securitylinkindia

Bosch Equips Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge relies on customized security solutions from Bosch to ensure safe operations. The world’s largest sea-crossing bridge was opened by Chinese officials in late October 2018. Spanning 55 kilometres in length, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge directly connects Hong Kong to Macao and then to the Chinese city of Zhuhai for the first time. At a total cost of USD20 billion, it is a major boost for China’s Greater Bay Area, an emerging industrial and technological hotbed that is home to 68 million people, and a showcase project for Bosch Building Technologies. The large-scale project was built over the course of eight years using 400,000 tons of steel. It includes underwater tunnels and two artificial islands that serve as customs ports. Ensuring the security of these two islands, where drivers need to present special permits to use the new bridge and pass customs checkpoints, was a priority from the start. Securing vital infrastructure With a proven track record of equipping critical infrastructures such as airports, hotels, commercial buildings and underground metros, Bosch Building Technologies won the contract to provide the artificial islands with video surveillance, intrusion alarms, as well as public address and voice evacuation systems. On the island between Zhuhai and Macao, the Bosch partner Shanghai SAGA Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. installed more than 5,700 Bosch loudspeakers and over 260 amplifiers which are all managed via the PRAESIDEO digital public address and emergency sound system. Fulfilling a key customer request, the installation incorporates 15 different models of ceiling, wall mount, and line array speakers to blend in with the facility’s modern interior. Furthermore, Bosch was able to match Macao’s local standards by custom-ordering solutions with British power cord, programmed with graphic interfaces in traditional Chinese lettering. On the island outside of Hong Kong, which is home to a customs clearance port, Bosch partner Pro-United Co., Ltd. installed 2,200 public address speakers of various models including outdoor speakers for the travel inspection building. Experts also adjusted 200 vari-directional array loudspeakers to balance sound variations from different building materials. “The Bosch technical team and partners used professional software to simulate the sound pressure level of a specific area and comprehensively simulate the entire project to ensure that the selected products can meet the requirements of different areas in the actual application,” said Lin Lizhi, Bosch Building Technologies. A landmark project Bosch also covered the island with more than 2,000 HD cameras including the FLEXIDOME, DINION, and AUTODOME series. Monitored from a security control center on the Hong Kong side of the island, these cameras support 24/7 surveillance of the customs clearance port, travel inspection building, immigration department and Hong Kong customs office. The PRAESIDEO systems on both islands enable security staff to broadcast live voice announcements via security call points, while multiple sets of intrusion alarm systems protect personnel and property. “We added the supporting intelligent call station PRAESIDEO, which is usually used for airport projects, in order to ensure that the staff can directly perform voice broadcasts throughout the call station during operation, thus making the security management more convenient,” said Wang Yiping, Deputy General Manager of Shanghai SAGA Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. The high-profile infrastructure project highlights the flexibility and broad customization options offered by Bosch Building Technologies as a one-stop solutions provider. Now that it is fully operational, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is already considered a key asset in the Greater Bay Area, also known as ‘China’s Silicon Valley.’ The bridge reduces the travel time between Zhuhai and Hong Kong from four hours to a mere 30 minutes. It also creates a new gateway for travellers between vital transportation hubs such as Shenzhen and Hong Kong airports with while the integrated Bosch security solutions ensuring a safe passage.  

