Top Stories


Satisfied Customers

Even though there were not throngs of attendees, as in past years, ASIS still produced a good tradeshow in Orlando. Many exhibitors that I talked with were pleased with the quality of booth visitors.

GSX 2021: Jump-Starting the Return to Normal

Last year, ASIS made the call to convert GSX 2020 into a virtual event against the backdrop of COVID-19. This year’s conference, then, marked the return of GSX as an in-person event

An Uninterrupted Lifeline

An Uninterrupted Lifeline

For a first responder rushing into a building emergency, losing communication with their teams inside or outside of the building can be terrifying.



The Next Normal

After the COVID-19 pandemic and safer-at-home restrictions of 2020, many homeowners and businesses are well on their way to returning to their ‘next’ normal.

Extraordinary Value

Extraordinary Value

Every technology industry is talking about the benefits of Artificial Intelligence. More than a buzzword, AI is hyped as a panacea, while at the same time, it is often misunderstood by those who might benefit from it the most.

Drivers and Implications

Drivers and Implications

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been around since the 1950s when scientists and mathematicians essentially wanted to see if they could make machines think like humans. Since these early notions of AI, technology has advanced at a gradual rate.

Coming of Age

Coming of Age

There have been on-going discussions the past several years about how Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to modernize physical security systems and operations.

Take Nothing for Granted

Contemplating a topic in the industry I have not given space in the last 20 years, I seem to be in a daze. Then I received an email about Women in Security. I dialed up a couple of friends to get their take on what is a relatively new organization.

Once and For All

Anyone who knows Disney at all probably remembers the movie “Fantasia,” and relating to Mickey Mouse in “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” as he cast a spell on a broom to do his chores for him and make his life a little easier.

Connecting Networks

Connecting Networks

The Internet of Things (IoT) is turning dumb houses into smart homes. It is also revolutionizing access control systems for all types of commercial buildings, from small offices and retail shops to enterprise campuses and sprawling factories.

Overcoming Big Challenges

Despite the fact that the security market is changing, many businesses are configuring, installing and troubleshooting IP security cameras using laptops, even though it’s time consuming and ineffective.

The Time Has Come

The Time Has Come

Despite the rapid rollout of vaccines, the impact and ramifications of COVID-19 will be long felt in almost every part of the economy. Many businesses have needed to pivot and adapt quickly to new ways of working.

A Hybrid Work Environment

A Hybrid Work Environment

As companies begin to repopulate their offices with workers who have spent the last 12-15 months toiling from their overcrowded kitchen tables and other non-traditional work settings, now faced with a potentially catastrophic problem.

Safer Cities

Safer Cities

A lot has changed in cities around the globe in the last few years. According to the United States Census Bureau, population densities across the United States continue to shift from larger established metropolitan areas to smaller cities and into the suburbs. This is increasing the number of urban centers with sizeable populations.

Updates from the GSX 2021 Show Floor: Day 2

As I mentioned yesterday, GSX 2021 is my first foray into the world of security conferences and trade shows. And if Day 1 was the day I succeeded in not drowning, Day 2 was the day I managed to tread water and even swim a little bit.

Live From GSX: Day 2

Live From GSX 2021 is back for Day 2 of this year’s conference in Orlando, Fla., bringing the action straight to your screen. Remember to follow us on Twitter at @SecurToday for updates throughout the day.

Enhanced visitor management for a post-COVID world

Smarter and Stronger

In the past year and a half, the Coronavirus pandemic has proven to be a continuing challenge for the security industry as well as the workplace in general.

The Humorous Side to GSX

The Humorous Side to GSX

An upside to attending GSX this year there were some humorous observations.

Featured

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • 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

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • 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.