2026 - securitylinkindia

Dairy Queen – Wilson Baker: How Delaware Franchisee Stays Secure and Ready to Serve, with March Networks

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaFebruary 16, 2026February 16, 2026010 mins

Boosting Multi-Location Efficiency and Reducing Delivery Chargebacks with Video and Searchlight’s Transaction Data Analytics Trying to keep track of multiple store locations on an old security system can feel like you’re stuck in a (not-so-sweet) blizzard. Outdated systems and constant tech issues make it a whirlwind when you’re trying to oversee your business – especially when it matters most. For Lori Vieira, one of the owners of three Dairy Queen stores owned and operated by Baker’s Petroleum in Delaware, USA, finding a surveillance system that was affordable, scalable and easy-to-use was the secret ingredient to meeting her businesses’ evolving needs. Moving to March Networks’ intelligent video surveillance solutions improved Lori’s monitoring capabilities across her stores, saving time and strengthening security at multiple locations. Melted by Outdated Systems Lori, the proud owner of three Dairy Queen locations – two standalone restaurants and one attached to a gas station – had grappled with the persistent challenges of outdated security systems for years. Her older surveillance system was prone to frequent technical issues, making it challenging to oversee cameras across multiple stores. While her system was somewhat user-friendly, it lacked scalability and the advanced features the business needed to keep pace with their evolving needs. Three years ago, while searching for a new surveillance system, Lori was introduced to March Networks® through American Dairy Queen’s approved vendor list – one of only two vendors approved to integrate with Dairy Queen’s PAR POS system. While she continued researching other companies, March Networks stood out because of its strong focus on the customers’ needs. “When we looked at March Networks, I thought, ‘This is way smarter and way more advanced than what we currently have.’ And since it was on Dairy Queen’s vendor list, we decided, ‘Let’s give it a try,’” said Lori. Trying to keep track of multiple store locations on an old security system can feel like you’re stuck in a (not-so-sweet) blizzard. Outdated systems and constant tech issues make it a whirlwind when you’re trying to oversee your business – especially when it matters most A Sweet Start Impressed by its advanced capabilities, Lori and her team transitioned to March Networks’ Searchlight™ software. They started with their Dairy Queen in Milford, Delaware, and expanded to two other locations in Harrington and Seaford. Over time, the group deployed March Networks surveillance systems across four other franchise convenience stores. As part of their transition, Lori’s team also invested in new cameras and an NVR system to enhance monitoring across all restaurants, while integrating with their existing systems, avoiding the costly ‘rip and replace’ method. After implementing these new security solutions, the franchise owners saw a noticeable improvement in their monitoring capabilities. Using March Networks Command™ Enterprise Software and the Command Mobile Plus App on mobile devices, Lori’s team can access footage conveniently, whether for transaction audits, addressing potential theft, or handling employee-related incidents. “I can jump on my phone anytime when employees say something’s happening at the store. I can log into the app and look, or somebody can call me and say, ‘This is going on,’ and I can access the camera footage right away,” said Lori. “I can easily save snapshots of incidents and quickly share them with the police or other store locations. What’s great is that I can do all that directly from my phone.” Swirling Up Success Lori points to three key areas that helped to streamline and improve operations at all her locations: “It’s great for looking up specific transactions on video to see if a delivery order was fulfilled correctly,” said Lori, “For example, if the delivery company employee forgot to grab the bag with ice cream, we can check that. It’s great for those situations where the delivery company charges us for inaccurate orders, claiming the customer didn’t get something. We use the footage to dispute delivery chargebacks, and this saves us money all the time.” Looking Forward: The Cherry on Top Building on the success of Searchlight across her Dairy Queen locations, Lori and her team plan to continue expanding March Networks’ solutions to five Country Corner Market convenience stores. She said the reliable and easy-to-use technology have proven invaluable for managing multiple sites. “It’s been about three years, and we’ve continued to add more sites to our March Networks system. Obviously, I’m a happy customer,” Lori said, “The software is current and advanced, so March Networks is keeping up with what users like us need in our industry.” March Networks solutions have been a game-changer for Lori’s operations, offering advanced monitoring that saves time, improves customer service, and enhances security across all locations. With seamless integration to their PAR POS systems, March Networks delivers a comprehensive solution tailored to the needs of modern QSR and C-Store environments, setting their business up for success at any scale. Read More

Easing Congestion with a 360° View: VIVOTEK Solution Streamlines Taxi Operations at a Major Japanese Travel Hub

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaFebruary 16, 2026February 16, 202607 mins

