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NETGEAR 2023 IoT Security Landscape Report Brings IoT Security Concerns into Sharp Focus

Marthesh Nagendra Country Manager – India, ME & SAARC The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other items that use sensors, software, and network connectivity to collect and exchange data. These connected devices are changing the way we live, work, and communicate. Along with their myriad blessings, they are also opening up new avenues for crime. As a result, IoT devices have emerged as the most vulnerable equipment in the world today. As manufacturers increasingly scrap ‘dumb’ devices in favor of smart Internet-connected versions, smart homes are growing around their owners, enveloping the humans that own them without them being aware of it. The once romanticized notions of the smart house, often portrayed on TV as a cheery aide to a seamless life, have given way to privacy invasions, data breaches, and ruthless ransomware attacks targeting network-attached storage. If improperly configured, or shipped with vulnerabilities and security hazards that were overlooked during quality assurance, these devices can spell catastrophes for privacy and data integrity. They can even jeopardize the integrity of the Internet itself. 2023 IoT Security Landscape Report: Key Findings NETGEAR’s recently released ‘2023 IoT Security Landscape Report’ brings into sharp focus the immense security concerns involving IoT devices. Based on threat intelligence sampled by 2.6 million smart homes around the world, the NETGEAR Study investigated nearly 120 million IoT devices. The study revealed that IoT devices are generating a whopping 3.6 billion security events around the world every day. This translates into 20 connected devices per household, with 8 cyber attacks occurring every 24 hrs. The report, no doubt, makes shocking revelations about the vulnerabilities of Smart Homes. To get a clear understanding of these Smart Homes, let’s take look at the most popular devices and the top vulnerabilities affecting them: Smartphones: Almost 41% of the devices connected to home routers are smartphones. This number includes guest devices that can be temporarily associated with the network. Computers: Computers and laptops are the most common devices found in connected homes. While they have lost to mobile devices in popularity, they still witness steady growth worldwide. Streaming Devices: Streaming devices are popular means of turning a ‘dumb’ TV into an Internet connected device. Tablet: Tablets have gained significant traction during the COVID-19 outbreak as schools have started issuing tablets for online education. Console: Game consoles also double as entertainment centers. They come with dedicated hardware and software for playing games and typically connect to a TV or monitor to display the game. Common Vulnerabilities of IoT Devices Going by the security incidents of 2022, most attacks spotted last year rely on already known common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) included in automated attack toolkits. Although these common vulnerabilities are known to both IoT vendors and attackers, firmware vendors may take significant time to assess, patch, and deliver fixes for the devices already deployed in smart homes. This potentially provides cybercriminals a window of opportunity. Blocking these attacks, calls for layered technologies to stop them cold before they reach the vulnerable IoT device in your network. The exploitation of IoT devices targets different outcomes, depending on device type and purpose, connectivity options, and monetization opportunities. Vulnerability outcomes range from undermining the systems’ capacity to perform expected functions to executing code on the device and hijacking its functions. IoT Risks to Consider Cybersecurity risks: Smart homes are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, as many IoT devices have weak security measures. This can allow hackers to gain access to personal information, such as passwords and financial data, and even take control of smart devices. Privacy concerns: Many smart devices are equipped with cameras, microphones, and other sensors that can collect data about users without their knowledge or consent. This can result in a violation of privacy, which is of particular concern for in-house deployment. Physical safety risks: Smart plugs, door locks, and cameras are becoming increasingly popular. These devices control physical security aspects such as lighting, access control, and surveillance. Any disruption in operation or loss of control can impact physical security. Predictions 2023 Privacy concerns will demand change: IoT devices thrive on big data. An FTC study in 2015 estimated that ‘fewer than 10,000 households can ‘generate 150 million discrete data points a day’ or approximately, one data point every six seconds for each household. Today, things are even worse. The 2022 Connectivity and Mobile Trends Survey by Deloitte outlines that one in two IoT users expressed concerns over the security vulnerabilities in smart home devices that might expose the troves of collected information, while 40% of respondents fear that they might be spied on. Botnets will continue to grow: IoT devices will increasingly become targets for botnets, which can launch large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Cybercriminals will continue to invest significant efforts in exploitation and persistence mechanisms to help them grow their infected device base. IoT security will get worse before it gets better: Vendors’ slow reaction to vulnerability disclosure and patching will persist into 2023. Although new regulations – such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act -are anticipated to provide some relief by imposing mandatory cyber-security standards for products sold within the bloc, their enforcement is not expected until at least 2025. Top Six Best Practices to Secure IoT Devices Both home users and employees should be aware of active IoT devices in their networks and keep them up to date. If some devices are past their life, replace them immediately with newer models. Move all smart devices to a dedicated guest network to isolate them from the main network. Patch devices as soon as a new firmware version becomes available. Use routers or gateways with built-in security. Probe the home network for vulnerable devices with a smart home scanner. Avoid exposing LAN devices to the Internet unless necessary. Router Security As crucial Internet infrastructure, routers are exposed to a wide range of security threats. A combination of outdated software, lack of encryption, weak passwords, misconfigured remote management, as well as an overall lack of…

