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MassMediaLink India LLP SecurityLink India

VIVOTEK’s AI Solutions Proactively Enhance Campus Safety

Safer Learning Environments: Drive Global Market Expansion In recent years, campus safety and student mental health have drawn growing attention. Government data in Taiwan show a rise in emotional and stress-related issues among students aged 15-24. Unauthorized attempts to enter campuses still occur, unsettling students and staff. Strengthening security management and proactive alerting has therefore become a priority for schools. To address risks such as expansive campuses, multiple entry points, blind spots, and potential intrusions, VIVOTEK (3454-TW), the leading global security solution provider, has been promoting its AI-driven education security solutions, designed to proactively detect risks and safeguard school environments. According to a report by research firm GII, the global education security market is projected to reach USD910 million in 2025 and grow to USD1.6 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.96%. As AI video analytics, edge computing, and cloud management platforms mature, security systems are evolving beyond passive video playback into an era of real-time detection and proactive response. In education settings, AI can automatically detect intrusions into restricted zones and trigger instant alerts, enabling security personnel to make swift and informed decisions. In recent years, campus safety and student mental health have drawn growing attention. Government data in Taiwan show a rise in emotional and stress-related issues among students aged 15- 24. Unauthorized attempts to enter campuses still occur, unsettling students and staff. Strengthening security management and proactive alerting has therefore become a priority for schools Recently, VIVOTEK deployed a comprehensive education security solutions at a renowned national university in Taiwan, installing hundreds of AI Bullet and Fixed Dome cameras across entrances, rooftops, classrooms, corridors, walls, elevators, and parking areas. Integrated with the VAST Security Station (VSS) Pro platform, the system delivers: With comprehensive, AI-enabled coverage, schools can monitor in real time and avert risks, fostering safe, welcoming, and sustainable learning environment. Beyond Taiwan, VIVOTEK’s education security solutions are also used in the United States, Belgium, and Indonesia, tailored to local needs to build a global network of smart, sustainable campuses. Read More

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The Tangible Advantages of Flir Nexus