Background The Chiba Taxi Association manages over 5,000 taxi vehicles across its eight branches in Chiba Prefecture. Among them, the Keiyo Branch and the Keiyo District Taxi Operations Council have led efforts to install network cameras at key terminal stations for the past 18 years. These systems have supported the monitoring of taxi stand congestion, crime prevention, and emergency response, including the identification of stranded commuters during disasters. In response to taxi deregulation by the national government in 2002, large numbers of taxis began flocking to station stands, creating serious congestion. To address this, the association introduced its first ‘Taxi Satellite System,’ which temporarily redirects waiting taxis to offsite parking areas and calls them back via radio when space becomes available at the station. Initially, this operation was manually handled by on-site traffic supervisors, but over time, it transitioned to camera-based monitoring using network camera systems. At the time, deploying network cameras to support such a system was a groundbreaking move in Japan – considered both advanced and innovative. This camera-based approach helped reduce congestion and wait times while also contributing to public safety and convenience. Building on this long-standing commitment to safer and more efficient taxi operations, the association has now introduced a new monitoring system powered by VIVOTEK cameras at JR Maihama Station – a station widely known as the gateway to Tokyo Disney Resort. The goal is to visualize and manage congestion caused by overtourism in the area. Challenge Overcrowding Around a Major Tourist Hub: JR Maihama Station serves tens of thousands of passengers daily, many of whom visit Tokyo Disney Resort, located just a five-minute walk away. Adding to the strain, inbound tourism surged in Japan after COVID-19, making evening hours – especially after 8PM – particularly congested. In some cases, buses and taxis were unable to access the station due to heavy traffic caused by private vehicles. Staff Shortages from an Aging Workforce: In the past, supervisors were stationed at major terminals to monitor congestion, maintain order at the rotary, and prevent unauthorized taxi operations – particularly by Tokyo-based taxis operating outside their jurisdiction. However, in recent years, the association has faced increasing challenges due to an aging workforce and a declining pool of available personnel. Solution Full-Surround Coverage with Fewer Cameras: VIVOTEK’s fisheye cameras provide seamless 360° coverage, eliminating blind spots and enabling comprehensive monitoring of the taxi stand area with fewer units. This not only enhances situational awareness but also proves valuable during investigations and when sharing footage with law enforcement. The wide field of view from a single camera helps reduce both installation and maintenance costs. Additionally, the camera’s built-in IR illuminator ensures clear video even low-light conditions – an essential feature for round-the-clock taxi operations. Remote Monitoring for Smarter Dispatching: Live footage from the cameras is streamed directly to taxi and bus company dispatch centers, enabling remote monitoring of congestion at taxi stands without the need for on-site staff. This has streamlined the dispatching process and helped alleviate overcrowding. By gradually shifting from manual patrols to camera-based monitoring, the association has also mitigated labor shortages while achieving significant improvements in both cost saving and operational efficiency. Benefits Camera footage is also shared with local law enforcement. Under a crime prevention agreement with the Urayasu Police Station of the Chiba Prefectural Police, the footage has been utilized for both investigation and deterrence. The association continues to leverage both new and existing camera systems – not only to ease congestion at taxi and bus stands but also to help maintain a peaceful environment and support the creation of a safer society. Results and Customer Feedback In February 2025, the association began full operation of its new “Taxi Stand Digital Signage & Monitoring System” at JR Maihama Station. As a key component of the system, the association selected VIVOTEK’s FE9382-EHV-V2 fisheye cameras. “Our first encounter with VIVOTEK was at IBS Japan’s booth during the Mass-Trans Innovation Japan exhibition, where we were impressed by the camera’s performance. Since then, we have consistently relied on VIVOTEK cameras for crowd monitoring, digital signage condition monitoring, and taxi stand security,” said Kumagai, Deputy Director, Keiyo Branch, Chiba Taxi Association / Keiyo District Taxi Operations Council (pictured right). Koike, Chairman, Keiyo Branch, Chiba Taxi Association / Keiyo District Taxi Operations Council (pictured left). Read More

Hikvision Offers Comprehensive Security and Fire Detection Solutions for BFSI Sector

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaFebruary 16, 2026February 16, 202607 mins

Banks and ATMs operate in high-risk environments where even a single security lapse can lead to financial loss, data compromise, and customer mistrust. To address these challenges, a Hybrid Intrusion & Fire Detection Alarm Solution provides an intelligent, layered defense combining both wired and wireless technologies, offering complete protection against intrusion, burglary, fire, and emergency events. This system is built around the Hikvision AX Hybrid PRO Series Control Panel, designed for 24×7 banking environments that demand reliability, remote monitoring, fast detection, and secure alert transmission. Hikvision Hybrid Security for Banking Infrastructure Bank branches and ATM lobby rooms require uninterrupted monitoring of multiple threat points – entrances, vault rooms, ATM machines, server and public interaction zones. The Hybrid architecture enables: Core alarm features powered by Hikvision AX Hybrid PRO Hikvision’s AX Hybrid Pro series offers advanced alarm features, including: Sensors & detectors for 360° threat coverage Hikvision’s solutions offer comprehensive coverage, advanced sensors detect movement and trigger alerts. These solutions work together to provide robust security and threat detection, minimizing blind spots and ensuring comprehensive coverage. The system immediately pushes alerts to bank security team + monitoring centre + branch manager via SMS/ App/ Email – reducing response time, preventing escalation. Bank branch – Protection design overview The Bank Branch protection design solution includes following components: ATM site – Protection design overview The ATM site protection design solution includes following components: Remote monitoring & response workflow The remote monitoring and response workflow solution includes following components: Key benefits offered to banks & ATM The comprehensive BFSI solution offers following benefits to banks and ATMs: Read More

