Security access systems

With resistance to attack and extreme weather, wire-free installation, and battery-powered operation, the new SMARTair i-gate Electronic Padlock is built for use almost anywhere. This new device in the SMARTair wireless access control range enables facility managers to add real-time control to non-electrified gates, cupboards, cabinets, closets, crates, and more, wherever they are and whatever the climate. SMARTair i-gate Electronic Padlock For many organizations, security and access needs to not stop at the perimeter door. Yet, finding reliable locking devices that are easy to operate with an electronic access system can be difficult. Gates and outbuildings are hard to reach with cabling. Access devices may not have the resilience required for reliable operation outdoors. The i-gate is built to meet these challenges. “The new SMARTair i-gate Electronic Padlock helps our customers extend wire-free control to new access points,” said Félix Morán, SMARTair Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEA. Adaptable locking devices It can be instantly moved to wherever a resistant, adaptable locking device is needed" Félix Morán adds, “It can be instantly moved to wherever a resistant, adaptable locking device is needed. Site managers no longer need to worry about outbuildings, gates, cupboards and more, because they can monitor and control access to them electronically, remotely and in real time, when needed.” Upgrading an existing padlocked closure involves simply swapping the devices and integrating i-gate Padlock into an existing or new SMARTair wireless access control system. No drilling or wiring is required. The SMARTair i-gate Padlock is available in a contemporary black finish with stainless steel shackle. Remote control via SMARTair Web Manager Exterior and interior openings previously unsuited to electronic access control can now be controlled and monitored from a familiar software interface, including remotely from the SMARTair Web Manager. The SMARTair i-gate is compatible with any SMARTair system management option – Standalone, for basic access control functionality, Update on Card, Openow, for access management and unlocking via smartphone, and Pro Wireless Online, for real-time management of every door and system user. Compatible with standard proximity credential technologies The new SMARTair i-gate padlock is robust enough for almost any climate conditions. It has a watertight cover (IP68 rating) and an internal cylinder with Durability EN 15684 Class 6 Certification. It is battery-powered and works with all standard proximity credential technologies, including MIFARE, DESFire, and iCLASS, as well as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). When combined with Openow, the mobile solution for SMARTair, users no longer need to carry separate card or fob credentials. Instead, their phone stores secure virtual keys that can be issued, amended, or canceled at any time. Mobile access No one wastes time collecting or validating an access card, because they can unlock the new SMARTair i-gate Padlock with a smartphone. With Openow, if one is carrying a phone, they are already carrying their keys.

Camden Door Controls is pleased to launch its CV-603 2 Door Bluetooth Access Control System. This app-based access control system is designed to provide ‘best-in-class’ security of doors and gates, with up to 2,000 users. The intuitive programming app is Apple and Android compatible, with easy-to-use system setup, user administration, downloadable audit trail and data backup. CV-603 two door controller The CV-603 two door controller includes inputs for readers, door position switch and REX device, and (2) outputs for electrified locking or alarm signal devices. A built-in 433Mhz. receiver supports two button wireless key fobs, providing an ideal solution for parking garage and gate control applications. The CV-603 two door controller is 26, 30 & 37 bit Wiegand reader compatible and features anti-pass back, schedules, first person-in delay, and operator security levels.

Aryaka®, the front-runner in fully managed Cloud-First WAN and SASE solutions, announced that it has acquired Secucloud GmbH, a proven SASE platform provider, delivering network security from the cloud. The deal closed in late April 2021, and Secucloud is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aryaka. Based in Hamburg, Germany, Secucloud GmbH offers an innovative platform designed to provide an all-in-one, global, cloud-based firewall-as-a-service, secure web gateway with advanced threat protection capabilities. The platform is engineered to connect all edges including WAN, Cloud, Mobile and IoT securely together. SASE is paramount in a Cloud-First World The COVID Pandemic has accelerated the adoption of “Cloud-First” architectures. The consumption of network and network security “as-a-service” has driven the need for increased convergence and led to changes in buying behaviors and architectural shifts. Gartner calls this architecture Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and predicts the SASE market will grow from $4.5B in 2021 to $10.9B in 2024, a 42% CAGR. According to Aryaka’s 2021 State of the WAN report, which surveyed over 1,300 global enterprises, SASE deployment plans are accelerating, with 29 percent of enterprises stating that they are already deploying what they consider to be a SASE architecture. Another 56 percent are planning to deploy a SASE architecture in the next 12-24 months, which speaks to the strong interest and momentum for SASE. Only 12 percent plan to rely on their security vendor to provide all WAN components. Authority comments Aryaka has gained increasing traction with network security and private access offerings delivered as-a-service “Secucloud brings a great team and proven, innovative technology that we can integrate with Aryaka’s industry leading, Cloud-First, SD-WAN as-a-service,” said Ashwath Nagaraj, Co-Founder and CTO at Aryaka. “The combined technologies will allow us to offer truly converged network and network security as-a-service offerings. It complements our existing portfolio and significantly enhances Aryaka’s ability to compete and win larger deals while delivering the industry’s most flexible, managed SASE solution experience.” “We are excited to join Aryaka. Like Aryaka, Secucloud has been designed from the ground up to deliver a Cloud-First architecture with everything delivered as-a-service,” said Dennis Monner, CEO of Secucloud. “We think this joint solution and Aryaka’s brand reputation of delivering the industry’s best customer experience, will create a highly differentiated offering for enterprise customers.” Existing network security solutions The acquisition complements existing network security solutions that Aryaka offers with other technology partners like Check Point Software, Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler, and others, delivering choice to enterprise customers for a variety of deployment use cases. In the past year, Aryaka has gained increasing traction with network security and private access offerings delivered as-a-service, netting large multi-million-dollar subscription deals that include security-sensitive financial services companies, and enabling enterprises to deploy hybrid workplaces for tens of thousands of “anywhere” workers.

Johnson Controls, the pioneer in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, and architect of the OpenBlue digital connected platforms, releases the newest version of the Tyco Kantech EntraPass security management software. EntraPass version 8.30 features additional support for Tyco DSC PowerSeries intrusion alarm panels, including a fully functional virtual keypad, enhanced support for EntraPass web macOS functionality, cybersecurity updates, and other optimizations for a more streamlined user experience. Intrusion alarm panels For a more seamless combination of access control and intrusion, additional support for the Tyco DSC PowerSeries alarm panel family includes a fully functional virtual keypad, with the same functions, navigations, and emergency keys as the physical DSC intrusion alarm panels. This enables system operators to perform intrusion functions remotely This enables system operators to perform intrusion functions remotely from an EntraPass workstation, such as the arming/disarming of intrusion panels or acknowledging/canceling alarms without needing to be physically present at the keypad’s location. Printing cardholder badges Users who prefer mobile access to their EntraPass software can now view real-time or recorded video from Tyco Exacq and Tyco American Dynamics VideoEdge NVRs as part of new features in EntraPass web macOS v1.10. Other enhancements include creating, customizing, and exporting reports to PDF, the ability to take users’ pictures and print cardholder badges on site and in real-time. As part of ongoing efforts to improve cybersecurity, the following enhancements were added to EntraPass software: EntraPass workstation reports are now stored in the Windows user’s document folder. Updated operator roles and password requirements. Microsoft certificate validation that the EntraPass application has not been tampered with.

