Category: Case Study

With new life-saving drugs being created every day, the pharmaceutical industry is directly involved in saving human lives across the world. With how important the work of this sector is, it becomes more important to leverage physical access control for the pharmaceutical sector . This helps protect intellectual property and physical as well as human assets. The top concerns about security in pharmaceutical industries include the safety of materials in the company warehouse and the security of confidential information. These losses can lead to issues inclusive of drug counterfeiting, brand damage, and many more that affect the company as a whole. Access Control & Pharmaceutical Companies With risks that it faces internally as well as externally, these companies need to strengthen their less secure areas. Healthcare data, research details, company secrets, manufactured end-products – there is a requirement for special access provisions to control the flow from places containing these important elements. There are rapid changes happening in security needs, especially physical access control for pharmaceutical companies and the changing nature of security breaches. The major pain to solve here is to remove inefficient access control solutions for the pharmaceutical sector. Fighting a war with badly equipped weaponry leads to sure defeats. This brings us to the conclusion that a well-built access control system is the need of the hour for pharmaceutical companies to fight security issues. But, there is another dimension to access control systems for these companies beyond security reasons. The need for Access Control beyond Security The answer to that thought is a big YES! While elements pertaining to security are to be controlled, it is equally important for pharma companies to maintain the environment within their production units, research divisions, and packaging units. All through the processes involved in these units, there is a high requirement for the environmental conditions to be controlled as per the need. This is because environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, allowable particle size, and more have a degrading effect on product quality, shelf-life, and more such properties. This affects the quality of the drug or the raw materials needed to make the drug. Beyond these concerns, sanitation and hygiene are equally important aspects needed for the smooth functioning of such facilities. While devices can help maintain the environment within the facilities, there are high chances of contamination occurring at the entry and exit points. If not checked, this can further lead to the spread of contamination across the facilities and hence needs to be curbed right away. This is where the Access Control Solution comes into the picture. Different solutions provide different answers to this key problem within the pharmaceutical industry. Let us understand how access control solutions solve this trouble. Leveraging Access Control for Controlled Traffic The only way to control traffic is to control the door that allows entry or exit from that area. For all access, the opening of the door is to be set in such a way that it opens only on certain conditions. Failure to match these conditions will cause the door to stay closed and in turn, protect it from any harmful elements, especially in environmentally sensitive areas. Full Control over the door can be achieved using a dedicated door interlock in conjunction with door sense or similar devices. It can also be achieved using a normal access door controller with advanced access features. The method of ensuring control over a particular space with two doors in tandem is called Door Interlocking. It goes by many other names such as Airlock, Mantrap, or Tiger Trap. Basic Functioning The Door Interlocking establishes a closed environment by controlling two or more doors that enclose a singular space. As a part of access control, it incorporates a trapped environment for anyone before they enter or exit a secure space, especially a space with high demands of environmental conditions. In the simplest form, similar to an airlock, this framework for door interlocking is made of two doors connected through electronic means. The framework is created to not allow the opening of one door if the other door is open. The benefits also become more apparent with the introduction of contactless credentials. Beyond conventional biometric access control, contactless credentials such as Face Recognition and Mobile Credentials bring in a higher amount of hygiene control. With such features, the man trap feature brings in true contactless access within your environment-controlled units. Benefits of Door Interlocking Functionally, door interlocking helps maintain certain environmental standards for their exclusive unit needs. This is true, especially in manufacturing and R&D units. The benefits that accompany this feature are listed below: ● Reduction in contamination despite high-volume traffic ● Reduction in overall Manpower and maintenance cost ● Reduction in overall contamination including those of micro-biological and particulate nature Prevention of unauthorized as well as multiple entries Matrix Access Control Solution for Pharmaceutical Companies brings greater control over security within their facilities. Especially with its advanced access features, you can leverage the same access architecture. This helps to control entry and exit points throughout your important units requiring delicate environment control without additional devices. With decades of experience in the world market, Matrix leverages its active insight into the security needs of your organization. Read More