Read More

Sophos 2019 Threat Report

Sophos has recently launched its 2019 Threat Report providing insights into emerging and evolving cybersecurity trends. The report, produced by SophosLabs researchers, explores changes in the threat landscape over the past 12 months, uncovering trends and how they are expected to impact cybersecurity in 2019. The SophosLabs 2019 Threat Report focuses on these key cybercriminal behaviours and attacks: Capitalist cybercriminals are turning to targeted ransomware attacks that are premeditated and reaping millions of dollars in ransom. 2018 saw the advancement of hand-delivered, targeted ransomware attacks that are earning cybercriminals millions of dollars. These attacks are different from ‘spray and pray’ style attacks that are automatically distributed through millions of emails. Targeted ransomware is more damaging than if delivered from a bot, as human attackers can find and stake out victims, think laterally, troubleshoot to overcome roadblocks, and wipe out back-ups so the ransom must be paid. This ‘interactive attack style,’ where adversaries manually maneuver through a network step-by-step, is now increasing in popularity. Sophos experts believe the financial success of SamSam, BitPaymer and Dharma to inspire copycat attacks and expect more happen in 2019. Cybercriminals are using readily available Windows systems administration tools. This year’s report uncovers a shift in threat execution, as more mainstream attackers now employ advanced persistent threat (APT) techniques to use readily available IT tools as their route to advance through a system and complete their mission – whether it’s to steal sensitive information off the server or drop ransomware: Turning admin tools into cyberattack tools: In an ironic twist, or Cyber Catch-22, cybercriminals are utilising essential or built-in Windows IT admin tools, including Powershell files and Windows scripting executables, to deploy malware attacks on users. Cybercriminals are playing digital dominos: By chaining together a sequence of different script types that execute an attack at the end of the event series, hackers can instigate a chain reaction before IT managers detect a threat is operational on the network, and once they break in it’s difficult to stop the payload from executing. Cybercriminals have adopted newer Office exploits to lure in victims: Office exploits have long been an attack vector, but recently cybercriminals have cut loose old Office document exploits in favour of newer ones. EternalBlue becomes a key tool for cryptojacking attacks: Patching updates appeared for this Windows threat more than a year ago, yet the EternalBlue exploit is still a favourite of cybercriminals. The coupling of EternalBlue to cryptomining software turned the activity from a nuisance hobby into a potentially lucrative criminal career. Lateral distribution on the corporate networks allowed the cryptojacker to quickly infect multiple machines, increasing payouts to the hacker and heavy costs to the user. Malware’s impact extends beyond the organization’s infrastructure as the threats from mobile malware grow a pace. With illegal Android apps on the increase, 2018 has seen an increased focus in malware being pushed to phones, tablets and other IoT devices. As homes and businesses adopt more internet-connected devices, criminals have been devising new ways to hijack those devices to use as nodes in huge botnet attacks. In 2018, VPNFilter demonstrated the destructive power of weaponized malware that affects embedded systems and networked devices that have no obvious user interface. Elsewhere, MiraiAidra, Wifatch, and Gafgyt delivered a range of automated attacks that hijacked networked devices to use as nodes in botnets to engage in distributed denial-of-service attacks, mine cryptocurrency and infiltrate networks.

Read More

Survey Finds Fraud in Bank Account in 2017

March Networks®, a global provider of intelligent video solutions, has recently announced the results of a second annual survey exploring how fraud, customer service and security perceptions are impacting U.S. banking consumer decisions. Key results from the 2018 survey, commissioned by March Networks and conducted by independent market research firm Ipsos earlier this year, reveal that 17% of consumers experienced fraudulent bank account activity in 2017, up moderately from 15% the previous year. More concerning, 15% of those respondents experienced 5 or more fraudulent incidents in the 12 month period, and 9% reported switching banks in response. Still, a clear majority of consumers (92%) were satisfied with how their financial institution handled fraudulent activity, and 25% said surveillance video was used to help resolve the incident. Survey results also show that a continued focus on the customer experience remains critical for banks and credit unions when it comes to retention. One in 5 respondents confirmed that they had switched banks in the past year because of poor in-branch service. Further, 70% said they would consider switching banks if their local branch did not appear clean and tidy – with that number rising to 77% for consumers living in households with children. In addition, consumers’ banking choices are influenced by how secure they feel when conducting transactions, either in their local branch, at an ATM or online. A majority of consumers (98%) felt most secure when conducting transactions at their local banking branch, compared with 93% when conducting transactions online and 83% using a mobile application. Further, half of consumers reported that they did not conduct an ATM transaction at least once in 2017 because someone was loitering nearby, putting the onus on banks and credit unions to increase monitoring capabilities around their ATMs or risk losing business. Other key findings from the survey reveal that: While consumers are banking online and via mobile apps, nearly three quarters also banked at their local retail branch, similar to the year previous. More Millennials (72%) reported visiting their local branch in 2017, versus 61% in 2016. 63% of consumers noticed fraudulent activity on their account themselves, while 37% were notified proactively by their bank or credit union. 46% of consumers said waiting more than 5 minutes for service in retail branch is unreasonable. The vast majority of consumers support visible video surveillance in their bank or credit union. More than 90% feel that surveillance cameras deter crime, and 96% agree that video surveillance is an important contributor to solving crimes quickly. “Consumers today are engaging digitally with their financial institutions more often, but are also frequently turning to in-person services, and have high expectations when it comes to service and security,” said Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks, “Understanding consumer perceptions and how they influence where consumers choose to bank is important for all financial institutions – especially when it comes to strategic planning and the dramatic transformation many institutions are currently undertaking to increase their competitive position.”  