In the AIoT era, the world is getting smarter. Everything is going to have an online “ID” and then connected into a vast net of IoT devices, like a laptop computer, a cellphone phone, a connected thermostat, or a network security camera. Cybersecurity in the AIoT era According to a Markets and Markets report, IoT is extensively used by smart cars to smart manufacturing and connected homes and building automation solutions. However, currently, there are no unified global technical standards for IoT, especially in terms of communications. This results in inefficient data management and reduced interoperability mechanism and ultimately may cause reduced security in the IoT network. The global Internet of Things (IoT) security market size is expected to grow from USD 12.5 billion in 2020 to USD 36.6 billion by 2025, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.9%. Importance of cybersecurity Various vertical industries store unprecedented amounts of data on devices like IP cameras and NVRs Dahua Technology, a video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider, believes cybersecurity is of vital strategic importance in the age of AIoT. In various vertical industries, such as traffic, banking & finance, hospital, and critical infrastructure, organizations collect, process, and store unprecedented amounts of data on devices like IP cameras and NVRs. A significant portion of that data can be sensitive or private information, which can be prone to cyber-attacks and the situation, is getting worse because there are more devices than people. As a security solution provider, Dahua Technology continuously invests in cybersecurity and actively copes with network security issues. Continuous investment & active coping Committed to becoming a leader in cybersecurity and privacy protection in the global security industry, Dahua Technology has been developing and exploiting cybersecurity for nearly 10 years. The company keeps investing about 10% of its annual sales revenue in R&D every year, including cybersecurity. In addition, the company put together a professional team of nearly 100 personnel to focus on cybersecurity issues. With rich experience and sufficient resources, Dahua Technology promises to be positive, open, cooperative, and responsible when it comes to cybersecurity. Dahua Technology cybersecurity approach 1. Organizational structure In order to achieve better efficiency and effectiveness, Dahua Technology operates a comprehensive system to cope with all cybersecurity-related issues. The system, led by the cybersecurity committee, also contains a cybersecurity & data protection compliance group, cybersecurity institute, and product security incident response team (PSIRT). The cybersecurity committee, above all departments or teams, can call resources from the whole company, from the R&D center to the legal department, supply chain, overseas business department, etc. when necessary. Cybersecurity Institute is in charge of building the sSDLC process and implementing the process to all Dahua product series, making sure that all Dahua products are strong against cyberattacks. 2. Security development lifecycle Dahua adopts a bunch of professional sSDLC (Security Development Lifecycle) security software to improve product security Dahua Technology adopts a bunch of professional sSDLC (Security Development Lifecycle) security software to improve product security. During the security design phase, STRIDE + Attack Tree + PIA is adapted to improve threat modeling. During the security realisation phase, OWASP top 10 and over 150 CWEs are used to achieve static code analysis. During the security test phase, over 20 tools within 7 fields are applied to realize the multiple security testing. CompTIA PenTest+/Security+ are used to carry out professional penetration testing, while compliance ISO 30111&290147 and MITRE org CAN are followed during vulnerability management after the products are sold. 3. Emergency response system Cooperation with professionals from across the globe is a great way to improve vulnerability detection. Therefore, Dahua Cybersecurity Center (DHCC) is established to solve cybersecurity issues with security vulnerability reporting, announcement/notice, and cybersecurity knowledge sharing with our global customer base in order to provide them with more robust and secure products/solutions. Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) is an integral part of DHCC. Composed of professionals ranging from marketing, supply chain, service, and legal representatives, PSIRT is responsible for receiving, processing, and disclosing Dahua product and solution-related security vulnerabilities. Team members are on duty 7 days a week and guarantee to respond to an emergency within 48 hours. End-user, partner, supplier, government agency, industry association, and independent researchers are encouraged to report potential risk or vulnerability to PSIRT by email. 4. Personal data & privacy protection Dahua Technology also attaches great importance to personal data & privacy protection. Complying with applicable laws and regulations such as EU’s General Data Protection Regulation, EDPB’s Guidelines on the concepts of controller and processor in the GDPR, ETSI EN 303645’s Cyber Security for Consumer Internet of Things: Baseline Requirements as well as US’s California Consumer Privacy Act, the company established the Personal Data & Privacy Protection Standard. The standard stipulates that privacy protection methods such as de-identification, data encryption, and systematic access control, privacy-friendly setting are fully adapted to the complete data life cycle all the way from the collection, transmitting, storage to sharing, copying, and deleting. In addition, working with world-renowned third-party institutions, Dahua Technology has received Protected Privacy IoT Product Certification and ETSI Certification from TÜV Rheinland, as well as ISO 27018 Certification and ISO 27701 Certification from BSI, which help demonstrating its capability in managing personal information and compliance with privacy regulations around the world. 5. Continuously iterating security baseline The security baseline built a security element layout of "AAA+CIA+P", a systematic protection framework Centered on the core principles of Security by Design and Security by Default, the Dahua security baseline initiative taps into product safety technology to provide users with adequate safety guarantees. Based on and practicing the security and privacy design principles, the security baseline builds a security element layout of "AAA+CIA+P", forming a systematic protection framework covering physical security, system security, application security, data security, network security, and privacy protection. 7 versions of baseline and 100+ principles have been developed to adapt Authentication, Authorization, Audit, Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, and Privacy protection deeply into the product quality assurance system, making sure that all Dahua products enjoy the factory default security. 6. Product security center In order to help users clearly understand the security status and capabilities of the device, the product security center will assist users to conveniently and quickly set up the right security configuration to suit the scenarios. General security capabilities include privacy protection (face occlusion, information hiding, etc.), video encryption, security alarm, trusted protection, CA certification management, key management service, attack defense, and so on. 7. Cybersecurity ecosystem Adhering to openness and cooperation, Dahua Technology keeps cooperating with international authoritative security institutions to jointly build a secure ecosystem. By rich & in-depth communicating and cooperation with institutions like TÜV Rheinland, BSI, DNV·GL, Intertek EWA-Canada, and bright sight security lab, the company stays advanced its security capabilities and systems. In a widely networked world of IoT, cybersecurity challenges are pretty much a universal sore spot for companies globally. Dahua Technology, in the business of keeping people safe, takes cybersecurity seriously from head to toe. With a mindset that emphasizes cybersecurity and all the resources that it can allocate to establish, carry out and strengthen the cybersecurity approach, Dahua Technology plans to stay positive, open, responsible and improving for the matter of cybersecurity.

A new Code Handle digital PIN lock can be fitted to a standard interior door in less than half a minute. In this short space of time, security for private offices, stock rooms, staff toilets, equipment stores, consulting rooms, home offices, boardrooms and more can get a major security upgrade, with no wires, no keys and no need to run an access control system. Code Handle Code Handle is a locking handle with a built-in digital PIN keypad. It adds keyless electronic security to almost any interior door. The battery-powered handle is designed for fast, easy installation by almost anyone, with no expertise required. But exactly how fast? ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions launched a competition to find out. Locksmiths, security installers and access experts were invited to enter their installation videos using the hashtag - #ReadySetCode. The winning entry, Jiri Van Hoyweghen from Belgium, completed a Code Handle installation, from start to finish, in just 26 seconds. Easy installation and keyless door security upgrade Installing a new Code Handle is easy, with no wires, no specialist tools, and no drilling Installing a new Code Handle is easy, with no wires, no specialist tools, and no drilling. Two screws attach a Code Handle to almost any interior door, up to 80mm thick. A Code Handle can secure any interior door facing a heavily trafficked space — subtly and with zero hassle. Slim and attractive, it’s brushed steel and chrome exterior looks like any stylish handle. Enhanced door security Keyless entry via up to 9 different user PINs (4 to 6 digits) secures doors, without creating unnecessary key-handling workload. “The main advantage for us is that users can go to the office with no keys, as it provides enough security for our needs,” said Augusta29’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Miguel Ángel Villota Mocho. Barcelona’s Augusta 29 locks their flexible office rentals and meeting rooms with 40 Code Handle devices. Auto-locking feature  Users enter a PIN code on the handle’s keypad and the door to their rented workspace unlocks. Code Handle’s optional auto-locking feature further enhances office safety. When the door closes, Code Handle locks it automatically. Code Handle also blocks automatically when an intruder enters the wrong PIN code 5 times. It offers a major door security upgrade — in exchange for 26 seconds’ work, or just a little more.