Municipality-led initiative enhances law enforcement capabilities to speed up crime investigations Genetec Inc., the global player in enterprise physical security software, recently announced that it has been selected by the City of Brampton in Ontario to support a new public safety initiative. Genetec solutions will be used to help Brampton provide regional law enforcement agencies with critical data to expedite crime investigations and improve community safety. City of Brampton Selects Genetec Solutions to Enhance Public Safety and Combat Vehicle Theft Municipality-led initiative enhances law enforcement capabilities to speed up crime investigations As the first project of its kind in Canada, Brampton’s project will see the deployment of 200 Genetec AutoVu™ SharpV License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras at major intersections. These cameras will not be used for issuing speeding tickets; instead, they will function exclusively as an investigative tool to support Peel Regional Police in solving crimes and monitoring vehicle-related incidents. By capturing key vehicle details – such as license plate numbers, make, colour, and type – they will assist law enforcement in investigating offenses and enhancing public safety. Data from AutoVu SharpV and 360-degree street cameras from Axis Communications will be managed through Genetec™ Security Center. The platform will enable investigators to correlate vehicle information with corresponding video footage to enhance situational awareness and enable faster incident response. In the event of a reported incident, the City of Brampton will be able to quickly and securely share video evidence and ALPR data with law enforcement using the Genetec Clearance digital evidence management system. This will help expedite investigations by ensuring critical evidence is readily accessible when needed. Security and data privacy remain paramount with this initiative, and the system will operate in full compliance with municipal, provincial, and federal privacy laws. All captured information will be securely managed and used solely for law enforcement investigations. Only authorized personnel will have access to the data, with all user activities and case-related actions being logged to maintain the integrity of the chain of custody. “Peel Regional Police is committed to utilizing new innovations and technologies to better support the critical work of our officers and enhance public safety. This welcomed investment by the City of Brampton will provide our service with increased access to data, improving our ability to investigate and respond to traffic-related crimes and safety concerns. By working together, we will continue to strengthen our efforts in keeping our communities safe,” said Deputy Chief Anthony Odoardi, Peel Regional Police. “Too many victims and families have suffered heartbreak at the hands of criminals and enough is enough. Residents made it clear through the 2025 budget process that they want to see action from the City to address community safety, and we are delivering. By investing in cutting-edge technology, we are giving law enforcement the tools they need to track down offenders and hold them accountable. This is a major expansion of police investigative tools making Brampton the worst place in Canada to commit a crime. It is a game changer in protecting our community and sends a message to criminals that if you commit a crime in Brampton, you will be caught,” said Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton. “The City of Brampton is demonstrating exceptional leadership in using technology to enhance public safety in a responsible and effective way,” said Alain Bissada, Area Vice President – North America at Genetec Inc, “The deployment of our license plate recognition cameras, alongside our video surveillance and digital evidence management solutions, will provide law enforcement with high-quality, real-time data to support their investigations while ensuring that privacy remains a top priority.” About Genetec Genetec Inc. is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. The company’s portfolio of solutions enables enterprises, governments, and communities around the world to secure people and assets while improving operational efficiency and respecting individual privacy. Genetec delivers the world’s leading products for video management, access control, and ALPR, all built on an open architecture and designed with cybersecurity at their core. The company’s portfolio also includes intrusion detection, intercom, and digital evidence management solutions. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Genetec serves its 42,500+ customers via an extensive network of accredited channel partners and consultants in over 159 countries. Read More

