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The physical security industry is rapidly changing, ever evolving, and one that is growing faster than most other sectors of the greater global market. The latest research shows that the forecasted growth rates will be a compound average growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% and a total market revenue opportunity of $41.27B through 2022. These economic indicators make the industry a very attractive investment for entrepreneurs, and for investment from large corporations from other industries. At ISC West 2018, this was extremely evident as there was a palpable buzz from technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud-based video management systems and cloud-based access control systems. New market entrants such as Amazon, and a seemingly increased interest and investment from the likes of Intel, IBM, and even Microsoft were present and contributed strongly to the buzz of the industry’s largest tradeshow. Need for education and enhanced security With the increased profile of the industry, one can clearly see that the physical security industry is expand ing globally to new consumers, bringing with it an increased need to further secure products and services with comprehensive physical and cybersecurity protocols, and the need for education. This convergence of physical security and cybersecurity will create new industry leaders that will emerge to lead a new segment of the combined market through strong investment and leadership. According to a report published from Allied Market Research (AMR), the global managed security services market is projected to reach nearly $40.97B, with a CAGR of 16.6% over the next five years. Correlating these two market data points, the forecast for the physical security market is expected to have nearly 18% of the total market opportunity comprising cloud services at nearly $7B. Sharing security service best practices In September 2017 at the Cloud+ Conference in Austin, Texas, the leaders of the Access Control as a service (ACaaS) and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) markets, converged to share industry trends, observations of customer adoption, best practices in implementation and service, financial models, and several in-depth discussions on securing physical security of cloud implementations through cybersecurity. These cybersecurity discussions absolutely dominated every discussion with the clear message that as a cloud service provider, manufacturers and integrators must continue to create robust and scalable cybersecurity offerings to protect customer data and facilities. Interestingly, an analysis of all of the past cyber breaches was presented by keynote speaker Dean Drako of Eagle Eye Networks, who, through a powerful visual diagram, noted that all existing breaches in the physical security industry were entirely on manufacturer provided hardware solutions, VMS physically installed on customer premises, and camera specific vulnerabilities across multiple providers. Cloud versus non-cloud services The insight that one was able to glean from this information, and that of a greater analysis of cybersecurity hacks across all industries, was that manufacturers and providers of cloud services were more secure and reliable by orders of magnitude than non-cloud solutions. The reason for these phenomena also became glaringly evident; the security protocols of a cloud service provider is central to the business’s value proposition, and as such should be addressed across all levels of manufacturing, implementation and customer utilization. Conversely, non-cloud deployed products rely on field implemented cyber strategies from integrators and end users which often expose lack of skills, education and budget to fully secure these physical security products. Ensuring successful deployment As a SaaS service provider, the technical personnel make up results in an expansion of staff and expertise. Network personnel, cybersecurity personnel, firewall experts, and cloud-specific software development staff all need to be added to core physical security engineering expertise to ensure that the product developed can be successfully implemented and deployed. These new jobs in the physical security industry will astronomically expand as the market continues to grow $6 Bn in a little over 4 years providing new opportunities to existing and new personnel to enter the industry. As a leader in access control hardware and an ACaaS provider, ISONAS has taken it upon themselves to implement a process to ensure that their customers can easily implement their products and gain great peace of mind in regard to the security of the solutions. Data security strategies Implementing a process to protect millions of customer’s data records and facilities begins with mapping out a strategy to secure software and hardware. This