Algeria’s key petrochemical supplier, ENTP, has commissioned IDIS technology to strengthen the country’s critical national infrastructure. The project, undertaken by specialist integration contractor EPE Retelem SPA, aims to modernize security systems with advanced video surveillance and AI-powered analytics.

To address evolving security risks while maintaining safe and efficient operations, ENTP—a subsidiary of Algeria’s state-owned Sonatrach Group—launched the ENTP EYES initiative. This large-scale upgrade seeks to enhance surveillance capabilities across nearly 70 remote wells, drilling facilities, and ENTP’s headquarters. Given the demanding project timelines and the need to minimize operational disruptions, EPE Retelem SPA selected an end-to-end solution from Idis to meet ENTP’s security and operational priorities.

Upgrading to AI-Driven, Scalable Security

Sonatrach’s energy operations are vital to Algeria’s national security, making reliable surveillance a top priority. ENTP’s key objectives include faster incident response, improved preventative maintenance, and safer working conditions through near-incident detection. The upgrade focused on implementing the latest IP video technology with AI-powered analytics, robust Video Management Software (VMS), and durable cameras capable of performing in harsh environments.

A major goal was to expand coverage, eliminate surveillance blind spots, and improve system resilience with failover protection to guard against potential failures. Additionally, the need for increased video storage was a challenge—ENTP sought to optimize capacity without significantly raising costs.

The solution revolved around Idis DirectIP technology, which streamlined installation and reduced costs while ensuring seamless integration of all devices and video management software. The scalable IDIS Solution Suite VMS offers intuitive remote management, eliminating maintenance burdens and ongoing annual license fees typically associated with traditional video solutions.

Real-Time Monitoring and AI-Enhanced Security

With Idis centralised management, security teams now have remote access to live footage, playback, and camera configurations. The IDIS Mobile Plus app further enhances operational efficiency, allowing remote workers to oversee security in real time.

Additionally, AI-powered analytics provide 24/7 automated alerts, ensuring immediate detection and response to potential security threats. “Our Idis video solution, delivered by EPE Retelem SPA, assures us of complete domain awareness across our operations. It has further enhanced our response capabilities with advanced, automated detection and the latest highly accurate AI analytics functions,” said Mustapha Mehessim, ENTP.

By integrating cutting-edge AI technology and scalable video solutions, IDIS and EPE Retelem SPA have significantly strengthened Algeria’s critical infrastructure security, ensuring long-term operational resilience.

Image courtesy of IDIS

A new report from ABI Research forecasts that the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) market for the Internet of Things (IoT) will reach $5 billion globally by 2030. This surge is driven by evolving cybersecurity regulations, sector-specific standards, and large-scale national and international IoT initiatives, all of which emphasize the need for strong identity and access management solutions.

As IoT devices continue to proliferate, the demand for secure communication between these devices and their connected systems grows. PKI, a well-established digital trust mechanism, is evolving to meet the unique security needs of increasingly diverse IoT ecosystems.

A Shift Toward Scalable, Automated PKI Solutions

According to Aisling Dawson, Industry Analyst at ABI Research, the PKI landscape for IoT is shifting away from traditional, centralized models toward scalable, web-based trust networks. “With the complex nature of IoT environments, adaptable PKI solutions are on the rise, offering greater integration for IoT devices. This trend is further strengthened by increasing automation in the PKI space, including automated certificate issuance, renewal, revocation, and device decommissioning. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are set to enhance IoT cryptographic management, addressing concerns around post-quantum security,” Dawson explains.

Industry Leaders Back PKI for IoT Security

Key players in the PKI industry, including Keyfactor, Venafi, Utimaco, and Digicert, are expanding their digital trust solutions into the IoT sector. Major providers such as Entrust and Globalsign are also developing IoT-specific PKI solutions, intensifying competition within the market. Meanwhile, container-based Certificate Lifecycle Management and embedded PKI are gaining traction across industries, aligning with the growing reliance on cloud-based and containerized data storage.

Sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare are expected to drive substantial PKI-IoT revenue growth, particularly as quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions become a priority between now and 2030. Companies like Sectigo and AppViewX are focusing on enhancing certificate adaptability, while firms specializing in quantum-safe technology, such as SEALSQ and Kudelski, are incorporating post-quantum cryptographic algorithms into their PKI-IoT offerings.

PKI’s Evolution: A Necessity, Not an Option

Despite its strong potential to secure IoT devices, PKI is not a one-size-fits-all solution. “PKI must continue evolving to address the specific needs of IoT systems and avoid becoming just another marketing buzzword. While PKI’s cryptographic foundations enable quantum-resistant certificates, the fundamental limitations of IoT devices—such as storage and computational power—pose challenges for post-quantum cryptographic implementation. Rigorous testing of post-quantum PKI within IoT ecosystems will be crucial. Companies that prioritize this early on will gain a strategic edge as PKI becomes an integral component of IoT security,” Dawson concludes.

