May 28, 2022 - securitylinkindia

Case Study

City of Victoria Chooses Veeam to Drive Business Resiliency and Ensure Data Protection

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 28, 2022November 14, 202405 mins

Veeam® Software, the provider of backup, recovery and data management solutions that deliver Modern Data Protection, recently announced it has been chosen by City of Victoria to build its city’s business resiliency and increase its security posture by providing unmatched modern data protection, backup and disaster recovery. To support the city’s thriving economy and vibrant arts and culture scene, City of Victoria knew business resiliency and cybersecurity had to be main priorities, which meant making sure data is always protected and accessible. Located at the southern tip of Vancouver Island and serving as the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria is a modern, forward-thinking city known for its convenient city services. From water distribution, garbage collection and emergency assistance to recreational classes, transportation planning and landuse development, these city services are foundational to the city’s strong and successful community. With numerous IT systems supporting city services, ensuring reliability and accessibility for all 94,400 residents is one of the city’s highest priorities. So, when City of Victoria’s legacy backup solutions failed to match the agility and efficiency of Microsoft Azure Stack hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) which is what all systems run on, the IT team knew it had to look for a solution that would dovetail with that simplicity. “Our goal is to always have 100% confidence that data remains protected and city services are always available, so when looking for new solutions, Veeam Backup & Replication™ stood out to us,” Mike Palmer, CIO for the City of Victoria said, “At the time, ransomware was just beginning to surface as a threat, and Veeam had the added benefit of helping increase our ransomware protection. Business resiliency and cybersecurity are two of the city’s biggest priorities, so having a reliable solution like Veeam means there’s no second guessing.” With Veeam Backup & Replication, City of Victoria can build business resiliency by simplifying backup and disaster recovery and increase its security posture by boosting ransomware protection – preventing, detecting and restoring data should a ransomware attack take place. Today, ransomware is worse than ever and the attacks against all industries are only increasing. With the threat of new ransomware models continuing to be a leading concern facing business leaders, a solution that protects all data against accidental deletion, security threats and retention-policy gaps was a huge factor in decision making. Veeam also provides total access, control and protection of city data with Veeam Backup for Microsoft Office 365. Now, City of Victoria can back up 25 TB across 130 Microsoft Hyper-V and VMware vSphere VMs in Azure Stack HCI on-premises and send backup copies to tape, so data is air gapped regardless of it being stored on-premises or in the cloud. Veeam gives City of Victoria’s IT team the ability to go further back than 90 days for SharePoint and 30 days for Exchange items, which is critical for legal and regulatory requirements and helps to meet compliance requirements with efficient search and recover features. This ease-of-use helps the city make sure data is always protected and accessible – saving at least 10 hours in troubleshooting time each week.

Case Study

Security and safety in large venues: how smart video can help

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 28, 2022November 14, 202405 mins

Keeping visitors safe is the top priority for any large venue. However, with expansive areas to cover, and sometimes millions of visitors a year to look after, manual patrols and security video management are the major challenges these places are facing. To address them, leading auditoriums, arenas and stadiums around the world are deploying smart video solutions that can automate routine security checks and trigger alerts in real time in the event of an accident or other incident, helping security staff respond faster and more effectively. Security and safety challenges at large venues At large venues and sports stadiums, large numbers of visitors increase the likelihood of crowding, accidents, and fire safety risks. For these reasons, the security staff has to constantly keep an eye on all areas of the site. However, the sheer scale of these kinds of sites makes this very difficult, or even impossible, to use traditional manual approaches and patrols to protect the entire complex. The better way: An automated, large-scale, smart video solution One way for auditoriums, arenas and stadiums to protect staff and large crowds of visitors is to deploy smart video solutions. These keep track of large areas in high definition and generate automated alerts in the event of accidents and emergencies, helping security teams to assist visitors far more quickly. The leading smart video solutions also provide ‘tags’ in video footage that allow security teams to search for, and find, footage of incidents much more quickly, which help to deliver further time savings. Outside large venues, smart video solutions with license-plate recognition (ANPR) capabilities can be deployed to control vehicle access and to help large numbers of visitors to park more quickly. This supports better security and safety outcomes, while also improving the visitor experience, especially during popular events. Excellent results at Zayed Sport City Zayed Sport City, which is the number one sports destination in United Arab Emirates (UAE), is a great example of how smart video can improve the safety of sports fans and visitors. The venue, which welcomes 1.7 million visiting sports fans each year, has deployed a Hikvision solution that incorporates more than 600 smart video cameras with different functions and types, deployed across the entire site. This includes coverage of the Zayed Sport City stadium, ice rink, bowling center, tennis center and a range of other sports facilities. With the Hikvision solution, many routine security tasks can be handled automatically, reducing the risk of missed incidents, speeding up responses, and reducing staff workloads and costs. “The Hikvision system’s AI features are very valuable in investigating incidents, and it reduces the time required by our staff significantly.” said Khalid Al Mutawa, Director of Operations for Abu Dhabi Entertainment Company, the company that manages and operates Zayed Sport City, “Streamlining our processes with this system has allowed us to become much more efficient in ensuring both safety and customer experience throughout the complex. The automated security alerts and the HD Video helps us to respond quickly and work with peace of mind.”

