STEM prodigies battle it out in competition to find UK’s next generation of cyber security talent

This year’s CyberCenturion winners are from St Paul’s School, Barnes in London. The school’s two teams scooped both first and second place, with Team B winning the competition and Team A finishing second. The day-long cyber defence competition was led by global security company Northrop Grumman and the Cabinet Office-backed Cyber Security Challenge UK. The national finals follow months of gruelling online qualifiers between over 100 teams from across the UK and overseas territories.

The candidates were tasked with defending a start-up drone-based food delivery service – named ‘Always Food Available’ – using their evolving cyber security skills to identify vulnerabilities in the company’s network and systems, repair the vital issues and maintain the company’s services, while also fending off adversaries.

“Congratulations to our winning team,” said Nigel Harrison, acting COO and co-founder of the Cyber Security Challenge UK. “They emerged victorious after a day of intense competition. The next CyberCenturion is now open for registration and we would like to encourage more young people to consider taking part. With an increasing number of processes and jobs becoming digitally-focused, it’s vital that we find workers to protect our connected world, whether they’re intelligence officers supporting the Government’s hunt for criminals or network engineers protecting the launch systems of spacecraft.”

The winning team received 16 Pi-top CEED kits for their school to help further promote STEM and cyber careers and provide them with a competitive edge for their future careers.

“The enthusiasm of the participants and the high standards among the teams in the finals has been impressive to see,” said Andrew Tyler, CEO at Northrop Grumman Europe. “We congratulate all of the finalists on their accomplishments, wish them success and look forward to the positive impact they can make in addressing the global security challenges of the future.”

Tyler went on to state: “There’s a severe shortage of diverse young people entering careers in STEM subjects, and it’s up to industry leaders like Northrop Grumman to help rectify that situation. Through CyberCenturion, we’re helping to inspire and build a diverse workforce that addresses this global imperative.”

With the backing of founding sponsors like the SANS Institute, the Challenge started out in 2010 to create a series of virtual and face-to-face competitions that would identify talented people for the cyber security industry.

Now in its eighth year, the Challenge is backed by over 50 of the UK’s most prestigious public, private and academic organisations, and hosts a wide programme of activities designed to spread the word about why cyber security is such a fulfilling and varied career while also helping talented people to access their first cyber security jobs.

Working with those at schools and universities and individuals looking to change careers, the Challenge is making a notable difference to the career prospects of people with the talent and aptitude to become cyber security professionals.

*For further information access https://cybersecuritychallenge.org.uk/

IDIS and 4Sight Imaging unveil “groundbreaking” ANPR solution for end users

Global surveillance solutions provider IDIS and 4Sight Imaging – a leading imaging technology company – have announced the successful integration of DirectIP with Veracity, a powerful and intuitive Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) software engine.

Proving “ten times more accurate” in independent comparative testing, the IDIS and 4Sight solution combines leading image analysis technologies with next generation DirectIP HD cameras, in turn leveraging the latest system architectures and advances in solid state lighting to allow a wide, multi-lane field of view that’s accurate across a wide range of weather, lighting and number plate conditions.

The “groundbreaking” solution eliminates the challenges traditionally associated with ANPR systems by removing complicated set-up, configuration and constant maintenance and system adjustments made possible through both companies’ patented plug-and-play technology. The end result translates to low system configuration and simple, fast deployment that delivers benefits in terms of affordability and a continued low cost of ownership for the end user.

Detail of an IDIS DirectIP camera

Customers are now offered a commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and affordable ANPR solution featuring:

• “industry-leading accuracy” across a wide range of weather and operating conditions
• high performance, reliability and image quality combined with ease of installation and operation
• international plate recognition
• future-proof technology that inherently leverages new developments in camera hardware, system architectures and processing power

Commenting on the new ANPR solution, Brian Song – managing director at IDIS Europe – noted: “There’s natural synergy between IDIS and 4Sight Imaging with both organisations committed to delivering high performance technology combined with plug-and-play simplicity that offers ease of installation and operation and a low cost of ownership. We can now offer exactly that in terms of an ANPR solution following the successful integration of DirectIP and Veracity.”

Brook Jackson, managing director at 4Sight Imaging, added: “The complexities previously associated with plate recognition have until now restricted system integrators from maximising the opportunities around ANPR for their end users. The Veracity solution allows our partners to grow, protects their margins and at the same time ensures end user satisfaction.  One major car parking organisation in the UK has already seen significant return on investment through improved accuracy since rolling out the solution across their national estate.”

