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MHA Launches Private Security Agency Licensing Portal

(https://psara.gov.in) The Private Security Agencies (PSAs) of the country has recently got the reason to rejoice. The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India launched the Private Security Agency Licensing Portal (https://psara.gov.in) on 24 September 2019 at the Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi. The Portal aims to facilitate the private security agencies of India with a single window system to procure license in an easy, efficient and timely manner. It also provisions for the prompt police verification of the agencies as well as aspiring and placed security guards by validating their credentials through centralized Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) before issuing license to the agencies and employing the guards respectively. The Portal is designed to augment a creative competition in the sector. Amit Shah, the Union Minister of Home Affairs, who graced the program as the Chief Guest and launched the Portal, hailed the sector as one with huge potential and stressed on the need to increase trustworthiness of the sector by increasing the number of agencies with licenses. He said that the private security agency sector is of vital importance for a safe and secure business environment that would help achieve PM’s vision of $5 trillion economy by providing employment as well as guarding vital corporations and financial hubs in the country. The online Portal has features that will help in ensuring transparency in licensing and boost credibility. With online availability of credentials, it would become easier for an agency registered in one state to expand its operations in another state. Majority of police stations across the country are connected online through CCTNS that will make the online police verification of security guards easy by accessing the criminal records online from across the country. “It was the private security guards who confronted the terrorists first during the ‘26/11’ Mumbai terrorist attack, whose prompt actions contained the damage. Besides, their universal utilization to protect ATMs shows the amount of trust society puts in the sector. The private security agencies must arrange to sensitize security personnel and ensure their welfare. There are various welfare measures like insurance, pension etc., that must be provided to the security guards by the agencies under various financial inclusion schemes of the government” -Amit Shah Minister of Home Affairs Government of India The Minister assured that the Portal will be available in all official Indian languages in next 90 days that would give a pan-India profile to the online licensing process, and appealed to the industry to join the government and start awareness campaigns to encourage only the license holder agencies in the sector. “The industry is greatly encouraged by the positive interest that the Modi 2.0 government is taking in the private security sector. In last one month, industry has witnessed the presence and involvement of the Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah ji; Commerce & Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal ji; and Labour Minister, Shri Santosh Gangwar ji. Clearly, the government is recognizing the critical role of PSI in job creation, fortifying national security apparatus, and labour/ tax reforms implementation. FICCI Private Security Sector Committee has effectively driven industry policy agenda with visible results including launch of the Portal, model rules for cash logistics, and categorization of security workers as skilled workers under the Minimum Wages Act, to name a few. We strongly believe that the policy framework for PSI will see positive transformation in coming years, and FICCI PSI committee is actively working with multiple ministries to enable the same”   – Rituraj Sinha Chairman, FICCI Private Security Sector Committee Further, Mr. Shah emphasized the untapped potential of the retired paramilitary and military personnel who may play a vital role for the sector. To ensure basic discipline in the employees, agencies must also try to recruit people with minimum NCC training. This assumes importance because private security personnel are the first line of responders against criminals in the society. This also necessitates to make the knowledge in relation to the Indian Penal Code a part of their training curriculum. He also suggested that the private security personnel must be in regular contact with the nearest police station and act as a bridge between the police and the public. “PSARA Portal is the result of the relentless efforts of CAPSI and MHA to usher environment of ‘Ease Of Doing Business’ and compliances by the PSI. By this implementation, effective governance of PSARA will become transparent which will ultimately prove useful for both the PSAs and the state controlling authorities. Newly introduced CCTN system will speed up the police verification of entire guarding workforce which was highly desirable to provide reliable security services. My sincere compliments to Shri Vivek Bhardwaj, Additional Secretary – MHA and his team for bringing changes and addressing our painful issues” -Kunwar Vikram Singh Chairman, CAPSI Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, G. Kishan Reddy lauded the sector as one of the highest employment generators and appealed to the security agencies to ensure the welfare of security guards. He said that the Portal is one of the examples of Digital India movement that would bring about transparency and efficiency in the sector. It is a step towards ensuring ‘ease of living’ for citizens. Earlier, towards meeting the long pending demand from the private security industry, the Police Modernization Division of MHA under Additional Secretary Vivek Bhardwaj had long deliberations with the controlling authorities of states over the issue. The division even circulated the beta version of Portal to invite their suggestions for any enhancements required to meet its true objective. Later the qualified suggestions were incorporated in the Portal. “Some security agencies are still operating without a license and hence a public awareness campaign is needed. Only the licensed agencies should be allowed to operate. There is also a need to educate potential clients like schools, industries and corporate on the importance of hiring only licensed agencies” -Kishan Reddy Minister of State for Home Affairs Government of India The launch ceremony was also…

