Reliance High-Tech signposts Technology Day at Mercedes-Benz World

Reliance High-Tech, the independent security technology integrator, has announced details of its next Technology Day, which takes place on Thursday 24 March at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge.

Delivering a series of presentations alongside a specially chosen group of technology partners, Reliance High-Tech representatives will look at how the cloud is impacting and influencing the development of next generation security and access control solutions and also evaluating how such developments should align tightly with IT security strategies.

This ‘ticket only’ Technology Day will offer end users, consultants, IT and facilities managers alike an opportunity to hear from a diverse array of leading security industry experts about the latest technology developments and how these are influencing the future of electronic security.

Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge

Senior personnel from industry-leading technology giants Brivo, Eagle Eye, Milestone, Commend and Mobotix will present on a range of topics in a number of executive briefings, duly covering a variety of issues such as the future of Access Control-as-a-Service, how hybrid solutions are enhancing integration, the evolution of surveillance camera technology, how analytics can perform efficiently in the cloud and the growth of Video Surveillance-as-a-Service.

There will also be day-long exhibition on site where delegates can be hands-on with technology from additional partner companies such as BCD Video, Tiger Bridge Technologies and Thinking Software, all of whom will show how their solutions can work in tandem to present the ideal security solution.

Design and implementation

“We are living in an exciting time due to the way in which the cloud, the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence are affecting security technology design and implementation,” commented Jas Murva, head of business development at Reliance High-Tech. “As more of this intelligence is used at the edge and on devices such as surveillance cameras, there remains a degree of confusion about how it can allow resources to be pulled to a central point, reduce energy consumption, facilitate connected thinking between devices and increase the potential power of analytics. This, and many other subjects, will be covered during our Technology Day, which will demystify the evolution of next generation cloud-based security solutions.”

Delegates can choose to attend either a morning or afternoon session, both of which will include the same speakers and content. Luncheon, coffee and other refreshments will be provided and attendees will also have the opportunity to network with the guest experts and peers. 

Reliance High-Tech has also arranged for full delegate access to Mercedes-Benz World and a session that will push delegates’ virtual racing skills to the limit on ultra-realistic racing simulators that capture the excitement, speed and driving demands of real Formula One racing.

Importance of the cloud

Alistair Enser, CEO at Reliance High-Tech, observed: “I’m delighted that we have been able to work with our esteemed technology partners on our first Technology Day focused around the subject of cloud ‘security’. We aim to enlighten people about the importance of the cloud, demystify some of the myths, explain the facts about it, look at why it’s important to embrace its benefits and also outline the roadmap ahead.”

Enser continued: “As an award-winning integrator, we invest almost £1 million internally every year on specialist IT technology and skills and have direct experience of designing and installing the latest products and services available on the market. I would urge any end users, consultants or facilities managers who want to better understand the future of security technology to attend this event. I look forward to welcoming our guests attending Mercedes-Benz World on Thursday 24 March.”

*Delegate numbers for this event will be strictly limited and entrance will be by pre-registered ticket only. For details of the full agenda and the speaker list, and to register your interest, send an e-mail to info@reliancehightech.co.uk

Maxxess appoints business development manager for UK and Ireland

Access control and integrated security management solutions developer Maxxess has expanded its UK and Ireland operations with the appointment of Russell Baker as business development and account manager.

Russell will be based out of the company’s European head office in Bracknell and handle the substantial increase in demand for the firm’s signature solution, namely the eFusion access control and security management platform.

Building on the success of Maxxess solutions in the corporate, higher education, hospitality and healthcare sectors and offering enterprise-class access control and integrated security, Baker will be support existing partners and end users as well as developing new relationships with systems integrators, consultants and end users right across the UK and Europe.

Russell Baker

A familiar face in the security industry, Baker has over two decades of experience spanning video surveillance, access control, intruder alarms and systems integration. He started his career at Chubb and went on to sales management roles with security systems integrators and tech vendors including Vicon and Zenitel Group.

A long-standing member of the Association of Security Consultants, Baker boasts a proven track record in consulting roles as well as sales management.

