Security devices

Security and Safety Things (SAST) - A Bosch IoT startup, hosts the first-ever live hackathon at ISC West on the 10th and 11th of April in the Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas. The two-day event featured three teams racing against the clock to create the most deployable application for an American football stadium using the new Security and Safety things system, SAST OS (Operating system). Teams were provided with Google pixel phones, reference cameras and appropriate APIs and development kits, including a video API, control API and a web server API. From there, they were tasked with developing creative solutions that would inspire new use cases and generate business insights, through the use of SAST OS. Software Development Environment Submissions were reviewed by Jim Coleman, Convergint; Staffan Grundström, Securitas; and Markus Berger-de León, Partner McKinsey & Company. The goal of the challenge was to develop apps, but also to show the industry how easy apps and solutions can be developed using SAST OS. Furthermore, the hackathon provided valuable feedback that will impact future development of SAST OS and the software development environment. SAST believes that the ecosystems and framework they have created will soon be a powerful standard for developers, integrators and hardware manufacturers alike. The hackathon showcased the ease of use of the system overall, and will act as a starting point for future innovations / developments.

Johnson Controls announces that its PowerSeries Pro is the first ever commercial grade security system to harness the long-range communication technology of PowerG and is designed to handle large-scale installations. The system offers the highest level of cyber protection features and encryption technology without the need for a wired communication path. PowerSeries Pro is developed for commercial use and can support up to 248 zones, making it an ideal solution for warehouses, office buildings, factories, and healthcare facilities. Intrusion Security Panel “In the past, we have had systems that support commercial applications, but PowerSeries Pro is our first commercial intrusion security panel that can handle large commercial installations while eliminating the need for wires on sensors or keypads,” said Jennifer Doctor, senior director of Product Management, Tyco Security Solutions. “We are excited to provide this new product to the commercial sector, and hope the increase in zones, coupled with secure encryption, will provide end users with the flexibility and reliability they need.” Tyco security solutions’ PowerSeries Pro includes built-in 128-bit AES encryption technology, supports multiple third-party integrations, including Building Management Software (BMS), as well as video and access control solutions to offer a versatile platform for holistic commercial security. Commercial Installations In addition, Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum technology repeatedly switches frequencies to minimize interference of radio signals and prevent interception and obstruction during transmission. This is especially useful in commercial integrations, where transmissions take place over longer distances, and in turn require more planning to combat potential interferences security threats. Requiring no drills, wires or repeaters, both residential and commercial installations are hassle-free and provide all the power and security of a wired connection, without the wires.

Johnson Controls expands its PowerG technology portfolio to include the addition of several new detectors and sensors offering installers a greater variety of devices that harness the power of PowerG. Wireless Security Technology Enhancements to the PowerG portfolio include a 360-degree ceiling mount PIR detector, commercial magnetic contact, carbon monoxide detection and vanishing door / window magnetic contact, just to name a few. With the absence of wires, PowerG is able to securely perform many of the functions of a wired system, with new updates being made continuously. From long-range ceiling mount detection to smoke and heat detection, PowerG provides the power of wires without the wires. PowerG is the wireless security technology, designed with homes and businesses in mind. With the addition of new enhancements, PowerG is continuing to make end-users’ lives more secure and convenient while cutting installation time and saving money for installers. Unparalleled Cyber Protection “There once was a time where wired solutions were deemed the most secure and, in turn, were the ones chosen,” said Jennifer Doctor, senior director of Product Management, Tyco Security Solutions. “PowerG gives users the peace of mind that comes with an encrypted, wired solution, but eliminates the hassle of wires. With the added detectors and sensors, PowerG rivals that of traditional intrusion systems.” With ultra-reliable, two-way 128-bit AES encrypted communication and iron-clad protection that blocks interference, PowerG delivers unparalleled cyber protection features – ensuring reliable performance with minimum false alarms.

Pulse Secure, the provider of software-defined Secure Access solutions, announces that it has teamed up with Dynamic Worldwide Training Consultants (DWWTC) and Westcon Americas, A Division of SYNNEX, to deliver the new Pulse Secure Authorized Training program to its reseller partners and customers. As Pulse Secure Authorized Education Partners, DWWTC and Westcon Americas, A Division of SYNNEX, will deliver Pulse Secure’s new program of Authorized Education Training Courses, designed to prepare users to pass the Pulse Secure Certified Technical Expert Certification exams. The instructor-led training program is open to Pulse Secure customers and reseller partners and is available globally in both virtual and classroom environments. Secure Access Offerings Joe Pittillo, vice president of services, SYNNEX Corporation, said, “By providing customers access to Pulse Secure products, services, and now education, our team can further enable their success in the channel around Secure Access offerings. Our goal here, as well as with all of our education and training programs, is to help increase partner profitability and the value they bring to their customers – all from a single, trusted source.” The certification program will uniquely benefit both Pulse Secure reseller partners and customers Dave Warren, CEO, DWWTC, commented, “We’re delighted to come on board as a Pulse Secure Authorized Education Partner to help companies gain that extra level of knowledge to help them stand out from their competitors and grow their businesses.” Authorized Education Partners The certification program will uniquely benefit both Pulse Secure reseller partners and customers, allowing each to maximize their Pulse Secure deployments and businesses. Customers will gain the expertise to implement and manage the Pulse Secure product suite more effectively while partners will be enabled to promote and deliver Pulse Secure solutions with confidence and to further differentiate their service offerings. Sudhakar Ramakrishna, CEO of Pulse Secure, said, “Pulse Secure recognises that an empowered and enabled partner and sales community is better able to deliver customer and business success. To this end, training and certification, and our partnership with our Authorized Education Partners, is a key business imperative for Pulse Secure. Attendees of the training delivered by our Authorized Education Partners will leave with the skills and the confidence needed to successfully implement and maintain Pulse Secure products and solutions.”

