Utilities


Wireless for Utilities

Utilities and governments around the world are investing billions of dollars into upgrading the existing analog electric, gas and water grids into two-way communication networks capable of optimizing distribution and reducing costs for consumers.

The ABCs of Key Control

In developing a comprehensive physical security strategy, it’s important to include a key control plan as part of the overall security package. Key management systems can reinforce access control policies that are already in place and can also help to reduce the costs that are associated with lost keys or unmanaged access. It’s also important to know that it is never too late -- or too early -- to implement a key control and management plan as part of an overall physical security strategy. And if you’re not sure about how to proceed, the following three questions may provide the answers for you.

Department of Homeland Security to Test U.S. Bridges for Vulnerability

The Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has joined forces with the Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center to conduct series of experiments that assess potential vulnerability of critical structural components of aging steel bridges.

Analysis of 15 Failed Terrorist Plots Against Surface Transportation Provides Insight into Tactics, Weapons

The Mineta Transportation Institute has released its newest research report, Carnage Interrupted: An Analysis of Fifteen Terrorist Plots Against Public Surface Transportation, which examines several factors in 13 plots that authorities uncovered and foiled before attacks could be carried out.

Denver Transportation District Expanding Video Security

NICE recently announced that the Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD), the public transit system for greater metro Denver, is expanding its implementation of NICE video security solutions to the West Rail Line, Union Station and the Denver Civic Center.

SIA, AAPA Urge DHS to Reconsider Port Allocations

Today, the Security Industry Association (SIA), along with the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano. In the letter, the organizations urge the secretary to reconsider grant allocations assigned to the Fiscal Year 2012 Port Security Grant Program, or to offer waivers on cost share agreements of previously awarded grants.

Eyes Wide Open

The Port of Portland services more than 800 vessel calls each year, accounting for more than 14 million tons of ocean-going cargo.

First Receivers Staying on Top of Their Game

There are first responders, of course, those who arrive first on the scene of an incident and who play a critical role in emergencies involving injuries and casualties, but, there are also first receivers who primarily operate in hospitals. These professionals are increasingly expected to be well versed in other public safety domains in preparation for disastrous events.



Security in the Fastlane

Security in the Fast Lane

Globally, the growing dependence on transportation networks has made transportation infrastructure among the most important assets to protect.

Chopper Control

Chopper Control

Helicopter emergency safety decisions are separate from medical decisions. Helicopter personnel need to be armed with the latest navigation tools to ensure safety for all onboard, especially when a matter of minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

AS&E Receives $34.9 Million Order for Z Portal Screening Systems

Z Portal vehicle screening systems will be deployed on multiple border crossings.

Smiths Detection Joins New Coalition of Security Manufacturing Companies

The coalition will serve as a unified voice on issues relating to security technology.

Amtrak Security Beefed Up for 9/11 Anniversary

More screenings of passengers and baggage, increased use of K-9 explosives detection teams, and expanded police patrols are being used across the country.

TWIC Affects Ports

The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 required the Department of Homeland Security to secure America’s ports by implementing regulations that prevents most individuals from having unescorted access to secure facilities and vessels. The law mandates that all individuals who qualify for unescorted access receive a biometric credential to show proof of identification. Born from this directive was the Transportation Workers Identity Credential (TWIC), issued to individuals who meet the eligibility requirements.

Survey: Only Half Americans Feel Safer Today, 10 Years After 9/11

Federal Signal Corp., a designer and manufacturer of public safety communications equipment and systems, recently announced the results of its 2011 survey regarding Americans’ public safety concerns ten years after 9/11.

Smart EV Charging Will Require Utilities to Invest in Cybersecurity Systems

A report forecasts that the EV cybersecurity market will increase from just $26 million in 2011 to $144 million by 2015, with a cumulative investment of $432 million during that period.

Security Products 2011 New Product of the Year Award Winners Announced

The Security Products New Product of the Year Award honors the outstanding product development achievements of security equipment manufacturers whose products are considered to be particularly noteworthy in their ability to improve security.

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority Selects G4S to Provide Airport Screening Services

G4S Secure Solutions will provide services at 20 airports, including Vancouver International Airport.

New York MTA Selects VeriFone TransitPAY for Bus Tracking Solution

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) awarded a four-year, $6.9 million contract to VeriFone Systems, Inc., for delivery, installation, and warranty and maintenance services for 1,000 TransitPAY systems to provide real-time bus information to customers on Staten Island buses.

SightLogix Names Fiber Networks as Manufacturer's Representative

The rep firm will expand market for outdoor video analytic systems in the New York area.

Featured

  • The Next Generation

    Video security technology has reached an inflection point. With advancements in cloud infrastructure and internet bandwidth, hybrid cloud solutions can now deliver new capabilities and business opportunities for security professionals and their customers. Read Now

  • Help Your Customer Protect Themselves

    In the world of IT, insider threats are on a steep upward trajectory. The cost of these threats - including negligent and malicious employees that may steal authorized users’ credentials, rose from $8.3 million in 2018 to $16.2 million in 2023. Insider threats towards physical infrastructures often bleed into the realm of cybersecurity; for instance, consider an unauthorized user breaching a physical data center and plugging in a laptop to download and steal sensitive digital information. Read Now

  • Enhanced Situation Awareness

    Did someone break into the building? Maybe it is just an employee pulling an all-nighter. Or is it an actual perpetrator? Audio analytics, available in many AI-enabled cameras, can add context to what operators see on the screen, helping them validate assumptions. If a glass-break detection alert is received moments before seeing a person on camera, the added situational awareness makes the event more actionable. Read Now

  • Transformative Advances

    Over the past decade, machine learning has enabled transformative advances in physical security technology. We have seen some amazing progress in using machine learning algorithms to train computers to assess and improve computational processes. Although such tools are helpful for security and operations, machines are still far from being capable of thinking or acting like humans. They do, however, offer unique opportunities for teams to enhance security and productivity. Read Now

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation. 3

  • 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. 3

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3