Category: Feature

ATMs have become a cornerstone for the day-to-day life of millions, but they are vulnerable to attacks. The global ATM Industry Association has reported a 12% increase in ATM crimes during 2017. Attacks often involve ATM users, potentially injuring them, and thereby causing them trauma. Since ATMs are mostly situated outside buildings and are made for use at all times of day and night, securing them is a challenge – and therefore banks are turning to more intelligent solutions. An outdoor vulnerability According to ATM Industry Association (ATMIA), there is an estimation of about 3.5 million ATMs in the world serving those in need of cash 24/7, 365 days a year. This, coupled with the fact that they hold hard cash, makes them an attractive target. Criminals target these machines, or more precisely, the people using them in numerous ways. They distract customers at ATMs in an attempt to take their cards or cash, or to steal their PINs for later use. At cases, they also install false card readers that sneak customer’s card details for reuse. On the other side of the story, banks need to deal with customers’ disputes. In the situation of a very small percentage of ATM transactions, customers question whether the transaction has been carried out as requested – or even dispute at all in real time for any error while making the withdrawal. Thus, security precautions for ATMs are an important part of an overall security solution for financial institutions. When deep learning technology steps in Inside an ATM machine, two covert cameras are installed – one trained on the user and the other on the ATM panel. Deep learning technology embedded in the ATM security system can detect any ‘abnormalities’ in the facial scenes in front of it, referring to the existing data patterns. So, if there is another face in the picture (for example someone looking over a user’s shoulder, or if the person wearing a mask), an alarm can be triggered in the security center. By using the same technology, the security system can also flag if the number pad is covered with a strip to steal PIN codes, or if a false card reader (or ‘skimmer’) is present to steal card details. All of these ‘smart’ alarms streamline the security monitoring processes, meaning that security personnel can react to real-time scenarios and would not waste time on false alarms. The footage can also provide evidence for any investigation. Hikvision solution Hikvision DeepinMind NVR – a robust deep learning ‘engine’ – takes information from the camera and analyses it using deep learning algorithms. This also ‘manages’ footage in conjunction with other NVRs and a video management system, providing a powerful tool set for security and business intelligence. Securing assets and mitigating risks through security solution is a lot easier with deep learning technology. Even ATMs outside a building can be safer, avoiding fraud and protecting customers every day.  

At worst, unplanned downtime in a critical environment can cause a catastrophic event that negatively impacts public safety and/ or the environment on a mass scale. At best, it could mean production losses costing thousands, or even millions, of dollars. A predictive maintenance strategy that incorporates Axis technology can help companies minimize costly downtime and improve their bottom lines. At worst, unplanned downtime in a critical environment can cause a catastrophic event that negatively impacts public safety and/ or the environment on a mass scale. At best, it could mean production losses costing thousands, or even millions, of dollars. A predictive maintenance strategy that incorporates Axis technology can help companies minimize costly downtime and improve their bottom lines. Considering the stakes, it’s no wonder that companies are transitioning from a reactive to a preventive and even predictive maintenance strategy. But many of these companies are still relying on an ‘old-school’ route-based approach – sending technicians out at scheduled intervals to physically assess and record critical asset findings. For a typical commercial petroleum company with over 20,000 well sites, this represents a significant cost. And inevitably, critical assets will either be over-maintained or under-maintained as they rarely break-down on schedule. When the cost of oil is low every barrel counts. But operational efficiency is key to a healthy bottom line. That’s why progressive companies are adopting a predictive maintenance strategy that includes distributed online monitoring. With advancements in automation, wireless technology, SCADA systems and solar powered hardened devices, remote data collection from permanent sensors provides much better insight on the status of critical assets and helps keep operations flowing smoothly. Let’s look at how Axis technology is ‘fueling’ this trend Thermal imaging for better flare stack monitoring The controlled combustion of excess gases in the chemical and petrochemical industry is essential to eliminate pressure on critical assets. Should the flame go out, it poses a serious health and safety risk for workers – and carries a hefty fine from environmental authorities. Axis thermal cameras provide better flare stack monitoring, ensuring a stable thermal profile and proactively sending an alarm to operators if the flame decreases. Explosion protected cameras improve health & safety In hazardous environments, preventing injuries and fatalities is paramount – both for the safety and well-being of workers, as well as the associated downtime cost. Certified for explosion-prone applications according to all applicable international standards, Axis explosion-protected cameras allow HSE site engineers to monitor areas where accidents typically occur – such as the working of tubulars on drilling rigs. Additionally, their temperature alarm camera monitors for temperature deviations and leaks in critical assets – to prevent