Driven by a commitment to data center security, Securitas aims to certify 10,000 officers as Data Center Security and Safety Professionals

Building on the establishment of the Global Clients Data Center Group in 2023, Securitas is now taking an important next step by strengthening the skills of Securitas’ security officers by introducing a certification for managing data centers’ diverse security challenges with efficiency and expertise.

The significance of big data and cloud services has never been more prevalent. Serving as critical hubs for storing, processing, and distributing digital information, data centers are a part of our daily digital experience. They are the unseen backbone that enables everything from streaming our favorite movies and sports events to managing the financial transactions we rely on daily, to supporting communication tools that connect people across the globe. The global data center market is projected to expand significantly, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% leading up to 2030.

This rapid growth comes with challenges. Data centers face a myriad of security threats, including human error, system failures, natural disasters, and cyber-attacks. These risks highlight the undeniable need for specialized security measures to protect these critical infrastructures. In enhancing our commitment to top-tier security services for data centers, Securitas will train a large number of security officers to become Certified Data Center Security Professionals, elevating the quality of security services provided to data centers globally.

Certified Data Center Security Professionals

“The Certified Data Center Security Professional training is an example of Securitas’ dedication to providing security solutions tailored to meet the challenges in the markets where we operate”, says Bert den Hartog, VP, Global Clients Data Centers. “With over 15,000 hours of total training, upon completion, more than 10,000 participants will attain the certification, showcasing their best-in-class proficiency in safeguarding these high-security facilities.”

Central to this training are key focus areas such as stringent physical access control, emergency response procedures, adherence to ethics, and professional conduct. Securitas’ certified data center professionals will be adept at addressing a wide array of security challenges, all while efficiently managing other crucial responsibilities, minimizing the need for excess personnel, and therefore reducing the risk of human error.

Securitas’ certified data center professionals will serve as vigilant eyes and ears, enhancing client safety by identifying hazards and improving working practices. Through collaboration and cultural reinforcement, our clients will be able to enhance their own EHS programs, ensuring a safer and more efficient workplace.

Securitas knows data centers

“We understand the pivotal role data centers play in today’s digital landscape”, says Milton Plet, SVP, Head of Securitas’ Data Center Group. “That is why Securitas is investing in our professionals, ensuring they have the necessary expertise and skills to provide best-in-class protection for our clients. In the same way as security officers tasked with protecting fire-prone facilities must possess expertise in fire safety, our data center specialists need extensive knowledge in all peculiarities of data centers”.

Delivering solutions to a sector in exponential growth necessitates staying at the forefront of service offerings. The current rollout elevates the industry standard, but it is just the beginning. Securitas plans to introduce additional modules to the certification and launch further training for our officers. This commitment is key to ensuring our clients receive the highest level of security, safeguarding what is essential in the new digital era. All with ultimately one purpose: to make your world a safer place.

Innovative learning sparks professional growth

Launching on February 12, the training will seamlessly integrate into the Securitas Global Clients Academy for all Securitas’ officers in data centers, accessible to every employee for continuous development. This initiative not only allows our team to enhance skills and foster professional growth but also serves as a foundational course for new hires. Successful completion earns participants the title of Certified Data Center Security Professionals, signifying their expertise in safeguarding data centers with the aim to increase client value.

“Our exceptional data center clients are testament to our position at the forefront of this crucial security domain”, says Magnus Ahlqvist, President and CEO of Securitas. “Data center security is about ensuring business continuity and instilling confidence in a highly complex and delicate environment. Giving our clients peace of mind, no matter where in the world they operate, has never been more important.”

Racehall, located in Aarhus and Copenhagen, Denmark, is renowned as the world’s longest indoor go-karting track facility, offering an unparalleled experience to all its visitors.

Racehall is for everyone, big or small, amateurs or professionals; it is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of visitors’ experience is exceptional. This commitment includes maintaining high standards of quality equipment, prioritising safety, and offering top-notch service.

Dealing with challenges without disruption

Ensuring the safety and security of patrons and the facility is a top priority for Racehall. Given the size and popularity of Racehall’s go-karting tracks, addressing security challenges effectively was imperative. These challenges included protecting Racehall’s assets, such as high-end go-karts, valuable equipment, indoor facilities, the outdoor parking lot, and the outdoor fuel tank area.