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Vehicular Anti-Drone Protection and Neutralization System

Addressing the increasing demand for protection of vehicles and convoys against hostile drones, Elbit Systems is introducing ReDrone Vehicular Tactical System, a vehicular configuration of the company’s operational anti-drone protection and neutralization system. Based on the field proven and operational ReDrone system, ReDrone Vehicular Tactical System detects, identifies and neutralizes all types of drones (at any radio frequency) within a radius of several kilometers, providing any vehicle with a 360 degrees protection shield against hostile drones. Suitable for on-the-move or stationary operations, in day and night and in all weather conditions, ReDrone Vehicular Tactical System is offered for all types of military and para-military vehicles. Rapidly deployable, ReDrone Vehicular Tactical System works automatically or manually, with no setup or operator control required for the entire process. Its open architecture enables a full data flow to the vehicular control system and an effective interface with command and control centers. With the detection of a hostile drone, the ReDrone Vehicular Tactical System neutralizes all communications between the drone and its operator including radio, video and GPS signals. The system is also capable of separating a drone’s signals from its operator’s remote control signals in order to locate and track each of them separately. Operational with several armed forces, ReDrone performed dozens of interceptions when deployed as part of the last visit of the Pope to Latin America.  

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CEM Systems AC2000 v10.2 with Enhanced Time & Attendance

Johnson Controls has recently released CEM Systems AC2000 v10.2, which offers new features such as an enhanced time & attendance application, improved pass design, advanced room booking with access control, and additional features that increase the performance and scope of the AC2000 access control system suite. Johnson Controls has recently released CEM Systems AC2000 v10.2, which offers new features such as an enhanced time & attendance application, improved pass design, advanced room booking with access control, and additional features that increase the performance and scope of the AC2000 access control system suite. AC2000 customers maximize their existing security infrastructure by going beyond access control without the need for an additional time & attendance system. AC2000 Time Hub utilizes the existing AC2000 system to provide reliable time keeping, an improved user experience, and helps avoid costly payroll errors, under or over-staffing, and inefficient time recording. Integrated into the AC2000 system, Time Hub is a reporting method for the office manager/ administrator who requires statistics on the entering and exiting of staff. The improved pass design application is another feature of AC2000 v10.2 that provides a more intuitive user interface, more control of badge designs, and features which reduce the configuration time for passes. The advanced room booking feature in AC2000 v10.2 improves resource management, ensuring that only the meeting organizer and invitees can access a meeting room, booked via Outlook®, at the time required. The AC2000 Security Hub command and control application has been enhanced with enterprise map support, a new dashboard to display system metrics, and a new rooms tab for improved operational resource management. Building on the range of video, perimeter detection, and lift interface integrations, AC2000 now offers new interfaces to Samsung™ CCTV, Southwest Microwave perimeter detection, and KONE™ Destination.  

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Tyco’s DSC PowerSeries Pro 1.0

Tyco’s DSC PowerSeries Pro 1.0 eliminates need for wires on sensors or keypads Johnson Controls is introducing its new commercial-grade (EN Grade 3) security system with built-in PowerG long range wireless, 128-bit encryption technology from Tyco. The DSC PowerSeries Pro 1.0 offers cyber protection fea tures and long-range encrypted wireless communications. It is the first commercial intrusion security panel that can handle large commercial installations while eliminating the need for wires on sensors or keypads. “An industry-wide concern is how long it can take to install commercial security systems – too much wiring, multiple repeaters due to low device range and setup can be a hassle,” said Jennifer Doctor, Senior Director of Product Management for Tyco Intrusion Solutions, “We addressed these concerns and designed the DSC PowerSeries Pro with growth opportunities in mind. Dealers are able to easily set up and provide scalable commercial installations without the need to run long wires. As a result, the savings on long wire runs can be substantial.” DSC PowerSeries Pro supports multiple third-party integrations including building management software (BMS) and video access solutions, offering a versatile platform for holistic commercial security. Its on-board Ethernet and modular communicators ensure long-lasting value. DSC PowerSeries Pro also offers a Corbus extender/ power supply, support of new PG sensing technology and LTE communicators.  