Case Study

National Police Force in EMEA expands longterm contract to broaden use of Cellebrite’s Digital Intelligence Solution Suite

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 28, 2022November 14, 202402 mins

Cellebrite, a global company in Digital Intelligence (DI) solutions for the public and private sectors, recently announced that a national police force in EMEA has expanded its long-term partnership with Cellebrite, resulting in one of the largest Cellebrite Premium Enterprise deployments to date. The USD 2 million agreement will enable the police force to deploy solutions from Cellebrite’s industry-leading DI offering across its operations, establishing Cellebrite UFED Ultimate as the premier collection and review solution for examiners in the lab and investigators in the field across the police force and extending Cellebrite Premium capabilities to all UFED end points. Arthur Veinstein, Cellebrite’s General Manager, International Business, commented, “We are thrilled to have a longterm customer choosing to continue modernizing its investigative efforts through increased adoption of Cellebrite’s DI solutions. Adoption of our solutions at the national level will enhance collaboration among the police force’s examiners and investigators, resulting in more efficient and effective investigations.”

Case Study

Amg Systems Selected by Ck Communications to help Digitise Cardiff’s Traffic Monitoring and Cctv Network

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 28, 2022November 14, 202405 mins

When CK Communications was asked to upgrade all of Cardiff’s traffic control rooms from analogue to IP, they called on video transmission and networking experts AMG Systems to help move video and data to more than 30 separate monitoring locations across the city. Cardiff-based CK Communications has a 22-year history and offers a unique service integrating CCTV, RPS, VMS, fibre, security and electrical services from design stages through to installation and commissioning. The company’s projects include city centres, council-owned buildings, data centres, motorways and tunnels and it works closely with the main roads agencies in South Wales to provide support on their current and future projects. When CK won the contract to upgrade all traffic control rooms in Cardiff from analogue to IP, it faced a significant task. These monitoring stations include four main and no less than 27 remotely sited control desks across the city. The control rooms and desks are required for the use of police, urban traffic control (which has responsibility for traffic signals across Cardiff), a Silver Command post for major events including monitoring large-scale football and rugby match days, tunnel service buildings, bus depots and more. According to Ian Jones, the existing Cardiff traffic monitoring network was very much in need of an upgrade. He describes it as formerly ‘an analogue beast.’ “It meant there was lots of video switching, and video matrixes dotted all over the place,” Ian said, “Our first task was to get all of those camera images from the analogue world on to an IP solution. The products to be used were Pelco, but then we had to send 500 images around the city from a variety of locations to different control rooms. So that’s where AMG came in.” AMG Systems is the leading UK-based manufacturer of environmentally robust fibre, analogue, IP/ Ethernet, wireless and hybrid communication transmission solutions. Ian worked with Sara Fisher, AMG’s Sales and Marketing Director, to design the system which would work best on the existing customer-owned fibre network in place across Cardiff. “That involved utilising lots of Layer 2 switches, as well as fibre switches which are dotted across the city now,” he said, “A significant factor in the installation was that the existing Pelco equipment was only able to unicast a certain number of images; they prefer to use multicast. So AMG provided switches for multicasting (including IGMP and IGMP snooping) and other specific jobs. “Those AMG switches help to send data – including video and audio – to all of the various control rooms and control desks across the city.” CK has also moved Cardiff’s analogue cameras to IP, which has involved using AMG transmission equipment at the edge of the network, integrating into switches CK has built into the nodes. The AMG equipment in use in Cardiff includes AMG 5900 hybrid units, which are able to transmit analogue video, data, audio and Ethernet, a variety of edge-of-network managed and unmanaged switches, 10Gb/s managed switches, both standard and modular, and hybrid (analogue over IP) wireless links. Ian is himself an experienced highways engineer and has been responsible at CK for projects in Cardiff for more than a decade. His first exposure to AMG’s products came about when working on upgrading camera sites on the M25 motorway.

