Security access systems

Fugue, the company delivering autonomous cloud infrastructure security and compliance, has announced its support for Open Policy Agent (OPA), an open source general-purpose policy engine and language for cloud infrastructure. Fugue is leveraging OPA and Rego, OPA’s declarative policy language, for cloud infrastructure policy-as-code to provide customers with maximum flexibility when implementing their custom enterprise policies. The Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) accepted OPA as an incubation-level hosted project in April 2019. Focus of OPA has been on developing access policies for Kubernetes, while Fugue is driving the adoption of OPA Open Policy Agent on access policies While much of the focus of OPA has been on developing access policies for Kubernetes, Fugue is driving the adoption of OPA to address a wider variety of use cases for securing cloud environments on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure, including the application of common compliance frameworks to full cloud infrastructure stacks. The Fugue team has developed tools and enhancements to improve OPA’s developer experience. Fugue has provided many of these enhancements to the OPA open source project, and will continue to do so. Enhancing enterprise security Fugue has also added support to its product for customer-defined rules written using OPA and Rego. This sets Fugue apart from all other cloud infrastructure policy management solutions that rely on proprietary and inflexible rule languages that lock-in customers and are incompatible with other policy languages used elsewhere in the enterprise. Fugue also uses OPA to provide out-of-the-box support for commonly used compliance frameworks including CIS Foundations Benchmarks, GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST 800-53, PCI, and SOC 2.  Cloud infrastructure policies Fugue has been developing policy-as-code solutions for some time, and now we’re offering an open source solution" “It’s very simple to build custom policies for our cloud infrastructure environments and validate those configurations pre-deployment using OPA and Fugue,” said Dave Williams, cloud architect and senior consultant at New Light Technologies. “Fugue simplifies the implementation and enforcement of custom cloud infrastructure policies we’ve written using OPA and helps us prove compliance at all times.” “Fugue has been developing policy-as-code solutions for some time, and now we’re offering an easy-to-use, open source solution for writing policies for cloud infrastructure,” said Phillip Merrick, CEO of Fugue. Cloud security He adds, “Our customers can use the same open language for defining their cloud infrastructure policies in Fugue that they are using for other enterprise policy needs. This eliminates the need to learn other vendors’ proprietary, inflexible policy languages.”  Fugue’s custom rules capabilities that leverage OPA enable users to: Build and manage custom, user-defined cloud infrastructure rules in OPA Rego via the Fugue API, CLI, and web interface Validate and test custom rules while they are being written with helpful errors that save time Continuously validate and report on compliance for custom rules and out-of-the-box policy frameworks Security rule evaluations “Fugue is running millions of security rule evaluations every day using OPA, so we've put a lot of work into improving performance and developer tooling and will be contributing all of that back to the open source community,” said Josh Stella, co-founder and CTO of Fugue. Josh said, “OPA is a significant development for policy-as-code, and Fugue is fully committed to supporting and contributing to it.”

Nexkey, an end-to-end provider of mobile access control solutions, today announced that it has raised a $6 million Series A round led by Upfront Ventures. Manu Kumar’s K9 Ventures, Mark IV Capital and Anand Chandrasekaran, former Head of Platform for Messenger at Facebook also participated in the round. Secure, cloud-connected app Nexkey’s secure, cloud-connected app turns any smartphone into a digital key, allowing businesses to do away with cumbersome keycards, fobs, and metal keys. Administrators can use the Nexkey app to send smart keys, manage when and how users can access a given space, and remotely unlock doors for guests. The Nexkey Core is a smart cylinder that can transform any existing mechanical lock into a smart lock Nexkey also offers two unique hardware solutions that can turn any existing doorway into a fully functional smart door. The Nexkey Controller ties any electrified door, from commercial entrances to driveway gates, garage doors or elevators into the Nexkey ecosystem. The Nexkey Core, meanwhile, is a smart cylinder that can transform any existing mechanical lock into a smart lock in under two minutes. Recognises and selects matching smart keys “There are more than 300 million commercial doors in the United States and Nexkey is the only provider that is universally compatible,” said Aditi Maliwal, partner at Upfront Ventures and former Google product manager, who is joining Nexkey’s board as part of this investment. “Today's access control solutions don't align with the modern workforce’s needs for flexibility and convenience, it's time for change and Nexkey is uniquely positioned to drive that change.” Just six months after Nexkey’s launch, the company’s mobile access solutions are already revolutionising the way more than 8,500 active users deal with the daily headaches of fumbling for their keys: the Nexkey app automatically recognises and selects matching smart keys as individual users approach different doors. Users who do not have the Nexkey app can unlock doors via text messages with a unique code. Mobile keyless entry Nexkey has dramatically increased our efficiency by making access to our space totally frictionless" Nexkey’s offerings are proving especially useful for businesses such as coworking spaces, gyms, and real estate offices, which have a constant influx of new tenants, members, contractors, and other visitors. “Nexkey has dramatically increased our efficiency by making access to our space totally frictionless,” said Amir Mortazavi, CEO of Canopy, a San Francisco-based coworking spaces chain. “We took a close look at everything that’s on the market, and Nexkey came out on top. We got their solution installed throughout 32 private offices in under eight hours –– it was crazy fast.” Businesses can track how their smart keys are being used in real time via the Nexkey App or Web Portal, delivering actionable intelligence and streamlining staffing and customer-service logistics. Nexkey’s customers can also integrate Nexkey’s API with their own apps and devices to create truly integrated and customized access experiences for their employees and customers. “The $8 billion access control market is ripe for disruption and our Series A round will help us become the new standard of access,” says Eric Trabold, Nexkey’s CEO. “We make the installation process extremely easy, fast and affordable, so every business can take advantage of the numerous benefits that come with mobile keyless entry.”

My Alarm Center (MAC) has announced two new additions to its executive leadership team. Evan Flamm, Senior Vice President of Finance, and Chris Honigman, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, will provide critical departmental oversight and continue company growth initiatives, out of the Philadelphia-area-based corporate headquarters, reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer, Amy Kothari. Evan Flamm is responsible for developing the company's financial strategy, policies and plans Strategic acquisitions As Senior Vice President of Finance, Evan Flamm is responsible for developing the company's financial strategy, policies and plans. These include assessing operating results and impact on profitability, reviewing potential strategic acquisitions, as well as managing the annual budget process. Evan will be actively involved in improving the overall fiscal soundness and operating effectiveness of the company. He will also maintain relationships with external financial institutions, equity sponsors and the Board of Directors, along with working in coordination with the rest of the leadership team to further company strategic initiatives. Operational analytics Evan most recently worked at Connect America as Vice President of Corporate Finance and Strategic Planning, where he led their strategic and financial initiatives and operational analytics. His previous experiences include various roles in financial operations and analysis, as well as IT strategy consulting at IBM. Flamm holds a BS Degree in Finance from Penn State University and lives in Center City, Philadelphia. Chris will focus on continued revenue growth in our current markets Chris Honigman joins My Alarm Center as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing and will have oversight of branch leadership as well as sales operations and marketing. Chris will focus on continued revenue growth in our current markets, including PA, GA, TX and CA, and assist with the strategic review of potential acquisitions that support overall revenue growth plans. Cyber security expert Honigman joins the My Alarm Center team with more than thirty years of sales and marketing leadership both inside and outside the security industry. He most recently worked at Identity Guard, a globally renowned cyber-security company, where he was responsible for strategic business development. Honigman has led national sales teams in the communications and IT consulting verticals, and earlier in his career, worked for Interface Security which, at the time, owned My Alarm Center's Texas operation, HAWK Security. Chris holds a BA in Communications from West Chester University and lives in Ambler PA.

