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Sparsh CCTV Collaborates with Indian Railways to Secure Jammu Railway Division and Prayagraj’s Maha Kumbh Railway Stations

Offering Advanced, ‘Make in India’ Solutions for A Historic Rail Milestone Sparsh CCTV, a pioneer in electronic surveillance, has partnered with Indian Railways to enhance security and operational efficiency for the newly inaugurated Jammu Railway Division. This collaboration coincides with the inauguration of three new trains and marks a historic milestone in enhancing connectivity between Kashmir and the rest of India. Additionally, Sparsh CCTV played a key role in ensuring comprehensive security during the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, safeguarding millions of pilgrims. Sparsh’s comprehensive solutions have been integral to ensuring the success of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a project of immense strategic and economic significance for India. By enabling seamless rail connectivity in this sensitive region, USBRL underscores the Government of India’s commitment to infrastructure growth and national security. Also, during the Maha Kumbh, Sparsh CCTV ensured comprehensive security for millions of pilgrims arriving at Prayagraj’s railway stations. Key highlights include cyber-secured STQC-certified cameras installed across all major stations, end-to-end video management systems for real-time monitoring and efficient crowd control, 360-degree security coverage at Prayagraj (PRYJ), Prayagraj Junction (PYGS), Phaphamau Junction (PFM), and Rambag (PRRB), and crowd management analytics deployed at major locations, ensuring seamless handling of large gatherings. Sparsh’s integrated CCTV and video management solutions established a control room to oversee operations, providing a secure and seamless experience for pilgrims. Sanjeev Sehgal, Founder & CEO of Sparsh CCTV, stated, “We are immensely proud to contribute to both the USBRL project and the Maha Kumbh, two monumental initiatives that reflect India’s spirit of progress and unity. By delivering innovative, 100% Made in India solutions, we have reinforced our commitment to safety, quality, and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.” The USBRL project, hailed as one of the most challenging railway undertakings in post-independence India, features engineering marvels such as 38 state-of-the-art tunnels spanning 119 kilometers, 927 bridges covering 13 kilometers, and the iconic Chenab Bridge – the world’s highest arch railway bridge, standing at 359 meters above the riverbed. Sparsh CCTV has ensured the safety and operational efficiency of this project by deploying advanced surveillance technologies, including fire and smoke detection, abandoned object monitoring, face recognition, and train speed analytics. An integrated Command and Control Center, equipped with advanced AI, SCADA systems, and an Emergency Calling System, facilitates real-time monitoring of train movements and signaling, ensuring improved safety, efficiency, and operational management. Security has been a paramount concern in the Kashmir region, and the USBRL project sets a benchmark for integrating cutting-edge surveillance and operational systems in such a sensitive area. For the first time in India, an entire railway surveillance system has been executed by a single company. Sparsh has deployed a range of solutions, including explosion-proof cameras, stainless steel cameras, advanced video management software, and servers, all designed and manufactured in India. This achievement highlights the country’s capability to address complex challenges with indigenous technology. The implementation of this surveillance infrastructure has been managed in collaboration with key stakeholders such as RailTel, Konkan Railways, and renowned integrators like L&T, TATA, and Siemens, PSJV ensuring a worldclass safety framework for the project. Sparsh’s solutions have been pivotal in addressing critical challenges, including monitoring overhead cable operations, detecting track obstructions, and integrating advanced LiDAR 3D technology to enhance operational efficiency, enabling seamless functioning even in the region’s rugged and unpredictable terrain. With the inauguration of the Jammu Railway Division, the operational readiness of the Vande Bharat Express between Katra and Srinagar signifies the completion of the Kashmir-to-Kanyakumari rail link. This rail journey offers passengers a unique and extraordinary experience, crossing engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad cable-stayed bridge. The successful execution of this monumental project not only strengthens national unity but also ensures a robust security framework in one of India’s most sensitive regions, thanks to Sparsh CCTV’s advanced surveillance systems. Read More

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Videonetics Appoints Naresh B Wadhwa as Vice Chairman and Managing Director