Read More

Vehant TrafficMon Helps Noida Police Improve Road Traffic Management

NOIDA has been a site of utter traffic violations resulting into huge liability on the traffic police to enforce traffic rules on the errant violators. Over past 2 months, there have been incidences of abusing and thrashing of traffic personnel on the road. Under such circumstances, Vehant Technologies had taken the responsibility of installing its TrafficMon™ – Traffic Enforcement and Management Solutions at Sector 31/ 25 crossing and Sector 57 main intersection. TrafficMon is a video artificial intelligence (AI) based red light violation, speed violation, wrong-way, no helmet and no parking detection system which overview and ANPR cameras. Overview camera shows the entire violation scenario and ANPR camera captures the images of the number plates of the violating vehicles. A combination of RLVD/ SVDS/ JATCS on the same hardware at a junction makes this system unique and efficient. This effort by Vehant Technologies aims at assisting the traffic personnel in efficiently managing traffic congestion and penalizing traffic offenders by generating e-challans, and thereby curbing the menace of traffic offence in NOIDA. With the help of this efficient system, approximately 2.5 lakh traffic violations have been recorded since January this year. Vehant Technologies has been commended by the traffic police time and again for upholding traffic enforcement and management in the city. Dr Ajay Pal Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police and Anil Kumar Jha Superintendent of Police (Traffic) acknowledged and appreciated the efforts and technology proposed by Vehant Technologies with a certificate of appreciation for this initiative.

