By Milind BorkarMD, Systematica Suyog Security Consultants(Sr. Consultant & Security Expert) Surveillance and Security in the traditional sense is now moving forward in leaps and bounds. Gone are the days of CCTV using analog cameras that are being replaced by digital cameras that enable video analytics to be performed on an incoming digital stream. Also, between year 2005 and year 2010 there was a massive push to standardize the interface between the camera and the software that talks to it over an ethernet cable. This standard is ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface). Though many camera manufactures claim ONVIF compliance one must check the following link prepared by onvif.org – https://www.onvif.org/conformant-products/. This development disrupted the stranglehold of camera manufactures with their partners and allowed many other players to enter the market as proprietary protocols were no longer required. Most of the terabytes of stored video is useless as it does not carry any useful information. Manual searches need to be conducted to find the relevant information one is looking for. This turns out to be a time-consuming process and by the time information is found it might be out of date. This is where Video Analytics can help to some degree by looking for only relevant information thereby saving time and resources. Even though Video Analytics saves a considerable amount of time, it still does not avoid the manual process involved in looking at video instead of data. Here is where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning come in. AI/ (neural networks) builds a model based on a few initial parameters that are input by the user. Without getting into the details, it quickly builds a neural network and tells you the confidence level of each object found in the video frame. This is a highly mathematical process involving convolution, calculus, probability and statistics. Based on the confidence level of each object found in the frame, one can fine tune the neural network by changing the input parameters. This fine tuning is called Machine Learning by which the neural network gives confidence levels above 95% for each object found. We have done this in our product where object confidence levels went from as low as 60% to as high as 98%. One can now put the neural network in training mode telling it what the target end result the user wants. The machine then self learns by varying the hundreds of input parameters till the end target is met. At this stage the model is what the user was expecting and he now continues to use this highly accurate model to build his or her applications to solve problems specific to their market vertical. So, what AI/ ML has done is that video examination is no longer required but extracted data from the video stream is examined. This is a far more intelligent way of examining video streams and far more efficient allowing the end user to build multiple intelligent applications on top of this. This is the WAVE of the future as multiple PETABYTES of data cannot be examined after the fact. With the number of cameras increasing exponentially all across the globe, the best way to process video is on the fly in real time as it saves time, money and resources across the board. However, for a particular use case some time and money have to be invested to fine tune the neural network model. Once this process and methodology is mastered, one can use it for other use cases. In our case, some of our models took up to 30 minutes to bring up the confidence level above 95%, while in other cases it has taken up to a week. Factors that affect this training period are following: (a) Lighting, (b) Number of objects in the frame, and (c) Complexity of the shape of the object. Diagram describing our Object Classification Engine We will now describe a couple of used cases to make this clear: Used case 1: Implementing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Suppose a SOP is defined for a drug testing methodology in a pharmaceutical laboratory. Requirements are as follows: ● Capture and time stamp when an employee enters and exits the laboratory. ● Measure procedure when the drug testing starts. ● Identify colored flasks and test tubes and their movement from one step to the next.● Identify microscopes and other medical instruments used in measurement and how they are being used. ● Flag any deviation from SOP and report to administrators. As one can see, one can use identifying objects in the video stream and determine whether the SOP is being followed. This can be used by the laboratory management team to improve overall efficiency of the laboratory and its’ employee performance without looking at video streams. A snapshot of our current Object Classification Engine for illustrative purposes Used Case 2: Measuring queue lengths at bank counters, airport check in lines, hospitals etc. ● Determine queue lengths to determine arrival and service rates. ● Queue lengths will increase if service time is greater than person arrival time. ● Flag these so the service efficiency can be improved. Summary The neural network model has over 25 million pre-defined objects in the database. These have been developed using artificial intelligence techniques. In a typical end user case, a very small subset of these 25 million predefined objects is required. New objects are continuously being added to the database. The model also allows itself to be put in training mode based on what the end user really wants Our Object Classification Engine takes advantage of this and provides interfaces so that end user case applications can be developed rapidly and be put to use. We provide extracted data, interface to the ML neural network model as well as we provide application development services for the customer. Read More

