In the world of cybersecurity, ethical hacking proactively identifies security vulnerabilities before malicious actors (i.e., unethical hackers) can exploit them. By simulating real-world attacks, organisations can strengthen defences, protect sensitive data, and maintain public trust. In the physical security world, ethical hacking can transform cybersecurity of security systems from a reactive struggle into a strategic safeguard. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of ethical hacking as it relates to physical security?

Next-generation (Next-Gen) technologies are products, services, or infrastructures that represent a significant leap forward rather than a small, incremental update. In the physical security industry, NextGen products are those that enable disruptive change, breakthrough performance, and a fundamental change that renders previous products obsolete. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the next generation of physical security solutions, and how will they change the industry?

Emphasising proactive rather than reactive security shifts the focus from dealing with crises and damage control to prevention. Advantages of a proactive approach include cost efficiency, better business continuity, and fewer crises that draw attention away from strategic improvements. Staying ahead of threats is a core mission of the security department, and technology has evolved to enable security professionals to deliver on that mission better than ever. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How are security systems transitioning from reactive to proactive, and what is the benefit?

Multiple technology trends are transforming the physical access control market. There is a fundamental shift away from physical cards and keys toward digital identities — mobile credentials, digital wallets, biometrics, and cloud-native access platforms. These next generation access solutions are radically reshaping how buildings operate, protect staff, and perform functionally. At the same time, AI and analytics solutions are being layered onto these physical access control systems to support predictive threat detection and behavioural insights. Access data itself is becoming an asset for sustainability, space optimisation, and smart building initiatives. Risk, impact operations and experience The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues. The survey cites improving user convenience as a priority for nearly half of organisations, while 41% are focused on simplifying administration, and 28% struggle with system integration. These are not theoretical challenges, they are day‑to‑day friction points that add cost, increase risk, impact operations and experience, and, of course, must be addressed. HID Global’s commercial focus HID Global’s commercial focus is to help organisations digitise their access control — with mobile identities, biometrics, and cloud platforms — and then to use the data to deliver more value. “We are turning access control from an operational cost into a software-driven asset that improves efficiency, supports Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and even creates new revenue opportunities,” says Steven Commander, HID Global’s Head of Consultant Relations. The impact of digital transformation Digital transformation is the method of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials Digital transformation is in the process of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials to a software-driven, integrated experience. The transformation strengthens security while also improving user convenience — transforming the “pavement to the desk” journey. HID enables this shift through mobile credentials, biometrics, cloud-native platforms, and solutions that allow third-party applications to run on door hardware. “This helps customers turn access data into operational and commercial outcomes, while also improving the overall user experience,” says Commander.  Digital transformation in access control is not focused on chasing the latest trends. Rather, transformation is about turning software, data and integration into outcomes that matter to customers, says HID. “Security becomes stronger and more adaptive,” says Commander. “Operations become simpler and more cost‑effective. Experiences become seamless and consistent. Sustainability moves from ambition to action. And the financial case becomes clearer as efficiencies are banked and new value streams emerge.” The challenge of futureproofing with long lifecycles Given that physical security technologies will be in place for 15 to 20 years, it is important to plan for how systems can evolve over time. Considering how rapidly security threats, compliance standards, and user expectations change, 15 to 20 years is a long time. The decisions made at the beginning of a system’s lifecycle can either limit flexibility later (which will be costly) or enable long-term adaptability. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important Choosing products and platforms that are open, interoperable, and designed for updates can enable future-proof projects. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important.  