SALTO’s Neoxx electronic padlocks maintain company’s position at cutting edge of access control ecosystem

SALTO’s Neoxx electronic padlock is a versatile locking solution that enables end users to benefit from the advantages of electronic access control where previously it was only possible to use a mechanical locking solution (ie for perimeter or fire access gates, at industrial equipment yards and for residential storage areas).

Smart padlocks offer more security, easier maintenance, flexible access methods and a better overview of lock and end user activity. As portable as conventional padlocks, security is enhanced by removing any lock’s most vulnerable part – ie the mechanical key – and adding the benefits of being operated with a mobile app and contactless smart key managed by an advanced web-based access control technology platform.

The SALTO Neoxx solution is ideal for electric power stations, telecom network services, industry applications and property services that need an additional level of security to control specific doors, like gates or storage areas, without losing a piece of convenience and control.

These industries often require equipment and facilities on the perimeter or out in the field that, even though they’re in a remote location, require the latest in electronic access control. In addition, because they are often outdoors, the electronic solution they need has to include a product that can weather the extreme elements from rain and dust through to snow.

• 

Together with “the most complete locking platform on the market” (encompassing electronic locks and cylinders, online readers and locker locks) and SALTO’s core technology (ie SVN, BLUEnet and the JustIN Mobile system features) at its heart, the SALTO Neoxx padlock enables the management of keys, locks and access rights ‘on-the-go’, remotely from a single, highly visual and easy-to-use web-based interface.

Main features outlined

*High-security padlock made of hardened steel with a removable shackle model option which can be completely detached from the padlock body

*Shackle: Width 11 mm, Length 50 mm

*Security chain non-demountable model with safety chain to protect the padlock from burglary/dropping

*Cover case with double-layered structure 70 mm x 115 mm x 32 mm “guarantees the ultimate protection” from falls, shocks and the most extreme environments or usage

*RFID, Bluetooth Low Energy and NFC technologies onboard. Users can easily operate the electronic padlock with their smart card or with an iOS or Android smart phone

*Compatible with SALTO Space – Data-on-Card – and the SALTO KS – Keys as a Service – cloud-based technology, it can be switched to any of SALTO’s technology platforms at any time without changing the hardware

*Tested up to 130,000 operations on a standard set of batteries (4 x LR1).

Monitor battery status (to optimise maintenance and battery life). Changing or removing batteries is simple and secure – the end user only needs standard LR1 batteries and a special tool

*IP68 rating: Waterproof performance and high durability

*Tested against extreme temperatures including freezing conditions (-35ºC) and high heat (+65ºC)

*Fully certified according to CE, FCC, MIT, Mechatronic certification EN 16864:2018 and IK09

Security technology company Reliance launches new online presence

Reliance, the independent security technology integrator and provider of lone worker safety solutions, has launched new websites for its Reliance High-Tech and Reliance Protect brands to reflect the changing needs of its customers post-COVID.

The move towards greater business digitisation required Reliance to enhance its customer experience and online support material. As such, the new websites have a completely refreshed look and content, with easier navigation enabling customers to quickly find key messages, Case Studies, information and contacts.

The Reliance High-Tech and Reliance Protect brands are more closely aligned under the new online presence, reflecting in particular the consolidation and sharing of technologies within their respective markets. This will help customers to more easily navigate the breadth of technologies and services on offer that, when combined, can deliver tangible benefits across the two brands.

• 

Chris Allcard, lone worker services director at Reliance Protect, said: “Research suggests that digital transformation has been accelerated by as much as seven years due to the pandemic so now is an opportune time to refresh our websites and online brands as people increasingly turn towards digital channels to do business. While we are still a people-to-people business, we do understand the need to support our customers and partners through multiple channels as effectively as possible. This underpins our shift towards more intuitive websites that align the Reliance brands, enhance the customer experience and provide support and educational content in a range of formats.”

As well as improving the customer experience, the new websites will help both Reliance High-Tech and Reliance Protect in better understanding their customers and what their pain points, interests and priorities are from week to week. These insights will help to shape future service propositions and ensure the best possible level of service delivery.

*Visit the new Reliance High-Tech and Reliance Protect websites

Gallagher wins 2021 Fortress Cyber Security Award

Global security manufacturer Gallagher has been recognised in the 2021 Fortress Cyber Security Awards as a winner in the Authentication and Identity category for its MIFARE DESFire key migration enhancement. The US award recognises the world’s leading companies and products that are working to keep data and assets safe amid increasing threats from hackers.

