Category: Feature
Dahua Accomplished New Milestone
15 January 2018 made a remarkable day of extraordinary significance for Dahua when they achieved a new milestone by making the sale of 10,000,000th HDCVI recorder in the overseas market – they shipped their 10 millionth XVR (DHI-XVR5108HS-4KL) to Poland. The number demonstrates huge popularity of HDCVI technology which reflects Dahua’s continuous dedication to technology advancement to deliver exceptional value meeting customers’ needs in security surveillance. Despite the overall trend of migrating from analog to IP, Dahua HDCVI recorded 30% growth in 2017 and Dahua HDCVI recorder has been installed in more than 150 countries in 6 continents. HDCVI is a revolutionary technology that has initiated a new era of 720P/ 1080P HD monitoring for the industry. It provides a high-resolution surveillance solution alternative to IP video, with added benefit of simplicity and immunity to cyber-attack. Over the next five years, Dahua upgraded it into HDCVI 4.0, which boasts several major technological breakthroughs in terms of higher resolution, more efficient encoder, power over cable, smartness and compatibility. Notably, Power over Coax (PoC) transmits both video and electrical power over a single coaxial cable, which eliminates separate camera power supplies and further simplifies system deployment with true plug & play, benefiting Dahua customers and end users. HDCVI recorder has also been developed to support five types of cameras namely HDCVI/ AHD/ TVI/ CVBS/ IP. Resolution has evolved from HD to QHD/ UHD thanks to HDCVI-4M/ 4K technology. The required storage space has realized a 70% reduction due to encoding technology advancement from H.264 to H.264+.HDCVI recorder becomes increasingly popular globally. It is used in various crucial projects/ places, including banking system in India and Enso Hotel in Indonesia. 2018 will also see an era of H.265 when a series of H.265 powered products will be released delivering a maximum bandwidth compression up to 90%. Moreover, with more advanced artificial intelligence powered by deep learning algorithms, HDCVI-AI recorder will be able to enable a series of intelligent statistical analysis of video contents.
INTERPOL Digital Security Challenge
Do you know how to protect your webcam from being hacked? Would you know if a cybercriminal was using your printer to carry out cyberattacks? While most of us are aware of the dangers that cybercriminals can pose to our computers and mobile phones and take steps to protect them, we seldom consider how these threats can affect the growing number of Internet vc connected devices we use in our daily lives. The ‘Internet of Things’ All devices which can connect to the Internet – collectively called the ‘Internet of Things’ or IoT – are potentially at risk of a cyberattack. Everyday personal items like video cameras, refrigerators and televisions can be used by cybercriminals for malicious means. Cyberattacks targeting or using IoT devices have increased significantly in the past two years, according to several reports from the private cybersecurity industry. An example was the Mirai botnet, which in 2016 infected tens of thousands of devices, mostly Internet routers, with weak password security. These were then used in coordinated distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks against websites worldwide including a university and several media sites. In the world of cybercrime, the number of IoT devices a criminal has access to is seen as a sign of their status. Although police around the world are developing the skills necessary to forensically examine computers and mobile phones, they are often not aware of how to collect evidence from other connected devices. The latest edition of the INTERPOL Digital Security Challenge tackled this threat, with 43 cybercrime investigators and digital forensics experts from 23 countries investigating a simulated cyberattack on a bank launched through an IoT device. “Cybercrime investigations are becoming more and more complex and operational exercises such as the Digital Security Challenge, which simulate some of the hurdles that investigators face every day, are vital for the development of our capacities,” said Peter Goldgruber, Secretary General of the Austrian Ministry of the Interior. Meeting the challenge I n the scenario, cybercriminals attacked a bank in an attempt to steal large sums of money. The investigators analysed the bank’s computers to identify the date, time and files where the malware installed by the criminals. Through this digital forensic examination, the teams discovered the malware was contained in an e-mail attachment sent via a webcam which had been hacked, and not directly from a computer. This is an emerging modus operandi, as it is more difficult to identify the source of the attack. Once the teams accessed the digital data held by the compromised webcam, they identified the command and control server being used to remotely control the device to conduct the cyberattack. Further evidence led to the identification of a second command and control server, and the investigators identified technical vulnerabilities of the servers which could be used to prevent further attacks. Noboru Nakatani, Executive Director of the INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation said the scenario provided a learning experience on how to conduct real-world