Naresh B WadhwaVice Chairman &Managing Director at Videonetics I am excited to join Videonetics, a leader in AI-driven video management and analytics solutions. It’s a privilege to collaborate with a talented team to drive innovation, expand our market presence, and deliver impactful solutions that meet the growing needs of our customers. Together, we will advance the industry and shape the future of intelligent surveillance and safety technologies Videonetics, a leading player in AI and deep learning- powered video management, video analytics, traffic management, and facial recognition solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Naresh B Wadhwa as Vice Chairman and Managing Director. In this role, Mr. Wadhwa will leverage his extensive expertise in business transformation and strategic leadership to drive the company’s growth and innovation agenda. Naresh, a seasoned leader in the ICT industry with over three decades of experience, is renowned for his visionary leadership and consistent delivery of operational excellence. He has a proven history of driving business growth and fostering innovation. As the former President of the Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) region at Arista Networks, Naresh played a pivotal role in scaling operations and enabling digital transformation for customers. Prior to that, during his tenure as President and Country Manager at Cisco Systems India and South Asia, he led key market transitions, built robust partnerships, and contributed significantly to advancing local technology development. Recognized among India’s most influential technology leaders, Naresh is known for his strategic vision, team-building expertise, and commitment to leveraging technology to solve complex business challenges. An electronics engineering graduate from the University of Mumbai, Naresh resides in Mumbai with his family. He is an avid collector of contemporary Indian art and enjoys food, theatre, and cinema in his free time. Commenting on his appointment, Dr. Tinku Acharya, Fellow IEEE, Founder & Chairman at Videonetics expressed, “We are thrilled to welcome Naresh to the Videonetics family as Vice Chairman and Managing Director. With his exceptional leadership track record and deep expertise in driving business growth and innovation, Naresh is perfectly positioned to lead our next phase of expansion. His vision and experience will be invaluable as we continue to redefine the future of AI-powered video management and surveillance solutions.” Videonetics remains committed to making the world a safer, smarter, happier place. The addition of Naresh B Wadhwa underscores its dedication to attracting top-tier talent to achieve its strategic objectives Videonetics’ Unified Video Management Platform, powered by an indigenously developed True AI and deep learning engine, offers a comprehensive, modular, yet integrated solution. This platform includes cutting-edge applications such as Video Management System (VMS), Video Analytics (VA), Traffic Management System (TMS), and Face Recognition System (FRS). Additionally, Videonetics’ Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) Platform provides a cutting-edge, AI-powered, cloud-agnostic video management solution tailored for data centre companies, telecom providers, and managed IT service providers, for enabling organizations to achieve robust, scalable, and accessible cloud-based video surveillance. Trained on extensive data sets, our solutions are robust, intelligent, and adaptable across various industries and sectors. Our products are cloud-ready, cloud-agnostic, ONVIF compliant, and OS & hardware agnostic, ensuring they are scalable and interoperable. Videonetics has been consistently ranked as the #1 Video Management Software provider in India and among the top 5 in Asia (OMDIA Informa Tech 2021). Driven by innovation, wired to ‘Look Deeper, we are committed to making the world a safer, smarter, and happier place. Read More

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Consistent Launches Premium 305 CCA Cable for High – Performance Networking

Consistent Infosystems better known as Consistent, one of India’s fastest-growing IT & Surveillance brands has introduced its latest offering, the Consistent 305 CCA Cable (Model No. CT-CC-305M-E). Designed for superior networking and reliable connectivity, this high-performance cable brings unmatched durability, efficiency, and versatility to various professional and personal applications. Consistent 305 CCA Cable is engineered with premium specifications to deliver top-notch performance and reliability. It features a Cross Filter for seamless data transfer and a superior-quality Conductor to minimize signal loss. The HDPE Insulation Layer ensures exceptional durability and protection, while the High-Density PVC Quilt enhances flexibility and safeguards the cable in diverse conditions. Designed as a CAT 6 UTP 25AWG/ 4P cable, it adheres to ANSI/ EIA TIA 568B standards, ensuring global compatibility. With 4 pairs of 23AWG conductors for high-speed data transmission and a generous length of 1000Ft (305M), the cable offers maximum coverage for a wide range of networking applications. The cable is designed to operate in extreme temperature conditions ranging from -20°C to 75°C, making it ideal for robust networking needs. Its flame-retardant PVC material ensures safety during installation, while the compact packaging size (37x37x22cm3) and lightweight design (8.7Kg) make storage and handling convenient. Speaking about the launch, Yogesh Agrawal, CEO and Co-Founder of Consistent Infosystems said, “The launch of the Consistent 305 CCA Cable is a testament to our commitment to delivering superior connectivity solutions that cater to the evolving needs of our customers. Designed with precision engineering and premium materials, this cable ensures reliable performance, durability, and safety, making it an ideal choice for diverse networking requirements. At Consistent, we strive to set new benchmarks in quality and innovation, and the 305 CCA Cable is yet another step in that direction.” Available in an attractive blue color, Consistent 305 CCA Cable is competitively priced at INR4,999. Whether setting up a small office network or enhancing an enterprise-grade system, this cable promises reliable connectivity and consistent performance. Consistent Infosystems is a leading provider of IT hardware, security & surveillance products, print consumables products, and electronics & home entertainment products in India. It started its glorious journey back in the year 2011 from the Capital city of India, New Delhi. Since the venture started, CONSISTENT Infosystems has become one of the fastest-growing Indian IT organizations in the era of technology and has already put its remarkable footprints in the Information Technology, Electronics & Home Entertainment industries. Recently, CONSISTENT has been recognized as the ‘Fastest Growing Indian CCTV Brand 2024 & Most Innovative Design Gaming Cabinet 2024’ by Digital Terminal. CONSISTENT Infosystems has grown successfully over the years and has increased its footprint across all major states in India. Today the company has 24+ branches, a portfolio of 400+ products, 100+ Service centers, 300+ direct employees, exports to 9+ countries, more than 3500+ channel partners PAN India and more than 5 Crore+ Happy Customers. Quality and Service are the only modus operandi for CONSISTENT and with these parameters in sync, the brand has defined the working ethics of the organization nationally as well as on a global level Read More