Its Total Cost of Ownership May Surprise You! By Gaurav TaywadeDirector, India Operation, Vicon On-premise enterprise video management systems (VMS) can be a huge investment – one of the priciest elements of a company’s physical security technology infrastructure. They’re also one of the most critical. Without eyes on a property, there’s no way to ensure that other systems are doing their job. Since the pandemic, spending on VMS solutions has continued to rise. Commercial office space vacancies are high, hybrid and remote work models have businesses operating with far fewer onsite workers, crime is up, and security guards are in short supply. Building and security managers are determining that existing cameras provide insufficient coverage under these new conditions, and are therefore seeking to expand their systems. Quickly evolving technology is complicating matters, making legacy VMSs obsolete. Companies unable to leverage the latest generation of cameras, analytics, and integration opportunities are deciding that it’s time to upgrade to a new platform rather than continue to throw money into a substandard solution. After 5-10 years, the actual cost of one system may be as much as 50% lower than another As stakeholders wrestle with how to upgrade or replace their VMS network, performance and operational needs take top priority. However, once specifications are agreed upon, and various manufacturers have been identified that meet a project’s requirements, price can become the deciding factor. Unlike the straightforward comparison of technical specs between offerings, calculating and comparing the total cost of system ownership is much more elusive. The total-cost-of-ownership (TCO) is affected by many factors – some of which come as an unwelcome surprise to system owners after their VMS is up and running. At that point, it’s too late to reevaluate the wisdom of their investment. There is no magic formula for estimating TCO. Manufacturers structure their licensing, warranties, upgrades, maintenance, training, and other policies in different ways, and their promotional materials rarely spell out these distinctions. After 5-10 years, the actual cost of one system may be as much as 50% lower than another. To accurately evaluate TCO, decision-makers must know where to look for hidden expenses and the right questions to ask. We hope this whitepaper helps readers do just that. Device Licensing Practices are Sometimes Tricky Licenses are part of any on-premise VMS solution. The licensing model makes systems scalable; users pay more for larger deployments. In enterprise systems with hundreds or thousands of cameras, licensing represents a significant expense. That said, there is tremendous variation in how much licensing will cost a company throughout its VMS’s lifespan. The price-per-license differs by manufacturer, but that is only part of the story. Some manufacturers require a license for each camera. Others charge licensing fees for servers, workstations, storage, and edge devices. Licensing tied to NVRs and servers can pack a disproportionate financial wallop – especially when NVR licenses are calculated based on the number of streams supported. For example, let’s take one 12MP camera that features triple-streaming. With NVR licensing, the camera requires three licenses if all three streams are used, even if the same NVR records all three. Recording redundancy doubles the price. With two servers recording each of the three camera streams, that single camera represents six licenses! By contrast, a camera-only licensing model would require one license for this device, period. Consider how this policy substantially impacts a network with hundreds of cameras. When NVRs are licensed, adding or upgrading cameras also becomes more expensive. Let’s say a customer wishes to replace several 1MP cameras with 5MP models. The 5MP devices will impose more demand on the server. VMS systems may be infinitely scalable, but individual NVRs or servers have their limits. Adding new cameras, or replacing existing ones with higher resolution models, can result in the need for more network hardware. Once again, paying per camera – and only per camera – keeps TCO in check as systems grow. By contrast, when VMS software is free and licensing is only required for cameras, the options for keeping systems current remain uncomplicated and less expensive However, even with camera-only licensing models, there are still ‘buyer beware’ issues to consider. Some manufacturers link each license to the MAC address of a specific camera, making the license non-transferable. Limiting software in this manner is an antiquated approach that takes advantage of the user. When hardware needs to be replaced, there’s no reason the software license should need replacing too. Imagine if your laptop died and Microsoft said you must buy all new software rather than transfer your licenses to the new device. You would be irate. Finally, some manufacturers charge premium licensing fees, per device, to access certain VMS features. A camera’s specifications may indicate it “can do” certain things, but it’s possible that they are not included with a basic license. When calculating a system’s TCO, make sure you understand what your licenses include and what they don’t! Keeping Current is Critical; It Shouldn’t Be Costly Like any software, VMS platforms are constantly improving. The DevOps process used by many software development teams, with its focus on continuous feedback, collaboration, and communication, has accelerated the speed and frequency with which updates are released. Unlike business software for sales or marketing – for which new releases may be helpful but unnecessary – security software provides a mission-critical function. It should be kept current at all costs. How VMS manufacturers charge for updates affects TCO. Some updates, like those addressing bugs and vulnerabilities, may be free, but others come with a fee. Before purchasing a system, prospective owners should understand what to expect. Are upgrades mandatory? How frequently do they typically happen? Are upgrade protection plans available? How is the price calculated? Even if manufacturers do not mandate upgrades, they may ultimately discontinue support of earlier software versions, rendering the NVRs and servers running them obsolete unless the customer invests in an enterprise-wide software upgrade and relicensing. Without a systemwide update, the system owners cannot even add a single new camera….

