Tenable®, Inc. the exposure management company, today announced that Tohoku University, internationally recognized for its outstanding standards in education and research, has chosen Tenable Attack Surface Management to protect its external-facing IT assets in the cloud. Founded in 1907, Tohoku University is one of Japan’s leading institutions, with a rich legacy of academic excellence and international research collaborations. The university embarked on a digital transformation program as part of its ‘Cloud by Default’ policy. However, as the university expanded its use of cloud services, it encountered challenges in identifying and managing IT assets across both internal and cloud environments. “We manage thousands of assets, many of which are ex ternal-facing and used for research or educational purposes,” said Katsuya Ohno, Information Security, Section, Digital Infrastructure Division, Information Department, Tohoku University, “Our previous asset inventory methods, which re lied heavily on manual self-reporting, were time-consuming and prone to gaps in visibility, especially assets in the cloud.” While on-premises assets were well accounted for, cloud assets were more difficult to track, increasing the institution’s vulnerability to potential cyber threats. After deploying Tenable Attack Surface Management, the university identified several independent web servers previously unknown to its IT management team. These servers, used by individual research units, were publicly accessible through various cloud and hosting services, posing a significant security risk. “Thanks to Tenable Attack Surface Management, we were able to discover these unmanaged servers for the first time,” said Hidetomo Kitazawa, Information Security, Section, Digital Infrastructure Division, Information Department, Tohoku University, “Previously, when a high-severity vulner ability was publicly disclosed, we could only issue a blanket alert to the university, which often went unnoticed. Now, with Tenable Attack Surface Management, we can pinpoint vulnerabilities, understand the context of each asset, and communicate directly with the responsible research teams. This transparency is a game-changer in ensuring the security of our external-facing assets.” With Tenable Attack Surface Management, Tohoku University has transitioned from a reactive security model to a proactive approach. The university can now identify and address vulnerabilities before incidents occur, creating a safer environment for its faculty and students to focus on their academic pursuits. “We used to be passive in our security efforts, but with Tenable Attack Surface Management, we are now equipped to tackle vulnerabilities head-on, reducing risk with less effort. This has empowered our entire institution to operate more securely and efficiently,” said Kengo, Ishihata, Technical Expert in the Digital Innovation Unit, Digital Transformation Division, Information Department, Tohoku University. “The challenge in securing the sheer scale of the modern cybersecurity architecture lies in identifying all external assets, both known and unknown, and doing it before cybercriminals discover the most critical exposures. Yet, full asset visibility remains one of cybersecurity’s most elusive goals,” said Naoya Kishima, Country Manager, Tenable Japan, “Tohoku University recognizes this need, and we’re pleased to support them in understanding their external footprint.” Read More Posts

Oskar Strøm, a renowned expedition leader, heads film expeditions in Svalbard. These expeditions focus on documenting polar bears in their natural Arctic habitat. To capture unique footage, the film crew lives in extreme conditions – enduring very low temperatures, residing in small sleeping pods, and positioning themselves in close proximity to polar bears. Strøm required a solution to secure the camp and protect his team and valuable equipment from polar bears wandering around searching for food Challenge Protecting a remote site from furry intruders and ensure fire safety under extreme conditions Living next to polar bears in Svalbard to film them presents unique safety risks for Oskar Strøm’s crew. Hungry polar bears often dare into human camps to search for food and can threaten crew members or damage valuable equipment. Moreover, the lack of infrastructure necessitates generators, increasing fire risks. The crew’s compact sleeping pods create concerns about carbon monoxide buildup. This combination of wildlife threats, fire hazards, and potential CO poisoning in a remote Arctic location demands a comprehensive and reliable security solution capable of simultaneously addressing multiple risks in extreme conditions. Designlarm’s task was to develop a system to detect polar bear intrusions and alert the crew immediately. The solution had to protect personnel and expensive equipment, including generators and filming gear, while also including f ire and carbon monoxide detection. The system needed to be easy and intuitive to install, requiring minimal main tenance, and capable of operating without laid cables or constant internet connectivity. This comprehensive security setup had to function effectively and self-sufficiently in Svalbard’s harsh environment, where technical support is not readily