While many security professionals are becoming increasingly aware of Flir Nexus, some remain unclear on the tangible advantages this advanced innovation can offer. So, who better to provide a few key insights than Flir Security Software Architect and all-round Nexus Guru, Ignacio Vilches Rojo? Flir Nexus: What is it and what tangible gains does it provide in thermography and perimeter security applications? A good way to understand Flir Nexus is to first grasp the central challenges facing security managers today. According to Ignacio, the primary one here is the need for greater situational awareness. “This includes understanding a given circumstance, collecting and analysing relevant information, and making informed decisions to address any potential risks,” he explained. In thinking about a conventional design for perimeter security, many would expect the system to include a variety of detection and data handling/ processing technologies. Flir typically works with customers to create a virtual barrier that comprises a combination of thermal and visible cameras, and radar-which are then coupled with detection analytics. These cameras work together, using Nexus as the communication protocol, and provide accurate information to track people, animals or vehicles. It’s the action that follows a perimeter breach that determines how a security team should respond. Unfortunately, this is where we see gaps in security system designs which ultimately mean the operator does not have total situational awareness But there is one key point to consider here: “It’s the action that follows a perimeter breach that determines how a security team should respond. Unfortunately, this is where we see gaps in security system designs which ultimately mean the operator does not have total situational awareness.” Reading the Situation: How Flir Nexus Enhances Situational Awareness Flir Nexus is a software and proprietary communication protocol for thermal imaging systems that helps bridge the gap between devices and systems, ensuring a more complete understanding of the environment outside and inside a security perimeter. To execute a high level of situational awareness, a customer typically requires some form of advanced software that collects the geodata presented by different sensors before co-ordinating proper hand-offs as the target moves. Flir Nexus meets this ambition in a different way. It allows edge devices to communicate in a server/client format without the need for any software or a server in the middle, reducing the cost of ownership. Right now, Nexus is the only protocol that permits access to all the different features and settings required to achieve a high level of integration with Flir sensors, providing you with the best image. Notably, the camera becomes a server by definition because it provides functionality that can be connected to and used. It also becomes a client of other cameras using the Nexus protocol. I see this as a further differentiator that allows us to really ‘explode’ Nexus features for use by the cameras themselves, providing access to a whole new world of possibilities Flir Nexus devices facilitate straightforward installation since all edge devices communicate in real-time, only requiring simple configuration. “When combined with our camera analytics for detection, Nexus can identify, locate and track targets at the edge,” continued Ignacio, “As a potential threat moves through the scene, Nexus-enabled devices communicate the geodata to other Nexus devices and provide seamless hand-offs for continuous tracking. This capability ensures you have complete situational awareness to make informed decisions.” Another advantage is that Nexus allows customers to extend their coverage over large areas using fewer devices, making the provision of total situational awareness far more affordable. The Flir Nexus Difference: Futureproof, Modular, and Intelligent Nexus’s modular architecture is a major market differentiator. Its strategic building block approach forms a robust, multi-layered, and fully integrated security solution. Always employing the same base structure to help create the optimal solution ensures backwards compatibility, simplifying the task of making future additions or changes, even if they take place many years down the line. This level of futureproofing ensures Nexus retains its considerable capability advantages. “By combining thermal, visible and ground-based radar imaging with Flir’s classification analytics, the multi-layered Nexus helps detect, identify, track and act over a long range and in any weather conditions,” added Ignacio, “Notably, you can detect threats in real time, which is important for rapid response and the ability to adapt continuously in the face of security breaches.” While many other communication protocols exist, some of which are open, most were developed and defined before the widespread adoption of thermography processes in the security arena. At that time, developers were instead focusing on visible spectrum cameras. “Right now, Nexus is the only protocol that permits access to all the different features and settings required to achieve a high level of integration with Flir sensors, providing you with the best image. Notably, the camera becomes a server by definition because it provides functionality that can be connected to and used. It also becomes a client of other cameras using the Nexus protocol. I see this as a further differentiator that allows us to really ‘explode’ Nexus features for use by the cameras themselves, providing access to a whole new world of possibilities.”   A Sense of Space: How Flir Nexus Integrates Radar and Geodata A good example involves the integration of radar. By providing detection from radars as points in space (latitude and longitude), it becomes possible to show them on a map, point to them with cameras, or simply provide alarms – a major advantage in security. “Why not create a ‘window’ from a video and make objects appear in the real world through latitude and longitude co-ordinates,” explained Ignacio, “It required advanced mathematics, and you need good calibration to ensure accuracy, but using Nexus ultimately means a target in the video now becomes a target in the real world, where things happen and make sense. Seeing an object on a map means you really see it moving towards you. It has more meaning.” He added, “Nexus is the software… is the protocol… is a way of working. It’s far more than a translator,…

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New Report Reveals Brazilians Face 252 Scam Encounters Annually Despite High Confidence in Spotting Fraud

State of Scam Brazil Report Shows R$99 billion Lost;Cross-Sector Webinar to Address Growing Crisis The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) has released its State of Scam Brazil Report 2025 revealing an alarming disconnect between confidence and vulnerability – while 75% of Brazilians believe they can recognize scams, 70% have fallen victim to at least one within the past year. The report estimates total losses at R$99 billion, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action across sectors. Part of a landmark global study covering 42 markets and interviewing 46,000 people worldwide, the Brazilian findings from 1,000 adults paint a troubling picture of daily vulnerability. Brazilians encounter scams on average once every day and a half – totaling 252 encounters per person annually. These encounters occur most frequently through phone calls (65%), text messages (55%), and email (55%), with shopping scams emerging as the most common type of fraud. “Scams have become part of everyday life in Brazil. The fact that most people feel confident spotting scams, yet continue to fall for them, shows how sophisticated and convincing these schemes have become,” said Renata Salvini, GASA Chapter Director Brazil, “Education, prevention, collaboration, and accountability must go hand in hand if we want to stop this cycle.” The human cost beyond financial loss The report reveals that 86% of scam victims felt very or somewhat stressed by their experience, while 59% reported significant or moderate impacts on their mental wellbeing. On average, each victim has been scammed 1.9 times in the past year, demonstrating how repeat victimization compounds both financial and psychological harm.Despite the prevalence of scams, reporting remains disappointingly low. While just over two-thirds of those exposed have reported an incident, 60% of those who did report said either no action was taken (44%) or they were unsure of the outcome (16%). Among those who never reported, 44% cited the belief that reporting wouldn’t make a difference – reflecting a troubling perception that the problem is unmanageable. Read More

