Category: International

Landmark projects across Middle East are taking advantage of eFusion’s expanding ecosystem Maxxess was at Intersec showcasing the extended ecosystem of integrations now available with its eFusion access control and integrated security management platform, as well as the latest, powerful functionality available with its eVisitor visitor management solution. Visitors to Digifort stand also learnt about the run of recent major integration projects taking advantage of the technology, including high-end hotels, landmark mixed-use developments, and major corporate and industrial sites. eFusion, now widely used in industrial settings, the hospitality sector, and mixed-use developments, is a feature-rich platform that allows seamless off-the-shelf integration with more than 60 leading technologies. These include video surveillance, fire and building management systems, as well as site specific applications and hardware. Expanding customers’ choice to a wider range of VMS and camera brands managed through the eFusion interface, new integrations will include the full suite Digifort’s of video management as well as the latest facial recognition technology. Recent major projects taking advantage of eFusion’s modular building block approach include the Jumeirah Al Marsa hotel and harbour development, the multi-use Wasl Tower, Bluewaters Island including the Ain in Dubai, and the Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refinery (YasRef) in Saudi Arabia. eFusion’s transparent price structure ensures affordability but gives users a level of power and functionality previously only associated with more expensive, tailored solutions. “By bringing together previously siloed systems, eFusion users can leverage operational efficiency by removing the need for operators to continually switch between screens and interfaces,” said Lee Copland, Managing Director EMEA, Maxxess, “This allows busy operational teams and control room managers to focus on priority tasks rather than having to juggle with disparate technologies.” Meanwhile, he added that eVisitor’s growing popularity is due to its successful focus on enabling frictionless and touchless access to premises, increasing efficiency and security, while removing the inconveniences for visitors, staff, and contractors typically encounter when accessing car parking and facilities. “eVisitor integrates with multiple systems and popular corporate databases, including Assa Abloy Hospitality and Microsoft Active Directory, and facilitates hassle-free time and attendance management to further eliminate the inefficiencies of siloed systems and technology stacks,” Lee concluded.  

Established in 1923, the Organization has expanded from a group of 20 national representatives to a membership comprising nearly every country in the world The world’s largest policing organization is officially marking its 100 year anniversary, celebrating a century of international police cooperation. The International Criminal Police Commission, as INTERPOL was originally called, was founded in 1923 at a police congress in Vienna, Austria that brought together representatives from 20 countries. Taking place in a post-war context of geopolitical upheaval and concerns of rising international crime, representatives agreed that only through collaboration could police combat transnational crime threats – a goal shared throughout periods of political or economic tension. Convened directly by police officials, the Vienna Congress established the foundational principles that continue to guide INTERPOL’s work today – a focus on practical tools to help law enforcement fight crime beyond their borders and a commitment to neutrality. “While the world has undergone profound transformations in the past century, INTERPOL’s founding principles are as relevant in today’s context as they were back in 1923,” Secretary General Jürgen Stock said, “The tools and technologies we use to support police in our member countries have of course developed dramatically – from telegraphic codes to I-24/7, our secure police network; from fingerprints to facial recognition. Today, we are again in a period of global disruption fueled by ever-increasing digitalization and geopolitical flux. The need for robust international police cooperation is stronger than ever.” A short video released by INTERPOL to mark its 100 year anniversary highlights the breadth of issues the Organization’s work now encompasses – including environmental crime, illicit trade in pharmaceuticals and forensic analysis – turning the vision of a small group in 1920s Vienna into a sweeping multi-generational mission. 250 searches per second Over the past century, INTERPOL has become one of the most widely recognized organizations in the world, though its exact role is sometimes less well understood. Far from pop culture images of ‘INTERPOL agents’ swooping into various countries as a sort of supranational police force, the reality is that powers of arrest and seizure remain solely with national law enforcement. Rather, INTERPOL allows police to address crime that extends beyond their national borders by sharing and accessing data across the Organization’s 195 member countries, as well as leveraging a range of technical and operational support. Today’s context, where crime is more global than ever before and criminals increasingly operate in ‘borderless’ online spaces, has furthered INTERPOL’s operational relevance to law enforcement. On average, police search INTERPOL databases more than 20 million times a day – 250 searches per second. Return to Vienna Throughout the year, the INTERPOL General Secretariat and its member countries will host events and launch activities to commemorate the anniversary. The centennial events will culminate in Vienna as the city once again plays host to INTERPOL, welcoming police leaders from 195 countries for the Organization’s 91st General Assembly. 2023 will also mark the first year that the world celebrates the United Nations (UN) designated International Day of Police Cooperation set on 7 September, the day the International Criminal Police Commission was established. Adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2022, the UN day recognizes the central role played by the world’s law enforcement community in global security and the need to further strengthen international cooperation to prevent and combat transnational crime and terrorism.  