ASSA ABLOY has acquired Senior Architectural Systems, an independent supplier of innovative aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall systems and thermally efficient fenestration systems into the commercial construction sector in the UK.

“This acquisition delivers on our strategy to add complementary products and solutions to our core business,” says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.

“SAS is an exciting addition to our UK business, and I am delighted to welcome the team to ASSA ABLOY,” adds Neil Vann, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of EMEIA Division. “SAS offers an innovative and high-quality range of window and door profile systems including market leading thermally efficient technology. Their portfolio will further extend the ASSA ABLOY offering in the commercial OEM market in the UK.”

SAS was established in 1991 and has some 150 employees. The main office and factory are located in Yorkshire, UK.

Sales for 2024 amounted to about MGBP 50 with a strong EBIT margin.

Further to the announcement of a major personnel change at the top in December last year, iLOQ also plans to make 2025 a further year of growth with a new strategy involving the introduction of three new regional business units and the creation of a new chief revenue officer position.

In recent years, iLOQ has transformed into an international digital access management company, with subsidiaries in 16 countries across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. To more effectively meet market demands and enhance customer service, iLOQ is now implementing a reorganisation of its corporate structure, effective January 13, 2025.

To fulfill iLOQ’s growth strategy, drive development in sales, the brand and marketing functions, and provide a more customer-centric focus, iLOQ has established the following three Regional Business Units and create a new Chief Revenue Officer function:

• Nordics – with Toni Päivinen as Chief Business Officer
• Europe and emerging markets – with Thomas Thörewik as Chief Business Officer
• North America – with Robert Mancuso as Chief Business Officer

It is planned that the regional model, well aligned within the industry, will allow business units to drive business forward, and define appropriate roadmaps and their own long-range plans with the support of the global function.

To create more focus on both the built environment and critical infrastructure sector, renewed sales roles and responsibilities will continue to be developed. And, to nurture and expand the company’s most valuable and loyal accounts, key target account sales and key account management processes will be increased.

The newly created position of Chief Revenue Officer has been filled by Joni Lampinen.

Integrated Control Technology (ICT), award-winning global manufacturer of intelligent electronic access control and security solutions, announced they have extended their presence in the Middle East and Africa region by entering a distribution agreement with Ingram Micro.

Over a year ago, ICT started developing their presence in the Middle East and Africa region with the opening of a Dubai office, and the appointment of two senior sales directors, Gaurav Mahajan, in Dubai, and Justin Colin, in South Africa. After starting collaboration with Ingram Micro, this agreement is a milestone as it creates a strong relationship with one of the region’s leading value-added security distributors.

The distribution agreement entitles Ingram Micro to resell the ICT Protege range of products and solutions across the MEA region. This includes ICT single and multi-site controllers, door and input/output expanders, as well as multi-technology readers, and both physical and mobile credentials. It also offers a comprehensive software suite, featuring reporting, data synchronisation, and integration capabilities with third-party security systems.

Ingram Micro – successfully delivering Security and IT infrastructure in Middle East & Africa

Ingram Micro has been a pioneer in delivering security solutions across the region. “With dedicated product managers and certified technicians, they are what we qualify as a value-added partner,” says Thomas Napora, General Manager and Vice President EMEA at ICT. “They understand the market, the projects, the requirements as well as the synergy and integration among their suppliers. We are delighted that our agreement has been finalised and we are looking forward to working with the Ingram Micro team to deliver projects not only in the Middle East but also in Africa.”

ICT complements Ingram Micro Portfolio

ICT is a valuable addition to Ingram Micro’s portfolio, offering advanced and scalable security solutions that complement the company’s comprehensive range of technology offerings. ICT’s innovative access control, intrusion detection, and integrated security systems align with Ingram Micro’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge, end-to-end solutions to its channel partners. “By integrating ICT’s expertise in security technology, Ingram Micro strengthens its ability to empower resellers and businesses with reliable, state-of-the-art tools to address the evolving demands of modern security infrastructure,” comments Ali Baghdadi, Senior Vice President & Chief Country Executive, META, Ingram Micro. “This collaboration underscores Ingram Micro’s dedication to providing a diversified portfolio that drives innovation and customer success.”

For more information, please contact:

Aude Desbrières, Operational Director EMEA at ICT, at adesbrieres@ict.co or +44 7939 336991.

Liza Aidarashvili, Business Unit Manager – Physical Security, Gulf, Ingram Micro at yelyzaveta.aidarashvili@ingrammicro.com

Motorola Solutions has completed its acquisition of Theatro Labs, Inc., a maker of AI and voice-powered communication and digital workflow software for frontline workers, based in Richardson, Texas.