Globally renowned cyber security company, BullGuard has announced releasing BullGuard Small Office Security, a new, powerful, cloud-managed endpoint security service for the small business market. BullGuard Small Office Security enables businesses to operate with the knowledge they are protected against identity and data theft, account takeover, malware such as ransom-ware, and other cyber threats.  Robust endpoint protection BullGuard Small Office Security provides robust endpoint protection for desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones, making it perfect for mobile workforces to work safely on their devices in the office, at home, or while hot desking or traveling. Small Office Security safeguards Windows, Android and MacOS devices and is backed by BullGuard’s highly acclaimed live 24/7 technical support, while endpoint security management is simple via an easy-to-use cloud-based portal. BullGuard Small Office Security is designed explicitly to meet the needs of today’s small offices" “Cyber security solutions for small offices are typically complex and challenging for businesses to deploy and use because they are re-engineered from legacy enterprise solutions designed for organizations with thousands of users,” said Paul Lipman, CEO of BullGuard. Enhanced cyber security “Small businesses are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks as cyber criminals increasingly focus their attention on the small office space and these companies are typically not as well protected as their enterprise counterparts. BullGuard Small Office Security is designed explicitly to meet the needs of today’s small offices.” At the heart of BullGuard Small Office Security is BullGuard’s award-winning anti-malware protection, which consistently scores very highly in independent malware detection tests. Companies that fall victim to a cyber-attack often experience significant downtime that seriously impacts productivity, data privacy, and even earnings. Endpoint-based machine learning With BullGuard Small Office Security, small office businesses are fully protected by a proprietary multi-layered behavioral engine that stops all types of malware in its tracks. It also includes endpoint-based machine learning to bolster security even further with advanced zero-day threat detection, which ensures systems are protected even when offline, and without requiring signature updates. Small companies can enjoy complete endpoint protection from a trusted brand" BullGuard Small Office Security is ideal for any small office, including those that currently use third-party companies to install and manage their endpoint cyber security, as well as small offices that prefer to manage their own security in-house. Set-up and deployment take just minutes, security issues can be resolved in an instant, and the service uses minimal device resources. BullGuard Cloud Admin Portal The BullGuard Cloud Admin Portal is designed exclusively to meet small office endpoint management requirements, providing easy and comprehensive real-time management of all devices: Easy deployment: A company administrator simply emails employees from the portal and they click on a link and register without the need for any credentials to be entered. This includes fixed workstations as well as personal mobile devices (BYOD). Safe mobile working: Devices are completely secured enabling employees in the field to go safely about their business. Missing devices can be located and remotely locked or wiped. Remote management: BullGuard Small Office Security provides an immediate 360-degree view of device security status, which in turn enables remote actions such as applying updates, disabling, enabling and restarting devices as well as the management of quarantined files. Red flags: Malware infections spread rapidly and those such as ransom-ware can take businesses down in seconds. An alert system provides immediate notification about security events allowing instant remedial action, ensuring the company isn’t held hostage by cyber criminals. Filter out danger: Blocks malicious websites, phishing emails and browser plug-ins and extensions that are known to be dangerous, keeping the company and employees safe from harmful downloads Stay ahead of remote device infections: Sometimes devices can be infected via a USB or by plugging into a computer outside of the company network. In these cases, BullGuard Small Office Security detects, blocks and notifies the administrator. It also sends an alert if a device has been offline for too long. Simple employee management: When an employee leaves or joins the company the relevant computing device is simply disabled via the portal, while security for new employee devices is just as easily enabled. Group settings: Many websites can hide malicious code and some IP addresses can be identified as the source of undesirable websites and server hosts. An administrator can use group settings to stop suspicious websites and server hosts from causing harm to the company network and individual endpoints. Full reports: Provides complete reports on device status, threats and tasks so that nothing is overlooked. Data security “We have made cyber security a less daunting challenge for small business owners, making it simple for them to stop professional cybercriminals from gaining access to their company’s data, intellectual property and funds. Now, small companies can enjoy complete endpoint protection from a trusted brand and get on with the more important task of running their business,” added Paul Lipman.

In the wake of recent allegations that ATM locks worldwide are vulnerable to new side-channel attacks, Sargent and Greenleaf (S&G), a manufacturer of high-quality electronic ATM locks, recently conducted vulnerability testing to provide insight and identify ways ATM owners and operators can protect their machines against side-channel attacks. Side-channel attacks, which can exploit internal components of electronic locks, first emerged in 2015 and continue to plague electronic lock users today. In a nutshell, attacks are most effective when access, information and speed are present. Exposed external connection points If the hacker can quickly and easily gain access and make a connection, a breach is more likely to happen" “If the hacker can quickly and easily gain access and make a connection, a breach is more likely to happen,” states Travis Ferry, an engineer with Sargent and Greenleaf and part of the core team that conducted the company’s vulnerability testing. Ferry immediately noted that ATM locks with exposed external connection points render the attacks more likely, with some locks vulnerable to being hacked in as little as five minutes. “Theoretically, a hacker could still get access to an ATM lock with a solid ring around it,” Ferry continues, “but, it would take time, and these attackers rely on speed to accomplish a breach.” High-Level findings to the industry The company’s vulnerability testing also examined the type of electronic information stored within ATM locks and found that some locks retain complete static access codes in certain modes of operation without requiring touch keys for access. S&G’s report states that once hackers obtain an access code, it’s easy to open the lock and gain entry to where the ATM’s cash is stored. S&G released high-level findings to the industry in September that could better protect ATMs S&G released high-level findings to the industry in September that could better protect ATMs around the United States and the world. “Millions of ATMs are deployed globally,” said Devon Ratliff, Director of Engineering for Sargent and Greenleaf. “People want to feel secure about their money and cash-in-transit companies need to know their machines are safe from compromise.” Minimizing access and encryption information Among the many suggestions from the S&G report, the top recommendations include adding tamper-resistant solid ring housings to ATM locks, minimizing access and encryption information stored in the locks, and implementing multiple layers of authentication through one-time codes, touch keys and time windows. “Today’s ATM owners and operators have a lot to contend with,” Ratliff says. “Threats like side-channel attacks and jackpotting aren’t just theoretical; they result in real losses and significant downtime for these businesses.” Ratliff recommends that ATM owners and operators secure their machines with locks designed to deter side-channel attacks and consider adding accessories like ATM hood protection as well. “We can’t predict the future,” Ratliff concludes, “but, we can be pro-active and stay responsive to the threats we face today.”

