Category: International

Installers and system administrators are familiar with the challenge only too well: Providing encryption for the connections of a video security system is a complex, time-consuming task. Expert technical skills are required, particularly when large network and system landscapes are involved. The new Dallmeier Device Manager tool makes configuring security much more convenient. Encryption in six easy steps In addition to all device management tasks, the recently unveiled Dallmeier Device Manager (DDM) makes it possible to conveniently encrypt a Dallmeier video system with TLS (Transport Layer Security) certificates. Accordingly, system administrators can provide the Dallmeier devices with the necessary certificates from a single central user interface. It is even possible to encrypt access via mobile end devices. In this way, DDM users further increase the protection for their Dallmeier video systems and can meet their individual security requirements. On its homepage, the manufacturer offers a configuration document which explains how to implement TLS encryption in six easy steps. Dashboard: The critical data always in view The Dallmeier Device Manager further features a dashboard which displays the most important data regarding hardware and security status, licensing arrangements and the software version. To make this device data available, the software automatically scans the entire video network TCP/ UDP for Dallmeier single sensor cameras, multifocal sensor cameras and recording systems. A scan for ONVIF-compatible devices is also possible. The DDM can also be used to change many settings and the IP addresses of the connected Dallmeier devices, open configuration dialogs directly, and to create wide-ranging reports for optimisation and maintenance. To improve system security further still, when they run the software for the first time, system operators are instructed to assign strong passwords for access to the individual devices. Additionally, the system informs the user about current software updates and software maintenance licences that are due to expire. Devices with the same software version can be updated together in a single step via the DDM. Full system continuity to the VMS As soon as the connected devices have been stored in the DDM, they can easily be transferred to the Dallmeier Video Management Software ‘SeMSy® Compact’ together with the corresponding configuration files using the multiple selection and drag-and-drop functions. The cameras are ready for use immediately after this operation, there is no need to log onto the VMS again.  

NEC Corporation recently announced the development of a ‘gradual deep learning-based object detection technology’ that enables efficient and high throughput object detection for video analytics while maintaining detection accuracy. This technology enables up to eight times the processing speed of object detection for large volumes of images, even on edge devices with limited processing capacity. NEC aims to commercialize this technology in fiscal 2022, following further research and development. Video analytics are expected to be utilized for a wide range of applications, such as analyzing camera images of vehicles at intersections, optimizing traffic control, and analyzing camera images of stores and warehouses to detect intrusion or to optimize facility management. To perform these video analytics in real time, it is ideal to process them on an edge device near a sensor, such as a camera. However, because cooling is difficult to manage and electricity consumption is restricted in edge devices, high-performance processors such as GPUs used in high-performance servers are not available, and processing capacity is constrained. In video analytics, object detection software that utilizes deep learning (hereinafter ‘object detection AI model’) performs object detection processing in order to find the object to be analyzed from images captured by a camera Since highly accurate object detection AI models have a large amount of operations though, it is difficult for edge devices to process a large amount of images due to constraints on processing capacity. If the amount of operations for a high-speed object detection AI model is reduced, for example, the accuracy declines and the recognition accuracy requirements for image analysis cannot be met. Application of NEC’s newly developed gradual deep learning-based object detection technology enables efficient, high-speed, and high-precision detection of subjects from a large amount of images, even in an edge device with limited processing capacity, and enables simultaneous processing of images from multiple cameras in real time.  Technology features High-speed, high-precision detection at the same time This technology combines an object detection AI model that is high-speed, but is only roughly accurate, with another object detection AI model that is highly accurate, but computationally complex. This combination enables efficient processing of multiple images and results in highspeed, high-precision detection. First, a high-speed object detection AI model detects multiple objects quickly, but with rough accuracy, then the detected results are processed together with a high-precision object detection AI model to gradually refine the detected objects. As a result, in an example of detecting a car license plate from a camera image, processing speed was approximately eight times faster than when using an object detection AI model with high accuracy alone, while maintaining detection accuracy*. Compatible with various detection targets, detection methods, and AI chips This technology is compatible with a diverse range of object detection processes according to detection targets, such as people, vehicles and car license plates, without being limited to specific detection targets and specific processing methods. In addition, the technology’s application is not limited to a specific AI chip. By taking advantage of the fact that AI chips have a large number of computing resources in common, the technology makes effective use of the internal computing power of chips. Going forward, NEC aims to enhance the safety, security, and convenience of society by expanding the use of video analytics technologies to a wide variety of applications.  

