Security Systems News

NOV 2017

Security Systems News is a monthly business newspaper that reaches 25,100 security installers, product distributors, central stations, engineers & architects, and security consultants. Our editorial coverage focuses on breaking news in all major se

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briefs www.securitysystemsnews.com NOVEMBER 2017 SECURITY SYSTEMS NEWS suppliers 32 By Paul Ragusa DALLS—Dahua Technology USA, a manufacturer of video sur- veillance solutions, announced at ASIS 2017 here a comprehensive set of cybersecurity initiatives that have been underway for most of 2017. In the recent light of the physical security industry's continued challenge to safeguard against attempted hacks to their surveillance and security sys- tems, Dahua has further fortified its support and resources to help industry professionals overcome cybersecurity issues. "We are taking this very seri- ously," Janet Fenner, head of marketing for Dahua North America, told Security Systems News during a booth visit at ASIS. "Every new Dahua product has a strict set of cybersecurity guide- PSA Security Network named distributor of Sharp INTELLOS robots MONTVALE, N.J.—Sharp Robotics Business Development (SRBD), a divi- sion of Sharp Electronics Corporation (SEC), announced the appointment of PSA Security Network as an autho- rized distributor of the Sharp INTELLOS Automated Unmanned Ground Vehicle (A-UGV). The Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV is a multi-terrain, mobile sensor platform that can capture video, audio and envi- ronmental data, while providing a vis- ible deterrent. The data provided by the Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV can enhance outdoor surveillance, security, safety and maintenance inspections, which help organizations meet the challenges of an ever-changing security landscape by augmenting a skilled guard force. "PSA's network of security integrators has a stellar reputation for vetting emerg- ing technologies and staying educated on the next great opportunities for the industry," Cliff Quiroga, VP of SRBD, said in the announcement. "Prior to the launch of the Sharp INTELLOS A-UGV, PSA has been a resource for product development input. Further, PSA's progressive thinking about autonomous robotics for security was evident when they joined with Sharp in the sponsorship of Robolliance and played host to the forum's announcement in May 2016. It's a natural progression that the PSA Security Network would be our first authorized distributor." "We believe that security robotics is set to change the course of the secu- rity industry as we know it today," Bill Bozeman, president and CEO of PSA Security Network, said in the announce- ment. "We are pleased to affiliate with Sharp and be the first distributor helping to make robotic applications a reality to systems integrators." Assa Abloy highlights new tech at ASIS 2017 DALLAS—New technologies that assist architects, end users and distributors in installation, planning and support were on full display at the Assa Abloy booth at ASIS 2017 here in late September, com- plete with hands-on demonstrations. One such technology is Augmented Reality (AR), which provides a holo- graphic overlay onto the physical world. By wearing a headset, users are able to work in a real space as they virtually view the installation of products onto an actual opening. "Our Augmented Reality demonstra- tion highlights how this technology might be applied in the future as wearables get more compact," Leslie Saunders, VP, cus- tomer experience, Assa Abloy Americas, said in the announcement. "While our display highlights the installation process, one day we see people utilizing this for product selection." Dahua launches latest cybersecurity efforts By Paul Ragusa CHELMSFORD, Mass.—Axis Communications, a global leader in network video based here, opened its newest Axis Experience Center (AEC) in Irving, Texas, at a grand opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting event held on Sept. 26, in conjunction with the ASIS 2017 conference and expo held in Dallas. The 7,100 square foot AEC features a 30-person training center, multiple state-of-the-art conference rooms, which can collectively hold up to 25 people. The space features solutions in realistic demo areas for key verti- cal markets in the South Central business area, including retail, education, gaming and critical infrastructure. The space includes more than 60 Axis devices includ- ing cameras, access control, audio, analytics and intercom. "The opening of this AEC is taking us closer to our goal of bringing Axis solutions closer to our customers and partners," Fredrik Nilsson, VP, Americas, Axis Communications, said at the grand opening ribbon-cutting event. "The Irving AEC symbol- izes our growth and our vision of innovating for a smarter, safer world." The center will primarily serve as a hub for the 22 team members in the South Central business area, including 10 office-based employ- ees. The South Central business area includes Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and southern Mississippi. "I'm excited to be a part of the grand opening of the Irving AEC. I've been with Axis for more than nine years and have seen the company