Allegion UK, a pioneer in safety and security, has added the 286DL locking handle to its established range of Brio dual point locks for exterior folding applications. It is ideal for both residential and commercial facilities, joining other Brio accessories for the 286 dual point lock used on Weatherfold 4s and 5c. Designed to ‘suite’ with Brio 288 lever furniture, the 286DL locking handle has been specifically design engineered to secure timber and aluminum folding panels. The single action handle is a stylish alternative to two flush bolts. The product also enables the doors to fold flat. The intelligent security-conscious design of the 286DL is discreetly hidden inside the aluminum stile or edge of a timber panel with minimal machining and quick fixing points thanks to the patented hinge blocks. A variety of keepers allow for neat dressing and accurate alignment of the throw and panel, which improves the performance of perimeter weather seals. This new addition allows joinery manufacturers to offer a lock and handle for access doors that can be used with a cylinder of choice. The new locking handle is stylish and secure  – the perfect accompaniment for our folding door systems” Sliding door hardware systems David Newton, Brio UK general manager, explains: “We routinely research and review the marketplace for folding and sliding door hardware systems, to see where Brio can add value for customers. The 286 dual point lock was developed as an alternative to using flush bolts on panels "The lock is less intrusive than flush bolts, and also has the very considerable advantage of eliminating any bending-down or reaching-up to lock or unlock the door which is the downside of flush bolts. This makes it very friendly with regards to disabled access, as wheelchair users will not have to rely on help to open doors. The new locking handle is stylish, secure and simple – the perfect accompaniment for our folding door systems.”, he adds. Added to the design and manufacturing excellence is the company’s rigorous product testing and quality assurance. The 286DL locking handle is cycle tested in excess of 100,000 operations and comes with a 10-year warranty. It’s available in a variety of finishes for matching flexibility, including stainless steel for coastal areas.

Today, the world is connected like never before. Your watch is connected to your phone, which is connected to your tablet and so on. As we’ve begun to embrace this ‘smart’ lifestyle, what we’re really embracing is the integration of systems. Why do we connect our devices? The simplest answer is that it makes life easier. But, if that’s the case, why stop at our own personal devices? Connection, when applied to a business’ operations, is no different: it lowers effort and expedites decision making. Integrating security systems Systems integration takes the idea of connected devices and applies it to an enterprise Systems integration takes the idea of connected devices and applies it to an enterprise, bringing disparate subcomponents into a single ecosystem. This could mean adding a new, overarching system to pull and collect data from existing subsystems, or adapting an existing system to serve as a data collection hub. Regardless of the method, the purpose is to create a single, unified view. Ultimately, it’s about simplifying processes, gaining actionable insights into operations and facilitating efficient decision-making. Although integration is becoming the new norm in other areas of life, businesses often opt out of integrating security systems because of misconceptions about the time and resources required to successfully make the change. So, instead of a streamlined operation, the various security systems and devices are siloed, not communicating with each other and typically being run by different teams within an organization. Time-Intensive process When systems are not integrated, companies face a wide range of risks driven by a lack of transparency and information sharing, including actual loss of property or assets. For example, a team in charge of access control is alerted to a door being opened in the middle of the night but can’t see what exactly is taking place through video surveillance. Without integrated systems they have no way of knowing if it was a burglar, an equipment malfunction or a gust of wind. Without integration between systems and teams, the ability to quickly put the right pieces in front of decision makers is missing. Instead, the team would have to go back and manually look for footage that corresponds with the time a door was open to figure out which door it was, who opened it and what happened after, which can be a time-intensive process. Integrating access control and surveillance systems Theft and vandalism occur quickly, meaning systems and users must work faster in order to prevent it This slowed response time adds risk to the system. Theft and vandalism occur quickly, meaning systems and users must work faster in order to prevent it. Security systems can do more than communicate that theft or vandalism occurred. Properly integrated, these systems alert users of pre-incident indicators before an event happens or deter events altogether. This gives teams and decision makers more time to make effective decisions. Integrating access control and surveillance systems allows for a more proactive approach. If a door is opened when it’s not supposed to be, an integrated system enables users to quickly see what door was opened, who opened it and make a quick decision. Integrated solutions are more effective, more efficient and help drive cost-saving decisions. Ideally, companies should establish integrated solutions from the start of operations. This allows companies to anticipate problems and adjust accordingly instead of reacting after an incident has occurred. Security camera system Although starting from the beginning is the best way to ensure comprehensive security, many companies have existing security systems, requiring integration and implementation to bring them together. Typically, companies with established security systems worry about the impact to infrastructure requirements. Is additional infrastructure necessary? How and where should it be added? What financial or human resources are required? These concerns drive a mentality that the benefits gained from an integrated solution aren’t worth the costs of implementation. Thankfully, this is becoming less of a problem as security providers, like Twenty20™ Solutions, work to offer adaptable solutions. With flexible options, operators don’t worry about adding or replacing infrastructure to align with a provider’s model. This allows users to monitor camera footage and gate traffic from one system If a company has an existing security camera system, but identifies a need for access control, a modern integrated solution provider can supply the gates for access points and equip the gates and cameras with the technology to connect the two. This allows users to monitor camera footage and gate traffic from one system. This model also spares operators additional costs by using a sole vendor for supplemental needs. Overall management of security While a single, unified system is beneficial for cost saving, it can also help the overall management of security. The ability to view all operating systems in one dashboard allows security personnel to manage a site from any location, reducing the expense and effort required to manage a system. The mobile world today means security directors no longer need to be in a centralized operations center to see alerts and make decisions. This simplifies processes by allowing users to quickly see an alert, pull up a camera, delete a user or check an access log from a phone. Modern networks are secure and accessible to those with permissions, without requiring those users to be physically present. Consolidating security systems is the first step companies can take toward streamlining work, information and costs. The next step is integrating all sites, both remote and on-grid. Energy and communication technology The integration of sites and systems turns mountains of data and information into actionable intelligence Traditional methods demanded two systems: one for on-grid facilities and another for off-grid locations. With advancements in energy and communication technology, the need for multiple systems is gone. Data from remote sites can be safely and securely fed into an existing system. These remote locations may gather, distribute and manage data in a different manner than a connected system due to the cost of transmission via remote connections (i.e., cellular or satellite connection). The end result, however, is a consistent and holistic view of operations for the decision maker. The integration of sites and systems turns mountains of data and information into actionable intelligence. With connected devices monitoring occurrences at individual sites, as well as events across locations, the data tells a story that is unhindered by operational silos or physical space. Identifying patterns and trends Instead of providing 10 hours-worth of footage that may or may not be relevant, system analytics can provide users with the specific set of information they need. Incidents once discarded as ‘one-off’ events can now be analyzed and data-mapped to identify patterns and trends, directing future resources to the most critical areas first. Consumers are increasingly expecting everything they need to be right where they need it – and businesses are right behind them. The current generation of security professionals are increasingly expecting the simplicity of their everyday personal tasks to be mirrored in enterprise systems, which means giving them the ability to see what matters in one place. A unified system can provide just that, a single view to help simplify processes, promote cost saving and accelerate decision making.