ShotSpotter, Inc., the provider of gunshot detection solutions that help law enforcement officials identify, locate and deter gun violence, announces a new technology innovation unit – ShotSpotter Labs – to expand the company’s current efforts supporting innovative uses of its technology to help protect wildlife and the environment. ShotSpotter Labs is launching with an initial focus on helping combat rhino poaching in South Africa. Later this year, the unit intends to explore other applications for global wildlife protection such as combatting illegal blast fishing in Malaysia with underwater sensors. Multiple Poacher Apprehensions In 2014, ShotSpotter began a pilot of its gunshot detection technology in the Intensified Protection Zone of Kruger National Park in South Africa, home to 60% of the last remaining rhinos. Given the vast expanse of the park, most poaching incidents went undetected with carcasses found days or weeks after the fact. With the introduction of ShotSpotter to detect, locate and alert park rangers to gunfire incidents in under 60 seconds, there have been multiple poacher apprehensions within the coverage area since its debut. The resulting speed and accuracy of the response not only increases our chances of making contact and effecting an arrest" “ShotSpotter changes the game by giving our rangers the exact location of the shot within seconds,” said Glenn Phillips, Managing Executive of Kruger National Park. “The resulting speed and accuracy of the response not only increases our chances of making contact and effecting an arrest, but over time we hope will send a powerful message to poachers to stay away.” Unmanned Aerial Vehicles In addition to significantly expanding coverage area in the park, ShotSpotter Labs plans to integrate with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for automated dispatch to the precise latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of the gunfire. The UAVs will provide a video stream to rangers so that they can track the poachers. ShotSpotter has had to adapt its sensors and software for use in the sprawling expanse of Kruger National Park with no electricity available to power sensors. These types of system innovations required for anti-poaching are already being applied in other applications such as solar-powered sensors in freeway deployments with limited access to electricity. “I’ve seen the devastation to the rhino population firsthand in South Africa and it’s meaningful that ShotSpotter can make a difference to help these amazing animals survive for future generations,” said Ralph A. Clark, president and CEO of ShotSpotter. “This kind of engagement is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also an opportunity for us to develop innovative technology that can ultimately be incorporated back into core products across our business.”

March Networks, a global video security and video-based business intelligence pioneer, is pleased to introduce March Networks Insight. The new, hosted service provides March Networks customers with unmatched video network visibility, asset control, system health, and service level agreement (SLA) performance management. It offers a visual overview of an organization’s entire video network, and valuable reporting capabilities accessible via a secure, cloud-based platform. Leveraging the proven expertise of March Networks’ dedicated Network Operations Center (NOC) team, which already provides daily managed services to more than 35,000 sites across North America, Insight leaves customers free to focus on their business while ensuring optimum video system performance. Recurring Revenue Stream For March Networks certified solution partners (CSPs), Insight delivers the tools needed to serve customers more efficiently For March Networks certified solution partners (CSPs), Insight delivers the tools needed to serve customers more efficiently. It reduces costly truck rolls, and enables partners to easily document and track product warranty status, software versions and other information. The service is also an opportunity for CSPs to build a new recurring revenue stream, working together with March Networks’ professional services team. With Insight, customers enjoy complete, end-to-end support – from system monitoring, performance optimization and issue diagnosis, to remote resolution where possible. When onsite service is required, the NOC team generates a service ticket for customers or their certified partner along with valuable information on the likely issue, for faster, more efficient resolution. Cloud-Based Management Platform That complete support is just one of the benefits enabled by this industry-first service. Insight offers unique features and reporting capabilities that save customers time and costs, including: Easy, self-service access to the cloud-based management platform via a web browser, enabling customers and/or their certified partner to securely access critical video network information, create customized reports, and generate and track their own service tickets. Comprehensive health reporting, for at-a-glance views of a customer’s video network health, problematic areas and more. Closed-loop field service workflows so customers know that escalated issues have been resolved successfully. SLA reporting on items including outstanding service tickets and time to resolution, validating that SLA commitments are being met. Scheduled software upgrades, ensuring timely updates that help protect the video network from possible security vulnerabilities and enable feature enhancements. Inventory and product warranty reporting, providing an invaluable audit of a customer’s entire video network, including device configuration, model number, firmware version and warranty status. Optional, third-party device health monitoring employing Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) scanning tools, leaving customers worry-free even when it comes to non-March Networks IP devices in the video network. Optional Field of View (FOV) reports, so customers and/or their certified partner can move quickly to fix any camera FOV that’s been changed or obstructed. Geographical and network topology views, for a more intuitive overview of a customer’s video deployment, as well as the ability to quickly spot trends by region or area. Physical Access Controls To ensure customer data is well protected, March Networks enforces strict security and management controls To ensure customer data is well protected, March Networks enforces strict security and management controls. The NOC runs on a dedicated network, has its own firewall, and uses sophisticated visibility rules to segregate customer data at multiple levels. It also incorporates state-of-the art physical access controls and restrictions, including a retinal scanner and 24/7 video monitoring. March Networks conducts cybersecurity audits and penetration tests regularly, and mandates regular employee training so NOC staff are always current on cybersecurity best practices. In addition, the company backs up NOC data frequently and systematically, and has an established disaster recovery process and redundant power sources in place to mitigate power and system downtime. March Networks Insight is currently available in the U.S. and Canada, with flexible one, three or five-year service terms, and monthly, quarterly or annual invoicing options. The company is demonstrating the new, hosted service in Booth 26041 at the International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC West), April 10-12, 2019 in Las Vegas, NV.