investigations more effectively. “The ever-changing world of cybercrime is constantly presenting new challenges for law enforcement, but we cannot successfully counter them by working in isolation. “A multi-stakeholder approach which engages the expertise of the private sector is essential for anticipating new threats and ensuring police have access to the technology and knowledge necessary to detect and investigate cyberattacks,” said Mr Nakatani. Tips for safeguarding IoT devices: Change the factory default passwords – these can be the same for hundreds or thousands of devices, making it easy for criminals to hack; Regularly update all software; Disable features which allow the device to be accessed remotely; Take extra care when buying used devices – you don’t know what the previous owner installed on the device. Sharing expertise Conducted annually, INTERPOL’s Digital Security Challenge helps police worldwide develop the skills necessary to tackle the latest cybercrime threats. The first two events in 2016 and 2017 simulated cyber blackmail involving bitcoin and a ransomware attack. This year’s three-day (19-21 February) event was organized in close I n the Americas, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes are occurring more frequently, so unimpeded mass communication during these events is critical. MNS software is often employed so companies can communicate with their employees, federal agencies, university students and the general public. More channels of communication available in these types of events, means more people can reach safety faster and more lives can be saved. In Western Europe, the second-largest market for MNS software, weather-related incidents occur less often, How Catastrophic Events are Changing Mass-Notification System Market By Robert Brooks – Analyst, Security and Building Technologies, IHS Markit cooperation with the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Vienna and private sector partners NEC Corporation and Cyber Defense Institute. “NEC has contributed as a strategic partner to INTERPOL’s commitment to improve the cybersecurity skills of investigators throughout the world. For the third year, NEC is honored to have helped develop the Digital Security Challenge by providing our expertise at this cutting-edge event,” said Kozo Matsuo, Vice President of NEC Corporation’s Cyber Security Strategy Division.’ Training sessions to develop participants’ practical knowledge on IoT device analysis and the latest trends in malware-related crime were delivered by specialists from NEC Corporation, InfoSec, Meiya Pico, SECOM, Kaspersky Lab and Trendso the need for MNS software is lower than in the Americas. While individual countries might deal with specific weather threats – like blizzards and freezes in Sweden and flooding in the UK – in 2017 the United States alone experienced four major hurricanes. Mass-notification system (MNS) software used in emergency communication, the primary segment used during a catastrophic event, is expected to grow in the Americas at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8 percent from 2017 to 2021, reaching $293.1 million in 2021. Micro. Support was also provided by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Kenji Hironaka, President of Cyber Defense Institute said, “We are proud to have provided forensic content and technical support during all three INTERPOL Digital Security Challenge events. We will…
Traditional Switch Port Security
With Cybersecurity becoming an increasingly important factor in designing modern Ethernet networks, ComNet have launched an industry first edge security feature that is both simple, secure and easy to configure and use. The ComNet exclusive Port Guardian feature has the capability to physically disable a port if unauthorized access is detected. The value in Port Guardian comes in situations where network intrusion is attempted by disconnecting an IP addressable device at the edge to connect to the network. When Port Guardian senses this disconnect, an SNMP notification is sent to the head end and the affected port is physically locked out, preventing access. The network administrator can re-enable the port once the threat is eliminated. This feature also thwarts access through ‘Spoofing’ by disabling the port as soon as an interruption is sensed. Layer 2 managed switches can typically implement port security which consists of checking incoming packets for a matching MAC address. If a packet with a valid MAC address is received on a particular port then the switch will allow that packet to pass through the switching fabric of the switch as normal. If a packet with an invalid MAC source address is received on the switch port then that packet is dropped by the switch and is not allowed to proceed any further and therefore, this provides a basic level of security as only traffic from the user defined MAC address is allowed on that port. With this method it is therefore possible to easily implement basic port security against a potential intruder from removing the original device and replacing it with a device designed for network intrusion or from cutting the cable that went to the original device and connecting this cable to their own network intrusion device to gain access to the network. This level of protection is common amongst most layer 2 managed switches on the market today and indeed all ComNet managed