The statistics are staggering. The death tolls are rising. And those who now fear environments that were once thought to be safe zones like school campuses, factories, commercial businesses and government facilities, find themselves having to add the routine of active-shooter drills into their traditional fire drill protocols. The latest active shooter statistics released by the FBI earlier this year in their annual active-shooter report designated 27 events as active shooter incidents in 2018. The report reveals that 16 of the 27 incidents occurred in areas of commerce, seven incidents occurred in business environments, and five incidents occurred in education environments. Deadly active-shooter events Six of the 12 deadliest shootings in the country have taken place in the past five years Six of the 12 deadliest shootings in the country have taken place in the past five years, including Sutherland Springs church, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, the San Bernardino regional center, the Walmart in El Paso and the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, which have all occurred since 2015. Although these incidents occurred in facilities with designated entry points common to churches, schools and businesses, the two most deadly active-shooter events since 2015 were the Route 91 Harvest music festival shooting in Las Vegas that left 58 dead and the Pulse nightclub killings in Orlando where 49 perished. As Christopher Combs, special agent in charge of the FBI field office in San Antonio, Texas, said during a news conference following the August 31 mass shooting in Odessa, Texas that claimed seven lives: “We are now at almost every two weeks seeing an active shooter in this country." Active shooter incidents Between December 2000 and December 2018, the FBI’s distribution of active shooter incidents by location looks like this: Businesses Open to Pedestrian Traffic (74) Businesses Closed to Pedestrian Traffic (43) K-12 Schools (39) Institutions of Higher Learning (16) Non-Military Government Properties (28) Military Properties—Restricted (5) Healthcare Facilities (11) Houses of Worship (10) Private Properties (12) Malls (6) What the majority of these venues have in common is they all have a front entrance or chokepoint for anyone entering the facilities, which is why any active-shooter plan must include a strategy to secure that entry point. Situational awareness in perimeter and door security Preventing people with the wrong intentions from entering the space is the goal" According to Paul Franco, an A&E with more than 28 years of experience as a consultant and systems integrator focusing on schools, healthcare and large public and private facilities, that while active shooter incidents continue to rise, the residual effect has been an increase in situational awareness in perimeter and door security. “Certainly, protecting people and assets is the number one goal of all our clients. There are multiple considerations in facilities like K-12 and Healthcare. Preventing people with the wrong intentions from entering the space is the goal. But a critical consideration to emphasize to your client is getting that person out of your facility and not creating a more dangerous situation by locking the person in your facility,” says Franco. High-security turnstiles “Schools today are creating a space for vetting visitors prior to allowing access into the main facility. Using technology properly like high-security turnstiles offer great benefits in existing schools where space constraints and renovation costs can be impractical.” What steps should they be taken when recommending the proper door security to ensure the building is safe As a consultant/integrator, when discussions are had with a client that has a facility in a public space like a corporate building, government center or industrial facility, what steps should they be taken when recommending the proper door security to ensure the building is safe and can protect its people and assets? For Frank Pisciotta, President and CEO of Business Protection Specialists, Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina, a fundamental element of his security strategy is making appropriate recommendations that are broad-based and proactive. Properly identifying the adversaries “As a consultant, my recommendations must include properly identifying the adversaries who may show up at a client’s door, the likelihood of that event occurring, the consequences of that event occurring, determining if there are tripwires that can be set so an organization can move their line of defense away from the door, educating employees to report potential threats and creating real-time actionable plans to respond to threats. A more reactionary posture might include such thing as target hardening such as ballistic resistant materials at entry access points to a facility,” Pisciotta says. Veteran consultant David Aggleton of Aggleton & Associates of Mission Viejo, California recommends that clients compartmentalize their higher security areas for limited access by adding multiple credential controls (card + keypad + biometric), along with ‘positive’ access systems that inhibit tailgating/piggybacking such as secure turnstiles, revolving door and mantrap if your entrances and security needs meet the required space and access throughput rates. Integrated solution of electronic access control Defining a single point of entry in some public facilities is becoming the new standard of care according to many A&Es and security consultants, especially in a school environment. This approach allows a concerted effort when it comes to staffing, visitor monitoring and an integrated technology solution. The bottom line remains: most buildings are vulnerable to a security breach A proactive stance to securing a door entryway will use an integrated solution of electronic access control, turnstiles, revolving doors and mantraps that can substantially improve a facility’s security profile. The bottom line remains: most buildings are vulnerable to a security breach, so it’s not a matter of if there will be a next active shooter tragedy, it’s only a matter of where. Enhancing access control assurance “There is no easy answer to this question,” says Pisciotta referring to how a secured entrance can deter an active shooter. “There have been at least two high-profile incidents of adversaries shooting their way into a facility through access control barriers. So, if the threat so dictates, a ballistic resistant might be required.” He concludes: “There is obviously no question that turnstiles, revolving doors and man traps enhance access control assurance. Electronic access control is easy to integrate with these devices and providing that credentials are secure, approval processes are in place, change management is properly managed and the appropriate auditing measures in place, access control objectives can be met.”

