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Research Reveals Misplaced Confidence in Cyber Security Measures

Video security systems have become a critical asset across industries, with leaders confident in their systems’ resilience against cyber threats. Research from Hanwha Vision Europe shows that more than nine in 10 security and IT managers in the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy believe their video systems are well-protected.  However, the research uncovered a lack of implementation of adequate security practices, leading the report authors to the conclusion that perhaps this confidence may be misplaced.

The research revealed that overall, confidence is high across different organisation sizes, countries and sectors. In Italy, confidence reaches 97%, while Spain, albeit still high, has a lower confidence level at 83%. Sectors such as finance boast a nearly universal confidence level of 99%, with data centres at a more modest 80%.  But on the contrary, while 92% of IT and security managers believed their video systems to be highly secured against cyber crime, just 23% implement basic video security measures.

Cause for concern

Indeed, the research found that respondents also display a worrying lack of awareness of relevant cyber security legislation such as the Network and Information Security Directive 2nd edition (NIS2), which came into effect in October 2024, and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). Best practices that align and comply with these regulations and improve cyber-resilience overall are also not being regularly implemented, finds the research according to Hanwha Vision.

Fewer than half (47%) of respondents are familiar with NIS2 and only 23% are aware of the CRA. Larger organisations do show slightly higher awareness at 45% on average, but this is still low given the rise in cyber-attacks on businesses in 2024 – hitting an annual high of 1,876 per week in Q3 of 2024.

It is the view of the researchers that simple yet essential measures including changing default passwords and updating firmware—a baseline for cyber security—are overlooked or forgotten by many, leaving systems vulnerable to more easily preventable attacks.

Cyber-resilient cultures needed

Fostering a resilient culture alongside implementing fundamental steps such as securing physical access to network devices, implementing 802.1x certificate-based access, and creating least-privilege user accounts, are paramount to ensuring cyber secure video surveillance. Security and operations teams must understand their roles in protecting video systems against attack. However, the research indicates that many companies aren’t widely promoting best practices across their workforces leading to vulnerabilities.

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable, with only 17% implementing these security measures, compared to four in 10 (41%) larger enterprises. This is particularly concerning given that many businesses do not survive the financial impact of a cyber-attack.

Keep secure – act now

The good news according to the company is that these shortfalls can be quickly rectified by some of the following actions:

  • Audit the system and identify weak spots.
  • Implement current cyber security best practices such as creating user-level accounts with the least privileges required and securing physical access to network devices. It can be worth consulting with a video cyber security expert to assess the specific video surveillance ecosystem and practices to implement.
  • Schedule regular security assessments and remain updated with the evolving threat and regulatory landscape.
  • Disseminate information across the workforce with regular knowledge refreshers.
  • Work with reputable manufacturers and installers who prioritise cyber security in their video systems.

Despite these concerns, it is the company’s view that by prioritising a few critical actions, organisations can strengthen their video security systems, better protect sensitive data, and improve overall cyber resilience. Some of these actions could help to finally bridge the gap between the confidence that security and IT leaders feel and the reality of some of their current practices.

Honeywell to Separate Automation and Aerospace Businesses

The Board of Directors at Honeywell has completed the comprehensive business portfolio evaluation launched a year ago by Chairman and CEO Vimal Kapur and has released a statement to the effect that it intends to pursue a full separation of Automation and Aerospace Technologies.

The planned separation, coupled with the previously announced plan to spin Advanced Materials, will result in three publicly listed industry leaders with distinct strategies and growth drivers. The separation is intended to be completed in the second half of 2026 and in a manner that is tax-free to Honeywell shareholders.

Three independent companies

“The formation of three independent, industry-leading companies builds on the powerful foundation we have created, positioning each to pursue tailored growth strategies, and unlock significant value for shareholders and customers,” said Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell. “Our simplification of Honeywell has rapidly advanced over the past year, and we will continue to shape our portfolio to create further shareholder value. We have a rich pipeline of strategic bolt-on acquisition targets, and we plan to continue deploying capital to further enhance each business as we prepare them to become leading, independent public companies.”

“Building on decades of innovation as its heritage, Honeywell Automation will create the buildings and industrial infrastructure of the future, leveraging process technology, software, and AI-enabled, autonomous solutions to drive the next generation of productivity, sustainability and safety for our customers,” Kapur added. “As a standalone company with a simplified operating structure and enhanced focus, Honeywell Automation will be better able to capitalise on the global megatrends underpinning its business, from energy security and sustainability to digitalisation and artificial intelligence.”