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Built for Digital Education: Dahua Launches DeepHub Smart Classroom Solution

Dahua Technology, a world-leading video-centric AIoT solution and service provider, launched the Dahua DeepHub Smart Classroom Solution in an online launch event. Build for digital education, this solution combines Dahua’s hardware and software features as well as other products to enhance interactive learning for K-12 and higher education classrooms. One of the distinguished guests, school teacher and Montessori Australia Ambassador Gavin McCormack, kicked off the event with a keynote speech about the future of digital education. He emphasized, “Skills like communication, collaboration, time management, and proactive learning are extremely important if our students are going to be ready for tomorrow. Innovative tools like the Dahua DeepHub solution not only allows our students to be proactive and innovative within their setting of their classroom, but they also have an opportunity to have outreach within their community and right across the planet. Ultimately, that is our students get to change the world and make it better through the power of education and technology.” Combining both hardware and software capabilities Following the success of the Dahua DeepHub smart interactive whiteboard launched in 2022, Dahua introduced two new models for education this year – Lite Series (DHI-LPH65/75/86-ST420) and Pro Series (DHI LPH65/75/86-ST470-P). Both series are available in sizes ranging from 65 to 86 inches and feature 4K displays. The Lite series is highly competitive and well-received among budget-conscious customers. The Pro series on the other hand offers additional high-end features including 8-core high performance processing CPU, Type-C with 65W PD charging, optional plug-in camera and built-in 8 array mic, among others. Moreover, another significant highlight of the event is a set of easy-to-use software that promotes more effective teaching methods while enabling an interactive and engaging learning experience for students. The suite includes DeepHub Class, which offers various subject teaching tools to increase student interaction; DeepHub Canvas, which realizes shape and handwriting recognition, as well as online image and video search; DeepHub Board, which gathers creative ideas with the help of its sticky notes, voting, images, videos and drawing capabilities; and DeepHub MDM, which provides management functions such as device status viewing, remote application installation, remote control, report exporting, etc. 4 teaching scenarios With Dahua DeepHub whiteboard as its core and using software functions to further enhance its value, the Dahua DeepHub Smart Classroom Solution is specifically designed for four typical digital education scenarios – Lecture, Seminar, Hybrid, and Sharing. In lecture scenarios, teachers can prepare lessons at home or anywhere with the help of diverse tools, including cloud storage. In addition, it also supports interactive games, customized teaching resources, one-click setup for various subject tools and widgets, 1,000-plus dynamic and engaging learning simulations, convenient files and objects demo via document camera, and more. For seminar scenarios, this solution enables collaborating across institutions on a free canvas using DeepHub Board. Each team member can contribute their ideas on the canvas, eliminating the limitations on distances and locations for seminars, group discussions, and meetings. It supports over 200 students and over 1,000 viewers at the same time. In hybrid scenarios, teachers can interact with both online and in-person students, knowing their learning status in real time. Students can easily interact with the content shared by teachers through their own devices or remotely access their online courses, providing a conducive learning environment similar to being physically present in the classroom. For sharing scenarios, the built-in recording software of Dahua DeepHub supports one-click content sharing that is beneficial for after-class studying. With professional configuration of classroom cameras and recording servers, it supports real-time tracking of teaching activities to provide students with immersive learning experience. Dahua has been exploring the education vertical market for many years and has provided various competitive smart education solutions to over 150,000 schools. During the online event, representatives from Colegio Los Álamos in Spain and Monfort Youth Center in Malaysia also shared their experiences in collaboration with Dahua and insights on innovative education practices. Notably, Dahua DeepHub has also integrated with well-known third-party platforms to empower modern classrooms with rich curriculum resources through powerful joint solutions. A deep insight into the learning process is of paramount importance in the education industry. The Dahua DeepHub is making every effort to promote deeper collaboration, deeper participation, and deeper thinking in order to bring new inspirations in modern classrooms. Moving forward, Dahua will continue to utilize its expertise in AIoT, and actively promote the construction of digital education with its ecosystem partners, greatly empowering the future of education with science and technology.  