eSentire Warns Businesses: Hackers are After Your Employee’s Account Credentials, as Account Compromise Threats Surge 389% in 2025

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaFebruary 16, 2026February 16, 2026010 mins

Global cybersecurity solutions provider eSentire recently released its 2025 Year in Review, 2026 Threat Landscape Outlook Report titled – ‘The Industrialization of Cybercrime: Identities are Under Attack.” One of the most alarming attack trends tracked by eSentire in 2025 was a 389% increase year over year in account compromise identity-based threats. In the past year, the attempted theft of corporate account credentials, especially Microsoft 365 accounts, made up 50% of the attacks analyzed by eSentire’s security research and elite threat hunting team, the Threat Response Unit (TRU). Based on threat and incident data from eSentire’s 2,000+ global customers, the findings highlight the dramatic rise of Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) offerings as a primary attack vector. Email-initiated account compromises rose from 37% to 55% of total security incidents, with PhaaS-related threats accounting for 63% of all accounts compromised. “These PhaaS kits are not made up of simple templates; they are comprehensive, continuously updated offerings, designed to bypass modern security controls such as Multi-Factor Authentication,” said Spence Hutchinson, Senior Manager of TRU and lead investigator for the report, “It is the widespread availability and continuous evolution of these PhaaS kits that are fueling the account takeover epidemic that is impacting businesses.” A profitable end game for account takeovers – Business email compromise The report reveals that threat actors are using PhaaS operations like Tycoon2FA, FlowerStorm and EvilProxy to carry out Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks. The hackers can initiate BEC actions such as creating inbox forwarding rules in as little as 14 minutes, after they have captured a target’s corporate login credentials and session token and successfully entered the target’s IT network. TRU found that companies in the real estate, finance, retail, and construction sectors regularly conduct large financial transactions and are perfect targets for BEC campaigns, where attackers intercept and divert legitimate fund transfers to fraudulent accounts. BEC attacks continue to be a top threat for companies, as evident by the billions of dollars businesses are losing annually to this threat. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported $2.8 billion in losses from BEC attacks in 2024 alone. However, there is progress being made in defending against these attacks. In 2025, eSentire was able to reduce BEC threats for its customers by 21%. This was not luck; this was pure determination by eSentire’s security defenders to meet the BEC threat head on. eSentire dedicated substantial resources to tracing the BEC attacks back to their root cause and created detections for the different precursors leading to BEC attacks. As such, TRU has been able to successfully detect and shut down many BEC campaigns before the threat actors can even get a foothold into a customer’s network, resulting in a 21% decrease in BEC threats. These PhaaS kits are not made up of simple templates; they are comprehensive, continuously updated offerings, designed to bypass modern security controls such as Multi-Factor Authentication. It is the widespread availability and continuous evolution of these PhaaS kits that are fueling the account takeover epidemic that is impacting businesses Key 2025 Report findings “Unfortunately, TRU does not see any of the top threats detailed in this report declining in 2026,” said Hutchinson, “Highly skilled hackers have made it far too easy for inexperienced threat actors to compromise employees’ corporate accounts and ultimately their organizations, via sophisticated, turn-key criminal operations such as PhaaS, Malware-as-a-Service, Ransomware-as-a-Service, etc. “Add these very accessible and easy-to-use services to the capabilities AI technologies can give a threat actor, especially in the areas of malware development, phishing campaigns and deep fakes, and the barrier to entry into the cybercrime business is frighteningly low.” 2026 Threat Landscape Outlook eSentire, Inc., the Authority in Managed Detection and Response (MDR), protects the critical data and applications of 2000+ organizations in 80+ countries across 35 industries from known and unknown cyber threats by providing Continuous Threat Exposure Management, Managed Detection and Response and Incident Response services designed to build an organization’s cyber resilience & prevent business disruption. Founded in 2001, eSentire protects the world’s most targeted organizations, with 65% of its global base recognized as critical infrastructure, vital to economic health and stability. By combining AI-powered, open XDR platform technology, 24/7 threat hunting, and proven security operations leadership, eSentire’s award-winning MDR services and team of experts help organizations anticipate, withstand and recover from cyberattacks. Read More