In addition, systems built on open controller platforms — such as Mercury — enable organisations to switch software providers or expand functionality without replacing core door hardware. Architectural openness is key to system lifecycles and maximising the return on investment (ROI) from a chosen solution. Digital credentials and mobile access Flexibility and upgradeability should also be top of mind when it comes to endpoints like access control readers. While RFID cards are still commonplace, there is a clear trend toward digital credentials and mobile access. Readers that support both allow organisations to transition at their own pace, without committing to a full system overhaul. A long system lifecycle does not mean technology should remain static. Security, particularly cybersecurity, demands more frequent updates. Technologies that support firmware upgrades in the field extend the value of a deployment while helping organisations keep pace with emerging threats. In that sense, lifecycle thinking is not just about longevity — it’s about maintaining resilience and readiness over time. Applying biometrics and mobile identities Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction. Many organisations are now deploying biometrics to support fast, seamless access journeys, with adoption already around 39% in access control according to HID’s recent research.  In addition, 80% of organisations surveyed expect to deploy mobile identities within the next five years. Full technology integration enables tap‑to‑access without opening an app; the user journey becomes faster, safer, and more convenient. “It is where the industry is headed and we are at the vanguard of this,” says Commander.    Ongoing challenge of cybersecurity At HID Global, cybersecurity is embedded into everything, from corporate processes and development practices to the solutions they bring to market. “Our approach ensures that customers can strengthen their overall security posture, not only by deploying secure products but by benefitting from HID’s commitment to the highest industry standards,” says Commander. HID holds multiple globally recognised certifications, including ISO 27001, ISO 14298, SOC Type 2 and CSA STAR, which demonstrate their robust information security and cloud security practices. In addition, HID’s SEOS® secure chipset is independently SEAL-certified, providing one of the most advanced levels of protection available on the market today. “Ultimately, this means organisations are not just purchasing isolated secure products; they are implementing solutions developed and delivered within a comprehensive, cybersecure framework,” says Commander. “When deployed according to best practices, HID solutions enable customers to achieve the highest levels of resilience against evolving physical and cyber threats.” Developing green and sustainable solutions A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards Digital credentials align with the sustainable solutions that everyone wants. A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards. Over 550 million access cards are sold annually. This creates 2,700 tons of plastic waste and 11,400 tons of carbon, based on a PVC card weighing 5 grams.  Therefore, digital credentials self-evidently reduce the reliance on plastic cards (helping reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% according to HID’s research), while leveraging access control system data supports energy optimisation by shutting down or reducing systems in unused spaces. Energy use and CO₂ emissions can be cut dramatically, showing how access systems can contribute to sustainability goals and green building certification. What is the latest in smart buildings? Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services. Real-time access data enables new services such as automated room bookings, HVAC control, lift/elevator calling, e-bike hiring, and so on. Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services The financial upside is clear; smart, digitally transformed buildings can deliver around 8% higher yields per square foot versus traditional office space. Operational savings accrue from reduced administration, the removal of card production and shipping, and lighter IT support. This creates a value cycle — better experiences drive adoption, adoption fuels monetisation, and monetisation funds further improvements. Achieving technology impact in the real world One standout project is One Bangkok – a $3.9 billion mixed used development in Thailand – which demonstrates the scale of what can be achieved when access control data is used for optimisation, particularly when it comes to monitoring facilities usage and occupier behaviours. By switching lights off or lowering the temperature in unused rooms, for example, the One Bangkok building demonstrates this potential with a 22% reduction in energy consumption, saving 17,000 MWh and 9,000 tons of CO₂ annually.  Sustainability is a key factor in contributing to how properties are valued. And sustainability extends far beyond digital credentials having a lower environmental impact than plastic cards.  Buildings with recognised sustainability certifications often command rental premiums of around 6%, and three‑quarters of security decision‑makers now consider environmental impact in their procurement assessments.