A worldwide enforcement operation against wildlife and timber crime coordinated by INTERPOL and the World Customs Organization (WCO) has disrupted crime networks and seen hundreds of arrests worldwide. Codenamed Thunder 2021, the month-long (1-31 October) operation involved customs, police, financial intelligence units and wildlife and forestry enforcement agencies in 118 countries: the largest number of participating countries since the annual operation started in 2017. Thousands of cars, trucks and cargo ships suspected of transporting protected wildlife and timber were searched at checkpoints in all regions, often with specialist sniffer dogs and X-ray scanners. Searches targeted illegally traded CITES-listed specimens, ranging from timber to live big cats, primates, reptiles, and birds, as well as derivative products such as clothing, beauty products, food items, traditional medicines and handicrafts. CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international agreement to ensure that trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Trade performed in breach of CITES is illegal. Environmental crime has a direct impact on climate change, harms the livelihoods of millions of people, results in forced migration and can trigger the spread of animal-to-human viruses (zoonotic diseases). Targeting the criminal networks Although results are still coming in, Operation Thunder 2021 has so far seen more than 1,000 seizures and the identification of some 300 suspects, triggering worldwide arrests and investigations linked to illegal trading, processing, exporting and importing CITES-listed wildlife and forestry products. Further arrests and prosecutions are foreseen globally as investigations continue to unfold. “Organized crime networks are generating billions in illicit profits every year, at significant cost to our environment as well as the associated impacts of fraud, corruption and violence,” said INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock. “We are seeing the continued globalization of crime, which means only an international response can be effective, as demonstrated with this latest Operation Thunder. Every one of our 195 member countries has a role to play in combating this threat, either directly or in the follow-up investigations,” added Secretary General Stock. Total worldwide seizures reported to date include: 478 kg ivory pieces and 487 kg ivory-derived products. 75 big cat parts, 29 live big cats. 856 kg pangolin scales. 531 turtles and tortoises. 171 birds. 336 reptiles. 4,843 kg marine products, including corals. 75,320 kg timber, including 313m3 of rosewood. 4 million plant-derived items. “With criminals trafficking endangered species along the same routes they use to smuggle other illicit goods, customs is strategically placed at borders to intercept illegally traded CITES-listed products,” said WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya. “Large-scale cross-border operations such as Operation Thunder 2021 illustrate the benefits and impact global law enforcement cooperation has in deterring wildlife crime, putting its perpetrators behind bars, and raising awareness of its devastating effects,” added Dr Mikuriya. On the border with Mozambique, South African authorities seized 460 kg of abalone bound for China. Abalone molluscs are at critically low levels because of over-exploitation. Myanmar authorities made 13 seizures nationwide totalling 68 tonnes of restricted and endangered hardwood species. Polish authorities intercepted 29 illegal caviar shipments including one batch valued at USD 10,000. International trade in all species of sturgeons is CITES-regulated. In one of the operation’s largest plant-based seizures, the UK’s Border Force in Felixstowe seized from a maritime container 1.3 million tablets containing CITES-listed Saussurea Costus plant. Spain’s Guardia Civil seized more than 250 CITES-protected items worth EUR 250,000, including turtles, parrots, ivory-based merchandise and timber. Authorities in the Netherlands intercepted 145 snakes and other reptiles in luggage at Schiphol International Airport, as well as 454 live birds, mostly African songbirds. Trends identified so far include: Increase in illegal money transfers to launder the proceeds of wildlife and timber crime, Use of online platforms to facilitate cross-border trafficking, More commercial and customs document fraud for export, transit, and import, Links with other serious crime, as seen by Namibia which reported 14 wildlife crime cases linked to the illegal trade in pharmaceutical products, food and vehicle parts. In seizures that suggest some emerging trafficking routes, Nicaraguan authorities seized 657m3 of rosewood bound for China, while Hong Kong (China) authorities seized 3.2 tonnes of red sandalwood in freight from the United Arab Emirates. Demonstrating the link between wildlife and drug crime, Operation Thunder 2021 saw Mexican authorities arrest three Chinese nationals smuggling Totoaba bladders, sea cucumber and coral along with methamphetamine and cash. “The volume of seizures made during Operation Thunder 2021 proves how serious the transnational organized crime threat is for wild species and ecosystems across range, transit and destination countries,” said CITES Secretary General Ivonne Higuero. “The success of Operation Thunder 2021 strongly contributes to the strategic vision of CITES Parties, and reinforces that we must work together, combining different skills, mandates and resources to reduce threats to wildlife and live in harmony with nature,” added Ms Higuero. Intelligence-led field operations Police and customs shared wildlife and timber trafficking intelligence ahead of the operation enabling field officers to target specific trafficking hotspots during the tactical phase, with an emphasis on land, sea and airport border points as well as wildlife parks. Known criminals, particularly INTERPOL red notice fugitives, were identified ahead of operations, along with companies used to facilitate wildlife and timber crime. Since the first edition in 2017, Thunder operations have seen some 8,000 seizures of protected wildlife and forestry species and the arrest of more than 3,000 offenders. Operation Thunder 2021 is the fifth in a global series initiated by the INTERPOL Wildlife Crime Working Group. Coordinated jointly by the WCO and INTERPOL, with the backing of the CITES Secretariat and the International Consortium on Combating Wildlife Crime (ICCWC), these operational efforts are funded by the European Commission’s department for International Partnerships and the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). INTERPOL’s environmental security activities are all externally funded and dependent on sustainable partnerships.  