From Hype to Reality: The Three Forces defining Security in 2026

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaFebruary 15, 2026February 16, 2026010 mins

As we move into 2026, Milestone’s acting Chief Technology Officer Andrew Burnett predicts the technology trends that will define the year While several technology trends were once mostly confined to research labs and conference keynotes, they are now stepping into the daily reality of the security industry. What is new today is not the idea of AI itself, but the emergence of Agentic AI – intelligent systems capable of taking autonomous actions across operational workflows. Rather than asking what they might one day do, we are now seeing what they actually do in the field. In 2026, three technologies will particularly drive this transformation – Agentic AI, Digital Twins and Wearables with Augmented Reality (AR). Each represents an evolution not just in capability, but a step toward fully intelligent, interconnected and immersive security ecosystems. Agentic AI – From Hype-Cycle to Operational Workflows Agentic AI, first notable for its capabilities in areas like code generation, is now expanding beyond coding to orchestrate operational workflows across security systems. The shift for 2026 is from capability demonstrations to task-focused agents embedded in operational flows. Rather than one-off proof of concept we are seeing agents that orchestrate across systems – they ingest video, correlate access logs, detect deviations and then trigger follow-up actions – all without a human translating between disparate interfaces. Practical examples include autonomous investigation agents that not only take an alarm, gather the last 30 minutes of multimodal evidence (video, access, sensor telemetry) but also propose and initiate immediate mitigation action for an operator to approve. The value is twofold – speed (reducing mean time to insight) and bandwidth (freeing operators to focus on decisions, not data-gathering). This momentum is mirrored in global investment patterns. According to recent industry projections, Agentic AI is set to dominate IT budget expansion over the next five years, representing more than 26% of worldwide IT spending and surpassing US$1.3 trillion by 2029. This reflects a decisive shift: organisations are no longer experimenting with AI for select projects – they are operationalising it at scale. Organisations should stop asking ‘what might agentic AI do’ and start identifying the repeatable security workflows they want automated; for example: incident triage, patrol optimisation, evidence packaging; then measure agent performance against those KPIs. The winners in 2026 will be platforms that expose safe, auditable agent APIs and vendors who integrate them into end-to-end operational playbooks. Digital Twins – Moving from Models to Mission-Critical Decisions Digital twins – the highly sophisticated virtual models that stay synchronised with real-world systems – are also reaching a point of true practicality. The concept is not new. For years, industries like manufacturing and logistics have used digital twins to monitor assets and environments. What’s new is the granularity and scale now possible in security. Organisations such as NVIDIA are utilising digital twins for data centres, integrating cameras, fire alarms, access control and environmental sensors to create a unified, real-time view of operations. Instead of static replicas, we are talking about interactive environments where you can safely test and optimise system behaviour. The value of digital twins goes beyond visualisation and simulation, empowering organisations to monitor, optimise and actively manage the desired state of multiple subsystems in real-time. Imagine running a virtual fire-drill scenario that shows pedestrian flow if a corridor is blocked, or simulating lockout strategies to maintain egress while containing a threat. These are not academic exercises – they directly inform SOPs, layout choices and where to place resilient communications or edge compute. For complex estates (airports, ports, multi-tenant high-rises) a unified digital twin reduces configuration drift, accelerates forensic reconstruction and enables predictive maintenance for critical devices. Looking ahead, the widespread adoption of digital twins is poised to reshape the security industry’s approach to risk management and operational planning. With a unified, real-time view of complex environments, digital twins enable proactive decision-making, allowing security teams to anticipate threats, optimise resource allocation and continuously refine standard operating procedures. Over time, this capability will shift the industry from reactive incident response to predictive and preventative security strategies, where investment in training, infrastructure and technology is guided through simulated outcomes rather than historical events. From Gadgets to Game-Changers: Wearables + AR in Action AR and wearables have had turbulent history, but their resurgence in 2026 will be different – and AI is the reason. AI transforms wearables from simple capture devices into intelligent companions. It elevates AR from a visual overlay to a real-time, context-aware guidance layer. They shift frontline tools from passive to proactive devices that see, listen, interpret the environment, delivering timely insights and support through voice, visual or hybrid interfaces. The momentum behind AR is also reflected in the market. Globally, the AR sector is projected to surge from US$35.8 billion in 2024 to US$233.3 billion by 2030, a compound annual growth rate of 37%. Today, software and services account for the vast majority of AR revenue, highlighting that enterprises are increasingly leveraging AR for operational applications such as training, remote assistance, simulation and real-time decision support. Crucially, these systems speak natural language. A guard can ask, “When was this area last patrolled?” and receive concise, evidence-backed answers or ask the system to replay the last suspicious approach and mark it for later review. This moves wearables from passive recorders to active decision-support tools, increasing situational awareness while keeping hands and attention free. While widespread adoption may still be a few years away, the trajectory is clear. The future of security work will be increasingly wearable – through smart glasses, headsets or other wrist-mounted devices – and powered by conversational, intelligent systems that deliver insights and decision support in real-time. Conclusion – integrate, simulate, augment Across these trends the theme is consistent: AI is the enabler that makes previously hyped technologies operationally useful. For CISOs, facility heads and operations leaders, the practical playbook for 2026 is simple and strategic: prioritise integration (open, auditable APIs), exploring simulation capabilities (digital twins that map to SOPs), and pilot wearable augmentation where it reduces time-to-decision. Success is…