Lee Copland, managing director of Maxxess for the EMEA region, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Russell. He’s well positioned to leverage the increasing demand for cost-effective and integrated systems that drive operational efficiency by digitising processes and workflows. He will build on Maxxess’ existing installed base as well as helping many more organisations upgrade and digitise their infrastructures and bring new technologies on line.”

Speaking about his new role, Baker told Security Matters: “With Maxxess eFusion and eVisitor enabling more affordable integrated site security and safety solutions, I’m looking forward to working closely with consultants and systems integrators alike in order to develop project opportunities. These solutions are now very much in demand as customers look towards better access and people management to support more flexible workplace operations in the post-pandemic environment.”

*For more information on Maxxess’ solutions visit maxxess-efusion.com

Johnson Controls adds “dynamic visual experience” to C•CURE 9000’s web-based client

Johnson Controls has introduced the “reimagined” web-based client for the Tyco Software House C•CURE 9000 security and event management system. With the addition of enhanced functionality for alarm monitoring to the already streamlined search and filtering capabilities, end users are now able to perform personnel administration and alarm monitoring for their C•CURE 9000 system from anywhere, using any PC with a web browser or tablet.

Featuring a modern web design with an adaptive interface, the new web client has redesigned how C•CURE 9000 users are able to view and process events to include a dynamic visual alarm monitoring experience. With the new Event Viewer, operators can easily prioritise the most urgent of alarms and recognise patterns and anomalies with analytical event bubble images that are reflected in importance by colour and size.

Further, manual actions and intrusion zones have been designed to handle core alarm management functions for critical infrastructure projects.

The new web client is also optimised for Control Room operations, where ‘dark mode’ is often preferred, with special consideration given to colour brightness in order to reduce light reflection for optimal viewing. Individual operators can now smoothly transition between light and dark modes with the click of a button to fit their individual preferences.

System administrators are able to customise the web-based interface to fit a variety of different users with Web Views, further streamlining productivity and balancing the end user’s responsibility and workload.

The screen appearance for each web view can be customised to show different tabs, columns and fields based on the individual end user’s role within the organisation. An operator preview mode allows admins to see defined roles and responsibilities as it appears to the user, without having to toggle back and forth between the admin and user logins.

*Additional information is available online at www.swhouse.com

Johnson Controls adds cloud-based access control to Cloudvue platform

Johnson Controls – the specialist provider of bespoke solutions for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings – is introducing Cloudvue with access control thanks to the Tyco Kantech KT-1 one-door controller. This powerful technology collaboration enables centrally managed cloud video surveillance and access control across an entire organisation from a single browser and is very much part of the Johnson Controls commitment to providing technology so that customers can maintain safe building environments, healthy business operations and seamless occupant experiences.

The combination of the KT-1 one-door controller and Cloudvue Security Management allows organisations of all sizes to easily manage doors, users and schedules from any browser or mobile device. Users can receive intelligent alerts on real-time door activity from the integrated video surveillance and access control platform.

Cloudvue provides organisations with powerful intelligence that streamlines security, improves operational efficiency beyond security and integrates with the Johnson Controls OpenBlue digital platforms, a complete suite of connected solutions for sustainability, new healthy occupant experiences and safety and security solutions.

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“The combination of the KT-1 and Cloudvue provides end users with multiple modes of operation to fit a variety of operational needs within the same organisation using a single door controller,” explained Scott Humphreys, senior product manager for Cloudvue at Johnson Controls. “The native integration offered between Kantech and Cloudvue ensures seamless operation and more robust feature sets for any access control configuration.”

KT-1 offers intuitive, cost-effective, cloud-based management capabilities. The Kantech KT-1 is available as a cloud-managed, Ethernet-ready, powered single-door controller with support for up to two readers for entry and exit control.

Connected to the Cloudvue Security Management cloud service, the KT-1 delivers advanced access control features with fully integrated cloud video surveillance options.

The KT-1 also offers the following features: Single touch button for fast and automatic controller enrolment, ‘plug and play’ installation, Power over Ethernet for flexible power input and highly secure 128-bit AES encryption.

