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NIS2: WinGuard Facilitates the Implementation of New European Cybersecurity Directive

The European Union has taken a significant step towards bolstering cybersecurity with the introduction of NIS2, the second version of the “Network and Information Security Directive.” This directive sets new standards for the security of networks and information systems in critical sectors, affecting EU member states and the Balkan countries.

The primary goal is to strengthen the resilience of networks and information systems and improve security standards across critical sectors. This includes establishing cybersecurity authorities and fostering collaboration among European countries and institutions. Companies, especially those in critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, transportation, health, and finance, are called upon to act. This involves implementing and enforcing security measures, reporting and documenting security incidents, collaborating with authorities, and implementing risk management procedures to identify and mitigate potential risks.

WinGuard can provide valuable support in this context by offering central security management functions, compliance tools, and automation options, thus enhancing the physical security of buildings as well as networks and information systems.

1. Integration of Security Systems: WinGuard aids companies in optimizing their existing security resources by integrating a wide array of existing IT and security solutions, such as access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection systems. All integrated security systems and infrastructures are monitored and managed through a central platform, WinGuard. This enhances the monitoring and management of physical security measures, ensuring uniform and rapid identification and response to security incidents.

2. Incident Management: WinGuard facilitates the recording, prioritization, and handling of incidents, enabling more efficient responses to security incidents.

– Monitoring: Events and alarms from various systems can be monitored in real-time, forming the basis for early reactions to potential attacks.
– Automatic Alerting: When security incidents or anomalies are detected, the platform can automatically trigger alerts and notify the relevant personnel. This ensures swift responses to security incidents and the implementation of appropriate measures to maintain security.
– Automation and Orchestration: WinGuard’s ability to automate and orchestrate various security systems enables companies to implement and manage security measures more efficiently. Thus, Security responses are quicker and more coordinated.

3. Continuity Planning: WinGuard supports the creation and management of emergency and continuity plans, ensuring that critical business processes can be maintained even during physical security incidents which is crucial for the resilience of critical infrastructures.

4. Compliance and Reporting: Through automated reporting functions necessary information related to security-relevant incidents and measures are meticulously documented and analyzed. The generated compliance reports can be useful for internal audits and communication with supervisory authorities.

5. Risk Management: By integrating risk management tools, WinGuard helps companies identify, evaluate, assess, and mitigate potential risks and vulnerabilities on a regular basis.. This allows potential security gaps to be detected and addressed, minimizing risks before they lead to incidents.

6. Compliance Management: WinGuard enables companies to define and enforce security standards. This includes data encryption, secure password usage, and firewall implementation. The platform continuously monitors these security measures against current regulations and initiates immediate corrective actions in case of deviations.

7. Training and Emergency Drills: WinGuard can provide information and instructions via the platform to aid in awareness-building of employees. Additionally, it can simulate security incidents and conduct emergency drills to improve preparation for real threats.

For affected companies and managers, NIS2 presents both a challenge and an opportunity. They must ensure their IT infrastructures meet security standards and implement appropriate protective measures. The directive offers the chance to use cybersecurity as a competitive advantage and boost customer trust in data security.

Conclusion: NIS2 is a significant development for cybersecurity in Europe. Solutions like WinGuard play a crucial role in implementing these directives by helping companies effectively protect their networks and information systems. WinGuard raises security standards and enhances resilience against cyber-attacks. Through central integration and management of security systems, real-time monitoring, detailed documentation, and proactive risk management, WinGuard offers a robust solution for improving physical security and ensuring compliance with NIS2 requirements. This enables companies to meet NIS2’s demands and elevate their cybersecurity to a new level.

Installing an Intercom System for Business

Modern intercom systems for business can be integrated with other security solutions to boost the end user’s security and operations. Installing an intercom system for business, meanwhile, requires various considerations. This article takes a closer look.

Source: William Pao, asmag.com

Intercom systems for business allow visitors to communicate with their host and gain entry once they are approved. That said, intercoms are an integral part of security at business organizations and can be beneficial for a range of end user entities.