switches support this capability as standard. This feature is referred to by many names including (but not limited to) the following: Port locking. MAC locking. Port security. MAC filtering. What’s wrong with traditional switch port security? The issue with the traditional Layer 2 MAC filtering/ locking as previously described is that it can be defeated with relative ease in a matter of minutes by using readily available software which can artificially alter the MAC address of the sender to match whatever the potential intruder wants. In the example below the intruder will alter the MAC address of their laptop to use the same MAC address of the authorised camera and gain access to the network. How would the intruder know what MAC to spoof? So how would a potential intruder know the MAC address of the camera (in this example) in order to be able to spoof that address from their laptop and gain network access? This could be done in several ways but one simple way could be to use a low cost network tap device so the camera is briefly unplugged and then connected to the tap and then quickly re-connected to the network again. The operator would see video loss for some seconds but would unlikely put this down to a potential intruder if it was even noticed at all. How does port guardian prevent such intrusions? At the basic level Port Guardian works as a layer 1 protection system so the actual data being sent on the port is not important and the switch does not need to know anything about it. Port Guardian constantly monitors the enabled ports and as soon as it detects that a cable has been unplugged or there is a link down event that port will be immediately disabled and the network administrator notified via an SNMP alert (and optionally by a local contact relay if supported on the particular switch model) to the potential intrusion. What happens after Port Guardian locks out a port? Once Port Guardian has been triggered on a certain port then that port is in a permanent lock out condition and will appear to be dead to the potential intruder (no LEDs or anything will work on that port). The port will remain in this lock out condition even if the original legitimate device is re-connected. The lock out state can only be cleared by the network administrator through one of 4 possible methods as outlined below SNMP reset command issued. Reset via Web GUI. Port Guardian reset command issued from the local USB serial port CLI. A contact input is closed (only available on models that have contact inputs). The contact input method is user configurable and is not enabled by default. What about cycling power to the switch? This is another user configurable option. The port lock out states can be set to clear on a power cycle or they can be set to go into lock out condition in the event of a power cycle (this would be the most secure option). So how can Port Guardian be used in networks? There are really two distinct ways to use the Port Guardian feature and the correct implementation depends on how secure the location is where your remote ComNet edge switch (with Port Guardian feature) is located. An outline description and visual example of both scenarios follows. Edge switch in secure location scenario I f the ComNet edge field switch is installed within a secure location then there is no concern about an intruder gaining access to the physical switch itself so one could enable Port Guardian just on the ports where he has edge devices connected that are physically located outside of the secure location and not enable Port Guardian on the uplink port(s) which are part of the secure network. In this scenario one could also set the option to have a power cycle clear any locked out ports as again he would not be as concerned with a potential intruder being able to power cycle the switch itself. Edge switch in…
Reducing False Alarms with Deep Learning
The Deep Learning phenomenon continues to excite the IT world, with computing power now at the level where it can be properly used in practical applications. Hikvision has been at the forefront of applying the technology in the surveillance industry and beyond, and has already released its first set of products that harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI). The concept of deep learning takes inspiration from the way the human brain works. Our brains can be seen as a very complex deep learning model. Brain neural networks comprise billions of interconnected neurons; deep learning simulates this structure. These multi-layer networks can collect information and perform corresponding actions according to an analysis of that information. In the past two years, the technology has excelled in speech recognition, computer vision, voice translation and much more. It has even surpassed human capabilities in the areas of facial verification and image classification, and hence has been highly regarded in the field of video surveillance in the security industry Its ability to enhance the recognition of human beings – for example, distinguishing them from animals – makes the technology a great addition to the security arsenal. This is especially relevant in a world where false alarms account for 94%-99% of all alarms, according to police and fire service statistics. How deep learning works Deep learning is intrinsically different from other algorithms. The way it solves the insufficiencies of tradetional algorithms is encompassed in the following aspects. The algorithmic model for deep learning has a much deeper structure than the traditional algorithms. Sometimes, the number of layers can reach over a hundred, enabling it to process large amounts of data in complex classifications. Deep learning is very similar to the human learning process, and has a layer-by-layer feature-abstraction process. Each layer will have different ‘weighting,’ and this weighting reflects on what was learnt about the images’ ‘components.’ The higher the layer level, the more specific the components are. Just like the human brain, an original signal in deep learning passes through layers of processing; next, it takes a partial understanding (shallow) to an overall abstraction (deep) where it can perceive the object. Deep learning does not require manual intervention, but relies on a computer to extract features by itself. This way, it is able to extract as many features from the target as possible, including abstract features that are difficult or impossible to describe. The more are the features the more accurate the recognition and classification will be. Some of the most direct benefits that deep learning algorithms can bring include achieving comparable or even better-than-human pattern recognition accuracy, strong anti-interference capabilities, and the ability to classify and recognize thousands of features. Challenges of existing systems Conventional surveillance systems, mostly detect moving targets, without further analysis. Even smart IP cameras can only map individual points on a shape one by one, making it difficult to calibrate some features (e.g., forehead or cheek), thus decreasing accuracy. For perimeter security, for example, other technologies can be (and are) used to provide more comprehensive security, but they all have their downsides. Infrared emission detectors can be ‘jumped over’ but are also prone to false alarms caused by animals. Electronic fences can be a safety hazard, and are limited in certain areas. Some of these solutions can also be expensive and complicated to install. An object such as animals, leaves, or even light can cause false alarms, so being able to identify the presence of a human shape really improves the accuracy of perimeter VCA functions. Frequent false alarms are always an issue for endusers, who need to spend time to investigate each one, potentially delaying any necessary response and generally affecting efficiency. Imagine, for example, a scenario where it’s relatively quiet – a location at night where there are few cars and people around. Even here, there could be 50 false alarms in a night. Assuming it takes 2-3 minutes to check out a false alarm, and that just 3 out of the 50 warrant more attention – say 15 minutes each, a guard either needs to check the system and look back at the alert, or someone needs to be dispatched to the location and look around, checking if anyone has indeed ‘entered without permission.’ In most organizations, these would need to be reported/ recorded too, adding to the overall time spent on this ‘false alarm.’ So, those 50 false alarms could cost more than two hours each night of wasted time in that scenario. Deep learning, however, makes a big difference. With a large amount of good quality data from the cameras and other sources, like the Hikvision Research Institute, and over a hundred data cleaning team members to label the video images, sample data with millions of categories within the industry have been accumulated. With this large amount of quality training data, human, vehicle, and object pattern recognition models become more and more accurate for video surveillance use. Based on a series of experiments, the recognition accuracy of solutions using the deep learning algorithm increased accuracy by 38% – applying this to the previous example, that’s a saving of nearly one hour each night. This makes deep learning technology a great advantage in a perimeter security solution, with much more accurate line crossing, intrusion, entrance and exit detection. Other uses The value of deep learning technology stretches further than traditional security. For example, tracking movement patterns of individuals can see if they are ‘loitering’ and a potential threat in the future. A threshold could be set to five meters radius of movement, or ten seconds of staying in the same place. If the person passes either threshold, an alarm could be triggered. The solution tracks the individual and compares this behaviour to a database to see if it recognizes a pattern. Another application would be in a scenario where ‘falling down’ could be a threat, like an elderly care home. If a height threshold was set at 0.5m and duration time 10 seconds, the…
Dallmeier Protecting Drivers and Goods
