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Guarding the Future : Transforming Private Security Through Technology

Insights from Brig Mayank AwasthiMD (North & East) – Peregrine Guarding Brig Mayank Awasthi is a highly experienced professional with a distinguished career spanning over 34 years in the Indian Army. He served in the Armoured Corp and gained extensive experience working across various terrains throughout the country. During his illustrious tenure in the army, he had the opportunity to serve in crucial missions, including the IPKF in Sri Lanka and the UN mission in Congo. In October 2022, Brig Awasthi transitioned to the corporate sector and joined Tenon Group as the Associate Director of Operations for Delhi NCR and the Upper North region. His leadership acumen and dedication soon led to his promotion to the role of Managing Director for the North & east region. Throughout his career, Brig Awasthi has exhibited a remarkable ability to manage large teams and oversee operations while consistently focusing on achieving key objectives. He possesses a unique talent for motivating teams to perform at their best by fostering active professional engagement through training, coaching, and constructive feedback. Brig Awasthi’s proficiency in leveraging technology and implementing advanced systems, honed during his time in the military, makes him well-equipped to achieve results efficiently. Moreover, he possesses subject matter expertise in diverse areas, including security, infrastructure building, budgeting, disaster management, logistics, defence consulting, surveillance systems, and procurement. As the Managing Director for the North and East region, Brig Awasthi assumes responsibility for overseeing operations, driving revenue growth, and ensuring efficient collection processes for the entire territory, including the north-east region. It is a privilege for team SecurityLinkIndia to have an email interaction with Brig Awasthi, and understand his insights on the Securing the Future of Private Security Industry with the blend of technology. Here are the excerpts: SecurityLinkIndia (SLI): How do you foresee India’s private security industry evolving over the next five years, particularly with technology becoming increasingly integral to operations? Brig Mayank Awasthi (BMA): Over the next five years, India’s private security industry will move decisively toward a tech-enabled, data-driven, and outcome- oriented model. Traditional guarding will continue Transforming Private Security Through Technology Guarding the Future: to be important, but technology – AI-driven monitoring, predictive analytics, IoT-enabled devices, incident-reporting apps, and integrated command centres – will fundamentally transform how risk is detected and managed. Clients are increasingly seeking real-time insights, not just manpower deployment. As a result, the industry will shift from reactive security to a predictive and preventive framework, supported by trained personnel who can manage both physical and digital threats. The role of frontline guards will expand, supported by modern tools that enhance efficiency and response time. In summary, India’s private security industry is on track for robust expansion, propelled by the convergence of technology, changing risk landscapes, and evolving client expectations, with AI, advanced surveillance, and cybersecurity at the heart of the sector’s transformation over the next five years. SLI: In what ways is Peregrine Guarding leveraging advanced technologies to improve efficiency, transparency, and overall on-ground performance? BMA: Peregrine Guarding has been steadily integrating modern technology across its operations to enhance performance and client confidence. From real-time reporting and digital incident management to GPS-enabled patrolling and AI-supported surveillance, every layer of our service delivery now includes a technology backbone. These tools provide better visibility into daily operations, ensure adherence to SOPs, and allow faster response to security events. Our training, supervision, and field operations are all aligned with these digital upgrades, ensuring that technology and manpower work together seamlessly to elevate the overall service quality. SLI: Security personnel form the backbone of the sector. How does Peregrine Guarding ensure continuous skill development, motivation, and career progression for its workforce? BMA: At Peregrine, we believe that our guards are our biggest strength, and we invest heavily in their continuous development. The company follows a structured approach to training that includes technical skills, soft skills, emergency readiness, and service behaviour, ensuring that every individual is equipped to handle the complexities of modern-day security roles. We also focus on career progression by offering clear growth pathways, regular assessments, and opportunities to move into supervisory and specialised positions. Alongside this, our welfare programs and recognition systems help maintain high motivation, strong morale, and long-term engagement across our workforce. SLI: With nearly three decades of trust and leadership, what core strategic pillars have enabled Peregrine Guarding to maintain its industry-leading position? BMA: Peregrine Guarding’s long-standing leadership stems from a consistent focus on operational discipline, people-first practices, customer-centricity, and technology integration. Over the years, we have built strong systems, high training standards, and a culture of continuous improvement that ensures uncompromised service quality. Our ability to evolve with industry needs, adopt modern tools early, and understand client expectations deeply has allowed us to stay relevant, reliable, and ahead of the curve for almost thirty years. SLI: What does the next phase of growth look like for Peregrine Guarding – both within India and in international markets? BMA: The next phase of our growth will be driven by advanced, tech-led security models and deeper penetration into high-growth sectors such as data centres, logistics, critical infrastructure, and large enterprise environments. In India, we are expanding our reach in both metro and emerging markets to support the rising demand for organised and technology-backed security solutions. Internationally, our focus is on strengthening our presence in geographies where there is a clear shift toward professionalised security services. Across all regions, we aim to deliver consistent, scalable, and future-ready solutions that reflect global standards. SLI: What policy changes or industry reforms, in your view, could further strengthen and professionalize the private security industry in India? BMA: Strengthening the private security industry will require greater standardisation and regulatory alignment across states. Uniform implementation of PSARA, wider adoption of certified training programs, and incentives for digital transformation can significantly improve the quality of services delivered. At a broader level, closer collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private security firms will help create a more cohesive security environment. With these reforms, the industry can become more…

