Top Stories


facial recognition system

Facial Recognition App Used By Law Enforcement To Identify Suspects Faces Blowback

New Jersey police are banned from using Clearview AI’s app, and Twitter has demanded that the small company delete any photos collected from its website.

campaign signs

Technology Companies Sign On To Offer Free or Discounted Cybersecurity Services to Campaigns

Seventeen companies, including Microsoft and Cloudflare, are offering security assistance to federal campaigns that often cannot afford the services themselves.

Bjorn Lidefelt

HID Global Names Björn Lidefelt President and CEO

Lidefelt was previously CCO at ASSA ABLOY



Ifrah Yousuf graphic of computer

Cyber-Insurance Rates Soaring Thanks to Rise in High-Cost Ransomware Attacks

Insurers have made “dramatic” increases in premiums for cyber-insurance and are considering lowering the ransom amounts they will pay.

CBP Sign

Customs and Border Protection Plans to Expand Use of Facial Recognition in Global Entry Program

The agency says that the privacy risks to travelers will actually be lower with the facial scans, since they will no longer have to offer fingerprint data in order to enter the U.S.

iowa democratic party

Despite Hacking Threats, Iowa and Nevada Democratic Caucuses Will Use Mobile Apps to Tally Votes

Party leaders say they have taken steps to protect cybersecurity and that there will be paper records to verify each vote for the final results.

gun retailer

New Security, Video Surveillance Requirements For Illinois Gun Dealers Go Into Effect

The regulations originally required gun retailers to have a backup of all video surveillance feeds, but has since been changed.

maryland state house

Ransomware Possession Would Become A Crime In Maryland Under Proposed Legislation

Lawmakers are trying to deter would-be hackers from carrying out cyber attacks that have paralyzed companies, hospital systems and local governments, including Baltimore’s city government.

Infusion Direct Announces New Partnership With Security Network Associates

PR firm in the security industry expands its services in 2020, selected by SNA to help grow sales for IPVideo Corporation’s HALO IOT Smart Sensor in Florida

european union flags

European Union Contemplates Banning Facial Recognition For Three To Five Years

While the ban is on the table, EU leadership ultimately says it would be a “far-reaching measure” with the potential to stifle the development of the technology.

Report: Rise Of “Conversation-Hijacking” Phishing Attacks Threatens Businesses

Because the technique involves impersonating a trusted employee, the hacking method has the potential to be unusually effective.

New Minnesota Law Allows Families to Install Internet-Connected Cameras In Senior Care Facilities

The new policies, meant to protect elder privacy, have also drawn criticism because of the requirement that families notify care facilities before they install the camera.

smart devices

Why Artificial Intelligence Is The Smart Way to Form Real Bonds With Customers

AI isn’t going to replace us, but it will make it easier to deliver services that keep people safe.

cambridge city hall

Cambridge Becomes Fourth Massachusetts Community To Ban Municipal Facial Recognition Use

A bill is currently before the state House that would ban government use of biometric technology until the legislature regulates how agencies can adopt it.

washington state capitol

Washington State Lawmakers Introduce Legislation Regulating Data Privacy, Facial Recognition

The data privacy bill would give consumers the right to access and delete data collected about them, while the facial recognition legislation would regulate government use of the software.

tree of life synagogue

Pennsylvania Opens Grant Program For Faith Based Organizations Seeking Security Upgrades

Created in the wake of a shooting at the Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue, the grant program opened its application process last week.

Neal Katz Appointed Central Regional Sales Manager For ZKTeco USA

Katz, who has been with ZKTeco since 2018, was promoted this month

brain scan

More Than One Billion Medical Images Remain Unprotected On The Web

Some security experts and lawmakers have criticized the Department of Health and Human Services for failing to enforce privacy laws and fine organizations that did not protect patient records.

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