means employing high-level, seasoned cloud deployment experts to create a strategy in our AWS infrastructure and all ancillary supporting technologies to minimize attack surfaces, create complex proprietary associations in a multi-layered and multi-tiered connection throughout the application, and lastly ensuring that all communication to and from customers’ devices are encrypted and secured. Once implemented ISONAS took it upon themselves to validate the infrastructure and the customers experience by subjecting the environments to 3rd party penetration tests. Addressing cyber threats These tests, taken up quarterly, ensure a customer that the latest in cyber threats are being addressed and that the manufacturer is providing the latest solutions available in the market. An added benefit is that customers gain the scalable benefits of enterprise corporate cybersecurity protocols at a fraction of the cost of implementing these on their individual premises. As an industry, however, it is not simply the responsibility of the cloud service provider to ensure that the customers data in video and access control are being protected. It is also incumbent on the integrator to ensure that the installation and implementation of the products and solutions are deployed in an educated and skill-based manner. Knowledge of networks and cybersecurity best practices The products and services utilized must be easy to implement, be clear in their requirements of the end user networks, and simplistic to apply. Nearly all manufacturers of these products are working diligently to ensure that the integrator has all of the tools at their fingertips to ensure a successful implementation. However, it will remain important that the integration implementation personnel gain a greater knowledge in networks and cybersecurity best practices for their solutions. In most cases, this will…

A few years back, when Gujarat government decided to deploy CCTV based city surveillance and intelligent traffic management system (CSITMS) across major cities such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara and Gandhinagar, Infinova with successful integration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) provided a real-time surveillance system that was able to integrate digital maps, video with good quality, and high-quality evidences for challan generation as well as court proceedings. Infinova’s video analytic capabilities included red light violation detection, wrong lane detection, over speed detection, automatic number plate recognition identifying traffic rule offenders, and other criminal activities. It was an initiative taken by the Government of Gujarat for intelligent traffic monitoring and also to bring transparency in the imposition of traffic lines. Infinova’s round-the-clock surveillance system provides real-time information including audio and video to enhance quick response in all emergencies situations and heavy traffic. The integrated system helped prevent crimes, reduce threats, and enhanced safety and security in public area. Infinova deployed 220 PTZ cameras for accurately monitoring traffic across major cities of Gujarat. The IP based PTZ cameras with in-built remote control provide immediate response to the operators’ commands, making it highly responsive during emergency situations. Infinova’s smart surveillance system assures 360 degree coverage and offers highest precision in day and night. The camera system installed is dynamically efficient and resistant to bad weather conditions. The project has marked significant progress by creating smart surveillance and intelligent traffic management solutions, and generated a spectrum of scalable security solutions by executing large number of cameras over the cities. By providing extensive video management systems, picture intelligence units and geographical information systems, the project has tremendously helped deal with increase in road traffic. The integrated surveillance solutions have reduced traffic congestions by improving incident response time and optimizing traffic flow proactively. Infinova’s multi-faceted traffic management solutions have also helped analyze and even predict traffic patterns by leveraging automated information. Infinova is a leading security and surveillance product manufacturer, acclaimed globally, and is committed to technology, innovation and quality. It manufactures end-to-end analog and digital surveillance solutions and is specialized in offering integrated video surveillance solutions. Infinova has the technical ability and manufacturing flexibility that allows integrators to propose customized solutions. Additionally, it collaborates with other manufacturers of surveillance equipment and software to help the channel partners create turnkey solutions. Infinova backs-up partner’s products to assure integrator’s as well as customer’s trust.  

