Morpho enters into Canadian and French air spaces

Editor / Provider: Morpho | Updated: 4/12/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Morpho Detection, the explosives and narcotics detection business of Morpho, Safran's security unit, announced a five-year standing order from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) valued at up to $100 million.

Under terms of the agreement, Morpho Detection will supply high, medium, and low-speed and Over-length explosives detection systems (EDS) in support of CATSA's next-generation baggage screening program. The first delivery order will deploy eight compact CTX 5800 and four high-speed CTX 9800 DSi to airports in Canada this year.

Both CTX 5800 and CTX 9800 are certified by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and approved by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) as meeting European Union Standard 3 requirements.

Morpho announced its Itemiser DX desktop explosives trace detection system has been certified by the Service Technique de l'Aviation Civile [1] (STAC) in France.

As a result of this certification, the sixth by a global regulatory agency, Itemiser DX is now available to quickly and accurately screen cabin and hold baggage, passengers, and cargo for explosives at airports throughout France.

Itemiser DX incorporates Morpho's ITMS trace technology into a lightweight, portable desktop system that can detect residue from explosives on skin, clothing, parcels, bags, cargo, vehicles and other surfaces. In addition to STAC, Itemiser DX has been approved by the US TSA, the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, the Italian Department of Transport, U.K. Department for Transport, and the U.K. Home Office Scientific Development Branch.

The availability of Itemiser DX and the handheld MobileTrace ETD system, certified by STAC in 2012, gives airports in France a single partner to provide advanced trace detection solutions to meet the most demanding security programs and challenges.

[1] The civil aviation technical center of the French civil aviation authority, STAC tests and certifies security technology and solutions for use at airports in France

Moscow airport watches over cargo area and passenger terminal with 2,100 eyes

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/22/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Moscow's Vnukovo airport installed an IP-based video surveillance system consisting of 2,100 Axis Communications IP cameras to ensure a high level of security and monitor its two terminals. German consultant EcoProg was commissioned to design and implement the integrated security system at the passenger and cargo terminals that cover 32.7 hectares (327,000 square meters). The company has operated as an engineering contractor for Vnukovo airport since 2004.

“Airport security and safety cannot be ensured without installation of an intelligent security system,” said Dmitry Shmakov, Head of the Security Department for Vnukovo Airport. “One such system was installed for the 'A' and 'Cargo' terminals.”

EcoProg installed Axis cameras in the checking and registration zones, passport and custom check areas, lobby, halls, entrances exits, elevators, stairways and parking. The maintenance dispatch center monitors elevators, travelators, cargo conveyors and other process equipment, and automated workplaces. This equipment ensures fast response in case of incidents and helps reduce possible negative effects.

The network cameras pre-recording mode support 30 seconds buffer, while intelligent software supports motion detection, virtual cross-line detection, unattended cargo detection, and identification in check zones and registration zones. If unauthorized persons try to enter the terminal outside of the checking zone, a cross-line detector automatically triggers video recording and initiates transmission of video and audio data to airport security service in real-time.

The cameras also integrate with other security systems, including automatic fire-fighting equipment. When the fire alarm system produces an alarm signal, the fire safety station operator receives images from cameras located closest to the alarm area and evacuation routes. Taking into account the large size of the terminals, the new security system assists in decision-making, differentiation of false alarms and effective evacuation in emergency cases.

New Zealand airport tightens access for personnel and temp visitors

Editor / Provider: CEM Systems | Updated: 3/19/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

New Zealand's Auckland Airport will be installing an access control management system from CEM Systems (a Tyco Security Products company). More than 70 percent of visitors enter or leave the country via this airport, which handles more than 14 million passengers a year, making smooth security and daily operations a necessity. ADT New Zealand is the integrator for the project, covering the airport's domestic and international terminals.

According to Andrew Fulton, Senior Director for Global Sales at CEM, the access control system has been deployed to secure airports around the world for more than 20 years. The system for Auckland Airport will utilize software modules, including visual imaging and pass production, allowing security personnel to produce passes and access rights for staff and visitors. A visitor management component is also included, which will enable users to request and manage temporary cardholders via a standard Web browser. In addition, a time and attendance module will be installed, offering easy-to-read reports of employee attendance.