an incident before it occurs. A new and attractively priced alternative to traditional steel housings, the AXIS F101-A XF P1367 is specifically designed for hazardous environments. Its lightweight aluminum housing is Class I/II/III, Division 1, Zone 1, ATEX and IECEx certified, it’s easy to configure remotely, and it delivers clear images in challenging light conditions. The red color also helps workers locate it to signal operators in emergency situations. Real-time condition-based monitoring With the advancement of video imaging and processing power, network cameras are a valuable redundancy in condition-based monitoring systems – providing visual confirmation of sensor alerts and full situational awareness in an emergency. Edge-based video analytics enable the cameras themselves to serve as a primary sensor for HSE engineers  to detect e.g., occupancy levels on a drilling rig, PPE compliance, or obstructed evacuation routes. Better communication with network speakers With Axis network speakers, it’s easy to communicate both live and alert-based pre-recorded messages to workers in remote locations – to warn of a safety risk or instruct them to take action on a sensor alarm. With the introduction of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) speakers, oil and gas companies also save on the maintenance and implementation cost of PA systems. What’s more, the system can scale without having to upgrade proprietary, bulky amplifier racks, and the integration of Axis speakers and cameras is a simple one-click configuration process. Connected technology Axis network I/O relay modules extend the functionality of any Axis device and integrate with other facility systems such as fire alarm, HVAC and BMS. This technology is particularly useful in extending the I/O signals from any field-based temperature sensor to the central SCADA system to trigger, for example, strobe lighting, loudspeaker messaging and camera recordings in an emergency. Reliable intrusion protection Any unauthorized physical intrusion can have a major impact on critical assets and cause downtime. With an Axis intrusion protection solution, one can safeguard the whole site – from perimeter to critical core. A combination of thermal, radar and PTZ technology detects, identifies and tracks intruders. Access control limits free movement in critical or hazardous areas, and audio capabilities with alarm-based pre-recorded messages deter any unauthorized entry. Getting more from your technology It all comes back to operational efficiency contributing to a healthy bottom line. A complete system of Axis video, intelligent analytics, access control and audio address all key aspects of critical infrastructure protection – intrusion, operational efficiency and health and safety – all of which present risks to unplanned downtime. By incorporating Axis solutions in the condition-based monitoring strategy, the user can more easily detect incidents before they happen and keep production up and running.  

ATMs have become a cornerstone for the day-to-day life of millions, but they are vulnerable to attacks. The global ATM Industry Association has reported a 12% increase in ATM crimes during 2017. Attacks often involve ATM users, potentially injuring them, and thereby causing them trauma. Since ATMs are mostly situated outside buildings and are made to use at all the times of a day and night, securing them is a challenge – and therefore banks are turning to more intelligent solutions. An outdoor vulnerability According to ATM Industry Association (ATMIA), there is an estimation of about 3.5 million ATMs in the world serving those in need of cash 24/7, 365 days a year. This, coupled with the fact that they hold hard cash, makes them an attractive target. Criminals target these machines, or more precisely, the people using them in numerous ways. They distract customers at ATMs in an attempt to take their cards or cash, or to steal their PINs for later use. At cases, they also install false card readers that sneak customer’s card details for reuse. On the other side of the story, banks need to deal with customers’ disputes. In the situation of a very small percentage of ATM transactions, customers question whether the transaction has been carried out as requested – or even dispute at all in real time for any error while making the withdrawal. Thus, security precautions for ATMs are an important part of an overall security solution for financial institutions. When deep learning technology steps in Inside an ATM machine, two covert cameras are installed – one trained on the user and the other on the ATM panel. Deep learning technology embedded in the ATM security system can detect any ‘abnormalities’ in the facial scene in front of it, referring to the existing data patterns. So, if there is another face in the picture (for example someone looking over a user’s shoulder, or if the person wearing a mask), an alarm can be triggered in the security center. By using the same technology, the security system can also flag if the number pad is covered with a strip to steal PIN codes, or if a false card reader (or ‘skimmer’) is present to steal card details. All of these ‘smart’ alarms streamline the security monitoring processes, meaning that security personnel can react to real-time scenarios and would not waste time on false alarms. The footage can also provide evidence for any investigation. Hikvision solution Hikvision DeepinMind NVR – a robust deep learning ‘engine’ – takes information from the camera and analyses it using deep learning algorithms. This also ‘manages’ footage in conjunction with other NVRs and a video management system, providing a powerful toolset for security and business intelligence. Securing assets and mitigating risks through security solution is a lot easier with deep learning technology. Even ATMs outside a building can be safer, avoiding fraud and protecting customers every day.  