Designed in response to the growing sophistication of cyber attacks upon credential security, Gallagher’s MIFARE DESFire key migration enhancement helps organisations to mitigate the risk of card cloning or tampering through the improved management of key encoding used to read card credentials. This intelligent enhancement allows for cardholder credentials to be silently updated with newly defined site-specific keys for a secure and seamless cardholder experience.

• 

Steve Bell

“There’s no doubt that cyber crime is evolving rapidly and that this is a growing concern for many organisations around the world,” said Steve Bell (pictured), Chief Technology Officer at Gallagher. “What was produced a decade ago may present weaknesses today. This was the basis for developing the DESFire key migration enhancement so that we could give our customers an easy way in which to securely migrate site access control keys.”

As part of its commitment to cyber security, Gallagher’s security solutions are fully authenticated and encrypted to meet global standards, including the FIPS-201 standards in the US, Type 1A in Australia and also the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure’s Cyber Assurance of Physical Security Systems standard here in the UK.

Ian Garden promoted to sales director role at Quality Essential Distribution

Quality Essential Distribution – the company focused on CCTV, access control management network infrastructure solutions for its customers – has announced the internal promotion of Ian Garden to the role of sales director.

Garden joined the company nearly three years ago as sales manager and, during the last 12 months, has played a key role in building a strong sales team and contributing to the wider growth of the business.

Matt Philp, QED’s managing director, said: “Ian is a vital member of the team and has proven himself to be a strategic sales manager. Ian will help us to achieve the ambitious sales growth we’re targeting, all the while supported by the strong team here at QED.”

• 

Ian Garden: promoted at QED

Commenting on his new role, Garden said: “This opportunity for me comes at an exciting time for QED. We have an excellent product range and my strategy is to focus on putting customers first. It’s so important to listen to customers and ensure they receive the best possible service.”

Quality Essential Distribution offer a wide range of security products and prides itself on offering the best solution to suit any size of installation. The business recently announced plans to consolidate its supply chain and fine-tuning its product offer to better suit the needs of the ever-changing security market.

*Further details on the QED Group are available online at www.qedgroup.co.uk

Bold Communications joins Dahua Eco Partner Programme

Monitoring platform provider Bold Communications has joined Dahua Technology’s ECO Partner Programme which is designed to create a closer integration and development relationship between Dahua and technology providers, with those parties involved working to deliver an integrated monitoring solution for commercial Alarm Receiving Centres and private Control Rooms. 

Security solutions typically require technology from more than one manufacturer. An integrated system will often incorporate legacy equipment, new technology and multiple product types. In the Control Room, a tool is needed to process the interaction between devices and present information – and tasks – to the operator in a clear and simple interface. This requires high level system design and co-operation and the ECO Partner Programme provides a platform for the process.

“Interoperability is key for the monitoring business,” stated James Wang, Dahua’s vice-president and general manager for the business in the UK and Ireland. “Together with our technology partners, we are driven to develop more comprehensive solutions for the industry. The ECO Partner Programme not only focuses on technical enhancements, but also offers our business partners the opportunity to explore our ecosystem and network with vendors with compatible solutions.”

• 

Bold Communications software supports compliance with industry standards for alarm and CCTV monitoring, using video verification to filter false activations and support an appropriate response. Alarm events can be generated by Dahua analytics or a third party detection device and received by Gemini with live and pre-alarm video. With false, nuisance and duplicate alarms filtered out and all information, video and handling tasks presented in a single display, the operator can then train their entire focus on handling genuine alarm activations.

Specialist security services

Integrated Visual Protection, a National Security Inspectorate Gold-accredited Alarm Receiving Centre in London, provides specialist security services throughout the UK. The Bold Gemini platform enables Integrated Visual Protection to provide a range of alarm and CCTV monitoring services, with Dahua being a popular option. 

Operations director Piers Brown commented: “To deliver a premium monitoring service for our clients means that our operations have to be robust, seamless and efficient. Combining high-quality CCTV images with fully-featured Alarm Receiving Centre software helps us to meet that standard.”   