They also needed a system to deal with limited coverage leading to potential blind spots and security vulnerabilities and to address the lack of precise data for informed business decisions. Balancing security measures without disrupting the enjoyment of visitors was also an important factor, and maintaining a high level of security without compromising the enjoyable experience, while preventing incidents and enhancing the overall safety of visitors.

Effective asset protection

VIVOTEK’s security solutions played a crucial role in safeguarding Racehall’s valuable assets, including go-karts and equipment. High-resolution video feeds and instant alerts were instrumental in identifying and responding to any suspicious activities, extending to the protection of the outdoor fuel tank area. The explosion-proof camera system provides an added layer of security, allowing continuous monitoring of the fuel tank without compromising safety standards.

The installation called for the strategic deployment of VIVOTEK state-of-the-art surveillance cameras across the facility, ensuring complete coverage. The 180-degree surveillance effectively covered expansive areas like the parking lot without blind spots, minimizing installation costs.

Optimising performance and seamless integration

VIVOTEK’s people counting camera provided Racehall with invaluable data to make informed decisions for optimising business performance. Strategic planning of staffing levels and tailored promotional activities became more precise, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

The installation of high-quality 4K cameras on the track allowed for track racing playback, enhancing the overall experience for visitors without disrupting the entertainment factor.

Effective surveillance with Vast

VIVOTEK’s VSS Pro Video Management System (VMS) and Central Management System (CMS) played a pivotal role in optimising Racehall’s security infrastructure. The VSS Pro VMS/CMS streamlined surveillance management, allowing centralised control and monitoring of multiple cameras across the facility. This centralised approach not only enhanced real-time monitoring capabilities but also facilitated quick responses to security incidents, ensuring a proactive and efficient security system.

“We were absolutely delighted to roll up our sleeves and work closely with Racehall to bring the Vivotek surveillance solution into play. It’s been a fantastic experience to see how our dedication to crafting tailor-made security solutions has met with Racehall’s wishes and needs. We’ve worked hand in hand to create a safer and more entertaining experience for Racehall’s visitors.” says Martin Kristensen, CEO of ITV Security.

Gunnebo Entrance Control, a global leader in innovative entrance security solutions, is attending Passenger Terminal Expo 2024 to debut its latest airport entrance systems alongside new advancements in security technology.

Visitors to booth E340 will be able to see live demonstrations of Gunnebo Entrance Control’s latest systems, offering intelligent passenger flow management for all stages of the airport journey.

This includes PreSec which operates as a self-service to check boarding passes before security. Gunnebo Entrance Control will also display LoungeSec with biometric capability and facial data capture to ensure controlled access for authorised customers to Lounge areas.

BoardSec will be presented as an automated self-boarding eGate to accelerate the whole boarding process alongside ImmSec to maximise resources with efficient verification of passengers at border control.

Says Nathan Anstee, VP Mass Transit Gunnebo Entrance Control: “Securing airports at every stage of the passenger journey is crucial for maintaining safety and efficiency in today’s fast-paced travel environment. As airports continue to serve as critical gateways connecting millions of travellers worldwide, the evolving security threats must be met with proactive and advanced entrance control security.

“At Gunnebo Entrance Control, we understand the significance of effective entrance control systems in mitigating risks and ensuring seamless passenger processes for all key touchpoints. Our complete airport portfolio demonstrates how we are supporting airports to manage their passenger flow, combining self-service automated gates with the latest biometric technology and intuitive design.”

At Passenger Terminal Expo 2024, Gunnebo Entrance Control will debut an innovative new airport entrance control system, designed to offer a compact solution with no compromise to the use of the latest security technology, compliant data capture or stylish design.

Nathan concluded: “Passenger Terminal Expo 2024 presents the perfect opportunity to discuss bespoke airport entrance control solution requirements.  We are especially excited to launch our new system that will demonstrate our commitment to research and development in delivering advanced entrance control.

“We are looking forward to demonstrating how we can support airport passenger flow throughout an airport complex, right from the moment a passenger arrives to the moment they leave.  We invite attendees to explore how our solutions redefine the importance of airport entrance control and contribute to safer travel experiences for everyone.”

NEC Corporation announced that its face recognition technology has been ranked the world’s most accurate in a benchmark test conducted by the globally recognized U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

In this benchmark test, NEC received the highest performance evaluation in “1:N Identification,” which consists of still images of 12 million different people, by achieving an authentication accuracy rate of 99.88%.