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How Body Worn Cameras Help in Managing Traffic Flow with Enhanced Safety and Security

Body-worn cameras are increasingly being adopted in the transportation sector to enhance compliance and safety. Body-worn cameras (BWCs) improve traffic incident security and compliance by providing objective evidence of officer actions and civilian behaviour, deterring misconduct, and enhancing accountability for both officers and the public. In traffic scenarios, they capture the entire scenario scene-by-scene, witness interactions, and vehicle stops, creating a comprehensive record that can be used in prosecutions and to challenge false allegations through encrypted secured video evidence. This technology increases transparency, fosters public trust, and can lead to more consistent adherence to procedures, though some argue it may reduce officer discretion. Fixed monitoring usually covers important urban scenes, but is limited in scope. For the city as a whole, this means there will still be some blind spots. The Mobile Control System is tailored to solve this problem. The system consists of body-worn cameras for flexible and agile responses, enabling rapid deployment in emergency situations and where fixed monitoring is not available or feasible. The Smart Cities and Safe Cities require Mobile Control System in traffic management and security scenarios, in this regard Body-worn cameras are highly effective to serve the purpose of ensuring compliance, enforcement and security management. Here are some ways body-worn cameras are making a difference: Reducing violence and abuse: Studies have shown that body-worn cameras can lead to a significant reduction in staff assaults, with one study citing a 47% decrease. This deterrent effect helps create a safer working environment for transportation staff. Increasing transparency and accountability: Body-worn cameras provide an objective record of events, helping to resolve disputes and complaints in a fair and transparent manner. This increased accountability also promotes adherence to professional standards and ethical conduct. Enhancing evidence collection: High-quality video and audio footage captured by body-worn cameras can serve as valuable evidence in investigations and prosecutions, helping to ensure justice is served. Improving situational awareness: Body-worn cameras enable decision-makers to assess situations in real-time, allowing for more effective response strategies and enhanced safety for both staff and passengers. Hikvision Body-worn cameras offer bespoke features that are best suited for various application scenarios in traffic management, manned guarding and security petrol at toll collection points on highways. These body-worn cameras are designed to withstand harsh environments, including rain, snow, and dust, ensuring reliable performance in various conditions. Hikvision body-worn cameras capture high-definition video, often with features like pre/ post-recording, wide-angle lenses, and infrared capabilities for low-light situations. These body-worn cameras offer extended battery life, allowing staff to work for longer periods without needing to recharge. Body-worn camera applications traffic scenarios Evidence collection: Body-worn cameras capture video and audio of traffic stops, vehicle searches, and other encounters, providing a comprehensive record from the officer’s perspective. Deterrence: The presence of a body camera can deter misconduct by both officers and the public, reducing conflicts and promoting responsible behavior. Officer protection: The recorded footage serves as evidence against false accusations of misconduct or inappropriate behavior by citizens. Accountability: Body-worn cameras hold officers accountable by documenting their actions, which can then be reviewed for adherence to procedures. Transparency & public trust: By providing objective evidence, body-worn cameras enhance public confidence in law enforcement by demonstrating transparency and accountability in their operations. Impact on compliance Standardized procedures: The requirement to record interactions can lead to stricter adherence to traffic laws and departmental policies, as officers’ actions are subject to review. Reduced misconduct: Studies indicate that body cameras can lead to a reduction in excessive force complaints and other forms of misconduct. Challenging false allegations: The recorded footage offers objective proof that can be used to challenge baseless complaints and support legitimate complaints. Enhanced transport and traffic security Data security: Recorded footage is stored on secure device, requiring authorized user credential to access which ensures privacy and protect evidence. Enhanced incident response: In dynamic traffic situations, security personnel can remotely view live feeds from body-worn cameras to provide timely support and manage incidents more effectively. Improved investigations: The video and audio from body-worn cameras provide detailed and reliable evidence for investigations, ensuring swift and appropriate judicial responses. GPS coordinates: The GPS module in Hikvision’s Bodyworn cameras uploads each user’s location data to the command center in real time, so that command personnel can determine their location and patrol route. Efficient & secure data management: Live view & playback, alarm linkage, two-way audio, GIS, multi-level authority management HikCentral Professional, automatic charging and offloading when a BWC is connected to the dock station, Data encryption available following the AES-256 standard, tagged video footage locked and cannot be overwritten, only authorized personnel can access the footage , device assignment with ID verification via password, card, face recognition, and fingerprint, full control over access rights by assigning roles, responsibilities, and devices to security staff. Read More