With the advancement of technology to a new level, the application fields of security equipment have been widely expanded. Dahua Technology, a world-leading video-centric AIoT solution and service provider, actively supports the sustainable development of human and nature through its tech for good initiatives, and constantly brings positive impacts to the communities where it operates. Children’s charity donations Dahua has been advocating for a better world for every child as well as their families. Every year, Dahua presents kind donations to various outstanding children’s charities around the world. This year, Dahua Australia proudly supports Starlight Children’s Foundation, an Australia-based nonprofit organization that offers vital services for ill and hospitalized children. Dahua has made both direct donation and a program that allows the employees, customers and partners of the company to make donations which will be matched dollar for dollar by Dahua Australia. “The work Starlight does to bring happiness to sick kids is only made possible by the generosity of the community, so we’re incredibly appreciative of Dahua’s support,” said Kirsty Beed, Starlight Children’s Foundation NSW’s Partnerships Manager. Donations of advanced security equipment to educational and social organizations Dahua also believes on the importance of education and how it can contribute to the betterment of the society. The company has donated a number of its intelligent products to several educational institutions and social organizations around the world that create significant impact on their communities. Dahua Iberia has donated one DeepHub smart interactive whiteboard to Centro de Educación Especial Los Álamos, a special education school located in Madrid. It enables them to personalize their activities related to adaptive skills, allowing them to improve and offer necessary support for their students with intellectual disabilities. Moreover, in partnership with CS Sécurité in Montréal, Dahua jointly donated a new access control system for Marie-Vincent Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Montréal, Canada that is committed to supporting children, adolescents, and families by providing specialized counseling and intervention. The donated Dahua equipment significantly transformed the security of the entire center in terms of better access management and clear video surveillance footages. In addition, Dahua UK & Ireland donated cutting edge surveillance products and solutions to Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Belfast Metropolitan College in order to equip them with the latest technology and optimize their monitoring operations as they continue to serve their communities. Environmental protection and sustainability Aside from its charitable donations, Dahua has also been actively engaged in developing intelligent solutions to aid scientific explorations and to promote sustainability through its own environmental initiatives. Dahua entered the Antarctic region for the first time by donating 15 intelligent devices to different local scientific bases, providing clear images of the flora and fauna in the Argentine region of Antarctica that are beneficial in the research studies conducted in ‘The White Continent.’ The Dongting Lake project greatly shows how Dahua’s intelligent fishery management solution helps curb illegal fishing and other illegal activities. Dahua’s intelligent monitoring solutions were also applied in protecting the weltland ecosystem in Yangtze River that is home for various fish species and other aquatic animals. An intelligent forest fire prevention system was also implemented in the mountainous region of Rizhao (China) to realize automatic early warning of fire, real-time fire control and closedloop response through digital intelligence technology. Furthermore, Dahua carries out a wide range of sustainability strategies that includes reduction of its CO2 emissions to help achieve carbon neutrality. It also makes unremitting efforts to combat plastic pollution and reduce waste disposal costs by implementing high quality, eco-friendly, and sustainable packaging solutions. One of the company’s recent initiatives is the upgrading of its IPC and HDCVI product packaging with plastic-free materials. Dahua Technology will continue to actively support organizations around the world that help people in need and utilize digital intelligence technologies to contribute to a safer society and smarter living.  