accessible. Solution A comprehensive wireless security system that with stands extreme Arctic conditions Designlarm chose the Ajax system for Oskar Strøm’s expeditions for its versatility, reliability, and intuitiveness. The Ajax ecosystem offers a comprehensive range of products that address all the expedition’s security needs. The system’s wireless operation was crucial for covering the camp area, where sleeping pods are spread out, and there are no structures for cable attachment. This wireless capability allowed for flexible placement of devices across the entire site, ensuring protection without the need for complex wiring. The security system for the Arctic expedition is built around Hub 2 Plus Jeweller. This control panel uses Ajax proprietary radio protocols Jeweller to ensure reliable com munication between all devices without leaning on internet access. This feature is crucial in the Arctic, where 2G/ 3G/ 4G coverage is nonexistent, and the team relies on limited and expensive Starlink internet access. Thanks to reliable two-way communication, Hub 2 Plus Jeweller receives alarms from detectors and delivers them to users. This ensures no alarm will be missed, guaranteeing protection even without Wi-Fi or cellular communication. At the same time, occasional internet connections allow for system updates. Powered by 12-24V PSU (type A), the Ajax hub operates on low-voltage sources instead of relying on a standard power grid, which is absent in remote Svalbard. Four DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller detectors are placed around the camp’s perimeter to guard the camp against po lar bear intrusions. Each device features two narrow-angle motion detectors facing opposite directions and providing a total detection range of up to 30 meters (15 meters in each direction). This way, the bear’s approach will be registered in advance, not on the doorsteps of the sleeping pods. The viewing angle can be adjusted by 3 degrees horizontally on each side, eliminating blind spots and ensuring comprehensive coverage. To minimize false alarms caused by snow or small animals, the detectors use a software algorithm that analyzes signals from IR sensors. When triggered, Dual Curtain Outdoor Jeweller detectors send alarms to indoor and outdoor sirens, effectively alerting the crew if a polar bear enters the camp. MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller detectors serve as a second line of defense and provide motion detection with visual verification of alarms. When a polar bear crosses the perimeter, monitored by DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller detectors, the system immediately triggers an alarm. While the bear moves around the camp, the built-in camera from MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller takes a series of photos, which the crew can see in the Ajax app within 9 seconds when connection to the internet is available. This visual verification allows the team to monitor the bear’s actions and exact location within the camp. Indoor and outdoor sirens were installed in the camp to alert the team of security violations and deter curious or aggressive polar bears. HomeSiren Jeweller devices are installed inside sleeping pods to quickly wake the crew if a polar bear breaches the camp perimeter. The sirens provide immediate notification of danger and are impossible to ignore. StreetSiren Jeweller devices are deployed for external alerting. They serve a dual purpose: warn the crew about an intrusion and aim to deter approaching polar bears thanks to a tone. StreetSiren can produce a sound of up to 113 dB, lasting up to 3 minutes. The Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller key fob is an essential component of Oskar Strøm’s security system. This compact device allows control of the alarm system even without the internet. With the key fob, users can arm, disarm, set night mode, or trigger an alarm manually. Its impressive 1,300-meter connection range to the hub ensures system control from various points around the camp. In addition to the threat of polar bears, the expedition team faced the invisible danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. This risk is high in their small, tightly sealed sleeping pods, where CO can quickly accumulate to dangerous levels. To address this issue, Designlarm installed FireProtect 2 (Heat/ Smoke/ CO) Jeweller detectors. They have a built-in siren and LED indica tor to alert when a sensor detects a threatening CO level. The detector is always active and reacts 24/7, regardless of the system’s security mode. In addition, the detector will also alert the team of the fire. Its unique smoke chamber doesn’t require regular cleaning, while a dual-spectrum sensor differentiates smoke from steam, reducing false alarms. The Ajax security system has…

