Network-Centric Security


A Wireless World

TO take advantage of the powerful and ubiquitous TCP/IP communication platform, manufacturers of security products such as network video cameras, gate access controllers, biometric scanners, perimeter fencing systems and mobile covert monitoring solutions are gradually migrating analog-based products to a digital Ethernet platform. Unfortunately, in many cases, a wire-line network connection is not available at all locations required in the facility. So wireless alternatives are increasingly becoming more prevalent to deploy Ethernet devices. With the dramatic increase in the use of wireless technologies in the past five years, unlicensed radio spectrum is becoming increasingly overcrowded in many urban areas. A wireless system that’s installed today and functions well can fail dramatically next week, next month or next year, simply as a result of multiple products operating at the same radio frequency.

Checking the List, Twice

AS the security industry and those it serves evolve, it is no longer a question of whether you should switch to an IP video system—it is when you should switch over to IP video. Face it, it’s not just a digital world, it’s a network world, as well. In many cases, this is a result of technology crawl. For instance, you can still do your word processing with Word Star, the program you probably used when you first installed your analog CCTV system.

Examining Convergence

The convergence of physical security and IP networks opens up opportunities for security operations personnel to better protect assets and people. But to take advantage of the opportunities, security operations must do away with fear, uncertainty and doubt that often surround running physical security on a IP network.

Security Squared

AT the most basic level, there are just two types of security: physical security to protect people and assets, and information security to protect bits and bytes in data systems. And, information security products are generally more intelligent than physical security products.

A New Deal

RECENTLY, security dealers and integrators in the access control industry have seen a great shake-up. Widespread demand and overall adoption of IP-compatible devices has, in many cases, introduced security dealers to the IT world for the first time.

Questions and Answers From the Top

BANKS and larger financial institutions are interested in making the most of the newest security technologies and analytical software solutions to better protect assets, employees and customers.

Check Mate

IN the last 10 years, the background screening industry has grown tremendously and has moved from being a process used for security clearance, law enforcement and high-level, sensitive government jobs to an integral part of the hiring process of the vast majority of firms in the United States. Beth Miller of DataCheck Inc., located in San Clemente, Calif., said it best, as "more and more companies are conducting background screenings, it is becoming an everyday process and part of the norm."



Embracing Encryption

Multiple technology methods implemented to meet standards

The Last Word

IN an age of rapid change in both security and technology, the term convergence continues to be the buzzword of the moment.

The ID Two Step

AS federal and state governments look for ways to ensure workers' identity, identification cards have come to be a hot topic. In addition to protecting physical assets -- buildings, infrastructure and other facilities -- government officials also are interested in maintaining the integrity of their computer networks.

Got a Byte?

UNAUTHORIZED access to networks has recently increased within the past few years, and replacing DoS as the second-most significant contributor to computer crime losses, according to the Computer Security Institute and FBI.

Command and Control

WHETHER your job is to protect the local streets, the country or a company's assets -- the job has never been more challenging.

From Padlocks to Passwords

ONE of the biggest buzzwords in the security market in the past few years has been convergence -- the tying together of physical access and logical access technologies which have existed in parallel worlds.

Integration Ingenuity

IN a typical IT environment, heterogeneity is the standard -- in server operating systems, in database platforms and in software applications running on those servers.

Addressing the Future

Stop! Thief

ADVANCEMENTS in removable media, online storage and file sharing have empowered end users to transmit, collect and access data from virtually any location both inside and outside the corporate network.

Working Together

OVER the years, corporate departments have learned how to increase efficiency and value by leveraging the assets of the corporate IT infrastructure.

Playing Your Cards Right

REWIND the clock to the days before the Internet, and enterprise security was a much simpler proposition. Companies then, as now, devised and implemented systems and processes to protect a variety of physical assets against intrusion, theft and tampering.

Joined at the Hip

Featured

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New Products

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  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.