The industry faces numerous challenges in the coming year. Physical and cyber security threats continue to become more complex, and organizations are struggling to manage both physical and digital credentials as well as a rapidly growing number of connected endpoints in the Internet of Things (IoT). We are witnessing the collision of the enterprise with the IoT, and organizations now must establish trust and validate the identity of people as well as ‘things’ in an environment of increasingly stringent safety and data privacy regulations. Meanwhile, demand grows for smarter and more data-driven workplaces, a risk-based approach to threat protection, improved productivity and seamless, more convenient access to the enterprise and its physical and digital assets and services. Using Smartphone Apps To Open Doors Cloud technologies give people access through their mobile phones and other devices to many new, high-value experiencesEnterprise customers increasingly want to create trusted environments within which they can deliver valuable new user experiences. A major driver is growing demand for the ‘digital cohesion’ of being able to use smartphone apps to open doors, authenticate to enterprise data resources or access a building’s applications and services. Cloud technologies are a key piece of the solution. They give people access through their mobile phones and other devices to many new, high-value experiences. At the same time, they help fuel smarter, more data-driven workplace environments. With the arrival of today’s identity- and location-aware building systems that recognize people and use deep learning analytics to customize their office environment, the workplace is undergoing dramatic change. Improved Fingerprint Solutions Cloud-based platforms and application programming interfaces (APIs) will help bridge biometrics and access control in the enterprise, overcoming previous integration hurdles while providing a trusted platform that meets the concerns of accessibility and data protection in a connected environment. At the same time, the next generation of fingerprint solutions will deliver higher matching speed, better image capture quality and improved performance. The next generation of fingerprint solutions will deliver higher matching speed, better image capture quality and improved performance Liveness detection will ensure that captured data is from a living person. Biometrics authentication will also gain traction beyond access control in immigration and border control, law enforcement, military, defense and other public section use cases where higher security is needed. Flexible Subscription Models Access control solutions based on cloud platforms will also change how solutions are deployed. Siloed security and workplace optimization solutions will be replaced with mobile apps that can be downloaded anywhere across a global ecosystem of millions of compatible and connected physical access control system endpoints. These connections will also facilitate new, more flexible subscription models for access control services. As an example, users will be able to more easily replenish mobile IDs if their smartphones are lost or must be replaced. Generating Valuable Insights With Machine Learning Machine learning analytics will be used to generate valuable insights from today’s access control solutionsEducation, finance, healthcare, enterprise, and other niche markets such as commercial real-estate and enterprises focused on co-working spaces will benefit from a cloud-connected access control hardware foundation. There will be a faster path from design to deployment since developers will no longer have to create an entire vertically integrated solution. They will simply add an app experience to the existing access control infrastructure. New players will be drawn to the market resulting in a richer, more vibrant development community and accelerated innovation. Data analytics will be a rapidly growing area of interest. Machine learning analytics will be used to generate valuable insights from today’s access control solutions. Devices, access control systems, IoT applications, digital certificates and location services solutions, which are all connected to the cloud, will collectively deliver robust data with which to apply advanced analytics and risk-based intelligence. As organizations incorporate this type of analytics engine into their access control systems, they will improve security and personalize the user experience while driving better business decisions. 

The extensive analysis and discussion preceding any decision to implement a new physical security solution – whether it’s hardware, software or a combination of both – often focuses on technology, ROI and effectiveness. When it comes to deciding what type of security entrances to install at your facility, you will almost certainly also consider the aesthetics of the product, along with throughput and, if you’re smart, you’ll also look into service concerns. Each of these factors has its important place within the evaluation process, and none should be overlooked as they all have a significant effect on how well your entrances will perform once they are installed. Culture Influences Door Solution Decisions How significant will the change from current entrances to security entrances be for employees? Still, one additional factor actually trumps everything: if you have not considered your organization’s culture in choosing a security entrance, you may be missing the most important piece of the puzzle. Culture is a part of every other decision factor when selecting an entry solution. Before you make a decision about what type of entrance to deploy, you need to consider and understand the values, environment and personality of your organization and personnel. For example, how significant will the change from current entrances to security entrances be for employees? If people are accustomed to simply walking through a standard swinging door with no access control, this will be a culture change. Beyond this, whether you are considering a type of turnstile, a security revolving door or possibly a mantrap portal, simply walking through it will be a significant change as well. Training Employees On Door Security You’ll want to know whether employees have ever used security entrances before. If these types of entrances are in place in another part of the facility, or in a facility they’ve worked in at an earlier time, the adjustment will not be as great as if they’ve never used them at all. Consider, too, how your personnel typically react to changes like this in the organization or at your facility. They may be quite adaptable, in which case there will be less work to do in advance to prepare them. However, the opposite may also be true, which will require you to take meaningful steps in order to achieve buy-in and train employees to properly use the new entrances.  With the increased importance of workplace security, discussing new entrances with  workforces will help maintain a safer environment Communicate Through The Decision-Making Process All of this will need to be communicated to your staff, of course. There are a number of ways to disseminate information without it appearing to come down as a dictate. Your personnel are a community, so news about changes should be shared rather than simply decreed. As part of this process, you’ll need to give some thought to the level of involvement you want for your staff in the decision-making process. Finally, do not overlook the special needs among your personnel population. You undoubtedly have older individuals on staff, as well as disabled persons and others who bring service animals to the office. Entrances need to be accessible to all, and you never want to be in the position of having a gap in accessibility pointed out to you by the individual who has been adversely affected. New Security Entrance Installation By communicating early and often with your personnel, you can alleviate a great deal of the anxiety Once you have made the decision about which security entrances to install, training your personnel on how to use the new security entrances – both before and after the installation – will help to smooth the transition. Because workplace security is such a big issue right now, it makes sense to discuss the new entrances in the context of helping to maintain a safer environment. They will prevent violent individuals from entering, decrease theft, and most of all, promote greater peace of mind during the workday. If you can help them take control of their own safety in a responsible way, you have achieved much more than just a compliant workforce. By communicating early and often with your personnel, you can alleviate a great deal of the anxiety and concern that surrounds a significant change in the work environment. Schedule Group Meetings Consider your employees; what type of communications do they respond best to? A few suggestions to educate staff on the benefits of the new entrances include: Typically, you would communicate a general message 2-3 months in advance and then provide more specific information (for example, impacts to fire egress, using certain entrances during construction) in a follow up message closer to the installation date. Schedule group meetings to: announce the rationale for increased security, share statistics on crime, review the new security changes that are coming, show drawings/photos of the new doors/turnstiles, and show the orientation videos available from the manufacturer. These meetings are an excellent way to work through user questions and directly address any concerns. Once the installation of a new security system is complete, it is a good idea to have an "ambassador" on board to help employees use these new systems Ensure You Monitor Public Areas If you are implementing a lot of new changes, such as a new access control system, new guard service and security entrances, you might consider hosting a ‘security fair’ on a given day and have the selected vendors come for a day with tabletop displays to meet employees and answer questions during their lunch. This could be a great way to break the ice in a large organization. Make user orientation videos (provided by the manufacturer) available in several ways, for example: Intranet Site Monitors in public areas—lounges, cafeteria, hallways, etc. Send to all staff as email attachments Immediately after installation, once the doors or turnstiles are operational but before they are put into service, train ‘ambassadors’ on how to use the door/turnstile. Have these people monitor and assist employees during peak traffic times. What Is The Ultimate Success Of The Installation? By communicating clearly and openly with your population you can greatly facilitate adoption and satisfaction If you have thousands of employees, consider dividing them into groups and introduce the new entrance to one group at a time (Group A on Monday, Group B on Tuesday, etc.) to allow a little extra orientation time. Place user education ‘quick steps’ posters next to the door/turnstiles for a few weeks to help employees remember the basic steps and guidelines, e.g., ‘stand in front of the turnstile, swipe badge, wait for green light, proceed.’ Ask your manufacturer to provide these or artwork. While there are always going to be people who are resistant to change, by communicating clearly and openly with your population you can greatly facilitate adoption and satisfaction. Your responsiveness to any issues and complaints that arise during and after the implementation is equally fundamental to the ultimate success of the installation.