Tenable®, the exposure management company, recently published the results of a global study that revealed that cybersecurity is the top consideration as businesses decide on investing in the metaverse. In fact, even in a challenging global economy, concerns about macroeconomic conditions trailed behind cybersecurity worries. This sentiment underscores the rising criticality of cybersecurity in a digital economy to ensure it is a safe and secure environment for users. The study, ‘Measure Twice, Cut Once: Meta-curious Organizations Relay Security Concerns Even as They Plunge Into Virtual Worlds,’ surveyed 1,500 IT, cybersecurity and DevOps professionals in Australia, the U.K. and U.S. The study examines how organizations are approaching the opportunities and challenges associated with building, securing and participating in the metaverse, as well as offering insights into the risks and rewards of investing in this new technology. While still in its relative infancy, organizations have begun to explore the metaverse and its capabilities. In fact 23% of organizations have already ventured into the metaverse, and 58% plan to conduct business in the metaverse within the next year. Less than half of respondents feel very confident in their ability to curb threats in this new environment, the metaverse poses both new and legacy cybersecurity risks and challenges. According to survey respondents, threats that are either ‘somewhat’ or ‘very’ likely to take place in the metaverse include: Conventional phishing, malware and ransomware attacks (81%). Compromised machine identities and API transactions (84%). Cloning of voice and facial features and hijacking video recordings using Avatars (79%). Invisible-avatar eavesdropping or ‘man in the room’ attacks (78%). In addition to the cybersecurity threats, respondents identified several major barriers to entry, including the prospect of security breaches and identity theft (34%), the lack of a clear process for data privacy (33%) and the lack of experienced security professionals to secure the metaverse (32%). “As with any new business opportunity, first movers have the advantage and the risk,” said Bob Huber, Chief Security Officer and Head of Research, Tenable, “The foundation of the cybersecurity program must be solid before making a big leap into largely unknown territory and drastically expanding your attack surface. Forward- thinking organizations that take the time and make wise investments in their security personnel and the security and integrity of their infrastructure are more likely to be successful in the metaverse or any other technology investment.” Other key findings from the report include: 87% of respondents are in favor of regulating the metaverse. Nine in 10 respondents agree that organizations need to adequately develop a cybersecurity framework prior to offering services in such a virtual environment. More than half (55%) of respondents said their organization will need to invest in training their current employees about safe cybersecurity practices to support their investment in the metaverse. When asked about the skills required for the metaverse, respondents cited UI/ UX designing, 3D modeling, blockchain and gaming development, cybersecurity and software development as important development areas.  

Sophos, a global company in innovating and delivering cybersecurity as a service, recently revealed details of how it tracked down the likely culprit behind more than 20 fake criminal marketplaces designed to con cyberscammers in part three of Sophos’ series, ‘The Scammers Who Scam Scammers on Cybercrime Forums.’ After stumbling upon a surface website mimicking the real criminal underground site Genesis, Sophos researchers further uncovered the 20 fake marketplaces dating back to August 2021. All of the fake sites appeared to be run by a scammer who uses the handle ‘waltcranston,’ a likely riff on the television show ‘Breaking Bad.’ “While investigating this huge sub-economy of scammers scamming other scammers, we examined about 600 scams of varying types. Out of all the scams investigated, this operation stood out for its sheer scope and intricacy. The scammer advertises the fake marketplaces on Reddit and replicates not just Genesis, which was the first scam site we ran across, but numerous other prominent or defunct marketplaces, such as Benumb, UniCC, and PoisOn. While at a technical level these scam sites are not sophisticated, the scam operation has been highly successful. In fact, seven of these fake sites are still active, and, to date, the cryptocurrency wallets associated with the scams have received at least $132,000,” said Matt Wixey, Senior Threat Researcher, Sophos. All 20 of the fake sites followed a similar scheme. Criminals were offered a chance to activate an account on the fraudulent version of a dark web marketplace with $100. The criminals expected their $100 would be deposited in either Bitcoin or Monero, and they would receive activation credentials. However, as part of the scam, once the criminals paid, their account would never activate. One common denominator among the 20 fake sites was a link to a website called darknet[.]markets – a site that lists dark web criminal marketplaces for visitors interested in drugs sales, carding, and cryptocurrency exchanges. This site ultimately led Sophos to a criminal forum called Café Dread – and a user going by the name of waltcranston. “We started searching Dread for any mentions of the marketplaces mentioned on the darknet markets, and we found multiple posts by the handle waltcranston talking about dark web marketplaces, as well as discussing how to scam people and recommending other users set up phishing sites. His own website, which sells meth, also shared some similarities with the fake marketplaces. We even found posts by Dread users who fell for the scam websites, and accusations by a Dread user that waltcranston was the culprit behind the scheme. While we can’t be 100% certain that those behind the handle waltcranston is indeed the culprit, there is strong circumstantial evidence. The entire operation and our investigation is an example of how much rich intelligence there is about cybercriminals hidden in these scams against other scammers, which the security community can leverage to help develop stronger defenses,” said Wixey.  