Bold Communications’ integration development and design is driven by new technology and the needs of the monitoring sector. Becoming an ECO Partner with Dahua Technology is another important step forward in that process.   

*Further information is available online at www.boldcommunications.co.uk and info@boldcommunications.co.uk

Motor Fuel Group in charge thanks to Wisenet cameras

Motor Fuel Group (MFG), the UK’s largest independent forecourt operator, has entrusted Wisenet cameras manufactured by Hanwha Techwin to help protect its major investment in electric vehicle charging hubs.

With the sales of electric vehicles growing, MFG is accelerating its plans to offer ultra-rapid, electric vehicle charging bays with up to 12 charging bays at each location across its 900-plus station network. Dedicated Wisenet video surveillance systems are being installed to detect and deter vandals, as well as maximise the customer experience by helping MFG personnel to quickly identify if any charging equipment has been damaged.

Andrew Edwards, group infrastructure director at MFG, explained: “Reflecting the wish of many drivers to own eco-friendly vehicles, we expect the sales of electric vehicles to continue to rapidly increase year-on-year, which is why we’ve made a commitment to lead the market with the provision of fast, clean and 100% renewable energy.”

The contract to install the Wisenet systems was awarded to AGE CCTV, a division of AGE Electrical Services Ltd. “We’ve been installing new video surveillance solutions and upgrading existing systems at MFG forecourts for over 15 years,” explained Jason Gargiulo, managing director of AGE CCTV. “In all cases, we’ve used Wisenet cameras in line with MFG’s decision to single-source cameras and recording devices from Hanwha Techwin.”

Gargiulo added: “It was just a simple matter of working with Hanwha Techwin’s pre-sales and technical teams in order to specify which Wisenet camera from the company’s extensive range would best assist MFG’s personnel to observe close up detail of any activity occurring at the charging hubs.”

• 

Bullet cameras

Depending on the number of charging bays at each location, AGE CCTV has installed one or more 5 MP Wisenet QNO-8080R bullet cameras.

The QNO-8080R is a true day/night camera equipped with built-in IR illuminators which enables it to capture superb quality images regardless of the lighting conditions. It also benefits from enhanced Wide Dynamic Range functionality which performs at up to 120 dB to produce clear images from scenes containing a challenging mix of bright and dark areas (which normally results in overexposed or underexposed images).

With many MFG electric vehicle charging sites being unmanned, authorised MFG personnel are able at any time to remotely access the live images captured by the H.265 Wisenet QNO-8080R cameras or retrieve the recorded video of any incidents. They can do so from a desktop PC or laptop by using Hanwha Techwin’s management software or conveniently via their smart phones or tablets by making use of the Wisenet mobile app.

The images are transmitted over 4G technology and, in this respect, the WiseStream II complementary compression technology built into the QNO-8080R models is proving to be a significant benefit. Bandwidth efficiency is enhanced by up to 75% compared to current H.264 technology when Wisestream II is combined with H.265 compression.

MFG has never hesitated to invest in the latest technology to ensure that its people, property and assets are kept safe and that the highest quality of service is provided for its customers.

Andrew Edwards concluded: “We’re delighted with how AGE CCTV and Hanwha Techwin are continuing to work in partnership to help us achieve our key objectives as a business.”

Reconnaissance International details new combined conference on identity and transactional security in the digital age

How do we ensure that our financial transactions and identity verification procedures conducted on a smart phone, tablet or other computer are as secure as they have been using banknotes and identity documents respectively? Do those physical secured documents have a role in the Brave New World of digital? Will there be co-existence or will paper be replaced? These are the underlying issues to be addressed at the inaugural Optical and Digital Document Security Conference to be held from 17-19 January 2022 in Vienna.

Organised by document security and brand protection specialist Reconnaissance International, the conference brings together the company’s two very successful technical conferences to cover the key topics that have become more pressing in the digital age.

The Optical Document Security Conference, which has been held every two years since 1996, is established as a highly respected technical event and has seen the first public announcement of many now common optical security features. Digital Document Security, itself a spin-off event, was quickly recognised as an essential bridge between the physical and digital ‘document’ security worlds.

• 

In combining the two events, Reconnaissance International is recognising that the physical – or tangible – document and digital worlds are no longer separate. Will the digitisation of transactions and identity verification supplant the well-recognised physical documents that have traditionally been used or will they co-exist in a symbiotic relationship?