As technology develops at an ever-faster rate, the possibilities for where and how new innovations can be used are endless. The property sector is one such area where new technology, such as smarter video surveillance, is being used to improve the quality of life for families and communities by increasing security as well as implementing changes based on new insights. Specifically for the coliving movement, cloud-based video surveillance is helping operators to improve the communal spaces for their tenants in ways that on-premises surveillance never could. From tighter security measures to better social spaces, here’s how coliving is benefitting from the PropTech (property technology) boom. What is coliving? The coliving movement is the latest iteration of a recurring human trend. The act of communally sharing space and resources while benefiting from a supportive community is something we’ve seen time and again throughout history. A place that everyone can call home addresses multiple needs. With the concept of shared spaces, and the possibility to work and socialize together, it’s no longer simply a trend. Specifically for the coliving movement, cloud-based video surveillance is helping operators to improve the communal spaces for their tenants in ways that on-premises surveillance never could. As living expenses become ever higher, for many – particularly younger – people getting on the property ladder is difficult, and renting an apartment alone can feel isolating. Coliving spaces offer a ready-built community, and many responsibilities – like maintenance, for example – lie with the building owners, and the cost is included. Where does PropTech come in? PropTech is dramatically changing the way people research, rent, buy, sell and manage property. The combination of the internet, huge compute power, cloud platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) have all combined to create technologies that are transforming the way the entire property sector works. Whether that’s helping buildings to operate more efficiently or even become more sustainable, PropTech is a sector that’s on the rise. When it comes to coliving, PropTech is helping to make these environments safer and smarter for the people who live there. One of the fundamental areas of building design is people’s safety. Following the past year where health has been at the forefront of everyone’s minds, PropTech is enabling entrance systems with touchless doorways and innovative ventilation systems, for example. And even without taking the pandemic into consideration, people living in shared spaces need to be confident that the security is well-managed, and the management wants to ensure that only tenants and their guests can enter the premises. How cloud video surveillance drives better coliving Once seen as an ‘add-on’ to building design, video surveillance and access control are now becoming increasingly important elements of the PropTech movement, and they are equally as desirable for coliving too. Surveillance cameras are essentially sensors that can monitor activity, patterns, and any other changes in a given environment. Analysis of video data can occur in real-time to effect changes immediately, or video can be stored and evaluated at a later date. In a co-living environment, a cloud-based video surveillance system can help operators to understand how tenants use their space, and implement changes to benefit them. Traditionally, video surveillance data stored on-premises had limited uses, as it was often only accessed after a security incident, such as a break-in. The video therefore wouldn’t be used frequently and the camera and storage system would just be another cost not yielding any ROI. Cloud technology has had a dramatic impact on video surveillance. Remote management delivers the ability to modify, adjust and perfect the system without needing to be present at the site, while remote monitoring alerts operators to any unusual incidents such as an equipment malfunction or breakage. In a co-living environment, a cloud-based video surveillance system can help operators to understand how tenants use their space, and implement changes to benefit them. For example, surveillance can show operators which areas in the communal spaces are frequented the most and at what times, including areas such as the laundry room or gym where space might be limited. By using AI to analyze the video, operators can use insights from it to improve the existing set up wherever possible, and also learn lessons about how to better design future coliving spaces. In today’s world, this technology can also help to keep everyone safe and healthy. Cameras can identify if someone is wearing a face mask as they go to enter a building and deny entry until they put one on. Thermal cameras are another easy tool to screen people for an elevated temperature before they even enter a communal space. Though a raised temperature does not mean you have COVID-19, the technology can provide an initial screening, so that individuals with elevated temperature readings can be checked manually for other symptoms or possibly be recommended for a test. The future of smart living Coliving is not a new phenomenon – humans have been living in communal places for many years, working and socializing together for the benefit of everyone. What makes today’s coliving movement unique is the range of rapidly developing technology that is being implemented to improve the environments for tenants. As an arguably lower cost and higher quality way of life, coliving spaces are certainly here to stay, and so the PropTech surge is no doubt going to grow with it.

The Annual Fraud Indicator estimates that fraud costs the United Kingdom approximately £190 billion every year. The private sector is hit the hardest and loses around £140 billion a year, while the public sector loses more than £40 billion, and individuals lose roughly £7 billion. The effects of fraud can be devastating on both individuals and organizations. Companies can suffer irreversible damage to reputation and be forced to close, and individuals can experience significant personal losses. Everyone should be aware of the risks and take steps to protect themselves against fraudulent activity. Fraud detection technology Fraud detection technology has advanced rapidly, over the years and made it easier for security professionals to detect and prevent fraud. Here are some of the key ways that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising fraud detection - with insight from Tessema Tesfachew, the Head of Product at Avora. An anomaly can be described as a behavior that deviates from the expected An anomaly can be described as a behavior that deviates from the expected. According to Tessema Tesfachew, “Autonomous monitoring and anomaly detection specifically, have made detecting fraudulent activity faster and more accurate. Machines can monitor data 24/7 as it comes in, build patterns of behavior that take into account seasonality and shifting trends, and identify events that don’t fit the norm.” For example, banks can use AI software to gain an overview of a customer’s spending habits online. Having this level of insight allows an anomaly detection system to determine whether a transaction is normal or not. Suspicious transactions can be flagged for further investigation and verified by the customer. If the transaction is not fraudulent, then the information can be put into the anomaly detection system to learn more about the customer’s spending behavior online. Accurate root cause analysis Root cause analysis goes one step further than anomaly detection, by allowing security professionals to pinpoint what caused the anomaly. Tessema explains how an example of this would be if a system detects that the rate of fraudulent transactions has increased. Root cause analysis would pinpoint the specific ATM or point of sale, where this increase is occurring. Swift action can then be taken to prevent fraudulent activity at that location in the future. Fewer false positives As mentioned, false positives can occur if a fraud detection system identifies behavior that goes against the norm, for instance, if a customer makes a transaction in a new location. In many cases, customers are required to complete identity verification to prove that a transaction is not fraudulent. Digital customer identity verification can help brands build a strong and reputable image. That said, forcing users to complete identify certifications regularly can cause frustration and harm the customer experience. AI anomaly detection AI fraud detection systems can carry out accurate data analysis in milliseconds and identify complex patterns in data AI anomaly detection is far more accurate and results in fewer false positives. Increasing the accuracy of anomaly detection helps companies improve customer relationships and build a strong reputation. This will have a positive impact on brand image and sales revenue. AI fraud detection systems can carry out accurate data analysis in milliseconds and identify complex patterns in data. Machines are more efficient than even the most skilled fraud analysts and make fewer errors. This is why AI fraud detection software is the preferred option in larger organizations. Importance of fraud analysts However, fraud analysts still play an important role in fraud prevention. Using a combination of human intervention and AI is usually the most effective approach when it comes to fraud detection. According to pymnts.com, innovative organizations now use a variety of AI and supervised and unsupervised machine learning to identify and protect against fraud. AI systems can complete time-consuming and repetitive tasks, such as data collection and analysis. This means that fraud analysts can focus their time and attention on critical tasks that require human intervention, e.g. monitoring risk scores. AI can automate processes and enhance the quality of the fraud analysts’ work. Conclusion In to Tessema Tesfachew’s opinion, “Fraud detection has become vastly more efficient and effective with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Previously, methods for detecting fraudulent activities were still data-rich, but relied more on human intervention and expert bias, and were thus, more time consuming and prone to error.” AI technology, particular anomaly detection, has streamlined fraud detection and created a more efficient, and accurate system for detecting and preventing fraud. Covid-19 has increased the number of online transactions, which creates more opportunities for fraudulent activity. However, it also allows businesses to gain more information on their customers and enhance the capabilities of AI security software. It is more important than ever for organizations to utilize AI technology in fraud detection strategies.