“All business types can benefit from an intercom system, whether large or small, because they face many of the same challenges. Communication is always important, and intercoms help to reduce liabilities when it comes to staff safety by monitoring customer interactions and keeping a record of traffic into and out of a location. Large businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and other entities also integrate their intercom solutions with mass notification systems, lock down procedures, or to communicate with occupants in the event of a weather emergency,” said John Hemp, Director of Sales for Mid Atlantic & New England at Aiphone.

“Rather than directing all calls to the reception, a visitor intercom can be set to intercom the relevant departments. This cuts down on hunting down different people or having the receptionist vet on behalf of the entire company. A delivery or guest looking for the HR department can directly communicate with HR and inform them. In addition, IP intercom that uses mobile phone apps ensures that the visitor is always attended to even if the party is not in the office,” said Ler Wee Meng, MD of Securevision. “Therefore, any company that has a door access system in place would benefit from an intercom – large companies with multiple departments or SMEs with just two people. The key is to communicate with visitors and grant access.”

Integrative features

More and more, modern intercom systems for business can integrate with other security solutions such as video surveillance and access control. This has major benefits for the end use entity.

“For example, they can integrate with video surveillance systems, automatically displaying the video feed of the calling location on the control center’s video wall when an IP intercom terminal calls, aiding security personnel in understanding the situation,” said Zhou Liang, CTO of SPON Communications.

“Integrating intercom systems into other security systems can help improve overall security, and operations. For example, if an intercom is integrated into an access control system, an organization can communicate with and grant visitors access to the facility more easily and efficiently. When integrated with video, organizations can gain visual intelligence, for example, confirming that the person visiting really is there to deliver a package,” said Alex Kazerani, CVP for Cloud Video Security and Access Control at Motorola Solutions.

Kazerani cites his company’s own examples. “The cloud-native Avigilon Alta offers the Video Intercom Reader Pro, which is an all-in-one device with integrated intercom, video, and an access control reader. This combines all of your front door security devices into one, with a 5MP built-in camera, AI-powered call routing technology with two-way audio, and reliable touchless access for credentialed users,” he said. “This creates frictionless, yet secure, access for both visitors and users alike. Visitors can simply say the name of who they’re visiting or ask to speak to a reception. Calls are routed to the appropriate people, who can view live video, speak live with visitors, and easily grant them access using a mobile app or via the Avigilon Alta Control Center.”

Installation tips

Installation of an intercom system for business requires considerations from multiple fronts. These include the location of installation and the angle at which the system should be installed, among others.

“The installation locations for IP intercom systems in businesses include parking lot entrances/exits, garages, perimeter areas of campuses, building hallways/public areas, office entrances/exits, and stairwell entrances/exits. During installation, the bottom of IP intercom terminals should be 1.5 meters above the ground to ensure clear capture and transmission of voice and facial images during intercom,” Zhou said. “IP intercom terminals typically require minimal maintenance as the control center can display real-time online/offline/task status. Remote monitoring of the audio and video feed from front-end IP intercom terminals is possible.”

Video quality, meanwhile, is also important.

“Video quality should be considered at various times during the day when the sunlight will be in different positions. Users should also look at the entire field of view and not just the center area where the guest will be. The edges of the view should be clear or a region should be privacy-masked if cameras are pointed at sensitive areas,” Kazerani said. “Most of the maintenance needs will be due to the intercom being accessible to the general public. It will have the expected amount of wear and tear and it may need to be in a ruggedized enclosure if in a high-traffic area. Also, the video feed should be monitored to ensure that nothing is obscuring the camera lens like dirt or oils from people’s fingers.”

There are other points to consider as well. “IP door phones are often rated for outdoor use. And in many cases, the door phones can be installed with rain covers. Vandal-proof rating may not be necessary unless the business is located in a place where there is a threat of vandalism,” Ler said.

Finally, communication with customer is important.