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CP PLUS Wins the Prestigious Outlook Business Spotlight Achiever’s Award for Securing the Future: Surveillance Brand of the Year

CP PLUS, a leading global player in advanced surveillance solutions, proudly announced its recognition as the recipient of the esteemed ‘Outlook Business Spotlight Achiever’s Award for Securing the Future: Surveillance Brand of the Year.’ This recognition celebrates CP PLUS’ relentless pursuit of innovation, commitment to excellence, and dedication to enhancing safety and security worldwide. The Outlook Business Spotlight Achiever’s Award is a distinguished honor presented to brands that set benchmarks in their respective industries through innovation, customer-centric solutions, and impactful contributions. CP PLUS’ recognition as the Surveillance Brand of the Year is a testament to its dedicated efforts in advancing cutting-edge technology, ensuring the safety of millions, and shaping the future of surveillance systems. Expressing gratitude for this accolade, Maj. Gen. Rajesh Arya, VSM (Retrd.), Head – Training & Development at CP PLUS, remarked, “Winning the Outlook Business Spotlight Achiever’s Award is a moment of immense pride for CP PLUS. This recognition is a reflection of our dedication to excellence, our pursuit of innovation, and our steadfast commitment to creating a safer world for everyone. We thank Outlook Business for this honor and dedicate this award to our incredible team, partners, and customers who have been integral to our journey.” From its inception, CP PLUS has been at the forefront of technological advancements in surveillance, offering an extensive portfolio of solutions tailored to diverse needs. One of CP PLUS’ key milestones in recent years has been its focus on indigenized solutions – developed, designed, and manufactured in India – catering specifically to the unique requirements of the Indian market. With its state-ofthe- art manufacturing facilities and R&D centers, CP PLUS has not only strengthened its position as a market leader but also contributed significantly to India’s journey towards self-reliance in technology. CP PLUS has been instrumental in enhancing security infrastructure across various verticals, including government institutions, transportation, retail, banking, education, and healthcare. By deploying innovative surveillance solutions in critical sectors, the brand has played a pivotal role in safeguarding lives, assets, and properties. A prime example of CP PLUS’ impact is its contribution to smart city projects and public safety initiatives across India. Leveraging advanced technologies like AI-powered video analytics and integrated command and control centers, CP PLUS has enabled real-time monitoring, proactive threat detection, and swift response mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of citizens. What sets CP PLUS apart is its commitment to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of its customers. By offering solutions that are not only innovative but also practical, reliable, and cost-effective, CP PLUS has earned the trust of millions of users worldwide. As the surveillance industry continues to evolve with advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT, CP PLUS remains steadfast in its mission to stay ahead of the curve. The company’s investment in research and development ensures that it remains a pioneer in delivering innovative solutions that address the dynamic challenges of modern security. Winning the Outlook Business Spotlight Achiever’s Award for Securing the Future: Surveillance Brand of the Year is not just an accolade but a reaffirmation of CP PLUS’ dedication to excellence and innovation. As the brand continues to lead the way in security and surveillance, it remains committed to its mission of creating a safer, smarter, and more secure world for generations to come. Read More

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IG Drones Wins Prestigious 5G & Beyond Hackathon by Govt of India