In the high-stakes world of border security, fog and other adverse weather conditions create critical blind spots that smugglers and criminals easily exploit. Sight- Booster, a real-time software solution from ThexoVision, gives border guards the clear vision as they need to stay one step ahead and keep borders secure. Why is fog a critical risk and challenge for border security? ● Smugglers take advantage of poor visibility: Drug and human smugglers often carry out their operations in foggy weather, when surveillance is at its weakest. ● Limited detection performance and range: Security cameras lose effectiveness in fog, which reduces their effectiveness, making it harder for border guards to identify threats. ● Delayed reaction time: Officials only detect intrusions when it is too late, making it impossible for them to react in time to prevent border violations. ● Thermal cameras have limitations: Although thermal cameras can help, they do not always provide enough detail to identify vehicles, faces or contraband, making it difficult to act. SightBooster: From poor visibility to clear detection SightBooster, developed by ThexoVision, is a real-time software solution that improves surveillance images in poor visibility conditions – without the need for expensive hardware development. ● Instantly improves camera image clarity: Officers can see clearly even in dense fog. ● Identifies threats from long distances: Border Patrol can spot and track smugglers from 1km or more, reducing security gaps. ● Seamless integration with existing cameras: Interoperates with CCTV, thermal, PTZ and drone cameras for improved visibility. ● Faster response time: Security teams can act before border intruders cross the border. Top: original video frame in dense fog, Bottom: processed video frame with clear visibility via SightBooster software solution Proven success: SightBooster in action Kazakhstan field trial In real-world tests with our partner TNS Service, Sight- Booster processed live footage (H.264, 20Mbps bitrate) from a standard PTZ security camera monitoring a 1km target in dense fog. The original footage was almost unusable, but the video enhanced with SightBooster showed remarkable clarity of detail, enabling effective surveillance. Border patrol vehicles in the UK SightBooster is integrated into Presidian® Smart Mobile Monitoring Stations developed by DJ Byers Security Solutions® (UK). These mobile units improve real-time situational awareness for border patrol officers, ensuring that officers are never blinded by fog, heavy rain or low light conditions. The future of border security With increasing pressure on border security forces, technology must evolve to outpace the strategies of smugglers and criminals. SightBooster offers a cost-effective, high-performance solution that gives security teams the visibility they need when they need it most. SightBooster : A versatile software technology for various conditions ThexoVision’s proprietary real-time video enhancement software technology is capable of revealing scene objects under constrained visibility conditions in camera-based systems. This capability not only works in fog, but also aids visual detection and identification in the presence of a wide variety of obscurants such as haze, smog, smoke, dust, rain, or snow. In addition, it can also cope with use cases in night vision and underwater scenarios of low visibility. AI or not to AI? Whilst in today’s technologies artificial intelligence is becoming more and more pervasive, ThexoVision believes in a balanced approach on application of AI. In fact, the core of SightBooster software technology avoids using AI in producing the clarified version of the input stream. The reason – when dealing with surveillance or border security, we don’t want to introduce non-existing objects or details into the processed image. Nevertheless, when need be, SightBooster can be efficiently combined with other AI-based methods, like object detection. Fog and bad weather don’t stop smugglers, so border security can’t afford to be blind. Sight- Booster gives officers the clear vision they need to stay one step ahead and keep borders secure Milan Tresch, CEO of ThexoVision. Founded in 2019, ThexoVision evolved from a post-processing software initiative towards fulfilling the promise of real-time processing capabilities. Recognizing its potential for widespread industrial applications, the team took a hands-on approach to development, establishing a four-camera test system at Budapest airport’s control tower. This rigorous testing validated the technology and significantly boosted its market credibility. Our technology that is primarily available as a software development kit (SDK) can be incorporated into server – and desktop-based configurations, as well as into small-sized, embedded solutions for mobile applications. The SDK has been designed to allow for a streamlined integration into vastly differing products, systems Ramon Hegedus, CTO of ThexoVision. The company represents a fusion of two generations of expertise among its six owners. The senior partners include the project’s original visionary and co-founder who continues to drive market development and funding, a former chief commando officer who later became a successful international trader of military technologies, and an ex-head of a police counter-narcotics unit, today leading a company that develops sensitive military and civilian electronics solutions. The younger generation features the company’s CEO and two exceptional software developers – one of them a specialist in computer vision and graphics, while the other, also co-founder and CTO, an expert in optical sciences and imaging. Their joint innovative efforts put ThexoVision ahead of competitors. Read More