DICE Corporation, a developer of alarm monitoring, video and automation software, announces that AURA is now built into DICE's dispatching products. Clear Response Monitoring and Clear Watch are the first monitoring centers to put the integration into service. The security dealers they support can now sell on-demand guard response alongside monitoring, with dispatch handled inside DICE in areas AURA covers across the United States. AURA is a technology platform that connects alarms to a network of vetted, state-licensed private security response partners. When an operator selects AURA response for a site, AURA dispatches the closest available responder and oversees the callout from its 24/7 control room. AURA reports an average response time of 18 minutes through its proximity-based dispatch. Proximity-based dispatch DICE connected AURA through its PSAP Connect broker, the same dispatch engine that links DICE monitoring centers directly to more than 700 Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and delivers alarm dispatches straight into their CAD systems. DICE leads the alarm monitoring industry in directly connected PSAPs, and it also provides 911 services through its sister company, IPtelX. With AURA added, one engine now automates dispatch to both first responders and private guards. Monitoring centers on DICE gain wider automated dispatch coverage, reaching a licensed guard where police attendance is limited or a guard is the right first response. Traditional alarm monitoring Clear Response Monitoring uses the integration to give its dealers a guard response option on traditional alarm monitoring. When an alarm needs someone on site, the operator dispatches a responder straight from DICE. Clear Watch pairs the integration with DICE AI video detection. DICE AI flags likely threats on camera, a Clear Watch operator verifies the event, and a licensed guard is dispatched without switching systems or re-entering site details. Video tells the operator what is happening; AURA puts someone at the property if required. How it works The dealer signs up a site with the monitoring center, and its details go into DICE. The customer opts in to guard response, and the dealer completes the contract. The site is switched on for AURA, and site and contact details pass to AURA automatically. When an alarm or verified video event needs a guard, the operator chooses AURA response without leaving DICE. AURA dispatches a licensed responder. Status updates for dispatch, arrival and completion post back to the alarm history. If necessary, law enforcement can then be dispatched. Separate dispatch console There is no separate dispatch console, no second screen on the control floor and no re-entering customer data. Managers can review analytics, callout history and reports in the AURA customer platform. Sites can also be set up so the property contact receives a text with a live tracking link and a report when the job is done. Dealers gain a recurring service to sell without running vehicles, hiring guards or managing response. Once a customer says yes, the monitoring center and AURA handle every dispatch. The dealer keeps its brand and remains the customer's point of contact. The service suits homes, commercial sites, construction sites and vacant properties. Customer's point of contact "Our dealers have been asking for a way to offer real guard response without building it themselves," said Glen Carter, President of Clear Response Monitoring and Clear Watch. "Through DICE, our operators go from an alarm or a verified event on camera to a licensed guard on the way, from the same screen they work every signal on. Our dealers make the sale, step away and earn recurring revenue, and their customers get someone at the door when it matters." "Monitoring centers should not have to bolt on another system to add a service," said Cliff Dice, Founder and CEO, DICE Corporation. "We built AURA directly into the DICE platform so a center can turn on guard response site by site, using the data it already holds. AURA runs on the same PSAP Connect engine that already reaches more than 700 PSAPs, so one dispatch engine now serves first responders and guards alike. Clear Response and Clear Watch show it working on both alarm and AI video monitoring, and the integration is ready for any monitoring center on DICE." AURA response network "DICE doesn't wait for the market to change before it moves. It builds for where monitoring is heading, and that made it the natural partner for us," said Grant Williams, Chief Product Officer, AURA. "Bringing the AURA response network into DICE gives central stations a new service to offer their dealers, without adding a single new system for their operators." "We started AURA because we believe safety is a fundamental right, not a luxury," said Warren Meyers, CEO, AURA. "Getting help to people faster means working with companies that are willing to move with their markets, and DICE is exactly that kind of company. They saw where monitoring was going and chose to lead rather than follow." DICE dispatching products The AURA integration is available now to monitoring centers using DICE dispatching products. Each center agrees terms with AURA, and DICE support then enables the integration. AURA confirms coverage for each site before it is switched on. Dealers can add guard response through Clear Response Monitoring or Clear Watch. AURA provides on-demand guard response. It works alongside, and does not replace, police or other public emergency services.

Veeam® Software, the Data and AI Trust Company, announces that it has been positioned by Gartner, Inc. a pioneer in the first Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Privacy UX. The evaluation was based on specific criteria that analysed the company’s overall Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute. In their opinion, Veeam’s privacy UX capabilities offer organisations one way to understand, secure, and govern personal data across production and backup environments, so that consent, preferences, and rights hold up across the full data lifecycle. That's the bottom line for privacy: less risk, defensible proof for regulators, and the confidence to restore what matters most without bringing back what shouldn't return. Delivering data security Veeam helps organisations understand where personal data resides, who can access it and how it is being used, enabling them to reduce compliance risk, simplify audits and ensure privacy policies are applied consistently across production and backup environments. Veeam delivers a unified trust layer that connects data, identities, and access to