“IG Drones, India’s leading 5G drone maker is revolutionizing agriculture with its cutting edge 5G technology. The company’s innovative product – AgriDrone delivers unparalleled capabilities, including rapid and reliable data transfer using 5G technology, real-time monitoring, analysis, and operational control from virtually anywhere” IG Drones, India’s leading drone technology company, which has been using 5G technology through its innovative drone solutions, has achieved yet another milestone by winning the 5G & Beyond Hackathon 2024, organized by Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India. The hackathon, which is an esteemed initiative by the Government, is aimed at identifying and promoting innovative applications of 5G technology tailored for India. It witnessed participation from the country’s brightest minds and most forward-thinking companies. IG Drones’ ‘AgriDrone’ solution, leveraging 5G connectivity to address critical challenges in the agricultural sector, has set a new benchmark of using the 5G technology in this sector. As India’s leading 5G drone manufacturer, IG Drones showcased its AgriDrone solution at the hackathon, the results of which were announced in December 2024. The advanced drone delivers unparalleled capabilities using 5G technology, including rapid and reliable data transfer, real-time monitoring, analysis, and operational control from virtually anywhere. At the heart of IG Drones’ achievement lies its commitment to leveraging 5G technology for groundbreaking advancements. 5G’s unparalleled speed, ultra-low latency, and high connectivity enable seamless data transmission, real-time decision-making, and remote operational control, redefining the way drones interact with cloud-based platforms. These capabilities have immense potential for industries such as agriculture, infrastructure and disaster management, enabling precise monitoring, rapid data analysis, and actionable insights from virtually anywhere. “Winning the 5G & Beyond Hackathon is a testament to IG Drones’ relentless pursuit of innovation. By integrating 5G technology into our AgriDrone solution, we are not only advancing agriculture but also setting new benchmarks for the drone industry. This accomplishment underscores our vision of leveraging cutting-edge technology to create scalable, impactful solutions that address real-world challenges“ Ashish JenaCo-Founder & Chief of Products, IG Drones The AgriDrone’s enhanced communication capabilities ensure seamless data transmission, utilizing 5G’s highspeed connectivity to facilitate rapid and reliable data transfer between the drone and cloud-based platforms, enabling faster decision-making. The integration of 5G technology allows for real-time monitoring of agricultural fields, offering precise insights and facilitating timely interventions. Additionally, farmers and operators can now control the drone’s functions remotely, ensuring operations are efficient and accessible from anywhere. This innovative approach addresses key issues such as crop health monitoring, pest control, and yield optimization, transforming the agricultural landscape in India. The 5G & Beyond Hackathon aligns with the Government of India’s vision of fostering innovation and self-reliance in technology under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. IG Drones’ accomplishment not only underscores the transformative power of 5G but also positions the company as a leader in driving India’s technological advancements. “As India’s first 5G drone maker, we are proud to pioneer technological advancements that drive progress in critical sectors like agriculture. This achievement highlights the potential of 5G to transform industries, and we are committed to leading this transformation. We extend our gratitude to the DoT for this platform and to our partners and team for their unwavering support and dedication“ Bodhisattwa SanghapriyaFounder & CEO, IG Drones The India Drone Market is projected to grow from USD654 Million in 2024 to USD1,437 Million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 17.0% during the forecast period. When it comes to agriculture, drones are transforming the sector in India through innovations in crop monitoring, precision farming, and resource management. They enable early issue detection, efficient pesticide and fertilizer application, precise water usage, and livestock monitoring, while reducing farmers’ exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, drones help minimize environmental impacts and lower input costs. Government initiatives, including subsidies, rental schemes, and training programs, further promote the adoption of agriculture, and empower farmers with advanced technology to boost productivity and sustainability. Notably, IG Drones has also established Centers of Excellence (COEs) across educational institutes like IIMs to provide drone related training and upskilling across sectors. Founded with a vision to revolutionize industries through drone technology, IG Drones is India’s leading drone manufacturing and solutions company. Known for its innovative approach and commitment to excellence, IG Drones specializes in developing drones that address critical challenges across sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and disaster management. Read More

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PRAMA Shines with Indigenous Video Security Products and Innovative Vertical Solutions at IFSEC India