“I would recommend talking with the customer about their normal business practices and communication habits when selecting and installing an intercom solution. The goal is to enhance their communication abilities without adding complexity. Collaborating with IT departments when installing an IP solution is necessary – especially when a system will live on the IT network,” Hemp said.

He added: “Another piece of advice is to plan out wire runs ahead of time and make sure it is physically possible to place devices where the customer wants them. It’s important to test out accessibility, wire paths, and wall or desk placement. Communication with the customer is key and solutions need to work within their existing parameters of doing business. We don’t want to install a solution that’s going to slow them down or make things inconvenient. If the system is not easy to use the customer will stop using it in the long run and ultimately forfeit the security benefits of installing an intercom system.”

A new upgrade in the CLIQ ecosystem boosts security and user convenience

London, June 2024 — Organizations equipped with CLIQ intelligent key-based access management have confidence that their premises and employees are safe and secure. With CLIQ you can flexibly manage access, to secure almost any opening with electronic cylinders or padlocks and programmable smart keys.

A new upgrade in the programming device family simultaneously enhances this security and convenience.

 Requiring regular credential updates is the simplest, most effective method for keeping premises secure. ASSA ABLOY’s new CLIQ Wall Programming Device (PD) helps to update

keys’ access rights faster without involving the system administrator. This cuts the risk of unauthorized keys circulating.

 CLIQ is built around precision-engineered locking cylinders and high-end microelectronics. A standard battery, lasting approximately 10 years with typical use, inside each programmable smart key powers the cylinder or padlock — and encrypts data transfer between lock, key and system. Robust, durable CLIQ cylinder locks secure lifts, machines, mailboxes, cabinets and more with the same control as sensitive doors. A range of programming devices transfer and update access rights for keys.

Fast, reliable CLIQ key updating for enhanced security — indoors and outdoors

The CLIQ Wall PD, available as indoor and outdoor variant, has now been redesigned to make this updating process faster and easier than ever.

“Facility managers can have the peace of mind that every user key in circulation is easy to load with the latest approved access rights and validity,” explains Stephan Schulz, CLIQ Product Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “The Wall PD can also collect audit trails directly from keys. Life is just easier when you CLIQ!”

The upgraded CLIQ Wall PD protects users against mis-steps, confusion or false positives during key programming: Intuitive LED lighting instantly confirms when their key is updated in both the indoor and outdoor product variants. The CLIQ Outdoor Wall PD is the ideal solution for demanding environments as it is protected against weather and vandalism.

With the new CLIQ Wall PDs, keyholders and facility managers don’t need to worry about data privacy. Enhanced encryption via Ethernet ensures every issued CLIQ key is protected with robust security. The upgraded device now supports the 802.1x protocol for enhanced security.

And with rapid installation — using the existing wiring and backplate — it is simple to switch existing wall programmers for new devices to keep a site and staff safer. Total compatibility with existing and future CLIQ keys ensures that replacing old programmers with the new CLIQ Wall PD is hassle-free and future-proof.

Learn more at https://www.assaabloy.com/group/emeia/solutions/products/digital-access-solutions/cliq/cliq-programming-devices/wall-programming-device

New VIVOTEK Entry-Tier 9383 Series Network AI Camera

VIVOTEK is expanding its AI security business with the introduction of its entry-tier 9383s series network AI camera, which allows users to utilise AI video analytics services at affordable costs, easily recognise attributes of people and cars, and enhance operation and management efficiencies. Moreover, the camera seamlessly integrates with the Core+ AI network video recorder (Core+ AI NVR), or the VAST Security Station (VSS) system. With the addition of a new feature “Case Vault,” VSS is able to quickly compile and produce needed video data within one minute and provide a complete report for critical videos.

This addresses the previous challenge of time-consuming organisation of image data, establishing a comprehensive security environment through an AI solution that integrates both hardware and software.

Combining AI Technology

Using this combination of AI technology and devices, VIVOTEK is able to assist SMEs to build a smart and secure operational environment.