Rodrigue Zbinden, CEO at Morphean, discusses the business benefits from merging video surveillance and access control technologies as demand for ACaaS grows. The big question facing businesses today is how they will use the data that they possess to unlock new forms of value using emerging technologies such as the cloud, predictive analytics and artificial intelligence. Some data is better utilized than others: financial services were quick to recognize the competitive advantages in exploiting technology to improve customer service, detect fraud and improve risk assessment. In the world of physical security, however, we’re only just beginning to understand the potential of the data that our systems gather as a part of their core function. Benefits of ‘Integrated access control’ The first thing to look for is how multiple sources of data can be used to improve physical security functionsWhat many businesses have yet to realize is that many emerging technologies come into their own when used across multiple sources of data. In physical security, for example, we’re moving from discussions about access control and CCTV as siloed functions, to platforms that combine information for analysis from any source, and applying machine learning algorithms to deliver intelligent insights back to the business. ‘Integrated access control’ then looks not just to images or building management, but to images, building management, HR databases and calendar information, all at the same time. And some of the benefits are only now starting to become clear. The first thing to look for, of course, is how multiple sources of data can be used to improve physical security functions. For example, by combining traditional access control data, such as when a swipe card is used, with a video processing platform capable of facial recognition, a second factor of authentication is provided without the need to install separate biometric sensors. CCTV cameras are already deployed in most sensitive areas, so if a card doesn’t match the user based on HR records, staff can be quickly alerted. Making the tools cost-Effective In a similar vein, if an access card is used by an employee, who is supposed to be on holiday according to the HR record, then video data can be used to ensure the individual’s identity and that the card has not been stolen – all before a human operator becomes involved. This is driving growth in ‘access control as a service’ (ACaaS), and the end-to-end digitalization of a vital business functionThese capabilities are not new. What is, however, is the way in which cloud-based computing platforms for security analytics, which absorb information from IP-connected cameras, make the tools much more cost effective, accessible and easier to manage than traditional on-site server applications. In turn, this is driving growth in ‘access control as a service’ (ACaaS), and the end-to-end digitalization of a vital business function. With this system set up, only access control hardware systems are deployed on premise while the software and access control data are shifted to a remote location and provided as a service to users on a recurring monthly subscription. The benefits of such an arrangement are numerous but include avoiding large capital investments, greater flexibility to scale up and down, and shifting the onus of cybersecurity and firmware updates to the vendor. Simple installation and removal of endpoints What’s more, because modern video and access control systems transmit data via the IP network, installation and removal of endpoints are simple, requiring nothing more than PoE and Wi-Fi. Of all the advantages of the ‘as a service’ model, it’s the rich data acquired from ACaaS that makes it so valuable, and capable of delivering business benefits beyond physical security. Managers are constantly looking for better quality of information to inform decision making, and integrated access control systems know more about operations than you might think. Integrating lighting systems with video feeds and access control creates the ability to control the lightsRight now, many firms are experimenting with ways to find efficiencies and reduce costs. For example, lights that automatically turn off to save energy are common in offices today, but can be a distraction if employees have to constantly move around to trigger motion detectors. Integrating lighting systems with video feeds and access control creates the ability to control the lights depending on exactly who is in the room and where they are sitting. Tracking the movement of employees Camera data has been used in retail to track the movement of customers in stores, helping managers to optimize displays and position stocks. The same technology can be used to map out how employees move around a workspace, finding out where productivity gains can be made by moving furniture around or how many desks should be provisioned. Other potential uses of the same data could be to look for correlations between staff movement – say to a store room – and sales spikes, to better predict stock ordering. What makes ACaaS truly exciting is it is still a very new field, and we’re only just scratching the surface of the number of ways that it can be used to create new sources of value. As smart buildings and smart city technology evolves, more and more open systems will become available, offering more ways to combine, analyze and draw insights from data. Within a few years, it will become the rule, rather than the exception, and only grow in utility as it does.

Private video systems are offering new sources of evidence for police investigations. Growing popularity of private camera registration schemes are facilitating police department access to video captured by cameras in homes and businesses for use in their investigations. Camera registration programs are organized locally by individual police departments but have common features and operation. By registering their camera systems, citizens and business people provide information to a confidential database listing any cameras police can quickly access in the event of a crime. Knowing which cameras may be near a crime scene avoids police having to go door-to-door in search of possible video footage. Because perpetrators are more careful and aware of possible video coverage in and around a crime scene, video to solve a crime may also come from a camera several blocks away. The best evidence may not be of the crime scene itself but video of nearby pathways and streets. Today’s camera systems also provide information such as location, date and time that can help an investigation Ability to record and retain video Access to cameras can also provide additional viewing angles to provide police new leads such as type of car, clothing, etc. Another benefit is possible use of a camera’s view to help locate lost children, elderly or disabled persons. In addition to actual video, today’s camera systems also provide information such as location, date and time that can help an investigation or be used as evidence in court. Basic requirements for participating video systems are exterior-facing cameras and the ability to record and retain video. It is important to note that registering a camera system with a local police department does not provide active surveillance or a “live feed” of video. Video is only shared after a crime has been committed and when the police request specific video as possible evidence. Registration of camera systems is voluntary Registration merely enables a police department to know where accessible cameras are located. Police then arrange viewing of video footage after the fact by communicating with the camera owners; if a police visit to a residence might pose an additional risk for any reason, camera video today can often be accessed remotely. Registration of camera systems is voluntary; a state-wide proposal in New Jersey in 2015 calling for mandatory camera registration faced privacy backlash and was later amended to make registration voluntary. Collected information is typically the name of the camera owner, contact information, an address where the cameras are located; how many cameras are at the location, the area recorded by the cameras and how the footage is saved. Police arrange viewing of video footage by communicating with the camera owners Residential security camera Portland, Oregon, launched its CrimeReports camera registration program in 2017, part of its wider effort to get residents involved in fighting crime. In Philadelphia, the police department has been registering cameras since 2011 under its SafeCam program. The Philadelphia Department of Commerce offers a payment, up to $3,000, to reimburse business owners who install cameras and register them with the police. Camera registration is yielding results. Baltimore’s Citiwatch camera registration system has had a direct impact on criminal apprehension. The San Luis Obispo, California, Police Department reports a high success rate identifying suspects in cases where additional video evidence exists because of the camera registration program. In Fort Worth, Texas, last May, a residential security camera played a role in capturing a kidnapping suspect. Privacy concerns and community feedback Many of the camera registration schemes have localized branding or acronyms, such as the S.C.R.A.M. (Security Camera Registration and Mapping) program of Milton, Georgia; the C.A.P.T.U.R.E. (Community and Police Team Up to Record Evidence) program of New Braunfels, Texas; or the RockView program of Rockville, Maryland. The idea is based on willing participation of public citizens in helping law enforcement do their jobs Privacy concerns and community feedback prompted Vancouver, Washington, to suspend a camera registration program for weeks until it could be re-launched earlier this year. Although cities seek to protect information about the locations of cameras, it might be subject to disclosure because of public records laws. Law enforcement and crime prevention Registration of cameras is another aspect of involving the community in law enforcement and crime prevention, not unlike the commonplace Neighborhood Watch programs. The idea is based on willing participation of public citizens in helping law enforcement do their jobs. Making video footage available provides important evidence in much the same way a witness to a crime would hopefully testify if asked. By multiplying the availability of cameras that could view elements of a possible crime, the idea is also akin to the modern concept of “crowdsourcing” – the practice of obtaining information or input by enlisting a large number of people. Local jurisdictions stipulate that registrants in the program should not be construed as agents and/or employees of the police department. There is also a crime prevention element to the programs, in addition to helping police do their jobs better and more efficiently. Some camera registration programmes provide stickers or yard signs to let the neighborhood know that their security cameras are helping to fight local crime.