Oil platforms operate in one of the most high-risk environments where security and environmental risks are ever-present. To mitigate these risks, cutting-edge security technologies such as thermal imaging, explosion-proof devices, and AI-driven algorithms now play a pivotal role in protecting oil platforms and workers, and minimizing the impact on the environment. Despite the shift to green energy, the world remains heavily dependent on oil and gas and the platforms that ex tract them from the ground. Protecting these valuable assets – and the people who work on them – is a growing business. According to Grand View Re search, the global oil and gas security market was valued at USD 25.51 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a 5.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2030. For security integrators, this trend clearly presents a major opportunity. However, with increasing market size comes a heightened complexity of threats, making it vital for security providers to deliver integrated, state-of-the-art solutions. Key challenges in safeguarding offshore oil platforms The volatile nature of hydrocarbons means that oil rigs are particularly at risk of fire and explosions. Ensuring the health and safety of employees in such an environment is a constant challenge, necessitating strict safety protocols and real-time monitoring to mitigate potential hazards. Moreover, offshore platforms are exposed to extreme weather conditions – salty sea air, high winds, and low visibility caused by fog and rain. These can quickly degrade traditional security equipment which, in turn, can lead to operational downtime and gaps in monitoring. With hydrocarbon products being high-value targets, offshore platforms are also vulnerable to theft, piracy, and even terrorist attacks. Perimeter security must be top-of-mind to protect both personnel and assets. What’s more, in addition to protecting the platforms and those who work on them, oil companies are under increasing pressure to protect the environment. Implementing eco-friendly security technologies that minimize the impact on local ecosystems is now a critical responsibility for those who operate oil platforms. Essential technologies to address oil platform challenges To overcome these significant challenges, oil and gas companies need to adopt integrated security systems and incorporate modern technologies such as thermal imaging, explosion-proof devices, and deep-learning algorithms. These work together to assist in protecting assets and workers, as well as helping meet environmental regulations. Together, such technologies safeguard platforms and reduce operational downtime, which, in turn, saves costs and optimizes profitability. ● Explosion-proof cameras: essential for high-risk environments Explosion-proof cameras are usually built with stainless-steel casings to prevent sparks or heat from interacting with flammable gases. Designed to meet international anti-corrosion standards, these cameras offer durability in salty and humid maritime conditions. Their robust design is crucial for maintaining safety in high-risk oil and gas environments, minimizing the chances of fires or explosions. ● Thermal imaging: early detection of equipment failures and hazards Thermal imaging is essential for early detection of equipment overheating, fires, and gas leaks – critical factors in reducing the risk of accidents on oil platforms. Thermal cameras can detect subtle changes in temperature, enabling operators to respond swiftly to potential hazards before they escalate into more serious issues. ● Deep-learning algorithms: improving threat detection by reducing false alarms On-board deep-learning algorithms ensure that cameras generate alerts immediately for certain types of incidents. These algorithms are able to separate false alarms (such as those caused by moving objects such as seabirds, high waves, or storms), from genuine threats such as people invading the platform perimeter. This allows security teams to focus on real incidents, improving response times and overall platform safety. Integrated solutions: How these technologies work at La Santa Maria oil drilling platform A real-world example of how technologies such as these are working together can be found on the La Santa Maria oil drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Here, LATINA Construction and Drilling, a leading geothermal drilling company, partnered with the system integrator STC Global System to deploy Hikvision’s advanced security solutions on their platform. The installation included Thermal & Optical Bi-spectrum Network Bullet Cameras(DS-2TD2637-35/ QY) and Explosion-Proof Thermographic Network Bullet Cameras (DS2DB4236I-CWX). Hikvision explosion-proof cameras, housed in 316L stainless casings, significantly enhance worker safety by minimizing the risk of camera-related sparks. Additionally, the cameras’ thermal imaging capabilities allow for early detection of temperature anomalies, ensuring swift responses to potential fires or equipment malfunctions, while adhering to environmental regulations. Furthermore, the deep-learning algorithms have proven invaluable by minimizing false alarms, allowing the platform’s security team to focus solely on real threats. Automated alerts for perimeter breaches, such as unauthorized personnel entering restricted areas, ensure that potential security risks are addressed in real time. Corrosion-resistant cameras, meanwhile, offer a high degree of chemical resistance, making them ideal for the harsh maritime conditions of the Gulf of Mexico. This reliability translates into fewer repairs and lower maintenance costs over time, delivering long-term value to LATINA Construction and Drilling. Read more posts