The most common wearable device deployed by security professionals is the body-worn camera. Traditionally used by law enforcement professionals, these devices are finding more and more uses in the corporate security world, and even impacting issues such as customer service. However, the term “wearables” also encompasses a range of other devices, including many worn by consumers. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How are wearable technologies impacting the security market?

Technological leaps in the last several decades have revolutionised biometrics. The technologies are constantly evolving, spanning facial recognition to iris scanning to fingerprints, to provide new levels of security and convenience. Biometrics are everywhere, from smartphones to border control, constantly evolving to meet the needs of our increasingly digital world. They are also more accurate and easier to use than ever. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new with biometrics?

In the complex world of physical security systems, standards can enable disparate systems to be combined to function together as a cohesive whole. Standards help to ensure that all the “pieces” fit together to create a clear, unified picture. More broadly speaking, standards also play a role in ensuring best practices are deployed in a range of security-related situations. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which standards have had the greatest positive impact on physical security?

When a bomb detonated in the Port of Beirut, I had hundreds of employees under my care inside the blast zone. Within just two hours, I was able to determine who was impacted, understand their safety conditions, and share resources for on-the-ground support—all thanks to mobile technology. For Chief Security Officers, receiving calls like these launches a variety of protocols and necessary decision-making with the safety and security of people and assets as a top priority. And these calls are only becoming more common. Dependence on threat intelligence Mobile phones have dominated the post-COVID environment where people work from anywhere Threats ranging from natural disasters to geopolitical conflicts are becoming more frequent and complicate the responsibility organisations have in keeping their people safe. To meet these needs CSO’s are staying ahead of negative outcomes through creating a greater dependence on threat intelligence. In these times, effective, real-time risk management depends on hyper-local data from technology that is accessible, portable, and dynamic–such as cell phones. Mobile phones have revolutionised the way people live and work. They allow us all to walk around with a computer in our pocket, bringing the world to our fingertips and eliminating digital borders for over 90% of the world's population. Mobile phones have dominated the post-COVID environment where people work from anywhere and have geographically distributed teams but are also more vulnerable to threatening events. Mobile-friendly risk management platforms Mobile technology assigns workers with easy entry to data that can help keep them and their teams safe As we approach 2024, many organisations are adopting comprehensive risk management tools that empower personnel across the organisation with the intelligence and knowledge they need to stay safe wherever they are.  Mobile-friendly risk management platforms, such as Crisis24 Horizon, provide always-on awareness, on-hand threat intelligence, and immediate communications and distress signalling through location monitoring. Users receive location risk assessments and push notifications directly to their devices about nearby issues and threats no matter if they are on or off the job. While only select risk managers have complete control of the platform and all sensitive employee data is protected through encryption, the app distributes critical intel to foster a culture of shared awareness and responsibility. Thus, mobile technology empowers employees with easy access to information that can help keep them and their teams safe. Creating a culture of mobile technology adoption In the last few years, the world has proven the importance of being well-informed of risks and mitigation plans to minimise harm. However, psychological barriers tend to trump physical barriers when it comes to accessing the vast array of tools our mobile devices offer. World has proven the matter of being well-informed of risks and relief plans to minimise harm Adopting this technology and establishing a culture that enforces risk management across an organisation is a daunting challenge that demands substantial commitment from leadership to be successful. Some companies have tackled this challenge by positioning security technology as part of the organisation’s employee benefits package, such as commuter benefits and health insurance, to encourage people to take advantage of these resources and learn how to use them.   Cohesive risk management culture Technology is only as effective as the people whose actions it informs, which is why adoption and integration are so important. When a cohesive risk management culture meets a powerful technology platform, individuals are enabled to receive threat alerts and counter their impacts, letting others know when and how to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their team.  For more information on mobile technology and other security trends, check out the Global Risk Forecast, an annual report by Crisis24 that provides a comprehensive analysis of key events around the world most likely to affect operations in the coming year.