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Genetec Continues to Expand its Share of The Global Access Control Software Market, According to Latest Omdia Report

Company records strong organic market share gain worldwide, reflecting 20 years of access control innovation and rapid adoption of ACaaS solutions According to the newly released 2025 Access Control Report from global research firm Omdia, Genetec Inc. (Genetec), the global company in enterprise physical security software, continues to expand its share of the global access control software market, maintaining its #2 position worldwide*. In an industry shaped by mergers and acquisitions, the report shows that Genetec achieved the highest organic global market share gain in on-premises access control software. For customers, partnering with a company focused on product innovation and stable growth rather than portfolio consolidation means they can plan long-term with confidence. According to the Omdia report, Genetec also ranked as one of the fastest organically growing vendors in the Access Control as a service (ACaaS) segment in the Americas region, which represents more than 70% of the global market. This growth was propelled by the rapid adoption of Security Center SaaS, the company’s open, unified physical security cloud-based platform. Genetec has delivered ACaaS solutions since 2017, demonstrating its long-standing experience in helping organizations adopt cloud-based access control at their own pace. Genetec retained its #2 position in the Americas for access control software market share, gained ground in EMEA, and remained among the top 10 providers in Asia Pacific*, where it once again recorded the region’s highest rate of organic growth. The access control software market has been the fastest growing global driver of access control equipment sales over the past decade as the industry has become more software centric. Cloud-based solutions have emerged as a significant growth driver due to their scalability and their enhanced data processing capabilities. The strong organic growth achieved by Genetec demonstrates the appeal of its flexible deployment options, broad interoperability with third-party hardware, and unified security systems platform Genetec access control solutions scale seamlessly from a single site to global deployments and give organizations the flexibility to run fully on-premises, in the cloud, or to deploy with a mix of both. Built on an open architecture, Genetec eliminates vendor lock-in and lets customers choose the hardware and third-party integrations that best meet their needs. Access control in Genetec Security Center and Security Center SaaS can also be unified with video, intrusion, communications, and other systems in a single interface, delivering stronger situational awareness and more efficient operations. In addition to its 2025 access control report, Omdia recently released its 2025 Video Surveillance & Analytics Report, which showed that Genetec retained its #1 position worldwide in video surveillance software, and is also ranked #1 globally in the broader category that combines video surveillance software and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS). “For more than 25 years, our development strategy has focused on anticipating customer needs and delivering practical innovations. The consistent year-over-year growth noted by analysts in the access control and VMS markets is a testament to our long-standing commitment to open, unified systems, robust cybersecurity, and privacy by design,” said Christian Morin, Vice President of Product Engineering and Chief Security Officer at Genetec Inc. Read More

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Ajax Systems Opens a Factory in Vietnam

Ajax Systems, an international tech company and manufacturer of professional security systems, has opened a new production facility in Hanoi, Vietnam. This move expands and diversifies the company’s production capacity and strengthens its global position. The 8,300m² factory will produce the full range of Ajax devices and is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs within a year. “The new Ajax Systems’ factory in Vietnam is a strategic step towards global scaling, capacity expansion, and diversification of production facilities. We deliberately chose Vietnam because the country has favorable conditions for manufacturing, qualified specialists, developed industrial parks, and a wide network of suppliers. We like making Ajax multinational. The world is big, and we have a lot to learn. We want to produce better, faster, and more efficiently. We are confident that our Vietnamese team will help us achieve this,” said Aleksandr Konotopskyi, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Ajax Systems. Ajax Systems continues to develop its existing production facilities in Ukraine and Turkey. Product development takes place at three R&D centers in Kyiv, Lviv and Vinnytsia. The company is also strengthening local teams to expand the brand’s global presence. Today, Ajax devices are used in over 180 countries worldwide. Ajax Systems is an international tech company and the leading manufacturer of security systems in Europe, with over 4 million end users and 290K PRO users worldwide. The company offers end-to-end solutions for protecting homes and businesses of any scale. To date, Ajax product portfolio includes 180 devices for: Read More

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5 Ways How AI is Helping Businesses Navigate the Complex World of Cross-Border Trade