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Cayuga R14 VMS

Qognify – the trusted advisor and technology solution provider for physical security and enterprise incident management – has recently announced that the latest release of its video management system (VMS) Cayuga R14, places a major focus on cybersecurity. With the rise of IP solutions for video surveillance systems in recent years, dealing with cybersecurity issues to safeguard video installations has become of utmost importance. One of the best ways to reduce network vulnerabilities associated with video surveillance systems is to make sure that the communication between different components of the video solution is securely encrypted. A comprehensive rolebased access management must also be in place in order to elevate the level of protection, while meeting the compliance requirements of mission-critical environments. Cayuga R14 is focusing on just that – the security architecture of the VMS has been revamped to make sure that internal communication is even safer than before. State-ofthe-art encryption is used for the export of videos, so that they can only be accessed by authorized people. Fundamental active directory (AD) optimizations make sure that the login procedure for Cayuga and the administration of AD roles are now fully aligned with industry standards. As single sign-on is now fully supported, there is no need to explicitly sign in to the Cayuga application – once the Windows login was successful. Aside from all the security improvements, Cayuga now offers the option to start the standard client in viewer mode. This way the user benefits from most of the standard features in the client – even without a connection to the Cayuga server. The new offline client is also available in a light-weight portable version to be distributed with exported video files. Furthermore, Cayuga now supports more than 5,000 different devices from more than 80 different hardware manufacturers. New camera functions have also been introduced into its smart drivers, giving customers even more choice when selecting the right hardware for a video security application.  

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VIVOTEK Delivering adaptability and flexibility in 3 New H.265 180-degree Panoramic and Multi-Sensor Cameras

Building on the product campaign of ‘see more in smarter ways,’ VIVOTEK has launched 3 new panoramic and multi-sensor cameras, the CC9381-HV, MS9321-EHV, and MA9322-EHTV. These three cameras feature H.265 plus VIVOTEK’s Smart Stream III video compression technology, WDR Pro, outdoor-certificated housing, and they are all safeguarded by Trend Micro IoT security. Each is specially designed for versatile applications with different numbers of sensors, vertical fields of view (FoV), and IR distances, allowing users to increase their operational efficiency through a single camera. “To meet ever-changing user demands, we always think about how to make our products better with new feature upgrades or new designs,” said Shengfu Cheng, Director of Product Development Division, VIVOTEK Inc., “Our new panoramic cameras fit into any type of scenario and they are also unique with a different size and shape. In addition, they provide benefits beyond the basics including the reduction of network cables, camera licenses and maintenance costs.” Of the 180-degree panoramic network cameras, VIVOTEK’s CC9381-HV features a compact design that nonetheless provides 5-megapixel resolution and offers a 120-degree vertical field of view. 15-meter IR illuminators further enhance the camera and make it suitable for a wide array of both indoor and outdoor environments such as boutiques, convenience stores, banks, schools and homes. The MS9321- EHV applies the brand-new Robocop design with a built-in sun-shield that sleekly covers four 5-megapixel sensors in 65-degree vertical field of view. It also supports IR illuminators effective up to 30 meters. Moreover, it is equipped with the video alignment feature, enabling users to experience a seamlessly stitched 180-degree horizontal view with superior details. Last but not the least, VIVOTEK launches its new generation multi-adjustable sensor dome camera, the MA9322-EHTV. Featuring four independent 5-megapixel CMOS sensors with 3.7 to 7.7 mm motorized-focus lenses and 30-meter IR illuminators, the MA9322-EHTV allows users to simultaneously view four different areas while occupying only a single IP address. Taken in total, the above features advance these new cameras beyond the current field of surveillance cameras to continue VIVOTEK’s campaign of ‘see more in smarter ways.’  