grow into what it is today," Steve Darragh, business area director, South Central, Axis Communications, said at the unveiling. "The opening of Axis' sixth AEC in North America truly solidifies Axis as a leader in the industry." The locations of Axis' North A m e r i c a n A E C s i n c l u d e California, Chicago, Mexico, Canada, the North American headquarters in Massachusetts and its newest AEC in Texas. Axis also plans to open additional locations. Axis also unveiled at ASIS its new network radar technology for accurate area detection—the AXIS D2050-VE Network Radar Detector—which was named recipient of 2017 ASIS Accolade Security's Best Award. "We're excited to release the AXIS D2050-VE Network Radar Detector as it expands our prod- uct portfolio and, most impor- tantly, addresses customer needs for reliable perimeter and area detection," Nilsson said in the product's announcement. "Radar helps close a gap in security systems as it offers great area coverage, detects movement with high accuracy and reduces false alarms." SSN lines that we have developed to provide complete lockdown for that product." Fenner pointed to the impor- tance and need for industry professionals to employ cyber- security best practices, especially with the previous vulnerabil- ity issues Dahua faced back in March. "Dahua issued a firmware patch that fixed this specific prob- lem in March 2017 and alerted customers to install new firmware patches," she said in a prepared statement. "Cybersecurity is an on-going and increasingly concerning issue that requires a proactive approach. Our latest cybersecu- rity initiatives and best-practices recommendations demonstrate our ongoing attention to this issue." She pointed out that the vul- nerability issue faced by Dahua and other leading surveillance manufacturers contin- ues to persist as hack- ers deploy automated scripts to uncover old firmware that uses default passwords. Once the hackers locate this firmware they can easily access devices in the host's network, such as dimming cam- eras' brightness, which leads customers to believe that their cameras are not operating prop- erly, according to the company. Moving forward Dahua will be implementing new cybersecurity initiatives incorporated into its products on a global basis. According to the press release, "This significant and broad- based investment will further bolster the resistance of net- worked surveillance devices from cyber-attacks, and support global efforts to strengthen cybersecu- rity procedures and strategies in the face of increasing frequency and intensity of network pen- etrations." The cybersecurity initiative from Dahua includes a wide range of activities designed to improve the security of video sur- veillance products themselves, as well as to improve the security of broader processes, including installation, deployment, and ongoing management. For cur- By Paul Ragusa BETHESDA, Md.—Steve Van Till, co-founder, president and CEO of Brivo, a cloud services provider, recently published a book: The Five Technological Forces Disrupting Security: How Cloud, Social, Mobile, Big Data and IoT are Transforming Physical Security in the Digital Age. The book explores the major technological forces driving digital disruption in the security industry, and what they foretell for the future. "It's not a textbook or a 'how to' manual," Van Till told Security Systems News. "It's a story of how the biggest forces in global technology are intersecting with the security industry." The book provides a high- level perspective on how the industry is changing as a whole, as well as practical guidance on how to incorpo- rate these new technologies to create better security solutions. "It's written for a broad audience, with a slight bias toward security professionals in the end user community who want to understand the technology changes that are affecting their options and futures in security systems," he explained. The book also examines key questions on how these new technologies have lowered barriers for new entrants in the field and how they are likely to change market dynamics and affect customer choices, he said, noting that the book is set in the context of one of the early dot-com companies to enter physical security, so the narrative is written for professionals from CSOs and systems integrators to product managers and investors. "I also wanted the book to speak to people who are new to the industry and want to get their bearings on technology adoption and change," Van Till said. "We all wring our hands from time to time about how we can recruit more tal- ent into the security industry, and I think that we need to show people that our industry provides the environment for a dynamic technology and business career." Van Till said the book shows practitioners how to align security strategies with these inevitable changes; examines how the consumerization of security will change the vendor playing field; illustrates how security professionals can lever- age these changes in their own careers; and provides an adop- tion scorecard that ranks trends and timeline for impact. SSN Axis opens Experience Center Janet Fenner DAHUA see page 33 Brivo's Steve Van Till publishes new book

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