According to VIVOTEK research findings, the B/B ratio of IP cameras with embedded AI functionality will double by 20271. “VIVOTEK has been devoted to the security industry for 24 years, and to keep pace with the rapidly growing AI market, VIVOTEK continues to launch customer-centred diverse products,” said Louis Liao, Director of Product Planning at VIVOTEK.

“To expedite AI application and expand product market share, VIVOTEK C-Series launches for the first time the AI entry-tier 9383-Series network camera, which is combined with the industry-leading AI smart surveillance system VSS to target global SME owners, helping them to build complete AI solutions under limited budgets, creating more intelligent and efficient operational environments.”

The 9383-series AI network camera comes with three advantages:

  • Precise AI analytics: An AI algorithm is used to analyse subjects such as people and cars, including colour, car model, backpack and cap, enhancing detection efficiency.
  • Clear imaging: The 9383-series camera is equipped with a 5-million-pixel lens and advanced video sensors, which delivers 2.5x greater dynamic range than sensors of the previous generation. Not only does it prevent over-exposure, but also captures clear videos at night.
  • Durability: The camera offers weather-resistant and vandal-proof ratings of IP66 and IK10, ensuring durability even in harsh outdoor conditions.

New “Case Vault” feature

In addition to introducing AI technology to more IP cameras, VIVOTEK also offers the AI surveillance system Core+ AI network video recorder and VSS (as video shown below) to build AI solutions. Both Core+AI network video recorder and VSS have deep search technology. VSS is equipped with powerful AI analytics capabilities; connecting up to 22,400 cameras, VSS utilises the the deep search feature, which includes three major assisted searches: attribute search for people/vehicles, scene search, and re-search. Combined with effective AI video detection capability of VIVOTEK’s cameras, the system can precisely search for key videos. Now, with the newly added “Case Vault” feature, VSS can find needed images and organise video clips based on the designated time and location, and generate a complete report, enhancing security efficiency and accuracy.

Five year warranty

VIVOTEK continues to introduce edge computing to front-end cameras and backend systems, and adds AI applications to enhance product efficiency, while also realising business sustainability. VIVOTEK offers the 5-year warranty on 9383-Series network camera and Core+ AI NVR to help satisfy ever-changing market needs for its customers.

Videx Launches Xprox-MO Mifare OSDP Proximity Reader

Videx Security, a leading provider of access control and door entry solutions, has launched its Xprox-MO, a cutting-edge panel mount Mifare proximity reader.

Designed for use with the Videx WS4 web server access control system and compatible with third-party access control systems supporting the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), the Xprox-MO offers flexibility and security for modern access control needs.

Versatile compatibility and installation

The Xprox-MO reader supports a wide range of Mifare cards and tags, including Classic, Plus, Desfire and Ultralight. It is also compatible with high-security applications utilising Desfire cards where data encryption is achieved using 128-bit AES on both the reader and cards/tags. The reader’s design aligns with the UK industry standard, fitting a 40mm x 40mm cutout, making it ideal for both new installations and retrofits.

Robust security features

Featuring IP65 ingress protection, the Xprox-MO is built to withstand harsh environments, ensuring reliable operation in various conditions. The reader includes three status indication LEDs (green for access granted, red for access denied and amber for standby) and an internal buzzer for clear audible feedback, enhancing user experience and security.

Advanced configuration and connectivity

The Xprox-MO is equipped with a built-in micro-USB connection for easy configuration and firmware updates. Its RS485 connectivity ensures seamless integration with both Videx WS4 and third-party access control systems. The reader also supports multiple proximity card formats, including HID Iclass CSN and NTAG, providing extensive compatibility for diverse applications.

Rob Sands, Videx’s Technical Director, said: “Our goal with the Xprox-MO is to provide a flexible and secure access control solution that meets the evolving needs of our customers. The combination of advanced features, robust security and ease of integration makes this reader an excellent choice for a wide range of entry applications.”

Addsecure Wins European Inspiring Workplace Award

Addsecure, a leading European provider of secure IoT connectivity and end-to-end solutions, has been recognised as one of the top 25 winners of the Inspiring Workplaces Europe 2024 award. In addition to this prestigious honour, the company also received best-in-class special recognition in the categories of “Inspiring Wellbeing” and “Inspiring Employee Experience”.