Sunil KharbandaCo-founder & COO at Trezix Navigating cross-border trade can feel like solving a puzzle, tariffs, regulations, and supply chain disruptions constantly shift the pieces. Thankfully, AI is turning this challenge into an opportunity. From automatically tracking international trade laws and ensuring compliance, to predicting demand and optimizing inventory, AI is helping businesses stay ahead of the curve. On top of that, AI-powered language translation tools are breaking down communication barriers with global partners, reducing errors and misunderstandings. In short, AI is making international trade smarter, faster, and far less stressful. Here are five ways of how AI is making international trade smarter, faster, and far less stressful: 1. Automated Customs Compliance Global trade regulations and tariff structures change constantly. AI tools monitor and analyze these changes in real-time, flagging necessary adjustments and mapping their impact on shipments. This ensures businesses remain compliant, avoid penalties, and manage cross-border operations with confidence. 2. Predictive Approaches in Trade Analysis Instead of merely reacting, AI takes a forward-looking view of cross-border trade. By analyzing historical flows, market signals, and regulatory trends, it predicts potential bottlenecks, tariff impacts, and supply chain risks. This predictive lens enables businesses to plan smarter, optimize trade routes, and stay ahead of disruptions. 3. Building Credibility in Exports Trust is currency in international trade. AI helps exporters strengthen credibility by ensuring documentation accuracy, validating records, and reducing inconsistencies. At the same time, AI-driven translation and data checks minimize communication errors with global partners building stronger relationships and increasing acceptance across markets. 4. Streamlined Logistics & Supply Chain Control Cross-border logistics involves multiple stakeholders, documents, and checkpoints – making it vulnerable to errors or inefficiencies. AI optimizes shipping routes, chooses the most efficient transport modes, and detects anomalies in shipments or payments. The result: faster clearance, reduced transit costs, and more reliable deliveries. 5. Sanction Party Screening & Risk Management Fraud and compliance risks remain major concerns in global trade. AI strengthens defenses by screening against sanction party lists, identifying high-risk entities, and monitoring transactions for unusual activity. Businesses gain a proactive safeguard protecting themselves from regulatory exposure and reputational damage. AI is no longer just a tech buzzword, it’s a strategic advantage for global businesses. By simplifying compliance, improving communication, optimizing supply chains, and mitigating risks, AI empowers companies to navigate cross-border trade with confidence and efficiency. Read More

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Protection Against Harm To Life, Limb and Liberty