In the 21st century, shopping malls have become the symbol of prosperity. They are omnipresent across the globe – especially in metropolitan cities. India, which is one of the fastest growing economies of the world today, is also not lagging and has made a remarkable part of this global phenomenon that is fast spreading its footprints in Tier-II and Tier-III cities of the country. Shopping malls are also transforming the landscape of rural India. The nondescript and sleepy towns have become vibrant and are buzzing with commercial activities with population drawn to the ambience of flowing music, entertainment, glitter of lights, and opulence of the variety in the stores. Today malls which have become synonymous to shopping culture across all sections of urban India present a potent symbol of rising middle class, and have become the ultimate destination for the shoppers with wish lists in their hands. Other side of the coin – Easy target for terrorist attacks While visiting shopping malls is normally a must in today’s time, they have also become an easy target for terrorist attacks. The brazen and gruesome attacks by terrorists on shopping malls in the past decades have left a very tragic, devastating and emotionally wrenching scars down the memory lane of the entire human race. An analysis by Rand Corporation in 2006 reported 60 such attacks on shopping malls in 21 countries since 1998. A mere glance at the historical data of such heinous acts of terrorists as available on Google and tabulated below is very scary, and needs serious attention of the security professionals. Peculiarities of shopping malls The shopping malls are very different from the likes of airports which provide specific and specialized customer services and travel experience. Same is the case when we compare shopping malls with shopping complexes which fall grossly short of quality shopping experiences. The shopping malls are prominently crowd centric as footfalls are the core of their business model. They are usually fat in area – spread in lakhs of square feet of retail space, and multi-storeyed – to house a remarkably large number of stores to ensure all famous international brands are available. Food courts and cineplexes, casinos and pubs, kids play zones, promotional activity zone etc. are the major attractions of malls. Other facilities include large multilevel parking spaces for vehicles, gen sets for power back-ups, escalators and passenger lifts for easy movements of the shoppers, 24×7 presence of the security and facility management personnel, flashy glitter of colorful LED lights in stores and surroundings, and so on. Security challenges in shopping malls To be commercially viable and attractive, the shopping malls have got inherently to be in open areas – with wide ranging access for retailers and shoppers and therefore with copious car parking capacity and other above given facilities. This increases the potential vulnerability and challenges before the security system. Some of the other major challenges faced by the security in a shopping mall are: a) Multiple stakeholders – The ownership of the shopping malls is usually in the hands of many stakeholders. b) Large crowd – The sheer numbers are sitting ducks that invite terrorist attacks. c) Access to public – Malls thrive on footfalls and thus allow unimpeded access to all. d) Centre of attraction – Attract wide cross section of the population. e) Business models – The marginal cost of additional security measures is termed extremely high. f) Personal privacy vs security – Frisking, search and X-ray scanning of baggage are generally not longed for by the shoppers and hence rarely allowed. g) Unwillingness for enhanced security – Most countries are not willing to turn shopping malls into fortresses for various obvious reasons. Risks and threats The spectrum of risks and threats to the security of a shopping mall can thus be summarized in terms of – shop lifting by shoppers, theft and pilferage by the employees of stores, accidents and thefts in car parking, public violence in casinos and pubs, fire incidents for varied apparent reasons, bomb threats and active shooter incidents, inappropriate behavior in passenger lifts and parking amounting to sexual harassment, and many more. Active shooter Amongst the risks and threats listed above, active shooters are the biggest security threat. They are highly trained, hard core, motivated and mission oriented crusader with a singular aim to damage public and their assets. The characteristics of a shopping mall offer them the freedom to gauge the security envelope through repeated reconnaissance and surveillance of the target points and areas, and then strike at right place and time of his choosing within the vulnerabilities identified.   