Convergint, a global pioneer in service-based systems integration, announced that it has acquired Esscoe, a premier provider of mission-critical security and fire and life safety systems in the Chicago and Midwest regions.  Esscoe is a local market pioneer, offering exceptional design and engineering capabilities and fully integrated, tech-enabled security solutions. The acquisition enables Convergint to accelerate growth across the Midwestern U.S.—building on Esscoe’s long-standing reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions to its customers. Convergint’s service capabilities Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Lake Zurich, Illinois, Esscoe provides customers with essential security, life safety, and mass notification systems. The acquisition adds more than 80 local colleagues to Convergint, leveraging Esscoe’s established customer base to greatly expand market reach and technology expertise. Esscoe will bolster Convergint’s key service capabilities across verticals including financial, utilities, government, healthcare, and data centres. "Esscoe’s deep technological expertise and innovative approach align perfectly with our strategic growth plans," said Ann Fandozzi, CEO of Convergint. "Their commitment to market-pioneering service has earned them a loyal, extensive customer base across this critical region. Their mission resonates strongly with Convergint's own Values and Beliefs and dedication to being our customers’ best service provider." Convergint's extensive resources "For nearly two decades, Mike Cook, Todd Keppy, and I have led Esscoe with a commitment to innovation and customer success," said Scott Bartmess, Principal, Esscoe. "By joining Convergint, the Esscoe team is elevating our capacity to support customer growth locally, nationally and globally. This partnership allows us to join our expertise with Convergint's extensive resources, creating a powerful combination that will be highly beneficial for the success of both our valued customers and colleagues."

Twiceme Technology, a Swedish company dedicated to revolutionising safety solutions, announced the hiring of Fredrik Kjellberg as the company’s first Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Kjellberg, who will report to Twiceme CEO Christian Connolly, will continue to build Twiceme’s brand as part of its ongoing global expansion and mission to build a culture of safety. The hiring represents an additional step by Twiceme to establish a global standard for safety that enables people to help each other in emergency situations. Fredrik onboard “Fredrik is a dream hire, and he will play a key role as we grow and operate in more regions around the world,” says Christian Connolly, CEO of Twiceme. “There are few who understand the marketing nuances in our market better than Frederik. In 2023, Twiceme focused heavily on its U.S. expansion by recruiting some of the most prominent people in our industry. With Fredrik onboard, we are confident we can accelerate our efforts even faster." Digital safety technology Fredrik served in multiple marketing and brand design roles in the outdoor industry with pioneering European brands Fredrik joins Twiceme from Mips, a helmet safety system maker, where he served as CMO and helped build the company’s market position. Prior to that, Fredrik served in numerous marketing and brand design positions in the outdoor industry with pioneering European brands such as Atomic, Haglöfs, and Peak Performance. "I have had the pleasure of following Twiceme's journey and seeing their impressive growth up close during my time at Mips,” said Kjellberg. “Twiceme has an important vision to make people safer. Given the many opportunities digital safety technology offers individuals and companies, I’m excited for this new chapter and the opportunity to introduce Twiceme critical safety technology to more people.” Twiceme smartphone app Twiceme’s smart safety technology integrates into safety equipment that protects outdoor enthusiasts and industrial workers before and after incidents occur. A Twiceme smartphone app interacts with next-generation, contactless near-field communications (NFC) technology integrated into safety equipment, which stores valuable information about the equipment and the wearer.  Equipped with information about the wearer, Twiceme supports helpers by reducing lead times during rescue operations, and reduced times can positively impact clinical outcomes for injured people.  Annual growth rate Twiceme's customers include some of the world's most prominent personal protective equipment brands, including POC, Oakley, Salomon, Studson, and Guardian. With over one million products on the market with Twiceme Technology, the company has experienced nearly a triple-digit annual growth rate since its inception. It has quickly gained international recognition for its safety technology, including being used on the Tour de France and Freeride World Tour.