The airport will also use a failover server to create a system with a high level of redundancy. In the event of server failure, the failover server provides the ability to create and maintain a copy of the main server, and takes over until the main server is restored. The use of portable card readers was crucial to the project win. These readers enable on-site security staff to validate cards at remote sites or areas with no mains power supply, and they can also be used as mobile devices for random checks in emergency evacuations.

“The CEM portable readers will enable us to manage the system switchover without any loss of access integrity,” said David Tombs, National Manager for Commercial Accounts, ADT. “We will also be using existing cabling at the airport to complete the installation, keeping the project cost-effective and delivered on time.”

Two Japanese airports pilot ultrasonic fingerprint scanning

Editor / Provider: Securiport | Updated: 9/5/2012 | Article type: Infrastructure

Airports around the world are faced with two daunting tasks—maintaining rigorous levels of security and delaying passengers as little as possible. In the years following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, airport security has been heightened, not only in the U.S. but around the world. Most officials and passengers alike agree that security is an important concern, yet many security measures end up detaining passengers, or else prove to be overly invasive. As airports seek methods for balancing these two concerns, many of them are turning to the burgeoning field of biometric scanning. Most recently, biometric scanning has been the subject of experimentation in a pair of prominent Japanese airports—prompting the attention of Securiport, a company that provides state of the art immigration control systems.

Biometric scanning refers to the identification of passengers on the basis of behavioral or physiological characteristics. Examples range from retina scanners to handprint scanners. Two major Japanese airports have begun a trial, experimenting with biometric scanning systems and seeking to determine whether this methodology might provide an accurate and efficient way of spotting potential security risks, all while expediting immigration control processes.

Securiport is a company that is passionate about the advantages offered by biometric scanning technology. Securiport's Integrated Immigration Control System (IICS) is a standard-setting immigration system, making use of advanced biometric ultrasonic fingerprint scanners. The company believes this technology to be both non-invasive and peerlessly accurate. Securiport has responded to the Japanese trials with a new statement to the press.

"Immigration control systems are being put to the test with the increasing amount of people flying around the world," says the Securiport press statement. "To keep up with passenger demand these systems have to be fast and efficient. In other words, processing times per passenger have to be reduced without compromising security."

Securiport goes on to note that ultrasonic fingerprint scanning technology is singularly effective in meeting these ambitious goals. "Biometric ultrasonic technology is the way to go," the company's statement affirms. "It's 99.9 percent accurate, much faster than conventional optical scanning devices, and better suited for immigration control systems. Our Integrated Immigration Control System provides exactly that—a fast, dependable, non-intrusive system, capable of dealing with increases in demand as efficiently as possible."

The purpose of the Japanese trials is to determine how accurate and effective biometric scanners can be. In the trial, passengers who agree to participate will have their photos taken and their fingerprints scanned. This information will then be compared against the biometric data stored in their passports.

ImageWare to Provide Ecuador Port Biometric Capability

Editor / Provider: ImageWare Systems | Updated: 6/29/2012 | Article type: Infrastructure

ImageWare Systems has been selected as the exclusive provider of biometric identity management for a prime contractor responsible for the implementation of cargo scanning security at seaports in the Republic of Ecuador. While the full value of the contract cannot be immediately determined since it will be partially based on the eventual number of credentials issued during the seven year prime contract, it is expected to exceed $3 million. The award follows a similar contract ImageWare received earlier this year from the Los Angeles World Airports, operators of LAX and two other regional airports.

The initial deployment of ImageWare's biometric identity solution is planned to commence during the fourth quarter of 2012 at the Port of Guayaquil, the main seaport that handles the majority of Ecuador's imports and exports. The implementation is intended to help the country's port authorities satisfy the requirements of the U.S. Safe Port Act of 2006. Since global seaports have historically inspected less than 5 percent of the containers imported into the U.S., congress passed the Safe Port Act to protect U.S. seaports from various security threats.