Though many office workers across the globe have found themselves working remotely for the past year, we are seeing a bit of a silver lining, as vaccine rollouts hint at a return to some pre-pandemic sense of normalcy. However, while some of us might opt for a fully-remote work life, others are anticipating a hybrid solution. Even before the pandemic, offices were taking a new, more open layout approach—moving past the days of cubicles and small office configurations. Going forward, offices and other workspaces will be tasked with supporting a hybrid work solution, as well as increasing hygiene measures. Video intercom solution This is where an IP video intercom solution can assist. Below are four ways they can help usher in a smarter, safer work environment: Video intercoms assist in creating a more hygienic work environment - The outbreak of COVID-19 has raised awareness of germs and just how easily a virus can be transmitted by face-to-face contact. Germ barriers are popping up in many aspects of our daily lives, where we were not likely to see them before Unfortunately, the door is also the easiest of these germ barriers to breach As such, we’re becoming accustomed to seeing plexiglass barriers at restaurants, grocery stores, and even coffee shops. However, many don’t realize that one of the best germ barriers is a simple door. Unfortunately, the door is also the easiest of these germ barriers to breach. All it takes is a knock or a doorbell ring to make us open our germ barrier and be face-to-face with whomever is on the other side. Increasing hygiene safety A simple step to increase hygiene safety and visitor security in commercial buildings and workspaces is an IP video intercom. Installing a video intercom will allow staff to see and speak with visitors without breaching that all-important germ barrier. A video intercom system provides a first line of defense, enabling the user to visually confirm the identity of the person on the other side of the door first before granting access. It can also be used to make sure proper procedures are being followed before a person is allowed to enter, such as using hand sanitizer, wearing a mask, and following social distancing guidelines. Basic security needs A major topic of conversation the past year has been how to manage occupancy in all facilities Video intercoms for occupancy management and basic security - A major topic of conversation the past year has been how to manage occupancy in all facilities—ranging from grocery stores and retail shops to restaurants and commercial buildings. Workspaces and offices are no exception. A video intercom provides a quick and convenient method of seeing who, or what, is on the unsecure side of the door before opening. For basic security needs, if a business has a door opening into an alley, a video intercom would be used to ensure no one is waiting outside to force their way in when the door is opened. Personal protection equipment Such solutions can also be used to ensure a person is carrying proper credentials, or wearing proper personal protection equipment (PPE), before entering a sensitive area. For example, if a lab has a room which can only be accessed by two persons at a time wearing specific protective gear, a video intercom could ensure each person is properly equipped, before allowing access that particular room. Additionally, for office or workspaces that have shared common areas, such as a cafeteria, gym or even conference rooms, managing access to these spaces will remain a priority, especially with post-pandemic restrictions in place. Video intercoms are a comprehensive safety and security tool for any workspace Deliveries of packages, work-related materials, or even food are common in any office or workspace. Video intercoms can assist in facilitating safe deliveries by visually and audibly confirming the identity of the individual. The visitor could be your next big client, your lunch delivery, a fellow employee with a faulty access card, or your mail. Video intercoms are a comprehensive safety and security tool for any workspace. Visitor management systems Video intercoms provide a cost-effective solution in small to mid-sized office facilities - One significant advantage of video intercom systems is the variety of applications available. Systems range from simple one-to-one video intercoms, to buzz-in systems, to full-fledged visitor management systems in mixed-use buildings. While they might lack the resources and manpower many enterprises have, small-to medium-sized offices can also take steps to ensure the safety of their staff and customers. Like any business, controlling who comes into the building is a primary way of maintaining safety. Video intercoms work in conjunction with access control systems to provide an identifying view of visitors or employees with lost or missing credentials. They allow staff to both see and hear those on the unsecured side of the door to determine intent before granting access. Most quality video intercoms will provide a clear enough image to allow an identification card to be read by holding it close to the lens, adding another opportunity to verify identity. Touchless intercom activation One major trend is the option of providing a touchless door activation Video intercoms provide a touchless option - Even prior to COVID-19, one major trend is the option of providing a touchless door activation or touchless intercom activation of a video intercom for those without proper credentials. Though touchless isn’t a new solution to the access control market, the pandemic introduced a renewed focus on these types of solutions to provide hygienic access to visitors. For offices and other workspaces looking to make investments into post-pandemic solutions to assist in reopening, touchless can support these efforts. When it comes to smart, secure workspaces, many people think instantly of cameras or monitors, access control, and alarm systems. Proper access credentials However, video intercoms are often the missing piece of a building’s security puzzle. A video intercom provides an identifying view that is not always available from a camera covering a large area. They allow those without proper access credentials a method of requesting entry, and just like cameras, they can be activated by alarms to allow staff to clearly see and communicate. If a workspace or office is important enough to be secure, it’s important enough to be sure of who is there before the door is opened. In 2021, it’s not enough to ensure the physical security of your staff and visitors, but also to ensure they are accessing a hygienic environment. Video intercoms provide that security and peace of mind.

A result of the COVID-19 pandemic has been fewer crowds gathering for outdoor events. However, sooner or later, crowded events will surge, as will the danger of injury or death from vehicle attacks. The threats of vehicular violence are still present even though collisions have become less frequent and traffic, in general, is at a significant low. Preparing for such instances remains a high priority, and institutions are seeking to take a preemptive stance to prevent major incidents before they happen. Vehicle security barriers Even amid the pandemic, manufacturers of vehicle barriers have not seen a major impact on their sales. “Half of the battle against aggressors perpetrating a vehicle attack is pre-planning,” says Greg Hamm, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Delta Scientific. He says Delta is fortunate to have long-standing trust relationships with many agencies, built over the last 46 years. “We're happy to see that demand for vehicle security barriers has not changed much – customers are preparing for the future when crowds will be present again, and probably larger than ever,” adds Stuart Glen, National Sales Manager of Jackson’s Fencing. “Lots of councils are using the downtime to install or upgrade security around town and city centers, which is promising.” Physical structures such as bollards, barriers, and barricades can stop a vehicle from entering a high-foot-traffic area. Temporary venues can deploy portable barriers. "We're happy to see that demand for vehicle security barriers has not changed much" Fully automated system The first consideration is the level of security required for a particular location. A parking garage for a foreign embassy or federal courthouse will require far more serious security measures than a parking lot for a mall. Other primary factors to consider include the frequency of vehicles moving in and out and whether there will be vehicle inspections performed or a fully automated system at the entrance. “A key challenge when protecting people from vehicle attacks is trying to ensure that the public are kept safe, but do not feel worried or overly aware of any risks,” says Glen. “People should feel protected and be able to move freely. Discreet measures such as bollards are ideal as they don't restrict pedestrian flow but are very effective in the case of a hostile vehicle attack.” Sparking future assaults The use of vehicles as tools of destruction has become one of the top concerns for security specialists Events and sports venues need increased protection as they are likely targets due to the high numbers of crowds. Places of worship are sadly another target that should be given extra protection, says Glen.  The use of vehicles as tools of destruction has become one of the top concerns for security specialists. This tactic has grown popular regardless of ideology and is especially alarming when coupled with cars’ accessibility. In many places, individuals only need a valid driver’s license to rent a truck. News of a particular attack encourages or inspires other individuals to perpetuate the same form of violence. Unfortunately, this creates a feedback loop as more reports emerge following these tragedies, potentially sparking future assaults. Straightforward security solutions In the case of vehicle-ramming attacks, there are straightforward security solutions to protect patrons. Delta Scientific offers over 100 product designs, emphasizing barriers that stop and destroy attacking vehicles. Delta’s barriers carry crash ratings from PU50 up to K54 and include sophisticated control systems that provide custom optimization. Control systems feature the latest, most advanced protection technology. Early warning systems enable active security measures built into Delta products plus alert features to on-site security personnel. Delta Scientific’s High Security Protection and Barricade Systems are used internationally by governments, armed forces, federal agencies, private corporations, and other industries. Jackson’s Fencing’s range of solutions includes fencing, bollards, road blockers, and gates. They have been tested to PAS 68 standards and can stop a 7.5-ton vehicle traveling at 50mph (80km/h). The products come with a 25-year guarantee. Attractive timber appearance They offer crash ratings up to M50 and include both automated barriers and passive bollards In addition, their unique Linebacker PNR system is a cable crash fence, encased within a timber post and rail fence, offering a completely discreet yet highly effective vehicle security barrier with an attractive timber appearance. Facilities that require day-to-day employee and civilian access need permanent solutions installed to thwart daily terror threats, says Hamm of Delta Scientific. Solutions include wedge barriers, bollards, beams, and sliding gates with high duty cycles and excellent reliability coupled with appropriate crash ratings. Local fairs and festivals, parades, conventions, sports, and vaccination sites utilize portable barriers that can be towed into place and set up within 30 minutes. They offer crash ratings up to M50 and include both automated barriers and passive bollards. They can be plugged into a local 120v source and provide a portable solution that allows vehicle throughput by pushing a button. Vehicle-borne attacks Both temporary and permanent barriers are extremely effective, says Glen of Jackson’s Fencing. Temporary barriers can be deployed rapidly and removed when a threat has passed (for example, an event such as the London marathon, where large crowds gather), while permanent measures are used for sites that will always be a high-risk target. Glen says temporary barriers also generally have a more dominating appearance and wider footprint. Permanent measures are used for sites that will always be a high-risk target.  Temporary barriers can be used immediately after a risk assessment highlights vehicle-borne attacks as a threat to a site before permanent measures are installed. They can help to identify the ideal positioning of permanent barriers – often it's a case of trial and error before finding a solution that works well for one’s particular needs. The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided certification according to the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technology Act (SAFETY Act) of 2002. Access control products This certification minimizes insurance risks for organizations that deploy authorized Delta vehicle access control products to protect against terrorists and errant drivers. All products certified are covered retroactively back to 1984 and are now authorized to carry the SAFETY Act Designated mark. By minimizing insurance risks to deploying authorized Delta vehicle access systems, this certification lets customers feel comfortable knowing that they have the full faith and backing of the Department of Homeland Security. A common planning deficiency occurs when designers choose non-certified barriers or barricades A common planning deficiency occurs when designers choose non-certified barriers or barricades. Certified equipment has been tested and proven to work under extreme conditions, thus giving planners the confidence they rely on. No area is more critical to the vehicle barrier selection process than testing. Without adequate testing, there is no assurance that the barrier will resist the threat. Independent testing company Testing is normally done by an independent testing company or government agency, such as the Department of State (DOS) and ASTM. Comprehensive reports of test results are issued and are available from the testing agency or manufacturer. A common misconception among the general public is that the barriers are ‘ugly,’ but this often comes from the appearance of temporary barriers that are installed for testing purposes before deciding on permanent measures. Temporary barriers often have a large footprint because they have no foundations and can be quite obtrusive. There are actually many discreet and attractive permanent solutions such as road blockers and stainless steel rising bollards, which allow flexible control over entry and security, and can be rapidly activated.