Post 9/11 scenario The aftermath of 9/11 attack on Twin Trade World Towers, New York in the USA, which shook the mindset of a large section of countries, has enabled a dramatic change in the entire security outlook of these infrastructures. The profile of the shopping malls has started deeply embedding security and safety in their processes to leave very marginal and reduced scope of security lapses. The HHMD (hand held metal detectors), DFMD (door frame metal detectors), X-ray scanners and CCTV surveillance play the key role in reinforcing todays’ security umbrella. The AI (Artificial Intelligence) enabled systems for tracking a suspect through facial recognition technology is the latest addition to the recent fleet of security gadgets. The scope of integrating security and surveillance devices has further augmented the viability of security system. The presence of security personnel in civil clothes to ensure that they remain unobtrusive and un-conspicuous while attempting to identify suspicious elements within the Mall serves a big deterrent. However, one needs to home on the ideology of terrorists to figure out the probability of an imminent terrorist attack. Why a shopping mall cannot be made an impregnable fortress A one line answer suffices to address this issue that a stringent security arrangement goes totally against the ethos, culture and experience level expected by both shoppers and retailers – as with such deployments the very purpose of creating malls…

Today’s shoppers have less time than ever to get their grocery shopping done, and they expect a fast and easy purchasing experience. Waiting to pay is a huge problem for retailers and shoppers alike. Customers who find themselves in a seemingly endless line may grow intensely frustrated – upto the point that they abandon the store. Long checkout lines are therefore damaging customer relationships.   In fact, a recent study from Forrester Research and Digimarc stated that long lines are one of the main reasons for shopping abandonment. To avoid wasting time, more than half of shoppers would like to spend less money in a store, or even walk away entirely. Shorten the lines with queue detection technology So how to keep waiting times to a minimum and react quickly to growing checkout lines – intelligent queue detection technology is the answer. To tackle this problem, many forward thinking retailers are now using queue detection technology to keep track of lines in real time during the checkout process. Queue detection technology uses cameras to count the number of people in a line to a predetermined threshold of customers. Once the number reaches the threshold, and more customers are continuing to wait, the system alerts store management to open new checkouts. New customers, increased revenues and smarter staffing Given the importance that customers place on a fast checkout process, reducing wait times is a key investment opportunity. Retailers that boost checkout efficiency can not only please their existing customers, but also entice new customers who may have avoided shopping there previously. Customers may also spend more money if checkout is faster. In a study by Oracle, 94% of respondents stated that they buy food and beverages at sporting events – and 58% of these respondents said they would spend even more money if they didn’t have to wait in lines. What’s more – over time, queue detection technology can enable managers to improve the operational efficiency of a store. Armed with new insight into the typical throughput of customers at different times, managers can scale staffing levels up and down accordingly Hikvision: the market leader in queue detection Hikvision’s market-leading queue detection technology is purpose-built to offer cutting-edge flow analysis to retail outlets including supermarkets, exhibition halls, chain stores, and any such situation where waiting to pay is required. Embedded into their high definition cameras, and powered by deep learning algorithms, this easy-to-use technology is highly accurate at counting people, and can even recognize different individuals and their specific dwell time. Store management can set thresholds for the maximum number of people in an area – be it the checkout or elsewhere – as well as for the longest stay duration of a single person. Once a threshold is exceeded, the system will immediately alert managers so they can take appropriate action.