Companies demonstrate 3D depth vision through stereo cameras fusion for fast-motion object tracking in AIoT and autonomous guided robots and industrial devices Reference designs leverage ST’s high-performance, near-infrared, global-shutter image sensors to ensure best quality depth sensing and point-cloud creation STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor company serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications, and eYs3D Microelectronics, a fabless semiconductor design house that focuses on end-to-end hardware and software systems for computer vision, including advanced vision-processing System-on-Chip (SoC) devices, revealed the results of their collaboration on high-quality machine vision at CES 2023 in Las Vegas during January 5-8, 2023. Using live demonstrations, the companies showed how stereo video and depth camera made from advanced active-coded infrared technology can enhance capabilities like feature recognition and autonomous guidance at mid-to-long working range. “STMicroelectronics’ advanced image sensors, using proprietary process technologies, offer class-leading pixel size while offering both high sensitivity and low crosstalk,” said James Wang, Chief Strategy & Sales Officer, eYs3D Microelectronics, “Such high-performance image sensors at a competitive price point enable us to achieve extremely compact system size while ensuring outstanding machine-vision performance. The strong connection we have established with ST increases our confidence to develop new products that will lead the machine vision market.” “The collaboration with eYs3D Microelectronics, through their expertise in capture, perception understanding, and 3D-fusion, offers ST additional business opportunities, use cases, and ecosystems addressing demands for stereo vision in applications such as robots, home-automation, home appliances, and many others,” said David Maucotel, Business Line Manager at ST’s Imaging Sub-Group, “While the reference designs showcased at CES are using monochromatic sensors, we can already foresee exciting enhancements and further use-cases using the RGB and RGB-IR versions of our sensors.” The CES demonstrations highlighted two jointly developed reference designs – the Ref-B6 and Ref-B3 ASV (Active Stereo Vision) video and depth cameras. Both combine the eYs3D CV processor and eSP876 stereo 3D Depth-Map chipset with ST’s global shutter image sensors that provide enhanced near-infrared (NIR) sensitivity. The embedded eYs3D chipset enhances object edge detection, optimizes depth de-noising, and outputs HD-quality 3D depth data up to 60fps frame rate. ST’s image sensors enable the cameras to output data streams in various combinations of video/ depth resolution and frame rate for the best quality depth sensing and point-cloud creation. In addition, optimized lenses, filters and a VCSEL active-IR projector source optimize the infrared optical path and maximize immunity to ambient light noise. A specially developed control algorithm turns the IR projector on and off alternately to permit capturing artifact-free gray scale images. Leveraging this advanced hardware design, the Ref-B6 stereo-video camera achieves a 6-centimeter baseline and 85deg(H) x 70deg(V) depth field of view. Both eYs3D reference designs include the SDK (Software Development Kit) supporting Windows®, Linux and Android OS environments with multiple different programming languages and wrapper APIs.  