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Vishal maheshwari Takes Charge as Director & Head of Digital Access Solutions & Electromechanical Business for MEIIA Region at ASSA ABLOY

Vishal Maheshwari ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions has elevated Vishal Maheshwari from this current position in SAARC to handle extended MEIIA (Middle East, India, Israel & Africa) region as the Director and Head of Digital Access Solutions & Electromechanical business. With this transition to the MEIIA region, Vishal will be responsible for driving strategic initiatives closely with different market regions in developing comprehensive product strategy and also implementing divisional strategies and guidelines. This elevation reflects Vishal’s unwavering commitment to deliver results, his cultural understanding and proven leadership; and the confidence the group has in his ability to excel and lead cross-functional team in this expanded role. Vishal brings with him over 13 years of invaluable industry experience, having been an integral part of the ASSA ABLOY family since December 2015. Prior to joining ASSA ABLOY, he held various positions in Capgemini Consulting, Sellox BV, Ingersoll Rand, Allegion amongst others. ASSA ABLOY is the global company in door access solutions with innovative solutions in the digital space such as Incedo Business Access Control Platform, range of wireless access readers, mechatronic locking solution and range of scalable electromechanical access controlled locks. With Vishal’s appointment, ASSA ABLOY looks forward to a strong future in the field of digital access solutions and electromechanical advancements by seizing the numerous opportunities the MEIIA regions presents.  

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PRAMA Gets Resounding Response to Indigenous Video Security Products and Solutions at SAFE South India

Prama India has unveiled its wide range of indigenously manufactured video security products and security related vertical solutions at the Security and Fire Expo (SAFE) South India 2023. The SAFE South India was inaugurated in the presence of special guests and dignitaries including, John Paul Manickam, Chair, OSAC Chennai Chapter, Thiru. Robin Castro, District Fire Officer, Tamil Nadu Fire & Rescue Service, Thiru. Samay Singh, IPS, DCP-Traffic, Govt. of Tamil Nadu and Thiru. B. K. Ravi, IPS, DGP/ Director, Civil Defence & Commandant General of Home Guards, Govt. of Tamil Nadu. The other dignitaries and guests present at the SAFE South Inaugural were some of the eminent leaders from the security industry. The PRAMA booth got an overwhelming response from the security industry fraternity. The cutting edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), and IoT Security solutions were on display at exquisitely designed PRAMA booth. The PRAMA showcased a wide range of indigenously manufactured products and innovative vertical solutions. These included a wide range of PRAMA CCTV products and solutions. The key solutions on displayed were PRAMA VMS, Rangein-View & AI sense solution, mobile enforcement & smart transport solution, specialized product, advanced traffic management system (ATMS), temple solution, smart education solution, smart retail solution and integrated remote monitoring solution (IRMS). Prama India presented the key components portfolio at the SAFE South India. They introduced PRAMA’s indigenously developed Power Supply solutions for HD Cameras. It is available in 5Amp. 10Amp. and 5Amp. variants. The vertical solutions on display at the PRAMA booth, included smart retail solution, smart education solution, smart transportation solution, and security solutions for cultural sites and religious places etc. PRAMA is an Indian security brand, which has created a new benchmark in indigenous manufacturing of video security products and vertical solutions. Founded on the core belief to put India on the global map for video security products, PRAMA is India’s leading and one of the first companies truly representing the motto of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ The indigenous brand, PRAMA celebrates the maxim of ‘Made for India, Made by India and Made in India’ and manufactures high quality video security products catering to all the security needs. The Security and Fire Expo – South India event was a two-day (5-6 July) extravaganza attended by the security industry professionals in the southern part of India. SAFE South India Conference schedule was filled with contemporary themes, insightful presentations and panel discussions. On the first day of the conference, Himanshu Jain, Assistant Vice President, Projects, Prama India Pvt. Ltd., gave an elaborate corporate presentation on ‘Empowering India with Indigenous Manufacturing Roadmap and Smart Security Technologies and Solutions.’ He also introduced the latest product offerings and vertical solutions. Prama India participated in a panel discussion on the same day i.e., July 5, as part of the SAFE South India Conference. Vinay Mishra, Senior Vice President – Projects, Prama India Pvt. Ltd. participated in a panel discussion on the theme ‘Ensuring Diversity and Inclusion in Corporate Security, Safety & Loss Prevention.’ In the panel discussion, Vinay Mishra elaborated that the diversity and inclusion are the key factors that enable trust. The enduring trust develops the feeling of security, this concept needs to be implemented as a guiding principle of corporate security. The PRAMA booth at SAFE South India got an overwhelming response from the security industry specific visitors, consultants, system integrators and end-users.  