It’s not surprising that people are nervous about the security of newer technologies, many of which are part of the Internet of Things (IoT). While they offer greater efficiency and connectivity, some people still hesitate. After all, there seems to be a constant stream of news stories about multinational corporations being breached or hackers taking control of smart home devices. Both of these scenarios can feel personal. No one likes the idea of their data falling into criminal hands. And we especially don’t like the thought that someone can, even virtually, come into our private spaces. The reality, though, is that, when you choose the right technology and undertake the proper procedures, IoT devices are incredibly secure. That said, one of the spaces where we see continued confusion is around access control systems (ACS) that are deployed over networks, particularly in relation to mobile access, smartcards, and electronic locks. These technologies are often perceived as being less secure and therefore more vulnerable to attacks than older ACS systems or devices. In the interest of clearing up any confusion, it is important to provide good, reliable information. With this in mind, there are some myths out there about the security of ACS that need to be debunked. The fact that these devices communicate with an ACS via Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC) leads to one of the main myths we encounter Myth #1: Mobile Credentials Are Not Secure The first myth we have to look at exists around mobile credentials. Mobile credentials allow cardholders to access secured doors and areas with their mobile devices. The fact that these devices communicate with an ACS via Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC) leads to one of the main myths we encounter about the security of credentialed information. There is a persistent belief that Bluetooth is not secure. In particular, people seem to be concerned that using mobile credentials makes your organization more vulnerable to skimming attacks. While focusing on the medium of communication is an important consideration when an organization deploys a mobile credentialing system, the concerns about Bluetooth miss the mark. Bluetooth and NFC are simply channels over which information is transmitted. Believing that Bluetooth is not secure would be the same as suggesting that the internet is not secure. In both cases, the security of your communication depends on the technology, protocols, and safeguards we all have in place. So, instead of wondering about Bluetooth or NFC, users should be focused on the security of the devices themselves. Before deploying mobile credentials, ask your vendor (1) how the credential is generated, stored, and secured on the device, (2) how the device communicates with the reader, and (3) how the reader securely accesses the credential information. When you deploy smartcard technology as part of your ACS, you should choose the latest generation, such as MiFARE DesFIRE EV1 or EV2 and HID iCLASS SEOS Myth #2: All Smartcards Are Equally Secure The question “how secure are my smartcards?” is a serious one. And the answer can depend on the generation of the cards themselves. For example, while older smartcards like MiFARE CLASSIC and HID iCLASS Classic offer better encryption than proxy cards and magstripe credentials, they have been compromised. Using these older technologies can make your organization vulnerable. As a result, when you deploy smartcard technology as part of your ACS, you should choose the latest generation, such as MiFARE DesFIRE EV1 or EV2 and HID iCLASS SEOS. In this way, you will be protecting your system as well as your buildings or facilities. Some traditional readers and controllers can also pose a serious risk to your organization if they use the Wiegand protocol, which offers no security. While you can upgrade to a more secure protocol like OSDP version 2, electronic locks are a very secure alternative worth considering. It is also important to understand that not all smartcard readers are compatible with all smartcard types. When they are not compatible, the built-in security designed to keep your system safe will not match up and you will essentially forego security as your smartcard-reader will not read the credentials at all. Instead, it will simply read the non-secure portion—the Card Serial Number (CSN) —of the smartcard that is accessible to everyone. While some manufacturers suggest that this is an advantage because their readers can work with any smartcard, the truth is that they are not reading from the secure part of the card, which can put your system and premises at risk. Using electronic locks can help protect facilities and networks through various security protocols, including encryption and authentication Myth #3: Electronic Locks Are More Vulnerable These days, there are still many who believe that electronic locks, especially wireless locks, are more vulnerable to cybercriminal activity as compared to traditional readers and controllers. The concern here is that electronic locks can allow cybercriminals to both access your network to get data and intercept commands from the gateway or nodes over the air that would allow them access to your buildings or facilities. The reality is that using electronic locks can help protect facilities and networks through various security protocols, including encryption and authentication. Additionally, because many of these locks remain operational regardless of network status, they provide real-time door monitoring. This means that many electronic locks not only prevent unauthorized access but also keep operators informed about their status at all times, even if a network goes down. Outdated technology and old analogue systems are more vulnerable to attacks When it comes to deploying electronic locks, it is important to remember that, like any device on your network, they must have built-in security features that will allow you to keep your information, people, and facilities safe. Be Prepared To Unlock Future Benefits Ultimately, the information in your IP-based ACS is at no greater risk than any other information being transmitted over the network. We just have to be smart about how we connect, transmit, and store our data. In the end, maintaining the status quo and refusing to move away from old technology is not a viable option. Outdated technology and old analogue systems are more vulnerable to attacks. The reason it is so important to debunk myths around ACS and, at the same time, get people thinking about network security in the right way is that network-based systems can offer an ever-increasing number of benefits. When we deploy new technology using industry best practices and purchase devices from trusted vendors, we put ourselves and our networks in the best possible position to take full advantage of all that our increasingly connected world has to offer.