Following its recent acquisition, Vidsys will continue to operate, now as an ‘An ARES Security Company’. The Vidsys brand is known worldwide for its PSIM (physical security information management) solution and the acquisition will accelerate the next generation of products that incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their value to Vidsys clients and the overall market.  ARES Security Corporation has developed and deployed security and public safety software solutions for the past 20 years, solving complex physical security challenges. Their AVERT security software solution supports the full lifecycle of physical security operations: risk and technology assessment and design, training, and intelligent real-time incident response. AVERT security software AVERT security software helps clients by increasing security effectiveness and reducing cost AVERT security software helps clients by increasing security effectiveness and reducing cost. Clients are in many market segments including Corporate, Military, Government, Power, Data Centers, Transportation and Ports. Vidsys’ PSIM will immediately be improved by incorporating AVERT C2 (Command & Control), allowing clients access to expanded capabilities and an advanced technical roadmap. “Over time we will migrate the Vidsys technology to our state-of-the-art, multi-tenant SaaS architecture that includes secure, multi-site data sharing, an updated library of connectors, and integration to the AVERT digital twin, artificial intelligence/machine learning and automation capability,” said Ben Eazzetta, ARES Security Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Technical roadmap for upgrading to AI-PSIM platform “We are a client-centric company, and we will continue to support Vidsys clients,” stated Ben Eazzetta, adding “We will focus initial efforts towards closing any required and promised capability gaps and offer a significantly improved technical roadmap for the platform to be upgraded to AI-PSIM.” Additional AVERT products will be made available to Vidsys clients in a ‘cost-effective way’. They include technology for assessment and design, virtual tabletop and virtual reality training and enhanced AI and robotics capability surrounding the digital twin. A ‘digital twin’ is a digital representation of a physical object. Rapid incident response and robotic sentries interfaces ARES/Vidsys solution offers capabilities with extremely high levels of automation for rapid incident response ARES has a strong market position in several verticals that require a robust and automated next-generation AI-PSIM. The ARES/Vidsys solution offers capabilities with extremely high levels of automation that enable rapid incident response and incorporate advanced features, such as interfaces to robotic sentries. “These capabilities, along with a more automated deployment process, will allow Vidsys to scale their acquisition of customers across key verticals in which ARES is already active. This automated deployment process will also open new opportunities to work with system integrators who have shied away from PSIM projects in recent years,” stated Ben Eazzetta. Optimizing security operations ARES believes the physical security market is underserved by technology that optimizes operations. Ben Eazzetta adds, “All of our products are designed to optimize security operation, and the acquisition of Vidsys allows us to accelerate the development of the next generation PSIM that is adaptive and intelligent, powered by AVERT’s AI, and Modeling and Simulation system.” Vidsys pioneered PSIM in the security industry and created a robust library of connectors, providing an integrated real-time incident response system powered by a rules engine. Together, the AVERT/Vidsys solution seeks to transform the way security operations centers (SOCs) operate and respond to emergencies. Vidsys pioneered PSIM in the security industry and created a robust library of connectors Managing security at multiple sites Ben Eazzetta said, “There’s no denying that some in the security industry see PSIM as a four-letter word. But PSIM exists because it meets a need in the security operations center that cannot be met by either video management or incident management systems. It is critical that PSIM evolves to meet the rapidly changing demands of enterprise clients.” He adds, “Our clients need to manage security at multiple sites, each with different security plans and threats, they need adaptive rules engines to manage complex incidents and emergency responses, and they need automation to seamlessly command and control all security assets, including robotic assets.” Flexible and intelligent software Future of command-and-control will need to be flexible, intelligent software with extremely high levels of automation “The future of command-and-control will need to be flexible, intelligent software with extremely high levels of automation that enables very rapid incident response and incorporates advanced capabilities such as interfaces to robotic sentries,” said Ben Eazzetta. He adds, “To achieve this, we are replacing the brittle, difficult-to-configure rules engine of today’s PSIM with machine learning and AI capabilities that can produce automated/optimized responses or recommendations in near real time.” SaaS-enabled and remotely hosted system The systems will be SaaS-enabled, remotely hosted and easily configurable to reduce the cost and time of deployments for large enterprise implementations and easily supported by end-users, and system integrators. In a post-Covid-19 world, it is critical that enterprise security software solutions be adaptive, intelligent, automated and offer the ability for disparate teams to share information and collaborate in a meaningful way, while responding to incidents and emergencies in real-time. The ARES/Vidsys offering is a lifecycle solution that meets the needs of enterprise security operations. Next-generation of AI-PSIM “ARES has always pushed the needle of what is possible with our AVERT solution, ever since development of our digital twin technology began in 1999 to protect our nation’s nuclear stockpiles,” said Ben Eazzetta, adding “Today, we continue to innovate with the next generation of AI-PSIM.”     So what’s ahead for ARES and Vidsys in 2021? “A lot of Zoom calls!” laughs Eazzetta, adding “We are excited to leverage the decades of hard work that both teams have put into our solutions. We all realize the fantastic opportunity we have been given to create a next-generation AI-PSIM and to open new markets for all of our products and solutions.” He adds, “Combining the two companies will lead to improved development/support capability and significantly improved roadmaps for our clients. We will provide immediate ROI for clients by lowering deployment costs and leveraging the entire suite of products to provide more immediate value while continuing to deliver as promised, like ARES always does.”