Gets Great Response Prama India has introduced its wide range of indigenously manufactured video security products and bespoke vertical solutions at the IFSEC India Security Expo 2024. The cutting edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), and IoT security technologies, products and solutions were on display at PRAMA booth. The PRAMA booth at the IFSEC India displayed a wide range of indigenously manufactured products and innovative solutions at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. These included a wide range of newly launched video security cameras and vertical solutions were on the display. PRAMA India spokesperson said, “PRAMA had displayed it’s indigenous video security products and solutions at IFSEC India. We are following our indigenous manufacturing roadmap by adapting advanced technologies. By moving forward with the core belief to put India on the global map for video security products, PRAMA is committed to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.’ The indigenous brand, PRAMA manufactures high quality video security products in its indigenous manufacturing facility near Mumbai. PRAMA is expanding its manufacturing facility to cater the ever growing demand for video security products and solutions.” The product displayed at the PRAMA booth included, AI Sense series cameras, RanginView series, ATMS (Advanced Traffic Management Solution) series camera, DVRs and NVRs, network switches & cables etc. Prama Video Management Software was also available for demonstration for security professionals. A wide range of vertical solutions were on display at the PRAMA booth. These included, education – school surveillance solution, transportation – advance traffic management solution, homeland security – mobile enforcement solution, smart cities & safe cities – city surveillance solution, transportation – transportation surveillance solution, defence sector solution, real estate – building sector solution, retail – retail stores solution, tourism – religious & cultural heritage sites security solution, hospital – healthcare sector solution and BFSI – banks sector solution. The ornately designed spacious PRAMA booth displayed myriad products and vertical solutions. With the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) applications into video surveillance technologies is bringing big transformation in its outcomes. The AI has made video content analytics (VCA) more accurate and added the empowering predictive capabilities. Security industry is entering into a new era of video surveillance, with AI -based technology applications, helping video monitoring to entirely new use cases that provide more tangible benefits across the verticals. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning technology continue to make waves across the security market. The growing number of Deep Learning technology and AI applications in the security industry clearly indicates that AI and Deep Learning are now well-established security tools. The forward-looking industry stakeholders are embracing them quickly. PRAMA AI Sense solutions include AI Sense cameras, DVRs and NVRS. In the IFSEC India conference on 12th December, Vinay Mishra, Senior Vice President, Projects, Prama India Private Limited, gave a presentation on ‘Indigenous Security Tech Innovations for a Smarter and Empowered India.’ Prama India participated in an insightful panel discussion on the theme of ’Corporate Security in the Age of Transformational Tech Like AI/ ML and GenAI.’ The fresh insights were shared by Himanshu Jain, AVP, Projects, Prama India Private Limited. At the IFSEC India Expo PRAMA India booth was the key attraction due to its CUBE LED display and thematic graphics. The display of vertical solutions and product portfolio impressed the visitors. IFSEC India Expo concluded on a high note with high volume visitor footfall and business networking. Founded on the core belief to put India on the global map for video security products, PRAMA is India’s largest and one of the first companies truly representing the motto of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. The indigenous brand, PRAMA celebrates the maxim of ‘Made for India, Made by India and Made in India’ and manufactures high quality video security products catering to all the security needs. Encouraged by the Indian government’s ‘Make-in- India’ initiative, Prama India has established India’s first world-class manufacturing facility to help transform India into a global manufacturing and export hub for video security products. The company has a commitment to empower India through indigenous manufacturing of video security products. Its R&D Centre has been developed keeping in mind the ever-changing technology and advancements to innovate and update the hardware and software solutions. Read More

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Certifying Trust: The Pertinence of STQC in the Indian Security and Surveillance Landscape