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G4S Unveils Revolutionary Security Risk Operations Center (SROC) in India

G4S, a leading global integrated security solutions company, recently unveiled its Security Risk Operations Center (SROC), in the presence and company of some very distinguished guests and industry experts. The global and regional teams of G4S along with its India leadership team presided over the event. This initiative earmarks a transformative milestone in integrated security solutions. SROC strengthens G4S’s position as an industry leader committed to innovation and excellence. Recognizing the diverse needs of its clients, G4S proudly offers expanded portfolios that comprehensively address every aspect of security and other business requirements. Built on cutting-edge technologies, G4S SROC showcases its expertise and mastery in the security field, delivering unparalleled solutions tailored to each client’s unique requirements. Unlike conventional service offerings, G4S leverages the power of technological surveillance, robotic process automation & advanced video analytics backed by proactive, predictive, and preventive intelligence facilitating the digital transformation of several security programs. This advanced approach ensures greater efficiency and effectiveness, setting G4S apart. The recent unveiling of G4S SROC also included projecting the future through its innovation and experience center showcasing how the security and business needs of different industries and organizations can be fulfilled effectively by leveraging the cutting-edge technological stack brought in by G4S. This will help customers to explore and collaborate on bespoke security solutions. G4S’s unique capabilities enable personalized services to effectively address the distinctive needs and requirements of diverse industries. Rajeev Sharma, Country Managing Director, G4S India, stated, “We are delighted to introduce our state-of-the-art G4S Security Risk Operations Centre. With this initiative, G4S reaffirms its commitment to providing unparalleled security solutions and bespoke solutions. SROC is a testament to our dedication to process excellence, utilizing advanced technology and expertise to safeguard our clients ‘ assets and operations. This milestone strengthens G4S as the leading global integrated security solutions company, continuously setting new benchmarks in the industry.” In 2021, G4S, a London-based global security company, was acquired by Allied Universal®, a leading security and facility services company that provides proactive security services and cutting-edge smart technology to deliver tailored, integrated security solutions. This acquisition expands Allied Universal’s footprint and infrastructure on a global and local level. Through the company’s vast network of more than 800,000 employees, they leverage global best practices in communities all over the world. With revenues of $20 billion, they are supported by efficient processes and systems that can only come with scale to help deliver their promise locally – keeping people safe so their communities can thrive. In India, they have an extensive network of offices and more than 135,000 employees to support their local communities and customers. They believe there is no greater purpose than serving and safeguarding customers, communities, and people in today’s world. Allied Universal is There for you™.  

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Five Surveillance Essentials: for Cutting Shrink & Protecting Profits