*Further information is available online at https://www.cloudvue.io/

Genetec introduces Security Center v5.10 unified security platform

Genetec – the technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations and business intelligence solutions – has recently unveiled version 5.10 of its flagship unified security platform designated Security Center.

Among many new enhancements, this major release allows more system components to run in the cloud, thereby reducing the gap between cloud and on-premises security systems. It also makes it easier to connect external systems and tap external data for use in dashboards, maps and investigations without relying on complex and specialist integrations.

The new version of Security Center brings enterprise video surveillance customers new options to facilitate their migration to the cloud as well as support flexible hybrid cloud architectures. Taking a step further towards unified, enterprise Video Surveillance-as-a-Service, the new version of Security Center Omnicast – the video management system of Security Center – enables the seamless use of tiered cloud and on-premises storage to manage short- and long-term video archives according to customer needs.

In addition, it gives configuration flexibility and reporting capability and supports various scenarios for real-time or on-demand access to video footage stored in the cloud. Depending on its recency and criticality, video can either be stored in high performance storage for fast access or long-term storage to support flexible cost options as well as data compliance. To ensure maximum security, ingested video blocks are encrypted on-premises and then moved to the cloud using encrypted communications channels.

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“Last year accelerated the digital transformation of organisations big and small, inside and outside of the security industry,” explained Francis Lachance, director of the video and appliances product group at Genetec. “Omnicast Cloud Storage is not just terabytes in the cloud. It’s a complete collection of media services that deliver the flexibility and sophistication enterprise customers need to successfully move to a hybrid cloud video surveillance architecture.”

Sipelia Communications Management, the module of Security Center that enables SIP-based communications between operators and intercom devices, has also been enhanced to offer support for cloud-based deployment.

Record Fusion Service

Security Center 5.10 introduces a new no-code solution to connect external data sources to enhance an operator’s situational awareness. The new Record Fusion Service feature offers a simple and fast path to integrate third party data streams from private or partner record publishers. Users can define tailored record types and consume data from a variety of sources including KML, JSON and CSV documents, or otherwise set up a REST application listening point to which these external services can push records.

The Genetec Record Fusion Service can be used across the entire unified platform to enhance awareness and response, provide contextual information on dynamic maps, be visualised in operational dashboards, in investigative reports or in the unified monitoring interface.

The service supports a broad range of applications, from displaying user-defined and filtered information on a map with custom graphical elements through to combining various records from a wide variety of sources to create custom aggregate records that are useful to specific operators or roles.

The Record Fusion Service increases agility, enables highly specific and relevant data to be quickly and easily added to the platform and makes security operators more efficient in accessing timely contextual information.

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Mobility features

Security Center 5.10 further taps mobile devices to reinvent the way organisations accomplish routine tasks on-the-go. Genetec Mobile, a unified app that enables users to access cameras, doors and ANPR units from their smart phones, now supports Genetec Mission Control incidents as well as standard operating procedures. This allows end users to trigger or view active incidents on maps or in list format and record incidents in the field to notify colleagues in the Security Operations Centre.

A new specialised portal is also available to help customers manage mustering during evacuations. The Evacuation Assistant app connects to Security Center Synergis (the access control system in Security Center) such that, when an evacuation is triggered, the system automatically starts to monitor the safety status of all personnel and visitors. When people arrive at the safety area or muster point, they can badge their credential at a fixed or mobile reader, notify the ‘muster captain’ that they’re safe or inform them that someone might be at risk. If someone is shown not to have been evacuated, the system will then trigger a response so that security personnel can take immediate action.

*For more information about Security Center 5.10 visit: https://resources.genetec.com/blog/security-center-5-10-is-here

Incentive FM moves into Top 3% of Approved Contractor Scheme-registered security companies

Incentive FM, the specialist facilities management company, has recently completed the latest Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) audit process and has achieved an excellent score.

Following the rigorous audit procedure, Incentive FM achieved a score of 129 points out of a possible 145 which now moves the business into the Top 3% of around 650 companies who hold ACS registration with the regulator.