In Indian criminal jurisprudence, offences against life, limb and liberty form the cornerstone. It embodies the State’s fundamental duty to safeguard life, bodily integrity, physical autonomy, and personal liberty. These offences spanning across spectrum of the gravest to heinous nature strike at the very heart of human dignity and social order, demanding a robust legal framework to ensure justice, deterrence, and rehabilitation. The total FIRs (First Information Reports) registered in the year 2022 was 58,24,946 for crimes under Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Special & Local Laws (SLL); and among them 32.5% are for offences affecting the human body as per the report of National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB). Urban areas continue to have higher crime rates when compared to rural areas. The constitutional foundation for protection of life, limb and liberty lies in Article 21 of the Constitution of India, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty – a right, judicially expanded to include dignity, bodily security, and freedom from physical harm. Articles 14, 15, and 20 further complement this protection by ensuring equality before law, non-discrimination, and safeguards against arbitrary punishment. Criminal law operationalises these guarantees through substantive, procedural, and evidentiary provisions that criminalise acts infringing life, limb, and liberty. The legal response to such crimes has undergone a profound transformation from the fragmented pre-colonial justice systems to the codified Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and now to the transformative Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. “The soul of our criminal justice system must reflect the spirit of our Republic, not the shadows of colonial governance” – Extract from the Parliamentary Debate in 2023 on amending the Indian Penal Code. This article presents a structured commentary on the transition from the IPC to the BNS and relevant legal principles. STATUTORY FRAMEWORK For over 160 years, the IPC’s Chapter XVI, ‘Offences Affecting the Human Body,’ defined how the State would respond when life, limb, and liberty were violated or harmed. Since 2023, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, (BNS, 2023) ushers a modernised statutory framework that preserves the substantive core of the IPC while refining its drafting, structure, and penalties based on contemporary realities. It adopts a graded punishment structure based on severity and culpability, thereby upholding public order, human dignity and evidentiary rules remain responsive to evolving forms of violence, advances in technology, and the expectations of victims. Historical Background and Evolution of the IPC Historically, India’s criminal justice system was a fragmented amalgamation of religious, customary, and colonial laws and marked by inconsistency and bias. This includes justice delivery in terms of Manusmriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti, Arthashastra or Sharia. Among tribal communities, justice was administered through unwritten customs, community mediation, and compensation in the form of livestock, land, or goods. The arrival of the British East India Company in the seventeenth century introduced partial codification, most notably through the Cornwallis Code of 1793 in Bengal, which sought uniformity but retained the elements of religious law for personal matters. Punishments for similar offences varied drastically between regions, undermining fairness and public trust. This patchwork system created inconsistency and administrative inefficiency. The consolidation of British rule promoted the need for a uniform penal law to ensure consistency, fairness, and effective governance drawing from English common law, the Napoleonic Code, and utilitarian principles. In 1834, the First Law Commission under Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay drafted the IPC, which was passed on 6 October 1860 and came into force on 1 January 1862. Comprising 511 sections in 23 chapters, IPC became the comprehensive criminal law framework for British India. Since then, IPC has undergone numerous amendments and few cardinal ones are as given hereunder; Year & Amendment Key Changes Purpose/ Context 1870 Amendment Clarified provisions for abetment (Sections 107-120) – Clarified joint liability (Sections 34, 149) Strengthened accountability for group crimes such as gang-related murders or assaults. 1983 & 1986 Amendments Introduced Section 304B (dowry death) Addressed dowry-related violence and rising incidents of bride-burning, influenced by feminist activism and public outrage. 2013 Amendment (Post-Nirbhaya) Added Sections 326A & 326B (acid attacks) – Expanded definitions of sexual offences Response to 2012 Delhi gang-rape; aimed at stronger protection for women and deterrence against sexual violence. 2018 Amendment Strengthened laws on sexual offences against minors – Alignment with POCSO Act, 2012 Tackled child abuse and exploitation; enhanced penalties and protections. There are several landmark decisions that also shaped up the evolution of IPC. Four such case laws are picturised below; Transition from IPC to BNS, 2023 The Indian Penal Code (IPC), drafted under colonial era in archaic language had significant gaps in addressing modern crimes including cyber offences, victim protection etc. Its punitive focus overlooked rehabilitation, and limited victim rights clashed with contemporary justice principles. The focus was also to deliver justice rather than to penalise i.e., from ‘dand’ to ‘nyay.’ In 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, (BNS), 2023, was enacted as part of a legal reform trio alongside the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 replacing the IPC, CrPC, and Evidence Act respectively. Effective from 1 July 2024, the BNS reduces 511 sections of the erstwhile IPC to 358, uses plain and culturally resonant language, and incorporates gender-neutral and victim-centric provisions. It introduces community service for minor offences, clearer definitions, and new categories such as: By modernising certain terminology, recognising emerging crimes, and embedding restorative justice, the BNS seeks to decolonise India’s criminal law and align it with constitutional ideals and global human rights standards. Significant Legal Principles and Maxims Analysis of The Offences Part A: Homicide & Murder Provisions (100–110 BNS) Culpable Homicide (Section 100 BNS, 2023; IPC Section 299) Murder (Section 101 BNS, 2023; IPC Section 300) Culpable Homicide by Causing Death of Person Other Than Intended (Section 102 BNS, 2023; IPC Section 301) Punishment For over 160 years, the IPC’s Chapter XVI, ‘Offences Affecting the Human Body,’ defined how the State would respond when life, limb, and liberty were violated or harmed. Since 2023, Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, (BNS, 2023) ushers a modernised statutory framework that preserves the…

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Milestone Systems to Launch Generative AI Plugin for XProtect, Streamlining Video Review and Response