Video surveillance techniques since the launch of IP cameras have seen many technological advances that have delivered increased resolution and improved picture quality through better lenses, sensor and image processing technology. These advancements are capable of bringing much needed improvements in evidential image quality and enable the user to realize the investments made in CCTV through deliverable results in terms of clear identification. Delivering these advancements requires additional design thinking in terms of total bit rate throughput. Typically higher resolutions FHD & 4K require much greater bandwidths that impact on the design and cost of both the network to stream high definition images across and the recording hard drive capacity needed to store them on. System designers now not only need to think in terms of the angle of view or depth of field that a camera needs to produce but also to think of the content within the camera image in terms of what is useful and what is not. For example, streaming and recording scenes in high definition of empty streets devoid of movement, people or cars, or the skyline create lots of useless image data that requires lots of bandwidth to stream and store. Panasonic have now developed a cost viable solution to the high definition bandwidth problem by enabling important content to stream as high definition whilst economizing or eliminating on unimportant content in an image. This technology is called Panasonic Smart Coding and its employment reduces the total cost of ownership and makes the investment in high definition within the reach of a much wider section of the video surveillance marketplace. Smart Coding Technology Smart Coding is a license free feature available on Panasonic i-PRO and i-PRO Extreme cameras. Total bit rate throughput can be reduced by combining the two main technologies that make up the Panasonic Smart Coding innovation; Technology that assigns high resolution data to important content such as people or cars. Technology to reduce noise generated in low-illumination environments or at night, therefore eliminating the streaming of noise seen as movement in current compression algorisms. As we are eliminating the unnecessary streaming or high resolution data, even greater results in overall bit rate throughput can be saved by combining Smart Coding with Panasonic high-resolution 4K surveillance cameras. Panasonic’s Smart Coding Technology is based on the coding of the moving video standard, and as such special modules and the likes are not needed for display or playback by a client who is employing this technology. The two technologies that make up the Panasonic Smart Coding innovation are made of several elements that are described as follows; Technology to assign data only to subjects to be monitored Bit rate is sufficiently assigned to subject matter that is important such as people or cars, and therefore it needs to be streamed and recorded as high definition video. However, so-called background elements such as walls and roads are not so important therefore they don’t really need to be as sharp as content, and so a lower or no bit rate is assigned to them. Overall the total bit rate that needs to be streamed and recorded is reduced. This technology uses various techniques to accomplish the overall reduction in throughput. GoP Control The video stream comprises I-frame data encoded closed in the screen (as still image) and P-frame data where the difference from the previous frame is encoded. If the refresh cycle is set to 1 second (the default setting for Panasonic  cameras) at a frame rate of 30fps, stream data is generated where 29 P-frames follow after one I-frame. The data from this I-frame to the next I-frame is called Group of Picture (GoP). To playback stream data generated in this way, decoding must be done in order from the I-frame. For that reason, the I-frame is also called the reference frame. If the refresh interval (interval between I-frames) is long, much decoding is performed until playing back the end frame of that GoP. I-frames encode the entire screen, so the volume of data is large. P-frames encode the difference from the previous frame, so the volume of data becomes smaller. The GoP Control function detects motion of subjects. It makes the interval between I-frames shorter if there is a motion or longer if there is no motion. By making the interval longer in scenes with no motion, the number of I-frames with large data volume can be reduced, greatly reducing the total bit rate. In scenes with motion, the interval is made shorter to secure accessibility to scenes the user wants to view. Advanced mode utilizes the concept of long term prediction frames. Its reference frame structure consists of I-frames, and P-frames, which reference two frames (an I-frame and the previous P-frame), and key frames (P#30,#60), which reference the first I-frame (IDR) in the GoP. Figure 4 shows the reference relationship at 30fps with an I-frame interval of 60 sec and key frame interval of 1 sec. If there are no key frames in the GoP, decoding needs to be done sequentially from the I-frame at the head of the GoP. However, key frames can be decoded using just the I-frame. For example, if key frames are present in the GoP, #61 can be displayed by decoding just IDR#0, P#60, and P#61. Additionally, by inserting key frames, random accessibility can be secured. The advanced mode improves prediction efficiency by using two reference P-frames and reduces the bit rate by expanding the I-frame interval whilst maintaining random accessibility. Auto-VIQS Control Auto-VIQS (variable image quality on specified area) Control can automatically deter mine areas with and without motion and therefore reduces the data volume of those without motion. In the example below Auto-VIQS has realized two areas of importance that have a lot of movement (seen in red) and one area of little or no movement (seen in yellow). Smart facial coding Smart facial coding reduces bit rate by detecting the face and motion areas and keeping the face area at high image quality, slightly…