ADITYA KHEMKAMD, Aditya Infotech Ltd. Standards are not merely guidelines; they are the foundation of trust in a rapidly evolving technological world. In India, the IoTSCS Essential Requirements (ER) Certification for Security administered by STQC under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has emerged as a cornerstone of credibility in the surveillance industry. It assures quality, security, and compliance with the stringent requirements of the nation’s digital ecosystem. For security and surveillance products, the certifications by STQC-certified labs signify a commitment to excellence, especially in combating cyber threats and ensuring adherence to the Public Procurement Order (PPO) and BIS Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) guidelines. Regulatory Frameworks Governing CCTV Certification CCTV manufacturers and suppliers in India are now subject to two key regulatory frameworks that dictate compliance requirements: Both frameworks aim to ensure cybersecurity compliance, but they differ in scope, timelines, and mandates. Differences between PPO and BIS Mandates Aspect PPO BIS CRO Scope Government procurement General sales in the Indianmarket Effective Date June 6, 2024 April 9, 2025 Certifications Required Essential Requirements(ER) Essential Requirements(ER) & Safety Requirements Impact of Non-Compliance Disqualification from government contracts Ineligibility for generalsales in India What is the Essential Requirements (ER) Certification for Security About? The ER Certification is more than a mark of quality; it’s a comprehensive evaluation of a product’s ability to withstand the challenges of the modern security landscape. In the surveillance industry, it focuses on critical domains like cybersecurity standards, safeguarding against vulnerabilities like unauthorized access, hacking, or data breaches and supply chain mitigations. Security testing evaluates the resistance of hardware and software to cyber threats and unauthorized access, while supply chain verification ensures compliance with PPO guidelines for essential requirements. Together, these measures create a fortified framework for ensuring the reliability and integrity of surveillance solutions. Objectives of the Essential Requirements (ER) Certification The primary objectives of the ER Certification in the surveillance sector include: Enhancing Cybersecurity: Ensuring that surveillance systems are resilient to cyber threats and unauthorized intrusions. Promoting Trust: Providing assurance to stakeholders that certified products meet stringent quality and security benchmarks. Compliance with PPO & CRO Guidelines: Verifying the supply chain to ensure adherence to the Essential Requirements (ERs) outlined by the government. Boosting Indigenous Manufacturing: Encouraging Makein- India initiatives by certifying products developed within the country. Scope of Essential Requirements (ER) Certification In the surveillance industry, the scope of the ER Certification encompasses: Security Testing: Assessing hardware and software for vulnerabilities, resistance to cyberattacks, and ensuring robust data encryption. Supply Chain: Trusted supply chain verification to ensure that the critical components are sourced from trusted source and are not counterfeited. For instance, surveillance systems employed in traffic management projects – such as ANPR cameras at toll booths or facial recognition systems in airports – rely on the ER Certification to guarantee their performance and reliability. Importance of Essential Requirements (ER) Certification in India In an era where data breaches and cyber threats are rampant, the significance of the ER Certification cannot be overstated. For the surveillance industry, it: Strengthens Cybersecurity: By mandating rigorous security testing, it ensures that surveillance systems are equipped to protect sensitive data. Builds Credibility: Certified products gain a competitive edge in government and private sector projects.Enforces Accountability: Through supply chain verification, it ensures that all components and processes comply with national standards. Supports National Security: By certifying systems resistant to tampering and breaches, it safeguards critical infrastructure. Impact of these Mandates on the Industry Manufacturers: Manufacturers must align their production and testing processes to ensure all CCTV products meet the Essential Requirements and safety standards. This involves partnering with STQC-certified labs, updating software, and possibly redesigning products to eliminate cybersecurity risks. Distributors and Retailers: Distributors and retailers need to be vigilant about sourcing compliant products. Non-compliant stock will become unsellable after the April 2025 deadline in the market, leading to potential losses.End Users: Government agencies are already required to procure compliant products, while general consumers will benefit from enhanced security features in CCTVs once the BIS mandate is fully enforced. Certification Process The ER Certification process is rigorous, involving: Application Submission: Manufacturers provide detailed documentation on product specifications and compliance with ERs. Testing and Evaluation: Comprehensive security testing of hardware and software to identify vulnerabilities and ensure resilience. Supply Chain Mitigation Verification: Scrutinizing the origin and compliance of components with PPO guidelines. Final Approval: Upon meeting all requirements, certification is granted, reinforcing trust and credibility. Key Areas of Testing In the surveillance industry, STQC testing primarily focuses on: Security Testing: Examines resistance to cyber threats, unauthorized access, and data breaches. It ensures robust encryption and secure communication protocols. Supply Chain Mitigation Verification: Evaluates adherence to PPO guidelines, ensuring transparency and compliance in sourcing components. Essential Requirements (ER) Certification in the Surveillance Industry The surveillance industry, being critical to national security, benefits immensely from the ER Certification. By certifying products against cyber threats and ensuring compliance with supply chain guidelines, its aimed at creating a robust framework for safeguarding sensitive areas such as: Smart Cities: Certified surveillance systems play a vital role in monitoring urban areas. Critical Infrastructure: Ensures the security of airports, railways, and power plants. Public Safety: Enhances law enforcement capabilities with secure and reliable CCTV systems. STQC Certified CP PLUS Product Line An industry leader, CP PLUS demonstrates the transformative potential of the ER Certification in the security and surveillance landscape. With an extensive range of STQC-certified products, the company sets new benchmarks in quality and reliability. Certified Models Revolutionizing Surveillance CP-UNC-TE21ZL6C-VMDS-Q: ● High-resolution imagery and advanced AI-enabled analytics. ● Designed for traffic management and public safety applications. CP-UNP-F4521L30-DPQ: ● Compact yet powerful, ideal for indoor environments like retail and banking. ● Features cutting-edge motion detection and cloud integration. CP-UNC-VE21ZL4C-VMDS-Q: ● Built for extreme weather with IP67 certification. ● Perfect for industrial and outdoor applications. By integrating STQC-certified products into its portfolio, CP PLUS not only meets but exceeds the expectations of government and private stakeholders. These models exemplify the perfect balance of cutting-edge technology and unwavering security,…

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Physical Security Threats to Data Centres and Leveraging Mobile Technology With AI and ML For Mitigation

