New data from the Federal Trade Commission shows that Best Buy/Geek Squad, Amazon, and PayPal are the companies people report scammers impersonate most often. A newly released data spotlight shows that consumers in 2023 submitted about 52,000 reports about scammers impersonating Best Buy or its Geek Squad tech support brand, followed by about 34,000 reports about scammers impersonating Amazon. PayPal was the third-most impersonated company with about 10,000 reports from consumers.
The National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA) has announced that Sylvia Peace, Fire and Life Safety Educator for the Greenville Fire Department in Texas, has been recognized as the 2024 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year. She will receive her award at the annual Stars at Night Awards gala during the NFPA Conference & Expo in Orlando on Sunday, June 16.
Honeywell recently announced the completion of its acquisition of Carrier Global Corporation's Global Access Solutions business for $4.95 billion. The deal positions Honeywell as a leading provider of security solutions for the digital age with opportunities for accelerated innovation in the fast-growing, cloud-based services and solutions space. This transaction also strengthens Honeywell's alignment of its portfolio around three compelling megatrends, including automation, and complements Honeywell's Building Automation segment.
Genetec Inc, a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, recently announced the opening of several new R&D hubs, Experience Centers, and the expansion of several offices around the world.
84% of the US' critical infrastructure organizations have identified the use of AI to drive cyber threats as a current security concern. This dramatic rise in concern about how cybercriminals use AI is revealed in new research by cybersecurity services firm Bridewell, surveying 519 staff responsible for cybersecurity in US critical infrastructure organizations, in sectors such as civil aviation, telecommunications, energy, transport, media, financial services and water supply
The PSA Network (PSA), the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, today announced the recipients of its annual scholarships. Ryan Knoll of Pro-Tec Design; Staci Eslinger of M3T Corporation; Jack Tadych of SecurAlarm; and Rich Campbell of RFI are the PSA Scholarship 2024 winners.
Evolv Technology, a security technology company pioneering AI-based screening to create safer experiences, recently announced its partnership with Lee Health, one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in Florida. Lee Health uses Evolv’s state-of-the-art Evolv Express screening solution at the entrances to three of its emergency departments, with plans to install Evolv Express systems at three additional locations.
AtlasIED, a recognized leader in the commercial audio, voice evac, and security industries, today announces the appointment of Charlie Kowalczyk as Director of Support Services. Kowalczyk steps into the role, currently held by Dick Snider, General Manager of Support Services, who is retiring on June 1.
Maybe it’s a phishing attack—an innocent-looking email from a company leader or reputable company but generated by a malicious threat actor.
- By Perry Carpenter
- May 28, 2024
In today’s dynamic landscape, the evolution of the digital economy serves as a compelling catalyst for organizations to revamp their networks, facilitate remote work, enhance cloud connectivity, reinforce cybersecurity, and maximize productivity. In particular, the shift to cloud computing and remote work has increased the need for secure access for any user from any device and any cloud to network resources.
- By Pascal Menezes
- May 28, 2024
Proofpoint, Inc., a cybersecurity and compliance company recently released its annual Voice of the CISO report, which explores key challenges, expectations and priorities of chief information security officers (CISOs) worldwide.
The Security Industry Association (SIA) has launched the SIA Veterans in Security Forum, an all-new community focused on the issues and concerns of veterans and active military members who are in, or are interested in joining, the security industry. SIA has appointed Jeff Huggins of ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions as chair of the new group.
The Security Industry Association (SIA) has recognized two industry leaders – Leire Arbona Puértolas and Arielle Thomas – as the 2024 winners of the SIA Industry Advocate Award. This award is presented to individuals making an extraordinary contribution of professional time, leadership and resources to position SIA and its members to address the public policy challenges impacting the security industry. Arbona Puértolas and Thomas were recognized with the awards at the 2024 SIA GovSummit conference.
Public anxieties about school safety are escalating across the country. According to a 2023 Gallup report, 44% of parents fear for their child’s physical safety at school, a 10 percentage-point increase since 2019. Unfortunately, these fears are likely to increase if the incidence of school tragedies continues to mount. As a result, school leaders are now charged with two non-negotiable responsibilities. The first, as always, is to ensure kids have what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Sadly, their second responsibility is to keep the children in their care safe from threats and physical danger.
- By Ron Boezwinkle, Jason Russell
- May 22, 2024
In a perfect world, every school would have an unlimited budget to help secure their schools. In reality, schools must prioritize what budget they have while navigating the complexities surrounding school security and lockdown.
Ensuring guests have both a memorable experience and a safe one is no small feat for your physical security team. Stadiums, ballparks, arenas, and other large event venues are increasingly leveraging new technologies to transform the fan experience and maintain a high level of security. The goal is to preserve the integrity and excitement of the event while enhancing security and remaining “behind the scenes.”
- By Rick Taylor
- May 20, 2024
A recent survey conducted by KPMG, the audit, tax, and advisory firm, reveals that despite a growing number of attacks and breaches, C-suite cyber leaders are optimistic about the effectiveness of their defenses. The survey also highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fight against cyber threats. According to the survey of 200 C-suite cyber leaders at companies with revenue of $1 billion and above, 40% reported that their company had suffered a recent cyberattack resulting in a security breach, with 38% experiencing one to three attacks.
It’s a known fact that government agencies across the U.S. require a higher level of security due to the amount of sensitive information they keep on file. They must maintain control over their public facilities and require more stringent security practices than the normal building. With constant risks of attempted forgery and tampering, government agencies must ensure that only authorized personnel have access to public records and their facilities. A great way to take control and bring security to the next level is investing in a fully comprehensive ID card solution. Most agencies today are implementing an ID card policy to help ensure confidential information stays private.
- By Andrew Schonzeit
- May 20, 2024
The Foundation for Advancing Security Technology (FAST) is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Security Technician of the Year Awards, now in its second year. This prestigious initiative highlights the critical role that security technicians play within the industry, celebrating their excellence in the meticulous design, installation and maintenance of security systems that safeguard our communities.
The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce that David Charney, chief customer officer (COO), Stealth Monitoring, has accepted the position of co-chair of the TMA Surveillance and Video Verification (SVV) Committee. Charney joins seated Committee Co-Chair Wes Usie, Guardian Alarm Systems.