Why facial recognition? Public security threats and demand for new security solutions from end-users continuously push security manufacturers to innovate and upgrade technologies. International news and media reports on terror incidents of violence often shock public consciousness. They act as a grim reminder of present danger to public security. These security concerns need to be addressed with innovative solutions. For everything from safe city projects to home protection, developments are underway all over the world, with their respective challenges. Safeguarding family members, homes, property, and vehicles are the most common applications using these emerging technologies. But the number of video surveillance cameras used in well in very specific environments, and subtle changes in lighting, environment, etc., sacrifice accuracy. The second step is ‘Classification Learning,’ which uses shallow learning and analysis. Far from ideal, the results here directly restrict the breadth and depth of intelligent applications. Deep-learning benefits for intelligent video surveillance Deep learning is intrinsically different from other algorithms. The way it solves the insufficiencies of traditional algorithms is encompassed in a few concepts. From ‘Shallow’ to ‘Deep’ The algorithmic model for deep learning has a much deeper structure than that of 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 featureabstraction process. Each layer will have different ‘weighting,’ and this weighting reflects on what was learned about the images’ ‘components.’ The higher the layer level, the more specific the components. Simulating the human brain, an original signal in deep learning passes through layers of processing; further it takes a partial understanding (shallow) to an overall abstraction (deep) where we can perceive the object. From ‘Artificial Features’ to ‘Feature Learning’ 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. More the features, 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. With deep learning technology, the average accuracy of facial recognition increases significantly. Hikvision has demonstrated its ability to advance ahead of the competition. Its advantages in artificial intelligence in security have come about by having its own excellent algorithm development team and using the most powerful GPUs in our computer platforms. The results include winning in multiple international deep learning algorithm competitions such as ImageNet, PASCAL VOC, the MOT Challenge, and more. Achieving the best results come from a combination of having the right hardware and developing algorithms that can perform the computational requirements. Hikvision has the industry’s first data computing platform with bestin-class hardware, and completely independent algorithm team. Hikvision’s facial recognition solution Hikvision’s facial recognition solution pushes the limits of what is possible with today’s advancements in recognition abilities. This solution detects human faces and recognizes attributes creating pre- and post-event face contrasting. With immense capabilities for data storage behind this solution, Hikvision’s Face Library can generate blacklists and whitelists to trigger alarms and automate entry and exit authorizations in a range of applications. Hikvision embeds its algorithms within the cameras and recorders, so no PC server is needed. This means less delay in transmission, decreasing the burden on back-end devices. More than just efficiency, Hikvision holds high success rates – the facecapture rate can reach to 95% accuracy, with face-comparison accuracy rate up to 98% (Based on controlled tests, the facial recognition engine requires face images with minimum 40 pixels between the subject’s eyes (‘inter-pupillary’ distance), preferably 60 to 300; the maximum pan and tilt angles are 25 degrees and 15 degrees respectively for facial image capture). Multiple models and types are available with a wide variety of front-end or back-end combinations to meet multitudes of scenarios and environments, and with world wide support, all human faces are supported. (At the time of writing this article, faces fitting characteristics of Asian ethnicities have the highest degree of accuracy.) Systems integrators will see a wide range of applications becoming possible with this facial recognition solution. It can be applied in banks, luxury shops and hotels to recognize VIP customers and initiate specialized services. Hikvision’s solution can also be applied in security scenarios like police stations, customs, international airports, government installations, and much more, to improve security and investigation efficiency.   By Ashish P Dhakan – MD & CEO, Prama Hikvision India Pvt. Ltd.  