Quanika access and integration technologies highlighted in partnership with Axis Communications Quanika made its first Intersec appearance on 17-19 January, demonstrating its next generation silo-free security and site management software, including seamless integration with best-in-class video, access, and audio tech from Axis Communications. Quanika was on Axis Communications’ stand  showcasing its Enterprise access control and VisitorPoint visitor management software seamlessly integrated with Axis’s complete range of software and hardware as well other third-party systems. Show visitors were able to experience an immersive, next generation security and safety management solution from a single user interface. Quanika, a certified Axis Communication Technology Integration Partner (TIP), has a rapidly growing user-base globally, leveraging a more practical, affordable migration route away from outdated, siloed systems and technology stacks. Quanika’s integration model combines off-the-shelf affordability with customisation whenever required and leverages the power of corporate databases – including Microsoft Active Directory – to help customers operate their sites more securely and efficiently. Visitors to Intersec got to see how Quanika leverages Axis’s powerful A1601 door controller, and powers-up Axis Camera Station VMS to extend its surveillance capabilities by encompassing an unlimited number of cameras and devices. The Quanika team also was on hand to demonstrate operability of the latest Axis camera range. The line-up includes specialist LPR cameras using Vaxtor’s optical character recognition (OCR) to deliver over 99% accuracy on license plate reads, making security operations and site management more efficient. Quanika Enterprise, supporting up 150,000 cardholders per controller, is ideal for larger and multi-site applications in the Middle East, including logistics and warehousing sites, hotels and hospitality, oil & gas facilities, manufacturing plants, commercial office hubs, retail applications and the new wave of multi-use developments which are increasingly popular across the GCC. Quanika Enterprise transforms the way staff access facilities and workspaces as well as networks and IT applications. It unlocks the benefits of using frictionless and touchless QR codes, NRF technology and facial recognition. And it reduces the burden on security teams, making it easy to grant and revoke physical and digital passes, while improving the workplace experience for users and automating building systems. It allows energy consumption to be reduced by aligning services with occupancy. VisitorPoint makes first impressions count, enabling a white-glove concierge welcome for VIPs, and efficient access for regular guests and contractors by automating workflows through visitor pre-screening. VisitorPoint lets users maintain access ID authorisations and permits to work, streamlining deliveries, and allowing employees to easily allocate parking spaces and meeting rooms. VisitorPoint ensures that everyone arriving on site has a pleasant experience from the moment they arrive, and makes it simple for employees to host and welcome visitors. “As organisations across the Middle East look to streamline their operations, improve security and ensure the most frictionless user experiences, we are delighted to be working with Axis Communications to deliver on their priorities,” said Phil Campbell, Quanika Sales Director, “We are looking forward to expanding our presence with more projects across the region.”  

Landmark projects across Middle East are taking advantage of eFusion’s expanding ecosystem Maxxess was at Intersec showcasing the extended ecosystem of integrations now available with its eFusion access control and integrated security management platform, as well as the latest, powerful functionality available with its eVisitor visitor management solution. Visitors to Digifort stand S1-F09 also learnt about the run of recent major integration projects taking advantage of the technology, including high-end hotels, landmark mixed-use developments, and major corporate and industrial sites. eFusion, now widely used in industrial settings, the hospitality sector, and mixed-use developments, is a feature-rich platform that allows seamless off-the-shelf integration with more than 60 leading technologies. These include video surveillance, fire and building management systems, as well as site specific applications and hardware. Expanding customers’ choice to a wider range of VMS and camera brands managed through the eFusion interface, new integrations will include the full suite Digifort’s of video management as well as the latest facial recognition technology. Recent major projects taking advantage of eFusion’s modular building block approach include the Jumeirah Al Marsa hotel and harbour development, the multi-use Wasl Tower, Bluewaters Island including the Ain in Dubai, and the Yanbu Aramco Sinopec Refinery (YasRef) in Saudi Arabia. eFusion’s transparent price structure ensures affordability but gives users a level of power and functionality previously only associated with more expensive, tailored solutions. “By bringing together previously siloed systems, eFusion users can leverage operational efficiency by removing the need for operators to continually switch between screens and interfaces,” said Lee Copland, Managing Director EMEA, Maxxess, “This allows busy operational teams and control room managers to focus on priority tasks rather than having to juggle with disparate technologies.” Meanwhile, he added that eVisitor’s growing popularity is due to its successful focus on enabling frictionless and touchless access to premises, increasing efficiency and security, while removing the inconveniences for visitors, staff, and contractors typically encounter when accessing car parking and facilities. “eVisitor integrates with multiple systems and popular corporate databases, including Assa Abloy Hospitality and Microsoft Active Directory, and facilitates hassle-free time and attendance management to further eliminate the inefficiencies of siloed systems and technology stacks,” Lee concluded.  