Feature

Hikvision HeatPro Thermal Camera: A Preventive Tool for Fire Safety

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 28, 2022November 14, 202408 mins

Fire is a massive safety concern, especially in large areas with combustible ‘elements’ such as charging units, waste and battery storage areas. Often these areas are unmanned at all times, and traditional monitoring methods do not always see a fire in time. The speed at which a fire can take hold is frightening, and so the earlier a warning is given, the better the outcome. Thermal technology is coming down in price and is being used increasingly to detect abnormal heat rises, effectively offering a fire prevention solution, rather than a fire reaction one. A serious problem smoulders According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) the US suffers an annual average of 1.3 million fires resulting in 3,190 civilian deaths, 16,225 civilian injuries, $14.7 billion in direct property loss. It is a great concern to industry too, especially in large buildings with combustible or electronic con tents, like warehouses, fulfillment centers, dispatch centers, and datacenters. Even battery charging stations are higher risk, with Lithium-ion batteries being a particular concern. Existing methods of detection can prove useful, but have limitations with regard to verification and warning time. Smoke detectors will give an alarm when they detect smoke in the air. However, this is only after the fire has already started. The same applies to air sampling devices, which tests the particulates in the air, although these can usually detect smoke before a smoke detector. Optical cameras are also used, but they can only give a warning when flames are visible – in other words, when the fire has already started. Monitoring temperature before flame Thermal imagery can give warnings at an earlier stage of a fire. Because this technology monitors the temperature, rather than the output of a fire (smoke, flame etc.), it can flag a potential issue before it happens. If thermal sensors detect abnormal temperatures, operators can investigate further and take action to avert the fire itself. Cameras can be positioned at certain points around a site to monitor it all, or used to focus on particular risk points, like a waste dump, or an electric charging station. Solution designers use thermal technology successfully in a number of scenarios, including recycling centers, forests, and warehouses. Verification avoids false alarms Many fire systems use different types of sensor in combination, and thermal technology adds extra value by verifying other alerts. For example, it can double-check the temperature of an area where a smoke alarm has sounded. Thermal cameras can also provide support for those checking the alert location. With the use of a bi-spectrum camera, operators in the control center can see if the person checking the alert is in the same place as that alert, reducing the chance of error and missing a potential fire risk. The technology also comes in useful for planning and risk assessment. It can show potential ‘hot spots’ in a building by monitoring it over time. These can then form part of risk mitigation – to pay particular attention to those areas for fire prevention activities and evacuation plans, for example. When there are people in an area, preventing fire becomes even more important. Injuries can be averted, even lives saved, if they get the proper warning in time to act – whether to put out a fire or evacuate. Thermal camera ranges (e.g., Hikvision’s HeatPro series) have models linked directly to sirens or strobe lights. These can give a general warning in the area of the camera, as well as an alert to the system operator. Installation design flexibility Lower cost thermal cameras, like HeatPro, can also provide great flexibility in building a bespoke system for a site. A number of different detection distance options in the cameras provide different fields of view. This means that installers can find the right combination to meet the needs of the space they need to protect. Hikvision also has a Thermal Design Tool – software to guide installers on the best way to place the cameras in an area. Franck Carette, Product Manager Europe Security & Safety Thermal Products at Hikvision, said, “The fact the thermal technology has come down in price means that it’s now a much more sensible fire prevention option from an economic perspective. With the introduction of our latest model, this makes even more sense, since this has a much larger field of view. This means installers need to put in fewer cameras to cover the same area as before.” The maxim ‘prevention is better than cure’ resonates well in the world of fire safety. Fires cause massive damage, and can even be responsible for grave injury or death. However, if a fire risk can be identified early enough, a fire can be successfully managed, or avoided altogether. Thermal technology can provide that extra bit of time that makes the difference between containment and disaster.