In recent years, a particular form of criminality has become more widespread on Europe’s major highways: the theft of valuable commercial goods, vehicles and their cargoes. The financial cost is enormous: German insurers pay an average of a million euros per business day for lost commercial goods alone. On top of this, property damage must be considered, and no less important are the threat and uncertainty felt by many drivers. Even the fuel tanks on lorries have been targeted by organised crime, and accordingly theft of fuel has become a regular cause of annoyance to drivers and hauliers alike. In recent times, the police have been called to investigate as many as nine criminal offences a week at the Theeßen Euro Rastpark on Eastern Europe Route A2. The company has recorded high crime rates elsewhere too. Respected logistics companies were even compelled to warn their driving personnel about less safe routes. The situation could not be allowed to continue, and Euro Rastpark began working with other members of the Association of German Off-motorway Truck Stop Owners (VEDA) to combat the problems by developing a security concept that addressed actual conditions. The solution: Premium parking areas Euro Rastpark now offers premium parking areas that are screened and monitored according to VEDA standards for lorries at seven of its truck stops. Their aim was to develop a security solution that could be implemented quickly and without prohibitive expense. Managing director Johannes Witt explains the concept, “We have not relied on expensive construction, but rather on pragmatic detection and deterrent measures such as restricted approach roads, the best possible lighting and complete documentation of all movements by vehicles and people.” For the full-coverage detection of all movements, they decided to use an economical and top-quality video observation solution offered by another Regensburg-based company, the technology pioneer Dallmeier. Accordingly, DF5200HD-DN/ IR type high resolution infrared cameras have now been deployed to improve security on the approach and departure roads to the separate lorry parking areas at the Theeßen Euro Rastpark. The video system is set up so that the vehicle licence plates are clearly readable not only by day, but also in night recording mode. The video data is backed up reliably by the DMS 2400 appliance, one of the most powerful recording solutions in Dallmeier’s inventory. During the project, Euro Rastpark seized the opportunity and commissioned Dallmeier to install cameras for observing the refuelling lanes as well as the retail area and cash registers in the service station shop. In all, 24 camera systems are now operational and between them they monitor all critical areas. The 96 lorry parking spaces at the Theeßen truck stop now constitute a further precinct of safety and calm within a zone that is fully protected by video technology. Protection for drivers and goods The number of thefts of vehicles, goods and fuel from the secured parking area has fallen dramatically. These new security zones also mean that the drivers can work with more peace of mind, since they do not have to worry about the safety of their valuable cargoes, or even their personal safety on top of the normal cares of a demanding job. “Since we started this initiative, the number of robberies has fallen massively,” confirms Witt. More protection and comfort for drivers, theft prevention for goods and operating equipment – video technology from Dallmeier ensures that the logistics chain does not break down on the roads and highways.
ASIS International Launches New Website & Online Community
ASIS International has unveiled a refreshed, mobile-centric website and online community focused on improved and personalized content, user-centric search and commerce, and improved information sharing and collaboration among security professionals worldwide. The website, www.asisonline.org, features a dramatically enhanced user experience including powerful search capabilities, an extensively researched taxonomy that drives content organization, and a more intuitive navigation structure. An exciting new feature is the Launching New Website & Online Community Digital transformation focused on seamless user experience across devices; collaboration among security professionals launch of ASIS Connects, the Society’s new online community. Designed exclusively for security professionals, it provides a robust, user-friendly platform for peer-to-peer problem solving and collaboration. “These technology upgrades are just the start of a multi-year effort that will transform how the Society engages with members and the security profession as a whole,” said Peter J. O’Neil, CEO, ASIS International, “By creating a search-centric site and secure community platform, ASIS will be able to help security professionals at their ‘moment of need’ by providing relevant, timely resources in a device agnostic interface.” Community features include a resource library stocked with case studies, best practices, book excerpts, security management articles, and education recording; an easy-to-use discussion forum for security professionals to engage with and learn from each other; and a robust online directory to allow for thoughtful relationship building. “ASIS members work each day to create safe workplaces and communities worldwide,” said Richard E. Chase, CPP, PCI, PSP, 2018 President, ASIS International, “This shared commitment and desire to see each other succeed is what makes our profession so unique. And, ASIS Connects is designed to help facilitate this exchange of ideas and information. Members can leverage the diversity of experience and expertise from their global peer network to get fresh perspectives on daily challenges and expert insight on new and emerging threats.” In the months ahead, ASIS Connects will feature topic-based discussion forums and chapter and event management tools, making it easier for security professionals to engage with the Society on the local, national, and global levels.