Cutting-edge AI solutions for intelligent traffic systems (ITS) and enhanced road safety Hanwha Vision, a global Player in video surveillance and security solutions, unveils its Traffic AI Pack – AIA-C01TRF, a cutting-edge solution designed to transform traffic monitoring and management by empowering operators with sophisticated detection capabilities to enhance road safety, optimise traffic flow, and improve overall efficiency. Available with selected Hanwha Vision’s P series AI cameras, the solution can detect, classify, and track vehicles in real-time. By identifying various vehicle types – cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and bicycles – the AI pack provides traffic operators with crucial road usage and traffic flow data to inform transport planning and decision-making. Instant alerts for wrong-way driving and illegal U-turns enable authorities to respond promptly to reduce the risk of incidents. The AI pack can also detect and alert to stopped vehicles, mitigating the risk of further accidents and enhancing overall road safety. Pedestrian detection ensures safety at crossings with instant alerts sent for unexpected people in the road and possible vehicle/ person collisions. The solution offers advanced features for comprehensive traffic management such as vehicle queue analysis and multi-lane counting by vehicle type. This allows operators to efficiently monitor intersections and analyse movement patterns to improve traffic flow. Vehicle queuing data and traffic counts can inform proactive actions including opening additional lanes, redirecting traffic, or altering signal timing. In addition, the system detects vehicle speed, of up to 25mph/ 40kph, and monitors traffic density with users able to set thresholds for specific areas, issuing alerts when congestion or delays occur. Complementing its detection capabilities, the AI pack includes data visualisation for vehicle counting and heatmaps, to represent high-traffic zones and peak times. This provides traffic operators with actionable insights for optimising urban planning and road management. John Lutz Boorman, Head of Product and Marketing at Hanwha Vision Europe, said, “The pack stands out as a comprehensive traffic solution that ensures smoother and safer roads for all. By seamlessly integrating features such as vehicle and pedestrian counting, stopped vehicle detection, and traffic jam monitoring, operators are empowered with the insights they need for proactive management and rapid responses.” Key features of the Hanwha Vision Traffic AI Pack include: ● Detect and classify vehicles (car, truck, bus, motorcycle, bicycle). ● Wrong-way vehicle and illegal U-turn detection. ● Vehicle speed detection (25mph/ 40kph). ● Traffic jam and stopped vehicle detection. ● Pedestrian detection. ● Vehicle counting. ● Vehicle turning movement counts. ● Vehicle queue analysis. ● Vehicle detection heatmap. Read More

Yenepoya University is a full-fledged private University of higher education located in Deralakatte, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India. The upgrade of education delivery through Hikvision’s interactive display created a unique case study. The university installed the Hikvision’s 75-Inch 4K Interactive Display (DS-D5B75RB/C), 86-inch 4K Interactive Display (DS-D5B86RB/C). India’s Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management faced difficulties in ensuring efficient educational delivery. Its reliance on blackboards restricted the dynamic and interactive presentation of course materials. This made it hard for students, especially those sitting at the back of large rooms, to follow along during lectures. The issue became more pressing with the rise of e-learning, demanding more engaging and flexible ways to present information. This was especially true for science subjects, where students need to see complex concepts clearly explained visually. To solve this, the Institute set up 46 interactive display panels in classrooms and seminar halls. The screens facilitate seamless content sharing through a simple QR code scan. In auditoriums, supplementary screens were installed on both sides. Lecturers are now able to mirror content effortlessly onto both primary and secondary screens without any lag. This innovation ensured uninterrupted access to educational content for all students, regardless of their seating arrangements. It fostered inclusivity and enhanced engagement. The interactive screens proved particularly advantageous for science education. Teachers can now present intricate science diagrams and illustrations alongside videos, with the ability to annotate in real-time. Additionally, the Institute used the ClassIn software to enable remote students to virtually attend classes, interact with teachers and peers, and participate in discussions. This integration of technology not only supported e-learning initiatives but also cultivated a collaborative learning atmosphere, transcending the constraints imposed by traditional teaching methods. Read More

Digital evidence provides investigators with vital insights into a case and law enforcement agencies like the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) in Florida understand maintaining close collaboration with all parties involved is essential to accelerating investigations. Its growing lab has digital forensics tools and solutions to handle large amounts of evidence and the team values proper training and effective communication to successfully close cases. Growing the Digital Forensics Lab Leading the Marion County Sheriff’s Office digital forensics lab is Jesse Newbanks, Senior Digital Forensics Technician. He got the lab up and running in 2017, and a second examiner joined in 2022 and the team is still growing, helping with a range of crimes from homicides to crimes against children. Newbanks followed