The healthcare market is rife with opportunity for security systems integrators. Hospitals have a continuous need for security, to update their systems, to make repairs, says David Alessandrini, Vice President, Pasek Corp., a systems integrator. “It’s cyclical. Funding for large projects might span one to two years, and then they go into a maintenance mode. Departments are changing constantly, and they need us to maintain the equipment to make sure it’s operating to its full potential.” The experience of Pasek Corp. is typical of the opportunities available for security integrator companies in the healthcare vertical. A single large hospital system can supply a dependable ongoing source of revenue to integrator companies, says Alessandrini. Hospitals are “usually large enough to provide enough work for several people for an extended length of time.”  Healthcare customers in Pasek’s service area around Boston provide the potential for plenty of work. “We have four major hospitals, each with in excess of 250 card readers and 200 cameras, in the Boston area,” Alessandrini says. One appeal of the healthcare market for North Carolina Sound, an integrator covering central North Carolina, is the breadth of possible equipment they can sell into the healthcare market, including access control and video, of course, but also other technologies, such as audio-video systems in a dining room. North Carolina Sound has also installed sound masking in some areas with waiting rooms to protect private patient information from being overheard. Locking systems on pharmaceutical doors are another opportunity. Data capture form to appear here! IP based networked video systems A facility’s IT folks must be convinced an IP solution will function seamlessly on their network Among North Carolina Sound’s customers is Wayne Memorial Hospital, Goldsboro, N.C., which uses about 340 video cameras, with 80 percent or more of them converted to IP. The hospital is replacing analog with IP cameras as budget allows, building network infrastructure to support the system. The healthcare market tends to have a long sales cycle; in general, sales don’t happen overnight or even within a month or two. In fact, the period between an initial meeting with a healthcare facility and installation of a system could stretch to a year or longer. A lot happens during that time. Healthcare systems involve extensive planning, engineering, and meetings among various departments. Physical security systems that involve the information technology (IT) department, as do most systems today, can be especially complex. Installation of networked video systems based on Internet protocol (IP) requires deep and probing discussions with the IT team about how a system fits into the facility’s network infrastructure. A facility’s IT folks must be convinced an IP solution will function seamlessly on their network. Compatible with the network They must vet the technology to ensure the devices and solutions will be compatible with the network, and must sign off on technology choices. And even more important is determining if the security system will adhere to cybersecurity requirements of the facility. A complete solution that integrates nearly any system that lives on or uses a facility’s network is ultimately what the healthcare vertical is moving toward, says Jason Ouellette, General Manager – Enterprise Access Control & Video, Johnson Controls. Healthcare security professionals are early adopters of technology, implementing the best technology available”“We are hearing more and more from customers across industries that they want to be able to use their security systems and devices for more than just security: they want added value,” says Ouellette. Many want to use access control, video surveillance and other data sources to assess their business operations and/or workflows with the goal of improving efficiency. Upgrade cost-effectively Historically, three factors have prevented many organizations from moving forward with new technologies: lack of money, proprietary systems, and the need to “rip and replace” large parts of the installed systems, says Robert Laughlin, CEO and Chairman, Galaxy Control Systems. "Today, while funding is almost always a limiting factor at some level, the progression of industry standards and ‘open’ systems has made a big positive impact on the ability of organizations to upgrade cost-effectively,” he says. Despite any obstacles, healthcare customers generally welcome new innovations. “I would say healthcare security professionals in general are early adopters of technology and like to implement the best technology available,” says Jim Stankevich, Global Manager – Healthcare Security, Johnson Controls/Tyco Security Products. “For most, rapid implementation is limited by budgets and available funding." Missed part one of our healthcare mini series? Click here.

When violence or a life-threatening incident occurs, hospitals and other healthcare institutions are often in the crosshairs. Hospitals increasingly face a reality of workplace violence, attacks on patients, and threats to doctors and other support staff. And even if violence happens outside a hospital – such as an active shooter at a public place – the local hospital must be prepared to respond to an influx of injured victims. When conflicts arise inside a hospital, there is an urgent need to lock the facility down quickly. Security professionals and their teams need access control options that allow lockdowns to occur at the touch of a button. Lockdown capabilities are an important aspect of safety and security for hospitals, doctor’s offices and medical facilities The need for mass notification is also growing in the healthcare environment Fire alarm public address system The need for mass notification – another aspect of responding in an emergency – is also growing in the healthcare environment. Various systems can communicate through the fire alarm public address (PA) system to notify people in an emergency, or, alternately, to use email notification, text messaging, pagers, smart phones and/or personal computers (PCs). In lockdown situations, access control systems provide an emergency button with various triggers in the system – a hospital can lockdown specific units or the entire facility. Data capture form to appear here! Jim Stankevich, Global Manager – Healthcare Security, Johnson Controls/Tyco Security Products, points out that the safety of hospital staff, particularly nurses, cannot be overlooked. In the emergency room, 55 percent of nurses are assaulted in some way each year, which is a high percentage. The safety of nurses and all hospital staff deserves more attention. Duress/emergency notification technology Stankevich says one solution is to use duress/emergency notification technology: staff can carry and wear a ‘panic button” or have a two-key combination on their computer as an alarm trigger. When the staff member hits the panic button, a direct message can be sent to security, alerting security staff about the event and requiring a response. There has been an increase in demand for the safety and security of patients, staff and visitors at healthcare institutions, as evidenced by the recent CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) Emergency Preparedness Rule. As of Nov. 17, 2017, healthcare institutions that participate in Medicare or Medicaid must demonstrate compliance with the rule. Emergency preparedness systems A major challenge in compliance to this rule is balancing patient safety with comfort At its core, the rule seeks to establish national emergency preparedness requirements to ensure adequate planning for both natural and man-made disasters, and coordination with federal, state, tribal, regional and local emergency preparedness systems. A major challenge in compliance to this rule is balancing patient safety with comfort. Institutions should consider two-way communication that enables leadership to disseminate targeted messages quickly and efficiently, while arming all employees with a tool that can alert the appropriate staff should an incident occur. Solutions like this enable swift communication of issues without disturbing patients and visitors unless necessary. Effective response to emergencies “Fortunately, hospitals and their security departments are generally well equipped to respond to most emergency situations”, said John M. White, president/CEO of Protection Management, a consultant who works with hospitals to address their security needs. During the Ebola scare in 2014, however, hospitals had to re-examine their plans to ensure they were prepared to meet the challenges specific to rare and deadly disease. “Hospitals are prepared for most things, but Ebola seemed to have caught the whole world off guard, so people responded in different ways,” says White, who previously was security director of two multi-campus medical facilities before becoming a consultant. Hospital security Hospitals made adjustments to their emergency programs to determine how best to handle Ebola patients" He adds, “Hospitals made adjustments to their emergency programs to determine how best to handle Ebola patients and to protect other patients and staff. It was a new threat that healthcare organizations had not specifically addressed.” A particular concern was the possibility of an infected person walking into an emergency room and infecting other people and/or requiring facility decontamination. One role the hospital security department plays in such an emergency is to control access to the facility and to control visitors’ movements once they are inside the facility, says White. If the Ebola scare had progressed to the point that a hospital would need to screen patients, security would be positioned at the front entrance to help with that screening and, if necessary, to direct patients to a specific area for quarantine. Protective equipment Security might also need to wear protective equipment to handle a patient who is resistant to treatment, for example. There are often interactions between security personnel and the general public, a scenario that becomes more complicated if Ebola or a similar infection is likely. In general, security would be tasked with maintaining order and keeping people where they need to be, freeing up the medical professionals to do their jobs more efficiently, says White. To prepare for the impact of the Ebola scare, hospitals addressed various training and equipment needs and adjusted their disaster/emergency response plans. Read part two of our heathcare mini series here.