Dr. Suman GhoshProject Management ProfessionalBritish Telecom In the digital age, data breaches have become a pervasive threat, impacting organizations across all sectors. Since 2021, the frequency and severity of these breaches have surged dramatically, posing significant risks to both personal and organizational security. This article delves into the alarming rise in data breaches, the financial implications, and the critical need for enhanced security measures, particularly in email protocols. The surge in data breaches Data breaches have increased by a staggering 72% since 2021. This surge can be attributed to several factors, including the proliferation of digital data, the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, and the expanding attack surface due to remote work and cloud adoption. In 2024 alone, there were over 422.61 million data records leaked in various breaches. This unprecedented rise underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity strategies. Financial impact of data breaches The financial repercussions of data breaches are profound. The average cost of a data breach reached $4.88 million in 2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This cost includes several components such as business disruption, customer loss, regulatory fines, and post-breach remediation efforts. For instance, the healthcare sector, which handles highly sensitive patient data, reported the highest average breach costs at $9.77 million. Similarly, the financial sector faced substantial costs due to the value of financial data and the potential for significant financial losses from fraud and theft. Email: The primary vector for malware Email remains the most common vector for malware delivery, accounting for 35% of all malware incidents. Cybercriminals exploit the inherent trust users place in their inboxes, using tactics such as phishing, malicious attachments, and deceptive links to infiltrate systems. The Verizon 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report highlighted that 94% of malware is delivered via email. This statistic emphasizes the critical need for enhanced email security protocols to protect against these pervasive threats. Case studies and real-world examples Several high-profile data breaches in recent years illustrate the devastating impact of these incidents. For example, the 2023 breach of a major financial institution resulted in the exposure of millions of customer records and a subsequent $100 million fine. Another notable case involved a healthcare provider, where a ransomware attack led to the compromise of patient data and a $50 million settlement. These examples highlight the severe consequences of data breaches and the importance of proactive security measures. The role of advanced security measures To combat the rising tide of data breaches, organizations must adopt advanced security measures. This includes implementing multi-factor authentication, encryption, and regular security audits. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can enhance threat detection and response capabilities. Organizations that extensively use security AI and automation reported an average cost savings of $2.22 million per breach. The importance of employee training Human error remains a significant factor in data breaches. Therefore, comprehensive employee training programs are essential to educate staff about the risks and best practices for data security. Regular phishing simulations and cybersecurity awareness training can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful attacks. Conclusion The rise in data breaches is a stark reminder of the evolving cybersecurity landscape. With the average cost of breaches reaching unprecedented levels and email remaining a primary attack vector, organizations must prioritize robust security measures. By adopting advanced technologies, enhancing email security protocols, and investing in employee training, organizations can mitigate the risks and protect their valuable data. Read More

The year gone by was marked with geopolitical changes and turbulence of a high order. The events in Syria, Lebanon, Ukraine and closer home in Bangladesh, Myanmar and surrounding geographies will cast a telling shadow on the events of 2025. A multitude of elections across the globe and in India, have thrown up diverse results which challenge the old order. While the Narendra Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged from the 2024 General Elections weakened, Donald Trump in the United States of America (USA) came out much stronger and with an agenda which threatens to challenge and reshape the world order. The year ahead is likely to be challenging for India both domestically and in the geostrategic domain. Conversely it would also be a year of multidimensional opportunities which will not only demand deft handling but may also result in new alignments and need for course correction.Economic paradigms may need a fresh approach should President-elect Trump go ahead with his policies of punitive/ reciprocal tariffs and mass deportation of