This new event will focus on the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of this question and the critical need to achieve the highest levels of security and data protection in the digital domain as have been achieved in the physical domain.

Valuable networking forum

The Optical and Digital Document Security Conference will be the platform to bring together the thousand-year experience of the banknote and ID document world with the fast-moving field of digital financial transactions, virtual ID and digital identity verification. Professionals involved in the digital transaction, identity and authentication communities and specifiers, designers, producers and issuers of secure documents will find the event to be a valuable forum to learn, network and explore possibilities.

Presentations at the Optical and Digital Document Security Conference will be selected by a committee of specialists and experts to ensure that this merged conference maintains the high quality that has made the Optical Document Security Conference and the Digital Document Security Conference such respected events. Chair for the combined event will be Ian Lancaster, co-founder and former CEO of Reconnaissance International, who has been involved with the Optical Document Security Conference from its beginnings, serving as chair since 2016 as well as chairing the Digital Document Security Conference.

Commenting on the return of in-person events, Lancaster stated: “Digitisation is a key aspect of this conference. Digitisation in all aspects of our lives has taken a quantum leap over the past year, but it’s only in the face-to-face format that the informal yet constructive discussions can take place and enable us to take these issues of personal and payment security forward, duly shaping them in a post-COVID world.”

The Call for Papers for Optical and Digital Document Security Conference has just been issued. The deadline for presentation proposals is Saturday 31 July, thereby allowing the committee sufficient time to thoroughly review all proposals. Some presentation slots will, however, be held open until the last minute to ensure that the conference is as current as possible.

*Download the Call for Papers from the new conference website to be found at: OpticalDigitalSecurity.com

Security professionals urged to wear body armour offering spike protection

Body armour manufacturer the PPSS Group is urging private security professionals as well as law enforcement officers to ensure they’re wearing body armour that offers a certified means of spike protection.

According to the company’s CEO Robert Kaiser, spike protection cannot be guaranteed with all types of body armour. “Weapons like ice picks, sharpened screw drivers, spiked clubs and hypodermic needles can penetrate the skin if security personnel are not wearing body armour that offers specific protection from such threats.”

Society has changed in recent years and, many would argue, not for the better. Kaiser continued: “Besides a global rise in knife crime, we also have to accept the fact that sometimes incredibly brutal attacks have become more frequent over the past ten years. We can clearly see a change in the type of edged weapons now being used in organised crime and terrorism. Many blades perform very similarly to a spike. They’ve been specifically engineered to injure people using minimum effort, with little or no resistance.”

• 

Attacks using double-edged blades are becoming more and more frequent these days, at least in part because they’re so easy to purchase here in the UK and, indeed, in many other countries. Double-edged blades are exceptionally difficult to combat. Here, certified spike protection is crucial and there’s physical evidence to suggest that a body armour can withstand such threat.

Kaiser is adamant that certified protection from spiked weapons is essential in today’s security industry. “Body armour without certified spike protection will be useless in the event of an attack involving some of these truly horrific spiked weapons,” he concluded. “Supplying or selling body armour without certified spike protection will without any question result in either serious injury or even death to front line professionals at some point in the future.”

The PPSS Group has recently launched a new generation of stab-resistant body armour made from high performance carbon fibre composite. This offers certified stab, spike and impact protection.

*Further information is available online at https://shop.ppss-group.com/

TDSi recommences full COVID-safe training at Poole headquarters

Integrated security solutions manufacturer TDSi has announced the reopening of its on-site training programme, backed up by a robust COVID-safe regime of testing and Track and Trace which helps to protect everyone involved.

Additionally, the business has signed up to the Government-run ‘We Offer Testing to our Staff’ scheme. This facilitates all staff taking lateral flow testing in its offices on a twice weekly basis.

John Davies (managing director at TDSi) told Security Matters: “Now that UK COVID restrictions have relaxed a little further, it’s the perfect time to cautiously reintroduce on-site training for our partners and customers. While online training and assistance is invaluable, there are many practical training applications, particularly so those involving hardware installation, that benefit quite considerably from first-hand demonstration.”

Davies continued: “We fully appreciate that some visitors will have anxiety about frequenting other locations, so we have put in place highly robust measures to ensure those who visit and work at our facilities have maximum reassurance that the risks are minimised and that they’re protected.”

