Security Systems News

JAN 2018

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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Children and families in crisis across the USA need our help – and yours. And as a 501(c)(3) organization, Mission 500 now has even greater flexibility to work with local charities to better support existing and new sponsors and volunteers. But even with over 1100 children sponsored and many acts of charity performed to date, there's still a great deal of work to be done. Get involved today! Visit mission500.org for more information. Supporting Families Across America NEWS By Spencer Ives YA R M O U T H , M a i n e — A D T recently finalized its acquisition of DATASHIELD, which will operate under the newly formed brand ADT Cybersecurity. In Security Systems News' most recent poll, traditional security companies see a space in the cybersecurity world. "Cyber is merely another dimen- sion of security. The security pro- fessional who chooses to ignore a dimension will quickly find them- selves on the wrong end of an attack and likely unemployed," Nick Weber, security manager with Grant County Public Utility District, said. Many respondents—56 per- cent—agree with Weber; physical security companies can't ignore the need for cybersecurity, while an additional 36 percent said it depends on a company's approach. Eight percent said that cybersecu- rity is really a problem for IT people. "It has always been a very spe- SSN readers weigh in on physical security's place in cybersecurity cialized division of IT. It's tempting for the physical security industry to diversify, but alas we just can't do everything well. That being said, we need to make sure we aren't creat- ing vulnerabilities in our clients networks when installing mobile products and cloud solutions," one reader said. "Security companies cannot ignore the potential for additional RMR by offering cybersecurity services, provided that they are prepared and equipped to accept the responsibility of negative con- sequences," another respondent wrote. There are problems in not offer- ing cybersecurity, a reader implied. "We cannot ignore IoT & cyber- security anymore. There are too many consequences for not doing more. We need to stay a couple steps ahead of those that want to harm industries, companies & end users." When it comes to entering the space, 50 percent said that a tra- ditional security company should contract or partner with a cyber- security firm. Forty-six percent said that companies should create a dedicated division, staffed with the right people. Four percent said physical security companies should stay out of cyber. "Industry participation really depends on the type of company involved, larger companies may be better suited to develop a dedicated division while smaller ones would likely benefit more for partnering with an existing cyber firm. Regard- less, a partnership is a great way to start and [a] necessary intermediate step," said Weber. "Not all IT professionals work- ing for dealers/integrators have the expertise needed to success- fully integrate cybersecurity with physical security products. To do Should dealers/ integrators provide cybersecurity? How can the industry participate in this space? Who is at fault for a breach? News Poll based on answers provided by respondents in November and December. Gene Miller of Cen-Signal talks home security G e n e M i l l e r, s a l e s r e p - r e s e n t a t i v e with Cen-Signal, has been with the company for 19 years, originally s t a r t i n g a s a n operator with the wholesale moni- toring center. The company is based in Columbus, Ga. Miller talked with Security Systems N e w s i n m i d - December about the security sys- tem he uses at home. What kind of security system do you have? I have a Honeywell Linx Touch 5100. It's an old system but it's a [good one]. It runs off a Wi-Fi card and I also have the Z-Wave smart card in there, and definitely have all of the smart home stuff I can get my hands on. I've got the thermostats, the lights. Why this particular setup? Back in the day, when I put it in, it was kind of revolutionary and Honeywell's always been a big part of our company. … I have a teenager at home and I definitely like the notifications that I get when it arms and disarms. Also, the ease of use was going to be the deciding factor on what I went with. What is one aspect of your security system that you wouldn't want to live without? The Total Connect app, the brand new app that they just came out with that has voice control. In addition, I travel a … lot and it's peace of mind for me to know that I can see if the system's armed; I can see when my child gets home in the afternoon from school, I can see that she arms it behind her. Where do you see security going next? What are some big trends? Where I see security going is more of a sideline to home auto- mation and smart home technology. I think it's always going to be present, I think the monitoring is always going to be there, but I think it's going to take a backseat to things like hubs, … where you have one central home feature. —Spencer Ives How I Use My s yste M Miller has a Honeywell Linx 5100 Poll see page 5 Together we can Educate Inspire Heal Nourish Children and families in crisis across the USA need our help – and yours. And as a 501(c)(3) organization, Mission 500 now has even greater flexibility to work with local charities to better support existing and new sponsors and volunteers. But even with over 1100 children sponsored and many acts of charity performed to date, there's still a great deal of work to be done. Get involved today! Visit mission500.org for more information. Supporting Families Across America SECURITY SYSTEMS NEWS Ja NU a RY 2018 www.securitysystemsnews.com NEWS 3

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