There are many new technologies at ISC West this year. There are also some tried-and-true solutions on display. More mature products have the benefit of being fully vetted and battle-tested, which may make them a more comfortable choice for security customers. I had a couple of discussions on Day 2 of the show about the advantages, and possible drawbacks, of new products. “To a security director, when you say ‘new,’ he translates that into ‘risk,’” says Bill Spence, VP of Sales, U.S., Canada and Western Europe for HID Global’s Lumidigm biometrics brand. “Anytime you say new, there is a probability of risk. The key is to educate. Education quantifies risk, and an educated customer can make an intelligent decision about risk versus reward.” “We have to take customers from where they are to help them understand new technologies,” says Spence. “We must give them a bridge to that understanding, and education is the bridge.” Lumidigm Biometrics Integrations An app provides graphics that take installers step-by-step through the installation process HID Global is incorporating Lumidigm biometrics into the new iClass SE RB25F fingerprint reader being highlighted at the show. Two-factor authentication can use either a card or mobile credential along with biometrics; there is no latency; and templates can be stored on a card. Another new offering at the HID Global booth is an augmented reality tool to simplify installation of newer systems that incorporate the more secure OSDP protocol. An app provides graphics that take installers step-by-step through the installation process. Also highlighted at the HID Global booth — and at the booths of turnstile manufacturers throughout the show — are embedded readers that provide tested and certified mobile access control for turnstiles. IClass SE technology is embedded in the iRox-T Turnstile Reader from Essex Electronics. Innovative Security Technologies There’s a delicate balance at any trade show between creating excitement about new products and educating customers to be comfortable with new technologies. There is some of both at ISC West 2019. In the future, hardware will be a delivery device, not the core of systems “We are on the cusp of change in the industry, and it’s closer than ever,” says Jennifer Doctor, Johnson Controls’ Senior Director, Project Management - Intrusion. “We will see the impact of promised technologies that will come from other industries, such as artificial intelligence. The very definition of security is changing. We are an industry that needs to be risk-averse, and we need to prove out the technology. There is innovation, but we just need to make sure technologies are what the market wants and expects.” “In the future, hardware will be a delivery device, not the core of systems, which will come from intelligence in the software and from services,” she adds. “The products we deliver will enable that.” Have 30 percent of service companies in the U.S. security market jumped into the cloud?  PowerSeries Pro Intrusion Portfolio Johnson Controls is highlighting the commercial PowerSeries Pro intrusion portfolio, which features PowerG encrypted technology that enables wireless systems that are cyber-secure. The cloud is coming on strong, and one company finding success in cloud systems is Eagle Eye Networks, which has seen 93% compounded annual growth over the past three years. Economies of scale have enabled them to lower subscription prices by 35%, with an extra 10% decrease for customers that pay annually. Ken Francis, President of Eagle Eye Networks, says they are signing up 50 new dealers a month for the cloud video offering. Francis estimates that 30 percent of service companies in the U.S. security market have jumped into the cloud “It’s really heating up,” says Francis. “The general cloud is driving increases in the surveillance cloud.” Jumping To Cloud Embracing the cloud and recurring monthly revenue (RMR) requires that dealers transform their businesses to ensure success. Francis says dealers should dedicate sales resources to cloud offerings rather than expect everyone to sell the cloud, and there should be a base commission plan on RMR services in lieu of upfront project fees. March Networks is also showing integration of video with the Shopify cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system “Talk to professionals about your cash flow and understand how to capitalize on financing partners to ensure cash flow while investing in the RMR stream,” he adds. “And look for ways to reduce your costs to serve the customer base as your RMR increases.” For example, use of remote site diagnostics, configuration and support can avoid the need for expensive “truck rolls” that can undermine profitability. Francis estimates that 30 percent of service companies in the U.S. security market have jumped into the cloud. Alarm companies, which are accustomed to the RMR model, are generally ahead of the curve, while traditional security integrators are lagging. “It’s a requirement to change or die,” he notes. Insight Hosted Managed Service Also, in the area of managed services, March Networks is highlighting its Insight hosted managed service that can provide instant information on video systems located at remote sites, including visibility into firmware versions, camera warranty information, and cybersecurity status of systems. The ability to dive deeply into system status empowers a new recurring revenue stream for integrators. Color-coded icons summarize system status and show pending issues and clicking on the icons provides detailed workflow information. The system can also be offered for smaller systems such as those at convenience stores and quick-serve restaurants. March Networks is also showing integration of video with the Shopify cloud-based point-of-sale (POS) system. The integration enables managers to evaluate POS information, especially anomalies, to determine possible employee theft and other shrinkage issues.

As digital transformation accelerates and touches more aspects of business operations, ASIS International is working to provide educational opportunities that security practitioners need to stay on top of those rapid developments. It’s a mission that will drive the ASIS Europe 2019 meeting, ‘From Risk to Resilience,’ this month (March 27-29) in Rotterdam. “What makes the event special is how it covers the full spectrum of security risks that organizations face, and in particular, looks at the human factors and management challenges involved,” says Eduard Emde, CPP, ASIS Europe 2019 Conference Chair, Head of the Health, Safety and Security Section, ESA (European Space Agency), the Netherlands. Examining Technology-Driven Risk When we look at technology-driven risk, only a part of that can be addressed by new technology" “When we look at technology-driven risk, only a part of that can be addressed by new technology. Much of the work is helping people adapt and find new ways of working and managing – that is where I think this event excels.” The opening keynote on ‘Amsterdam: From Smart City to Smart Society’ will be delivered by Theo Veltman, Innovation Rainmaker at the Municipality of Amsterdam. The keynote will set the tone for the three-day event by showing practically how cities are evolving and why – from the perspective of society, business and government. “This a great way to challenge us to understand what is driving change outside the ‘security bubble’ so that we can be better prepared for what is coming,” says Emde. The growing exhibition at ASIS Europe in Rotterdam will feature 45 exhibitors, including Johnson Controls, Nedap, Securitas and Stratfor Mobile Device Security In addition, the show will cover some of the most relevant and challenging topics in emerging technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones, mobile device security and industrial control systems. Given the seniority of the audience, a lot of time will be devoted to management and leadership topics such as soft skills and building teams with diversity and inclusion in mind. In addition, Nick Lovrien, CPP, Chief Global Security Officer at Facebook, will speak about securing an innovation culture. Scenario-based training sessions will provide a hands-on experience to work through challenges such as a chem-bio attack, a fake news crisis, travel risk planning, practical ways to effectively engage business executives and red teaming on cyber-physical risk. The growing exhibition at ASIS Europe in Rotterdam will feature 45 exhibitors, including Johnson Controls, Nedap, Securitas and Stratfor. Advanced Learning Experience We have a large number of global CSOs, regional leaders, and specialists from key companies across a whole range of sectors" Online registration will be open until March 26. There is a Free Show Pass that provides access to the exhibition and to the education in the Innovation Track and Career Centre, plus two networking drinks and refreshments throughout the day in the exhibition hall. For a more advanced learning experience, the Professional Pass and Leadership Pass offer more sessions, training and networking functions. There are plenty of options aimed at all budgets, learning needs and schedules, says Emde. Last year there were 775 registrants in total. “This year is looking good. We already surpassed last year’s total number of conference delegates, and registrations are coming in steadily,” says Emde. “For me, the numbers only tell a small part of the story,” he adds. “We have a large number of global CSOs, regional leaders, and specialists from key companies across a whole range of sectors. That quality, diversity and expertise onsite is what really makes the networking experience so valuable.”

