Top Stories


Report Continues to Show Physical Security Moving to Cloud-Based Solutions

Verkada today shared the results of its 2024 State of Cloud Physical Security report. Based on insights from IT and physical security leaders across various sectors, the findings look at current trends, insights, and challenges within the industry as it transitions from on-premises setups to cloud-based ones.

New FTC Data Shed Light on Companies Most Frequently Impersonated by Scammers

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.

NFPA Honors Sylvia Peace as the 2024 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year

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.



Genetec Expands Global Presence With R&D Hubs, Experience Centers

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.

Honeywell Completes Acquisition of Carrier's Global Access Solutions Business

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.

87 Percent of US Critical Infrastructure Organizations Concerned About AI-Powered Cyberthreats

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 Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients

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.

Florida Healthcare System Uses Evolv Threat Detection Technology

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.

Charlie Kowalczyk Appointed Director of Support Services for AtlasIED

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.

7 Steps to an Effective Cybersecurity Training Regimen

Maybe it’s a phishing attack—an innocent-looking email from a company leader or reputable company but generated by a malicious threat actor.

Importance and Need for Certification in SASE Adoption

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.

Survey: 70 Percent of CISOs Feel at Risk for Cyber Attack in Next 12 Months

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.

SIA Launches New Community for Veterans in Security

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.

Leire Arbona Puértolas, Arielle Thomas Chosen as 2024 SIA Industry Advocate Award Honorees

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.

Making Safety and Security Intrinsic to School Design

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.

The Power of a Layered Approach to Safety

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.

How a Security System Can Enhance Arena Safety and the Fan Experience

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.”

Survey: C-Suite Cyber Leaders Optimistic about Defenses, but Large Percentage Suffered Recent Cyber Attack

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.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • 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