F&S Predictions for Sensors in the Security & Surveillance Market
The Internet of Things (IoT) is bringing about a new era of connectivity in the digital age, connecting critical business sectors through a network of secure data flow, analytics, and management. It’s also bringing numerous opportunities for sensor participants through security technologies required for remote services and enhanced accessibility of devices. The total sensors market in security and surveillance applications was worth $6,267.9 million in 2016, with image sensors holding the largest market share at 23 percent. The market is expected to reach $12,012.1 million by 2023. North America and EMEA dominate the market, driven by aging infrastructures, but APAC is the fastest growing due to rapid infrastructure development, strong economic growth, and favorable government regulations. However, challenges for sensor manufacturers and suppliers include increased competition, leading to pricing pressures, lack of product differentiation, and lack of common global standards. Frost & Sullivan’s recent analysis, Sensors in Security & Surveillance, Global Forecast to 2023, covers global trends for sensors used in security and surveillance applications across industries such as industrial, commercial, institutional, building automation, infrastructure, and security and defense. The analysis also explores the impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) on security and surveillance. The growth of IoT is contributing to rapidly evolving security requirements, with the areas of robotics and biometric and RFID sensors offering the greatest opportunities. Robotics is expected to be the future of security and surveillance, with considerable investments in research and development in this space. In addition, the demand for drones and AGVs remains strong, especially in defense, commercial, and institutional spaces. “In commercial and residential applications, biometric recognition used in access control systems is also witnessing a gradual increase in interest,” said Ram Ravi, Industry Analyst, Frost & Sullivan, “In addition, cloud networking, a revolutionary two-way interactive service delivery platform, is expected to create a technological explosion in the homes and buildings services market, particularly in commercial and residential security applications. This will enable homes and buildings participants to adopt new business models to provide attractive cloud-based services through a secured network.” Three big predictions for sensors in the global security and surveillance market: Internet of Things (IoT) is paving the way for industry convergence and enabling machine-to-machine (M2M) communications for better business decisions. Sensors form the physical layer of the IoT architecture; Development of new communication protocols will ensure interoperability and provide standardization, particularly in applications for perimeter security, intrusion detection, and access control systems; and Retail, healthcare, and finance are all expected to offer considerable growth opportunities for sensors in biometrics.
Raytheon Global Study: Data Breach is Inevitable
A new global cybersecurity study commissioned by Raytheon, in partnership with Ponemon Institute, reveals a majority of senior-level IT professionals fully expect their organization will experience a catastrophic data breach that could greatly impact shareholder value. The 2018 Global Megatrends in Cybersecurity survey of 1,100 senior-level IT and IT security global practitioners also shows that despite growing threats, IT professionals believe cybersecurity is still not considered a strategic priority among senior leadership. “Our hope is that CISOs and senior leaders can use this report as a tool to start a deep dialogue about the critical need for cybersecurity within their organizations,” said Raytheon Chairman and CEO Thomas A. Kennedy, “Every day the cyber threat is growing more sophisticated and aggressive, posing a real threat to global businesses across all sectors. To reduce risks, leaders must urgently work with their IT teams to identify potential vulnerabilities, develop an action plan and make the investments needed to protect the value of their organization.” The study looks at how cyber trends have evolved since Raytheon first sponsored the research in 2015. It also asks security professionals in the U.S., Europe, Middle East and North Africa to identify future trends Global Study Cybersecurity professionals believe a catastrophic data breach to their organization is inevitable over the next three years. Key findings include: 82% of respondents predict their workplace will suffer a catastrophic data breach in the next three years as a result of unsecured IoT devices. 66% say such an attack would seriously diminish shareholder value. 67% believe cyber extortion such as ransomware and data breaches will increase in frequency and payout. 60% predict nation-state attacks against government and commercial organizations will worsen and could potentially lead to a cyber war. 46% believe their cybersecurity strategy will improve, down from 59% in 2015. ● 60% expect their companies will have to spend more to achieve regulatory compliance and respond to lawsuits and litigation. Despite growing concerns about sophisticated and persistent cyber threats, only 36% of respondents believe senior leadership consider cybersecurity a strategic priority. Senior leadership are also seen as seemingly disengaged in the oversight of their organization’s cybersecurity strategy with 68% of CISO/ IT executives surveyed saying their Boards are not being briefed on measures taken to prevent or mitigate the consequences of a cyberattack. “Conversations around cybersecurity resiliency are happening among our nation’s top intelligence chiefs, yet business leaders still have not made cybersecurity a business priority,” said Dr. Larry Ponemon, Chairman and Founder of Ponemon Institute, “This important research reveals an urgent need for executives to appropriately address cyber threats against their organizations.” Raytheon Company is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions. With a history of innovation spanning 96 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration, C5I™ products and services, sensing, effects, and mission support for customers in more than 80 countries. The Ponemon Institute is dedicated to advancing responsible information and privacy management practices in business and government. To achieve this objective, the Institute conducts independent research, educates leaders from the private and public sectors, and verifies the privacy and data protection practices of organizations in a variety of industries.