Application of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning in the physical security market runs a gamut from cloud computing to edge computing. A variety of hardware solutions enable AI to be deployed at any level of a system from the cloud to edge devices such as security cameras. Smarter AI-Powered Applications A distributed structure can incorporate cloud computing and edge computing. It extends the Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithm from the cloud, to an edge network of on-premises video recorders and servers, and further to edge devices like the security cameras. The three-layer architecture all supports the goal to build a new class of AI-powered applications, being even smarter and faster. A combination of in-camera video analytics and deep learning capabilities in the cloud can improve video analyticsA combination of in-camera video analytics and deep learning capabilities in the cloud can improve video analytics. Cameras can be equipped with basic video analytics, and they are tied into a cloud infrastructure that provides additional deep learning algorithms. The cameras provide computer vision pre-processing, with the bulk of detailed analysis happening in a neural network in the cloud. Data capture form to appear here! The software-as-a-service (SaaS, or cloud) model gives companies the resources to improve deep learning. Systems are more accurate and can scale better and faster, using a larger data set from multiple customers accessing the cloud-based system. One customer benefits from another customer, and all the knowledge is aggregated together. Distribution Of Data From Edge To Cloud Cloud computing allows users with various computing capabilities to store and process data either in a privately-owned cloud or on a third-party server located in a data center. However, with the computing business becoming more and more versatile and complicated, the demand for data processing performance is even higher. In the process of data transition to the cloud, cloud computing consumes tremendous network resources and time, which all result in network congestion and low reliability. Distribution of data throughout a system, from the edge to the cloud, relieves pressure at any one point Distribution of data throughout a system, from the edge to the cloud, relieves pressure at any one point. With AI algorithms woven into edge devices, only selected information such as an individual or a vehicle in a video image will be extracted and sent which significantly enhances the transition efficiency and reduces the network bandwidth, while still sustaining high quality and accuracy. The Cloud Adds AI Capabilities The cloud provides additional data computing capabilities required for AI and deep learning applications. A single Amazon Web Services data center has between 50,000 and 80,000 servers. All told, observers estimate Amazon Web Services may have between 3 million and 5 million servers. The other major cloud services — Google, Microsoft, VMware, Citrix and others — add additional millions of servers. Amazon Web Services offers a broad and deep set of machine learning and AI services for a business AWS (Amazon Web Services) offers a broad and deep set of machine learning and AI services for a business. In effect, the service puts machine learning in the hands of any developer, enabling them to build, train and deploy machine learning models. On behalf of customers, AWS is focused on solving some of the toughest challenges that hold back machine learning from being in the hands of every developer. Capabilities are built on a comprehensive cloud platform optimized for machine learning with high-performance and no compromises on security and analytics. Advantages Of Edge Systems Deep learning and neural network computing are everywhere. They are now widely available in on-premises computers, in systems embedded in edge devices, and even in the cloud. The edge is particularly important in the video surveillance market, enabling systems to function despite any bandwidth or latency issues that would limit the effectiveness of a central server-based system. Edge-based functionality also limits concerns about the privacy of information and eliminates dependence on the availability of 3G connectivity. Edge computing makes it possible to ensure data is more private, rather than having it reside in a private or public cloud Artificial intelligence (AI) is a very computational-intensive process, and doing that processing at the edge avoids the need to do it centrally, whether in the cloud or in an on-premises computer. In the case of video cameras, in particular, there isn’t enough bandwidth to transfer video data across a network infrastructure to be processed. Half the populated world has Internet speeds of less than 8 mbps, which can’t possibly handle the level of data required for new intelligence applications. Latency is another advantage of intelligence residing at the edge. Applications increasingly require little to no latency (less than 200 milliseconds), and transferring data to be processed elsewhere takes time. Edge computing also makes it possible to ensure data is more private, rather than having it reside in a private or public cloud or on premises. Higher computing ability and efficiency of embedded systems at the edge are paving the way for physical security devices with intelligence far beyond what the industry now has to work with.

Kwikset brand of Spectrum Brands, Inc. – Hardware & Home Improvement Division, announces that its SmartCode 888 Deadbolt Lock was chosen to become part of the new Home is Connected smart home system from D.R. Horton, Inc. The inclusion of Kwikset’s SmartCode 888 in the system was based on its value (great functionality at an entry-level price), reliability, and high degree of security. Incorporating the latest Z-Wave 500 chipset, the SmartCode 888 offers keyless entry through a convenient, easy-to-use touchpad. Kwikset’s patented Home Connect technology enables the lock to wirelessly communicate with other devices in the home through a third-party smart home controller, as well as to remotely check the door lock status, lock or unlock the door and receive notifications. Innovative Program D.R. Horton’s Home Is Connected system is included in the base price of each new home from the company’s family of brands D.R. Horton’s 'Home Is Connected' system is included in the base price of each new home from the company’s family of brands. The system includes a robust central hub by Qolsys that controls the smart home features, including a home alarm and automation platform by Alarm.com, Honeywell Home thermostat from Resideo, smart switches by Eaton Corporation, video doorbell by SkyBell and hands-free, voice-first experiences with Amazon Alexa. “We are pleased to be part of such an innovative program created by the nation’s largest volume homebuilder,” said Dave Seeman, Director of National Builder Accounts, Kwikset and Baldwin, Spectrum Brands, Inc. – Hardware & Home Improvement Division. Convenience Of Keyless Entry “We are confident that buyers of D.R. Horton homes will not only appreciate the security and convenience of keyless entry that our SmartCode 888 provides, but also the endless benefits of whole home automation. To be a part of a system that includes such well-known, reputable brands indicates to us the high level of trust D.R. Horton puts in our products.” Brad Conlon, Vice President of National Accounts for D.R. Horton, said, “We are pleased to work with Kwikset to provide this essential component to D.R. Horton’s new Home is Connected smart home system. We know our customers will appreciate the peace of mind that comes from Kwikset’s SmartCode 888 lock and the Home is Connected system overall.”