More than 700 ports worldwide that export to the U.S. must comply with the act before July 1, 2012, which stipulates that all containers loaded on a foreign port cannot enter the U.S. unless scanned by both radiation detection and non-intrusive imaging equipment at the foreign port prior to loading on a vessel.

“As the world's security needs expand, our channel partners are realizing the unique value, power and flexibility of our patented multi-modal biometric solutions,” said Jim Miller, ImageWare chairman and CEO. “This includes a turn-key solution based on a seamlessly integrated single platform, which allows for both small and large scale enrollments, and the fusion of multi-biometric inputs resulting in a higher degree of authentication. Building upon two recent successful and major contract wins related to port security, we are aggressively pursuing a vast number of similar opportunities in the global market.”

Unwind Metro Security

Editor / Provider: Tevin Wang | Updated: 7/4/2012 | Article type: Infrastructure

Mass transit systems, by nature, are open to everyone. Multiple entrances and exits designed to move large quantities of riders, oftentimes in closed quarters, make metro stations particularly vulnerable. “It is important to understand the operational complexities of the environment when considering the security and safety of passengers and operations,” said Skip Dunnett, Threat, Vulnerability and Risk Consultant at Digital Barriers.

A security system can only be reliable if it is comprehensive in design, with various inputs and perspectives from all stakeholders. “Multiple parties, including transit authorities, local municipalities and emergency responders, are typically involved throughout the planning and design process for metropolitan subways, making it crucial for a security integrator to communicate closely with each party,” said Jeremy Brecher, VP of Technology Services, Diebold Security.

“A better and more productive approach is to include safety professionals such as health and safety representatives, public safety officers and fire control officers from the onset. While safety systems are not generally designed to provide physical protection, they can offer aspects of security such as threat identification and scene change awareness,” Dunnett added.

Harsh Environments
Subways can be harsh for security systems, in terms of high/low temperatures, heat, constant vibration and dust/debris. Such environmental challenges must be considered throughout all stages of security, life safety and risk mitigation planning and implementation.

“In addition to potentially requiring more frequent maintenance, harsh conditions can also impact the effective operation of security equipment,” Brecher said. “The trains and rail equipment can cause radio frequency/electromagnetic-field interference, for instance, and being underground makes connectivity through wireless technologies and security backhauls difficult as well. This is more the reason to ensure that technology is selected with careful consideration of all factors.”

After identifying the risks, integrators must look to install technologies that have been proven to operate effectively in harsh conditions to prevent costly maintenance or even failure. “To ensure reliability, all electrical equipment must have ruggedized design,” said Armine Beybutyan, Product Sales and Marketing Manager, Korenix Technology (A Beijer Electronics Group Company).

Operation versus Security
In transportation, anything adversely affecting passenger flow is regarded as negative. Compared to the aviation sector, there are no constant screenings at metro stations, if there are any, which illustrates the limited resources earmarked for transit authorities. According to USA Today, more than $30 billion has been allocated for aviation security since 9/11, compared to $1.7 billion for subway, passenger rail, cargo rail, bus and ferry security all combined.

“Metro stations are open, and no one can really stop you if you have a load of weapons or explosives,” said Danny Peleg, Director of Market Development for Transportation at Genetec. “Unlike airport security where each passenger has to show up an hour before boarding for screening, the challenge for metros is to ensure security without disrupting operation or service. So you really need to think about security measures that can actually be implemented.”

The constant changes in metro stations also make it difficult to react or respond. “Unlike safety equipment and procedures that are normally seen as nuisances and dictated by regulations, security is an area where risk management can be applied,” Dunnett said. “Although there is usually some form of input into metro security from government departments, this is normally in the form of advice and guidance and relies on the operator to act proactively. In contrast, there is commonly a zero tolerance to unsafe practices. Given that protective security can often require a huge range of differing standards of protection based on the same threat scenario, it is not surprising that mass transportation security managers and planners employ a great deal of risk tolerance when it comes to the implementation of security.”

Effective Coverage
It is often difficult to have effective coverage over an entire station. “You're dealing with a lot of equipment spread over an extensive area,” Brecher said. “Security managers can often achieve better results if they cover the most vulnerable areas, including entryways, critical areas and so on, instead of trying to cover the whole system, which has the downside of spreading resources too thin.”

