But should two companies be targeted while broader concerns are shrugged off?

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.

Delta Scientific, the manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, announces that the longest operating and only remaining studio in Hollywood has implemented Delta Scientific's bollards and beam barricades to keep visitors and staff free from harm of terrorists and errant drivers. The 100 year-old facility features 30 stages throughout Paramount Studios' 65-acre complex. Perimeter Security Group installed the high security equipment at five different locations. Aesthetically Pleasing Solution We reviewed their facilities and recommended a combination of Delta's TT212 beam barricade and DSC800 high security bollards""Paramount Studios asked us to create an aesthetically pleasing solution that would stop unauthorized vehicle entry at these five places but would still let production vehicles through when needed," reports Troy Blood, senior physical security professional at Perimeter Security Group. "With all the news of terrorists using vehicles as weapons against people, Paramount Studios recognized that they, too, could be a high profile target. We reviewed their facilities and vulnerabilities and recommended a combination of Delta's TT212 beam barricade and DSC800 high security bollards. Paramount wanted the job done quickly and at night so we wouldn't disturb tourists or shoots." Standard Traffic Controls The high-strength wire rope of the sturdy TT212 beam barricade will stop a large or fast-moving vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds at 40 mph (2722 kg at 64 kph). The beam is raised to let the passage of authorized vehicles through and, then, lowered to protect cars or trucks from entering. The TT212 beam barricades are very popular and seen at many nations' embassies throughout the world. Manually-operated bollards were especially cost effective because they were used in locations were they would seldom be lowered"They are also selected for government facilities, restricted or reserved parking areas, impound yards, freight terminals, shipping and receiving docks, storage and warehouse entrances, arms depots and other places where standard traffic controls or gates are not capable of resisting such high crash forces or vandalism.         Manually-Operated Bollards Paramount Studios also selected Delta's stylish manually operated DSC800 crash rated bollards for those areas in which vehicle passages are infrequent. The DSC800 will stop a 15,000 pound vehicle at 30 mph (6804 kg at 48 kph). They specified a model with classy cast aluminum decorative sleeves, which slip right over the crash tube. If ever damaged, Paramount will simply slip off the old and slip on the new sleeve. "Versus hydraulic or pneumatic operation, manually-operated bollards were especially cost effective for this application because they were used in locations were they would seldom be lowered. As a result, this expedited installation because there were no motors or power to contend with and also eliminated the need to work with any additional trades, such as electrical. All we needed to do was to make the barriers plumb."

Hoverfly Technologies Inc., global supplier of tether-powered aerial drone systems, is pleased to announce it has engaged retired Deputy Chief of Los Angeles Police Department Mike Hillmann to consult and provide expertise to Hoverfly and public safety officials of cities, counties and special law enforcement agencies who are considering the use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) to assist in keeping their cities safe. Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) When incidents and/or events happen, having ‘real-time, situational awareness’ from above the scene is critical to managing risk and upholding public safety “With 24-hour news cycles, a never-ending stream of social media posts, mid-term elections and potential threats to the public at large, getting fast, accurate situational awareness from the air during an incident has never been more important when it comes to keeping the public safe. We are thrilled to have Chief Hillmann advising on use cases and how best to implement and integrate this new technology,” says Hoverfly SVP of Systems, Lew Pincus.  When incidents and/or events happen, having ‘real-time, situational awareness’ from above the scene is critical to managing risk and upholding public safety and the safety of those who serve our communities. Aerial/Drone Surveillance He adds, “We typically have relied on manned aircraft to provide aerial coverage over a variety of incidents. On occasion, those assets have not always been available, deemed too disruptive or too expensive to deploy in certain situations where an aerial view clearly could have helped an incident commander better understand the situation. Deploying small tether-powered, highly portable, unobtrusive persistent cameras positioned high above the scene can now be used as either a standalone capability or integrated system with existing networks, security infrastructure and even manned aircraft.” Hoverfly tether-powered sUAV (Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) systems solve short battery-life problems associated with free-flying dronesToday, Mr. Hillmann is helping chiefs of police, local city and county officials and other public safety personnel understand how Hoverfly’s tether-powered LiveSky systems can be deployed from police or EMS vehicles providing incident commanders with actionable intelligence from high above the scene within minutes of arrival. “Tactically, having the ability to stay in the air monitoring the situation from above for hours, days, even weeks at a time represents an amazing capability we never had before. During my career, I can think of hundreds of situations where having a drone in the air to provide real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance would have helped keep my officers and the community much safer. It’s a force multiplier that should be exploited by public safety,” says Hillmann. Hoverfly’s LiveSky Systems Hoverfly tether-powered sUAV (Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) systems solve short battery-life problems associated with free-flying drones because they operate using a standard 120VAC power source or vehicle inverter. The power, command and control information and video are transmitted over the tether making the entire system completely secure from jamming, hacking or spoofing, ensuring the privacy of the data and improving safety. Perhaps the biggest benefit of Hoverfly systems is they are autonomous and require no piloting skills. The CEO of Hoverfly likes to say, “if you can operate an elevator, you can operate our LiveSky system.” 