Hikvision, an IoT solution provider with video as its core competency, has reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2021. During the quarter, Hikvision gained RMB21.73 billion revenue with a year-over-year (YoY) increase of 22.41%. Net profits attributable to shareholders of the listed company in the third quarter were RMB4.48 billion, reflecting a YoY growth of 17.54%. From Q1 to Q3 2021, Hikvision accumulated a total revenue of RMB55.63 billion with a YoY growth of 32.38%, and the accumulated net profits attributable to shareholders was RMB10.97 billion, representing a YoY growth of 29.94%. Amid continued external uncertainties, Hikvision will remain focused on creating value for customers with diversified products and solutions. The company will also continue building customer-oriented service operations, and fully leveraging flexible manufacturing capabilities to maintain steady development of the company.  

Hikvision, an IoT solution provider with video as its core competency, announced a new technology partnership with Gurtam designed to integrate its mobile products (cameras/ MNVRs) with Gurtam’s Wialon GPS tracking platform. This vital integration uses the latest technologies to create a solution for logistics and transportation industry customers to enhance efficiency in their fleet operations, while also increasing road safety to maintain high security levels for personnel and for merchandise. Making use of the HikDevice Gateway protocol, Gurtam’s Wialon GPS tracking platform integrates with Hikvision mobile products to offer a comprehensive telematics solution for fleet operators of buses, trucks and taxis, achieving easier and smarter supervision, scheduling, and emergency response. ency response. The integration enables remote video monitoring of vehicle interiors and their surroundings, GPS location detection, real-time notifications, geofence control, Wi-Fi positioning, and more. “We are very pleased to welcome Gurtam to our partner ecosystem, and the integration between Hikvision mobile products and the Wialon platform creates a powerful solution to help customers improve security of their fleets and vehicles,” said Adler Wu, Global Technology Partner Alliance Manager at Hikvision. “Gurtam is a hardware-agnostic telematics software provider that aims to partner with the top manufacturers in the industry. Our cooperation with Hikvision is a possibility to join forces with a reputed video solution provider and give our customers access to Hikvision’s innovation. Wialon and Hikvision combined represent a reliable, top-notch solution available globally and suitable for multiple niches, from logistics to public transportation, and from cold chain to dangerous goods transportation,” said Kseniya Dolia, VP of Technology Partnerships at Gurtam. Also Read:- Smart Retail Solutions Ensure Business Continuity with Public Safety Measures

IDIS has released IDIS Solution Suite (ISS) version 3.5, its most powerful enterprise-class VMS yet. New features and service modules are designed around increased situational awareness, efficient response coordination, and speeding up investigations. Improving real-time monitoring, text-to-speech allows operators to configure verbal multilingual notifications to pre-determined events. Operatives can now also benefit from real-time pop-ups based on the GPS location of a triggered alarm, providing enhanced wide-area awareness from cameras ranging from a 10 to 100 kilometre radius. A new centralised audio feature enables control of multiple devices, giving security teams the capability to automate audio alerts for day-to-day operations, and issue warnings in the event of a security or safety breach or emergency situation. A new Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) service also enables seamless and stable video and voice relay to third-party devices and software without an SDK or API, increasing system flexibility and helping security teams coordinate responses to threats and incidents. To speed up investigations, IDIS Person Match extracts a person’s characteristics based on deep- learning video analytics from multiple streams to present a clear timeline of events and last known locations. Synchronised playback also presents operators with precisely time-synched screen views of video streams across single or multiple sites, removing the need for manual configuration, and reducing stress and complexity particularly during time-critical events. All the new features work in harmony with enterprise-class streaming, recording, and administration functionality, and come with a fair pricing structure – no annual license fees or OPEX burden – to make ISS significantly more affordable than traditional enterprise video management software. As a result, IDIS Solution Suite continues to cut annual costs for customers, making advanced video management available to more users, including medium-sized organisations and those with single sites. A modular solution, it allows users to choose the right service modules to meet their unique security, operational and compliance needs, meaning customers never pay for functionality they don’t use. The choice of modules includes federated architecture to manage an unlimited number of devices and sites using centralised and local command and control; multi-layered failover and redundancy offering protection against a range of fault conditions; video wall multi-stream management; and highly accurate IDIS Deep Learning Analytics (IDLA). “With our latest version of IDIS Solution Suite we are making it easier than ever for users to manage an unlimited number of devices and sites, giving them enterprise-performance without the usual associated price tag or ongoing lifecycle costs,” said James Min, Managing Director, IDIS Europe.  