Roger Dong, Director, Product Marketing and Business Development China, Bosch Security Systems, agreed. “No matter how few or how many cameras a system uses, monitoring everything effectively presents a serious challenge. Even observing just a single screen for long periods pushes concentration to the limit; after only 20 minutes, an operator can miss as much as 90 percent of the activity in a scene.”

The best form of defense is thus “attack.” “It is better to identify a number of minor incidents that can be analyzed to give warnings and indications of potential problems than to wait for a major incident to unfold,” Dunnett said. “The proactive tracking of incidents of security interest can allow security staff and managers to detect areas of potential risk and to take preemptive action to reduce vulnerability."

Through coordination and integration, safety systems can be better utilized to support security processes and procedures. “A safety system installed to control overcrowding on the metro platform can be utilized to monitor suspicious activity and thus add to the threat awareness picture. The use of passenger-counting analytics across the surveillance system can highlight not only unsafe overcrowding in ticket halls but can also draw attention to building disquiet in these areas during periods of tension such as the transiting of opposing football supporters,” Dunnett said. “Furthermore, the integration and utilization of safety equipment are not only cost-effective but also provide a subtle way by which security can be introduced without being intrusive. The general public can be uncomfortable with overt surveillance equipment but will feel at ease with the same amount of cameras being present for safety reasons.”

To cope with compounded security and safety threats, a wide range of security and safety systems, including fire alarm, public address and evacuation, video surveillance, intrusion detection and access control, must be in place. “The implemented technology needs to be flexible enough to address different circumstances,” Dong said.

Samsung Introduces Video-Optimized Ethernet Switches

Editor / Provider: Samsung Techwin | Updated: 6/14/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Fast speeds, high performance and system intelligence are just a few of the features available on new Video Optimized Ethernet Switches introduced today by Samsung Techwin America. Developed in-house to maintain cost competitiveness, the new Samsung iES4028FP L2 and the iBG2016 L3 Ethernet Switches provide PoE and/or non-PoE switching ports in a single RU chassis with a choice of 10/100/1000 uplink speeds as well as a full suite of WAN connectivity. Advanced QoS (quality of service) features ensure minimal latency and maximum bandwidth utilization while on-board intelligence allows up to 36 switches to be managed in a logical group using a single IP address.

“Samsung's new Ethernet Switches offer powerful functionality and ensured reliability for mission critical video surveillance systems at a competitive price,” said Dr. Edward Wassall, CTO IP Product Development / Application Engineering, North America. “The Ethernet Switches easily integrate with existing or new systems, and are a further reflection of Samsung's commitment to developing robust, standards based intelligent solutions for the network video surveillance applications.”

The high performance 10/100 Layer 2 and Layer 3 Ethernet switches, with gigabit options, offer 24 ports that can be managed from anywhere on the network through a standard web browser. Both port-based and 802.1Q (tagged-based) VLAN configurations as well as layer 3 IP based VLAN's are supported with additional capabilities for monitoring traffic and managing multicast groups as well as QoS for IP telephony. PoE is supported in all access ports. Other supported protocols include L2-L4 ACL, Radius, TACACS+, SSH, SSL, 8021x based port security and DHCP snooping.

Already a key player in network video surveillance systems with its iPOLiS cameras and devices, the addition of the ieS4028 and the iBG2016 switches positions Samsung and its reseller partners to better serve the security industry's migration to a networked platform.

Vivotek Going Vertical

Editor / Provider: Vivotek | Updated: 6/5/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Vivotek continues to invest tremendously in the transportation vertical market to continue strengthening its worldwide marketshare in 2012.

In Q1, Vivotek delivered a speech during Annual Urban Transport tradeshow, while in Q2, Vivotek exhibited at the Annual Modern Railway show. Vivotek was one of the top sponsors for both events held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Through participation in these events, Vivotek has established strong contacts with various transit authorities, urban planning professionals, and key industry players throughout Asia. Market leaders from a wide range of organizations, corporations, government entities, and many more expressed strong interest in Vivotek‘s mobile dome series, a compact, 2-Megapixel network camera product line geared toward transportation applications such as buses, trains, and other vehicles.