A global UK department store, with a commitment to offering quality products and outstanding service, has ensured the protection of its customer service mobile equipment with Traka’s intelligent locker solutions. Traka’s specialist locker systems The high street favorite has integrated Traka’s specialist locker systems throughout its branch network and top ranking online operations, to store, charge and manage dedicated mobile devices, enabling instant availability for customer service teams across the UK. The high street favorite has integrated Traka’s specialist locker systems throughout its branch network The move was part of a key store investment strategy, which introduced the mobile devices to enable authorized users to take web orders and respond to customer enquiries and stock checks, instantly and efficiently. Digital key management Speaking about the use of digital key management and its impact on the department store processes, a representative for the store said, “We are devoted to working on every aspect of our operations, to continue our pledge of delivering quality products and outstanding service. We believe this, put together with our continued commitment to price matching is what is resonating with our customers.” “We want to streamline our stores and online services to be equally enjoyable places to shop. We are aware we need to respond to personalized customer queries quickly and efficiently, with the right information on any product or service. Intelligent tracking technology “To achieve this, we need our customer-facing teams to be equipped with fast working intelligent technology. Here, Traka excelled at providing a branch solution that allows us to not only store dedicated devices securely, but also integrates into our daily operational systems. We can track where each device is and provide staff with peace of mind that every device is fully charged and up to date with our latest exclusive offers.” Traka’s intelligent lockers were fully networked into existing systems, using its latest generation TrakaWEB software Traka’s intelligent lockers were fully networked into existing systems, using its latest generation TrakaWEB software. This offered in-locker charging facilities, full audit control capability, dedicated fault reporting on any issues with a piece of equipment, and capability to exchange an item with minimal time or resource disruption. Intelligent locker systems Steve Bumphrey, Traka UK Sales Director added, “Any department store’s success is dependent on providing a high level of service, deep knowledge of what it is they’re selling, and a willingness to ensure customers receive the right item. Being able to do so quickly and efficiently, is where the introduction of mobile devices have proven invaluable.” Steve adds, “Traka’s involvement was to understand the unique requirements of the customer services teams and create and network our intelligent locker systems, to make a significant operational difference. Staff no longer need to hunt for working devices to respond to customer enquiries, safe in the knowledge they are ready to use with very latest cross brand and department product and service information and pricing.”

There are many matters that must be taken into account when organizing a casino. A top priority is the security of the entire workforce and clientele. An access control system that is reliable and easy to operate provides the basis for that. Casino Baden-Baden is open 358 days a year. In addition to various different pay scale groups and work-time models, a variety of bonuses need to be assigned. Pay may therefore be partly exempt of tax or liable to tax, with holiday bonuses and weekend pay. Recording staff work timings Intensive workshops and consultations were conducted to establish the specific requirements of the casino, so that the best possible solution could be developed. The main focus was on recording work times and transmitting that data to the casino's own specially developed shift schedule program. Given the various different work time models and wage types in numerous variants, complex manual procedures must be automated in future. IF-4735, IF-810, and IF-800 access control terminals Employees can use their passes for cashless payment in the cafeteria and at the vending machines In 1991, a solution for physical access control and time recording was implemented in the form of the IF-5020 software. Since 1998, the IF-6020 software solution has been in use. The hardware terminals IF-4735, IF-810, and IF-800 ensure smooth recording of work times and grant authorized employees access to the various separate areas. Also, the employees can use their passes for cashless payment in the cafeteria and at the vending machines. The system solution from Interflex, with its hardware and software components, now brings employees and administrators substantial time savings and a great deal of convenience. Central access control system All access permissions and work times are now recorded and controlled in one central system, eliminating the disruption of transferring from one system to another, such as to the program for pay and shift planning. This has brought considerable improvement in transparency and in the freshness of data, and paper has been completely banished from work time control.

Delta Scientific, the prominent manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, announced that, on Monday, October 7, at approximately 7 am, a Delta MP5000 portable barrier stopped a stolen Dodge Ram pick-up truck at an entrance gate of the Naval Air Station - Corpus Christi. The stolen car was chased by the local police onto the base. The barrier then impacted the rear of the vehicle, disabling it. Simultaneously, the Air Station announced that an unauthorized person was on base and the facility immediately would go under lockdown with all gates secured to all traffic. Having taken flight after the truck was stopped by the barrier, the intruder was quickly apprehended within the hour and taken into custody by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. "This is the second attempted intrusion into the Naval Air Station - Corpus Christi in eight months," explained Greg Hamm, Delta vice president of sales and marketing. Control vehicle access "On February 14, a Delta MP5000 portable barrier stopped a stolen Ford Edge crossover SUV at the North Gate. 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's totally self-contained MP5000 mobile deployable vehicle crash barriers now carry an ASTM rating as high as M50, able to stop and disable a 15,000 lb (66.7 kN) G.V.W. vehicle moving at 50 mph (80.4 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.

VuWall, the pioneer in video wall control and AV network management, announces that the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) successfully deployed VuWall's VuScape processor to monitor the launch of the satellites and their trajectory for the RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM). Installed by Applied Electronics, VuScape video wall controller shares and manages incoming content to the control rooms' video walls. Managing multiple surfaces and streams of information "The RCM will collect information from multiple satellites that is critical to maritime management, disaster management, and ecosystem monitoring in Canada," said Paul Vander Plaetse, CEO at VuWall. The CSA can manage multiple surfaces and streams of information, cutting down on the amount of cabling" "From a single VuScape processor, the CSA can manage multiple surfaces and streams of information, cutting down on the amount of cabling. This is an excellent example of how our affordable visualization solutions can be scaled and tailored to meet the needs of any organization — from the smallest to the largest and most mission-critical deployments — while adding capabilities that further the value of the system." Performing maintenance and control operations For the project, VuWall's VuScape processor shares the incoming information on the video wall in both mission control rooms and meeting rooms. Control room operators can easily configure and update the layouts as needed on each of the video walls, providing them with at-a-glance information that's vital for performing maintenance and control operations on the satellites that they are mandated to monitor. With a single VuScape processor driving multiple video walls in multiple rooms, the CSA is able to manage the access and control of each individual surface with user profile management, limiting access to view and/or manage video wall content only to authorized personnel.