What is a Data Centre? A data centre is a specialized facility designed to house computer systems, telecommunications equipment and storage systems, supported by the necessary infrastructure to ensure their efficient operation. These facilities consist of several core components including computing equipment like servers and mainframes, storage systems such as hard drives and tape systems, and a robust network infrastructure comprising routers, switches, firewalls, and cabling. The infrastructure includes power distribution systems, cooling mechanisms, fire suppression tools, and security measures for both physical and cybersecurity. Critical infrastructure in a data centre is vital for uninterrupted functionality. Power systems include uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), backup generators, multiple power feeds, and power distribution units (PDUs). Cooling systems rely on Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) units, chillers, hot/ cold aisle containment, and raised floors to manage airflow. Environmental controls ensure optimal conditions through temperature and humidity monitoring, air filtration, and fire detection and suppression systems. Data centres come in various types, including: (i) Enterprise centres – Operated by companies for their own use, (ii) Colocation centres – That rent space to multiple customers, (iii) Cloud centres – Managed by cloud service providers, (iv) Edge facilities – Located closer to end-users, and (v) Hyperscale centres – Operated by tech giants. They are also classified into tiers based on their capacity and redundancy: (i) Tier 1 provides basic capacity with a single path for power and cooling, (ii) Tier 2 offers redundant components, (iii) Tier 3 includes multiple paths for concurrent maintainability, and (iv) Tier 4 achieves fault tolerance with the highest redundancy level. Data centres serve numerous critical purposes such as hosting websites and applications, storing and processing data, supporting cloud computing services, enabling business continuity, providing backup and recovery solutions, and supporting telecommunications infrastructure. They also facilitate content delivery networks, process business transactions, support artificial intelligence and machine learning, and enable big data analytics. The evolution of data centres is driven by trends toward greater energy efficiency, higher density computing, increased automation, enhanced security measures, and sustainable operations. Innovations include integrating edge computing, adopting AI-driven management, and implementing modular design approaches. These facilities are essential to modern digital infrastructure, underpinning global digital economies, business operations, internet connectivity, and digital services worldwide. Like all assets of value, apart from facing cyber threats, data centres increasingly face physical security threats because damage, sabotage or outages to data centres can cause catastrophic damage amounting to millions of dollars, loss of brand value and potentially ruinous litigations. To set context, as per a 2023 survey, roughly 54 percent of data centre operators said their latest most significant outage cost over USD100,000. A further 16 percent of respondents said the most recent crucial system outage caused them monetary damage of over USD1 million. Physical Security Threats The physical security threats faced by data centres encompass a wide range of challenges that require comprehensive protection strategies. Let us examine a few of these threats/ challenges. The most common threats are given in the Fig 2 below and thereafter are described in detail. Unauthorized physical access At the forefront of these concerns is unauthorized physical access, which can manifest through various methods including social engineering attempts, tailgating through secure entrances, impersonation of authorized personnel or contractors, theft of access credentials, forced entry attempts, and insider threats from disgruntled employees. These access-related threats are particularly concerning as they can lead to more severe security breaches if successful. Infrastructure sabotage Infrastructure sabotage represents another critical threat category, involving deliberate damage to essential systems such as power distribution units, network cables, cooling systems, backup generators, and server racks. Such attacks can cripple data centre operations and lead to significant service disruptions. The risk of vandalism to security systems themselves must also be considered, as damage to these protective measures can create vulnerabilities that malicious actors might exploit. Environmental threats Environmental threats pose a significant risk to data centre operations and require robust mitigation strategies. These include fire and smoke damage, water damage from flooding or leaks, extreme temperature fluctuations affecting equipment, humidity issues that can damage hardware, natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes, chemical contamination, and electromagnetic interference. These environmental factors can cause catastrophic damage to sensitive equipment and disrupt critical services. Power-related threats Power-related threats are particularly concerning given the data centre’s reliance on consistent, clean power. These include grid power failures, UPS system failures, generator malfunctions, power surges or spikes, disruption to fuel supplies for backup systems, and potential sabotage of electrical systems. The interconnected nature of power systems means that a failure in one component can cascade through the entire facility. Theft Theft remains a persistent threat to data centres, targeting valuable assets such as server and network equipment, storage devices, copper wire, backup media, personal property, and maintenance equipment. These theft attempts can be opportunistic or carefully planned operations, potentially involving insider knowledge. The financial impact of theft extends beyond the immediate loss of equipment to include service disruption and potential data breaches. Service disruption attempts Service disruption attempts represent a broad category of threats aimed at preventing normal data centre operations. These can include blocking physical access to facilities, disrupting cooling systems, interfering with power delivery, cutting communication lines, combining DDoS attacks with physical intrusion, and jamming wireless systems. Such attacks can be particularly effective if coordinated across multiple vectors simultaneously. Malicious surveillance and intelligence gathering activities Malicious surveillance and intelligence gathering activities pose a significant threat as precursors to more direct attacks. These can include photography of facilities, drone surveillance, dumpster diving for sensitive information, social engineering to gather facility information, recording of security patrol patterns, and monitoring of staff movements. This information can be used to identify vulnerabilities and plan more targeted attacks. Vehicle-based threats Vehicle-based threats present unique challenges for data centre security including the potential for ramraid attacks, car bombs, unauthorized parking near critical infrastructure, blocking of emergency access routes, vehicle- borne surveillance, and hijacking of delivery vehicles. These threats require specific countermeasures such as vehicle barriers, bollards, secure parking areas, and…

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Nokia and Motorola Solutions Announce Drone Technology Integration for Public Safety and Mission-Critical Industries