• 

While the testing remains voluntary, TDSi is positively encouraging staff and visitors to test themselves to ensure everyone’s peace of mind and safety. Davies asserted: “When trainees attend the Poole facility for training, we will present them with individual bags containing all of the equipment they need as well as an instruction pack. They will be advised to complete the lateral flow test in their cars before entry to the building to ensure that any potential issues are isolated.”

Return to the office

From Monday 17 May, around 70% of the TDSi team returned to the company’s headquarters for daily operations while always maintaining safe social distancing. However, the business will continue to support a mixture of home and office working to ensure there’s flexibility and also that all operations continue to run smoothly and safely.

Davies added: “Our employees are now testing themselves at home on Sunday and Wednesday evenings in line with the official guidelines, with the results reported back to the NHS. If any individual has a positive result, we will ensure they receive a PCR test to confirm that they’re negative before they return to the office such that any potential infection routes are immediately restricted.”

Further, Davies stated: “We owe this level of scrutiny and care to all our visitors and staff and are proud to be extending this level of reassurance to our visiting partners and customers. While there are still considerable potential health threats at large, it’s also important to ensure we safely deliver the right levels of support and training by adjusting to the needs of the ‘new normal’ as quickly as possible.”

*To find out more about TDSi’s Installer Training or to book a place on a COVID-safe course visit www.tdsi.co.uk/training.html

*For more information on TDSi in general visit www.tdsi.co.uk

QED and EmpiricAl partnership brings Computer Vision AI to wider market

EmpiricAI has secured a major new distribution agreement with electronic security distributor QED, its first UK partner, that will see its Computer Vision AI (Artificial Intelligence) solution offered across the UK and Europe.

The announcement comes against a growing realisation that the security industry plays a crucial role not only in the protection of people and places, but also in terms of providing peace of mind for employers and employees alike in a wide variety of workplaces.

QED now becomes one of the first to market with an advanced Computer Vision AI solution. It was developed by EmpiricAI specifically for improving Health and Safety and productivity in business and industry.

Headquartered in Preston, QED is expecting strong demand for its new offer from a range of sectors including construction, manufacturing, corporate offices, retail and other customer-facing branches.

• 

QED was initially attracted by EmpiricAI’s WorkSafe Analytics (WSA) platform because of its functionality and ease of use. WSA uses AI-powered Computer Vision technology to help businesses gain an accurate view of potential risks in the workplace. The software ensures compliance with Health and Safety guidelines.

Integrated into on-site CCTV implementations, WSA is able to carry out real-time monitoring and detection of any non-compliance of social distancing, correct PPE/mask usage and occupancy guidelines. Comprehensive analytics and reporting on compliance at room, building and site-wide levels and their trends over time enables organisations to monitor and improve the effectiveness of their Health and Safety initiatives.

Restoring employee confidence

EmpiricAI’s Computer Vision technology has been shown to restore employee confidence around safety. This is set against a backdrop of research showing that more than 60% of workers report inadequate safety in their workplace when considering all factors, not just the pandemic, which can significantly affect their productivity.

Steve Constantine, QED’s product development director, explained: “This partnership with EmpiricAI has been driven by the need to add more flexibility to our product range to support our partners working in environments where it’s important to monitor compliance with safety procedures. In addition, it also allows us to provide a timely and relevant solution to help address the Health and Safety challenges businesses are facing at the present time.”

Salman Chaudhary, CEO at EmpiricAI, responded: “Our WorkSafe Analytics will complement QED’s customer-driven solutions. We see the partnership with QED bringing the benefits of Computer Vision to a much wider market and especially for those professionals required to adhere to strict Health and Safety procedures. The combination of our advanced technology, backed up with QED’s security offer and proven customer service will make the benefits of Computer Vision much more accessible to customers.”

• 

Technical support

QED provides a next day delivery service and 24/7 online ordering underpinned by “exceptional” customer service and technical support. The business offers advice before and following a sale, with its ethos being to earn the lifetime loyalty of customers.

A dedicated account manager from QED is assigned to all customers, supported by an experienced and knowledgeable technical team of professionals. A bespoke online customer portal is available where customers can place orders, view their order histories, download invoices, request reports and manage company account users.

*For more information on EmpiricAI’s Computer Vision AI WorkSafe Analytics visit www.qedgroup.co.uk