Andrew Robbins, associate director of security and risk at Incentive FM, told Security Matters: “This achievement has been gained through the delivery of our clear strategy over the past three years, as well as the sheer hard work and dedication of our senior management and site-based teams who’ve demonstrated a clear commitment to delivering a premium security service to our clients through focus and continuous improvement.”

Robbins added: “We’re extremely proud of all our staff members who’ve helped the business to achieve ACS status for the fourteenth year in succession. The last 12 months has realised many challenges due to the new scoring mechanism adopted by the SIA’s auditors and, of course, the global pandemic, but we’ve persevered and passed with flying colours.”

96% of UK organisations experience at least one business-impacting cyber attack in past 12 months

Tenable Inc, the cyber exposure company, has published the results of a global industry study of business and security executives that reveals the majority of UK organisations (96% of those surveyed, in fact) have experienced a business-impacting cyber attack in the past 12 months.

The data is drawn from ‘The Rise of the Business-Aligned Security Executive’, a commissioned study of more than 800 global business and cyber security leaders, including 103 respondents from the UK. The survey was conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Tenable.

As cyber criminals continue their relentless attacks, 63% of respondents in the UK have witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of business-impacting cyber episodes over the past two years. Unfortunately, these attacks had damaging effects, with organisations reporting loss of employee data (44%), financial loss or theft (36%) and customer attrition (34%). Some 65% of security leaders in the UK say these attacks also involved operational technology.

Business leaders want a clear picture of how at risk they are and how that risk is changing as they plan and execute business strategies. Only four out of every ten local security leaders say they can answer the fundamental question: “How secure, or at risk, are we?” with a high level of confidence, despite the prevalence of business-impacting cyber attacks.

Global respondents

Looking at global respondents, fewer than 50% of security leaders said they are framing cyber security threats within the context of a specific business risk. For example, although 96% of respondents had developed response strategies to the COVID-19 pandemic, 75% of business and security leaders admitted their response strategies were only “somewhat” aligned.

Organisations with security and business leaders who are aligned in measuring and managing cyber security as a strategic business risk deliver demonstrable results. Compared to their siloed peers, business-aligned security leaders are:

*Eight times more likely to be highly confident in their ability to report on their organisations’ level of security or risk

*90% are very or completely confident in their ability to demonstrate that cyber security investments are positively impacting business performance compared with 55% of their siloed counterparts

85% have metrics to track cyber security RoI and impact on business performance versus just 25% of their siloed peers

Business-aligned leaders

Those organisations with business-aligned cyber security leaders are also:

*Three times more likely to ensure cyber security objectives are in lock step with business priorities

*Three times more likely to have an holistic understanding of their organisation’s entire attack surface

Three times more likely to use a combination of asset criticality and vulnerability data when prioritising remediation efforts

“In the future, there will be two kinds of CISO — those who align themselves directly with the business and everyone else,” said Renaud Deraison, CTO and co-founder at Tenable. “The only way to thrive in this era of digital acceleration is to bring cyber into every business question, decision and investment. We firmly believe this particular study shows that forward-leaning organisations view cyber security strategy as essential to innovation and that, when security and the business work hand-in-glove, the results can be transformational.”

British Land awards Shopping Centre security contracts to Incentive FM

British Land, which is one of the largest property development and investment companies in the UK, has awarded Incentive FM three new Shopping Centre contracts and renewed a further two agreements.

Incentive FM has been awarded contracts to provide a range of soft facilities services for Ealing Broadway in London, the Beaumont Shopping Centre in Leicester and the Crown Wharf Retail Park in Walsall. 

British Land has also renewed Incentive FM’s existing contracts to provide similar services at the Whiteley Shopping Centre in Hampshire and at the Old Market in Hereford.

Under the Terms and Conditions of the three-year deals for each site, Incentive FM will be responsible for ensuring the Shopping Centres are secure, safe and clean as well as providing Front of House and customer service solutions in addition to looking after car parking at the busy locations.

Over 110 members of staff will be mobilised across all five sites where the teams will be using the latest equipment, technology and other systems coupled with Best-in-Class development training to enhance the quality of service delivery. 

