Month: May 2022

Smart home device adoption is on the rise as new advancements and technology continue to roll out. According to Interpret, more than half of all U.S. consumers own at least one smart home device with video cameras ranking in the top five most popular. In addition, Parks Associates found that one-third of consumers who own a smart home device increased their use of their devices during the pandemic – noting both indoor and outdoor cameras. But is a smart camera a security system? Let’s explore further… Recent research from Interpret (a global insights firm) found that half of smart camera owners actually consider their cameras as their home security system. Having cameras where people expect to see them as well as where they don’t is what can make the difference between good and great security. But while a camera is a great way to keep an eye on your home and loved ones, by itself, a camera is not a true security system. “A picture may be worth a thousand words, but in the home security market, a camera is worth so much more,” John Owens, Senior Vice President, Sales Strategy and Operations at ADT noted, “Cameras can capture motion, facial recognition, and more, but where they can really be the most impactful is when they are connected to a professionally monitored system.” Professional monitoring offers a profound difference over self-monitoring, and when coupled with indoor and outdoor cameras, can provide monitoring agents and 911 dispatchers with more details to help them send the appropriate first responders in case of emergency. In addition, monitoring agents can use connected cameras to help verify alarms, which is known to help increase first responder response times. So, while cameras alone won’t keep your home safe, they are a great first line of defense to help keep an eye on things. And when coupled with a professionally monitored system, you can have greater peace of mind that professionals are helping to protect your home 24/7.  

By Prashanth GJ, CEO, TechnoBind There will hardly be any IT sector today untouched by the influence of Artificial Intelligence. AI has garnered much debate and speculation, and it continues to do so. It has gone through extensive research and development, which has naturally led to an increase in AI-based products and solutions. These are now slithering faster into our day-to-day life, more than most of us are aware. The drastic shift to digitisation has led to higher adoption of cloud-based solutions. Billions of devices access multiple clouds 24×7, leading to data generation increase to titanic amounts. The proliferation of cloudbased applications, IoT connected devices and the challenges arising from remote working is the foundation of an IT infrastructure that is complex to manage using only humans. AI has therefore become a critical technology in information security, as it can quickly analyze and identify and mitigate multiple cyber loopholes faster and with far more accuracy. AI-integrated cybersecurity systems help tackle data vulnerability steadily growing with businesses expanding beyond their initial technological capabilities. IT architectures are ever-expanding and also becoming more complex. Adding newer solutions to the existing networks increases the intricacy, and there are high chances of leaving gaps in the cybersecurity fabric. So companies must rely on a technology that acts faster on identifying the loopholes and improving the security posture efficiently and effectively. AI-based solutions can help identify the security team on the current gaps and the possibilities for any emerging future lapses and crises. Benefits of amalgamation of AI into Cybersecurity Promptness in detecting threats is one of the key attributes of using AI in cybersecurity. Traditional cybersecurity software cannot keep up with the sheer volume of new malware and cyber threats. AI-enabled cybersecurity systems can process these new threats quickly, and its continual learning the system can train itself to detect malware, run pattern recognition and detect even the minutest change that could be malware or ransomware. Automation of threat detection and its eradication without human interference is one of the crucial features of AI-based solutions. AI in cybersecurity incorporates more sophisticated and robust models and simplifies the existing ones. Data deception is another aspect that hints towards a more secure future, where these organizations can detect, analyze and defend against attacks by predicting and tracking them. Vulnerability management is very crucial to an organization’s network security. Every IT organization today, big or small, is subjected to several risks round the clock. Hence, vulnerabilities must be actively detected and eliminated. Vulnerability management may be aided by analysing and assessing the already existing security measures with the help of AI Investigations. AI can analyse systems much faster than cybersecurity experts or teams, enhancing your problem-solving abilities. What the future holds Advanced technologies make large-scale digitalisation possible. With AI integrated into cybersecurity systems, businesses stay protected from malicious activities. AI provides the necessary threat detection tools to track and identify security breaches and reinforce the security systems. AI in cybersecurity is proving itself to be the ultimate solution for defending cyber-crimes.  