Rahat Jain, Managing Director, IDIS India Video surveillance has long been an essential weapon in the war against shrink. But recent technological advances and better implementation options are redefining the way systems are designed and used. Key developments include the rise of AI-powered analytics; improvements in camera performance; the availability of easier POS and video integration; the emergence of end-to-end solutions; fairer video management software license fees and lower lifecycle costs; customers moving to NDAA-compliant equipment, and more trustworthy and ethical technology supply chains. This eBook outlines the most noteworthy developments and will be helpful for anyone planning, installing, upgrading, or using video in the context of retail profit protection. Addressing threats to profitability In the retail sector, camera systems are relied on almost universally for deterrence and detection, prevention, and investigation. Thieves remain ever-inventive in their search for new ways to exploit loopholes in security, lapses in vigilance – even brief ones, and gaps in operational oversight. Would-be thieves typically use sleight of hand, movement between aisles and displays, distraction, and speed. The video systems put in place to stop them must be effective against multiple threats, including opportunist shoplifting, organized thefts-to-order, robbery, internal fraud, bogus slip-trip-fall scams, stock room pilfering, and crime centered around checkouts and returns counters. And increasingly, in a highly competitive trading landscape, cameras are being used for powerful business intelligence functions, as well. 1. Don’t cut corners with cameras You may need to keep a close eye on budgets, but don’t be deceived by low upfront camera costs – there’s usually a catch. Beware of higher costs further down the line and avoid quality and performance shortcuts. HD and ultra-HD cameras aren’t expensive – or they don’t have to be – and saving marginal costs by installing low-quality and low-resolution models is a false economy. Crisp, clear image capture is the foundation of your security system. From the quality of real-time viewing and video evidence to the effectiveness of money-saving AI analytics, a lot is riding on camera performance. In retail settings, achieving complete visibility of all areas, without blind spots, is essential – because any gaps in surveillance will quickly be identified by criminals and dishonest staff. Experience shows that gaps in fields of view are always exploited, which is why risk assessments, both internally and externally, are essential. Even within the same retail chain, stores don’t necessarily share the same threats and risks, so it’s important that a range of cameras that will mitigate the risk profile of each facility – without impacting the shopping experience – is specified. Cutting costs and boosting system performance with the right cameras Low profile HD and ultra-HD internal cameras will give you the image quality operators need to detect suspicious behavior, especially near high-risk areas such as checkouts, outside fitting rooms, and storage areas. Quality cameras with excellent true WDR performance and IR are essential for dealing with the challenging light conditions often found in stores and storage areas, including low light, variable light, and back-lighting. Consider fisheyes that provide wide area coverage and domain awareness of entire shop floors and aisles more affordably and allow you to replace multiple fixed lens models. 2. Reliable, affordable, and easy to retrieve video evidence A robust retail video system will ensure that footage can be retained for extended periods, if necessary, without excessive storage costs. NVR-based systems remain popular for retailers as they are highly scalable, allowing for the addition of multiple cameras without the need for extensive cabling or infrastructure upgrades. This makes it easier to expand the system as needed. NVRs also make it easy to integrate with other security and safety systems, such as access control and intruder systems. This integration enhances overall security and presents an affordable yet comprehensive security infrastructure. To prevent potentially costly gaps in footage, SD card failover is now essential on cameras to guarantee continuous recording in the event of network instability or outages (a common vulnerability in retail environments such as strip malls, where bandwidth is often constrained). In addition, recordings should be fast and simple to review and export to support internal investigations or legal action. VMS controls should be intuitive and easy to use to make retrieving evidence a straightforward task, even for inexperienced users, including local retail managers. To save time and improve accuracy, retailers are taking advantage of the powerful meta-data search tools, which are now available with AI video solutions and devices. Pitfalls to avoid with HD video data handling Systems often disappoint because problems arise around video data storage and retrieval. HD video increases storage requirements, and cost can mount with extended retention periods over 30 days. To prevent this, look for solutions that support H.265 in addition to advanced compression technologies. Where video footage is mission critical, consider NVRs that offer features including RAID 1, 5, 10, and redundancy to prevent data loss in case of hardware failure or damage. With tampering becoming an increasing concern, the integrity of footage should be assured with ‘fingerprint’ technologies that make undetected tampering impossible. 3. Centralized, local, and remote monitoring Video systems should always be designed around the requirements of users. In the case of retail, this can include security officers, loss prevention managers, store and branch managers, business owners, control room operators, and head-off profit protection teams. For example, for independent businesses and convenience stores, the objective of the surveillance system may be to use real-time monitoring to support intervention at the moment of attempted theft or immediately after. To enable this, controls should be intuitive and straightforward so that non-specialist staff quickly become confident using the system. For retailers with centrally monitored large stores or branch networks, control room staff will need to be able to multitask. For example, operators will want to be able to configure notifications and alerts and relay events, including video pop-ups, to security officers and managers on the ground. Store staff will want easy-to-use client software that gives them the tools they need to manage day-to-day…

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Enlite Enable: The Access Management Solution Revolutionizing Workspace Security