illegal migrants. On the geostrategic front, a more muscular QUAD is at odds with an expanding BRICS and the two may be on a collision trajectory.With the QUAD leaders’ summit planned in 2025 in India, strong anti-China posturing may strain India’s prominence both in SCO and BRICS. The geopolitical tightrope that India has to walk can be gauged by the likely visit of Vladimir Putin to India in first quarter of 2025, followed by PM Modi traveling to China for the SCO summit and hosting the QUAD leaders in October 2025. One misstep or a belligerent statement can derail or alter the outcome of these significant events. In a similar vein India’s image abroad was dented by accusations of targeted killings/attempted murder by alleged government agencies, coupled with bribery allegations against the biggest business house of India.On the domestic front, peaceful elections in J&K and a smooth transition to power of an opposition led government bodes well for the overall security dynamics of the sensitive region and its continued progress in 2025 would be a big boost to stability. The vigorous efforts taken by the BJP-led government to root out Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) would continue in 2025 and may result in weakening this antinational movement significantly.The overthrow of the Sheikh Hasina government has been a big setback as India had backed her government fully. The relations currently are rather fragile with a widening trust deficit on the back of reports of attacks on minorities, and their places of worship. The recent visit of the Foreign Secretary of India has smoothened some issues but more needs to be done in 2025 to bring the relations back to a semblance of normalcy. However, tense relations between the two neighbours in 2025 are likely to continue. On the more complex Indo-China front the disengagement and pull back by both armies from Ladakh has been a very positive development. The recent visit of the National Security Advisor (NSA) to China has given further momentum to an improvement in ties. No dramatic development or normalisation of relations are likely in 2025 and few baby steps to rebuild trust can at best be expected.On the internal front, the BJP-led government is weaker, and despite all odds the opposition INDI alliance has posed significant challenges to the government. This has led to further polarization and widening of communal fault lines. If this remains unchecked, it may lead to social unrest in some historically sensitive areas. The farmers protest continues and will not give much room to the government in 2025 to address the much-needed agricultural reforms.Despite all this 2025 will be a pivotal year for India as it will become the fourth largest economy growing at a rate of 6.5-7 percent in the coming years. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum-based technologies and semi conductor manufacturing will play a big part in the economic resurgence of India, the problems of wealth distribution, population, climate risks and inflation will continue to pose challenges. Overall, a year of stability, steady growth, some geopolitical risks mixed with opportunities is forecast for 2025. Executive Summary The year 2024 was characterized by elections in more than 70 countries and persistence of several geopolitical conflicts. With the series of elections that too k place, the discussion on the spirit and quality of democracy took center stage as leaderships in these countries either used elections to tighten grip on power, gain legitimacy or display illiberal tendencies. The Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine conflicts continued to worsen and have spillover effects in other states, impeding any global efforts towards restoring peace. The Global economy is riddled with stagnant major economies and growing global debt which is already at a record level due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several governments are offering increased spending and tax cuts as a part of political campaigns, which will only add on to the global debt. There are alarming trends of increasing cost of living, increasing defense expenditure, backsliding on international commitments, and increasing vulnerability to climate variability. Against the backdrop of global disorder, multiplying geopolitical complications and internal challenges, India successfully conducted its general elections. India took strategic measures to protect its integrity, propel its regional influence and maintain a considerable global presence while facing new risks and threats. On the geopolitical front, the diplomatic friction between India and Canada has heightened after the Canadian government accused the Indian High Commissioner and five other diplomats of being ‘persons of interest’ in the murder case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen allegedly involved in Khalistani activities. India responded by recalling its diplomats and by expelling the Canadian High Commission in India, citing its interference in internal affairs as the reason. There are speculations that this diplomatic fallout between the two nations could have spillover effects in other domains, particularly in trade. In late October, India and China established a temporary truce regarding the ongoing conflict along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), with a border disengagement agreement. There will be pulling back of…