Video Surveillance Trends 2026: Trustworthy AI and Sustainability

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaFebruary 15, 2026February 15, 2026016 mins

The evolution of AI technology, driven by Generative AI, has accelerated at an unprecedented pace. This year, in particular, its impact has been maximized, shifting paradigms across various industries. This spark of innovation is now extending into the video surveillance sector. Hanwha Vision predicts that 2026 will be a pivotal turning point. We foresee AI moving beyond simple adoption to becoming the essential foundation of the entire industry. Most notably, the emergence of ‘Autonomous AI Agents’ is expected to reshape the very structure and operational methods of video surveillance systems. Amidst these waves of change, Hanwha Vision highlights five key trends that the industry must focus on. These trends signal a future where AI serves as the core engine, elevating video surveillance from simple monitoring systems to central pillars of operational efficiency and sustainability. Trustworthy AI: Data Quality and Responsible Use As AI analysis technology becomes ubiquitous, the principle of ‘Garbage In, Garbage Out’ becomes increasingly critical in video surveillance. Visual noise and distortion caused by challenging environments – such as low light, backlighting, or fog – are primary causes of AI malfunction and false alarms. By 2026, establishing a ‘Trusted Data Environment’ to solve these issues will become the industry’s top priority. With the performance of AI analysis engines leveling up across the board, the focus of investment is shifting toward securing high-quality video data that AI can interpret without error. A prime example is the investment in minimizing noise and distortion in extreme environments through AI-based high-performance ISP (Image Signal Processing) technology and the use of larger sensors. AI-based ISP employs deep learning to differentiate between objects and noise, effectively eliminating noise while optimizing object details to provide real-time data most conducive to AI analysis. Larger image sensors capture more light, which fundamentally suppresses video noise generation, starting from low-light conditions. Hanwha Vision’s 2nd Generation P series AI Cameras feature a Dual NPU design, the Wisenet 9 chipset with AI-based image enhancement, and a large 1/1.2” sensor, guaranteeing crystal-clear images optimized for AI analysis even in the harshest environments. In parallel, as the ethical use of AI becomes a major concern, the mandatory adoption of AI governance systems is approaching. Global standards, such as the European Union’s AI Act, classify video surveillance AI used in public safety as High-Risk technology. This imposes a legal obligation on manufacturers to ensure Transparency in AI from the design phase, accelerating the industry’s push to build genuinely trustworthy AI. Furthermore, Hanwha Vision plans to upgrade its WiseAI app leveraging its capabilities in trusted data acquisition. Specifically, we will add an Auto Calibration feature that determines the distance information of a scene to enhance data reliability, and new AI event features to analyze abnormal behaviors like fighting and falling will be included in the 2026 product releases. The AI Agent Partnership, From Tool to Teammate As AI evolves from simple detection to an agent capable of analyzing complex scenarios and proposing initial responses, the role of the monitoring operator is set for a fundamental overhaul. Humans will delegate repetitive surveillance tasks to AI Agents and focus on more critical, high-level functions. While previous AI systems in video surveillance merely reduced the operator’s workload by automating repetitive tasks like object search, tracking, and alarm generation, the AI Agent takes this a step further. It autonomously conducts complex situational analysis, automatically executes an initial response, and recommends the most effective follow-up actions to the monitoring operator. For example, an AI Agent can independently assess an intrusion, initiate preliminary steps such as sounding an alarm, and then propose the final decision options (e.g., whether to call the police) to the operator. Simultaneously, it automatically generates a comprehensive report detailing real-time video of the intrusion area, access records, a log of the AI’s initial actions, and suggested optimal response strategies. The evolution of AI technology, driven by Generative AI, has accelerated at an unprecedented pace. This year, in particular, its impact has been maximized, shifting paradigms across various industries. This spark of innovation is now extending into the video surveillance sector Consequently, monitoring operators will transition into the role of commanders, making final decisions that require nuanced judgment, complex analysis, and consideration of legal and contextual implications. They will also take on the role of an AI governance manager, transparently tracking and supervising all autonomous actions and reasoning processes executed by the AI Agent. This essential function, which prevents system misuse, demands a significant elevation of the monitoring operator’s skill set. Driving Sustainable Security The explosive growth of generative AI is accelerating a ‘Technological Energy Crisis.’ According to IEA reports, power consumption by data centers is projected to more than double by 2030 due to the rising demand for AI servers. The video surveillance industry is at a crossroads where it can no longer prioritize performance without limit, facing the dual challenge of surging high-resolution video data and the computational burden of Edge AI. Consequently, Sustainable Security, which prioritizes operational longevity and minimizing environmental costs, is set to become a core competency for achieving TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) reductions and meeting ESG goals. To realize sustainable security, the industry is commonly moving towards developing ‘low-power AI chipsets’ that drastically reduce power consumption while preserving high-quality imaging and AI processing power. It is also prioritizing technologies that ensure data efficiency directly on the edge device (camera). For instance, Hanwha Vision‘s AI-based WiseStream technology maximizes video data management efficiency, contributing to lower power consumption. It intelligently separates regions of interest from non-interest within the video and adjusts the compression ratio based on importance. This maximizes traffic efficiency while securely retaining all necessary information. Furthermore, cameras equipped with Wisenet 9 have improved baseline data transmission efficiency by reusing images from static regions. These intelligent data management strategies simultaneously meet both performance and efficiency demands and are regarded as the most effective means to directly reduce the power consumption required for server expansion and cooling systems. Smart Spaces Powered by Video Intelligence With AI integrated into cameras and advances…