an unconventional path into digital forensics, starting at a software company before working in the sheriff’s office IT department. When approached to be a full-time digital forensics examiner in 2017, he fully embraced the opportunity as he always wanted to be a police officer and knew he could do some good behind the keyboard. The MCSO lab utilizes an array of digital forensics solutions, including Cellebrite Premium and Physical Analyzer (now part of Cellebrite Inseyets), to handle a couple hundred extractions a year with a mix of Android, iOS and the occasional burner phones. Triaging Devices in the Field Newbanks and his team succeeded in reducing their backlog by triaging devices in the field. He said, “We designed a mobile digital forensics lab. Our search teams find the stuff and bring it out to us, and we spend more time on scene triaging the devices down. At the end of the day, we can say we went through 33 devices on scene, but only three of them actually contained contraband materials we can take back.” In the long run, the mobile lab can save the team a lot of time. Newbanks elaborated that “it means we’re not having to bring 300 plus, 30 plus devices back to the office to work on those for the next couple of weeks.” A mobile lab also means innocent household members can have their devices back sooner rather than later, minimizing disruptions in their daily lives. Missing Wife Homicide In 2018 digital forensics proved to be the key piece of evidence when a man called the sheriff’s office to report that his pregnant wife had been missing for more than a week, leaving behind her personal items. He cooperated in an interview with the detectives and even submitted his phone for extraction and analysis. The digital forensics lab processed his phone on Physical Analyzer (now Cellebrite Inseyets) and found that the man had taken and deleted pictures, raising suspicions. They recovered the photos, which turned out to be crime scene photos of his missing wife who was shot twice. That evidence helped them obtain a search warrant for the suspect’s house. During the house search, detectives found evidence of a firearm and ammunition, as well as blood splatter that appeared to be partially cleaned up. Based on the photos found on his phone, forensic evidence and past history, the MCSO arrested the suspect for second-degree murder of his wife and unborn child. “We designed a mobile digital forensics lab. Our search teams find the stuff and bring it out to us, and we spend more time on scene triaging the devices down. At the end of the day, we can say we went through 33 devices on scene, but only three of them actually contained contraband materials we can take back” Newbanks recalled the power of digital evidence in connecting the dots and presenting what really happened in court, saying that “the 14 photos showed really the kind of mind behind the guy that took those photos at the time, and the fact that we never had her body, it told quite the story.” The husband is now serving a life sentence for the death of his wife and her unborn child. Catching Child Predators As a North Florida ICAC Task Force member, MCSO regularly works with other agencies to combat crimes against children. In July, 2024, MCSO, with assistance from the Ocala Police Department, Chiefland Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security, concluded an online sting operation, arresting 33 child predators. During the operation, law enforcement officers posed as children online. The officers were contacted by multiple men who started sexually explicit conversations seeking to engage in sexual activity with children who they thought were between 13 and 15 years old. Many of the men arranged to meet with the children they contacted, with some traveling from outside Florida. Investigators seized at least 33 phones and 12 of them are part of federal prosecutions. “We’ve been working with Homeland to secure the federal warrants for all those [phones], so we’ve been working nonstop.” Newbanks added. Newsbanks and his team’s work played a crucial role in multiple investigations that locked up dangerous child predators including Joeseph Giampa who is serving life in prison for raping a child and a Fort McCoy man who is serving 80 years in prison for impersonating a federal agent to receive and produce child sex abuse materials (CSAM). Collaboration is Key “There’s a lot of back and forth with our examiners and our detectives.” Explaining how close collaboration helps a case, Newbanks added, “If you (investigator) work with us and you say, this is what’s going on, this is what we’re looking for, we can correlate all thosee data between the multiple phones and devices and start painting that picture for them so that they now have intel to start working off of.” Outside of ICAC, the MCSO is a member of the Secret Service Cyber Fraud Task Force. As part of the partnership, MCSO personnel received training and resources to further their knowledge and skills. Newbanks and his team also assist the Secret Service when it requires help with cases in Marion County. Likewise, the Secret Service assists the MCSO with its digital investigations when…

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