deliver data security, governance, privacy, compliance and resilience so organisations can reduce risk and restore what matters with confidence. "You can't protect what you don't understand, and you can't promise privacy you can't prove," said Anand Eswaran, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Veeam. "Privacy is a commitment that has to survive across every copy of their data, in production and in backup. Veeam is the first to unify data security, governance, privacy, compliance and resilience together, and that's why we lead this market worldwide." Identity intelligence graph This recognition follows a period of rapid expansion in Veeam's privacy capabilities, including the acquisition of Securiti AI in December 2025, and the launch of the DataAI Command Platform. Together, they extend privacy from a compliance function into an operational capability that reaches every copy of personal data. Recent highlights include: DataAI Privacy: Automated privacy policies enforced in real time, at the source by user and jurisdiction. Powered by the most advanced identity intelligence graph in the industry (a People Data Graph) that unifies structured and unstructured personal data across hybrid multicloud environments, enabling faster and more accurate privacy operations than traditional siloed data mapping tools. Privacy that extends to backup: Through the DataAI Command Graph, Veeam applies data security posture management (DSPM) and classification across both live and backup data. This closes a long-standing blind spot, because personal data persists in copies long after it's been governed in production, and it supports prioritised recovery, so organisations can restore the most sensitive data first during an incident. DataAI Compliance: Ensures sensitive data is handled correctly while meeting compliance requirements. Veeam maps controls and evidence to more than 100 regulatory frameworks, including GDPR, DORA, and the EU AI Act, giving privacy and legal teams a defensible audit trail instead of an evidence-gathering scramble ahead of every review. Fact-based research Magic Quadrant reports are a culmination of rigorous, fact-based research in specific markets, providing a wide-angle view of the relative positions of providers in markets where growth is high, and provider differentiation is distinct. Providers are positioned into four quadrants: Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries, and Niche Players. The research enables you to get the most from market analysis in alignment with your unique business and technology needs. Register for free for VeeamON Global Launch Virtual event on October 15 (Americas & EMEA) and October 16 (APJ to hear how Veeam is helping organisations turn data resilience, privacy, and governance into a competitive advantage in the AI era.

DigiFlight, Inc., a provider of aerospace, cybersecurity, engineering, and training solutions for government and commercial organisations, announces that industry veteran Melody Berry has joined the company as manager of cybersecurity and compliance. She will support the cybersecurity, assessment, and compliance programs of DigiFlight and its affiliated cybersecurity company, Camelot Secure, helping manage requirements across multiple industry frameworks, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, and Department of Defense contract requirements. Conducting mock assessments In addition, Berry will lead Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) readiness engagements for DigiFlight and Camelot Secure customers, providing CMMC third-party assessment organisation (C3PAO) audit support and conducting mock assessments to help organisations prepare for CMMC self-attestation and third-party assessments. “CMMC and cybersecurity compliance have become increasingly important requirements for organisations supporting the Department of Defense, and our customers need experienced professionals who understand both the technical requirements and the realities of preparing for an assessment,” said Stan Oliver, CEO of DigiFlight and Camelot Secure. “Melody brings extensive hands-on experience in cybersecurity program management, CMMC assessments and federal compliance. Her ability to translate complex requirements into practical steps customers can take to improve security and reduce risk makes her an important addition to the DigiFlight and Camelot Secure teams.” Industry cybersecurity frameworks Berry brings vast experience implementing, managing, and evaluating enterprise cybersecurity and technology programs, with a particular focus on reducing vulnerabilities, managing risk, and helping organisations comply with federal and industry cybersecurity frameworks. Prior to joining DigiFlight and Camelot Secure, Berry served as a lead CMMC assessor with CyberRx, a CMMC C3PAO, where she managed and conducted CMMC 2.0 mock and Level 2 assessments, coordinated assessment activities with customers, managed service providers and assessment teams, and prepared assessment documentation for submission to the Department of Defense. Manage cybersecurity strategy Her previous cybersecurity leadership experience includes serving as deputy chief information security officer for Alion Science & Technology, where she helped manage cybersecurity strategy, risk management, security operations, and federal regulatory compliance for a $1 billion federal contractor. She also served as an enterprise division IT security officer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology and as a senior cybersecurity consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, supporting government organisations including NIST, the Department of State, the Defense Information Systems Agency, the National Security Agency, Social Security Administration and Internal Revenue Service. Federal regulatory compliance “DigiFlight has a strong understanding of the cybersecurity and compliance challenges facing organisations supporting the defence industrial base,” Berry said. “I’m excited to work directly with customers to make CMMC readiness more manageable, strengthen their cybersecurity programs, and help them move into assessments with greater confidence. I also look forward to supporting the broader DigiFlight and Camelot Secure security and compliance programs.” Berry holds Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), CMMC Certified Professional (CCP) and CMMC Certified Assessor (CCA) credentials and has achieved lead CCA status. She earned a Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity from the University of Maryland University College, now University of Maryland Global Campus.