Matrix Video Management Software (VMS) has achieved STQC certification, underscoring its commitment to advanced cybersecurity. This certification highlights Matrix’s dedication to delivering a video surveillance solution that not only protects physical assets but also ensures the highest level of data security. In an era where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, securing the video surveillance system is critical. A compromised system can expose live video feeds, alter or erase footage, and disrupt security operations, putting sensitive information and organisational safety at risk. Matrix’s STQC-certified SATATYA SAMAS VMS addresses these challenges, offering complete security for video surveillance data.  Key benefits of STQC-certified video management software Cyber Security: Protects the video surveillance data from unauthorised access and cyber threats, ensuring that the footage remains secure and unaltered. Reliable Protection: Safeguards sensitive information, including live feeds and recorded footage, from potential breaches, maintaining the integrity of the surveillance system. Data Security: Ensures that critical video data remains accurate and reliable, which is essential for security, legal, and operational purposes. Peace of Mind: Offers confidence that the video surveillance system is equipped to handle sophisticated cyber threats, minimising the risk of data breaches and operational disruptions. Compliance Assurance: Assures that the VMS meets rigorous security standards, making it suitable for use in sensitive and high-stakes environments. Why STQC-certified VMS is essential for securing critical sectors Government Facilities: Ensures top-level security for surveillance in government buildings, protecting classified information from unauthorised access. Critical Infrastructure: Prevents cyberattacks on vital services like power plants, transportation networks, and communication systems, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Financial Institutions: Safeguards against data breaches, reducing the risk of financial loss and maintaining customer trust. Healthcare: Protects sensitive medical records and patient information from cyber threats, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and secure healthcare environments. Matrix’s STQC-certified VMS and network cameras With Matrix’s STQC-certified VMS and Network cameras, organisations can now trust that their entire video surveillance system is fortified with advanced cybersecurity features. This ensures complete security for both physical assets and critical data. Here’s how Matrix delivers comprehensive security: End-to-End Cybersecurity: Both Matrix VMS and Network Cameras are STQC-certified, safeguarding video feeds and stored data from unauthorised access. Protection from Cyber Threats: Matrix Network Cameras comply with OWASP ASVS 4.0 L2 norms and ensure resilience against hacking, tampering, and other cyber vulnerabilities. Seamless Integration: Matrix offers a fully integrated solution where both VMS and cameras work together to provide complete, secure surveillance. Trust and Assurance: Organisations can now confidently rely on Matrix solutions to protect sensitive information and maintain operational security in high-risk environments. With STQC-certified Network Cameras and VMS, Matrix now offers end-to-end cyber-secure video surveillance solutions making it the ideal choice for sensitive sectors that require both physical and digital protection. Customers' surveillance systems Kaushal Kadakia, Marketing Manager at Matrix, said, "We’re incredibly proud to be among the first in India to offer complete, STQC-certified video surveillance solutions." "In today’s world, it’s not just about securing physical spaces – protecting critical sensitive data is just as important. This certification reflects our commitment to keeping our customers' surveillance systems safe from cyber threats. We aim to give businesses peace of mind, knowing their security systems are reliable and protected in every way."

In the month that the world marks World Suicide Prevention Day, which is hosted on 10 September, one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent security groups, First Response Group (FRG), has joined the Security Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide (SCPS). Founded three years ago, SCPS is a network of security groups and people in both the public and private sectors working in collaboration to prevent suicide, with a particular focus on those working in the security profession which suffers one of the highest percentages of occupational stress. FRG’s commitment FRG’s commitment to working alongside others in the security sector to reduce the causes of suicide In fact, security is the third highest industry in the UK impacted by suicide, according to research conducted by the Consortium for the Prevention of Suicide. Barry Dawson, who joined FRG as its group managing director earlier this year, strongly supports FRG’s commitment to working alongside others in the security sector to reduce the causes of suicide through sector-wide collaboration. He said: “I have been in this industry a long time, 35 years in fact, and have long been aware of the problem faced by many security officers in dealing with stress associated with rigours many of them face daily in protecting people and assets. The SCPS is an excellent platform for educating and sharing knowledge. In my view, every security company needs to get behind this.” Health and wellbeing services According to research led by Dr. Risto Talas and Professor Mark Button, professor of criminology in the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Portsmouth, a staggering 40% of security officers display some symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). On publishing his findings, Professor Button said: “The research has revealed a worrying lack of support provided by the security companies. This must change and more research is required on what the security industry as a whole must do to address this issue before it becomes a larger societal issue, with added pressure on the limited mental health and wellbeing services provided by the NHS.” Unlock innovation and resources FRG is committed, alongside the other security fellows and partners, to unlock innovation and resources The consortium is guided by a panel that includes representatives from the National Police Chiefs Council Suicide Prevention Group, City of London Police, The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals and the Samaritans. FRG is committed, alongside the other security partners and members, to unlock innovation and resources in the corporate world, and bring together partners in the public and voluntary sectors to tackle the epidemic of suicide. Effective outcomes Commenting on the group’s backing of the Consortium, CEO of FRG Simon Alderson said: “Many security professionals will struggle with mental health problems. It’s crucial that the industry grasps this and puts in place the measures to identify all the warning signs and prevent avoidable personal tragedy." “It is also important to recognise that Security officers are often first responders when someone is in crisis, including those at risk of suicide. Ensuring security professionals have the right tools and training empowers them to respond effectively and ultimately contribute to safer, more effective outcomes in crisis situations.” British Business Excellence Awards FRG, headquartered in Leeds, employs a workforce of some 2,000 professionals and in the past year has won awards at the industry’s Security & Fire Excellence Awards, Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), Security and Safety Entrepreneurial Awards and the ACS Pacesetter’s Security Officer of Distinction Awards. The company has recently been shortlisted for two Lloyds Bank British Business Excellence Awards.

ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the US Department of Homeland Security Safety Act Designation, announced the expansion of its proactive AI-based gun detection and intelligent situational awareness solution across all middle and elementary schools in Florida’s Leon County School District. This decision follows the successful initial implementation of the technology on five Leon County high school campuses. Reliability and accuracy "After a successful ZeroEyes deployment in our high schools, we are very confident in the technology's reliability and accuracy," said Jimmy Williams, Chief of Safety and Security Staff for Leon County Schools. “ZeroEyes has consistently delivered on its promises, proving effective in distinguishing real threats from non-threatening situations. Expanding this technology to our middle and elementary schools is an essential step in our ongoing commitment to student safety.” ZeroEyes Operations Centre Leon County Schools is headquartered in Tallahassee, FL, and is the sole school district of the county Leon County Schools is headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida and is the sole school district of the county. Its mission is to support an engaging, safe and respectful learning environment that embraces change and produces successful learners who value diversity and are conscientious contributors to society. ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto Leon County Schools’ existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Centre (ZOC), the industry’s only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation centre, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine that the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to local law enforcement and school administrators as quickly as three to five seconds from detection. School security innovation "Leon County Schools has been at the forefront of school security innovation, and we are honoured to support their efforts," said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. "Their satisfaction with our system's performance and accuracy confirms the value of our technology in protecting communities. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and helping to ensure the safety of all students and staff across the district."

The university in rural Maharashtra is committed to providing a holistic and inclusive education that focuses on character building, intellectual growth, and community service. Its mission is to develop knowledgeable, compassionate citizens. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, experiential learning, and cultural heritage preservation, the institution aims to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and responsible global citizenship. Featuring one of the largest campuses in Mumbai, the university offers a diverse range of programs across nine different disciplines. Challenge/requirements The client faced considerable difficulties with their current communication system. The wired configuration demanded frequent maintenance, and ongoing problems with voice communication quality persisted. The primary challenges they encountered included: Problems with wired communication: The wired system experienced issues like corrosion, pioneering to a decline in communication quality. Call Quality: The communication system faced problems like dropped calls and interruptions during active conversations. Multi-location and Unified Communication Solution: Upgrading the infrastructure was essential to connect and unify various sites across the campus. Integration with Existing Infrastructure: The new solution had to be compatible with their current setup to bring modernisation. Redundancy: To guarantee minimal or no downtime, especially in emergencies, incorporating redundancy was essential. Solution Matrix, in partnership with Shreeji Comsec, designed a solution that greatly improved the university's communication capabilities. The key aspects of this solution are summarised below: The current infrastructure relied on copper PRI lines, which needed to be upgraded to IP. To support this transition, two Matrix VoIP-PRI gateways, the SETU VTEP2P and SETU VTEP4P, were utilised. The VoIP-PRI gateways are now compatible with two Matrix IP Phones: the SPARSH VP510 and SPARSH VP210. The IP connection can now be routed through SIP (TATA) trunks via the Matrix server-based PBX, ANANT. The server-based PBX, ANANT, provided seamless communication with integrated redundancy, effectively eliminating downtime. Results The solution enabled the university to consolidate multiple sites into a single communication network. Legacy systems were smoothly integrated with modern VoIP technology, optimising existing investments and enhancing the overall communication infrastructure. This upgrade notably increased operational efficiency. Here is a detailed overview of the solution: Multi-location Solution: Multiple sites were integrated into a unified, comprehensive communication system. Unified Communication Solution: Integrating with the server-based PBX, ANANT, facilitated seamless collaboration and ensured uninterrupted information transfer and reception. Investment Optimisation: The integration of SIP with the Matrix Solution, seamlessly incorporated into the existing network infrastructure. This approach maximised the use of existing resources and avoided the need for additional investments. Operational Efficiency: The redundancy built into ANANT ensured minimal or no downtime, facilitating a continuous flow of information and significantly enhancing workflow efficiency. This feature was crucial for maintaining critical communications and handling emergencies effectively. Modern Features: The office now benefits from advanced functionalities provided by Matrix Standard SIP desk phones, including the SPARSH VP510. These features, such as call-back and auto-answer over secure SIP communication, greatly enhance the university’s communication capabilities. The Matrix communication solution allowed the university to both enhance and modernise its communication capabilities, equipping them with advanced, state-of-the-art call features.

Corsight AI's facial intelligence technology, in collaboration with Digital Barriers, has enabled Essex Police to recognise faces both in real-time and during retrospective investigations. Digital Barriers, known for its patented AI-based video codec and secure edge platform, specialises in delivering live cellular video solutions for a range of scenarios, including military operations in Afghanistan, securing royal and presidential events, and the Olympics. Facial intelligence technology To ensure privacy, images of people not on the watch list have been deleted almost now, with no data retention or storage The deployment of facial intelligence technology led Essex Police to make three arrests at the Clacton Airshow on August 22 and two additional arrests in Southend on August 25 and 26. These arrests were related to serious offences, including sexual assault.  The technology, provided by Corsight AI and Digital Barriers, not only identified individuals wanted for serious crimes but also enforced orders against those on a watch list and protected vulnerable individuals at risk of harm. To ensure privacy, images of individuals not on the watch list were deleted almost instantly, with no data retention or storage. Utilising new technology Assistant Chief Constable Andy Pritchard stated, “We’re an innovative and forward-thinking force, utilising new technology to keep people safe and deter crime. Our live facial recognition technology is used to locate people we want to speak to in connection with ongoing investigations and to manage people with court orders or conditions. Criminals cannot think they can walk around our communities without being caught.” Neil Hendry, Defence & Government Director at Digital Barriers, explained: “Real-time facial recognition from security cameras, vehicle-mounted cameras, and body cameras is a challenge that very few technologies can perform reliably. Digital Barriers provides a reliable video stream, and Corsight AI was chosen for its high reliability in challenging conditions such as poor video quality, limited camera angles, darkness, extreme weather, and disguises.” Safety and security Tony Porter, Corsight AI’s Chief Privacy Officer and former UK Surveillance Camera Commissioner, added: “Drawing on our vast experience with law enforcement agencies worldwide, Essex Police adhere to the highest standards of fair use and transparency.” Rob Watts, President of Corsight AI, said: “It is a privilege for Corsight AI to contribute to the safety and security of the law-abiding people of Essex.”

In any construction project, meticulous recording and management of door hardware is critical —although often prone to human error. What if there was a way to harness digital technology to fulfil this crucial requirement in a dependable, efficient, agile way? Located in several cities around India, Edifice Consultants Pvt Ltd. specialises in designing climate-responsive architectural structures that harmonise with their surroundings.  Complex standards and regulations Each project undertaken reflects Edifice’s collaborative ethos and dedication to enhance the immediate environment, while fostering the well-being of building users, local residents, and the landscape.  Edifice’s work across commercial, residential, industrial and public service sectors has received multiple prestigious awards. Designing buildings for so many segments and industries requires broad and deep knowledge of complex standards and regulations. The experience and expertise of ASSA ABLOY have proved invaluable. Specification with Openings Studio™ ASSA ABLOY has provided Edifice with solutions for more than 750 fire-rated and non-fire doors To streamline door specification, Edifice requires digital software that can cut manual mistakes and maintain the process’s accuracy, which is essential to efficient building design. Their chosen solution — Openings Studio™ — takes a rigorous approach, speeding up specification iterations to condense the revision cycle, improve time management and help hit Edifice’s ambitious project timelines. To date, ASSA ABLOY has provided Edifice with solutions for more than 750 fire-rated and non-fire doors, via the Openings Studio plugin for Autodesk® Revit®. These include doors and door hardware suited to data centre deployment, among them mechanical mortise locks, exit devices, door closers and master-keying solutions from ASSA ABLOYs portfolio of trusted brands such as Yale and Sargent.  Collaborating for transparency and project efficiency An industry-leading specification software tool and BIM plugin, Openings Studio integrates with design software to create and visualise openings for complete door, frame and hardware schedules and specifications. Its flexibility — and availability on multiple types of devices — means all specification changes are incorporated quickly and transparently, helping project delivery dates to remain on target. The Openings Studio environment also simplifies collaboration and data sharing among all project stakeholders. It helps manage openings over the full project lifecycle, from planning and estimation to installation and beyond. Door solution specifications Openings Studio maintains a unified digital thread that connects all project partners to eliminate confusion For these reasons, Openings Studio is deployed all over the world as a specification and ordering tool for building projects. It can deliver detailed door solution specifications directly to popular packages such as Revit® and ARCHICAD®, drawing on a detailed database with colour, size, thickness and certifications for every product; as well as installation and compliance information, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and more. With ongoing use throughout a building’s lifetime, Openings Studio maintains a unified digital thread that connects all project partners to eliminate the confusion that comes with stakeholders having to juggle multiple versions of documents. Management of door hardware “Openings Studio has always been helpful in projects,” explains Gaurav Nirmalkar, Designer at Edifice. “Personally, I have used it in three of the data centres and it never disappoints. The simple and crisp interface is a plus point.”  “Recording and management of door hardware is the most important thing in the construction industry. Openings Studio is a good choice for it.”