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Milestone Community Kickstarter Contest

Milestone Systems is committed to protect people and assets and optimize businesses. With the Milestone Community Kickstarter Contest, they invite innovators to help create technology that will make the world a better place. Milestone Systems has built an open platform for vision-based technology software working with applications that create benefits across areas such as security, transportation, emergency response, traffic optimization, and even in wildlife. The Milestone Community Kickstarter Contest is a unique opportunity for coders, developers, individuals and organizations to discover new applications and capabilities that can ‘plug in’ to the XProtect® VMS product family. “Milestone Systems enables an open platform community that drives collaboration and innovation in the development and use of network video technology,” said Bjorn SkouEilertsen, Chief Technology Officer at Milestone, “We believe that developers will change the world. Our MIP SDK can help them do this. It offers developers the opportunity to innovate new solutions and use our powerful VMS platform as the engine.” The winning concept can be an integration, added funcMilestone Community Kickstarter Contest Inviting Developers Around the World to Innovate with their Software tionality, widget or code that extends the use of VMS in any useful capacity. Participating developers can create a visual tool, a device trigger, a base for analyzing data or to measure information that can be applied in new ways. The two requirements are that the solution is integrated with the Milestone XProtect VMS, (and possibly using the MIP SDK), and that the idea must be the contestant’s own intellectual property. “We see technology as a tool. We believe that great things can come by offering our powerful open platform software to a world of innovators to use to make their imaginations tangible. We are open to innovation and are looking for solutions we have yet to imagine that can make the world a better place,” said Jasleen Rehal, Community Engagement Manager, Milestone Systems. Three finalists will be given free entry and an exhibitor booth at the annual Milestone Integration Platform Symposium event (MIPS) in 2020, where the winner will be announced and rewarded with a prize valued at USD 65,000.  

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BCDVideo 100,000th Video Surveillance Recording Installation

BCDVideo has recently landed the company’s 100,000th video surveillance recording appliance. The leader in video data infrastructure and appliances for the physical security industry is celebrating 20 years in the computer industry, with over a decade in the video surveillance arena. The multinational hardware manufacturer currently records video in 75 countries worldwide under the BCDVideo brand, as well as through over 30 OEM software and camera partners, for whom they private-label systems. The 100,000th system installation was a Genetec™ Streamvault™ video appliance which will be used in the management of surveillance at an enterprise customer site in the United States. BCDVideo is a trusted leader in purpose-built video surveillance recording appliances and infrastructure. The company’s innovative video surveillance solutions portfolio includes IP video recording servers and storage, revolutionary hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI-VS), and network architecture. We are proud to provide innovation to some of the most influential names in the security industry. This mutual brand trust allows us the partnership to provide and record the video surveillance at marquee companies all over the world. BCDVideo’s Chief Executive Officer Jeff Burgess said, “CRN Magazine named BCDVideo one of North America’s top technology solutions providers, and Inc. Magazine designated BCDVideo as one of the ‘fastest-growing private companies’ in the U.S. Also in 2019, the company was honored as one of the ‘best places to work in Illinois.’”’  

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Honeywell Suite of Building Integration and Cyber Solutions Help Improve Efficiency, Data Analysis and Control