NETSCOUT® SYSTEMS, INC. released its first half 2026 Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) Threat Intelligence Report, revealing a significant shift in how attacks are launched and sourced. With more than 9.1 million DDoS attacks recorded globally by NETSCOUT between January and June 2026, the report highlights that DDoS risk is growing along three axes: the volume of traffic that must be inspected, the number of places where mitigation must be deployed, and the share of attacks that disrupt service without ever saturating a link. “The 1,286 percent rise in attacks clearing 1Tbps or 1Gpps means high-capacity events are no longer anomalies; they are routine,” stated Hardik Modi, VP Engineering, DDoS solutions, and ASERT Threat Intelligence Team, NETSCOUT. “With the proliferation of residential proxies and short, rate-based attacks from DDoS-for-hire platforms, traditional coarse network controls are insufficient. Providers and enterprises alike need finer-grained, selective mitigation and increased scrubbing capacity at network edges to combat these qualitative shifts in attack sophistication.” Expanding operational risk Key findings include: Massive attacks on a global scale – NETSCOUT ATLAS recorded more than 9.1 million DDoS attacks across 209 countries and territories, underscoring the expanding operational risk to enterprises and providers Surge in high-impact capacity – attacks exceeding 1Tbps or 1Gpps increased 1,286 percent year-over-year, suggesting defenders must continue to prepare for greater attack intensity IPv6 crossed the terabit threshold – NETSCOUT observed its first IPv6 attack exceeding 1Tbps, while active mitigation of IPv6 attacks rose by more than 300 percent year-over-year even as IPv6’s share of attacks remained roughly flat, illustrating the need for robust IPv6 protection Pressure on carrier mitigation – direct-path methods accounted for 64 percent of observed attacks and gained share for a third consecutive half-year, while carpet-bombing grew from 3.97 percent to 4.54 percent of attacks, and outbound attacks clearing 1Tbps/1Gpps caused operational impacts. Dedicated mitigation capacity remains the selective layer that providers need to intelligently filter malicious traffic DDoS-for-hire and attack economics – attacks lasting one minute or less have roughly doubled as a share since 2H 2023, stressing connection tables, application backends, and resolvers, suggesting DDoS-for-hire platforms are shortening the path to attack Residential proxy supply chain – by pairing residential proxy network tracking with DDoS telemetry, NETSCOUT ASERT identified residential proxy sources participating in DDoS attacks, highlighting that attack traffic can originate from harder-to-distinguish consumer IP addresses Composite peak values NETSCOUT maps the DDoS landscape through passive, active, and reactive vantage points, providing unparalleled visibility into global attack trends. For more than 15 years, NETSCOUT has delivered trusted, consistent DDoS Intelligence based exclusively on directly observed, verifiable attack traffic. NETSCOUT does not aggregate multiple alerts or geographically distributed events into composite peak values, which ensures accuracy, repeatability, and true comparability across reporting periods. Peak metrics reflect single-second maximum bits-per-second (bps) and packets-per-second (pps) rates measured at defined mitigation and monitoring points. Overwhelm critical services NETSCOUT protects two-thirds of the routed IPv4 space, securing network edges that carried global peak traffic of over 800 Tbps. It monitors tens of thousands of daily DDoS attacks by tracking multiple botnets and DDoS-for-hire services that leverage millions of abused or compromised devices. NETSCOUT ARBOR Cloud, backed by ATLAS visibility and dedicated DDoS mitigation capacity, complements on-premises defences and helps organisations absorb large, distributed attacks before they overwhelm critical services. These findings show why DDoS resilience now depends on more than stopping the largest attack. Organisations need to recognise changing attack sources and methods, mitigate both inbound and outbound attacks, apply precise protection where services are exposed, and draw on cloud capacity when attacks exceed local defences. NETSCOUT combines directly observed ATLAS intelligence with on-premises and cloud-delivered mitigation to help customers protect service availability and sustain the digital operations their businesses depend on.