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One Platform, Multiple Properties: The End of Multi-Site Management Chaos

Property managers and residents face mounting challenges in multi-site security management, remote access control, communication gaps, and balancing modern convenience with budget constraints. Cloud-based solutions are revolutionizing how residential properties address these universal pain points. Sarah’s phone buzzed at 2 AM. As the property manager for three residential complexes across different cities, she’d grown accustomed to latenight emergencies. This time, it was a locked-out tenant at the downtown apartment building – and Sarah was 50 miles away at home. Meanwhile, across town, the Chen family was dealing with their own frustration – their 8-year-old son had forgotten his key again, and they were tired of constantly worrying about missed visitor calls while at work. These scenarios play out thousands of times daily across apartment buildings. Whether you’re a property manager juggling multiple sites or a resident seeking convenience and security, certain pain points seem universal. This blog will explore the worries plaguing both sides, and discover how modern cloud-based management solutions are transforming residential property operations. The property manager’s dilemma: Efficiency meets complexity Managing multiple residential properties can often feel like playing three-dimensional chess blindfolded. Traditional systems require expensive on-site servers for each location, dedicated IT staff, and complex VPN setups. There are also significant challenges to working remotely. Property managers often need the flexibility to work from anywhere, yet most conventional access control and video intercom systems chain them to physical locations. Emergencies, especially, don’t wait for business hours, and tenants expect immediate responses regardless of time or location. The resident’s reality: Convenience vs. security trade-offs The same limitations are felt by many residents who have become used to the convenience of modern technologies. Every resident, after all, has experienced that sinking feeling of patting empty pockets while standing at their apartment door. Equally frustrating is missing important calls. Whether it’s a food delivery, emergency services, or a family visiting unexpectedly, conventional intercom systems tie communication to physical presence. Despite these increasing expectations, not every resident has the same budget or renovation flexibility. Young professionals, for example, might prioritize smartphone integration over traditional wall-mounted units, while families with elderly members may prefer more familiar, traditional interfaces. The ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach of many systems often leaves some people unsatisfied. Installation concerns add another layer of complexity. Many residents hesitate to damage finished walls for hardwired systems, especially in rental properties where modifications may violate lease agreements. The cloud-based solution: Hik-Connect 6 transforms residential management Modern cloud-based management platforms like Hikvision’s Hik-Connect 6 address these challenges with unified, scalable solutions that serve both property managers and residents effectively. Sarah’s phone buzzed at 2 AM. As the property manager for three residential complexes across different cities, she’d grown accustomed to late-night emergencies. This time, it was a locked-out tenant at the downtown apartment building – and Sarah was 50 miles away at home. Meanwhile, across town, the Chen family was dealing with their own frustration – their 8-year-old son had forgotten his key again, and they were tired of constantly worrying about missed visitor calls while at work Streamlined multi-site operations Instead of maintaining separate servers and IT infrastructure for each property, cloud-based systems centralize management through a single platform. Property managers can monitor multiple residential complexes, create site hierarchies, and handle visitor access from anywhere with internet connectivity. The cost savings are immediate and substantial. Elimination of on-site servers, reduced IT maintenance, and simplified deployment processes translate to better profit margins and more resources for tenant services. Remote management empowers virtual concierge services Cloud-based platforms enable property managers to function as virtual concierge services. They can receive and handle calls from any location through a mobile app. Advanced features such as temporary PIN codes and QR code access, allow proactive visitor management. Rather than reactive problem-solving, managers can create seamless experiences for expected visitors while maintaining security protocols. Such systems enable property managers to create temporary credentials in advance for scheduled visitors and vehicles – visitors can enter using PIN codes or by scanning QR codes, while visitor vehicles can be automatically recognized by ANPR cameras at entry points, providing both convenience and security. Customized camera resource management Different residents receive tailored monitoring permissions based on their location and needs. For instance, residents in Unit 1, Floor 1 can access different video footage for preview and playback compared to residents in Unit 2, Floor 2. This granular approach ensures that each unit’s residents have appropriate monitoring privileges aligned with their specific security requirements and building layout. System reliability and stability assurance The most robust configurations utilize wired connections between indoor stations and door stations via Ethernet cables, with a PoE power supply for both indoor stations and doorbells. The entire intercom system operates on UPS backup power, ensuring uninterrupted service even during power outages. Door stations with 4G routers maintain cloud connectivity and direct-to-app communication, minimizing maintenance requirements and system downtime. Flexible resident solutions Modern systems accommodate different resident preferences and budgets. Tech-savvy residents can manage everything through smartphone apps – receiving calls, viewing common area cameras, and controlling access – without wall modifications. Traditional families, meanwhile, can continue using familiar indoor stations while benefiting from cloud connectivity. Enhanced security and accountability Cloud-based systems provide comprehensive logging and forensic capabilities that traditional systems simply cannot match. Every call, access event, and system interaction create a digital record accessible for security investigations or operational analysis. This transparency benefits everyone – property managers gain valuable insights into usage patterns and security trends, while residents enjoy the peace of mind from knowing their building’s security systems are both modern and accountable. As residential properties evolve toward smart building status, the divide between property manager needs and resident expectations continues to narrow. Cloud-based systems and AI-driven automation are at the forefront of these changes, with technology adoption standing out among the defining property management trends of 2025[1]. Cloud-based management platforms such as Hikvision’s Hik-Connect 6 represent more than technological upgrades – they’re operational philosophies that prioritize flexibility, efficiency, and user experience. For property managers tired…