India Risk outlook 2026

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaFebruary 15, 2026February 15, 2026025 mins

Lt Gen Sudhir SharmaPVSM, AVSM, YSM, VSMChairman, MitKat Advisory The turbulent geopolitical landscape of 2025 marked a discernible shift in India’s external security environment. The shadows of the events of the past year will have a telling effect on the risks and opportunities that will shape the trends for 2026. A fragmented global order, persistent conflicts in Europe and West Asia, intensified big power rivalry in the Indo Pacific, weaponisation of trade and controlled access to high technology have squeezed out much of the strategic space, giving rise to volatility and ambiguity, which impinges on India’s desire for strategic autonomy. As we enter 2026, we are no longer navigating a familiar world of stable alliances but a fragmented world order where national sovereignty and economic security are fluid and transactional. For business leaders this represents a dynamic shift from managing ‘growth’ to managing systemic disruptions and contending with hyper-nationalism. On India’s Western front, the short but intense conflict with Pakistan in 2025 has driven relations to their lowest point in decades. Terrorism remains a top risk, and deterrence is fragile. The tense standoff could escalate into skirmishes or a larger confrontation, requiring a recalibration of India’s security architecture. Concurrently the Eastern Sector bordering Bangladesh presents its own set of diverse security challenges. Relations with Bangladesh shifted sharply in 2025, driven by political instability, consequent to the ouster of the Awani League. The widening trust deficit and the overheated internal situation in Bangladesh poses a significant threat to Indian Interests. The forthcoming elections (if held fairly and objectively) will be a litmus test for the internal stability of Bangladesh. Pre and post poll violence are most likely and may have a ripple effect in India. Relations between the countries will continue to be strained and tense in 2026, seriously impacting transit and business growth. On a positive note, the relations with China remained comparatively stable and have shown limited but notable improvement in 2025, and the thaw is likely to continue in 2026, giving rise to business opportunities and some synergy in approach to global issues. The resumption of direct flights and an easier visa regime could provide the momentum for business growth and tourism. Though trust deficit remains high, it is likely that India’s relations with China may mature to one of cautious but competitive coexistence. This would require sustained confidence building measures from both sides. India-United States relations will remain a central pillar of India’s external engagement in 2026, though it will be marked by greater complexity and some irritants. Strategic convergence in defence, technology and the Indo-Pacific is expected to continue, despite the tariff related concerns and frictions. QUAD is expected to strengthen, with a sharper technological and security focus. Simultaneously, India will deepen engagement with BRICS and the Global South, balancing strategic autonomy with diplomatic flexibility – a critical tightrope in a fractured world. Internally the risks confronting India in the coming year will be shaped by the interplay of political polarisation, governance pressures and socio-economic disparities. Left-wing extremism is waning and may be eliminated by 2026, bolstering internal security. However, high-stake state elections could trigger unrest and stress governance systems. Despite external fragility, India enters 2026 with strong economic fundamentals, infrastructure upgrades, and a growing role in global manufacturing and technology ecosystems. Realignment of global supply chains offers opportunities India is well-positioned to seize. Structural reforms in the nuclear energy sector will give a boost to India’s energy mix and improve the overall energy-security paradigm. As we look ahead, 2026 is likely to be a year of continued external fragility, yet a resilient internal security framework, coupled with a buoyant macro-economic outlook. India can look forward to a period of sustained growth and stability, overcoming moderate internal challenges and governance pressures. Advances in AI, semiconductors, and manufacturing will further propel growth. India will need great acumen in navigating an increasingly polarised world order, while maintaining its strategic autonomy, and safeguarding its national interests. The year 2025 for India was characterized by acute security shocks, tightening geoeconomic headwinds, and mounting climate and public-health pressures even as the country deepened strategic partnerships, consolidated its role as a regional corporate and digital hub, and pressed ahead with institutional reforms. A multi-domain crisis with Pakistan, persistent maritime insecurity, resurgent piracy, Red Sea cable disruptions, and a sharp U.S. tariff shock underscored a risk environment in which episodic external triggers rapidly translate into domestic operational disruption. Domestically, intensified communal polarization, sector-wide labour actions, reservation mobilizations, and urban infrastructure fragility combined with scaled AI-enabled cyber-fraud to raise the baseline of day-to-day risk for businesses and communities. Looking ahead to 2026, the outlook is one of cautious resilience – external ties will be marked by strategic convergence with the United States amid trade and mobility frictions, managed competition with China, and fragile deterrence with Pakistan; internally, policy continuity will persist alongside execution gaps, uneven state-level governance, and climate-driven stress on assets and services. As we enter 2026, we are no longer navigating a familiar world of stable alliances but a fragmented world order where national sovereignty and economic security are fluid and transactional. For business leaders this represents a dynamic shift from managing ‘growth’ to managing systemic disruptions and contending with hyper-nationalism Geopolitically, India-China relations exhibited cautious stabilization. Corps Commander dialogue continued, high-level political contacts resumed, and direct commercial flights were reinstated after five years, reducing immediate confrontation risk along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Yet structural constraints – including PLA consolidation in Tibet, new hydropower activity on the Yarlung Tsangpo, and recurring cyber and financial-security frictions – kept the relationship within a framework of tactical engagement embedded in strategic competition. With limited verifiable disengagement on the ground, ties in 2026 are likely to remain managed rather than normalized. By contrast, India-Pakistan relations entered their most volatile phase since 2019. The April Pahalgam massacre in Jammu & Kashmir precipitated Operation Sindoor – targeted Indian missile and air strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) – followed by intensified Line of…