The Sanoat Qurilish Bank (SQB) in Uzbekistan enhanced its security and operations with Dahua’s integrated solution, combining ANPR, under-vehicle scanning, facial recognition, and DSS Pro for centralised management. This improved inspection accuracy, strengthened access control, and enabled faster, more efficient security responses. Overview - SQB is one of Uzbekistan’s key financial institutions, required a stronger, more intelligent security infrastructure to protect its facilities, personnel, visitors, and vehicle entry points. As a banking environment with high daily traffic and strict security requirements, SQB needed a solution that could reduce operational risks, improve inspection accuracy, and unify fragmented security systems under one centralised platform. Key financial institutions Challenges - The bank encountered several key challenges in its existing operations and security systems. Vehicle inspection at entry and exit points was not comprehensive enough, creating potential risks from unauthorised or hazardous vehicles. Manual inspection processes also increased operating costs and were vulnerable to human error. At the same time, visitor control needed improvement, as internal visitors could access important office areas without strict management. The bank’s existing security systems, including CCTV, access control, and under-vehicle scanning, came from different brands, making unified management difficult. Meeting rooms also suffered from low efficiency due to traditional presentation and note-taking methods. Smart security solution Solutions - To address these needs, Dahua provided an integrated smart security solution covering vehicle inspection, personnel access, visitor management, conference room modernisation, and centralised system control. At vehicle entrances, Dahua deployed bollards, under-vehicle scanning systems, ANPR cameras, and gate barriers to support comprehensive vehicle checks and maintain visual records for future audits. This helped improve perimeter security while making inspections smoother and more traceable. For personnel and visitor management, Dahua introduced access control, visitor management, elevator control systems, and facial recognition technology in key areas. These systems enabled accurate identity verification and stricter access permissions, helping SQB protect sensitive office spaces and improve overall site security. Reduced equipment maintenance Dahua also upgraded the bank’s meeting environment with integrated conference room equipment, including electronic whiteboards, lifting screens, and audio and video recording capabilities. This created a cleaner, more efficient meeting space, reduced equipment maintenance complexity, and made meeting content easier to record and trace. A major highlight of the project was the deployment of Dahua DSS Pro, which integrated CCTV, access control systems, and UVSS into one unified management platform. By connecting multiple subsystems, DSS Pro enabled security guards to monitor devices centrally, identify abnormal events faster, and respond more efficiently. Efficient daily operations Results - As a result of successfully implementing Dahua’s Integrated Smart Security Solution, SQB strengthened its physical security, improved vehicle and personnel management, reduced dependence on manual inspection, and achieved more efficient daily operations. The project also demonstrated the value of Dahua’s integrated security ecosystem, combining smart devices, AI-enabled identification, and centralised platform management to meet the demanding security needs of the banking sector.

Genetec Inc., the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces that the City of Carmel, Indiana, has deployed Genetec™ Security Center to unify security and operational systems across more than 40 municipal sites, helping city departments coordinate resources, improve emergency response, and manage day-to-day operations more efficiently. Carmel’s public safety teams use Security Center to monitor video, alarms, emergency calls, response vehicles, and IoT sensors through an interactive city map. First responders can access the same information from mobile devices, helping teams coordinate resources and respond more efficiently when incidents occur. Direct first responders That coordination proved especially valuable when a rare tornado struck Carmel. Using Security Center, city teams quickly mapped the storm’s path and assessed its impact across the community. They identified the hardest-hit areas and used that information to direct first responders, utility crews, and public works resources where they were needed most. “By bringing all our departments onto one city-wide platform, we’ve reduced complexity. The result is better decisions for our community, higher response efficiency, and more cost-effective operations that benefit our residents,” said Morgan Rinehart, Network Architect at the City of Carmel. Making informed decisions Beyond public safety, Carmel is using Security Center to support services across the community. With information from multiple systems available through a unified platform, departments can better understand conditions across the city and make informed decisions about how to deploy resources. For example: Engineering and street teams can monitor road conditions, coordinate snow removal, and manage traffic during construction detours without sending personnel into the field to assess conditions Parks teams can monitor crowd levels, facility usage, and safety across the city’s waterpark and trails Public events teams can monitor pedestrian traffic in community plazas and during gatherings The unified platform also gives Carmel’s IT team a centralised view of system health. Teams can monitor device status, identify potential vulnerabilities, review cybersecurity information, and manage firmware and software updates from one platform, helping the city manage its growing number of connected devices. Providing additional flexibility Carmel is also taking a hybrid approach to its security infrastructure, with the cloud-based Security Center SaaS platform providing additional flexibility when temporary projects or large events require expanded video coverage. The city can deploy mobile cameras and connect with systems operated by local schools, sports organisations, and critical infrastructure partners. Looking ahead, Carmel plans to continue expanding the platform as its smart city initiatives evolve. This includes connecting more systems and community partners. By building on an open platform, the city can add new capabilities as its needs change while maintaining a consistent approach to security and operations.