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Hikvision’s IP Series VDP System Delivers a New Level of Convenience for Villa & Apartment Scenarios

Hikvision’s IP Series Video door Phone (VDP) System delivers a new level of convenience for a wide range of scenarios including apartments and suburban homes. The IP Series products boast great image quality, along with mobile controls, friendly touchscreens, visualized interfaces, and more. Hikvision’s IP Series VDP Solutions offer advanced features for secure and convenient communication. The key features of Hikvision’s IP Series VDP System includes following: ● HD Image Quality: High-definition video ensures clear visuals, even in low-light conditions or with strong backlight. Since the IP network transmits a larger amount of data, a higher video quality can be achieved, enabling you to see clearly despite darkness or strong backlight with a wide viewing angle. ● Friendly touchscreen: User-friendly interface for easy communication, call reception, and door unlocking. User experience is vastly improved with touchscreen.● Mobile Control: The mobile control brings further convenience. With the Hik-Connect Mobile App, you can cruise through daily operations remotely from anywhere, at any time. The Hik-Connect Mobile App allows remote operation, enabling users to receive calls, play video, and unlock doors from anywhere. ● Interoperable with video security and alarm systems: The indoor station can also serve as the unified control center for residences and businesses, managing all Hikvision devices with visualized interfaces. With the built-in Android system, the indoor station also features open integration with 3rd party applications. Seamlessly integrates with video security and alarm systems, enhancing overall security. ● Intelligent Authentication: Intelligent authentication offers touch-free access experience while eliminating the need to swipe cards upon entry. Offers touch-free access experience, eliminating the need for swiping cards. Product Categories ● Ultra series: Provides basic IP VDP functions and linkage for various security systems. ● Value series: Offers advanced audio experiences with cutting-edge AI technology and audio innovations. ● Pro series: Features all-in-one indoor stations with user- friendly interfaces for checking live feeds from door stations and cameras. Applications Scenario ● Apartments: The apartment solution supports up to 500 indoor stations and multiple door stations can be installed for one building. Integration with an elevator control system makes the entire system even more secure and convenient. Suitable for residential buildings, supporting up to 500 indoor stations. ● Villas: The villa solution provides useful functions for every member of the home. Users can call multiple indoor stations at the same time and unlock a door at any of the indoor stations. They can also receive all call information and unlock doors remotely and conveniently via Hik-Connect Mobile App. Practical functions for every member of the home, including remote unlocking via the Hik-Connect mobile app. ● Offices: Efficient communication and access control for commercial settings. Benefits ● Enhanced security through video verification and access control. ● Convenience through mobile app control and remote unlocking. ● Flexibility with various product categories and configurations. ● Integration with existing security systems for comprehensive protection. Read More

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Synology Releases DiskStation Manager 7.3, Bringing Efficient Data Tiering, Enhanced Security, AI-Powered Collaboration, and Expanded Storage Flexibility