Unlike most other awards that rely on completing surveys, the Inspiring Workplace Awards require entrants to provide proof of their investment in people across six key categories: Culture and Purpose, Leadership, Wellbeing, Inclusion, Employee Voice, and Employee Experience.

According to the judges Addsecure’s commitment to creating a people-first culture was evident in their submission, which showcased real and tangible examples of their work. The company’s flexible working options and focus on employee wellbeing were particularly praised.

“Being named an Inspiring Workplaces winner once again is truly humbling. This award, along with the special recognitions, is a testament to our investment in our employees and our dedication to making Addsecure a great place to work,” says Liljana Vall, Chief People & Culture Officer at Addsecure.

Matt Manners, Founder of The Inspiring Workplaces Group, congratulated Addsecure and the other top 25 winners: “Focusing on the personal development and caring for the people you employ will not only drive performance but protect the wellbeing of those individuals. Doing so companywide will lead to higher performing teams and enable your organisation to outstrip the competition. Being people-first isn’t a nice to have, it’s a business imperative!”

Liveaction Accelerates EMEA Growth With New Senior Appointments

Liveaction, a leading provider in end-to-end network security and performance visibility, has made three pivotal appointments to its EMEA leadership team. These strategic hires, according to the company, of Ian Gallagher as Regional Sales Director for Northern Europe, Guntram Allfen as Regional Sales Director for Central Europe, and Sebastien Texier as Regional Sales Director for France, underscore Liveaction’s commitment to accelerating growth and customer success across the European region.

With over two decades of selling experience in enterprise and global markets, Ian Gallagher brings a wealth of expertise in networking and security from his enterprise roles at Vmware, Extreme Networks and Brocade. Guntram Allfen, who previously led sales for the DACH region at Avi Networks (acquired by Vmware in 2019), has a deep understanding of network and security offerings, coupled with his experience at Net IQ, Netscout, and Riverbed. Sebastien Texier, an accomplished veteran with over 25 years of experience in networks, analytics, and cloud computing, joins Liveaction after a successful stint at Thousandeyes, a Cisco company, further strengthening Liveaction’s connection to the Cisco ecosystem.

“Ian, Guntram, and Sebastien are exceptional sales leaders with proven success in delivering value to customers and partners in the European market,” said Carlos Ferro, Senior Vice President and General Manager of International at Liveaction. “Their appointments strengthen our commitment to providing unparalleled network intelligence and support to enterprises across the region as they navigate increasingly complex networking and security challenges.”

As enterprises embrace digital transformation and adopt hybrid cloud architectures, the need for comprehensive network visibility and performance management has become paramount. Liveaction’s industry-leading solutions empower organisations to gain end-to-end visibility and unified control over their networks, applications, and security posture. With a growing presence and deep expertise in the European market, Liveaction is positioning itself to support enterprises in optimising their network infrastructures and ensuring business continuity.

New Technology for Scanning Devices on the Move

According to Forbes, US police are testing new technology that can scan moving vehicles for anything that emits a signal. This includes recognizing smartphones, smart watches, chips for pets or even books from the library, according to Leonardo from Italy, which is also the manufacturer of the mentioned equipment.

The new technology, named Elsag EOC Plus, is part of the license plate readers from Elsag, but it can also be used as a standalone surveillance device. It is designed to assist the police in monitoring suspects on the move. Privacy advocates for Forbes state that this technology could be misused to track individuals across the country without warrants and learn about them by identifying their belongings without their knowledge.

Leonardo company officials say the tool can identify specific device models like iPhones and headphones inside moving vehicles, as well as unique signals emitted by pet microchips, all devices with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, fitness trackers, car systems, tire pressure sensors, and even electronic tags in library books. For the police, all this data can be linked to vehicle license plates and become a unique “fingerprint.” As a person travels through other license plate scanners, their fingerprint can be tracked even if the driver or passenger changes vehicles.

