Hikvision has announced significant enhancements to its Hik-Partner Pro (HPP) app. This will improve the mobile experience with seamless installation and control of smart managed switches and security devices from a single, unified system. This year, Hikvision introduced its Smart Managed Switches, which integrate effortlessly with the HPP app. This provides installers with a user-friendly solution for managing various devices through one comprehensive system, allowing for fast delivery and easy remote device operations and maintenance.

Randy Qian, Product Director at Hikvision, says: “At Hikvision, we strive for your operational convenience. Our enhanced HPP app offers an optimized visual representation and interaction of network topologies, ensuring that device connections and network status are easily accessible. This makes it far easier for installers to manage security systems remotely”.

 Mobile convenience based on a one-stop solution

The enhancements to the HPP app significantly increase convenience for installers by providing a single environment for managing switches and security devices remotely. The one-stop solution provides three key benefits:

Simplified setup: With the app, installers can set up the system via their smartphone. This eliminates the need for extra equipment, such as computers or monitors. Topology at a glance: Installers can view the entire network topology on their mobile device, giving them immediate system insights, allowing them to identify and fix malfunctions faster. Effortless maintenance: Installers can use the system’s remote maintenance capabilities to carry out troubleshooting tasks directly on their phones, with no need for expensive, time-consuming site visits.

 Tools for optimizing the network topology

In the latest iteration of HPP, the network topology feature has been greatly improved. One of the key upgrades is an easy-to-navigate interface for faster and more accurate visualization of the network structure.

To enhance topology visualization, the new version of HPP provides a range of features that enhance system visibility. The features, which include “aggregation”, “zoom”, “landscape view”, and “stacking”, provide in-depth details of the system topology, device status and other notifications. All of this gives users immediate insights into network health, bandwidth usage, power usage, and device details.

Real-time video from integrated IP cameras can also be viewed directly in the app, enabling better situational analysis and more efficient equipment management. The ability to zoom in and out of screenshots further extends the benefits for end users.

 Networking and security in one

Managing video and networking devices across various platforms can be complex, but the smart managed switch simplifies the process. Seamless integration with the HPP app ensures a streamlined management experience and a quick visit to the switch site gives users a comprehensive view of device interconnections and switch port status across the entire topology.

Hikvision strives for deep integration between video and switches and plans to expand this integration to other network devices soon. This strategy will ensure that installers continue to enjoy streamlined, efficient, and secure networking management solutions.

On its 100th anniversary, Interpol has announced the launch of a new biometric hub, BioHUB, which is powered by Idemia’s latest Multibiometric Identification System (MBIS) and is set to be rolled out to border control points globally.

The hub enables officers to identify suspected terrorists or criminals through direct photo and fingerprint checks against Interpol databases. MBIS 5 integrates new-generation algorithms which are designed to provide a higher matching accuracy rate with a shorter response time and a more user-friendly interface.

Interpol and Idemia disclosed that the first phase of its deployment to enhance the identification of potential persons of interest (POIs) has already been operational since October 2023. In mid-November, a fugitive wanted since 2021 under organized crime and human trafficking charges was arrested after the new biometric hub flagged that he was a POI as he attempted to travel through Europe.

“A fugitive can change their name and many aspects of their appearance to try and escape justice, but it is difficult if not impossible to change your biometric data,” said Cyril Gout, Interpol’s director of operational support and analysis. “This is why biometrics remain the most reliable way to identify someone.”

The second phase, which will be rolled out over the next two years, will extend this tool to border control points. The system will then be able to perform up to one million forensic searches per day, including fingerprints, palm prints and portraits, making it the top performing automated biometric identification system on the market.

Previous checks against Interpol’s biometric databases were subject to separate, multi-step processes that systematically included human handling or review, meaning that any hits may not be immediately flagged to the requesting officer. The new biometrics hub enables data to be submitted through a single interface, which provides quick results and allows users to monitor the status of their requests.