Synology recently announced the release of DiskStation Manager (DSM) 7.3, delivering enhanced storage efficiency, strengthened security and reliability, and new productivity features. “As data grows rapidly, advanced solutions are needed to manage, process, and unlock its full value,” said Kenneth Hsu, Director of the System Group at Synology, “DSM 7.3 helps customers confidently address evolving data management challenges on a platform that is secure, reliable, and ready to support AI transformation.” Enhanced storage efficiency, system security, and collaboration capabilities Synology Tiering automatically manages files between storage tiers based on access patterns, keeping frequently used ‘hot’ data on high-performance storage while shifting rarely accessed ‘cold’ data to cost-effective tiers. With customizable policies based on modification time or access frequency, users can precisely schedule when and how data movement takes place. Security has always been the top priority in DSM development. Over the past 12 months, DSM has received more than 50 proactive security updates. In DSM 7.3, security is further reinforced with the adoption of industry-recognized risk indicators, including KEV, EPSS, and LEV, for stronger threat prioritization and protection. Office Suite has also undergone significant upgrades to meet the community’s growing needs. Synology Drive introduces shared labels, streamlined file requests, and enhanced file locking to facilitate team collaboration. Meanwhile, MailPlus further strengthens security with email moderation and adds domain sharing to unify identities across distributed infrastructures. Empowering AI adoption with data privacy Synology AI Console has been deployed on more than 430,000 Synology systems since its launch in August, 2025, enabling seamless AI-powered team collaboration and management in on-premises environments. In DSM 7.3, Synology AI Console further introduces custom data masking and filtering, allowing users to safeguard sensitive information locally before transmitting data to third-party AI providers, enhancing both security and workflow reliability. In addition, Synology AI Console will soon add support for all OpenAI-compatible APIs in future releases, enabling seamless integration with private AI infrastructure and giving organizations the flexibility to deploy AI services with full data privacy and security. Expanded storage flexibility Synology is committed to delivering reliable, high-performance storage systems. Rigorous validation of both hardware and software components has long been a core development priority. Synology storage drives, together with the third-party validation program, are engineered to provide the highest levels of reliability with DSM. Synology is collaborating with drive manufacturers to expand the range of certified storage media, delivering more reliable options. In the meantime, 2025 model-year DiskStation Plus, Value, and J Series running DSM 7.3 will support installation and storage pool creation with third-party drives¹. Together with the existing support for third-party drive migration, DSM will provide users with greater flexibility in managing their storage deployments. Read More

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5TATTVA Becomes a CERT-In Empanelled Information Security Auditing Organization

5TATTVA, a trusted cybersecurity provider delivering end-to-end solutions to safeguard businesses in the digital era, is proud to announce that it has officially been empanelled by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) as an Information Security Auditing Organization. This prestigious recognition positions 5Tattva among a select group of authorized entities entrusted to conduct cybersecurity audits for government departments, public sector undertakings, and critical infrastructure organizations across India. The CERT-In empanelment marks a significant milestone in 5TATTVA’s journey toward strengthening India’s cybersecurity ecosystem. It reflects the company’s proven technical expertise, process maturity, and unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest standards of confidentiality and data integrity. Through this accreditation, 5TATTVA is now authorized to perform a wide range of security assessments, including compliance audits, configuration reviews, and penetration testing, for sectors such as banking, energy, telecom, defense, and other regulated industries. Commenting on the empanelment, Atul Luthra, Co-Founder & Principal Consultant at 5Tattva and CEO of Zeroday Ops, said, “This empanelment is a proud moment for all of us at 5TATTVA. It validates our deep technical capabilities and reinforces our mission to contribute to India’s growing cybersecurity landscape. We are committed to supporting organizations in their journey toward achieving a more secure and resilient digital infrastructure.” Adding to this, Manpreet Singh, Co-Founder & Principal Consultant at 5TATTVA, said, “Achieving CERT-In Empanelled Auditor status marks a significant milestone in our mission to advance cybersecurity standards across critical and regulated sectors. This recognition not only reinforces the trust our clients place in us but also empowers us to deliver expert-led assessments and compliance readiness for organizations operating in highly sensitive domains. With decades of enriched experience spanning industries – including manufacturing and energy – we are uniquely positioned to safeguard operational technology, supply chains, and critical infrastructure. As new government regulations drive cybersecurity requirements in the power sector and manufacturing environments, our proven track record enables us to support these industries in mitigating risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and building resilient digital ecosystems. At 5TATTVA, we remain committed to expanding our footprint, leveraging deep sectoral knowledge, and partnering with enterprises to secure India’s future as a digitally empowered nation.” With this empanelment, 5TATTVA is poised to expand its reach and collaborate closely with government bodies, enterprises, and critical sector organizations to identify vulnerabilities, enhance compliance, and fortify their security posture. The company will continue investing in talent development, advanced tools, and process excellence to meet the evolving cybersecurity challenges of the digital era. 5Tattva is the go-to partner for organizations seeking top-tier cybersecurity services and certifications. They specialize in a wide array of certifications, including PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001, ISO42001 and SOC2, ensuring that our clients not only meet but exceed the highest industry standards. Their security services are designed to be comprehensive and adaptive, with offerings such as Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) across all platforms – whether web, mobile, cloud, or on-premises. In addition, their 24×7 Security Operations Center (SOC) services provide continuous monitoring and incident response, safeguarding business against even the most advanced threats. Their tailored security solutions are crafted to meet unique needs, ensuring robust protection and peace of mind. Read More