At the Toronto Zoo, every person on site – whether that’s a keeper, security officer, scientist, or volunteer - shares one vision: create a world where people, wildlife, and wild spaces thrive. Thirty minutes from downtown Toronto lies a 500-acre campus that is home to over 2000 animals across 200 species. Welcoming 1.3 million guests each year, Toronto Zoo is a world-class operation on a mission to connect people, animals, conservation science, and traditional knowledge to fight extinction. When Toronto Zoo Supervisor of Health & Safety Services, Graham Birtles, set out to modernise the Zoo’s legacy access and alarm infrastructure, he discovered that the partner he already trusted for animal enclosure fencing was the same one now leading the way in physical security and access control. World-class operation The Toronto Zoo opened in 1974 with a goal that extended well beyond exhibition. Today, its work spans conservation science, breeding programs for endangered species, community education, and climate advocacy. Its Guardians of Wild program extends that belief outward, inviting staff, guests, and partner organisations to champion wildlife beyond the Zoo’s borders: in policy, community relations, and corporate engagement. “My everyday is somebody else’s once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Graham. “We want every person who comes through these gates to leave understanding what the Toronto Zoo is about, and what they can personally do to make a change.” Delivering that experience safely for guests, staff, and the animals themselves demanded a security platform fit for the job. Rapid emergency response Before Gallagher Security, the Zoo’s access control and alarm infrastructure had not kept pace with the scale of operations. Mobile alerting was unavailable to officers in the field, credentialling hundreds of seasonal staff required plastic cards that were slow to issue and difficult to track, and there was no integration with the Zoo’s video management system to support rapid emergency response. There was also a unique challenge facing the Zoo team: the electric perimeter fencing around animal enclosures - the secondary layer of protection between the animals and the wider Zoo environment - operated as an entirely separate system, disconnected from the broader infrastructure. Following an animal containment incident that was escalated to security leadership, the need to bridge those two systems became urgent. Graham found the solution at a security trade show, when his integrator walked him toward a familiar orange booth. Higher voltage requirements “I said, I already know Gallagher. They’re my fence people. They’ve been taking care of our fencing systems for over 50 years at the Toronto Zoo.” What Graham didn’t yet know was that Gallagher also delivered enterprise-grade physical security, making Toronto Zoo’s path to world-class operations clear. Working together, Gallagher Security and Gallagher Animal Management designed and implemented an integration between Gallagher Command Centre and the Zoo’s Animal Management energiser systems, enabling real-time communication between animal fencing infrastructure and the security platform for the first time. Higher voltage requirements The implementation required calibration for significantly higher voltage requirements than traditional smaller animal environments, ensuring safe and effective management across large species habitats. The Zoo team worked closely with Gallagher’s experts to configure their setup, and the solution is now fully operational within the orangutan habitat. “Now we can see the voltage of our fences at all times,” says Graham. “We can send alerts to our wildlife care team the moment something touches the hot wire so we can make sure the animals are safe.” When an alert is triggered, integrated CCTV allows the wildlife care team to immediately verify the event and assess the situation before responding; a critical functionality for animal safety. The Zoo’s security needs extend well beyond its animal habitats, and the Gallagher platform has delivered. Persistent administrative challenges Mobile Credentials have addressed one of the most persistent administrative challenges on site. With hundreds of contractors and seasonal catering staff requiring access at any given time, the previous reliance on plastic cards was slow and difficult to manage. Now, time-limited mobile credentials are issued on sign-in and revoked automatically on sign-out, removing the risk of residual access. For officers in the field, Gallagher Mobile Connect removed the need to return to base to manage alarms. Officers maintain full situational awareness from their vehicles around the clock, long after the central control center closes. Further integration with 27 Axis intercoms in high-risk spaces - housing venomous snakes, spiders, and other dangerous species - ensure staff working alone in those environments are never out of reach. Restricting workshop equipment “We can monitor alarms throughout the Zoo; not just for traditional break-and-enter or door-open scenarios. We are monitoring life-safety systems, fire systems, animal conditions, and more,” says Graham. What has distinguished the Toronto Zoo’s deployment is not any single feature, but the broad range of problems the Gallagher platform has been called on to solve. New challenges from across the organisation are allowing