In line with Interpol’s data governance policies, biometric data run through the hub in a search is not added to the organization’s criminal databases, is not visible to other users and any data that does not result in a match is deleted following the search.

Idemia and Interpol began their collaboration in 1999, when Idemia delivered the original Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). In 2016, Interpol selected Idemia’s facial recognition capabilities to create the Interpol Face Recognition System (IFRS). The IFRS contains face images from more than 170 countries, and since its launch, thousands of terrorists, criminals, fugitives, POIs, and missing persons have been identified. In 2019, Interpol its contract with Idemia to upgrade the current system and transform it into the MBIS.

March Networks^®, a global leader in video surveillance and video-based business intelligence solutions, is thrilled to announce a historic partnership with Garanti BBVA, one of Turkey’s leading banks. This agreement marks a significant shift for Garanti BBVA from analog to digital video surveillance and involves the deployment of over 22,000 IP cameras and 5,000 Network Video Recorders (NVRs) across their extensive network of 883 branches and over 4,000 ATMs.

Garanti BBVA, a trailblazer in the Turkish banking sector, has consistently led the way in technological innovations, such as being the first bank in Turkey to introduce Internet and Mobile banking in 1997. Their commitment to technology-driven progress remains a cornerstone of their corporate values.

In a strategic move, Garanti BBVA is now poised to become the first bank in Turkey to transition to an all-digital video surveillance platform. Their choice of March Networks over competitors was underpinned by three compelling factors:

1. Proven Banking Expertise: March Networks boasts an extensive global portfolio, serving over 600 banks worldwide, including some of the industry’s largest and most prominent institutions.
2. Centralized Management: March Networks offers a robust, reliable, and scalable solution based on IP cameras and NVRs that can be centrally managed, delivering substantial operational efficiencies, including reduced maintenance callouts, better uptime, and a reduction in overall video storage costs.
3. Video Surveillance +: The March Networks Searchlight for Banking solution elevates traditional video surveillance by integrating cutting-edge business intelligence capabilities. This enables banks to reduce theft and fraud by linking ATM transactions with video footage and enhancing the in-branch customer experience through innovative features like queue waiting time tracking.

The Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Garanti BBVA Mr. M.Feridun Aktaş stated “As Garanti BBVA, we aim to always be ahead in following and implementing developments in technology. We aim to provide our young security teams with more effective, smart and functional skills by renewing our Award-winning Video surveillance system in tens of thousands of locations in Turkey. I am sure that the project partnership we have established with March Networks will produce the first and only example of all of them.”

The comprehensive solution March Networks will deliver to Garanti BBVA includes over 22,000 IP cameras and 5,000 NVRs, all seamlessly managed through the March Networks Command Enterprise System (CES) Video Management Software (VMS). CES stands out as one of the few software platforms capable of effectively centralizing the management of such an extensive array of devices. Additionally, CES facilitates advanced system-wide health monitoring, ensuring that Garanti BBVA has real-time visibility into the status of all of their cameras and NVRs.

As part of the central management, March Networks will also deliver a massive, centralized storage solution for the offsite backup of the significant amount of video generated by that many IP cameras and NVRs.  March Networks offers one of the most flexible storage implementations in the industry with the ability to combine on-premise storage with private cloud and the public cloud, enabling Garanti the ability to manage their video data today and into the future.

Garanti BBVA will also have the ability to remotely access live and recorded video through the March Networks Command Client at their head office and through a web browser at their branches which means that everyone in the organization who needs access to the video can access it.

March Networks Director of Middle East Sales Trevor Sinden stated, “We are very pleased that Garanti BBVA has chosen March Networks to be their trusted partner to deliver their new completely IP-based Video Surveillance platform. With our strong background in the financial sector and our enterprise global scale with some of the largest banks in the world, together with our partner EEC Entegre Bina Kontrol Sistemleri in Turkey, we have the expertise and the ability to deliver incredible value for Garanti BBVA now and in the future.”