Artificial intelligence (AI) is more than a buzzword. AI is increasingly becoming part of our everyday lives, and a vital tool in the physical security industry. In 2020, AI received more attention than ever, and expanded the ways it can contribute value to physical security systems. This article will revisit some of those development at year-end, including links back to the originally published content. In the security market today, AI is expanding the use cases, making technologies more powerful and saving money on manpower costs - and today represents just the beginning of what AI can do for the industry. What it will never do, however, is completely take the place of humans in operating security systems. There is a limit to how much we are willing to turn over to machines - even the smartest ones. Beyond video analytics "Apply AI to security and now you have an incredibly powerful tool that allows you to operate proactively rather than reactively," said Jody Ross of AMAG Technology, one of our Expert Roundtable Panelists. AI made its initial splash in the physical security market by transforming the effectiveness of video analytics AI made its initial splash in the physical security market by transforming the effectiveness of video analytics. However, now there are many other applications, too, as addressed by our Expert Panel Roundtable in another article. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning provide useful tools to make sense of massive amounts of Internet of Things (IoT) data. By helping to automate low-level decision-making, the technologies can make security operators more efficient. Biometrics with access control Intelligent capabilities can expand integration options such as increasing the use of biometrics with access control. AI can also help to monitor mechanics and processes. Intelligent systems can help end users understand building occupancy and traffic patterns and even to help enforce physical distancing. These are just a few of the possible uses of the technologies - in the end, the sky is the limit. AI is undoubtedly one of the bigger disrupters in the physical security industry, and adoption is growing at a rapid rate. And it’s not just about video analytics. Rather, it is data AI, which is completely untapped by the security industry. Bottom line: AI can change up your security game by automatically deciphering information to predict the future using a wide range of sources and data that have been collected, whether past, present, and future. That’s right. You can look into the future. Smarter perimeter protection Now, Intrusion Detection (Perimeter Protection) systems with cutting-edge, built-in AI algorithms to recognize a plethora of different object types, can distinguish objects of interest, thus significantly decreasing the false-positive intrusion rate. The more advanced AI-based systems enable the users to draw ROIs based on break-in points, areas of high-valuables, and any other preference to where alerts may be beneficial. AI Loitering Detection can be used to receive alerts on suspicious activity outside any given store Similarly, AI Loitering Detection can be used to receive alerts on suspicious activity outside any given store. The loitering time and region of interest are customizable in particular systems, which allows for a range of detection options. Smart security is advancing rapidly. As AI and 4K rise in adoption on smart video cameras, these higher video resolutions are driving the demand for more data to be stored on-camera. AI and smart video promise to extract greater insights from security video. Meeting urban needs Complex, extensive camera networks will already require a large amount of data storage, particularly if this is 24/7 monitoring from smart video-enabled devices. Newer edge computing will play an important role in capturing, collecting, and analyzing data. There are many more types of cameras being used today, such as body cameras, dashboard cameras, and new Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors. Video data is so rich nowadays, you can analyze it and deduce a lot of valuable information in real-time, instead of post-event. In smart cities applications, the challenge of identifying both physical and invisible threats to meet urban citizens’ needs will demand a security response that is proactive, adaptable and dynamic. Optimize security solutions As we look ahead to the future of public safety, it’s clear that new technologies, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), can dramatically improve the effectiveness of today’s physical security space. For smart cities, the use of innovative AI and machine learning technologies have already started to help optimize security solutions. In sports stadium applications, AI’s role in getting fans and spectators back after the COVID pandemic is huge, through capabilities such as social distance monitoring, crowd scanning/metrics, facial recognition, fever detection, track and trace and providing behavioral analytics. Technologies such as AI-powered collaboration platforms now work alongside National Leagues, Franchises and Governing Bodies to implement AI surveillance software into their CCTV/surveillance cameras. AI surveillance software In many ways, it’s the equivalent of a neighborhood watch program made far more intelligent through the use of AI This is now creating a more collaborative effort from the operations team in stadiums, rather than purely security. AI surveillance software, when implemented into the surveillance cameras can be accessed by designated users on any device and on any browser platform. One of the biggest advantages of using AI technology is that it’s possible to integrate this intelligent software into building smarter, safer communities and cities. Essentially, this means developing a layered system that connects multiple sensors for the detection of visible and invisible threats. Integrated systems mean that threats can be detected and tracked, with onsite and law enforcement notified faster, and possibly before an assault begins to take place. In many ways, it’s the equivalent of a neighborhood watch program made far more intelligent through the use of AI. Fighting illicit trade Using technology in this way means that thousands of people can be screened seamlessly and quickly, without invading their civil liberties or privacy. AI’s ability to detect visible or invisible threats or behavioral anomalies will prove enormously valuable to many sectors across our global economy. Revolutionary AI-driven technologies can help to fight illicit trade across markets. AI technologies in this specific application promise to help build safer and more secure communities in the future. AI can support the ongoing fight against illicit trade on a global scale in a tangible way. For financial transactions at risk of fraud and money laundering, for example, tracking has become an increasing headache if done manually. As a solution to this labor-intensive process, AI technology can be trained to follow all the compliance rules and process a large number of documents - often billions of pages of documents - in a short period of time.

Adani Group is a multi-national conglomerate headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India and has a diversified portfolio of businesses, including resources, logistics, energy sectors and agriculture business. Adani Group is the largest port developer and operator in India, with Mundra being the country's largest commercial port. With multiple ports, branches, manufacturing units and corporate offices at various locations, Adani Group is one of the largest business units. In all, this business group has 15,000+ employees and 50,000+ workers (with 900+ third-party contractors), who are involved in the incorporation of various work orders across 25+ business units. Managing staff attendance and diverse shifts Adani Group is widely engaged in multiple business units and ports with 50,000+ workers under 900+ contractors, employed at various locations. Maintaining and managing entire attendance, diverse shifts and leave policies for the various locations, and numerous workers at a central place was critical for them. Moreover, task allotment to workers based on its requirements, skills under a contractor and its verification against the respective contractor's report were tedious tasks for the management. To provide approved and appropriate induction of each worker at a defined level, monitor the progress status of each work order and its segregation based on reports were quite challenging. Report generation to eliminate the fraudulent and erroneous payment of wages at contractors' end had been the need of the hour. Moreover, their requirement of timely and error-free payroll processing was arisen to improve overall productivity. COSEC Contract Workers Management  COSEC Contract Workers Management offers centralized attendance management solution for various branches After comprehensive discussion regarding problems and requirements, Matrix offered COSEC Contract Workers Management solution for their 50,000+ workers, who have been employed under 900+ contractors, spread across four locations in India. COSEC Contract Workers Management offers centralized attendance management solution for various branches, spread across multiple locations, which automates all processes, right from recording entries and exits up to processing salaries. Enrolment of the worker credentials COSEC Contract Workers Management facilitates enrolment of the worker credentials, along with a photograph, documents, and induction details. It helps contractors to manage workers efficiently, using contractors' self-service portal. The solution provides multiple connectivity possibilities via Ethernet, Wi-Fi and mobile broadband. It eases the tracking of work order progress. It offers seamless integration with SAP using the database to database linking and offers the feature of real-time notifications, in cases of exceptional situations via email and SMS. Results: Enhanced security with effective worker's enrollment process abiding by various induction levels. Increase in productivity of admin by 20%. Easy decision making due to the generation of customized reports. Smooth and effective monitoring of work orders. Improved security with centralized control and monitoring - Reduced time spent by the security department. Error-free man hours' computation for quick & effective wages' calculation. Minimized manual interventions.   Matrix products and solutions Offered: COSEC CENTRA LE - Application Software Platform expandable up to one million users. COSEC LE CWM - Contract Workers Management Module for COSEC CENTRA LE. COSEC DOOR FOW - Fingerprint and RF Card-based Door Controller with Wi-Fi connectivity. COSEC PATH DCFM - Fingerprint, Mifare Card and NFC-based Door Controller. COSEC VEGA FAX - Fingerprint and RF Card-based Premium Door Controller with Touch Sense LCD, IP65, Wi-Fi, PoE. COSEC DOOR FOP - Fingerprint and RF Card-based Premium Door Controller with LCD and Keypad.

Boon Edam Inc., a front-runner in security entrances and architectural revolving doors, announced that the Arta’a Arts Center in Aalter, Belgium has installed a Crystal TQ revolving door, bringing the Arts Center into full compliance with European safety requirements. The all-glass door also enhances the environment by creating a comfortable entryway full of natural light. Constructed in 2020, the Arta’a Arts Center houses numerous facilities, including the Academy for Music, Literature and Dance; the Academy for Visual Arts; the municipal library; a documentation center; and the culture and tourism unit. In addition to these public areas, there are residential apartments above the Center that are also accessed by the building’s main entry. In coordination with Basil Architecture, Boon Edam took on the challenge of designing an entrance solution that would be safe and secure while also complimenting the building’s beautiful architecture. Designing a multi-use building The Arts Center building is six stories tall, with two of the stories located underground level. The residential apartments are located on stories 2-4, and the facilities that comprise the Arts Center are located on the first floor, and the two underground floors. The Basil Architecture team was challenged to incorporate natural light into the two underground floors while also buffering the sound of a full rehearsing orchestra in the evening for those living in the upstairs apartments. The addition of the Crystal TQ door at the entrance also lent a hand in flooding the building with natural light To address the lighting issue, the architects strategically placed large glass areas, or “light wells” in areas that would shine down onto the underground floors. They also incorporated a bright and unique yellow color into the Center to give the impression of more light in the building. The addition of the Crystal TQ all-glass revolving door at the entrance also lent a hand in flooding the building with natural light. The Crystal TQ revolving door is constructed from glass with only the most minimal stainless-steel frame and capping. Because the Crystal TQ is the most transparent revolving door available, it makes an excellent addition to any building facade. The door is available in 3- or 4-wing configurations and is easy for the general public to push through. Requirements for the building’s main entrance When considering the type of door to incorporate into the Arts Center entrance, architects had several requirements: The capability of handling the large flow of residents and visitors, especially during peak times Easy to use for young and old The ability to lock the door down after-hours, while still allowing entry to apartment residents An open, bright, and elegant design to match the building interior The Crystal TQ revolving door checked all these boxes and more.

