Interoperability Anticipated
- By Eduard J. Emde, CPP
- Jun 01, 2012
When the ASIS International 58th Annual
Seminar and Exhibits (ASIS 2012) opens in
Philadelphia on Sept. 10, more than 20,000
security professionals from more than 90
countries around the globe will converge at
the Pennsylvania Convention Center to learn what’s changed,
what works and what’s coming next in the industry. There’s no
doubt that, for many, integration of traditional and logical security
and the challenges associated with the interoperability
of security systems will be top of mind.
“Our members are experiencing an increasing rate of assimilation
of a variety of technologies into their functions along
with the continuing emphasis on cyber security,” said ASIS
Chairman Raymond T. O’Hara. “Our goal is to help them to
become better equipped to succeed in the future.”
(ISC)2, the administrators of the CISSP, will once again
colocate its Security Congress with the ASIS Annual Seminar
and Exhibits. The tradeshow draws information security
thought leaders and luminaries for discussions on a wide range
of information security issues. General education sessions, networking
events and the exhibit floor are open to registered attendees
for either event.
“The current threat landscape demands the collaboration of
professional support organizations like ASIS and (ISC)2,” said
Hord Tipton, executive director of (ISC)2. “Cyber criminals
don’t recognize the divisions between various areas of security
when they attack. It is essential that we acknowledge that
these lines are blurred and provide professionals with access
to bleeding-edge knowledge in order to protect our
customers and ourselves. It is our goal through Congress
to arm attendees at all levels with the tools they
need across a breadth of security disciplines.”
One of the most popular sessions at the seminar each
year is “What’s New on the Floor?” Security industry
veterans Ronald Lander and Howard Belfor will lead this
informative session, scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 11.
“There will be a greater emphasis on product interoperability
in addition to the introduction of a larger number
of mobile applications aimed at remote management,
field data collection and forensics,” Belfor
said. “Some of the most significant advances
since last year will be in the area of
data analysis—whether metadata or analytics
associated with captured video or other
security-related monitoring.”
Over the course of four days, ASIS 2012
attendees will have the opportunity to select
from more than 200 educational sessions
across 22 tracks. Sessions, developed and
delivered by security management practitioners
and subject matter experts, will cover a
full range of timely security topics and critical issues, as well as
core security management best practices and strategies.
“The ASIS Seminar and Exhibits is more relevant than ever
this year,” said Matthew Kushner, president of CNL Software,
Americas. “In recent years, there has been a great deal of focus
on integration, and it is now accepted that intelligent security
integration is one of the few methods of enhancing security
without increasing security budgets.
“Today, there are two key restrictions to completely integrated
solutions: firstly, technical restrictions, which we are
addressing with our PSIM platform, and secondly, the need
for education, which ASIS addresses through its educational
programming. ASIS is doing an outstanding job educating the
industry on the benefits of an integrated approach to security
management,” Kushner said.
In addition to the expanded programming for information
security professionals, ASIS will present an educational track
for security systems integrators. The track is endorsed by PSA
Security Network, the world’s largest electronic security cooperative
representing security system integrators. A number of
sector-specific sessions will be presented—each one providing
unique insights from security end users into the security requirements
and demands within a vertical industry sector.
“Systems integrators need to keep pace with the challenges and
demands faced by practitioners,” said Bill Bozeman, president and
CEO of PSA Security. “These special education sessions provide a
unique opportunity to open a dialogue between the customer and
the service providers that is absolutely invaluable.”
Attendees may prepare for professional certification in the
days preceding the seminar in Philadelphia. ASIS certification
reviews will be offered Sept. 7-8 for the Certified Protection
Professional (CPP), Professional Certified Investigator (PCI)
and Physical Security Professional (PSP) examinations. On
Sept. 8-9, a series of (ISC)2 credential clinics are scheduled
(CISSP®, CSSLP, CAP and SSCP), as well as an official twoday
review seminar for both CSSLP and CISSP.
American astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson will address
attendees at the closing luncheon. Mohammad ElBaradei,
former director general of the Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA), will deliver a keynote speech Sept. 11 at 8 a.m., and
former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will keynote Sept.
12 at 8 a.m.
“The impact of Dr. ElBaradei’s work to strengthen the nonproliferation
regime is far reaching. His advocacy of nuclear
disarmament and his dedication to the peaceful use of nuclear
energy as a means to increase quality of life for many around
the world is remarkable,” said incoming ASIS President Geoffrey
T. Craighead. “Seminar attendees will have an invaluable
opportunity to garner ElBaradei’s unique, firsthand perspectives
on global security and international law.”
A distinguished diplomat, international civil servant and scholar, ElBaradei served three terms as
director general of the IAEA, an intergovernmental
organization that is part
of the United Nations system, with a
mandate to make nuclear technology
available for peaceful purposes and to
prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
In October 2005, ElBaradei and the
IAEA were jointly awarded the Nobel
Peace Prize “for their efforts to prevent
nuclear energy from being used for military
purposes.”
Gates’ 27-year career as an intelligence
professional began in 1966 when
he joined the CIA; it culminated with
his serving as director from 1991-1993.
He is the only secretary of defense in
U.S. history to be asked to remain in
that office by a newly elected president.
“Having served eight U.S. presidents
in the course of his vast and
distinguished career, Gates offers unparalleled
personal insights into U.S.
intelligence and defense strategies,”
Craighead said. “His perspectives on
global politics and world affairs are
particularly relevant to our members
and security professionals at large.”
Outside of the classrooms and general
sessions, ASIS 2012 will present a
robust showcase of the latest security
products and services. The challenge for
many will be navigating the more than
700 exhibits across more than 230,000
square feet to find the best solutions.
ASIS offers a few tools for attendees
to use to make the most effective and
efficient investment of time while in
Philadelphia. The first is the show planner.
Attendees can preview exhibitor
information and make appointments
with manufacturers or service providers
ahead of arrival. Secondly, attendees
are encouraged to download the
ASIS 2012 mobile application. This
will put the very latest information on
education and the show floor right in
the palm of their hands.
Attendees will find information on
some of the newest and most innovative
technologies and service offerings
featured in the ASIS Accolades competition,
which identifies “Security’s Best”
prior to the opening of the Seminar.
The competition, launched in 2008, is
open to all ASIS exhibitors and recognizes
products and services that
demonstrate advancements in technology
or that extend a new level of service.
View product information online
pre- and post-show. Onsite, attendees
can pick up a detailed directory of all
entrants and visit the Accolades Showcase
in the Exhibit Hall, in addition to
talking directly to the experts at the exhibitors’
booths.
ASIS 2012 will host several networking
events where professionals
from around the world can connect.
The week opens with the ASIS Foundation
Golf Tournament, Young Professionals
Reception and a Welcome Reception
on Sept. 9. First-time Seminar
attendees and new members are also
invited to attend a special reception on
that same day from 6 to 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared in the June 2012 issue of Security Today.