Tech for a Better Future: Hikvision’s Journey Practicing Responsible AI

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaFebruary 15, 2026February 15, 202604 mins

Today, AI is transforming the way we live, work, and do business at an unprecedented pace From optimizing complex processes to enhancing task efficiency, AI is reshaping nearly every aspect of our world. Yet, with this revolution comes an equally critical responsibility – to ensure that the innovation unfolds safely, ethically, transparently, and for the benefit of all. In light of this, Hikvision is proud to launch our latest publication, ‘Hikvision’s Journey Practicing Responsible AI.’ This in-depth report explores how industries, governments, and organizations can collaborate to advance AI responsibly, with Hikvision’s practices serving as a key example. A new era for artificial intelligence The rise of AI has unlocked remarkable opportunities – along with growing expectations for accountability. The report opens with a global view of how AI is transforming industries, reshaping the workforce, and influencing society as a whole. As public awareness and regulatory oversight increase, one message is clear – responsible AI is no longer optional. For organizations, this isn’t just an ethical imperative but also a strategic one. It helps build trust, mitigate risk, and fuels long-term innovation. The time to act is now. How the world is shaping AI policy The second chapter provides an overview of the rapidly evolving global AI policy environment. From Europe’s regulatory pioneering to regional initiatives across the rest of the world, we reflect on the challenges and opportunities that will influence the future of AI governance. As the report highlights, international collaboration and cohesive approaches will be essential to harness AI’s potential while promoting global security, prosperity, and human well-being. Hikvision’s commitment to responsible AI At the heart of the publication is Hikvision’s commitment and approach to responsible AI. We outline our guiding principles and governance framework, highlighting our responsible approaches throughout the AI development lifecycle and the frameworks we apply to ensure safety, accountability, and transparency in our products and solutions. Our goal is clear – to embed responsibility at every stage of AI innovation, from research and development to deployment and real-world application. And our continued dedication is further underscored by recognition under global standards such as ISO 42001. A call to build a better future with responsible AI As we stand at this pivotal moment in AI’s evolution, collaboration is key. The future of responsible innovation depends on collective action across sectors and borders. We invite policymakers, industry partners, researchers, and other stakeholders to join us on this journey. Together, we can help shape the next chapter of AI that truly serves humanity. Read More

National

Hafele Brings Thoughtful Intelligence to Home Security

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaFebruary 15, 2026February 15, 202603 mins