With a clear link between illicit trade networks and other types of crime such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, corruption, bribery and money laundering, illicit trade is a global phenomenon with underlying activities across multiple countries and crime areas. In this respect, law enforcement officials, public sector representatives, as well as security and industry experts from all regions are meeting to boost combined efforts and best practices against the fast-evolving trade in fake and pirated goods. The 14th International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property (IP) Crime Conference (11-13 October) has gathered over 1,000 participants from some 120 countries to address the enforcement challenges posed by digital piracy, the health and safety aspects of IP crime, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is co-hosted virtually by Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Department and INTERPOL, in partnership with UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.) A transnational organized crime The trade in fake and pirated goods is a transnational crime, run by extensive and complex criminal enterprises. Criminal groups manufacture and sell a wide range of illicit goods and medicines, endangering the public worldwide with substandard and often dangerous products. The impact is felt across the whole of society and nations. Counterfeiting harms businesses which produce and sell legitimate products; and governments lose tax revenue from products manufactured or sold on the black market. Keynote speaker Costa Rica’s President Carlos Alvarado Quesada said at the meeting, “Intellectual property is a fundamental pillar for the economic, social and cultural growth and development of our country and any nation in the world; without a doubt we are talking about a tool which helps boost productivity, innovation and competitiveness.” “It is important that governments commit to developing intellectual property training programmes and enforcement procedures, and shape best practices for the various police, judicial and administrative bodies so that they can effectively support intellectual property rights holders and put in place more effective contingency measures against alleged IP crime infringements,” added President Quesada. Shaping a coordinated response I NTERPOL provides operational and investigative support against IP crime and the global trade in illicit goods, collecting data and disseminating intelligence, coordinating transnational law enforcement operations, and supporting multi-agency task forces to improve cooperation between police, customs, regulatory bodies and the private sector. “With illicit markets expanding globally, INTERPOL’s role is fundamental in facilitating capacity building and enabling a coordinated response. This includes regional and global operations aimed at dismantling the transnational organized crime groups involved in illicit trafficking,” said Secretary General Jürgen Stock. “COVID-19 has brought a stronger public awareness of illicit markets with criminals exploiting every stage of the pandemic. From creating websites and social media accounts claiming to sell protective equipment and medical supplies, to the manufacture and distribution of fake vaccines as well as ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure,” added the Head of INTERPOL. With online copyright piracy a growing threat around the world, INTERPOL recently launched its Stop Online Piracy (I-SOP) initiative to counter online piracy and crimes involving intellectual property rights infringements, identify and dismantle illicit online marketplaces, target criminal networks and confiscate their assets. The initiative will coordinate the global law enforcement response to digital piracy which can be highly lucrative for criminals with very low risk. It also has a negative impact on the creative sector and economies, ultimately affecting consumers. Online training and best practices To keep pace with the fast-evolving criminal world, police and stakeholders need to continually upgrade their skills, be capable of leveraging high-tech tools and have the latest data at their fingertips. Through its global network, INTERPOL provides capacity building via its online International IP Crime Investigators College (IIPCIC) in its capacity building and training directorate, facilitating access to specialized training and best practice sharing. Its digital training initiatives have also developed significantly during the pandemic, highlighting the value and impact of virtual training platforms allowing participants to access videos, e-learning modules, podcasts, articles, case studies as well as webinars.  

