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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nedap, a global leader in security solutions, launched a SaaS access control system which brings convenience and security together in one solution. Access AtWork meets the needs of companies looking to replace their outdated on-premises systems with modern and easy-to-use software that provides better insights with less effort and smaller investments.

With 46 years of experience in access control, Nedap introduced the world’s first web-based on-premises solution—AEOS—in 2000. AEOS is currently used by over 25% of Europe’s top brands, particularly those organisations in critical infrastructure. The launch of Access AtWork signifies a shift in Nedap’s history of tackling the most complex security projects, now also opening doors for small to medium-sized enterprises wanting to unburden their IT teams while managing physical access across multiple sites. “Access AtWork is the perfect addition to our portfolio,” said Daniël Nijkamp, Proposition Lead of Access AtWork. “With both AEOS and Access AtWork® in our portfolio we are even better positioned to help organisations solve their access management challenges, no matter their size, complexity, or preference in software delivery.

When Convenience and Security Come Together

Access AtWork has a unique authorization model that enables administrators to manage access based on hierarchical teams and zones, concludes Daniël Nijkamp. “The combination of this smart authorisation engine with a highly intuitive interface makes it easy for multiple administrators to manage access across different sites without the need for expert training.”

In addition, this solution is GDPR compliant and offers top-notch security measures, including redundant and secure hosting of data in certified data centres within the European Union. As organisations evolve and expand, Access AtWork adapts effortlessly, and the subscription-based model reduces upfront costs, provides predictable fees, and automated updates, and lowers maintenance requirements.

Access AtWork is available now. Learn more about it here.

The global smart home security camera market size is expected to reach USD 30.10 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 19.2% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.

A combination of technological advancements and an increased emphasis on safety and security propels the significant growth in the market for smart home security cameras, according to analysts. They found that the emergence of the smart home ecosystem plays a pivotal role, with integration into other smart devices like doorbells, locks, and lighting systems forming a comprehensive and interconnected home security network. This not only enhances the functionality of individual devices but also contributes to the overall appeal of a smart and secure home.

 Affordability and Accessibility

 Heightened affordability and accessibility of smart home security cameras have made them more within reach for a wider consumer base. Intensified competition among manufacturers has resulted in more competitive pricing, further stimulating market growth. Particularly appealing to pet owners and caregivers of older individuals, these devices offer unique features and advantages. Smart cameras enable remote monitoring, allowing pet owners to keep a watchful eye on their pets and caregivers to supervise elderly family members from a distance. Real-time alerts and notifications furnish prompt information about potential security events, facilitating swift responses to emergencies. The seamless integration of smart cameras with broader smart home ecosystems augments the overall safety approach, ensuring seamless connectivity with other devices.

 Asia Pacific Markets Are Leading the Growth

 Some of the more prominent players in this market and included in the research are companies such as, ADT, Vivint, Simplisafe, Brinks Home Security, Xiaomi, Skylinkhome, Protect America, Samsung, Arlo, Nest Labs, Wyze Lab, Blink, Eufy and Ring. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.5% from 2023 to 2030. The region has witnessed widespread adoption of technology and high smartphone penetration. This technological savviness, coupled with the growing connectivity infrastructure, makes smart home security cameras more accessible and appealing to consumers.

Hikvision, a world-leading manufacturer and supplier of security products and solutions, has introduced, what is thought to be, the industry’s first 2 MP analogue cameras featuring an F1.0 aperture with the debut of the Colorvu Fixed Turret (DS-2CE70DF0T-MF) and Bullet (DS-2CE10DF0T-F) cameras.

These groundbreaking cameras provide high-quality, around-the-clock colour imaging with HD over analogue cabling for easy upgrade, 3D Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) technology, and extreme white light distance.

“Our new Colorvu 2 MP analogue over HD Cameras bring never-before-seen technology to the market, ensuring that security professionals can achieve the highest level of imaging performance without compromising their security budget,” said John Xiao, Vice President of Marketing, Hikvision USA. “With the ability to capture detailed, colour-rich imagery in even the most challenging lighting conditions 24/7 with Colorvu, these cameras set a new standard for situational awareness with extreme value.”

The new Colorvu Cameras each boast an impressive F1.0 aperture, allowing for full-colour imaging even in low-light conditions. Built-in 3D DNR technology further ensures that images are clean and sharp, reducing interference and noise for a more accurate representation of available surroundings. And with a white light distance of up to 65 feet, these cameras are engineered to provide bright and vivid night imaging, ensuring nothing goes unnoticed in the dark.

Both the Colorvu 2 MP Fixed Turret and Bullet camera feature a single port for four switchable signals, including TVI, AHD, CVI, and CVBS, and are water and dust-resistant for more durability in a wide range of environments.