A pan-African police operation jointly coordinated by INTERPOL and AFRIPOL has identified hundreds of suspects and resulted in seizures of more than 12 million illicit health products. Codenamed ‘Flash-IPPA’ (Illicit Pharmaceutical Products in Africa), the two-month operation, which ended in December, brought together law enforcement and drug regulatory agencies from 20 African countries to dismantle the organized crime networks behind regional pharmaceutical crime. Ahead of the operation, using globally sourced regional data shared via INTERPOL’s secure global police communications network, I-24/7, countries were able to target crime networks producing and distributing illegal pharmaceuticals across Africa. Frontline officers conducted inspections at roadblocks, open markets, pharmacies, warehouses and other locations suspected of producing, smuggling, storing or distributing fake pharmaceuticals. Flash-IPPA seizures at a glance: 2 million illicit anti convulsing tablets. 300,000 other epilepsy treatment tablets. 1,600 rapid COVID tests. More than 208,000 COVID-19 protection masks. The operation’s most commonly seized illicit medicines included antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, analgesics and medication used to correct erectile dysfunction, rheumatism and epilepsy. With the pandemic creating unique crime opportunities for organized crime networks to introduce fake medical products into legal markets, officers were on the lookout in particular for COVID-related vaccines, medicines and medical devices. West African operations revealed the use of counterfeit COVID-19 vaccination certificates in several countries, whilst East African operations saw the use of unregulated and unlawful distribution and sale of genuine COVID-19 vaccines. “COVID-19 has created a parallel crime pandemic and this operation shows how criminals are continuing to take advantage of this health crisis in order to maximize their illicit profits,” said INTERPOL’s Secretary General Jürgen Stock, “Addressing regional needs is a key part of INTERPOL’s global response to crime and our aim here is clear; to build stronger, meaningful capabilities for African law enforcement through our partnership with AFRIPOL.” Benin police authorities seized more than 27 tonnes of a wide range of fake medicines during one raid, triggering regional and global investigations. Investigations across Libya resulted in the seizure of more than 11.5 million painkiller and infantile epilepsy tablets. One raid in Niger saw the seizure of more than 300,000 epilepsy tablets. Zimbabwean police authorities arrested more than 2,000 individuals during its nationwide leg of Operation Flash-IPPA. Front-line officers in Algeria carried out more than 90 searches and inspections at strategic locations suspected of producing and distributing illicit pharmaceuticals. Shaping a coordinated response in African law enforcement operations “ The results of Operation Flash-IPPA are testimony to the strength of AFRIPOL-INTERPOL collaboration, and the importance of INTERPOL support in boosting AFRIPOL’s position as the lead African institution for preventing and combating transnational organized crime, terrorism and cybercrime,” said AFRIPOL’s Executive Director, Dr Tarek Sharif, “Operation Flash-IPPA will boost AFRIPOL’s intelligence collection for subsequent use in member state investigative collaboration.” With organized crime groups frequently engaging in multiple crime areas simultaneously, the operation also saw the seizure of cocaine, cannabis, khat, crystal meth, counterfeit foods, oils, beverages, cigarettes and baby accessories. Ongoing analysis of Flash-IPPA seizures and arrests in Africa is triggering associated investigations in all continents linked to pharmaceutical crime groups operating in Africa. INTERPOL’s Support Programme for the African Union (ISPA) assists AFRIPOL in developing its strategic framework and operational functions across the continent and in fighting transnational crime in cooperation with INTERPOL and other regional policing bodies. The results of Operation FLASH-IPPA follow the ISPA programme’s first in-person mission to AFRIPOL Headquarters from 15 February to 1 March 2022. INTERPOL’s Executive Director of Police Services Stephen Kavanagh co-led the ISPA Steering Committee with AFRIPOL’s Executive Director Dr Tarek Sharif, confirming the importance of cooperation between the two police organizations in boosting security in the African continent. Following intensive discussions, technical workshops and large-scale planning exercises, the Steering Committee adopted a clear work plan and priorities for the coming months. AFRIPOL manages a continental communication system called ‘AFSECOM,’ with access to a selection of INTERPOL’s criminal databases and its secure police communications network enabling it to work with police forces in 195 member countries. FLASH-IPPA participating countries included Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Central African Republic, Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Libya, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Sudan, Togo, Uganda, South Africa and Zimbabwe.  