"We are pleased to receive such positive feedback and compliments on our mobile dome models, which we are confident that will bring great benefits to the transportation vertical market," said William Ku, Director the of Brand Business Division at Vivotek. "Vivotek takes pride in delivering high-performance products and the best solutions for members of the security industry."

The Vivotek mobile dome series currently includes MD7530, MD7560, and MD8562.

All mobile domes from Vivotek feature full EN50155 compliance & IP67-rated design, which enables the cameras to withstand shock, vibration, humidity, dust, and temperature fluctuations, maintaining stable and reliable video during vehicle movement. Furthermore, the vandal-proof metal housing effectively provides robust protection from vandalism. The tamper detection function is available on all mobile dome models as well.

Findings from IMS Research's latest report suggest the network camera market for trains and trams is forecasted to grow at over 20 percent over the next five years. The transition from analog to network video surveillance equipment is also reportedly forecasted to grow more than 7 percent in the train and tram sector.

Vivotek has recently successfully complete transportation projects in Brazil, China, Czech Republic, France, Hong Kong and Spain.

Vivotek will be exhibiting at the Transport Security Expo 2012 show in Olympia, London from November 14 to November 15 this (booth number A24). Live demonstration of Vivotek mobile domes and their applications in transportation will be available.

Changing Role of the Security Consultant

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Honeywell Security | Updated: 5/8/2012 | Article type: Hot Topics

The increasingly significant role of IT in the security space, in the ongoing evolution from analog to IP-based security solutions, has had profound effects on the different stakeholder groups. It has affected manufacturers in the range of solutions that the market demands, installers in the technical, business and sales competencies to sell, deploy and support security systems, and end users who are grappling with more powerful but, in some cases, more complicated technology.

Yet as the industry's ecosystem has seen its modus operandi shaken up by IP, it has equally taken significant steps toward embracing it. Manufacturers are offering more free training courses to installers to provide insight into the features, functionality and benefits of IP, and installers, hungry to better incorporate IP-based solutions into their own businesses, are readily taking up such offers. Equally enthusiastic about understanding and evangelizing the benefits of IP are security consultants.

For many years, independent security consultants have provided a highly sought-after service to customers looking to invest in solutions to protect their organizations. Unlike manufacturers, or installers who are typically loyal to one, security consultants are vendor agnostic, focused on providing a set of impartial recommendations based on a client's specific needs. Traditionally, security consultants support risk managers in drawing up a tender list and procuring the right solution at the most competitive price.

However, as with other areas of the security industry, the growing prevalence of IP has reshaped the role of the security consultant. In contrast to a decade ago, as more security systems run over IP networks, the traditional audience of a consultant — the security or facilities manager — is increasingly joined by a tech-savvy, IT manager. This is a radical shift in thinking and approach for consultants who have built a business around site managers reliant on their understanding of the technology.

IT managers understand the technology quickly and easily. An IP network is bread and butter to an IT technician, and implementing and managing the software associated with the process is just another addition to their ongoing application lifecycle portfolio. This shift has prompted consultants to evolve by immersing themselves in IT terminology and honing their technical expertise to be able to advise an IT-focused audience just as effectively as with facilities managers. In addition, as IP solutions are evolving at a much quicker rate than traditional analog products, the need to keep abreast of technology advances and developments is a challenge that consultants have had to cope with.

Consultant programs have proven to be an effective way for specifiers and consulting engineers to keep on top of the trends and gain an insight into how IP can deliver effective, integrated, easy-to-manage and future-proof security solutions to a wider range of deployment scenarios. In some cases, training results in tangible qualifications for participants. Another key driver behind attendance at these sessions is the desire among consultants to understand rapidly evolving legal requirements, such as EN regulations, governing the installation, specification and operation of intrusion detectors and alarms. This is a particular area of focus for consultants, with further standards for video surveillance and access control expected from the BSIA and CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) in the coming years.