Theatro’s software-as-a-service platform, purposefully designed for frontline workers, provides a suite of collaboration applications that deliver information in real time to help improve their productivity and physical safety. The platform is a strong complement to Motorola Solutions’ existing enterprise security technologies and will further help enhance support for frontline workers who make up 60% of the addressable global workforce and represent tens of millions of employees in North America alone.

Theatro serves well-known U.S. retailers across a broad range of merchant categories. Motorola Solutions expects to integrate Theatro’s complementary workflows into its wider portfolio of technologies, including body cameras, fixed video, panic buttons and radios, to provide new value-added services, including new security use cases, while expanding into industries such as hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing and education.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Teledyne Flr Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, has received an order from the German Army to provide its Black Hornet 4 Personal Reconnaissance Systems to German armed forces.

Teledyne Flir performs as the supplier within a two-year agreement with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to deliver Black Hornet 4 systems, parts and training. The contract award was facilitated by Teledyne Flir’s regional partner, European Logistic Partners (ELP) GmbH of Wuppertal, Germany as the contractor for BAAINBw.

Black Hornet 4 represents the next generation of lightweight nano-drones, able to provide enhanced covert situational awareness to small fighting units. Its 12-megapixel daytime camera and high-resolution thermal imager deliver crisp video and still images to the operator. At just 70 grams Black Hornet 4 can fly for over 30 minutes, more than two kilometers, and function in 25-knot winds and rain. Flight performance is augmented by advanced obstacle avoidance capabilities and other features.

“We’re proud to work with the Bundeswehr and ELP to deliver the unmatched capabilities of Black Hornet 4 to German armed forces,” said Ketil Vanebo, vice president of UAS Norway Operations at Teledyne Flir Defense. “We are seeing increased adoption of the Black Hornet unmanned aircraft system throughout Europe as regional and global tensions remain high.”

“A highly stealthy, advanced drone such as Black Hornet 4 gives warfighters a distinct edge when conducting their toughest missions,” Vanebo added.

Flir Defense has delivered more than 33,000 Black Hornet UAVs to military and security forces in over 45 countries. Black Hornet drones are being used by Ukrainian combat forces and have performed successfully in countless operations under harsh conditions.

The award-winning Black Hornet is designed and built by Teledyne Flir Defense in Norway.

Hanwha Vision has released version 6.0 of its Wisenet Wave video management system (VMS), giving security professionals greater control over configuring and managing their surveillance systems. This update introduces more intuitive user management features, making it easier than ever to scale and customise surveillance resources to meet operational needs.

Highlights of Wave VMS 6.0 include a redesigned user management interface, enhanced Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) integration, upgraded calendars, camera linking via hotspot/teleport, and the ability to add temporary users.

Similar to previous Wave VMS releases, all features are supported across the mobile, desktop and server versions of the platform, and with any operating system. In addition, Hanwha Vision’s Wave Sync allows users to remotely access, view, share and manage their Wave VMS systems directly from a web browser.

“Organisations need greater flexibility in how they configure and operate their surveillance system, and that includes their choice of VMS,” said John Lutz Boorman, Head of Product and Marketing, Hanwha Vision Europe. “Whether they’re managing a handful of employees at one location, or hundreds across multiple sites, they need to have centralised, 24/7 transparent visibility into every aspect of their system’s health and status, from any platform, and Wave VMS 6.0 fulfils that perfectly.”

Enhanced user management

Improved and redesigned user management – System administrators can assign permissions to individuals and groups through a streamlined user interface and assign members to multiple preset groups to decrease user setup time.

For temporary users organisations can grant temporary access and permissions tailored to users’ varying needs. For example, administrators have full control over the amount of time temporary users can spend on the system.  Time limits can be set to varying times of day, seasonally, etc.

LDAP Integration

Organisations using LDAP environments, which enable centralised monitoring and activity detection by tracking user logins, permissions, and directory data, can map employee groups to user roles in their VMS for streamlined access management.

• Configuration of LDAP through the WAVE VMS Client
• Continuous synchronisation of active directory
• Supports mapping between LDAP groups and user roles

New system features

Camera linking hotspot/teleport means that users are able to seamlessly navigate large systems by connecting cameras.  This allows them to track persons or vehicles between cameras within the viewing pane, and to add multiple hotspots to easily move between cameras; hotspots provide further information on camera placement.

Nvidia hardware decoding support

Systems equipped with NVIDIA graphic processing units (GPUs) achieve smoother video playback and live monitoring.  This can help reduce central processing unit usage by up to 20-30%

In addition users can route emails via Wave Sync instead of through Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP), for a streamlined process.

• Sends API request to notifications service instead of using SMTP settings
• Wave Sync users will now receive email notifications

There is also a new look calendar enabling Wave users to locate footage more efficiently, quickly navigating by year, month, day, and time of day.

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.