Shakti Leekha, Chief Business Officer, Enlite Research Private Limited In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of seamless and efficient access control systems cannot be overstated. The need for touchless, smarter, more secure solutions has led to the rise of touchless access controls. Enlite, a company that is developing wireless solutions for the built world, has taken access management to new heights with its groundbreaking access management solution. This cutting-edge system is reshaping the way we interact with our workspaces, providing a safer and more convenient access experience. Introducing Enlite: Pioneering the Future of Access Control Enlite is a rising star in the realm of sustainable and innovative solutions for the built world. Their mission is clear and powerful – to inspire tomorrow by creating a compelling today. Through years of research and development, they have unveiled Enlite Enable, an innovative touchless access management smart device that caters to the evolving needs of modern businesses. Enlite’s customer-centric approach and dedication to innovation have earned them trust across various sectors, from small startups to multinational corporations. With Enlite Enable, they are at the forefront of the access control revolution, empowering businesses to embrace a more secure, efficient, and touchless workspace. Top 10 Features of Enlite’s Access Management Solution Lightning fast contactless check-ins & checkouts: Enlite Enable transforms the way employees access their workspace. A simple tap of the RFID card or the use of an app on the smartphone grants them seamless entry and exit. This contactless approach not only enhances efficiency but also fosters a hygienic workplace, addressing health concerns in today’s world. Access & manage from anywhere: With Enlite’s webbased platform and app, administrators can manage access control from anywhere. Grant or revoke access, configure user permissions, and monitor real-time access events – all in the palm of your hand. Sync users automatically: Managing users becomes a breeze with Enlite’s automatic user synchronization. When employees join or leave the company, access permissions are updated in real-time, ensuring an always up-to-date access control system. Troubleshoot hardware online: Enlite’s proactive approach to hardware maintenance allows administrators to troubleshoot issues online, minimizing downtime and streamlining maintenance efforts. Download history logs: Comprehensive access history logs provide valuable insights into user movements and access events. Enlite enables you to download and analyze these logs for enhanced security and auditing purposes. Granular and site level permissions: Administrators have granular control over access permissions, allowing them to define specific access levels for individual users or groups. This flexibility extends to managing access control at both individual site levels and multiple locations. Easy integration: Enlite’s Access Management Solution seamlessly integrates with other security and business systems, creating a comprehensive security ecosystem. The interconnected approach enhances overall security and optimizes operations. Detailed reporting: Data-driven decision-making becomes effortless with Enlite’s detailed and customizable reporting. Monitor occupancy status, analyze access patterns, identify trends, and make informed decisions for a more secure and efficient workspace. Lockdown/ emergency mode: In critical situations, Enlite’s lockdown/ emergency mode enables administrators to secure the workspace instantly by restricting access to specific areas or the entire facility, enhancing workplace safety and preparedness. Scalability: As your business grows, Enlite’s Access Management Solution grows with you. Whether it’s a small office or a large corporate campus, the system can be easily scaled to meet your changing needs, ensuring a future-proof investment. Top Reasons to Choose Enlite’s Access Management Solution Multiple credentials for enhanced convenience: Enlite’s Access Management Solution offers multiple credential options giving users the freedom to choose the access method that suits them best. Appealing aesthetics enhancing the workspace: Enlite Enable’s sleek and minimalist design blends seamlessly with any architectural style, the smart product engineering allows for plug & play installation. Its high-quality PCBs & Heavy Duty components allow for long life. Automatic alerts for real-time security: Stay on top of security events with Enlite Enable’s automatic alerts, which instantly notify administrators of any unusual access events or security breaches. Web-based management for streamlined control: Administrators can conveniently manage the access system from anywhere using Enlite Enable’s user-friendly webbased platform, ensuring constant connectivity and control. Unlocking the Future of Access Control with Enlite Enable Enlite Enable Access Management represents the future of workspace security and efficiency. With its touchless check-ins, remote access management, automatic user synchronization, troubleshooting capabilities, and much more, it sets the benchmark for next-generation access control systems. This solution has already been deployed in buildings across India. By choosing Enlite Enable, businesses can unlock the full potential of their workspace security and access management needs. Embrace the touchless revolution with Enlite Enable and create a safer, more efficient, and technologically advanced workspace for your employees and visitors.  *Views expressed in the article are solely of the Author  

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Major Considerations in Planning a Security System