The intertwining of IT and security is also influencing the recruitment strategies implemented by security consultants; they are increasingly hiring staff with advanced qualifications in IT, and encouraging IT skills development among their employee base to ensure these essential competencies are embedded at the very heart of their business.

Another more subtle impact of technological advances in changing the role of the security consultant is the way in which some specifiers have started to refocus their core business on addressing the higher end of the market. For larger organizations, a new or upgraded security system can represent millions of dollars of investment; a bad decision can prove costly. Again, as security increasingly becomes the purview of both facilities and IT managers in tandem, both with a respective skills gap, the need for an independent, third party to provide the necessary advice and assurance to both sides of the house is growing.

As the industry at large has responded to the tectonic shifts brought about by the onset of IP, independent organizations have worked hard to do the same. Boosted by an insatiable appetite for information and education, a determination to stay relevant in the coming decades, and a willingness to adapt, the future has never been brighter for security consultants and specifiers.

Promising Verticals in Italy

Editor / Provider: the Editorial Team | Updated: 4/27/2012 | Article type: Hot Topics

The most promising verticals in Italy for video surveillance are green energy sites. Blessed with the sunny Mediterranean climate, Italy has many photovoltaic parks that need to safeguard solar panels. Other hot applications include public video monitoring; critical infrastructure such as transportation, airports and ports; traffic control and health care.

Technology upgrades and life cycle replacements of security systems will promote the steady expansion of the Italian physical security market, particularly in the airport and critical infrastructure including mass transport, roads, subways, tunnels and schools, said Frost & Sullivan in a prepared statement. Upcoming events, such as the World Expo in 2015 in Milan, will spur spending to boost passenger throughput at airports, railways, seaports and along roads.

The Italian market is expected to grow from $173.6 million in 2010 to $352.5 million in 2015, reaching a peak of $432 million in 2012, according to Frost & Sullivan. Market opportunities revolve around critical infrastructure projects with a total investment of more $822.9 million over the forecast period for this domain, followed by a total of $513.5 million for airport security and $512.8 million for oil and gas.

Made in Italy
The Italian security market is characterized by high fragmentation of products and a mixture of manufacturers and integrators. This hinders data gathering. Usually, brands target installers — around 2,500 in Italy — through distributors or wholesalers. While major brands choose a "polarization strategy" to acquire greater market share, innovation-oriented players move from integration to OEM for the very same brands.

Nevertheless, several brave “Made in Italy” companies independently manage the whole manufacturing process. It is not by chance that the Italian security industry relies on a long-lasting tradition of techno- logical excellence, exported all over the world.

These companies exhibit innovation, high quality and functional performance. An emphasis on design and usability makes these solutions unique. The sum of these elements defines “Made in Italy” quality and the pursuit of continuous improvement. This is influenced by the 1970s school of thought for electronic safety, with an emphasis on simplicity, usability and the actual needs of the user. Such focus is reflected in excellent design, conceived as more than aesthetics. It is aimed at functionality, with user- and installer-friendly software applications. The use of eco-friendly components and materials with reduced energy consumption is now the emerging trend of Italian security, thanks to a greater awareness of environmental issues and government incentives.

Recession Redux
Italy's debt crisis is in the global spotlight, as Italians and European investors hold their breath. As a consequence, there is widespread uncertainty chilling the investment climate in the short term. From this derives the need to collect payment. More small and mid-size business owners have postponed electronic security purchases in favor of immediately profitable investments.

In order to tackle this situation, vendors are diversifying both their offerings and target markets to compensate for losses. They are trying to maintain investments, stay flexible and preserve company liquidity. Manufacturers who target the professional market strive to ensure the best performance with high technology and quality brands. Other vendors who serve the residential market highlight extreme simplicity and competitive prices. It is clear that the two markets will not develop in the same way.

The ability to innovate for the professional market with distinctive products offers a competitive advantage that enables recovery of a margin against mass production. Moreover, it is necessary to start aggregative policies: creating consortiums, temporary company associations similar to short-time joint ventures and purchase groups. It is imperative to form strategic alliances with vendors who were considered competitors. Bringing in expertise from ICT, electronics and BA leverages the benefits of an integrated approach.