Located one hour outside of London, the borough of Runnymede is a local government district with over 80,000 residents in the county of Surrey. It is one of the most prosperous parts of the London commuter belt and home to some of the UK’s most expensive real estate. In order to enhance public safety, the borough council contracted service provider Safer Runnymede. Working with Nottinghamshire-based systems integrator Central Security Systems, the experts installed a platform combining public safety technology with personal safety services such as care solutions for the elderly. Bosch Video Security System Today, Safer Runnymede coordinates all connected solutions in a Control Room in the town of Addlestone, where a staff of three operators monitor security feeds from over 500 security cameras deployed around various boroughs within Surrey. Next to public streets in the area, the flexible system also monitors schools, hospitals and other public buildings around the clock. Every year, the team responds to 20,000 incidents from cameras, and the video security system has proven an asset in monitoring traffic, preventing crime, as well as providing evidence and following suspects after incidents. But achieving this level of integration was a challenge. Connecting the solutions via the BVMS allowed Runnymede to become one of the first councils to invest in a fully IP-based infrastructure Initially, the video security system consisted of hardware from several different manufacturers including Bosch – making updates or replacements a time-consuming process – that was networked on a Bosch Video Recording Management (VRM) solution. Looking for a future-proof and scalable system built on an integrated software platform, the officials in Runnymede tasked Bosch to design a fully IP-based security camera architecture. IP Video Surveillance System Since the Safer Runnymede system already included a Bosch monitor wall plus encoders, cameras, VRM and storage devices, system integrators could leverage the initial investment into a full suite of Bosch solutions. The system now combines new high-resolution AUTODOME IP 4000, AUTODOME IP 7000, MIC IP 7000 moving cameras, and FLEXIDOME IP 7000 fixed cameras, plus older Bosch and third-party analog cameras paired with encoders, decoders, and DIVAR IP 3000, 5000, 6000, and 7000 recorders. Connecting these solutions via the Bosch Video Management System (BVMS) allowed Runnymede to become one of the first councils to invest in a fully IP-based infrastructure. The flexible system design and management has provided an integrated approach to our business delivery" As a result, Safer Runnymede has benefitted from superior image quality delivered by the added network video security cameras, without the need of replacing the complete existing analog video security infrastructure; all in a resilient, easily expandable system at a reduced total cost of ownership (TCO). What’s more, the customer has used the flexibility of Bosch solutions in a deployable video surveillance camera at remote locations. Installed in a custom-built enclosure provided by Central Security Systems, it streams video data from an AUTODOME IP 4000 camera via 4G and sends alerts via SMS to the Control Room upon detecting activity such as illegal waste dumping.  Bosch Video Management System Migrating from a fragmented, analog system to an integrated IP network managed via BVMS (Bosch Video Management System) has proven a forward-facing decision. “The flexible system design and management has provided an integrated approach to our business delivery, allowing us to make better operational decisions and become more dynamic and competitive in the video surveillance marketplace, “says Les Bygrave at Safer Runnymede.

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?

Enterprise customers provide a large, and very lucrative, business opportunity for the physical security market. These customers include big global companies with plenty of revenue to spend and employees and facilities to protect. As a group, enterprise customers also tend to be a demanding lot, requiring systems that are large, scalable, that can operate across a wide geographic area, and that provide top-notch system performance. Enterprise customers set the standards of performance for the entire market, and they challenge manufacturers to up their game. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable to reflect on the industry’s biggest customers: What are the security challenges of the enterprise market?

It seems there are more “bad things” happening than ever before. We hear news every day of workplace shootings and terrorist attacks, of smash-and-grab thefts and child abductions. Beyond the possible human tragedy involved, such events pose a persistent question to anyone involved in the realm of security: Could we have prevented it? The first step toward prevention is to predict or foresee an event before it happens. Too often, technology enters the picture after the fact, most commonly the use of forensic video. Isn’t there more our industry can do before such events occur? We put the question to this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can security systems be used to predict bad things before they happen?