Multimode fiber optic cable is the backbone of most modern corporate networks. Multimode fiber optic networks are more efficient, easier to install, and significantly cheaper than single mode systems – making them the top choice for everyone from small businesses to large enterprises. There’s just one thing preventing multimode fiber from being the perfect network solution – multimode fiber distance limits. Single mode fiber networks can’t compete with multimode systems on price, but multimode fiber has a much shorter data transmission range. As networks grow and required data transmission speeds and volume increase, network designers and integrators like you must figure out how to manage multimode fiber distance limits to build and maintain fiber optic networks that meet your company’s needs and fit your budget. We’ve put together this short guide to help you better understand multimode fiber distance limits and how you can manage them to ensure your company network is optimized for performance, efficiency, and cost. A quick intro to multimode fiber distance limits Multimode fiber is designed to transmit multiple rays of light simultaneously. It has a larger core than single mode fiber (50-62.5μm vs. 9μm) which allows light to bounce off the walls of the fiber as it travels. This larger core enables multimode fiber to support multiple data protocols and transmit multiple signals at the same time, but it also limits the signal transmission range. As light travels along a fiber optic cable, a phenomenon called modal dispersion occurs. Modal dispersion is a technical way of saying the optical energy gets spread out and the signal loses integrity. It’s worse in multimode fiber because of the more jagged path light takes as it travels. Modal dispersion gets worse the further the light travels. After a certain distance, the signal gets so spread out that it’s no longer distinguishable by the devices it’s being transmitted to. As a result, multimode fiber distance limits are determined by how far the fiber can transmit data before modal dispersion degrades the signal. Three ways you can manage multimode fiber distance limits There’s no way to completely eliminate multimode fiber distance limits, but there are ways to manage them and maximize the range of your multimode fiber network. Let’s take a look at the three most effective strategies. 1.Choose the best fiber for your application The most basic way to manage multimode fiber distance limits is to choose the best multimode fiber for your application. There are five industry-standard multimode fiber grades. As you can see from the table below, they differ in size, optical source, bandwidth, and distance limits at various speeds. They also differ in price – with OM5 being the most expensive and OM1 the least expensive. In general, OM1 should only be used to patch or repair existing networks. OM3, OM4 and OM5 offer higher bandwidths and longer distance limits due to their use of advanced VSCEL (LASER) sources instead of traditional LED sources. OM3 is a good choice for most corporate applications, while OM4 features increased bandwidth and data transmission ranges if you need them. OM5 is the best for data centers and other high speed applications. Don’t forget to think ahead and consider both your current and future bandwidth and distance needs when choosing your multimode fiber. 2.Consider using higher wavelengths Industry-standard multimode fiber bandwidth and distance limits are based on a wavelength of 850nm, but modern fiber optic cables and devices can efficiently transmit signals using three wavelengths: 850nm, 1300nm, and 1550nm. Higher wavelengths can actually be transmitted more efficiently, meaning you get less modal dispersion and longer effective transmission distances. Fiber optics that use 1300nm and 1550nm are more expensive than devices operating at 850nm, but the difference is usually not prohibitive, and the extra range is often worth the extra cost. 3.Take advantage of technology Scientists and engineers haven’t figured out how to change the laws of physics and eliminate model dispersion, but they have developed technology to help mitigate the effects and extend the data transmission range of multimode fiber networks. With the help of technology such as Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) and advanced small form-factor pluggable (SFP) optical fiber transceivers, you can achieve Gigabit Ethernet multimode fiber path lengths of up to 2 km – a significant increase from the industry standard limits. Let ComNet help optimize your multimode fiber use As you can see, there are several things you can do to maximize and manage multimode fiber distance limits, but it’s not easy. Choosing the right fiber, wavelength, and technology requires a high level of technical expertise and professional judgment. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our ComNet Design Team is ready and willing to help. We offer a wide range of technology designed to help you maximize your multimode fiber range – including an extensive selection of SFPs and WDM optics. We also offer advanced design support from the experts in our ComNet Design Center.