Hikvision, an IoT solution provider with video as its core competency, announced a new technology partnership with Yeastar for IP-based video intercom integration. The integration provides a convenient solution for customers in small-to-medium size enterprises (SMEs) to control and manage their intercom systems remotely, as well as communicate with visitors. For SME customers, when the employees are out of the office, welcoming visitors is nearly impossible. But integrating Hikvision’s video intercom with Yeastar’s IP PBX system enables customers to easily and remotely communicate with visitors. Even the receptionist who is not at a work station won’t miss company visitors, since the integration provides SMEs with visualized call management, video communications, and anywhere, anytime connectivity – performing across web browsers, mobile devices, and desktop computers. With the integration, SME customers can: See who is at the front door and answer from anywhere. Converse easily via IP video phone and even open a door. Auto-forward calls initiated from the door phone to a mobile number. Avoid expensive and separate paging servers – the PBX built-in paging system easily broadcasts from the devices customers prefer (IP phone, mobile or PC). “We are happy to announce this partnership with Yeastar, which will expand the scope of Hikvision’s intercom solution and create more value for our customers. More collaboration across the industry is benefiting the market with greater variety and functionality. Hikvision will persist in openness and work closely with technology partners to build a strong and mutually beneficial ecosystem,” said Adler Wu, Global Technology Partner Alliance Manager at Hikvision. “Hikvision has a proven record of providing high-quality IP-based intercom solutions, and we’re pleased to now call them an official Yeastar technology partner. With Yeastar and Hikvision, our mutual customers can take advantage of a market-leading, award-winning business phone system and also benefit from an integrated PBX-Intercom solution that improves productivity, streamlines operations, and cut overheads,” added Prince Cai, Vice President of Yeastar. Yeastar provides cloud-based and on-premises VoIP PBXs for SMEs and delivers unified communications (UC) solutions that connect the workforce and clients more efficiently. Founded in 2006, Yeastar has established itself as a global leader in the industry with a worldwide network of value-added distributors and resellers and over 200,000 customers. Yeastar customers enjoy the easy-to-own and easy-to-manage communications solutions that have been consistently recognized for high performance and innovation.  

Milestone Systems, a leading provider of open platform video management software, announced the appointment of Simon Thule Viggers as the new Chief People & Culture Officer responsible for Milestone’s People and Culture organization, as per November 1, 2021. “For the past decade, Milestone has cultivated a strong people-first approach and culture. To continue this strategic journey and to meet our massive growth ambitions, I’m excited to welcome Simon to the Executive Leadership Team,” said Thomas Jensen, CEO of Milestone. He continued, “Simon comes with vast experience as a culture change connoisseur managing organizational change, leadership, and growth in organizations globally. He has a wealth of experience in creating value and people growth through an agenda focused on engagement and talent management. I’m confident Simon will be a great asset in our efforts to continuously strengthen our already strong culture and lead the People and Culture organization to the next level.” Simon has deep expertise within the full HR portfolio, managing all parts of the HR lifecycle in a wide range of organizational setups. Furthermore, he has a very diverse leadership profile having managed large global teams. Simon joins Milestone from DHI where he held the position as Chief Human Resources Officer. “I see a huge growth potential in Milestone both from a people and business perspective. For me, it is at the intersection of strong business acumen and excellent people knowledge that you can be a part of moving the business as HR professionals. A company that is able to balance an ambitious business agenda with a strong eye for development, employee passion and desired capabilities is a company fit for the future. It is also the kind of company I love to work for,” Simon said before concluding, “I’m looking forward to being a part of the massive growth ambitions in Milestone, but first and foremost, I look forward to meeting my new colleagues and hearing their perspectives on People and Culture in Milestone. I look forward to hearing how they see the journey we are on and to be a part of ensuring the development of our employees during the transition.”  

ONVIF®, the leading global standardization initiative for IP-based physical security products, has announced the add-on concept, which extends the ONVIF conformance process to individual product features that can solve a specific use case or end user need. This new concept enhances the ability of ONVIF to more quickly respond to the needs of the market with increased interoperability and flexibility of choice for end users and systems integrators. “The demand for more standardized solutions that can solve a wide variety of use cases is only continuing to grow,” said Leo Levit, Chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee, “As profile development can be a lengthy process, add-ons will allow ONVIF to more quickly offer additional capabilities and functionalities that carry the weight of ONVIF conformance to the market. We look forward to seeing development proposals from members for not only profiles, but also add-ons.” An ONVIF add-on is one or more features that solve a particular use case; for instance, a need for standardizing file formats when exporting video. To conform to an add-on, a product must also conform to an ONVIF profile. The add-on concept enhances the ONVIF profile model by enabling conformance claims to additional features and capabilities that are not already included in ONVIF profiles. An ONVIF profile involves a fixed and comprehensive set of features that enable a functional product to be developed solely on the profile specification. While the features included in profiles cannot be changed, add-ons are easily adaptable to evolving technology/ specification requirements. Because an add-on supports version handling, it can be updated quickly to adjust for new technology additions or updates. Extending ONVIF conformance tests to include optional add-ons ensures that an ONVIF conformant device, such as an IP camera, and an ONVIF client, such as a video management system, that conform to an add-on will work together regardless of the manufacturer