Used by a wide range of global customers across surveillance, car parking operations and access control, the Veracity and DirectIP solution delivers a variety of tangible benefits including:

• enhanced safety and security
• low cost of ownership
• increased profitability from car parking operations
• improved surveillance operations with high quality evidential images
• operational efficiencies through the automation of previously manual tasks

*For more information on 4Sight Imaging and Veracity go to: www.4sightimaging.com or e-mail: info@4sightimaging.com

**Further detail on IDIS and DirectIP can be found at: www.idisglobal.com

Axis Communications publishes detailed Sustainability Report for 2014

Network camera specialist Axis Communications has issued its Sustainability Report for 2014, with environmental considerations, business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) very much in focus. The company’s fifth annual Sustainability Report describes the progress made in a number of fields such as environmental impact and anti-corruption. Great progress has also been made in work dedicated to informing and auditing suppliers in order to ensure compliance with Axis’ Supplier Code of Conduct. The Sustainability Report was prepared according to the G4 global reporting standard.

“Axis Communications works proactively with sustainability issues on a long-term basis since a responsible attitude is an important success factor for our global business operations,” explained Ray Mauritsson, the company’s president. “I’m proud of what we have achieved during 2014, from optimising our logistics flows to minimising our environmental impact as well as countering corruption in the value chain and working to create a safer and more secure world.”

Axis aims to be a driving force behind the development of innovative security solutions which assist end users in both the private and public sectors to meet today’s critical challenges, such as protecting people and important infrastructure while also helping to solve today’s urban problems such as traffic congestion.

As a global company with employees in 49 countries and partners in 179 countries, Axis aims to be a leader in the security industry when it comes to CSR and, as a result, assumes a long-term responsibility for how the company’s operations affect employees, partners, suppliers, end users and other important target groups.

Ray Mauritsson: president of Axis Communications

“Our ambition is to serve as a model for the industry in terms of sustainability,” added Mauritsson. “This latest report shows how our sustainability work has delivered positive results across the entire value chain. I look forward to continuing the work relating to Axis’ industry-leading measures such as our anti-corruption program.”

Key facts and figures in the report

Some important points raised in the 2014 Sustainability Report are as follows:

• Axis’ comprehensive anti-corruption work has been intensified. All employees have participated in training and more than 100 of the company’s distributors have undertaken to comply with the company’s policy of zero tolerance against corruption, bribes and conflicts of interests

• 96% of Axis’ suppliers that have an impact on the company in terms of the environment or sustainability have either been audited by Axis supplier inspectors or are certified to ensure that they follow Axis’ requirements relating to environmental considerations, the working environment and occupational safety

• Axis has managed to cut the company’s carbon dioxide emissions by 13% during 2014, primarily through its optimised logistics flows and reduced distances for transportation

• The company has continued to phase out PVC plastic from its products while 65% of the company’s network cameras and video encoders are now PVC-free

• During 2014, Axis’ employees participated in surveys conducted by Great Place to Work in Sweden, USA and Germany and the company realised top positions in all countries

• In order to raise environmental awareness among its suppliers, Axis held webinars through its training program Axis Supplier Academy, whereby all suppliers were informed about the company’s views on sustainability issues as well as rules and laws for material accounting

Axis Communications’ headquarters in Lund, Sweden

In the 2014 Sustainability Report, as stated Axis has changed over to the new G4 reporting standard which is an update of the leading rules for sustainability reporting drawn up by the Global Reporting Initiative.

As part of Axis’ transition to the new reporting standard, the company has initiated dialogue with key target groups and stakeholders which has provided important insights that can be used to continue improving the company’s long-term sustainability work.

*The Axis Communications Sustainability Report for 2014 can be downloaded from this link: http://www.axis.com/corporate/sustainability/index.htm

ESB Telecoms contracts LOCKEN to upgrade access control for critical base station site infrastructures

ESB Telecoms (ESBT), a subsidiary of Ireland’s public electricity distribution company, has contracted LOCKEN to upgrade its access infrastructures.

The contract – which covers the provision of 1,000 access systems for Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM) base stations at 450 locations throughout the country – follows on from a pilot programme that allowed ESBT to ascertain the benefits of LOCKEN’s access control solution. Subsequently, ESBT decided to protect Points of Presence (PoP) cabins to comply with Health and Safety regulations.