Graham and his team to unlock more value from their security system. Whether it is monitoring environmental conditions within animal habitats, restricting workshop equipment to trained operators, or ensuring staff cannot access sensitive areas until their training is verified, the answer has consistently been found within the same platform. Conventional vendor relationship “I like that I can call on the Gallagher team and they will work with us to find a solution,” says Graham. “Gallagher has become a house brand here at the Toronto Zoo. It’s integrated with everything we do,” Graham Birtles, Supervisor of Health & Safety Service. The Zoo’s collaboration with Gallagher has not been a conventional vendor relationship. Graham describes it as a convergence of purpose. “When we partner with organisations such as Gallagher, they become Guardians of Wild,” he says. “Because they help me and the Toronto Zoo accomplish our mission.” The Gallagher platform will play a central role in the Zoo’s next chapter. A new Community Conservation Centre, developed with a local university, will soon bring classrooms, laboratories, and a new otter river habitat into a shared community space; with Command Centre managing access for students, professors, and  visiting groups. “Gallagher understands our mission,” says Graham. “They are very helpful, and everything they have put in place for us has worked. The flexibility has been fantastic.” This installation was deployed in partnership with Met-Scan Canada Ltd

Genetec Inc, the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces Cairo Bank has successfully deployed the Genetec Security Center platform transforming how the financial institution monitors, manages, and optimises operations across one of Egypt’s largest branch networks. Cairo Bank is one of the largest and oldest financial institutions in Egypt, serving over three million customers through more than 230 branches. The security advancement was driven by new regulatory requirements from the Central Bank of Egypt, alongside Cairo Bank’s broader digital transformation agenda aligned with Egypt Vision 2030. Beyond compliance, the bank needed a scalable operational intelligence foundation to strengthen oversight, improve customer experience, and support long-term expansion and financial inclusion. Necessary operational foundation The implementation unifies video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection into a single platform, allowing operators to centrally manage more than 6,000 cameras across 122 active branches, with deployment across the full network nearing completion. The platform provides the necessary operational foundation for a centralised Command and Control Room, where operators can monitor branch activity, coordinate response, and support decision-making across the institution. The system also separates operational responsibilities. IT and security teams can monitor device health and system status without accessing sensitive video feeds, supporting strict data governance and privacy requirements. “Unification and scalability were just the starting points. From day one, I knew we wanted functionalities that add value to all aspects of our operations. Security Center delivered everything we wanted in one easy-to-use solution,” said Major General Hesham Tawfiq, Head of Security at Cairo Bank. Enhancing operational consistency Beyond traditional surveillance, the platform introduces automation and analytics capabilities that support both security and operational decision-making across its branch network. These capabilities are now embedded across the entire branch network, helping Cairo Bank strengthen compliance reporting, improve risk detection, and enhance operational consistency at scale. The platform also provides insights into branch activity patterns, customer flow, and operational trends, extending the value of security data beyond incident monitoring while keeping governance and operational control central to the deployment. Existing infrastructure investments Security Center’s open architecture allowed Cairo Bank to integrate best-of-breed hardware while preserving existing infrastructure investments. It also enables the bank to add technologies and expand the deployment over time without standardising on a single hardware provider. “We are honoured to work with a forward-thinking institution like Cairo Bank that continuously seeks new ways to leverage technology,” said Firas Jadalla, Regional Director, Middle East & Africa at Genetec Inc. “By unifying systems, the bank is building a consistent operational foundation for its branch network, allowing it to respond to changing regulatory and operational requirements while retaining control over how its environment evolves.” Providing technical support Integrated Technics, the systems integrator responsible for delivering the project, led the proof of concept, system design and implementation. The company continues to provide technical support and system optimisation as the deployment expands. “The Command and Control Room gives Cairo Bank a real-time operational hub built on Security Center, bringing video surveillance, access control and intrusion detection into a single interface. This enables operators to monitor activity across the branch network, coordinate responses and make faster, more informed decisions,” said Walid Alagamy, CEO of Integrated Technics.