As homes increasingly embrace intelligent living, access control has evolved into a seamless part of everyday routines. Hafele’s Horizon and Nova Digital Door Locks are designed to support this shift by offering reliable security, intuitive operation and thoughtful functionality suited to contemporary lifestyles. The Hafele Horizon Digital Lock is designed for homeowners seeking advanced access management and enhanced visibility at the entrance. With built in Wi-Fi connectivity, it allows remote operation, real time monitoring and easy management of users through a mobile application. Features such as a digital door viewer and face recognition enable homeowners to see and identify visitors before granting access. Multiple user profiles can be created for family members and guests, while smart password technology helps conceal actual PINs during entry, adding an extra layer of privacy and security. The Hafele Nova Digital Lock offers a more compact and practical solution without compromising on intelligence. Designed for ease of use, it operates on standard alkaline batteries and supports fingerprint access, PIN codes and RFID cards. Bluetooth connectivity enables short range control and user management through a mobile application, making it ideal for everyday residential use. Safety features such as intrusion alarms, door open alerts and panic exit ensure dependable performance in daily scenarios. Together, Horizon and Nova represent Hafele’s approach to smart security that adapts to real life needs. By combining intuitive technology with dependable performance, both locks deliver intelligent access solutions that enhance comfort, control and peace of mind in modern homes. Read More

FSAI–Dubai Civil Defence Alliance Reaches500 Million People in Fire Safety Awareness; India Takes Centre Stage at World Safety Summit 2026

MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink IndiaFebruary 15, 2026February 15, 202606 mins

The Fire and Security Association of India (FSAI), as part of its strategic alliance with the Directorate General of Dubai Civil Defence (DCD), has contributed to extending fire and life safety awareness to over 500 million people across 64 countries in less than a year, marking significant progress towards the shared goal of training one billion people worldwide, and it was revealed in the World Safety Summit 2026 where FSAI represented India, held at Expo City Dubai. The summit was organised by the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence, which was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. FSAI’s participation follows a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in January last year between DCD and FSAI to strengthen cooperation in fire safety, firefighting and civil defence. The MoU provides a structured framework for knowledge exchange, joint research, training programmes, awareness forums and the sharing of best practices, while fully respecting the national laws and institutional independence. FSAI was represented at the summit by Srinivas Valluri, National President, who led the Indian delegation, along with Ajit Raghavan, Presidential Member & International Affairs Chairman, FSAI, and Dipen Mehta, National Secretary, FSAI. FSAI participated in the proceedings of the World Safety Forum, a closed-door platform comprising 34 countries, where heads of delegations presented brief national reports. During the roundtable session, FSAI outlined the benefits of the alliance and highlighted India’s contribution to advancing large-scale, community-focused fire and life safety awareness. Speaking at the summit, Srinivas Valluri said, “Representing India at the World Safety Summit reflects FSAI’s commitment to global collaboration in safety. Contributing to an outreach of over 500 million people in under a year demonstrates the strength of partnerships, structured engagement and shared responsibility in protecting lives.” As part of the official agenda, FSAI leadership participated in multiple high-level engagements including closed meetings with international dignitaries and parallel sessions. Ajit Raghavan represented the association in discussions with the Dubai Youth Council, reinforcing the importance of youth engagement and future-ready capacity building in safety ecosystems. He said, “The summit underlined that sustainable safety outcomes depend on education, innovation and youth participation, areas where FSAI continues to play an active role.” During the summit, Dubai Civil Defence announced a global task force to implement Artificial Intelligence in fire and life safety systems, aimed at strengthening prevention, preparedness and emergency response capabilities. In recognition of FSAI’s contribution to the alliance, Dipen Mehta has been elected as an Executive Member of the AI Task Force, representing India on the global platform. Commenting on the development, Dipen Mehta said, “Being selected as one of only eight global delegates for this task force is both an honour and a responsibility. It reflects the confidence placed in FSAI and India’s growing participation in global safety frameworks. Our focus will be on developing practical, scalable AI-driven solutions that can be adapted across diverse environments.” With its participation at the World Safety Summit 2026 and an expanding role in international initiatives, FSAI continues to strengthen India’s presence in the global fire and life safety ecosystem while advancing its mission of building safer communities through collaboration, awareness and innovation. The Fire & Security Association of India (FSAI) is a premier national body dedicated to promoting fire safety, security, and loss prevention across India. Established in 2002, FSAI brings together a diverse community of fire professionals, security experts, architects, engineers, system integrators, manufacturers, consultants, and government representatives. With its strong presence across 25 chapters in India and 1 International Chapter in UAE. FSAI works to enhance safety standards through training programs, code development, industry collaborations, awareness drives, and technology-driven initiatives. Read More