Read More

Security Skills & Leadership Summit 2018

The Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) has recently concluded its 13th Security Skills and Leadership Summit 2018 at PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry (PHDCCI), New Delhi, held during 15-16 November 2018. The Summit was participated by more than 500 industry leaders from security and private investigation domains across India. The Chief Guest Shivraj Patil, the former Home Minister, GoI, and former Governor of Punjab opened the two-day conference by lighting the lamps under the reverberation of chanting prayers. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by dignitaries like Ashok Prasad, IPS (Retd.), former Secretary, Internal Security – MHA, and Technical Advisor and Spokesperson MHA; Anil Khaitan, former President, PHDCCI, and the office bearers of CAPSI and APDI. In his welcome note, Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman, CAPSI and APDI apprised that the Summit has been being held every year since the inception of CAPSI which was raised consequent to the passing of the Private Security Agency (Regulation) Act 2005, and this is its 13th edition. The Summit provides the platform to discuss pressing issues that the private security industry confronts, and find solutions to those problems. The government is responsive to all the issues faced by the Industry. He also cited some very serious issues being currently faced by the Industry such as the modus of GST which has forced about 1040 agencies to pull their shutters down, need of a separate directorate under MHA to look after the affairs of private security agencies as the overburdened controlling authorities are not able to address their issues efficiently, and so on. He appealed to the forum to put their heads together and find viable solutions of all the issues. On another note, the Chairman also acquainted the forum with some of the landmark initiatives taken by CAPSI including the introduction of a new course of Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) in Security Management under the aegis of Noida International University, Noida; and launching of a major welfare activity for the security guards to facilitate them with their own house under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (PMAY). CAPSI is and has been in regular negotiations with the Ministry of Urban Housing on the subject. Ashok Prasad, IPS referred to the low police citizen ratio in the country and made it clear that the police find itself woefully short of resources to combat the requirements of guarding and policing in the current time of rapidly growing economy. It is here that the private security industry can fill the void to a large extent. He stressed upon more professional private security force that can ensure safety and security of personnel and material. Shivraj Patil was of the opinion that the private security personnel is not very different from the regular security forces that are entrusted with securing the nation. Both forces need very strong leaderships with astute foresight and vision. He emphasised the need for updating technology, and training to sharpen the skills of the security personnel. He was hopeful that in due course the bill for regulating the private detective agencies will be passed, and the present government will also address the issue in relation to GST to pass solace on the industry. On the second day, AR Kohli, Former Governor of Mizoram explained that security encompasses emotional, physical and financial security and is the sum up of law and order. He stated that running of a Nation constitutes two pillars in a democratic country – they are bureaucrats and politicians. Any proposal which needs approval from these have to be so modelled that it easily passes the scrutiny of the bureaucrats and politicians. The proposals should add value to the society and make life easier for them. Mr Kohli explained that the security guards are an useful extension arm of the state. They supplement the efforts of the local police. He advised that they must always maintain a humanitarian approach in the discharge of duties. Stressing on the need to be professionally competent, Mr Kohli stated that there are over 40 million jobs available abroad of which at least 5 million relate to private security. Hence we need to focus ourselves in training the guards to attain professional excellence. Mr Kohli was in agreement that the Principal Employer should pay the GST at source, and he supported the initiatives of BBA in Security Management and the housing project envisaged by CAPSI. Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, former Cabinet Minister said that he has been amidst the security guards for the last 20 years and has the understanding of their problems. The compensation being given to the private security guards who suffer casualties while on duty needs to be relooked into and higher renumerations are warranted. He supported CAPSI’s efforts in all the welfare activities undertaken for the betterment of these personnel. The conference saw various distinct sessions of discussions and debates by a number of eminent speakers and panellists on various topics such as GST Imposition – Survival of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises of Security Sector – A National Challenge; Directorate of Private Security – A Game Changer; Certified Security Professionals – Excellence in Job Performance; CPIIPartnership between Insurance Investigators and Insurers in mitigation of Frauds; and Star Rating of Private Security Agencies – A Joint initiative with Quality Council of India; Housing for the Security Guards – PM Awas Yojana (PMAY); Promoting Second Generation of Security Professional – Security Management Courses; and General Assurance Cover for family of Guards.

Read More

LTEV10 Supports Water Storage Station in Asia

Along the reservoir, cameras are required to give 24 hours non-stop surveillance service to ensure the safety of the ecological environment. LonTrend LTEV10 participates in this mission by providing extra special features to upgrade the cameras. LonTrend LTEV10 is designed to protect cameras from the effect of extreme low ambient temperature. It can withstand the large temperature difference from -70°C to 50°C. Thanks to this feature, as well as IP68 and IK10 protection level, LTEV10 is suitable for outdoor application such as lakeside, mountain and snowfield etc. In addition, equipped with defogging heater and blower, LTEV10 is well qualified for foggy installation site. Even in the darkness, with the help of LTEV10 built-in IR 120m, 850nm wavelength, cameras can depict the image clearly under all kinds of weather conditions. At last, when it comes to the appearance, LTEV10 features white polyester powder coat with diecast aluminum material, its beauty is second to none. Specialized in industrial precision, Lontrend Corporation succeeds its culture and mission – anticipating and exceeding customers’ expectations, is leading the way in die-cast security devices with cutting edge innovations, superior performance and the broadest selection.

Read More