For more information about March Networks’ solutions for Banking please visit our website at www.marchnetworks.com/solutions/banking.  To speak to someone about our banking solutions, please contact us.

About March Networks
March Networks^® helps organizations transform video into business intelligence through the integration of surveillance video, analytics, and data from business systems and IoT devices. Companies worldwide use our software solutions to improve efficiency and compliance, reduce losses and risk, enhance customer service and compete more successfully. With deep roots in video security and networking, March Networks is also recognized as the leader in scalable, enterprise-class video management and cloud-based services. We are proud to work with many of the world’s largest financial institutions, retail brands, cannabis operators and transit authorities, and to deliver our software and systems through an extensive distribution and partner network in more than 70 countries. Founded in 2000, March Networks is headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It is owned by Delta, a global leader in power and thermal management solutions. For more information, please visit marchnetworks.com. March Networks and the March Networks logo are trademarks of March Networks Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The preventive project “SafetyNet – Battle for Security” of the Split-Dalmatia Police Department is expanding its focus on informing and advising citizens about internet safety. The project is implemented through direct contact with citizens, providing them with information about real events and criminal reports, with a special emphasis on self-protection. Despite warnings, it has been observed that citizens do not always follow the advice of experts and the police regarding internet scams, which is particularly evident in December, the month of pre-New Year shopping.

Recently, there has been an increase in cases of “smishing,” or identity theft via SMS messages, where citizens receive fake messages from alleged delivery personnel with a link to enter personal information. There is also an increase in extortion messages via email, where an unknown person claims to possess intimate recordings and demands payment in euros to a Bitcoin wallet.

Internet investment scams have also increased. The victims are usually citizens of wealthier countries, and the perpetrators generally operate from outside those countries. After the initial investment and promised secure returns, victims establish contact with a personal broker. Problems arise when they decide to terminate the investment and withdraw profits. At that point, brokers request additional payments, citing various reasons such as commissions, taxes, or confirmation from the European Central Bank. After these additional payments, brokers and internet sites disappear, leaving victims without their money.

Therefore, the Split-Dalmatia Police Department advises citizens to: be suspicious of SMS or calls from companies that ask for personal information, officially contact the company, never follow suspicious links in SMS or e-mails, avoid unsafe websites, especially those that don’t use HTTPS in the URL address, never share bank card details like PIN, CVC or online banking password, never send money to an unknown person’s account, etc.

Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, announced it was named a leader in energy management software by independent industry analyst firm Verdantix in its Green Quadrant: Energy Management Software 2023 report.

“Buildings contribute nearly 40% of global emissions and new levels of efficiency and sustainability can only be achieved through digitalization,” said Johnson Controls Chief Technology Officer Vijay Sankaran.

Energy Management Software 2023 report provides a detailed, fact-based comparison of the most prominent energy management software (EMS) vendors evaluated on their innovation and product strategy and customer satisfaction through product demonstrations, vendor responses and interviews.

Through its analysis, Verdantix found a dramatic improvement in energy management capabilities in Johnson Controls’ offerings since evaluations in 2015 and 2018. Through the launch of OpenBlue and a targeted acquisition strategy to bolster and deepen capabilities, Johnson Controls has enriched its offering with additional energy and sustainability management features.

OpenBlue Enterprise Manager (OBEM) is a suite of software solutions that form a comprehensive building performance management platform to power a new class of smart buildings that are secure, healthy and sustainable. Combining data from across the building’s systems and utility bills, and using advanced digital experiences augmented with AI, OBEM provides actionable insights and controls that save more energy and reduce more emissions than possible with isolated systems. It also helps customers in simplifying carbon disclosure reporting and regulatory compliance with building performance standards. With deployments across the globe-spanning commercial office spaces, healthcare, education, campuses and more, OBEM enables real-time data visibility across assets, people and processes, empowering customers to drive intelligent and proactive operations from a single pane of glass.