The Chairman apprised the CM that there are over four lakh security guards working in Delhi at present which can act as a force multiplier in ensuring safety and security to the habitants and infrastructure of the state. This work force is currently approximately 30% deficient and with an estimated annual growth rate of 22%, the private security industry is one of the major job facilitators in the state. In this preview, CAPSI is keen to work in conjunction with the Delhi Government in areas of mutual interest in order to achieve the desired level of safety for populace. CAPSI offered that a security guard in uniform on the way to his duty and back home travelling in the public transport can act as a deterrent to the criminals’ planning and their unlawful activities, and he mere can force them to refrain from such acts. In other words, a security guard by his sheer presence in the bus or in any other public transportation system can be able to provide incidental security to passengers. The private security guards are duly authorised and verified by the police and so their services can be used to boost safety of bus passengers in lieu of free ride given to them. They will act as ‘eyes and ears’ to ensure safety of women and children travelling in buses. “The Chief Minister agreed to consider this demand. The association offered services of security guards to keep watch in buses and boost safety of women and children,” Somnath Bharti said. CAPSI in a statement also confirmed that Mr. Kejriwal has agreed to consider the demand of the association to allow private security personnel to travel free in public buses in the city. The proposed ‘concession’ will be given to the security guards in uniform commuting to and from the places of their duty only. “Each security guard shall be given a special badge so that public may recognise him/ her as protector of citizens. The Chief Minister appreciated the social responsibility character of CAPSI and wanted us to organise security training to students of the 12th class in all schools. The Delhi Government will sign a MoU to commence these programmes at the earliest. It will also launch the publicity campaign to popularise its partnership with CAPSI for ‘Yatri Suraksha’,” said Kunwar Vikram Singh.

Synology announced the availability of its new 18-series products, which includes DS218j, DS218+, DS418j, DS418, DS418play, DS718+, DS918+, NVR1218 and VS960HD in India. “India has a variety of businesses at all scales, and people are paying more attention to what they are getting,” said Mike Shay, Sales Manager of Synology Inc., “That’s why we are excited to launch our 18-series in India. We believe whatever their scale, our customers can find the right Synology server that provides smart and effective storage solutions to their needs.” New 18-series Synology NAS and NVR products DS218j, DS418j and DS418: These 18-series entry-level NAS servers are designed for individual and home users, which became the best sellers after its launch. These versatile yet budgetfriendly NAS servers can not only serve as personal cloud storage, but also provide features with data backup, media streaming, photo management, file sharing, and more. With the user-friendly interface, users can manage, protect and share all your digital assets easily and efficiently. DS418play: Ideal for IT enthusiasts, home users and creative professionals who want to store large collections of photos and videos in one place. DS418play is equipped with Intel® Celeron® dual-core 2GHz processor capable of bursting up to 2.5GHz, providing excellent encrypted file transmission speed. It comes with a 2GB memory by default which is scalable to up to 6GB. DS418play supports up to two channels of H.265/ H.264 4K video transcoding, which is ideal for serving as the home multimedia centre. DS218+, DS718+ and DS918+: These three High Performance Plus series NAS servers are specifically engineered for SMEs and IT enthusiasts. DS218+ is a compact 2-bay all-in-one NAS server which is ideal for studio and small offices with limited working space. Equipped with an Intel® Celeron® dual-core processor and AES-NI hardware encryption engine, DS218+ delivers exceptional file transfer speeds and advanced performance. DS718+ and DS918+ are equipped with Intel® Celeron® quad-core processor, delivering blazing fast file transfer experience. They are also available for expanding up to 7 and 9 drives, 6GB and 8GB RAM, providing a cost-effective solution that is both versatile and flexible for SMEs future demands. NVR1218, VS960HD: NVR1218 is a network video recorder which provides an all-in-one, stand-alone private surveillance solution for PC-less management and live monitoring. NVR1218 supports 12 concurrent recording channels and a COM port interface that works perfectly to support POS integration which makes it suitable for retail. VS960HD is a palm-sized local display companion to surveillance station with up to 96-channel HD live view and dual HDMI for 4K and 1080p output. When configured with a paired Synology NAS or NVR, VS960HD makes an ideal TV wall solution.