AASA, The School Superintendents Association, has formed a new partnership with Armor At Hand™, a company that manufacturers Smart Shields™ connected to the internet and are capable of protecting users from handguns and high-powered rifles. The Shields serve as a first layer of protection in the event of an intrusion and serve as an alarm to alert those connected to the system a potential threat is occurring. Armor At Hand manufactures the world’s first lightweight, mobile Smart Shields with internet connectivity and U.S. National Institute of Justice (NIJ) level 3 equivalent test rating, giving it the ability to stop high-powered rifle rounds. Schools, workplaces, places of worship and other venues now have access to the Smart Shield. AASA members can receive a special offer to receive a Smart Shield from Armor At Hand. Immediate protection at first encounter "Armor At Hand’s partnership with AASA speaks to both organisations’ commitment to providing resources to assist school districts before, during and after a crisis,” said Chad Ahrens, founder and CEO, Armor At Hand. “With access to more than 12,000 school districts, the AASA partnership enables us to reach the people that the Smart Shields are designed to protect.” The Shields hide discreetly in plain sight, yet, provide immediate protection at first encounter. Once one of the shields is moved, all the shields in the area are alerted and will light up and buzz while autonomously sending an alert to authorities of a potential threat. Armor At Hand Smart Shield uses ArcGIS by Esri to map real-time danger areas and safe zones while simultaneously offering route guidance to safety for those in harm’s way. Activation movement amount and timeframes are setup at installation to meet the needs of each site. Emerging technology in security “AASA is proud to be partnering with Armor At Hand,” said Daniel A. Domenech, executive director, AASA. “Threats of violence at our schools has continued to be an issue that must be addressed. AASA is committed to keeping students, teachers and schools around the country safe. Launching this partnership with Armor At Hand is indicative of our commitment to doing that by using emerging technology in security.” AASA is the premiere membership organization representing public school district superintendents across the country and the world. The primary goal of AASA is to advocate for highest quality public education for all students, as well as to develop and support school system leaders.

Globally renowned electronic locks manufacturer, Mul-T-Lock has announced providing Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal, Ireland with over 50 of its high-tech eCLIQ locks so as to enable them to efficiently manage access control rights across the whole estate. Spanning over 170 square kilometers in area size, Glenveagh National Park is the second largest national park in Ireland. It features a number of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodlands that together make up its ecosystem. At the center of the national park, on the edge of Lough Veagh, is Glenveagh Castle, a late 19th century castellated mansion, which was originally built as a hunting lodge. Advanced eCLIQ technology allows park managers to schedule individual access permissions for each lock eCLIQ locking system With multiple facilities located on the sprawling site, Glenveagh National Park required a high-security and fully customizable access control solution, and therefore opted for Mul-T-Lock’s advanced eCLIQ locking system. The new and advanced eCLIQ technology allows park managers to schedule individual access permissions for each lock, subsequently granting and revoking access to various areas of the estate whenever necessary. Remote access control solution Stephen Crowe, Regional Sales Manager for Mul-T-Lock, commented, “At Glenveagh National Park there is a need to restrict public access from certain areas for safety reasons, but at the same time, relevant staff should be able to access these areas whenever required”. He adds, “Our eCLIQ system proved the perfect solution for this, as administrators (those who manage the security system) can easily set-up tailored access permissions remotely via our CLIQ Remote Web Manager software. eCLIQ padlocks and cylinders Stephen further stated, “With eCLIQ, administrators also have the ability to set time-limited access – something that isn’t achievable with a mechanical system. For example, padlocks around the estate could be programmed to allow access to certain gates between Monday and Friday, from 8am to 6pm. It’s this customization that makes our system so popular.” The Mul-T-Lock system was specified and installed by Paul Speer at JP Speer Locksmiths, who added, “We now have over 50 eCLIQ padlocks and cylinders securing gates, offices and the Visitor Center within this impressive estate. The complete system is managed from the main office and once set up it is easily maintained, with the flexibility to change quickly whenever required.” Mul-T-Lock advanced eCLIQ technology Another great feature with eCLIQ is the way in which you can expand the system retrospectively when needed" Paul further said, “Another great feature with eCLIQ is the way in which you can expand the system retrospectively when needed. Glenveagh National Park has used mechanical systems in the past, but these haven’t been able to satisfy its access control requirements. Mul-T-Lock’s eCLIQ technology ensures that access rights are maintained for years to come.” Pat Vaughan, District Conservation Officer at Glenveagh National Park, finished by saying, “Mul-T-Lock’s eCLIQ system is the perfect fit for our Park as it has all the features that such a vast estate as ours requires. Park security He says, “During our summer season our visitor numbers quadruple and we have to employ seasonal staff to meet this demand. Having such a system as Mul-T-Lock’s eCLIQ means that we can set up temporary access for these workers, with all the relevant access rights required. The eCLIQ system also enables us to deactivate keys and revoke access at the click of a button.” Pat adds, “This is particularly helpful if any of our team accidently lose their keys, or if temporary staff forget to return keys after their time with us. We are extremely happy that we opted for the eCLIQ system to secure our beautiful estate; it will stand the test of time for years to come and has all the features we require to manage, build and secure our Park and its future.”

Securing large campus environments can be particularly demanding and requires a range of technology solutions. In effect, a campus may represent a dozen or more individual facilities to be secured, in addition to protecting the overall environment. Seeking more insight into the number and variety of needs of securing a campus, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of protecting large campus environments?

Along with the integration of security and other systems in an enterprise environment comes a need to centralize monitoring and control of the unified network. A control room is at the center of managing integrated systems, providing the focal point to collect information from a variety of sensors, analyze the data, and then respond appropriately. The technologies that drive these functions are changing and evolving, thus increasing the efficiency and efficacy of systems. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new in command-and-control systems, and what is the impact?

While unpacking our bags from a trade show, it is interesting to consider the dominant themes and trends we heard and saw at the show. So it is with the recently concluded Global Security Exchange (GSX) show in Chicago, presented by ASIS International. Amid all the product promotion, training sessions, networking and tired feet at the show, what really stood out? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What was the big news at the GSX 2019 trade show in Chicago?