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Vicon Appoints Milind Borkar as the Strategic Growth Advisor for India

Milind Borkar Vicon Industries, a leading global provider of video surveillance and security solutions, has announced the appointment of Milind M. Borkar as its Strategic Growth Advisor for India. This appointment marks a significant step in Vicon’s commitment to strengthening its market position and driving sustainable growth in the rapidly evolving security and surveillance sector. Mr. Borkar brings with him a wealth of experience in technology-driven business growth, strategic partnerships, and innovation-led transformation. He is regarded as a veteran of security and surveillance Industry who completed his schooling from a military school in India, and his Bachelors in Electronics and Communications from USA. With an extensive career spanning over five decades in leadership roles across the security, technology, and automation domains, he is known for his visionary approach and proven ability to deliver scalable results with ethical approach in competitive markets. In his new role, Mr. Borkar will work closely with Vicon’s global leadership team to shape business strategies, enhance partner ecosystems, and explore new opportunities in emerging markets. His expertise is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing Vicon’s mission of delivering intelligent, integrated, and future-ready security solutions. Prior to Vicon, he under his 20-year long leadership as Vice President of Sales for SAARC, ME and Africa at Infinova Group, has set benchmarks by building up a successful team right from the grassroot level. With his fortitude and hard work, he has enriched customer profile as well as credential base of Infinova across MEAI region. Mr. Borkar has been honored with excellence, and the Lifetime Achievements Award as well as several Awards in ME & Africa; and credence while successfully dealing in several major Critical Infrastructure Projects such as City Surveillance, Airports, Seaports, Defense, Metros and Railway Stations, Hydrocarbon Industry. Mr. Borkar has worked with several world-renowned technology companies such as Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd (popularly known now as Panasonic Corporation), Hitachi Denshi and ASI, USA worked closely with Transecure and TSA. Speaking on the appointment, Gaurav Taywade, Managing Director, Vicon Industries, India commented, “We are delighted to welcome Milind to the Vicon family. His strategic acumen, industry insight, and passion for innovation align perfectly with our growth ambitions. We believe his guidance will further strengthen our market presence and accelerate our journey toward becoming a global leader in smart surveillance solutions.” Commenting on his new role, Milind Borkar said, “It’s an honour to join Vicon at such an exciting phase of its evolution. I look forward to contributing to its vision of redefining intelligent security through innovation, collaboration, ethically, and customer-centric strategies.” With this appointment, Vicon reaffirms its commitment to expanding its footprint in India and other emerging regions, while continuing to deliver cutting-edge security technologies across the globe. Vicon Industries, part of The Comtrex Group, is a leading global leader in advanced video surveillance, access control, and security management systems. With decades of experience and innovation, Vicon delivers integrated solutions that empower organizations to safeguard people, assets, and operations with confidence and intelligence. Read More

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AI Planet & InfoDrive Analytics Announce Joint Venture Backed by

USD 3 million Investment to Accelerate AI Transformation Across the Middle East AI Planet’s first UAE presence beyond Belgium, Luxembourg, and India – backed by $3M investment to build a regional AI powerhouse for governments and enterprises AI Planet, a deeptech company specializing in enterprise Generative AI and Agentic AI platforms, recently announced a strategic joint venture with InfoDrive Analytics – a Vardaan Global Company with expertise in large enterprise transformation to establish a cutting-edge AI and digital transformation powerhouse in the United Arab Emirates. The official signing took place at GITEX Global’s MOU room in the presence of the Ambassador of Belgium & Flanders Investment & Trade team, marking a significant milestone in expanding AI innovation across the Middle East. This marks AI Planet’s first official presence in the UAE, beyond its established entities in Belgium, Luxembourg, and India, reinforcing its commitment to building global AI ecosystems that enable large-scale digital transformation. Backed by a $3 million investment from InfoDrive Analytics, the joint venture will serve as AI Planet’s regional base in Dubai, focusing on enabling governments and large enterprises in their AI and digital transformation journeys. The investment will be directed toward accelerating market development efforts, strengthening customer acquisition strategies, setting up operations, and hiring regional talent. In addition, the focus will be on building industry-specific Agentic AI solutions powered by AI Planet’s proprietary platform. The newly formed joint venture envisions building a modern AI and digital transformation powerhouse in the Middle East with a strong focus on: The partnership combines AI Planet’s deep expertise in enterprise-grade AI orchestration with InfoDrive Analytics regional reach and business acumen, setting the stage for scalable impact in enterprise and government ecosystems. Commenting on the joining hand with InfoDrive Chanukya Patnaik, Founder & CEO of AI Planet, said, “The Middle East is at a defining moment in its digital and AI evolution. The region has consistently leapfrogged traditional transformation cycles through bold investments in innovation and AI will be the next major leap. Through this joint venture, we want to empower enterprises and governments to harness AI to transform sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services among others, making AI a true force for progress across the region.” Veteran entrepreneur and investor Rino Sabatino, Group Chairman of InfoDrive Analytics and Vardaan Global, specializes in forging cross-border partnerships for digital transformation. He previously led the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA), where he attracted major international tech and manufacturing companies to the UAE. On the MOU signing Rino Sabatino, Group Chairman of InfoDrive Analytics and Vardan Global Group affirmed, “We’re excited to partner with AI Planet to build the next chapter of digital innovation. The Middle East and more specifically the UAE’s – momentum in AI is extraordinary, driven by visionary leadership and strong government investment. Together, we’ll bring world-class expertise to help organizations and public institutions accelerate AI adoption, drive operational efficiency, and unlock new opportunities for growth.” The newly formed joint venture envisions building a modern AI and digital transformation hub spanning the Middle East with a strong focus on creating standalone vertical AI solutions across industries including finance, manufacturing, healthcare, telecom, and education. Read More