The Value of Surge Protection for Surveillance System in Multiple Sectors
At first glance, warehouses, sports stadiums, datacenters, convenience stores and healthcare facilities may not have much in common. Yet, they all house expensive equipment including security equipment, that is at risk due to power surges that can damage, degrade or destroy that equipment, and result in downtime and financial losses. While insurance may cover the cost of repairing material damage to a security system, the downtime is often not covered by insurance and can quickly surpass the cost of surge protection devices or the cost of the damaged equipment. The protection provided by a surge protector on a security system and its devices is essential to protect and to lengthen the life of a physical security system. Surge protection needs to be an integral element of the planning and design of a security system and not just an afterthought. It’s also key to choose the right surge protection that will not only deliver the right level of electrical absorption to handle regular spikes and surges, but will also work for specific situations and sector requirements. Warehouses Many businesses that need to keep a large array of merchandise on hand maintain and operate immense warehouses with significant infrastructure requirements. For many warehouses, refrigeration is an essential function to keep produce and other fragile products fresh. With advanced refrigeration technology these devices now have a great deal of complex operability – some can maintain temperature to a tenth of a degree, allowing storage of much more delicate products, and many are now networked to enable remote management and monitoring. While this new functionality brings convenience and efficiency to users, it also increases the possibility of a surge event that can damage large amounts of merchandise. Surge events have historically damaged any device connected to the electrical grid, but the relative isolation of refrigeration equipment on the network has protected it from surges affecting other parts of a warehouse. As the use of network-enabled refrigeration equipment grows, so does the likelihood of surge damage being transferred from other devices to this essential infrastructure. Surge damage to refrigeration equipment can take a number of different forms. Although the refrigeration capability may still be present, remote control of the device or internal temperature monitoring may no longer be functional, resulting in damage to refrigerated merchandise as temperatures fluctuate without operator knowledge. In the event of a more powerful surge, the entire device could be badly damaged or even destroyed entirely, necessitating its replacement and possibly the replacement of all of the goods it contained. Power surges can come from within a facility as well as from outside through a lightning strike, so it is essential to protect each individual device, especially connected devices such as smart refrigeration. Electrical equipment can generate power surges that then transfer to other devices on the same network, which causes damage similar to a surge caused by a lightning strike or other external electrical fluctuation. Surge protection should be installed at the refrigeration equipment itself as well as at any cables that run between the inside and outside of a facility. To protect temperature-sensitive goods and equipment, it is essential to keep refrigeration equipment functional. Installing surge protection throughout a warehouse and on refrigeration equipment can help you prevent a costly meltdown. Sports stadiums Sports stadiums and other event venues are complex facilities, featuring a myriad of systems that all must work in tandem during concerts, sporting events, conventions and large-scale public gatherings. A stadium needs lighting systems, security, POS, ticket collection, video displays and many other systems to function optimally and continually. A power surge that damages electronic systems is dangerous for these systems, causing downtime or even destruction of equipment. Should one of these systems go down, issues are created beyond the loss of the system functionality. A POS system not functioning during an event means that sales cannot go through, resulting in financial losses from concessions and merchandise. Should ticket collection mechanisms not properly function, tickets could be counted inaccurately, resulting in unauthorized persons sneaking into an event or authorized persons not being granted access. A very public display of stadiums systems suddenly becoming nonfunctional took place at the 2013 Super Bowl in the New Orleans Superdome, when a partial power outage stopped the lighting from functioning during the nighttime game, stopping play for 34 minutes. A newly installed relay tripped, resulting in the power outage, during which only emergency lighting functioned. The incident showed the stadium’s inability to cope and the city’s inability to plan. As stadiums may host a variety of different events, there are diverse risks with systems not operating. A stadium hosting a hockey game needs to keep the ice constantly cooled, while a concert requires electronic microphones and amps to broadcast the artist’s music, as well as plotting complex lighting and pyrotechnics that could become dangerous if improperly set off. And with any system downtime, security is at risk. Without security cameras to monitor situations, security officers cannot properly respond to incidents, and it is much easier for unauthorized persons to enter sensitive areas or bring restricted items into the stadium. The correct surge protection is essential to prevent damaging surges from creating security events in a stadium environment. Most surges in a stadium environment are internally generated, caused by the large electronics needed to properly run such a large venue, including HVAC and power generators. These large surges can then be distributed to smaller devices such as cameras and POS. In determining the precise surge protection to protect stadium systems, it’s essential to consider each system individually as well as the stadium as a whole. Ensuring that there is surge protection on individual electronics and larger machinery can help protect smaller devices from larger surges. In a stadium or event venue, many systems of electronics come together to create a singular experience for attendees, and protecting the systems in the event of a surge requires implementing the correct surge protection products. Data centers With the advent of cloud technology, data…