“For example, while in 30 out of 100 cars there may be an iPhone, only one will have an iPhone 12rev2, an Audi radio, a pair of Bose headphones, a Garmin sports watch, a key finder device, and the license plate ABC-1234. The dataset representing these specific items constitutes an electronic signature,” explain the Leonardo company representatives. The customers for this new technology are not only police departments or public roads. The company states that the technology could also be useful in “non-road areas, such as railway stations or shopping malls.”

Leonardo spokesperson Nate Maloney stated that the company recently obtained a patent for the technology and is “moving full steam ahead” in its desire to sell the product worldwide. However, political analyst at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Matthew Guariglia, warns of the potential misuse of such technologies, stating, “It’s hard to think of a case where this technology can be used, as the police already have license plate readers. This is born for abuse, not only because of how it can be used to track people, but also because it provides a clear list of all the electronic devices someone has.”

Quanergy Adds Two New Additions to 3D Lidar Solutions

Quanergy has introduced two new additions to its portofolio with the new Q-Track HD and Q-Track Dome 3D Lidar sensors, which join Quanergy’s Q-Track LR (Long Range) offering to comprise one of the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of high-performance 3D Lidar solutions available.

“Quanergy 3D Lidar solutions are rapidly being adopted to solve longstanding challenges in the physical security and smart spaces markets due to their ability to effectively increase overall security and virtually eliminate costly false alarms,” said Enzo Signore, CEO, Quanergy Solutions. “With the introduction of our new Q-Track HD and Q-Track Dome sensors for close-range applications joining our highly successful Q-Track LR long-range sensor, Quanergy offers a comprehensive 3D Lidar system solution that delivers proactive awareness for a myriad range of applications.”

The new Q-Track HD provides optimal 3D Lidar detection, tracking and classification performance for challenging environments such as crowded airports, large malls and stores, industrial and manufacturing facilities, and education and corporate campuses. With a 360° horizontal field of view and very wide vertical field of view, a meshed network of Q-Track HD sensors can accurately track over 1000 people simultaneously, even as they move around obstructions such as line queues, columns, shelves, desks, and more.

Also recently making its debut at ISC West, Q-Track Dome which is designed to track and classify people in even smaller and more complex environments within office buildings, corridors, mantraps, transportation terminals, and various other queue applications. With a 90° vertical field of view, Q-Track Dome is optimised for dense areas, offering unmatched performance and reliability for object tracking and classification, and crowd intelligence gathering applications.

The field proven Quanergy Q-Track LR (Long Range) sensor is currently deployed at over 100 customer sites globally, including many of the largest datacentres, airports, energy substations and water plants in operation. Q-Track LR detects, classifies and tracks people and vehicles at long distances with a single sensor covering an area equivalent to three football fields. Q-Track LR provides a highly accurate and cost-effective, proactive solution for perimeter intrusion detection (PID) applications.

This latest new combination of Quanergy 3D Lidar sensors operate seamlessly together when integrated into a single networked system, allowing organisations to track people, vehicles and objects across every zone of protection from the perimeter to close interior locations. For example, at airports, Quanergy 3D Lidar solutions can track passengers from curb arrival to gate departure, effectively helping increase passenger flow/throughput to help ensure a better traveller experience while improving operational and strategic initiatives in real-time and for future planning.

At datacentres Quanergy 3D Lidar solutions can alert security of a potential breach at the perimeter of a property, and track all movements within a facility’s corridors and server rooms and racks. Quanergy’s combination of 3D Lidar solutions minimize the number of optical sensors required at datacentres while maximizing coverage.

Quanergy Q-Track-HD, Q-Track Dome and Q-Track LR leverage the same rich ecosystem of 40+ integrations with leading technology partners such as Milestone Xprotect, Genetec Security Center, Hanwha Wave, Network Optix, Surveill by Edge 360, Mirasys, Flir Latitude, Salient, Digifort, and Advancis, plus a wide range of PTZ cameras from various manufacturers.