NEC also ranked first in three other tests – including an aging effects test, in which photos taken more than 10 years prior were used for identification – and placed in the top three in all categories of the Face Recognition Technology Evaluation (FRTE) 1:N Identification leaderboard that are posted on the NIST website.

Since beginning participation in 2009, NEC has ranked first in the world multiple times in the “1:N Identification” test, which calls for the highest accuracy of all of the face recognition benchmarks conducted by NIST. While working to improve the performance of its core algorithm, NEC has simultaneously rolled out real-world implementations of face recognition, and its face recognition business now operates in more than 50 countries and regions around the world.

NEC face recognition technology has been implemented at approximately 80 airports worldwide and is used in applications including immigration, customs, boarding procedures and customer service. These applications have become one of the primary use cases of face recognition technology. In addition, more than 1,000 organizations have adopted NeoFace Monitor, a system that allows users to log in to their devices using face recognition, improving both security and convenience. NEC also continues to be an industry leader in the provision of face recognition cloud services, including more than 1 million registered users in Japan.

Going forward, NEC’s aim is to increase real-world adoption of its portfolio of biometric authentication systems, “Bio-IDiom” which includes face recognition as a core component. NEC will continue to develop and provide solutions for a wide range of use cases, including multimodal biometric authentication, which combines face and iris recognition to reduce false positive rates (the likelihood of authenticating the wrong person) to less than 1 in 10 billion, and gateless access control, which will improve ease-of-use by accurately authenticating multiple people at the same time. In addition, NEC anticipates the growth of a “self-sovereign society” in which people control their own personal information and will increase its commitment to new business in the web3 space, leveraging technologies such as decentralized identity and blockchain.

NEC is thoroughly committed to following the NEC Group AI and Human Rights Principles in its use of AI, biometric data, and other data, placing the highest priority on privacy and respect for human rights.

The global Managed Security Services market size is expected to grow from USD 30.6 billion in 2023 to USD 52.9 billion by 2028 at a healthy CAGR of 11.5% during the forecast period.

This latest information comes from research firm, Marketsandmarkets, whose analysts suggest that the escalation of cyber attacks and sophisticated breaches across enterprises are driving organisations to seek expert help in navigating the complex and ever-evolving threat landscape. Also, the stringent government regulations are demanding robust data security further driving the global managed security services market.

The SME segment to see strong growth

The fully managed segment is expected to see continued growth in the coming years as organisations seeking complete control and minimal involvement in security operations opt for fully managed MSS. This provides hands-off security with minimal resource allocation from the in-house team. Organisations can align their resources and efforts with strategic initiatives rather than dedicating significant resources to security operations.

SMEs often lack the in-house cyber security expertise to manage and protect their digital assets effectively. MSS provides access to skilled professionals who can address their security needs without requiring internal expertise in a myriad of applications, services, and content for businesses and consumers.

 MEA region to emerge as fastest-growing

The Middle East & Africa Managed security services market anticipates sustained explosive growth, driven by government policies, cloud adoption, the talent gap, and a growing focus on digitalisation, with businesses across the region increasingly relying on MSS partners to navigate the complex cyber landscape and safeguard their valuable assets.

 The major vendors covered in the MSS market include payers from all over the globe, for example, IBM, NTT, Accenture, DXC Technology, Secureworks, Trustwave, Atos, Orange Cyberdefense, Fujitsu, AT&T, Verizon, Cisco, Infosys, Lumen, Nokia, and Trend Micro to name just a few.

After researching the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI-enabled smart building solutions industry, Frost & Sullivan, for the second year in a row, recognised Delta Controls with the 2023 Global Competitive Strategy Leadership Award. Delta Controls offers cutting-edge IoT and AI-enabled smart building solutions to empower global building operators with comprehensive performance data and remote management capabilities.

Delta Controls’ products provide holistic building performance data and enable operators to effectively manage all assets remotely. The company’s strong commitment to innovation and customer-centric development has resulted in groundbreaking offerings such as the O3 Edge and Sense, Entelizone, Entelicloud, Earthright Dashboard and its next-generation HVAC controllers, Red5. These best-in-class IoT and AI-enabled smart building solutions deliver accurate data while improving connectivity, efficiency, ease of use, and versatility.

According to Frost and Sullivan, the extensive range of advanced products enables Delta Controls to achieve a robust global presence with a network of partners in over 80 countries worldwide, and an outstanding financial performance. This impressive operational and financial performance set Delta Controls apart in the industry and made it the preferred vendor in various sectors, such as healthcare, hospitality, education, and leisure buildings.