Milestone Systems, a world leading company in data-driven video technology, recently announced a forthcoming generative AI-powered video analytics plug-in for its XProtect® video management software, developed in collaboration with NVIDIA. Designed to help operators contextualize alarms and focus on what truly matters, the new tool automates video review, filters out false alarms, and based on initial findings could reduce up to 30% of operator alarm fatigue. Making Sense of More Video, Faster Today’s video systems capture vast amounts of data, yet reviewing footage remains time consuming and largely manual. Milestone Systems’ new XProtect plug-in addresses this challenge by leveraging generative AI to automatically summarize, contextualize, and validate video content in real time, helping teams respond faster, manage video more efficiently, and effectively reduce operator alarm fatigue. Key capabilities include: The plug-in integrates directly with the XProtect rule engine and is deployable on-premises or in the cloud to support compliance and deployment flexibility. Built on Ethical AI, Powered by Real-World Data This new solution is built on Milestone’s Hafnia Vision Language Model (VLM) trained on 75,000 hours of ethically sourced, real-world video data from either Europe or the US, using NVIDIA Cosmos Curator for data preparation and running either on cloud infrastructure or regional data centers powered by NVIDIA. It leverages the NVIDIA Cosmos Reason VLM, making it one of the most advanced and compliant video AI platforms in the industry. Thomas Jensen, CEO of Milestone Systems, said: “With this new XProtect plug-in, we are making advanced video intelligence accessible to cities, organizations, and operators everywhere who manage traffic systems – helping them unlock new levels of efficiency, safety, and insight. XProtect users will get access to state-of-the-art generative AI capabilities, and our partners will be able to build value on top of those new capabilities now available within XProtect. It truly marks a pivotal step in our mission to transform how the world manages and learns from visual data, responsibly and at scale.” XProtect customers like the cities of Genoa, Italy, and Dubuque, Iowa, are excited to try these new capabilities, leading the way in adopting advanced video intelligence solutions to enhance traffic management. Enabling Ecosystem Innovation with VLM-as-a-Service The plug-in is just the beginning. Milestone is also introducing a VLM as a Service via APIs, allowing developers, integrators, and partners to build their own generative AI solutions regardless of the video management platform in use. Read More

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Hikvision India Introduces Active LED Display with Versatile, Energy-Saving LED Module Lineup

Hikvision India has introduced portfolio of LED display modules by reinforcing its commitment to visual innovation. Leveraging advanced in-house manufacturing and proprietary technology, the company offers a robust range of regular, soft, and cut-edge modules designed for infinite transformation and endless inspiration across diverse commercial environments. Global Excellence Powered by Cutting-Edge Technology Hikvision’s commercial display business has established a significant global footprint, supported by operations in over 150 countries with fine pitch LED already ranked in the industry’s Top 3, the company continues to drive market growth, achieving a 64% LED compound growth rate from 2017 to 2022 and exceeding $350 million USD in LED sales. This leadership position is underpinned by a deep investment in R&D, including the powerful algorithm, which was launched in 2023 and is proven to reduce power consumption by more than 20%. All displays are supported by Hikvision’s self-developed control system, ensuring seamless performance and simplified operation across its product offerings. Versatile Modules for Every Vision Hikvision’s extensive LED product range, promises unparalleled visual experiences and is meticulously designed for quality through full-cycle quality control and rigorous testing. Since its initial entry into the LED industry in 2013, Hikvision has evolved into one of the top three global players in fine-pitch LED technology. From pioneering P1.2 large-scale cases to launching micro-pitch P0.7 and P0.9 solutions, the company has consistently set new benchmarks for clarity, efficiency, and reliability. Regular LED Modules: Stability Meets Efficiency The Regular LED Modules, available for both indoor (e.g., P1.2 to P3.0) and outdoor (e.g., P2.5 to P10) applications, are engineered for high-quality performance and easy maintenance. Creative Modules: Soft and Cut-edge To meet the demand for creative and unconventional display shapes, Hikvision offers specialized modules that simplify complex installations: Hikvision LED displays are suitable for a wide range of application scenarios, including retail & shopping malls, indoor large screens, billboards, and building facades. By combining global scale with technological innovation, Hikvision continues to brighten every moment for its commercial clients. Read More