Honeywell has recently introduced the next generation of Enterprise Building Integration (EBI), Command and Control Suite (CCS), and Digital Video Manager (DVM), a suite of solutions enabled by the Honeywell Forge for Buildings platform, that help drive facility efficiency and oversight, streamline complex functions, and deliver savings across an enterprise. A key component to making this all work is keeping facilities and occupants safe. Along with EBI, CCS and DVM, Honeywell has launched a portfolio of enhanced cybersecurity solutions to help companies protect against the rising risk of unexpected attacks on data, network systems and buildings infrastructure. “For buildings to be smarter, more efficient and effective, an operating system must be in place that works to constantly improve resource management,” said Mark Verheyden, President, Honeywell Building Solutions, “These systems help keep people safe and secure, enhance the building experience, and protect the data and processes that drive operations. The overall health of the building ecosystem can impact business success – just like great talent and experience. Our building operation teams help customers address building use and critical infrastructure challenges.” These technologies leverage IoT connectivity, interoperable systems and data sharing, and adaptive workflows to help transform inputs and information into actionable outcomes. Key enhancements include: EBI R600: The Honeywell building management system that helps connect, monitor and manage core building functions from comfort to security to safety and can help reduce upfront capital costs. The open IoT platform integrates with numerous third-party systems and equipment as well as cloud and mobile applications. With more than 23 years of market implementation, EBI has more than 150 million IoT connections in buildings worldwide. DVM R700: An enhanced digital surveillance system that delivers a detailed view of operations and enterprise-wide integrated protection. Improved camera servers enhance views and reduce storage needs and hardware costs. CCS R300: Facility visualization application with intuitive interface that brings performance data to building personnel through enhanced map navigation and editing capabilities. EBI600, DVM700 and CCS300 integrate with Honeywell Forge for Buildings, an enhanced category of software developed by Honeywell called Enterprise Performance Management. Honeywell Forge for Buildings is an integrated platform that connects operational data from assets, processes, third-party applications and people with machine learning to help customers improve their building performance and enhance performance and productivity with actionable insights. “Commercial building and critical infrastructure customers are often driving toward similar facility outcomes – streamlined operations, reduced costs, improved safety and security,” said Verheyden, “Efforts to reach these goals are markedly different for a hospital or an airport, for example. Within our enhanced integrated platform of offerings, operations teams can tailor services to help meet specific needs through new multi-windows and interactive options that are just a fingertip away.” Information technology (IT) often receives the most attention when it comes to safeguarding the integrity of data and assets. Operational technology (OT) systems that monitor, control and protect processes, equipment and operational environments – can be another entry point, and often needs similar or more care in today’s ever-connected technology landscape. Honeywell is extending its cybersecurity services and products for the buildings OT environment to enable customers to better protect their assets and people. The Honeywell Forge cybersecurity solutions include: Cybersecurity assessment – A professional review of buildings OT systems using industry best practices to identify potential vulnerabilities or gaps. A detailed report is developed to establish a cyber-status baseline and a prioritized action list. Secure design and configuration: Design or modify existing OT infrastructure to enhance the physical, network and application layers, and help reduce risk and mitigate unexpected costs. Cybersecurity appliances and software: The installation and maintenance of cybersecurity hardware and software including firewalls, secure media exchange (SMX), advanced end-point security, and backup/ restore appliances, to help monitor and protect OT systems. Cybersecurity monitoring and remote management: Enables monitoring of OT systems and push alerts regarding performance or security issues. This can be extended to include remote management services, as well as Honeywell’s 24/7 security operation centre (SoC) monitoring. Incident readiness and advisory: Establishes incident response processes that enable more efficient containment, triage and resolution to regain normal business operations in the event of an incident. “Increasing connectivity to OT systems typically enhances security, promoting visibility and allowing previously unidentified security issues to be more efficiently realized. It is a more proactive approach to monitoring and maintaining the systems to be undertaken – the days of leaving OT systems unmanaged, unpatched and unmonitored are over,” said David Trice, Vice President and General Manager, Honeywell Connected Enterprise, Buildings.  

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Hikvision Achieves ISO 28000:2007

Hikvision, the world’s leading supplier of innovative security products and solutions, has announced its ISO 28000:2007 certification, marking further strengthening of the company’s supply chain security assurance. The ISO 28000 standard was developed to satisfy the needs of enterprises for the standardization of supply chain security management with the goal of improving overall performance of the supply chain. The standard is based on the plan-do-check-action (PDCA) operating model to identify risks, carry out controls, and reduce risks to address potential security threats in the supply chain. Hikvision has established a supply chain security management system which covers customer demand, design and development, manufacturing, service delivery, and transportation management processes – with focus on capital security, financial security, logistics security, manufacturing security, personnel safety and site security. The company will continue its focus on enhancement of its supply chain management practice to further increase product quality, customer satisfaction, sustainability and social value.  

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