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Fortinet Report: Rise in Data Loss Despite Smarter Data Security Practices and More Cybersecurity Spending

Vivek SrivastavaCountry Manager, India & SAARC, at Fortinet Budgets for data security rose by 72% last year, yet 41% of organizations still lost millions to insider-driven data incidents The 2025 Data Security Report from Fortinet and Cybersecurity Insiders shows despite adopting smarter strategies and allocating stronger budgets, data loss continues to rise. While most organizations rely on some form of data loss prevention (DLP), many lack visibility into how employees actually interact with data, especially in SaaS and generative AI tools, and miss the context that separates accidents from actual risk. The findings suggest that many existing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools may now be limiting organizations’ ability to adapt to today’s data security challenges. Insider-driven risk has become one of the most urgent and complex challenges in enterprise security. As data flows increasingly through users, cloud applications, AI tools, and hybrid work environments, traditional perimeter-based, content-only DLP tools can no longer keep up. Key findings from the report include: Sensitive data exposure is persistent 77% of organizations experienced insider-related data loss in the past 18 months, and 58% reported six or more incidents – many stemming from routine user activity rather than malicious intent. Most incidents are unintentional, not malicious 49% of organizations experienced a data loss incident caused by negligent employees versus only 16% involved confirmed malicious intent. Another 12% could not determine the cause, and 20% did not experience a data loss incident. The business impact is material 45% reported financial or revenue loss, and 41% estimated damages between $1 million and $10 million for their most significant incident over the past 18 months. Only 8% said the impact was negligible. Visibility into data use remains a major blind spot 72% of organizations say they can’t see how users interact with sensitive data across endpoints, cloud services, or SaaS platforms. Security leaders are prioritizing behavioral context and real-time visibility The top capabilities sought in next-gen solutions are real-time behavioral analytics (66%), day one data visibility (61%), and control over shadow AI and SaaS tools (52%). Best Practices for Modern Data Loss Prevention To meet today’s data protection challenges, organizations must move beyond static, policy-heavy DLP and adopt a modern approach, one built on real-time visibility, behavioral context, and unified control across endpoints, cloud, SaaS, and AI tools. Data security is no longer just about deploying tools to identify and prevent the outflow of sensitive information. It now requires a deep understanding of how sensitive data is created, stored, accessed, used, and how users may, intentionally or unintentionally, put it at risk. This is why next-generation data protection strategies are moving beyond static controls towards a platform that unifies DLP with insider risk management, delivering real-time, behavior-aware visibility across endpoints, SaaS, cloud, and AI. Fortinet integrates identity, access, and activity data through FortiDLP and the Fortinet Security Fabric to give teams the clarity they need to stop small mistakes from becoming costly breaches The following best practices reflect that shift and provide a practical blueprint for implementing next-generation DLP: Start with Day-One Visibility 75% of organizations wait weeks or months to gain insight from DLP tools. That delay creates a critical blind spot during rollout. Modern solutions must provide immediate telemetry across cloud apps, endpoints, and AI tools – without requiring complex policy setup first. Monitor Behaviour, Not Just Violations 66% of leaders prioritize behavioral analytics, yet few can identify which users are putting data at risk. DLP must move beyond rule-breaking to detect deviations from normal usage patterns, including frequency, timing, and method of access. Correlate Identity, Access, and Activity Static rules can’t assess intent. By linking user identity, data access patterns, and contextual risk signals, organizations can distinguish between routine activity and high-risk behavior, enabling a more precise response and fewer false positives. Protect The Entire Data Journey Across Channels Email is no longer the primary data exit path. Only 12% feel prepared for AI exposure and many lack coverage for personal cloud, SaaS apps, or unmanaged endpoints. Modern DLP must follow the data wherever it flows – not stop at the perimeter. Use AI to Cut Through the Noise AI shouldn’t just generate more alerts but enhance prioritization, triage, and root-cause investigation. The most effective platforms use AI to sequence user behavior, detect anomalies, and spotlight what actually matters. Read More