The Thiepval Museums, in northern France, needed trusted, secure entry and exit control to reduce theft from their premises. User-friendly management of access rights was essential, for both internal and external users. The museums needed a system that will be able to cope easily with changes, site extensions and two-site operation, and a solution that would remove the need to change all cylinders, when an employee loses a key. eCLIQ locking cylinders installed Now, the Historial and Thiepval Museums are equipped with 52 eCLIQ locking cylinders, across the two sites. ASSA ABLOY’s eCLIQ key-operated solution offers them simplified access management, incorporating easy activation and deactivation of keys and simpler administration of access rights, and schedules for external providers and contractors. A unified system manages access to both locations. Every authorized key holder carries one battery-powered key programmed with only their tailored access permissions. With eCLIQ, missing keys are quickly de-authorized, cutting risks associated with key loss or theft. At any time, facility managers can generate an audit trail to verify who has accessed which locks. Designed for museum security Installing an eCLIQ system has allowed security teams to better monitor service providers Across the two sites, the museums have 40 durable, compact, and waterproof eCLIQ keys, of which 19 are already allocated to regular users. These Bluetooth-enabled keys are available to employees and contractors, helping the latter to improve their responsiveness when they are needed on-site. Installing an eCLIQ system has allowed security teams to better monitor service providers, along with their movements around and between the two sites. It is straightforward for museum managers to limit contractors’ access rights to the duration of a task, whether recurring or one-off. eCLIQ locking system Fitting eCLIQ locking system was a simple and wire-free task, and the museum staff, performed the installation themselves. One training session, with the admin software, was sufficient, to put them at ease with their new system. Looking after eCLIQ components is also easy, an integrated lubricant reservoir ensures cylinders, don’t require maintenance for up to 200,000 cycles. AES encryption, rapid processing, and efficient energy management is built into the eCLIQ chip. When a key’s battery runs out, it is easily replaced without tools. Easy and effective access control “I am very happy with the eCLIQ solution,” said M. Guyot, Technical and Security Manager at the Historial and Thiepval Museums, adding “Today, I promote the solution to those around me. I have also given a demonstration to the Somme General Council, to show the effectiveness and simplicity of the eCLIQ solution.” Guyot adds, “Normally, as a user client, we try to help you improve your products, but there was nothing to say in this case!”

82% of schools and colleges in both the US and Northern Europe see a potential role for CCTV/video monitoring systems in supporting a safe return to face-to-face teaching in school buildings and across further education college campuses, following the pandemic. Many schools and colleges have already adapted their video monitoring systems. For example, half (50%) of all those in charge of these systems had already adapted their existing video systems to help manage social distancing. A further 34% planned to use their systems for this purpose within the next 12 months.  Video monitoring systems The AVA Security Education Sector Security Survey provides a wealth of data and insight linked to how Operations, Security, and IT directors and managers within educational establishments in the US, Norway, Sweden, and the UK, are adapting their video monitoring or CCTV systems in the wake of the pandemic. Nearly four of every 10 (38%) educational institutions were already using their video monitoring systems to trace all student, staff, and visitor movements in, out, and around their premises and grounds to protect everyone from infection. A further 46% planned to configure these systems for this same purpose within the next 12 months. Safe-specific video analytics Nearly a third (29%) was already using their existing video systems to help provide temperature level health checks at some building entrances. A further 43% planned to enable temperature checking via their CCTV systems within the next year. Interestingly, 41% had already deployed their video systems for reporting on class or lecture hall occupancy levels and people density levels in retail areas, dining facilities, and other leisure areas where students congregate. A further 41% said they were planning to add this capability via their video systems over the next 12 months. Contactless access control The education sector is a  deployer of facial recognition analytics in existing cameras  Mask detection analytics is also being widely deployed in US and Northern Europe’s schools and colleges: 35% had already deployed video analytics software now available for alerting security staff when teachers or students are inside a building but not wearing a mask. A further 31% planned to deploy mask detection analytics within the next 12 months. However, the education sector is a more cautious deployer of facial recognition analytics in existing cameras to enable visual identification and contactless access control in the interests of reducing COVID infection via card touch-in gates. Only 22 percent of schools and colleges have deployed facial recognition to date, although this is set to more than double as 29% over the next 12 months. Reduced VMS costs The biggest challenge of supporting all these changes appears to be paying for them: 31% of those in charge of video monitoring systems had already seen a significant reduction in budgets available for upgrading and improving video monitoring capabilities in the last year. A further 29% had seen a small reduction in budgets over the same timeframe. A further 8% thought fresh budget cuts were likely in 2021. Cybersecurity has become a key IT priority As IT, Operations, and Security staff have had to run systems as well as teaching remotely during the pandemic, there has been an increased focus on cybersecurity to protect access to vital data and online learning resources.  Just in the last few weeks, the University of Hertfordshire experienced a major cyberattack which led to the shutting down of key online learning apps including Zoom for students enrolled there. Over a third (35%) of educational institutions’ decision-makers questioned thought it ‘very likely’ that they would need to place a ‘larger focus on cybersecurity for all devices and applications that are networked’ as one impact of the pandemic. A further 48% thought an increased cybersecurity focus was ‘likely’. Linked to this, 27% of directors and managers running video security systems in schools and colleges saw an improvement to the video ‘system’s resilience and back-up systems/procedures’ as a ‘High Priority’ improvement that they needed to implement to protect video data this year, while a further 44% saw it as ‘Somewhat a Priority’. Smarter, easier to use video systems There was some disquiet about the quality of existing video systems’ core capabilities, the Ava Security research found. For example, 29% thought it was a ‘High Priority’ to improve the speed of finding and retrieving video evidence after a security or safety incident. A further 40% saw it as ‘Somewhat a Priority’ to improve the systems’ retrieval capabilities to find ‘required footage of incidents easier and quicker. It currently takes too long.’ Further, 22% saw the need for ‘better integration between video monitoring camera systems and other security-related systems, such as access control or alarm systems’ as a ‘High Priority’, while over half (57%) saw wider security systems integration as ‘Somewhat a Priority’ now. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of video monitoring system decision-makers in the education sector were keen to make their video monitoring systems ‘more intelligent, using video analytics to support better post-event decision-making’ – placing this improvement as either a ‘High Priority’ or ‘Somewhat a Priority’. Cloud on the horizon 73% of the education sector is experiencing accelerated cloud migration Others were more focused on Cloud Migration of more IT Systems. Over half (51%) confirmed that their cloud migration plans had been accelerated in 2020/21 and a further 32% confirmed that a new budget had already been allocated for moving more services into the cloud in the financial year 2020/21. That means that altogether (net) 73% of the education sector is experiencing accelerated cloud migration. Linked to this, the same study uncovered that 58% found ‘adoption of Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) i.e., moving their video monitoring system into the cloud’, as a ‘net priority’ for improving and optimizing their video monitoring systems looking forward. VSaaS selection criteria For the 82% of all education respondents actively considering VSaaS options right now, there were many criteria determining provider selection. Nearly nine out of 10 net (87%) considering VSaaS right now, agreed with the statement ‘It must have very strong cybersecurity, including end-to-end encryption from the camera to the cloud.’ The VSaaS selected must also offer a reduction in the ‘Total Cost of Ownership of our video monitoring system’, according to 48% of educational institutions considering migration to VSaaS. Further, 45% of decision-makers questioned insisted on greater ease of use, supporting the statement ‘It must be configurable and operable by non-IT people’. Third-party cameras While 24% of education sector decision-makers considering VSaaS, said it was critical that the provider was not headquartered in mainland China. A net 80% of video monitoring system decision-makers in the education sector also considered it important that the VSaaS selected ‘must allow us to continue using our existing third party cameras which we have already installed, we don’t want to rip & replace any equipment.' A net 80% considering VSaaS also confirmed ‘It must allow us to view their directly attached cloud cameras alongside our third-party cameras on the same interface’. Further, the same number of respondents (net 80%) considered it net important (either ‘very’ or ‘quite important’) that the VSaaS ‘must allow us to use our existing Video Management Software (VMS) or provide the same functionality as we get from our VMS’. Latest analytic capabilities An even higher number, net 84%, regarded it as important that the VSaaS selected ‘must enable us to run the latest video analytics capabilities such as occupancy levels for social distance management (in a room), noise analytics (e.g., breaking glass, screaming, yelling, etc), people and vehicle search, object searching and color searching’. Balance of power The Ava study also explored whether the events of the last year had prompted changes in terms of who looks after the management of video monitoring systems. There was some evidence in the education sector that as CCTV has increasingly been migrated onto the network, IT departmental control is increasing. According to the study, nearly a third (31%) of schools and colleges’ video systems passed more control of their video monitoring systems to their IT department – taking the total percentage of video systems run by IT in the education sector to 39%. However, security and/or facilities management still holds the balance of power in the running of these systems with 50%, with 24% gaining responsibility for video monitoring during the pandemic. Only 4% of systems confirmed they had fully outsourced video system management and 7% confirmed that more of the management, upgrading, and running of their systems had been outsourced over the last year. Workspace management technologies Ava Security also found evidence that the education sector is an early adopter of other workspace technologies designed to make it easier for students to manage the use of school and college facilities while minimizing the risk of COVID infection. For example, 52% of educational institutions captured in the Ava study expressed interest in offering staff and students the capability of remote pre-booking of working areas in libraries, classrooms, and lecture halls and pre-registering students via mobile-ready apps. Nearly four out of every 10 people responsible for managing video monitoring in their school or college (38%) felt remote booking of extra cleaning of surfaces before or after classes would be a useful innovation. Cybersecurity is critical to VSaaS selection There is a strong determination to adapt existing school surveillance systems to new COVID-safe requirements" Vegard Aas, Head of Online Business at Ava Security, commented, “The fact that four out of five education sector video monitoring system decision-makers are already actively considering VSaaS and weighing up criteria for selection is very encouraging." “There is also clearly a strong determination to adapt existing school video surveillance systems to new COVID-safe requirements. And the fact that a third (32%) confirmed that a new budget had already been allocated for moving more services into the cloud this year provides significant scope for optimism as we enhance our VSaaS offering with Ava Cloud Connector for example, which enables those running systems to plug existing third party cameras into Ava’s open Aware Cloud platform.” Cloud Connector Ava Security recently launched its Cloud Connector offering to enable video security system owners easy and cost-effective transition of video security solutions to the cloud. This brings Ava’s advanced real-time video analytics and proactive security to existing surveillance cameras by integrating them with Ava’s open Aware Cloud platform. Ava’s Cloud Connector eliminates the need to rip and replace existing video security devices to directly reap the cost and operational efficiencies of a true cloud service.

The MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI), the largest electronics systems research and development center in Canada, has announced that they recently selected Honeywell for its new thermal screening and risk self-assessment process, at its Bromont, Quebec location, to better sustain operations and to help improve the well-being of building occupants and visitors. Thermal cameras installed C2MI is an internationally known micro-electronics research center that requires 24/7 laboratory access for its team and collaborators. The COVID-19 pandemic challenged its standard operations and ability to provide laboratory access, while limiting potential virus exposure. Honeywell worked with C2MI to install a thermal camera solution to screen elevated skin temperatures and risk self-assessment, in order to streamline building access control, without the need for human interaction. Healthy Building Kiosk thermal sensors Using AI, the Healthy Building Kiosk thermal sensor monitors for trends and leverages variables Using artificial intelligence (AI), the Healthy Building Kiosk thermal sensor monitors for trends and leverages variables, such as the outdoor temperature to provide more accurate readings. If an elevated skin temperature is detected, the staffer or visitor is referred for testing, before being authorized access to the center. The solution allows C2MI security staff to focus on other critical tasks and gives building users shared accountability. C2MI and Honeywell collaboration C2MI and Honeywell are continuously working to refine the technology, in order to create a more efficient and safer access control. C2MI will see a return on investment in less than one year, when calculating the cost of a security personnel dedicated to managing staff access control. “We’ve worked with C2MI to create a custom solution to improve the efficiency of building access and support a return to more normal operations,” said Laura Laltrello, Vice President and General Manager of North America services for Honeywell Building Technologies. 24/7 operations simplified Laura Laltrello adds, “With the implementation of the new Healthy Building Kiosk at the entrance, C2MI’s 24/7 operations are simplified, while allowing the security staff to focus on other critical tasks. We’ve also deployed a continuous improvement process with C2MI to refine the solution to best suit its needs and manage issues such as queuing.” “As a center of collaboration and innovation, C2MI faced two challenges in the past year: the ability to sustain operations, while also taking steps to help make our staff and researchers safer,” said Marie-Josée Turgeon, General Manager for C2MI. Streamlining building access control Our collaboration with Honeywell has allowed us to streamline building entry" Marie-Josée Turgeon adds, “Our collaboration with Honeywell has allowed us to streamline building entry and remove the semi-manual process of individuals’ skin temperature reading, to help provide a safer environment for our teams.” C2MI also implemented health protocols aligned with local guidelines and recommendations, such as a work-from-home (WFH) policy, limiting the number of people in the cafeteria and conference rooms, encouraging social distancing, optimizing disinfecting and cleaning, as well as mandatory procedural mask wearing. Honeywell Healthy Buildings solutions Honeywell’s Healthy Building solutions are part of a comprehensive effort to quickly develop innovative solutions that will help critical sectors of the global economy to recover, without the need to replace existing infrastructure at high costs. Honeywell’s Healthy Building solutions also provide a holistic view of a building’s health, based on the key factors, such as indoor air quality (IAQ), occupant flow, personal protective equipment (PPE) analytics, thermal screening, skin temperature monitoring, social distancing and sanitation efficacy.

SmartSec Solutions, a specialist front of house security provider, has been appointed by Colliers International to oversee security at the prestigious 10 Old Bailey, London. SmartSec has been working with Colliers for almost three-years across other London-based properties including at Idle Lane, Southampton Street, King Street, and Bartholomew Lane and this appointment adds to SmartSec’s growing corporate portfolio. High-Profile security service The three-year contract, will see SmartSec provide high-profile security service The three-year contract, starting in May 2021, will see SmartSec provide high-profile security service to welcome tenants and visitors as well as protecting assets, property and the occupiers. 10 Old Bailey is an eight-storey building across 86,625sq ft. St Paul’s Underground station is within 5 minutes of the building providing access to the Central Line. Thameslink and Blackfriars are also in close proximity. Solid customer service Rachel McMahon, Colliers International Facilities Manager, said: “SmartSec’s staff are fantastic. They are great communicators and have always displayed that wow-factor. I know that I can approach Dele Ogunlaru and his team and speak openly and candidly to them. This personalized service is invaluable to Colliers and is what separates SmartSec from any other security provider I have previously worked with.” Dele Ogunlaru, Director, Compliance & Key Accounts, comments: “First class security underpins everything. However, it’s also about solid customer service, good communication, and welcoming building tenants and visitors coming through that front door. We are the first person they see at the start of the day and often the last person they see when they leave. It’s about making a visit to the building an enjoyable experience, and that starts with the officer on the front desk.”

During the coronavirus lockdown, employees worked from home in record numbers. But the growing trend came with a new set of security challenges. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the impact of the transition to remote working/home offices on the security market?

When technology performs a required task effectively, there is little reason to upgrade to the ‘next big thing’. In this regard, the physical security market is notoriously slow to change. Much of yesterday’s most robust and dependable equipment is still in place at thousands of customer sites, still performing as well as the day it was installed. However, there comes a point when any technology becomes outdated. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which security technologies are becoming outdated or obsolete?

When the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, a world of uncertainty unfolded for those doing business in the UK and the EU. The referendum was passed in July 2016. Including subsequent delays, the separation was completed after four years in January 2020, with a transition period ending December 2020. Even with the deadlines past, there are still pockets of uncertainty stemming from the separation. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How has Brexit affected the security industry?