Located in remote sites exposed to wind and rain, ESBT’s facilities must be accessible to a 1,700-strong contractor crew, 95% of whom are external third parties. The LOCKEN solution is ideal for controlling access to infrastructure at remote sites, ensuring thousands of access requests are granted to contractor personnel every month.

Tailored programming of access rights guarantees secure access.

ESB Telecoms (ESBT), a subsidiary of Ireland’s public electricity distribution company, has contracted LOCKEN to upgrade its access infrastructures

The LOCKEN solution is integrated with the ESBT extranet, significantly improving operating effectiveness by enabling automatic transfer of data to LOCKEN’s advanced software suite. Similarly, work access authorisations generated from the ESBT extranet will automatically generate access rights via LOCKEN’s software.

Peter Greggs, Health and Safety manager at ESB Telecoms, commented: “We became aware of this innovative asset management technology from a number of European utilities using the LOCKEN system. Following proactive discussions with LOCKEN, during which we explained our specific requirements, we believed that the detailed engineering solution and the flexibility of LOCKEN’s IT system would provide enhanced safety management control for all parties visiting our telecommunication sites.“

Nick Dooley, managing director of LOCKEN UK, explained: “We’re very pleased to work alongside Ireland’s leading telecoms infrastructure provider. We intend to use ESBT as a springboard to show local business how important smart electronic key solutions can be. ESBT has stringent targets in terms of security and operating efficiency. That’s perfect for us, and has enabled us to establish a mutually beneficial relationship on this project.”

Magic Motion Detectors from Siemens: ‘One Size Fits All’

Security Products from Siemens has introduced its field-proven Magic motion detector series to the UK market. The Magic PIR and Dual motion detectors are described as “an exciting new advance” in security that provide the “most reliable, convenient and cost-effective” solution for industry-leading catch performance and false alarm immunity.

The detectors feature a modern slim design and share the same low-profile housing so intruders cannot tell which type of detector is confronting them. This has proven to be an effective deterrent.

The detectors are suitable for both domestic and commercial environments and perform well even under harsh conditions, such as in rooms with rapid and extreme temperature fluctuations that can create false alarms.

Magic Mirror PIR and Dual models are offered in either 12 metre or 18 metre ranges and are optionally available with integrated anti-masking technology.

Magic Motion Detectors from Siemens

Magic Passive Infrared Detectors

The new Magic PDM-I12(T) and PDM-I18(T) make use of the patented Magic Mirror technology from Siemens, which sets new standards in detection sensitivity and enables an extremely compact design.

In addition, Magic Mirror is an enhancement of the Siemens black mirror technology. The innovative dual mirror design increases the focal length, which gives the detectors enhanced detection sensitivity (in particular for wider areas).

A new white light filtering system reduces false alarms caused by external light sources such as car headlights or lamps.

Magic Dual Motion Detectors

The new Magic PDM-IXE12(T) and PDM-IXE18(T) dual motion detectors offer reliable detection of intruders and high false alarm immunity.

Their performance is based on an improved version of the Siemens Matchtec algorithm which combines passive infrared (PIR) and microwave (MW) channels to make “extraordinarily accurate” decisions on motion within their detection zone.

Intelligent processing routines in the enhanced Matchtec algorithm provide high detection reliability and false alarm immunity. The algorithm analyses the relative strength of the IR and MW signals received from a moving object in order to make sound decisions.

It’s even possible to use multiple detectors in close proximity to each other since the algorithm reduces interference between the MW modules. This also increases flexibility in selecting the installation site.

Designed with the security installer in mind

These detectors offer a wide range of benefits for security installers. For the first time, the same bracket can be used for all Magic Mirror models for wall or ceiling mounting.

The integrated walk test simplifies and speeds up installation while the flexible end-of-line concept allows fast and error-free connection to the control panel.

Due to preconfigured end of line (EoL) resistors, they are ready for use with Siemens alarm panels such as SPC and Sintony. EoL modules make it easy to connect the detectors to alarm panels from other manufacturers without errors.

Automatic walk-test mode allows the detector to remain in this mode for three minutes after power-on which saves time as all walk-tests can be carried out without opening the detector multiple times or changing DIP switches.