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Communication

The Invisible Leaders : Power of Communication

Rekha GairolaDirector, India – Global Safety & Security, Adobe In an era of high-stakes corporate risk where uncertainty, reputational damage or business disruption is one incident away, the role of the corporate security leader has never been more important. These leaders, in the boardrooms and beyond, are the under-the-radar forces who are ensuring the safety of employees; protecting assets; ensuring a continuity for brands. But even as their job has become more significant and crucial, many security heads are still shut out from strategic decisions. It’s not really about performance, it’s all perception – and the essence of that perception problem is communication.Let’s unpack why communication – the spoken word, non-verbals and vocals, are no longer a ‘soft skill’ for today’s corporate security professional. It is the divide between influence and invisibility. That’s the difference between being perceived as a cost centre, or as a strategic partner. And for most, it is the piece that is missing in their leadership. The Quiet Side of the Corporate Map Corporate security function has evolved at a fairly fast pace in India and at other regions as well. Security teams who used to focus only on guarding and gatekeeping manage a wide spectrum of tasks today – insider threats, investigations, business continuity, regulatory risk, workplace violence and even political intelligence. But they have not ridden this trend to increased access to decision-making rooms. Too often, security is: And the result? A critical function that’s marginalized in business conversations – tools that we need for the future, but no one seems to want them in a business conversation. Why the Gap? A Communication Deficit The disconnect is seldom a failure of expertise. In fact, the vast majority of security people have great operational excellence. But they also stem from military, police or engineering backgrounds, environments that reward directness and execution, not always headline writing and persuasion. This creates a communication gap: And security is in itself, preventive. But here’s the twist – when you successfully avert something, nothing happens. And then when everything doesn’t, you have to tell the audience very clearly and forcefully what could have happened but didn’t. Communication: The Power and Art of Persuasion In this fresh paradigm, communication is not add-on – it’s fundamental leadership capability. As they lead their organizations through multifaceted, complex risk, security professionals must understand the business lens and know how to influence peers across functional lines in building trust at every level. One useful lens through which we can view this is by using Maslow’s Five Levels of Communication: Well, most security communication lives at level 2. Leadership is alive on levels 4 and 5. Here are the 3 Principles Of ‘Leadership Communication’ Verbal: Framing the message A poignant message begins with resonant words. Security executives need to contextualize risk for the business, and not just in technical detail. Examples: Non-verbal: How you show up The way you stand, the way you look, how your eyes meet, what’s on your slides, even what you put in an email, helps shape that message. Confidence attracts attention long before competence. Build executive presence by – when meeting with others, the gestures should be calm and open; designing narratives through crisp and bold visuals; and writing to be read and acted upon. Vocal: The Energetics of Communication Monotone delivery drains attention. Dynamic vocal delivery builds trust. Work on pitch, tone, pausing and modulation to bring energy to your delivery, particularly when giving a crisis briefing or board update. A Missed Opportunity: A True Anecdote I had the pleasure of meeting Rajesh (Changed the name and related info to maintain confidentiality) at a regional leadership workshop in Mumbai. He was responsible for all corporate security at several manufacturing facilities throughout western India. He was battle-tested, unflappable under pressure and had quietly stewarded the city through crises as varied as labor strikes and flood evacuations. During one of the breaks, over a cup of tea, he mentioned something almost in passing – how, a few weeks earlier, his team had quietly leaned on local community leaders to spare his plant from yet another protest before it reached its gates. That one act enabled a full production run to take place, avoided any bad press and ensured that 600 of our employees worked for the rest of the year safely, never knowing there had been a threat. When I asked whether he had brought this up with the leadership team, he shrugged – “It’s part of the job,” he said, “If nothing was done, yeah, we did well.” That moment stuck with me, because it expressed the very challenge this article is concerned with. The point isn’t that security leaders aren’t doing good work it’s that they’re not talking about it. Rajesh didn’t lack impact. He didn’t have an outlet or perhaps license to talk about it in ways the business could relate to and value. And he’s not alone. From one industry to the next, countless professionals like him are cutting down on risk, protecting their companies’ brand reputation and protecting people every day, all while being mostly out of sight for decision makers. So, How Much Is Poor Communication Costing? The results are nuanced, but profound: When security leaders abandon their own voice, others define their value. From Good to Great: What Security Leaders Need to Do Now The Voice Behind the Shield The world does not simply require security professionals to defeat threats. It requires leadership that predicts them, communicates them and affects action. Security is possibly behind, but the voice surely should not be. You already have a seat at the table. Now speak like it! Because when corporate security speaks with authority, the business pays attention. (The author is also an Internationally Certified Life Skills Trainer) Read More

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