Central Association of Private Security Industry (CAPSI) and Association of Private Detectives and Investigators (APDI) recently held their Governing Council Meeting, which brought together national office bearers and members of CAPSI from across the country, and provided them a valuable networking opportunity to discuss, explore and set the stage for further cooperation a large number of issues pertaining to the private security industry. The conference began with the opening remarks of Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman, CAPSI & APDI, and continued with interactive panel discussions, presentations, and briefings on various topics of interest like GST, Code of Conduct, matters related to principle employers etc. The Meeting was graced by the presence of Vivek Bharadwaj, IAS, Joint Secretary (PM), MHA who actively indulged in a meaningful discussion with the industry representatives and invited their comments on current issues being faced by the industry. The Chairman welcomed Mr. Bhardwaj and apprised him of the current issues which the industry faces such as renewal of licenses, license of gunman, immunity to PSA owner against cognizable offences committed by guards, formation of an internal committee to tweak some rules in order to ensure better growth of the industry, requirement of upgrading skills of guards to match with international standards, uniform standard of training across the country, nonPSARA compliant PSAs to be dealt with a heavy hand, and so on. The industry representatives raised following issues to the Joint Secretary: Grant of license to an agency needs to be simplified, registration of Aadhar Card of the owner be linked with KYC forms and get antecedents verified. Provision for permission to operate in multiple states. PSARA be enforceable across the country, and provisions for licenses for all India be formulated. Documentary evidence of being born at a particular place, especially for the older person as the registration of birth at that time was not mandatory. Delhi police firing range to be made available to the licensed armed security guards for practice through the security agencies. DGR model to determine the minimum service charges to be included in the tendering process by the PSAs. Delhi PSARA mandates a training centre to possess minimum one acre of ground for physical activities. This can be offset by conducting physical training in government schools which have playground of one acre or more. The training activities can be carried out after school hours. Validity of PSARA license be enhanced from the present three years to five years. In case it is applied for renewal in stipulated time frame before the expiry date, and renewal not received, the agency’s license may be considered renewed. It was informed that the Govt of Bihar has started the process of auto renewal of licenses, and submission of documents is done on line. Considering the fast turnover of security guards in the industry, present verification procedure followed by the police is very time consuming. It was recommended that e-portals like that of NCRB be developed and used to identify the criminal records of the applicants, if any. If there are no adverse entries, it may be deemed clear. That police stations located in remote areas of the country can be asked to work in collaboration and share information of any agency operating from that area, which otherwise is a difficult and timeconsuming task for CAPSI. That in Maharashtra it is compulsory for agencies to register with Maharashtra Security Guard Board and employ only those who are cleared by them. It was recommended that Maharashtra Guard Board be brought under PSARA. That if an agency submits the application in accordance with the check list of the State Controlling Authority, then the new license should be given within 60 days and renewals within 30 days. Though the validity of the license in one of the states i.e., Jharkhand is for five years, but the Controlling Authority demands a yearly renewal charge of INR 25,000/- which needs to be stopped forthwith. That in AP/ Telengana, the Controlling Authorities are officers who perform the task in addition to their various other assigned tasks, thereby they get little time to resolve issues pertaining to the industry. Controlling Authority in one of the states has enforced training of MDs in the state as part of the condition to renew license. If other states also do that, MD will require to be attending the same course in all states where his agency is functional. It was informed that Government of J&K has passed an Act wherein only those individuals who are the domicile of the state and have 51% share of the company will be able to run a security agency in the State. This debars Indians not belonging to the State of J&K from conducting business in the State. Based on the discussions held, it is envisaged that MHA may issue certain recommendations to State Controlling Authorities which will eventually pave the way towards ease of doing business by the security agencies. Professionalism and compliance of PSARA will bring credibility Mr. Bharadwaj stated that he has been very keen to interact with CAPSI members as they were the true representatives of the security industry. He expressed his satisfaction on the way the deliberations took place and made a note of a few valid points that have been brought to his notice and assured all present that he will certainly follow up on these issues. He took note to examine the current procedure of grant of new license & renewal of existing licenses, utilization of police firing range for practice, and whether J&K Govt can enact the model rules in the manner that they have. He stated that there is a need to understand the Constitution of India. PSARA is a model Act and rules formulated by states are within the broad contours of the Act. So far as checking of criminal records/ antecedents of prospective guards are concerned, these could be obtained from the CCTNS portal which connects all operational police stations in the country except 80. Citizen service portal is another…