“Despite diverse market hurdles and a challenging economic environment, Delta Controls demonstrates positive financial performance, reaching 6% organic growth in the United States and 4% worldwide in 2023,” said Viswesh Vancheeshwar, Industry Principal of Energy and Environment Growth Opportunity Analytics at Frost & Sullivan.

The cornerstone of Delta Controls’ success lies in its unwavering growth strategy and relentless commitment to customer satisfaction. The company’s in-house technical specialists are available 24 hours a day for online and in-person consultations to support customers and optimise the use of its solutions. Additionally, customers can contact company representatives for assistance through online ticket submissions or live chat to obtain customised plans for their business needs.

Moreover, the company’s R&D spending outpaces its closest competitors’ investments, allowing Delta Controls to rapidly innovate and develop highly differentiated products that offer easy installation and straightforward use. As a result, numerous customers and partners recognise the company’s solutions for their significant business impact. This dedication to technological advancement and customer service excellence positions Delta Controls at the forefront of its industry

“Delta Controls’ industry-leading solutions enable clients to optimize building functions, achieve effective building asset management, and position the company for further market growth,” noted Maksym Beznosiuk, Best Practices Research Analyst at Frost & Sullivan.

Veridos, a global provider of identity solutions, has delivered advanced ePassports to Latvia in collaboration with the Portuguese state printer INCM.

The ID documents, which for the first time include Veridos’ innovative security features CLIP ID Echo, Amber ID, Diamond ID and Spectre ID, are among the highest quality ePassports in Europe.

In addition to the documents, the collaboration with the Latvian authorities includes the supply of the central personalization system as well as support and maintenance services over a period of five years.

The ePassports feature the security technology known as CLIP ID Echo, a repeated portrait and biographical data of the cardholder, such as date of birth or ID number, that is only visible from certain angles. The technology is an evolution of CLIP ID (Color Laser Image Protected ID), an integrated solution that adds vivid color photos to the next generation of polycarbonate ID documents. It combines secure laser engraving with brilliant, durable image printing for maximum flexibility in the production and personalization process.

This new generation of ePassports includes three new innovative security features that combine transparent window and stripe elements with unique materials, personalized data and special effects: Amber ID, Diamond ID and Spectre ID.

Amber ID revolutionizes document personalization by adding a metallic optically variable window with a positive-brilliant photo of the document holder that changes with color, light and viewing angle.

Diamond ID is part of the LOOK ID feature, a horizontal transparent stripe. Combined with the semi-transparent Amber ID windows, LOOK® ID offers a wide range of highly secure, dynamic features. Diamond ID is based on a special smart colour technology developed in collaboration with C.S.T (Crime Science Technology).

Spectre ID, breathes new life into static images by making them appear to move when the card is tilted. With Spectre ID, this special effect can now also be applied to the transparent window areas of cards and data pages in combination with the repeated holder’s image.

With the documents now delivered, Latvia is yet another country to benefit from Veridos’ state-of-the-art technology, enabling its citizens to travel safely and comfortably.

“Our ePassport demonstrates innovation, sophistication and redefines secure document authentication,” emphasizes Marc-Julian Siewert, CEO of Veridos. “The integration of a color photo represents a milestone in the development of security documents, seamlessly combining aesthetics with advanced security. Except for Germany, Latvia is the only country in the EU to offer their citizens an EU passport with a color photo on a polycarbonate datapage. This achievement underlines our long-standing partnership with Latvia, which is relying on Veridos’ expertise to provide advanced security features”.

ASSA ABLOY has signed an agreement to acquire Amecor, a South African manufacturer of security communication equipment.

“This constitutes a next step in our strategy to further strengthen our position in this important market,” says Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.

“The Amecor team has a 30-year history in the South African security sector with a suite of reliable and leading products in the alarm segment. Amecor will reinforce our long-term commitment to the South African and Sub-Saharan markets and there are numerous synergies with our electronic security solutions business, that will add great benefit to our customers,” says Neil Vann, Executive Vice President of ASSA ABLOY and Head of EMEIA Division.

Amecor was established in 1994 and has some 120 employees. The main office and factory are located in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Sales for 2022 amounted to about MEUR 15 with a strong EBIT-margin.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the second quarter of 2024.