Nokia and Motorola Solutions announced a drone technology integration to launch an AI-enhanced turnkey, automated drone-in-a-box solution that sets a new standard for first responders and mission-critical industries, offering enhanced situational awareness, streamlined remote operations, and faster decision-making. The solution integrates Nokia Drone Networks with Motorola Solutions’ CAPE drone software to help transform public safety and industrial operations, enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Dispatching drones ahead of first responders enables early assessment of a situation’s severity, helping to support efficient resource allocation. The new solution enables public safety and mission-critical industries to remotely dispatch drones from one or multiple operation centers at a moment’s notice to assess emergencies and hazards while also receiving AI-powered intelligence that can inform and accelerate decisions to help keep workers, property, and premises safer. CAPE software’s flight-safe features adjust the drone’s path to avoid obstacles, stay within a geofenced area, and adapt to changing terrain altitude, with assistive AI helping operators analyze real-time data. Nokia’s drone-in-a-box technology connects via 4G/ LTE or 5G networks for broader reach and seamless remote operation beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs have demonstrated an increase in first responder safety by providing tactical intelligence, enabling better coordination, oversight and transparency in operations. For critical infrastructure industries like oil and gas, ports, utilities, mining, energy and manufacturing, the technology’s BVLOS and remote operation capabilities help to enhance industrial worker safety and lower the costs of operating hard-to-reach sites like offshore wind farms. Multiple drone-in-a-box systems can serve as a sustainable alternative to helicopters, significantly reducing carbon emissions. Roxana Kennedy, Chief of Police at Chula Vista Police Department in California, stated, “In 2018, we created and developed the world’s first public safety Drone as First Responder program in partnership with Motorola Solutions, utilizing their CAPE drone software. Since then, we’ve successfully flown over 21,000 missions. Our DFR program has been instrumental in critical life-and-death situations by providing aerial awareness or helping officers de-escalate incidents by delivering real-time, vital information.” Jehan Wickramasuriya, Corporate Vice President of AI and Intelligence Platforms at Motorola Solutions said, “We’re innovating where our customers need us most to bring them better intelligence for faster decisions. This drone-in-a-box solution furthers our commitment to drone innovation that seamlessly fits within our customers’ current workflows to give those charged with our safety actionable live-stream insights while simplifying evidence collection.” Stephan Litjens, Vice President of CNS Enterprise Campus Edge Solutions at Nokia, said, “We are proud to collaborate with an innovator like Motorola Solutions in this significant step toward a more mature and sustainable drone industry for the benefit of our customers, workers, and community. Together, we are setting technology best practices in drone connectivity and AI. With an open API architecture that facilitates easy integration with third-party applications, and other solutions like Nokia’s MX Grid, Nokia Drones-in-a-Box and Motorola Solutions’ CAPE software, we are transforming drones into daily helpers for public safety and mission-critical operations.” Nokia Drone Networks are compliant with international industry standards and offer long-lasting technology with upgradable components that reduce electronic waste. Read More

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Henning Tiarks New CPO of TKH 2D Vision Group

Chief Product Officer to drive joint product strategy and strengthen customer orientation in product development We believe Henning Tiarks is the ideal candidate to drive the further development of the Group’s product portfolio. We are delighted to have him join our team for this exciting challengeRobert FranzCEO of the TKH 2D Vision Group Henning Tiarks has been appointed as the new Chief Product Officer for the TKH 2D Vision Group, which comprises the TKH Vision brands Allied Vision, Chromasens, Euresys, Mikrotron, NET, and SVSVistek. As the machine vision companies continue to grow together, the product portfolio will be increasingly tailored to meet customer and market needs. With Henning Tiarks on board, the group gains a seasoned vision expert with extensive expertise in vision and strategy development, as well as portfolio roadmapping. “We believe Henning Tiarks is the ideal candidate to drive the further development of the Group’s product portfolio,” stated Robert Franz, CEO of the TKH 2D Vision Group, “We are delighted to have him join our team for this exciting challenge.” Henning Tiarks brings over 15 years of leadership experience as an executive manager and business unit leader, with a strong background in product management, strategic marketing, as well as research and development. “I’m really looking forward to diving into this new role as Chief Product Manager and tackling the exciting challenges that come with optimizing our product portfolio. I’m eager to work closely with our talented teams, customers, and partners to develop innovative solutions that drive business growth and meet the evolving needs of our customers. It’s a thrilling time for the TKH 2D Vision companies, and I’m honored to be a part of it. I’m confident that together, we can achieve great things and take our products to the next level,” Henning Tiarks emphasized. A Global Partnership of Machine Vision Solution Providers TKH Vision is a global group of machine vision technology leaders providing complementing 2D and 3D vision components and solutions. With a distinct customer- centric approach, the machine vision experts prioritize tailoring solutions to various customer needs, fostering enduring relationships built on trust and excellence. All TKH Vision brands are part of the TKH Group N.V. (TKH), a leading technology company focused on advanced innovative technology systems in high-growth markets.

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