“As Aerospace prepares for unprecedented demand in the years ahead across both commercial and defence markets, now is the right time for the business to begin its own journey as a standalone, public company,” Kapur continued. “Today’s announcement is the culmination of more than a century of innovation and investment in leading technologies from Honeywell Aerospace that have revolutionised the aviation industry several times over. This next step will further enable the business to continue to lead the future of aviation.”

Honeywell Automation

Following the completion of these transactions, Honeywell will be the global leader of the industrial world’s transition from automation to autonomy, with a comprehensive portfolio of technologies, solutions, and software to drive customers’ productivity. Honeywell Automation will maintain global scale, with 2024 revenue of $18 billion. Honeywell Automation will connect assets, people and processes to power digital transformation, building on decades-long technology leadership positions, deep domain experience, and a vast installed base to serve a variety of high-growth verticals.

Honeywell Aerospace

Honeywell Aerospace technology and solutions are used on virtually every commercial and defence aircraft platform worldwide and include aircraft propulsion, cockpit and navigation systems, and auxiliary power systems. With $15 billion in annual revenue in 2024 and a large, global installed base, Honeywell Aerospace will be one of the largest publicly traded, pure play aerospace suppliers, with leading positions in technology and systems that will continue to deliver the future of aviation through increasing electrification and autonomy of flight.

Advanced Materials

The Advanced Materials business will be a sustainability-focused specialty chemicals and materials pure play with leading positions across fluorine products, electronic materials, industrial grade fibres, and healthcare packaging solutions. With nearly $4 billion in revenue last year, Advanced Materials offers leading technologies with premier brands, including the breakthrough low global warming Solstice hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) technology. As a standalone company with a large-scale domestic manufacturing base, it will be positioned to benefit from a compelling investment profile and a more flexible and optimized capital allocation strategy.

Honeywell continues simplification process

Honeywell remains on pace to exceed its commitment to deploy at least $25 billion toward high-return capital expenditures, dividends, opportunistic share purchases and accretive acquisitions through 2025. The company intends to continue its portfolio transformation efforts during the separation planning process to enhance the value proposition of each business.

Since December 2023, Honeywell has announced a number of strategic actions to drive organic growth and simplify its portfolio. This includes approximately $9 billion of accretive acquisitions: the Access Solutions business from Carrier Global, Civitanavi Systems, CAES Systems, and the liquefied natural gas (LNG) business from Air Products. In addition, the company entered into an agreement to divest its Personal Protective Equipment business which is expected to close in the first half of 2025.

Paxton Opens New US Headquarters

In a strategy to grow the company’s US footprint, UK access control manufacturer Paxton, has invested $10 million in a project resulting in the opening of its new US headquarters in  Greenville, SC.

Adam Stroud, Paxton CEO, said: “Paxton’s new US headquarters has been built to a world-class standard. It reflects the scale of our ambition and belief in Greenville as a fantastic hub to recruit talented people and service business growth in the North American market. We anticipate a rapid expansion of our technology manufacturing capability and delivery of associated services, generating jobs in the local community.”

The new 29,000-square-foot building houses a manufacturing facility, installer training center, and customer service team. The space is modern, efficient, and flexible.

Sholto Brotherton-Ratcliffe, Paxton’s Owner, said the new building is the physical embodiment of Paxton’s vision for the U.S. market.

“It’s not only a wonderful place to be in the present, but it leaves ample headroom for growth and success in the future.”

Cyber Security Complexity Is a Daunting Reality

New global research from the IBM Institute for Business Value and Palo Alto Networks, found that surveyed organisations are facing security complexity challenges as they juggle an average of 83 different security solutions from 29 vendors. It also shows 7 out of 10 surveyed companies with a high degree of security platformisation report their cyber security investments have helped business outcomes such as operational efficiencies and revenue generation.

In the study, “Capturing the cybersecurity dividend: How security platforms generate business value,” more than half (52%) of surveyed executives note fragmentation of security solutions is limiting their ability to deal with cyber threats, but 75% of organisations that have embraced security platformisation agree that better integration across security, hybrid cloud, AI, and other technology platforms is crucial. The analysis suggests the trend of adding more solutions to combat evolving security threats is contributing to inefficiency – impacting both performance and the bottom line – while moving to a platformised security approach can help businesses achieve reduced response times and costs without sacrificing security efficacy.

Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated

Increased digital interconnectedness expands attack surfaces and can create new cyber security vulnerabilities. Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and harder to defend against, while AI is being used by both defenders and attackers, creating a race in cyber security capabilities.