Richard Nield, head of retail operations at British Land, informed Security Matters: “The successful relationship we have built up with Incentive FM at the Whiteley and Old Market Shopping Centres, along with other retail locations, made it an obvious choice for us to award more contracts. The business is undoubtedly our preferred partner of choice for these sites.”

Glenn Wilson, operations director at Incentive FM, responded: “We look forward to continuing to support British Land with our added value and partnership approach. Our portfolio of Shopping Centres and retail parks now stretches the length and breadth of the country, from Inverness Shopping Park in Scotland right down to Drakes Circus in Plymouth. We are now operational at over 40 such sites in the UK.”

Echosec launches security-focused anonymous search tool for The Dark Web

Online data aggregation and information discovery specialist Echosec has introduced Beacon, a search platform for The Dark Web purpose-designed to help discover threats and prevent future attacks.

Beacon is an intelligence tool that helps security teams and public safety professionals alike to find key information from The Dark Web safely through a regular web browser. Previously, the only way to access The Dark Web was through a TOR browser.

The Dark Web is non-indexed and non-secure, yet searching it is crucial for security and public safety organisations as it’s a veritable hotbed for nefarious activity. Beacon provides end users with a single point of entry into The Dark Web and presents critical information in a structured and consistent way.

Organisation of Dark Web data makes analysis of it more efficient and threat intelligence actionable for law enforcement, security and risk managers.

“Beacon helps teams to quickly identify information that can prepare them for the worse case scenario,” said Michael Raypold, CTO at Echosec. “Through Beacon, end users can identify threats quickly and enable efficient issues management.”

A basic Beacon search can provide intelligence on subjects like drug trafficking, the sale of firearms and hacker data. A UK search conducted on 12 April found 14,849 instances of hacker data using the keyword “UK + hacking,” while “UK + credit card” returned 16,600 and “UK + guns” 2,650 results respectively.

More advanced search functions in Beacon have produced thousands of results for information on the sale of identities, e-mail addresses and other personally identifiable information. One excerpt from a credit card search result on a Dark Web site reads: “Hello all clients ! – I’m a hacker, good seller, best tools, sell online 24h. – I want introduce to you my services and sell fresh cvv (visa/master,amex,dis,bin,dob,fullz..) all country, Dumps track 1&2, Account paypal, SMTP, RDP, VPS, Mailers, do WU transfer and Software Bug Transfer Western Union. – I sell cvv Fresh – Fast and Good price.”

Beacon is commercially available and simple and safe to interact with for users of all backgrounds. However, due to the sensitive nature of The Dark Web, Echosec meets with potential customers to review and approve their case before providing access. Echosec also takes steps to ensure that Beacon use is compliant with the current privacy laws and data provider terms.

*More information about Beacon may be found at https://www.echosec.net/darknet/

Linx International Group expands team with new Group marketing manager and marketing co-ordinator

Linx International Group – the global provider of security, risk management, consultancy and training services – has announced the appointment of Group marketing manager Jerry Alfandari and marketing co-ordinator Victoria Carter.

Fluent in both English and German, Alfandari has a proven track record of managing international marketing campaigns including social and digital content strategies. He’s joined by Victoria Carter, who brings expertise in social media, public relations and video production to the team.

On his appointment, Alfandari explained: “I’m excited to be part of a team that’s working with security practitioners at all levels around the world to develop and launch new courses along with innovative training methods.”

Victoria Carter and Jerry Alfandari

Carter added: “Training and education has always been central to my own career progression, so I’m excited to be joining a company that shares my ethos and is committed to professionalism across the security sector.”

Led by director of sales and marketing Sarah Hayward-Turton, the marketing team will promote the Linx International Group brand and the work of its companies – Tavcom Training (including the CTSP Register), PerpetuityARC Training and the Linx Consultancy.

Hayward-Turton stated: “It’s an exciting time to be part of the Linx International Group. We’re bringing new talent into the organisation, as well as nurturing and developing the skills of those that have been with us for many years.”

Alfandari and Carter are based at the Linx International Group’s Training Centre in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire.