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.

Allied Universal®, the security and facility services company, announces that Josh Ball has joined the company as vice president of field operations, quality control and special events for its Allied Universal Event Services business unit. Ball brings more than 20 years of experience leading security for professional sports, marquee events and critical infrastructure. In his new role, he will oversee operational quality assurance, including event quality control inspections, internal audits and third-party audits. He will lead special events operations and will be responsible for expanding the company’s event consulting and event risk intelligence capabilities. Event risk intelligence capabilities He joins Allied Universal from the Kansas City Chiefs, where he served as senior director of safety and security and oversaw multi-site operations spanning home games, playoffs, concerts and special events, including the American Football Conference (AFC) Championship. He served as the primary security lead for World Cup matches and led the Chiefs’ security operations at the 2024 Super Bowl. He also served as senior director of security, safety and first aid at Churchill Downs, where he led security operations for Kentucky Derby Week, which draws approximately 480,000 attendees. “As live events grow in scale and complexity, clients expect security that is consistent, disciplined and world-class at every venue,” said Ty Richmond, president of Allied Universal Event Services. “Josh is a proven operational leader, and his focus on field execution and quality will help us continue to raise the standard across our event services business and deliver even greater value to the clients and communities we serve.” Enhancing event security Earlier in his career, Ball served as chief of police and director of public safety for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, overseeing law enforcement, emergency management and physical security for Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in addition to directing a security modernisation program. “As a former client, I saw the mission and vision of Allied Universal first-hand and I believed in it,” Ball said. “The opportunity to join Allied Universal has been an honour and I am excited to continue investing in the industry to enhance event security, operational readiness, and deliver the high-quality service our clients demand and expect.” Ball earned a master’s degree in public administration from Capella University, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia Southern University and the Certified Sport Security Professional (CSSP) designation from the National Center for Spectator Sports Safety and Security.

Kaseya, the global provider of AI-powered cybersecurity and IT management software, announces findings from a new study by Omdia, a global technology research and advisory firm, highlighting the measurable business value achieved by MSPs and internal IT teams that standardise on Kaseya's unified IT service delivery solution. The study found that organisations using Datto RMM, Autotask PSA and IT Glue improved operational efficiency, reduced costs and increased service capacity by bringing together endpoint management, service desk operations and IT documentation into a unified workflow. Lower operational costs The key benefits reported by organisations interviewed by Omdia include: Significant cost savings: MSPs reported average savings of approximately $2,600 per technician per month, while internal IT teams reported approximately $2,900 per staff member per month. For a 10-person MSP team, this equates to more than $312,000 in annual savings and for an IT team, they are saving approximately $350,000. Lower operational costs: MSPs reported approximately 33% lower IT operating costs and 12% higher contract margins, while internal IT teams reduced IT operating costs by approximately 24% and redirected nearly 19% of their budgets toward strategic priorities such as cybersecurity and employee training. Greater technician capacity: MSPs reported managing 27% more endpoints, handling 23% more tickets and supporting 15% more clients per technician. Internal IT teams handled 14% more tickets per staff member and supported up to 10% more users and endpoints without increasing headcount. Faster service delivery: MSPs improved ticket resolution times by 32% and reduced first-response times by 36%. Internal IT teams reported 11% faster ticket resolution, enabling quicker support for end users. Stronger service and user experiences: MSPs improved SLA compliance by 17%, with an average of 83% of tickets resolved within SLA targets, while internal IT teams reported a 10% increase in employee satisfaction driven by proactive issue prevention, faster resolution times and improved communication. Improved financial performance "Do more, with less is the mandate for IT organisations tasked with supporting more users and devices with limited resources" said Devan Adams, principal analyst, Omdia. "Better operational efficiency, higher-quality service delivery and improved financial performance, were the outcomes that organisations we interviewed achieved and reported meaningful gains after standardising on a unified approach to IT operations. With IT solution consolidation being a top priority for over 40% of IT organisations, the focus has shifted from how do we add more technology and staff to how do we get more from what we already have. The results demonstrate how unified IT service delivery solutions can enhance scalability and service levels while freeing current resources for higher-value initiatives.” Customer satisfaction score "Migrating to Kaseya’s IT Service Delivery solution has helped my team better serve clients through tighter integration of key tools and easier access to client information,” said Jason Comstock, president, Clarity Technology Solutions. “Additionally, it has improved remote support capabilities, allowing us to assist users more efficiently. With Kaseya, we have maintained a customer satisfaction score above 98%, and it has also helped us measure and reduce ticket response times more effectively.” The study also highlighted qualitative benefits beyond the measurable operational improvements. Respondents cited greater visibility into their environments, improved collaboration across teams, reduced administrative burden and the ability to focus more time on strategic initiatives rather than routine operational tasks. One MSP interviewed for the study noted that increased efficiency enabled the organisation to support additional customers without adding staff, creating new opportunities for growth while maintaining service quality. Maintaining service quality "This research reinforces a clear trend we hear from our customers every day: IT teams are looking for technology that helps them achieve more with less complexity," said Johnny Ghibril, general manager of endpoint solutions, Kaseya. "Datto RMM is proof of what that looks like in practice. The AI driven innovation we shipped over the past year is already delivering measurable efficiency gains for MSPs, and paired with the power of IT Service Delivery, it's helping organisations increase productivity, improve customer experiences, and drive stronger business outcomes while creating capacity for future growth." Enhanced API capabilities Omdia’s research findings align with Kaseya’s continued investment in Datto RMM, which has introduced a series of innovations over the last 12 months aimed at improving technician productivity and operational efficiency. Recent enhancements include AI-enhanced Smart Insights, Dynamic Grouping Policies, expanded Microsoft 365 integrations and enhanced API capabilities. The study was commissioned by Kaseya and conducted by Omdia between March and April 2026. Omdia conducted 16 in-depth interviews with eight MSPs and eight internal IT teams in North America that adopted Kaseya’s solution after using competitive offerings as well as five non-Kaseya customers.

Sophos, a global cybersecurity pioneer, launches Sophos CISO Advantage, an agentic AI-enabled solution that connects security operations to security strategy. The solution gives organizations a clear picture of their cyber risk, a prioritised plan to reduce it, and measurable proof of progress, in plain language that business leaders can understand, fund, and act on. Delivered through Sophos Fusion, the Sophos AI-Native Cybersecurity Defense System, Sophos CISO Advantage begins rolling out today across North America, the UK, and the rest of Europe. Strong cybersecurity strategy Sophos CISO Advantage defines a new category in the market, turning security data into strategy and measurable improvement, driven by agentic AI. The offering assesses an organisation’s environment, maps it against industry frameworks, and turns the result into a prioritised plan at a speed and scale that human experts alone cannot reach. For most organisations, creating and executing against a strong cybersecurity strategy is both the greatest opportunity and the greatest challenge in strengthening their resilience. The cybersecurity industry has invested heavily in tools that prevent, detect, and respond, with global spending on information security expected to reach $240 billion in 2026. However, despite significant investment in cybersecurity tools, the market remains fragmented. Organisations often rely on disconnected assessments, spreadsheets, and point solutions to understand and manage cyber risk, making it difficult to measure progress, prioritise investments, and demonstrate the impact of cybersecurity programs. Impact of cybersecurity programs The gap, in large part, is due to a scarcity in security leadership and talent. According to the 2026 CISO Report, an estimated 35,000 CISOs serve 359 million businesses worldwide, a ratio of roughly 10,000 to one. Hiring alone cannot close the gap. In fact, our 2026 MSP Perspectives Report found that on average, 46% of customers look to their MSP to act as their CISO now; with 84% of MSPs expecting the demand for CISO services to increase over the next year. Organisations without a CISO lack the skillset and resources to assess risk and build a strategy. Organisations with a CISO are increasingly asked to prove control effectiveness and demonstrate progress to boards, regulators, and insurers, even as the role strains under pressure, as average tenure of a CISO runs 18 to 26 months2 and 75% are considering a job change. Prove control effectiveness Sophos CISO Advantage closes that gap. It builds a security assessment unique to each organisation's environment and threat profile, maps controls against frameworks including NIST CSF, CIS v8, Cyber Essentials Plus, and NCSC CAF, and turns the results into a prioritised, budget-aligned roadmap of what to fix first, what it costs, and why it matters to the business. Because it is part of Sophos Fusion, every assessment is informed by live threat intelligence and the collective insight from 625,000+ Sophos-defended organisations, rather than generic benchmarks. “Good security strategy has always required expertise that's too scarce to scale, so it's stayed a luxury only the largest enterprises could afford.” said Rob Harrison, senior vice president, product management, Sophos. “Sophos CISO Advantage changes that. We built it around the question every board is now asking its security team: are we safer than we were last quarter, and can you prove it? Putting a credible answer within reach of any organisation, not just the ones that can staff a large security team, is how the industry starts to close the resilience gap.” Dedicated security team Every organisation's path to strengthening their security strategy with Sophos CISO Advantage is different. Some want to own and run the program themselves, with their internal team driving strategy and using Sophos CISO Advantage as their system of record. Others may start with an MSP partner to stand up the program, build confidence, and then transition to running it in-house. Many will start with a baseline assessment of their program, and move into a continuous managed service delivered entirely through a trusted partner. Sophos CISO Advantage is designed to support all three.  For the growing number of MSPs already acting as the de facto security leader for their customers4, it turns that role into a structured, scalable, and billable service. For organisations that want to own their program directly, it provides the system, the framework, and the AI-powered workflows to do it without a dedicated security team. Whichever path fits the business, Sophos CISO Advantage delivers the same outcome: a clear program, measurable improvement, and reporting that leadership can act on. Showing meaningful progress “CISOs are being asked to move faster, manage more risk, and show meaningful progress to boards, regulators, and insurers. There are too many tools out there that track activity without any insight. What security leaders need now is a solution that helps them understand where they stand, take action, and clearly show how their security posture is improving. The vendors that can bring that together in one AI-native system, from assessment through remediation, will be the ones that shape where this market goes next,” said Phil Haris, research director, governance, risk and compliance solutions, IDC. "CISO Advantage gives us a structured way to deliver something we were already doing informally. We can now walk into any customer conversation with a clear program, a prioritised plan, and reporting that leadership can buy into. It has elevated how we position ourselves," said David Peck, President, Trebron Security, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.    Sophos CISO Advantage is available beginning October 2026 across North America, the UK, and the rest of Europe, as an annual term license or as a monthly subscription through MSP Flex. Global availability is expected by the end of calendar year 2026. Sophos CISO Advantage Plus, which adds convergence, risk, and governance capabilities for enterprise organisations, is targeted for mid-2027.

Group-IB, a creator of predictive cybersecurity technologies to investigate, prevent, and fight digital crime, announces its contribution to Operation KillSwitch, an international investigation led by the Hamburg State Criminal Police Office (Landeskriminalamt Hamburg) and the Hamburg Public Prosecutor's Office, with the support of Europol and Eurojust, into KillSec, a ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) group linked to around 1,000 suspected attacks worldwide. On 30 September 2026, law enforcement took control of KillSec's leak site, securing at least 110 terabytes of stolen data, while three suspects were provisionally arrested and eight properties searched in Greece, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Investigators identified a 16-year-old as the group's suspected main operator. Group-IB supported the investigation with intelligence on the group's operations, infrastructure, and key enablers. Law enforcement seizure notice Authorities from Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States took part in the investigation. Over its course, five central servers used to manage the group's activities and store data taken from victims were brought under police control, and KillSec's domains were redirected to a law enforcement seizure notice. Investigators identified suspects believed to hold different roles within the group, including an administrator, a developer, a negotiator, and an affiliate. Around 500 of the suspected attacks have so far been identified as successful, a figure that may change as investigators examine the evidence seized. Public Telegram channels KillSec, also tracked as Kill Security and k1llsec, is a financially motivated Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group that Group-IB first identified in 2024. Operating a dark web leak site and public Telegram channels, the group recruited affiliates to carry out attacks using its platform in exchange for a share of each ransom. Group-IB's High-Tech Crime Trends Report 2026 ranked KillSec among the ten most active ransomware groups of 2025 in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. By monitoring KillSec's leak site and Telegram channels, Group-IB identified 274 organisations publicly claimed as victims on the group’s leak site. Organisations in the United States accounted for around 35% of identified victims, followed by India at 17%, with Brazil, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Colombia each accounting for around 3%. By region, North America accounted for around 35% of victims and Asia-Pacific for 30%, followed by Europe -14% and the MEA at around 10%. Most affected sectors Financial services and healthcare were the most affected sectors, while the victim list also included government bodies and large enterprises, among them a major insurer, investment firms, and a consumer app with millions of users. Although KillSec declared hospitals off-limits in a January 2025 recruitment post, from late 2025 the group shifted its focus toward healthcare software and IT service providers, where a single compromise can expose the patient records of every clinic using the platform. Encryption was not a precondition for a KillSec listing. The group also sold stolen data outright, with asking prices ranging from USD 5,000 for a single company's records to USD 500,000 for the data it claimed to have taken from the global insurer, making KillSec as much a data broker as a ransomware operator. Shutting down virtual machines In October 2024, Group-IB researchers analysed the KillSec 2.0 affiliate platform, a Tor-based panel used to manage victims, ransom negotiations, and payload configuration. At the time, the group's locker was a Windows-only encryptor, offered to affiliates for a USD 250 entry fee and a 12% share of each ransom. Unusually, affiliates could not generate builds on demand: each one required approval from the group's administrators. The restriction pointed to a small core team guarding its payload, and it carried over into every version Group-IB observed. The upgrades came quickly. In November 2024, KillSec announced a locker for VMware ESXi virtualisation hosts, capable of shutting down virtual machines, deleting snapshots, and erasing logs, removing the recovery points victims would otherwise rely on. By January 2025, the group was openly recruiting “skilled pentesters”, requiring a forum reputation or a USD 1,000 deposit, and had raised its share of each ransom to 20%. Identifying potential victims Some KillSec affiliates also worked with other RaaS programs, including LockBit, RansomHub, Qilin, and Bashe. According to Europol, investigators also uncovered how the group used AI to build and maintain its ransomware infrastructure and identify potential victims. Affiliates favored the path of least resistance. Alongside phishing, brute-force attacks on exposed Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) services, and exploitation of known vulnerabilities in internet-facing applications, a substantial share of claimed victims involved no network intrusion at all: data was taken from cloud storage left publicly accessible through misconfiguration. Supporting law enforcement Security controls stop individual attacks, but KillSec's operations depended on the small core team that developed the locker and approved each build. Group-IB's support to the investigation focused on providing intelligence on the group's operations, infrastructure, and key enablers. “KillSec's affiliates went after the organisations people depend on most: hospitals, government bodies, and financial institutions. Closing the gaps these groups exploit is essential, but it does not end an operation like this. Servers can be replaced in weeks; the people who build the platform and approve every attack cannot. Identifying them and supporting law enforcement in bringing them to justice is what turns a takedown from a pause into an end. We are proud to have contributed to Operation KillSwitch, and will continue to support Europol and our law enforcement partners in the fight against cybercrime,” said Dmitry Volkov, CEO of Group-IB. Prioritise patching of vulnerabilities Group-IB recommends that organisations treat external exposure as a first-order risk: maintain a continuous inventory of internet-facing assets, including cloud storage and remote access services; enforce multi-factor authentication on remote access; prioritise patching of vulnerabilities known to be exploited in the wild; and keep offline, immutable backups, with virtualisation platforms protected as critical systems. The same scrutiny should extend to software and IT service providers that hold sensitive data on an organisation's behalf, while monitoring leak sites and underground markets helps organisations learn of an exposure early, rather than from a public listing. Operation KillSwitch is the latest in a series of international operations supported by Group-IB in collaboration with law enforcement agencies including Europol, INTERPOL, and AFRIPOL. To date, Group-IB has contributed to more than 1,600 high-tech crime investigations across 60+ countries.

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.

Atyrau, one of Kazakhstan’s key regional cities, has been steadily advancing its urban development while facing growing demands on its road and traffic infrastructure. As vehicle volume increased and urban mobility became more complex, the city needed a smarter, more efficient way to manage traffic flow, improve road safety, and support the daily movement of residents, commuters, and pedestrians. In response, Dahua Technology delivered an intelligent signal control solution designed to enhance city infrastructure, improve mobility, and contribute to a safer and more sustainable urban environment. Critical traffic management Located in western Kazakhstan, Atyrau plays an important role as a regional economic and transportation hub. With continuous urban growth, the city’s roads have become increasingly busy, especially during peak hours. However, parts of the region’s road infrastructure remained insufficient, with some major roads lacking adequate traffic signs and signal lights. This created challenges for both vehicles and pedestrians, making traffic management more difficult and increasing safety risks across key intersections. Before the project, Atyrau faced several critical traffic management pain points Before the project, Atyrau faced several critical traffic management pain points. Congestion during peak hours had become increasingly prominent, requiring a cost-effective and flexible signal control system that could adapt to different road scenarios. In addition, unclear traffic lights and gaps in traffic management contributed to disorderly traffic conditions, including a serious chain collision involving nearly 100 vehicles in 2025. Increasing maintenance difficulty The city also needed a solution that would be easy to deploy and maintain. Many mainstream signal control systems are technically complex, which can increase maintenance difficulty and operational costs. For a growing city like Atyrau, the government required a practical system that could be quickly deployed, remotely commissioned, and adjusted with minimal disruption to citizens’ daily lives. To address these challenges, Dahua provided an intelligent traffic signal control solution combining signal controllers, signal lights, and traffic flow cameras. The system uses AI-powered traffic flow analysis to predict and manage traffic conditions with high detection accuracy, even in complex road environments. By synchronising traffic flow data in real time across multiple intersections, the system can dynamically adjust signal timing and generate optimised timing plans. Adaptive control capability A key advantage of Dahua’s solution is its simple deployment and adaptive control capability A key advantage of Dahua’s solution is its simple deployment and adaptive control capability. The system is designed to be easy to install, debug, maintain, and optimise, allowing traffic control strategies to be adjusted within seconds. This flexibility helps traffic departments respond more effectively to changing road conditions while reducing the burden on traffic enforcement and management teams. Dahua also provided professional traffic signal services, including green wave optimisation and traffic management support. Through its expert team and technical assistance, Dahua helped launch the first signal control demonstration project in the Eurasia region, strengthening local smart transportation capabilities and expanding the ecosystem of technical cooperation. The project also established a replicable model for medium-sized cities across Central Asia and other emerging markets, demonstrating how AI-powered urban mobility solutions can improve transportation efficiency, road safety, and sustainability with practical investment efficiency. Key adaptive intersections Following the deployment of the AI-driven intelligent traffic signal control system, Atyrau achieved significant improvements in urban mobility efficiency and traffic operations. Based on preliminary operational observations and traffic flow analysis at key adaptive intersections, peak-hour traffic efficiency increased by more than 15%, while average vehicle delay time was reduced by approximately 20%. The adaptive signal optimisation capability also improved traffic throughput across major corridors by an estimated 12–18%, helping reduce congestion during busy periods. Atyrau achieved significant improvements in urban mobility efficiency and traffic operations By enabling real-time traffic analytics and dynamic signal coordination, the project reduced unnecessary vehicle idling time by an estimated 18%, contributing to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Operationally, the intelligent traffic management framework reduced manual traffic intervention requirements by approximately 30%, allowing local traffic authorities to respond more efficiently to changing road conditions through data-driven decision-making. Greener urban environment Beyond traffic efficiency, the project brings wider value to the city and its residents. Smoother traffic flow helps reduce unnecessary idling and emissions, contributing to a greener urban environment. Safer and more orderly intersections improve mobility for drivers and pedestrians, while intelligent infrastructure supports the city’s long-term vision of digital transformation. By combining AI, real-time data, and adaptive signal control, Dahua’s solution helps Atyrau move toward a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future.

TECOM Group has enhanced security and accessibility across several of its flagship developments in Dubai, including Dubai Media City, with the installation of advanced Gunnebo Entrance Control solutions. Since its establishment in 1999, TECOM has shaped Dubai’s landscape as a hub for business and innovation. Its ten business districts, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Design District (d3), are home to nearly 12,000 companies employing more than 124,000 people. Entrance control solution Developments like Dubai Media City welcome thousands of people every day, serving as both workplaces and collaborative hubs where ideas and intellectual property are shared. This made it essential for TECOM to implement an entrance control solution capable of maintaining robust security while preserving the smooth flow of people and the open, professional atmosphere expected across its developments. Following a competitive tender, Gunnebo Entrance Control was appointed to combine advanced entrance control, seamless integration with wider access control systems and a sleek design suited to modern commercial environments. More than 40 SpeedStile FLs gates were installed across several buildings, chosen for their performance, adaptability and ability to support high volumes of daily movement without compromising the visitor experience. Access control technology The SpeedStile FLs features a slim, contemporary appearance designed to complement modern commercial spaces. Beyond aesthetics, it incorporates advanced single-person detection systems, monitoring tailgating, piggybacking and unauthorised attempts to access secure areas. Audible alerts assist on-site teams, while third-party integration ensures compatibility with existing access control technology, including group movement through card stacking capabilities. For TECOM, this blend of security technology and design has delivered both reassurance and efficiency. By implementing SpeedStile FLs across its developments, the Group has strengthened security while preserving the collaborative and welcoming environment that defines its business communities. Fadi Yakoub concluded: “TECOM communities attract some of the world’s biggest names alongside dynamic start-ups, making them vital contributors to the region’s knowledge and creative economy. We are proud of our long-term partnership to deliver seamless entrance control solutions across their developments. The SpeedStile FLs provides flexible, reliable management of people flow, while also creating a welcoming and professional first impression for business communities.”

The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn is one of the four Inns of Court and operates as an active and thriving society of lawyers, sprawling across 11 acres in central London and dating as far back as 1422. The title of “Lincoln’s Inn” refers both to the Society and the location, which houses the Society’s own facilities, numerous barristers’ chambers and several solicitors’ offices. The Inns of Court originally provided accommodation for law students who learned their craft by attending court. Different levels of security Today, the Inns exist to aid students in pursuing the legal profession and serve as landlord, custodian of historic buildings, banqueting and events venue, and tourist attraction. To fulfill these many functions, Lincoln’s Inn required security that would meet their own high standards while protecting buildings that had been in continuous operation for centuries. As the Inn not only provides services to law students, but also operates as an attraction and a hosting venue, many different levels of security need to be in place for a variety of users—full-time employees, temporary contractors, event staff, students, and others. For this reason, it was essential that Lincoln’s Inn have a comprehensive system to track and monitor their many keys for the extensive venue. Improving key control For some time, keys at Lincoln’s Inn were managed manually through an analogue system, with staff retrieving keys from an open cabinet and recording key usage with pen and paper. However, because at times manual recordkeeping can be less than diligent, this allowed for confusion as to who had what keys when, and made it possible for keys to be stashed away or used by unauthorized persons. With the variety and quantity of people moving throughout Lincoln’s Inn on any given day, a more secure solution was needed. To update and improve key control, Chief Porter Nicholas Bracey turned to the KeyWatcher Touch key control system by Morse Watchmans. Key storage and management “KeyWatcher Touch provides us with a fully secure means of key storage and management. We considered a number of products on the market and found the Morse Watchmans solution to be the most flexible and easy to use system,” said Mr. Bracey. “The high quality and ease of scalability were two of the top features we required, and the KeyWatcher Touch was a perfect fit for our key control needs.” Lincoln’s Inn installed two KeyWatcher Touch units configured for a total of 192 keys or keyrings in January 2016, and the system has been in daily use since the installation. It utilizes the Inn’s IT network and is fully integrated with the PCs in the security office and the office of the Chief Porter in order to provide maximum flexibility and ease of use. Providing maximum flexibility Tracking keys as they were removed and returned was a top concern, so the ability of the KeyWatcher to record who has removed what key and when was exceptionally important. “The keys are always secure, rather than being openly accessible to staff. There is no longer paperwork to be managed for logging, it is all taken care of with the KeyWatcher software,” continued Mr. Bracey. “Audits and reports are fast and accurate, and it has led to our staff becoming more responsible overall.” KeyWatcher Touch has provided Lincoln’s Inn with the functionality and security it requires to easily manage its 192 keys, while also providing an easily accessible audit trail. In addition, the system has proven hardy and resilient in daily use over two years. “We have had continuity with Morse Watchmans since day one,” finished Mr. Bracey. “Demonstrations of function, installation, and training were all handled almost entirely by the same representative, in addition to subsequent orders. The continuously exceptional service has ensured that we were getting exactly the product that would best serve Lincoln’s Inn and provide us with the security we need.” KeyWatcher Touch Features: Email and SMS Notifications Scheduled Reports via Email or SMS Centralised User Database Scalable, Modular Design