In an evolving threat landscape, surveyed executives estimate security fragmentation and complexity costs their organisations an average of 5% of their annual revenue. For a $20 billion annual revenue company, that’s a $1 billion cost to the business in aggregate. Tally the costs of security incidents, lost productivity, failed digital transformations, stalled AI initiatives, loss of customer trust and reputational damage and the numbers add up.

“Organisations continue to be challenged with updating their security posture to address new threats, while simultaneously being pressed to reduce complexity and decrease spend,” said Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner for Cybersecurity Services, IBM. “Security executives need to enable innovation, protect assets and derive value from their cyber security investments to help their organisations thrive and further their business goals.”

Platformisation approach

“We have seen the positive impacts of adopting a platformised approach to security, and the benefits it delivers to organisations. In today’s AI-fueled world, strong partnerships are more essential than ever,” said, Karim Temsamani, President, Next Generation Security, Palo Alto Networks. “IBM and Palo Alto Networks are aligned on a common vision of creating better outcomes for our customers – whether in value, operational, or security…and platformisation accomplishes all of them. This isn’t just about improving fragmentation today, it’s about enabling better outcomes for the future.”

By adopting a platformisation approach, businesses can align technologies, drive innovation, and prioritise security as a core business requirement. Through partnerships, such as IBM and Palo Alto Networks’ strategic partnership, companies can bring together leading security platforms, AI, and transformation capabilities to help effectively navigate the digital transformation journey, achieve their desired outcomes and drive substantial business value.

IDIS Solution Boosts Business for Anytime Fitness Benelux

An integrated video surveillance and intercom solution from IDIS is boosting profitability and supporting expansion for Anytime Fitness health clubs in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Part of a global franchise of more than 5,200 gyms, all 130 Anytime Fitness clubs in Belgium and the Netherlands now benefit from IDIS video surveillance which allows efficient and flexible remote management of the gym facilities on phones and tablets, via the IDIS Mobile Plus app.

In addition, the latest system also includes integration with the award-winning the IDIS Video Intercom (DC-I6216WRX), making it easy to provide smooth but secure access for club members, 24/7.

A key attraction of the Anytime Fitness brand is that members enjoy a consistent, high quality experience wherever they are worldwide, with any club accessible with just one key. Now, at the new location in Dongen on-duty staff including physiotherapists and instructors can use the IDIS system to see who is at the door without having to interrupt what they are doing, preventing tailgating and ensuring a warm welcome for members.

Clear images from the intercom can be viewed on staff phones or tablets and the door opened remotely with a simple tap on the screen. In the event of any incident or query, images can be easily retrieved along with the ID of any members who were using the premises at the time.

The IDIS end-to-end approach which has proved so successful at Anytime Fitness – with a combination of IDIS 2MP dome and bullet cameras, NVRs, VMS software, intercoms units, and system accessories, all instantly compatible – reduces cabling and installation time and ensures efficient system use.

Lars Bijleveld, Anytime Fitness franchise owner in Dongen and Made, praised the quality of the video footage captured by the IDIS system, including the video intercoms:

“The added value of the Video Intercom quickly becomes apparent,” Mr. Bijleveld said. “When someone rings the doorbell, you can quickly see on your phone or tablet who is there, communicate and open the door if necessary. The physiotherapist also no longer has to leave his treatment room. And if a prospective member is at the door during unmanned hours, I can immediately schedule an appointment.”

To discover the benefits of IDIS solutions, please visit www.idisglobal.com.

Adria Security Summit 2025: Marking a Decade of Regional Security Excellence

The Adria Security Summit Powered by Intersec returns on October 8-9, 2025, at the prestigious Hotel Aleksandar Palace in Skopje, North Macedonia. This year’s event coincides with the Summit’s 10th anniversary, celebrating its journey since its inception in Sarajevo in 2015.

With over 150 exhibitors and 3,000 participants expected, the Summit continues to be the premier gathering for the security industry in the region. The venue’s Hall 1 is nearly fully booked, underscoring the strong interest from leading companies in video surveillance, cyber security, fire safety, IoT, AI, automation, smart homes, and more.

Attendees will also benefit from the redesigned Summit website, offering an improved user experience to streamline event participation.

The 2025 edition will again feature a Buyer Delegation Program, welcoming decision-makers from top companies and institutions across the region. This initiative fosters knowledge sharing, showcases the latest technologies, and encourages new business partnerships.

Additionally, the prestigious a&s Adria Awards for achievements in security, which debuted last year, will return to honor exceptional products and individuals across different categories.

The conference will offer innovative and audience-focused content, highlighting collaboration between regional businesses and international corporations. Participants will gain insights into advanced solutions that address the evolving security needs of modern infrastructure and urban environments.