Milind Borkar – Expert Security Consultant As technology evolves rapidly from year to year, it becomes a challenging task to determine the requirements to build a secure, robust and almost foolproof system that will fulfill all basic security parameters. These parameters will vary for each new system as the same parameters cannot be applied across the board for all systems. A robust system that meets the security requirements for any new and/ or green field project, the following points will drive the decision-making process. Let’s use a CCTV system as an example: Budget and time available to implement the security system. Conduct a thorough site survey to determine security vulnerabilities and use it as vehicle to determine security requirements. This then becomes the primary driver along with the available budget. Detailed Camera information a. Mega-Pixel rating. b. Number of cameras required. c. Each camera location and it’s purposed function. d. Type of camera: Fixed, PTZ, indoor or outdoor, thermal performance, Field of View etc. e. Any other requirements that are specific to the location of the camera to fulfill its intended function. Storage capacity per camera – both inside as well as outside the camera. Storage architecture of the CCTV system. Network architecture of the CCTV system. Integration of other security components such as access control, perimeter intrusion detection systems, facial recognition, license plate recognition, under vehicle surveillance system, visitor management system, radar for areas not covered by cameras and other special requirements. Remote access/ cloud connectivity. Physical guarding. Video analytics. Vendor(s) selection. As one can see there are several factors that influence the decision-making process in building a security system. We will briefly go over each one of them in the following sections: Budget and time available As in any and every sphere of life the available budget is the key factor. Based on the available budget and time, a determined effort needs to be put in place to first build a project specific requirements document. Several trade-offs will need to be considered if the project requirements cost exceeds the available budget. This could be an iterative process that will consume time and money in the planning phase. Each new or green field project or an update/ refresh cycle of an existing deployment must go through this elaboration process to avoid surprises in the implementation/ build phase. Site survey Conducting a site survey is the basis of building a security system. This phase is the most critical where a thorough site survey is conducted to determine security vulnerabilities. Along with this a determination needs to be made as to what other systems are required to complement the main CCTV system. The illustrative airport diagram should give a very good idea of the other security components that need to be explored. Once this information is gathered and documented, then this information becomes the driving force for subsequent phases of the project. The best way to illustrate the process of building a security system is through an example. We are using an airport We will use the following diagram to highlight all the components that constitute a surveillance/ security system. We have used an airport as a use case. A typical airport is a super-set of any security deployment. as an example as it has a super-set of inputs that can be applied to any security system design. The color-coded table is used to distinguish the various inputs/ requirements received from the customer. The following table is a standard template that can be used to capture security requirements. These inputs are used to design the entire security system which can then be used to calculate the cost of the implementation. Using the above inputs from the customer and the respective BOQs for each airport, a complete design can be derived. The following table shows the output of the design process for 24 airports. Each airport has the same security requirements but BOQs are different. Once the design is completed to a 90% level of the target specification, the budgetary process can be started. Several vendors, RFQs etc. will be involved to go through an iterative process. This process will also vary for each geographical region. and must be considered. Without going into the details that vary for different geographical regions the important point to consider is the vendor selection process as it has a significant impact on the quality, robustness and overall cost of the system. Customers desirous of building a security system can engage subject matter experienced consultants who can guide and evaluate all the variables/ entities in the decision-making process. Cost optimization through simulation A security system design, implementation and build out are a complex system with many sub-systems that need to work with each other flawlessly. Every care must be taken in the early phases of the project as many variables are involved which can have a significant impact on the overall cost. One of the ways to help this process is to run a simulation based on the customer inputs. Through experience we have determined the following: The customer knows what he wants but does not know how to get there. Almost all vendors over sell their products and services which do not benefit the customer in any way. A consultant is required in all cases to systematically guide and evaluate all the options available to provide the highest performance at the lowest cost to the customer. We will now go through a simulation for one of 24 airports. We will show how our simulator determines the highest performance at the lowest cost. The following graph il lustrates this. The X-Axis shows the percentage of cameras running video analytics (VA). The Y-AXIS shows the cost in a standardized format. The DELTA between the lowest cost and the highest cost is 3x. VA stands for Video Analytics; VMS stands for Video Management Software. The GREEN line is the overall COST with the other colored lines that sum up to the overall GREEN line cost. Impact of Cost…

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Indian National Forum on Artificial Intelligence