National

Genetec Cautions Public Sector to Harden Physical Security Systems Against Digital Threats in Light of Rising Cyberattacks

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 28, 2022November 14, 202405 mins

Following a pandemic-exacerbated rise in data breaches and ransomware attacks, Genetec Inc., a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, guided public sector organizations on how to reduce cyber vulnerabilities of physical security systems that are often overlooked. IP security cameras and other security devices were put in place to protect people, assets, and environments. But the same network connectivity that enables organizations to monitor operations and update software remotely presents a path into the network for cyber criminals. If they are not sufficiently modern or properly shielded, they can pose significant risk to cybersecurity. An attack that originates in a camera or door controller can find its way through the network to block access to critical applications, lock files for ransom, and steal personal data. Justin Himelberger, Enterprise Systems Business Development Manager for US Federal and DOD at Genetec Inc., said, “Because these systems – video surveillance, access control, alarms, communications, and more – are increasingly connected to networks and IT infrastructure, they can be quite vulnerable. With the number of cyberattacks increasing around the world, it is becoming clear that government organizations must be more stringent than ever about cybersecurity in their own organizations and throughout their supply chains.” A step organization can take immediately is making sure each device, as well as the servers used for storing data and hosting monitoring consoles, has the latest version of firmware and software recommended by the manufacturer. Changing default passwords and establishing a process to change them frequently is a critical practice. Improving network design to segment older devices can also help reduce the potential for crossover attacks. Assessing and preventing vulnerabilities To determine the risk of physical security systems, Genetec recommends organizations conduct a posture assessment, creating and maintaining an inventory of all network-connected devices and their connectivity, firmware version and configuration. As part of the assessment, they must identify models and manufacturers of concern such as those listed by the U.S. Government under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as presenting a high level of cyber risk. They should also document all users with knowledge of security devices and systems. The review can pinpoint devices and systems that should be replaced. When developing a replacement program, prioritize strategies that support modernization. One effective approach is to unify physical and cybersecurity devices and software on a single, open architecture platform with centralized management tools and views. Additionally, while physical security and IT have been approached as separate efforts historically, the risk of cyberattacks through physical security technology is driving change. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends joining IT and physical security into a single team, so they can develop a comprehensive security program based on a common understanding of risk, responsibilities, strategies, and practices. In the US, Federal funding may be available to help cover costs associated with replacement programs. The 2021 Investment and Jobs Act includes $1billion earmarked to help state and local governments modernize their cybersecurity. Genetec can provide subject matter experts in public sector and security veterans to speak on this topic upon request.

National

Forcepoint Opens India Innovation Center in Mumbai

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaMay 28, 2022November 14, 202405 mins

Global security company Forcepoint recently announced the company is making further investments in India with the opening of a new state-of-the-art technology center of excellence near Mumbai in Thane, Maharashtra. The new India Innovation Center will tap into the region’s technical and engineering talent to enable rapid development and deployment of new capabilities to Forcepoint’s Security Service Edge (SSE) platform. In the first phase of expansion for the Forcepoint India Innovation Center, the company will hire more than 200 software architects, cloud computing developers, DevOps engineers, quality assurance and specialists with diverse technical skills. Available roles will span all experience levels and encompass individual contributor, team leader and management roles. Interested candidates are invited to apply on the Forcepoint website. “Forcepoint is a pioneer in delivering modern cybersecurity by proactively safeguarding employees, critical data & intellectual properties. Our mission is to create a safe and trusting environment through a revolutionary Security Service Edge (SSE) platform by converging our best-in-class network and security products into a comprehensive single security solution. It is a purpose-built and future-proof service which is simple, seamless, and massively scalable across the globe,” said Nirav Shah, VP and CTO, India Innovation Center. Shah continued, “The Forcepoint India Innovation Center is established to accelerate our mission to simplify security for the benefit of organizations around the globe by fostering a culture of innovation at the intersection of cybersecurity and cloud computing. We are excited to tap into India’s diverse talent pool who will play a significant role in driving forward this mission.” The opening of the Forcepoint India Innovation Center follows the March 2022 launch of Forcepoint ONE, the cybersecurity industry’s new ‘easy button’ for securing enterprises with hybrid workforces. An all-in-one cloud platform, Forcepoint ONE simplifies security with both traditional and remote workforces, allowing users to gain safe, controlled access to information across the Web, cloud and private applications. Forcepoint ONE makes it easy for customers and partners to adopt Zero Trust and SSE by unifying crucial security services including Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Remote Browser Isolation (RBI), and Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR) technologies. Forcepoint’s strategy helps customers reduce the management burden of traditional point product approaches and simplify security operations with fewer vendors and significantly reduced costs. The new Forcepoint India Innovation Center will play a critical role in developing new features and functionality to this market-leading platform. “We are committed to a human-centric culture and environment at Forcepoint that promotes inclusivity, variety of thought, mutual respect, and dignity in all parts of our life. Our vision is to accelerate our cyber leadership position by using modern enablers to secure our customers’ data, regardless of where they work,” said Anurag Kahol, Senior Vice President, Secure Services Edge.