Be part of the region’s premier security event as it marks a milestone in its journey of regional impact. For more details, visit www.adriasecuritysummit.com.

C-Tec Launches Fire Alarm Mains Isolator Switches

Life-safety systems manufacturer, C-Tec, has launched an innovative range of ultra-safe fire alarm mains isolator key switches. Designed for use on all types and makes of fire alarm system, the BF326 series allows the mains to a fire panel to be switched on/off as per the requirements of BS 5839-1.

Available in red or white in flush or surface and with or without an LED Indicator, they can help to keep engineers safe during routine testing and maintenance. Supplied with a plastic key and plastic key switch mechanism to reduce the risk of electric shocks, they have no exposed metal or conductive parts so no earthing is required. Fitted with a 5A high rupture capacity fast blow fuse, they feature a mechanically linked double pole switch to prevent the risk of contacts welding together and false isolated readings on LED variants.

Brian Foster, C-Tec’s UK Sales Manager, said: “Our new fire alarm mains isolator key switches are robust, reliable and very versatile. As with all our products, they are manufactured here in the UK at our multiple third-party certified facility to the highest quality standards. For additional assurance, all variants have been independently tested to the prime insulation and isolation requirements of IEC/EN 60669. They also have an optional branding label that allows them to be used on evacuation alert and emergency voice communication systems too.”

Traffic Management Market Set to Top $75 Billion by 2029

According to the latest research published by Marketsandmarkets, the traffic management market is expected to reach USD 75.74 billion by 2029 from USD 43.53 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 11.7 % during 2024–2029.

The research finds that governments worldwide have strong visions of improving traffic management across cities and fulfilling future mobility demands. They are undertaking several initiatives to provide better infrastructures, enhance security and safety, and offer seamless traffic flow. These factors are strong indicators of the economic development of a region. Smart city and intelligent transportation initiatives have boosted the traffic management market. For instance, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Singapore, along with Intelligent Transportation Society Singapore (TSS), has developed a master plan, Smart Mobility 2030, to enhance the travellers’ experience and the country’s existing transportation systems. Regional governments are encouraging private companies to develop and renovate road infrastructures. Governments are working with private organisations to finance and deliver traffic management projects.

The private enterprise end-user segment to see strong growth

Private enterprises use advanced traffic solutions to make their operations more effective and create better customer experiences while saving money. Businesses that run logistics, transportation, retail, and entertainment services depend on good traffic flow to ensure deliveries arrive on time and give customers easy access while running their operations well. Private companies use Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) and traffic data technology to plan better routes and control their vehicle fleets while offering automated parking systems to their customers. Big shopping malls, sports stadiums, and business campuses use traffic management systems to handle crowds during busy times. These solutions improve operations, benefiting the environment and boosting company profits.

Implementation services to contribute largest market share

The implementation services install and connect advanced solutions to improve traffic management while making roads safer and less congested. This involves installing ITS, traffic lights that adapt to conditions, video cameras for surveillance, and Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) networking hardware. Service providers link new technology to current systems to solve problems at both urban and intercity traffic levels. Service providers configure systems and test operations while teaching authorities how to use the new systems. The implementation services segment helps update transportation systems to reach permanent mobility objectives through real-time monitoring and automated traffic management.

Regional analysis

Asia Pacific, home to nearly 40% of the world’s population, is witnessing diverse implementations of traffic management technologies. Fast urban growth and rising population numbers make traffic management difficult across the Asia Pacific. Densely populated countries such as China and India deal with severe traffic congestion problems. Asia holds six of the world’s top ten congestion hotspots, and Bengaluru and Manila stand out among them. The researchers found that various Asian nations are implementing major traffic management projects to solve transportation problems through initiatives such as Australia’s Gateway WA Perth Airport and India’s Smart City Kochi. These projects work to upgrade transportation systems and make traffic easier to handle. Modern sensors and internet connectivity help analyze real-time traffic data to develop advanced management systems while giving drivers accurate info to avoid traffic delays.

Key players

The report profiles some of the key players in this sector such as Cisco, Mundys SpA, Swarco, Siemens, IBM, Kapsch Trafficcom, Thales Group, Q-Free, PTV Group, Teledyne Flir Systems Inc., Cubic Corporation, Tomtom, Huawei, ST Engineering, Chevron, Indra Sistemas, and Econolite.

CARUK Webinar: Risk Management 2025 – “Thinking in Tetris”

On Thursday, February 20, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (CMT), a session will be held with Dr. Zoran Keković, a nationally and internationally recognized authority in risk and crisis management who has made significant contributions to corporate and public safety and resilience.