The Indian National Forum on Artificial Intelligence took place on 27th July, 2023 at New Delhi. The said Forum was organized by Artificial Intelligence Law Hub and Pavan Duggal Associates, Advocates. Today, Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has completely changed the landscape and AI today is impacting every area of human activity and endeavour. For India being the world’s most populous nation, AI holds unique promises and opportunities. This Forum was organized to look at the emerging trends on Artificial Intelligence in the Indian context; and what kind of approaches does the Government of India need to adopt in order to facilitate more rapid adoption of AI by Indians. Key issues discussed What are the emerging trends on Artificial Intelligence in the Indian context? What kind of approaches does the Government need to adopt in order to facilitate more rapid adoption of AI by Indians? What kind of support should India provide to the Indian business and corporate community to facilitate more ready adoption of Artificial Intelligence? How will AI including Generative AI impact business prospects in the Indian context? What all should be Indian approaches for dealing with business, economic, legal, regulatory and societal aspects Artificial Intelligence including Generative AI? Are the existing legal approaches sufficient or does India require to move much further in the direction of policy issues impacting Artificial Intelligence? What should be the specific steps that the Government need to take to further promote the cause and adoption of Artificial Intelligence in India? These and variety of other issues have been discussed at the National Forum on Artificial Intelligence & Indian Approach. The National Forum was convened to collate various inputs and recommendations of identifying the key elements of India’s strategy on encouraging, enabling and regulating Artificial Intelligence. The Forum was attended by distinguished stakeholders from AI ecosystem. The Forum called upon the Government of India to have legal framework in India to not just legally recognize AI but also to regulate AI in the Indian environment. These recommendations came as the existing Indian Cyberlaw is not adequate to deal with various challenges thrown up by the advent of AI including Generative AI. The Indian National Forum on Artificial Intelligence was inaugurated by Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, Supreme Court of India. Justice Bindal highlighted the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence and its various challenges and nuances that India as a nation is facing. He further highlighted the various legal developments in AI at the global level and further emphasized the urgent need for India to address the legalities pertaining to Artificial Intelligence by coming up with strong policy and laws in this regard. He further highlighted how judiciary can play an important role in using the benefits of Artificial Intelligence for addressing the challenges of huge arrears of cases in the Indian subcontinent. Justice Bindal further talked about the need for more awareness and capacity building amongst users vis-à-vis legal ramifications of use and dependence on AI. Hon’ble Justice Rajesh Bindal further released the book entitled ‘ChatGPT & Legalities’ authored by Dr. Pavan Duggal, Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Chief Executive of Artificial Intelligence Law Hub. Dr. Pavan Duggal, Convenor, Indian National Forum on Artificial Intelligence, Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Artificial Intelligence Law Hub advocated the need for India to come up with strong legal frameworks to not just promote legally recognize but also regulate AI including Generative AI. He further advocated the need for India to demonstrate its thought leadership in developing and evolving AI legal jurisprudence. The Forum was addressed by various stakeholders from AI ecosystem including Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Vimal Arora, Chief Clinical Officer, Clove Dental, Prof. G. S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor National Law University, Delhi, Mr. Harsh Marwah, CEO & MD of Mudra Electronics Ltd and OA Compserve Group of Companies, Mr. Saakshar Duggal, Advocate, Delhi High Court and Advisor Academic Outreach, Cyberlaw University, Prof. Sunil Kumar Khatri, Dean (Research, Innovation and Extension activities) at Amity University Noida, Mrs. Kusum Duggal, Eminent Educationist & Vice Chancellor of Cyberlaw University, and Drishyaa Duggal, Associate at International Conference on Cyberlaw, Cybercrime & Cybersecurity. Most of the panelists underlined the need for India to attain thought leadership position in the context of AI and further highlighted the need for enhancing capacity building initiatives to be undertaken by both state and private sectors. The Indian National Forum on Artificial Intelligence ended with vote of thanks.  

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First-of-a-Kind State-ofthe-Art Experience Center for Surveillance Technolgy: CP PLUS WORLD

Introducing the future of smart security CP PLUS, a leading global company in cutting-edge security and surveillance technology, has unveiled its Next-Gen Experience Center, called CP PLUS World. Designed to demonstrate breakthrough innovations, CP PLUS World promises to reshape the future of smart security by enabling the public to come explore, test, and use the most advanced security inventions first-hand. masses on how to better use and apply these advancements in their daily lives. Leveraging the best of technology to create more value for the end-user, CP PLUS provides a sneak peek into the brand’s latest product line, while also giving live demonstrations to better understand how these technologies work. Making breakthrough solutions more accessible, the CP PLUS World Experience Center also showcases most of CP PLUS vertical solutions through different zones such as AI-powered Solutions, Intelligent Network Solutions, Smart Home Solutions, among the others. Launched with the goal of helping the public better learn and understand modern day technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internter-of-Things, CP PLUS World offers a revolutionary experience where the users can even take training sessions by skilled professionals. “We are excited to open our first and one-of-akind Experience Center in the heart of India’s tech Bazaar. CP PLUS is the most advanced such center in the whole of India, offering the widest portfolio of hi-tech solutions for first-hand learning experience. With this new store and many more to come, our goal is to provide every Indian with the best of security solutions to enhance the quality of life they enjoy,” said Aditya Khemka, Managing Director, CP PLUS (Aditya Group). Now with the successful launch of CP PLUS World in New Delhi, the brand is set to open 10 more of its experience centers across the country in the upcoming few months. CP PLUS World will also be holding hands-on training programs for the products showcased in the store under the brand’s training division. Trained by skilled professionals on the various applications of leading-edge surveillance solutions, CP PLUS will be playing an integral role in shaping the workforce for the security industry.  

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