The IDIS Deep Learning Engine set to supercharge end-to-end solutions on stand S1-J27 IDIS, the leading manufacturer of trusted South Korean-made video tech, has displayed an exciting line-up of end-to-end video solutions that include the latest advances in AI-powered video analytics for businesses of any size, at the recently held Intersec. The company unveiled its new range of NDAA-compliant edge AI cameras and new appliances, including the DV-3200 AI in the Box, that leverage the power of the IDIS Deep Learning Engine, which is trained on vast datasets to deliver up to 98% accuracy and is designed to meet any budget and application. The new flexible and scalable range of deep-learning options lets organisations of any size reap the benefits of AI-powered analytics by eliminating the inefficiency of false alarms with more accurate alerts. This supports more proactive real-time monitoring and faster responses, while delivering on the IDIS promise of a low total cost of ownership (TCO). The AI Box for Surveillance, also launched, is a simple and affordable 4-channel add-on appliance that comes without any license fees, and provides unlimited scalability. It delivers all the benefits of AI object detection – including people, cars, and bikes – along with line crossing, loitering detection, and face detection. An easy upgrade option, it lets organisations leverage their existing investments in IDIS cameras by simply connecting the DV-1304-A box to their NVRs. And for new systems it enables a more proactive approach to security. Visitors can also get hands-on demonstrations of the comprehensive range of NDAA-compliant cameras, NVRs, pre-configured AI in the Box appliances, plus a choice of VMS suited to the specific challenges of the retail sector, banking, and logistics applications. For the banking sector, IDIS showcased its latest 64-channel NVR pre-configured with IDIS Solution Suite VMS and IDIS Deep Learning Analytics, and the IDIS Intelligent Video Wall Station. A new 8-channel encoder and HD-TVI recorder lets banks securely migrate to full IP surveillance without interruption to coverage. IDIS offers the option to retain analogue equipment, and to integrate with Bosch’s popular intrusion and fire detection technology, eliminating siloed systems and reducing operating expenditure. For logistics and retail customers, IDIS video innovations are cutting shrink, improving health and safety, and transforming customer service. The IDIS retail solution now includes the AI Box for Retail (DV-1304), giving even small stores the benefits of AI-powered in-store and customer intelligence. IDIS debuted a remote onboard camera system for vehicles used in logistics and warehousing, as well as a range of apps and cameras that can scan barcodes and track goods across large logistics centres and warehouses, improving operational efficiency and customer service. Dennis Choi, General Manager, IDIS Middle East and Africa said, “IDIS values Intersec as a perfect platform to launch the latest technologies powered by our self-developed IDIS Deep Learning Engine, showcasing our innovations to both visitors and local and international media. Our team will be on hand throughout the show to demonstrate how these flexible and scalable advances in AI will supercharge IDIS end-to-end solutions for organisations of all sizes.”    

Hanwha Techwin, a global leader in video surveillance products and solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with NXGEN Technology AG, a Swiss-based start-up that focuses on scalable alarm and event management. In particular, the partnership will benefit monitoring stations where real-time event management and alerts are critical. With the security landscape becoming ever more complex with multiple systems and devices required to work seamlessly together – including video, the Internet of Things, access control, perimeter detection, and more – the partnership between Hanwha and NXGEN aims to simplify this with the development of a single interface to connect all Hanwha Techwin video solutions with other systems using the NXG GENESIS cloud-based event and alarm management platform. Hanwha and NXGEN are already working together on several installations across Europe for large well-known organisations that require a single management system for all their video devices. The integrated solution can scale across complex installations utilising multi-vendor devices. Stéphane Verment, Co-Founder at NXGEN Technology AG, “We founded NXGEN Technology AG in recognition of the increasingly complex security needs of companies, as they added more advanced devices to their security tech stack. This partnership with Hanwha Techwin recognises a clear need for operators to have a timely, easy way to respond to alarms and stop intruders in their tracks before they can do any damage.”