“Thinking in Tetris” is a creative and intriguing concept that suggests adaptability, strategy, and efficiency – key aspects of risk management.

Webinar topics: Why people tend to overestimate risk and underestimate opportunities? How can organisations effectively manage decision-making processes to navigate the latest trends within the evolving risk landscape? Is it possible to find a balance between security and innovations, while preserving the human factor in decision-making? How to harmonize modernization with operational security and ensure quick reactions in crisis situations? Can AI be a tool that supports and does not replace people in decision-making, with a special emphasis on training, transparency and restoring trust in technology?

Using real-world scenarios and lessons from practice, this webinar will explore these challenges in a way adapted to a wide audience – from students and researchers to practitioners and decision makers both in public and corporate sector.

With a distinguished career advising on risk and crisis management, critical infrastructure resilience and security strategy, as the President of The Center for Risk Analysis and Crisis Management (CARUK) Dr. Keković brings unparalleled expertise to this discussion.

Secure your spot today to gain invaluable insights from one of the foremost experts in risk and crisis management.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87626009590?pwd=gJW2SUsT2fiBkPhXA3ok1gVhbAP1FD.1

Meeting ID: 876 2600 9590

Passcode: 978947

CREAPLUS Becomes Distributor of Coro AI Cybersecurity Platform in the Western Balkans

CREAPLUS, one of the leading providers of comprehensive IT and cybersecurity solutions and services in Slovenia and the region, has signed an agreement with Coro to distribute its eponymous cybersecurity platform in the countries of the Western Balkans.

By offering the Coro platform, CREAPLUS aims to strengthen the cybersecurity of micro, small and medium enterprises, which are the most vulnerable group in cyberspace. The solutions offered by this platform will primarily benefit regional providers of managed cybersecurity services in the micro, small and medium enterprise segment: providers who’s operational and business performance is directly linked to the use of affordable, efficient and highly productive solutions for their security operations centers.

“The state of cybersecurity in the micro, small and medium enterprise segment is concerning. As global trends and reports from local cybersecurity response centers show, cybercriminals are targeting this segment of businesses, where it is easier to make money through various forms of attacks, from fraud and extortion to identity theft and other sensitive data,” said Mitja Trampuž, CEO of CREAPLUS.

Based on the Coro platform, regional security operations center service providers will be able to offer customized managed cybersecurity services to the most price-sensitive and consequently most under-secured segment of businesses. Furthermore, the Coro platform’s ease-of-use and AI-automated processes make it an ideal solution for cybersecurity service providers serving markets with severe staffing shortfalls and the need to ensure maximum productivity due to cost pressures.

According to Trampuž, Coro’s technologies are virtually the only ones designed from the ground up with micro, small and medium-sized businesses in mind.

“This is a specific group of users where cyber protection needs to be high quality and comprehensive, yet simple and affordable for these companies and their cybersecurity partners to even be able to take it on. Coro is the answer to the challenges faced by managed cybersecurity service providers in this market segment who are looking for the most efficient technology solutions for their security operations centers,” added Trampuž.

“We are thrilled to partner with CREAPLUS to bring Coro’s cybersecurity platform  to the Western Balkans. This collaboration aligns with our mission to provide affordable, comprehensive, and automated cybersecurity to SMBs and managed service providers in underserved markets. CREAPLUS has a strong regional presence and deep expertise in IT security, making them the perfect partner to expand our reach and help businesses in the region stay protected against evolving cyber threats. We look forward to working together to empower small IT teams and enhance security operations across the region.” Piers Morgan, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EMEA at Coro, on the Partnership with CREAPLUS.

With the Coro platform, lean IT teams and cybersecurity service providers can deliver comprehensive and easy-to-use managed cyber protection in one place. Coro’s platform empowers organizations to easily defend against malware, ransomware, phishing, data leakage, network threats, insider threats and email threats across devices, users, networks and cloud applications.

About Coro

Coro, the leading cybersecurity platform for small and midsize businesses, revolutionized cybersecurity with the introduction of the world’s first modular cybersecurity platform in 2023. Coro’s platform empowers organizations to easily defend against malware, ransomware, phishing, data leakage, network threats, insider threats and email threats across devices, users, networks and cloud applications. Coro’s platform automatically detects and remediates the many security threats that today’s distributed businesses face, without IT teams having to worry, investigate, or fix issues themselves. Ranked on the 2024 Deloitte Technology Fast 500 for its second consecutive year, Coro is one of the fastest growing cybersecurity companies in North America today.