Mobile-device and application-security technology company Trustonic announces that Hyundai Motor America will demonstrate its new Digital Key app, secured by Trustonic Application Protection, at the New York International Auto Show 2019. The Digital Key will launch with the all-new 2020 Hyundai Sonata in the fall. Hyundai’s Digital Key is a downloadable smartphone app that can replace a traditional car key by leveraging Near Field Communication (NFC) to detect an authorized smartphone. An NFC antenna is located in the driver’s door handle for locking and unlocking while a second antenna for starting the engine is located in the wireless charging pad in the center console. Seamless Vehicle Sharing The Digital Key allows a smartphone to control select vehicle systems remotely using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication Once authorized, the Digital Key allows a smartphone to control select vehicle systems remotely using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication. A user can lock and unlock the vehicle, activate panic alert and start the engine within a range of about 30 feet of the car. The new Digital Key can be utilised by up to four authorized users, facilitating seamless vehicle sharing. Users’ preferred settings are also stored in the car, meaning that when a user is recognized, the vehicle automatically adjusts settings for side mirrors, radio presets, sound settings, and seat positioning. Hyundai is using Trustonic Application Protection (TAP) to secure the Digital Key. TAP ensures that Digital Key transfer requests are securely displayed to and approved by a real, authenticated user on a trusted device. Cybersecurity Approach TAP utilizes a multilayered industry-recognized security approach for communication to and from the customer’s phone. “Hyundai has been a leader in connected car technology for a long time now, with new features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Smartwatch and Smart-speaker integration into our vehicles,” said Manish Mehrotra, director of digital business planning and connected operations, Hyundai Motor America. “Digital Key adds convenience for 2020 Sonata owners and allows us to be ready for future shifts in the mobility space, such as car sharing. We chose Trustonic because of their multilayered, industry recognized cybersecurity approach.” Vehicle-Function Permissions Hyundai’s Digital Key will enable easy car sharing and improved user experiences" Car owners have a deeper level of access than other authenticated users, enabling them to set vehicle-function permissions and the duration of access for each shared user. This enables uses beyond car sharing, such as enabling couriers to access the trunk within a pre-agreed window of time to deliver a package. Future uses that the app could enable include car rentals, triggering an alarm when a vehicle travels outside a designated area and remote control of features, such as autonomous parking. Ben Cade, CEO, Trustonic, adds, “Consumers expect to be able to manage their lives on their smartphones, and this includes their vehicles. Hyundai’s Digital Key will enable easy car sharing and improved user experiences for drivers—and as international leaders in app security, it’s up to us to ensure this can happen in a scalable and secure way.”

Sony’s ultra-sensitive SNC-VB770 4K network cameras are helping maintain the safety of bridge users – and the physical integrity of the structure itself – at river crossings between the neighbouring states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A total of twenty cameras have been installed by Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC), a Bi-State commission of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This self-funded agency ensures safe, efficient and dependable journeys for road users and pedestrians. Potentially Dangerous Collisions A principal application for the cameras is the reliable 24/7 identification and monitoring of hazardous floating debris Several of the bridges controlled by DRJTBC are in areas, where homes are nearby, and local municipalities request not to use powerful artificial illumination at night to limit light pollution. This restriction made the SNC-VB770 an obvious choice for monitoring and surveillance, with its highly sensitive 35mm full-frame Exmor CMOS image sensor capturing crisp 4K color images in conditions of near total darkness. A principal application for the cameras is the reliable 24/7 identification and monitoring of hazardous floating debris. Objects like fallen trees or discarded gas tanks heading down river – especially in winter when water levels are high – pose the risk of impacting with the bridge supports, making early warning of potentially dangerous collisions essential for operational staff. Low-Light Performance In addition to monitoring for signs of loitering and other suspicious activity around the bridge supports, the cameras also help ensure the safety and security of pedestrians using walkways to cross the bridges, especially at night and in adverse conditions of rain and snow when visibility is poor. Supplied and installed by Schneider Electric, all cameras are mounted in weather-resistant housings and integrated with DRJTBC‘s Genetec Security Center network video management system platform. We subsequently put them through their paces in a live demo at two of our bridge locations" “We first previewed the Sony 4K cameras' capabilities at ISC West” explains Eric Freeman, Director of Public Safety & Bridge Security at Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. “We subsequently put them through their paces in a live demo at two of our bridge locations. Analyzing video from the SNC-VB770 and comparing it against our existing cameras, the difference was immediately clear in terms of Sony’s extra detail and low-light performance.” Video Surveillance Applications "4K is an increasingly popular solution in a wide range of video surveillance applications” says Allen Chan, Manager Application Design for Sony Video Security at Bosch. “Many other 4K cameras currently on the market trade extra resolution for decreased sensitivity, and that’s a big issue in environments where available light is limited. The SNC-VB770 side-steps this challenge with its unprecedented sensitivity of ISO 409600 – giving an impressively clear view at night and in situations where other 4K cameras aren’t viable without installing costly additional illumination”.

Amthal has worked closely with Garrard Windows to install smart CCTV systems for its showroom and factory site, to present ultimate protection for staff, customers and premium products in storage. Garrard Windows is one of the largest suppliers in England, presenting PVC-U and aluminum windows, bifold and patio doors, together with conservatories to the trade, with an objective to remain reliable, efficient and customer oriented. Manufacturing around 2,500 products a week, to ensure the security of products and supply on site, Gerrard Windows called upon Amthal to enhance its security and install CCTV systems throughout its factory and show room site. Smart CCTV Facilities Our aim is to supply the window trade with high quality products, always delivered on time and at competitive prices" Adam Webb, Director of Garrard Windows: “Our aim is to supply the window trade with high quality products, always delivered on time and at competitive prices. Many of our existing customers are fabricators themselves, relying on us for extra capacity in busy periods.” “To maintain this commitment and ability to respond quickly to customer requests, we have to ensure maximum security on site at all times. Amthal identified the subtle installation of smart CCTV facilities throughout our premises as added visual protection, to ensure we can view activity on a 24 / 7 / 365 basis, even when we are off site. Our staff are already feeling the benefits and peace of mind security.” Improved Technology David Williamson, Amthal Sales Account Manager: “Garrard Windows has a renowned reputation in the industry, not only as one of the largest suppliers, but also in responding quickly to client requests to a high-quality standard. It’s essential security on site is maintained to a maximum standard to sustain this level of efficiency and reliability.” The added visuality provides total peace of mind the right security is in place to protect against any risk" “Following an on-site inspection, Amthal made the recommendation of smart CCTV solutions to ensure Directors can feel the benefits of having new and improved technology helping to safeguard assets. The added visuality provides total peace of mind the right security is in place to protect against any risk, or possible disruption due to theft, to the smooth-running operation and delivery to our customers.” Satisfying End User Needs Independently owned, Amthal Fire & Security is dedicated to satisfying end user needs for security safety and convenience offering design, installation, service and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire and security solutions, including intruder, Fire, Access and CCTV systems. Amthal Fire & Security is accredited by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE).