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THE RISE OF AN INDIGENOUS GLOBAL SECURITY LEADER

A Journey of Innovation and Transformation In an era where perimeter security has evolved from basic fences to intelligent, technology-driven defence systems, one company has stood at the forefront of this transformation – A-1 Fence. What began in India in 1998 as a razor wire manufacturer has today grown into a global powerhouse in perimeter security and intrusion detection technologies, with manufacturing bases and sales offices across India, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the USA, and the UK. A-1 Fence represents a rare phenomenon in the global security landscape, an Indigenous Global Company. Founded on Indian soil, it has retained its core manufacturing DNA while expanding its operations with innovation, engineering and world-class technology. The journey of A-1 Fence is not just an industrial success story; it is a testament to the power of Indian manufacturing on the world stage – Driving Atmanirbhar Bharat, Delivering Global Excellence. The Journey: From India to the World 1998 – India: A-1 Fence began its journey in India, manufacturing basic wire products and fencing materials, supplying primarily to the USA and to domestic infrastructure and industrial projects. 2008 – Dubai, UAE: Recognizing the demand for world-class fencing solutions and serving the Middle East, A-1 established its first overseas base in Dubai. 2015 – Oman: Expansion into Oman strengthened the company’s regional influence and increased production capacity. 2019 – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Entry into KSA positioned A-1 Fence as a strategic partner in the Middle East for high-security and defence projects. 2024 – USA: Recognizing global demand for certified perimeter security, A-1 established operations in the United States — entering the world’s most mature security market. 2025 – United Kingdom: With the opening of a UK sales office, A-1 Fence completed its evolution from an Indian exporter to a truly global enterprise. Built on Innovation, Defined by Global Standards A-1 Fence’s philosophy has remained unchanged through its global expansion – to engineer world-class security solutions with indigenous intelligence. Unlike many global brands that import technology, A-1 Fence indigenously designs, develops, manufactures, tests, and exports products across the globe. This includes: ● Early Warning Radars. ● Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS). ● Perimeter & Strategic Assets Security Fences. ● Access Control & Gate Automation. Hostile Vehicle Mitigation. ● Ballistic Doors and Windows. Sectors and Global Deployments From international borders to data centres, A-1 Fence’s solutions protect some of the world’s most sensitive & highly secured locations. Border Security & Defence: Protecting frontiers with anti- climb, anti-cut, delay-rated fences and electronic surveillance. Border projects like Indo-Bangla Border, Indo-Pak Border, Oman-Yemen & UAE-Oman Border are a few of A-1’s key projects. Infrastructure & Industry: Airports, refineries, ports, solar parks, railways, mines, oil & gas. Wildlife & Agriculture: Projects in Kuno, Satpura, and Gandhi Sagar have protected endangered species and reduced human-animal conflicts. Data Centers & Critical Assets: Integration of high-security fences with AI-based intrusion detection. A-1 Fence is MES & CPWD-approved OEM and trusted by leading global EPC companies, defence organisations, and infrastructure authorities. From Fences to Future Technology What distinguishes A-1 Fence is its evolution from purely physical fencing to integrated, technology-enabled security ecosystems. Traditional chain link and barbed wires have transformed into FenSense® – where the fence itself acts as a live sensor, capable of detecting cutting, climbing, and tampering in real time. Similarly, conventional perimeter surveillance is being transformed through Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), Radar- based tracking, and AI-powered analytics. A-1 is no longer just building fences – it is creating intelligent perimeters. An Indian Company with a Global Mind While A-1 Fence stands strong on international soil, it continues to operate with the ethos of ‘Make in India, Secure the World.’ Every product proudly carries its origin in Indian engineering but is designed to perform against global benchmarks. From quality certifications to compliance with IEC, SR2, ASTM, and LPS standards, A-1 Fence has positioned itself not as a follower, but as a global standard-setter. The A-1 Promise From a single factory in India to a multi-country group with global leadership, A-1 Fence represents the rise of Indian manufacturing power – rooted in indigenous innovation, tested by global challenges, and driven by one mission: ‘To protect borders, assets, and people with uncompromising perimeter security.’ As the world seeks smarter and stronger security, A-1 Fence stands at the intersection of strength and intelligence – metal and algorithm – boundary and trust. Read More

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