Mass-Notification System Market by IHS Markit
I n the Americas, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes are occurring more frequently, so unimpeded mass communication during these events is critical. MNS software is often employed so companies can communicate with their employees, federal agencies, university students and the general public. More channels of communication available in these types of events, means more people can reach safety faster and more lives can be saved. In Western Europe, the second-largest market for MNS software, weather-related incidents occur less often, How Catastrophic Events are Changing Mass-Notification System Market By Robert Brooks – Analyst, Security and Building Technologies, IHS Markit cooperation with the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Vienna and private sector partners NEC Corporation and Cyber Defense Institute. “NEC has contributed as a strategic partner to INTERPOL’s commitment to improve the cybersecurity skills of investigators throughout the world. For the third year, NEC is honored to have helped develop the Digital Security Challenge by providing our expertise at this cutting-edge event,” said Kozo Matsuo, Vice President of NEC Corporation’s Cyber Security Strategy Division. Training sessions to develop participants’ practical knowledge on IoT device analysis and the latest trends in malware-related crime were delivered by specialists from NEC Corporation, InfoSec, Meiya Pico, SECOM, Kaspersky Lab and Trendso the need for MNS software is lower than in the Americas. While individual countries might deal with specific weather threats – like blizzards and freezes in Sweden and flooding in the UK – in 2017 the United States alone experienced four major hurricanes. Mass-notification system (MNS) software used in emergency communication, the primary segment used during a catastrophic event, is expected to grow in the Americas at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8 percent from 2017 to 2021, reaching $293.1 million in 2021. Due to heightened terrorist activity in Europe, and with US-based multinational companies moving to Western Europe, the MNS software emergency communication market in EMEA is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.4 percent from 2017 to 2021, reaching $41.6 million in 2021. Our Analysis FedRAMP opens the door for cloud-based solutions Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a US government program providing a new standardized approach to security assessment, authorization and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services. While this certification is not mandated by law, it will certainly affect how software-as-a-service (SaaS) and cloud vendors perform business with federal government agencies – increasing MNS software sales by the federal government, because nearly all vendors in this industry will switch to cloud-based solutions. Once a company is certified by FedRAMP, additional measures to buy or maintain vendors’ solutions is required. This cost savings will appeal to many government agencies as they look at the total cost to own a system. Western European governments will continue to use on-premises or hybrid solutions, because they are constrained by local laws and regulations surrounding the use of personal information and privacy. A majority of cloud-based MNS software market leaders are located in the US, which creates additional lag time for cloud systems to be purchased in European countries. New MNS platforms can reduce human error There is an obvious and growing need for more user-friendly system interfaces. For example, during a regulated standard test of Hawaii’s emergency missile warning system in January 2018, an employee selected the option to send out a full missiledefense alert, instead of choosing the test-cycle option. While this is a dramatic example of human error, there is a continuing need to improve the user interfaces of these systems to avoid unnecessary public panic in the future. Privacy laws and regulations slow cloud-based MNS software adoption across Europe I ncreasing acts of terrorism across Western Europe and North Africa over the past two years have forced central governments to investigate new and innovative ways to keep the general public safe. While most investment goes toward security cameras, access control, security doors and tough perimeter security, some governments will also choose to buy MNS software to facilitate communication between first responders and security teams. Privacy issues need to be addressed on a country-by-country basis, including the location of servers hosting cloud-based platforms. In Germany for example, MNS software providers must comply with the ‘German work first’ rule. This rule was implemented by the German government, because it did not want any German citizen’s information to be contained outside the country. Each country in the European market has different rules about hosted systems, which adds another layer of complexity to selling cloud-based systems in Europe. Security Technology I HS Markit provides extensive coverage of security technology markets, encompassing access control and fire, cybersecurity, digital ID, critical communications and video surveillance.