HID Global, provider of trusted identity solutions, announces that the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Grenoble, France has selected HID’s radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and its patented direct bonding technology for automated handling of biological samples at cryogenic temperatures of 196°C (-321° F) in liquid nitrogen. EMBL Grenoble creates high-resolution pictures and 3D atomic models of biological macromolecules using a specialized imaging process called macromolecular crystallography (MX). These images are useful for studying biological materials, developing highly efficient medicine, and fighting cancer more effectively. Limited Storage Density The images require molecular samples to be prepared in a crystalised form and frozen The images require molecular samples to be prepared in a crystalised form and frozen. Handling these samples is a complex task: tiny crystals must be grown, harvested, frozen on a sample holder at the tip of a tiny needle, and stored in liquid nitrogen at cryogenic temperatures and identified for further processing while remaining cool. Most current sample holders used in MX imaging offer limited storage density and poor initial crystal-positioning, which affects processing and limits the benefits of automated crystal harvesting systems. As a result, EMBL set out to design a storage and identification solution robust enough to function at extreme cold temperatures, but small enough to facilitate high precision and storage density. It also needed to support high-speed, automated handling by robots. Direct Bonding Technology “The HID Global technology has proven to be reliable against temperature cycling between room and liquid nitrogen temperatures, and the HID team was very supportive in helping us with our new designs,” said Florent Cipriani, Head of Instrumentation Team, EMBL Grenoble. HID’s direct bonding further allows the secure attachment of antennas to chips without the bulk of added modules Embeddable RFID tags and direct bonding technology from HID were chosen for identification in EMBL’s new sample holders due to the tags’ tiny footprint, proven track record to work in cryogenic environments, and ability to be custom designed to meet the needs of EMBL. HID’s direct bonding further allows the secure attachment of antennas to chips without the bulk of added modules, making the units the smallest HF formats available in the market that deliver uncompromised performance. Reliable Sample Tracking “HID Global’s proven RFID technology has been used in various cryogenic environments for years,” said Richard Aufreiter, Director Product Management, Identification Technology with HID Global. “It was a natural partnership between HID and EMBL to design a tracking system resistant to frosting and other aspects of extreme cold. Our team worked directly with EMBL engineers to ensure the best tracking system was deployed in their newly designed sample storage solution.” With HID technology, EMBL developed two new sample holders optimized for high throughput, precision, and reliable sample tracking of more than 200 thousand crystals per year. The new RFID-enabled sample holders increase throughput by allowing the crystal harvesting, cryogenic storage, and MX beamline feeding process to be fully automated using robot grippers and specifically designed RFID readers. Available memory space in the RFID tags can store additional information about the samples.

HID Global®, a worldwide provider in trusted identity solutions, announced that the government of Tanzania has selected HID’s citizen ID solutions to add e-Visa and e-Permit capabilities to its e-Passport, which HID helped deploy last year as part of the Tanzania e-Immigration program. The new web-based visa and residence permit services allow visitors and residents to apply for and receive validated credentials for traveling or living in the country. Integrated e-Immigration Solution “This is an important milestone as we continue to work with HID Global to enhance and broaden the capabilities of our e-Immigration ecosystem,” said Dr Anna Peter Makakala, Tanzania’s Commissioner General of Immigration. “We plan to continue expanding this solution to our country’s border crossings and across the broader global community as we become a showcase for efficient, comprehensive and integrated e-Immigration solutions.” Convenient And Efficient Toolset We are pleased to be entering this second deployment phase with the government of Tanzania" “We are pleased to be entering this second deployment phase with the government of Tanzania, building on the success of the country’s e-Passport roll-out last year,” said Rob Haslam, Vice President of Sales, Citizen ID business with HID Global. “Immigration officers in Tanzania now have a convenient and efficient toolset for completing their vital mission of vetting and granting electronic visa and residence permit credentials to applicants.” Since early 2018, HID Global has been Tanzania’s primary supplier of an end-to-end solution for issuing e-Passports with advanced physical and electronic security features, automated verification capabilities and a tamper-proof contactless chip embedded in a polycarbonate datapage. The country now has a single citizen identification system that spans the entire identity journey from data capture to issuance and can be used to support e-Passports, e-Visas, e-Permits and other physical electronic documents. HID A Solutions Provider HID’s solutions can be found in sixty percent of all government-issued electronic identity projects around the world. As a solutions provider, HID is delivering complete, end-to-end system solutions that meet governmental requirements for national ID, e-Passport, foreign resident ID, driver license, vehicle registration and other programs.

The new year 2019 is brimming with possibilities for the physical security industry, but will those possibilities prove to be good news or bad news for our market? Inevitably, it will be a combination of good and bad, but how much good and how bad? We wanted to check the temperature of the industry as it relates to expectations for the new year, so we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How optimistic is your outlook for the physical security industry in 2019? Why?

Employee turnover is a problem for many companies, especially among younger employees who have not developed the philosophy of employer loyalty that was common in previous generations. Nowadays, changing jobs is the norm. The idea of spending decades working for a single employer seems almost quaint in today’s economy. However, excessive employee turnover can be expensive for employers, who are looking for ways to keep their brightest and best employees happily toiling away as long as possible. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can the physical security market promote better employee retention in a competitive employment environment? 

The concept of how security systems can contribute to the broader business goals of a company is not new. It seems we have been talking about benefits of security systems beyond “just” security for more than a decade. Given the expanding role of technologies in the market, including video and access control, at what point is the term “security” too restrictive to accurately describe what our industry does? We asked the Expert Panel Roundtable for their responses to this premise: Is the description “security technology” too narrow given the broader application possibilities of today’s systems? Why?