Providing preventative and corrective maintenance for 486 hold baggage scanning systems across 41 airports in the United States Smiths Detection, a global player in threat detection and security screening technologies, and a business of Smiths Group, has been awarded a seven-year contract to support TechFlow’s Integrated Logistics Support agreement to maintain hold baggage X-ray inspection systems at airports across the United States for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This contract is the largest service agreement in Smiths Detection’s history. Smiths Detection will provide preventative and corrective maintenance for Explosive Detection Systems (EDS), which includes CTX 5800, CTX 9000, CTX 9400 and CTX 9800 SEIO scanners, along with associated networking equipment. To date, Smiths Detection has 486 EDS systems operating in 41 airports across the United States. The TSA has been setting records in the number of passengers they are screening, most recently on July 7, 2024, when 3 million passengers were screened in a single day. In 2023, the TSA screened over 858 million passengers, with the daily average being 2.4 million people. Air travel demand is projected to double by 2040 according to the International Air Transport Association and the service and maintenance of security screening systems will be critical to meeting this demand. Ray Roberge, VP of Service at Smiths Detection Inc. said, “Smiths Detection is proud to announce our continued commitment to servicing our fleet of EDS machines in airports across the United States. We have built a highly skilled service organization that positions technicians and parts fulfillment centers in key locations across the country to meet our customers’ needs quickly and efficiently while delivering world-class service. Our innovative technology and world-class customer service have positioned us as a trusted partner within the aviation security industry. Each day we remain focused on making the world a safer place.” Smiths Detection is a global company in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, urban security and defence. With more than 70 years of field-tested experience, Smiths Detection delivers the solutions needed to protect society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, biological agents, and narcotics to help make the world a safer place. Read more Posts

Livingston County public safety officials say everyday security cameras can be used to dramatically accelerate response times during critical emergencies With the common goal of improving security and emergency response in the event of a critical incident, community members in Livingston County have deployed technology that turns their standard security cameras into a powerful resource for 911 Emergency Communications Center telecommunicators (911 professionals). “It’s all about response time. The key to saving lives, curtailing damage and rapidly resolving an emergency of any kind–whether it’s a natural disaster, fire, mass shooting or other criminal activity–is getting accurate information to first responders so they can take quick, decisive action,” said Mike Murphy, Livingston County Sheriff. While security cameras are ubiquitous at schools and businesses, 911 telecommunicators typically cannot access them in an emergency. Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing changes that by giving telecommunicators instant access to live video from one or multiple security cameras when a 911-triggered emergency occurs, empowering them to quickly deliver critical incident information to first responders through a partnership with RapidSOS. Telecommunicators generally rely on verbal information from 911 callers. Now, with Camera Sharing, the telecommunicator can also have ‘eyes on the scene’ and, within seconds, gather an immense amount of information. “Camera Sharing gives us a real- time view of the situation at hand as it’s unfolding,” said Kecia Williams, 911 Director, Livingston County 911 Central Dispatch, “Lots of times it takes a while to attain pertinent information from a 911 caller because they’re distraught or not clear. With Camera Sharing, we can instantly see for ourselves what’s going on, and we can get this information to the fire department, EMS or law enforcement much quicker.” Livingston County is the first county in Michigan to demo the new technology at the Livingston Educational Service Agency in Howell, an organization that works with local school districts to provide educational services and support to 26,000 students throughout the county. “I am impressed with the Camera Sharing technology and can see the potential for improving response times by first responders to critical events in our community,” said Michael Hubert, Superintendent of Livingston Educational Service Agency. Joe Bommarito of Elite Fire Safety, a division of Sciens Building Solutions, a security integrator based in Novi, Michigan, said, “Most businesses and schools already have security cameras that can easily be connected to Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing, which is a first-of-its-kind technology that has cybersecurity and privacy protections built in. As a former law enforcement officer, I believe camera sharing can significantly improve the outcome of emergencies and improve safety and security for first responders.” Dean Drako, CEO of Eagle Eye Networks said, “Livingston County is a prime example of a growing trend we’re seeing in the U.S. where entire communities – schools, businesses, public safety officials and community leaders – are working together to ensure they are prepared as possible for emergency situations.” Read More Posts