ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas showcased the latest advancements in security technology, offering security professionals a glimpse into the future of the industry. This year's expo highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and enhanced integration. The pioneering comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals to the Venetian Convention Centre.  Integration into unified platforms Several companies emphasised the importance of cloud-based solutions and the integration of diverse security components into unified platforms. For example, Brivo's Security Suite provides “everything in one platform” – not just access control. Customers only pay for what they use because the system is flexible and scalable from a single door to enterprise level applications. Brivo’s suite includes video, but the system can also tie in with third-party “partners.” Genetec's Security Centre allows for more frequent updates through the cloud. Milestone is undergoing a two-year transition to bring its Xprotect system into the future by incorporating Arcules and Briefcam into a video-as-a service product. Suprema introduced BioStar X, which integrates access control and video analytics into a single platform. AI and mobile credentials  Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West 2025 Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West – Eagle Eye Networks, SecuriThings, and Wesco. They join the three partners announced during the first year of Axis Cloud Connect – Genetec, Kone (elevators) and Milestone. AI and mobile credentials were still hot topics at ISC West 2025, but the conversation has evolved beyond amazement at the technologies’ capabilities and now centres on more practical aspects. From the theoretical to the practical “AI and mobility are still the ‘flavors de jour,’ but messages are evolving to manifest AI for better outcomes,” says Heather Torrey, General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas, for Honeywell Building Automation. The company has reframed its security portfolio to be very building- and business-focused, continuing to grow and evolve after the recent acquisition of LenelS2. “From the theoretical to the practical, we want customers to be part of the conversation so we can deliver AI that is meaningful to them, focusing on what’s most important,” says Torrey. Under Honeywell’s new ownership structure, “each part of the business can be more focused on customers’ needs,” she says. Honeywell continues its journey around mobile access and credentialing and migrating to cloud solutions. Innovations in Access Control Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems Access control remains a critical component of security systems, and ISC West 2025 showcased several innovations in this area. Acre is releasing “Gallery,” its version of the App Store for access control. DormaKaba is launching the Keyscan KC Series door controller with TCP/IP connectivity and enhanced features. Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems. Johnson Controls highlighted its C-Cure command centre and C-Cure IQ web client, offering a unified approach to access control and video. Hardware integrations for security panels For service provider Alarm.com, hardware products prepare a path to greater customer experiences, says Abe Kinney, Alarm.com’s Director, Product Management, who oversees hardware integrations for security panels, sensors, video, etc., and drives new product development. “We are looking to bridge the physical world to digital world,” he says. “We want to bring an advantage to our dealers that they can bring to customers.” Because Alarm.com’s customers pay a monthly fee, the products must be durable and economical, says Kinney. “It should work with no need for truck rolls.” The importance of longevity and flexibility Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation. In particular, longevity is important for the Alarm.com’s pro channel. There is also a growing emphasis on deterrence industrywide. Says Kinney: “We recognise that detection is part of it, but we need to prevent problems from happening in the first place. And the industry is re-evaluating.” When it comes to cloud intelligence, Eagle Eye Networks puts the emphasis on flexibility. They offer AI that can perform anywhere on the system infrastructure, on the camera, on their on-site bridge device, or in the cloud. They support their own AI and also any AI product from a third party. “We focus on what customers want from the data AI detects,” says Hans Kahler, Eagle Eye Networks’ Chief Operating Officer. Integration with other systems A timely alert from gun detection could save a life, but AI can also generate information that might be used and analysed later, such as point-of-sale information, dwell time, foot traffic, etc. “What people want is the ability to work with the data for business intelligence,” says Kahler. Integration with other systems provides new opportunities for customers: For example, a licence plate reader at a restaurant drive-thru could trigger customisation of the menu board digital signage based on the customer’s previous buying pattern. Relentless Innovation Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million SKUs for all its various brands, faked in 28 factories in the US Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million stock keeping units (SKUs) for all its various brands manufactured in 28 factories in the United States. Merely complying with regulations such as the “Buy American Act” is a monumental effort considering the massive product line, attendees heard at Assa Abloy’s Annual ISC West Breakfast focusing on compliance challenges in the security market. Meanwhile, back at the trade show booth, Assa Abloy focused on “relentless innovation” in every corner of its product line. Assa Abloy’s message: Innovation in security does not have to be about AI or automation. In fact, inventive approaches to products come in all shapes and sizes and at every level of the product portfolio, and innovation is happening faster than ever. For example, the Safebolt product from Securitech, a brand recently acquired by Assa Abloy, can quickly lock down existing doors with the press of a red button on a cylindrical or mortise lock. Temporary Systems to Secure Events Securing events is the focus of Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions, which specialises in setting up temporary security systems for conventions, trade shows, festivals, construction sites, parades, and other events. They can add technology to situations where previously mostly security officers were used, providing safety/security and enabling more efficient event operation.  “We can put cameras anywhere, whether they need power or not, use cell service or WiFi, a localised network or the internet, or whatever,” says Andrew LaMadrid, VP, Sales for Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions. Event operation and management IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past The focus is on easy implementation, flexibility, and fast setup and removal. “We look for a solution to solve each customer’s pain points,” says LaMadrid. They specialise in setting up and deploying surveillance cameras for safety/security and for event operation and management. Mobile surveillance is a relatively new “piece of our puzzle” when it comes to protecting high-profile events. “People are excited about what we can offer that’s new,” says LaMadrid. Unified Command Solutions has been around for about 12 years and was acquired by Allied Universal last summer. IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past, and visitors were very interested in those solutions, says Scott Switzer, IDIS CEO. “The progression of our product line has been tremendous,” he says. Last year, the IDIS booth offered only basic analytics, but this year they had 30 different advanced analytics including gun and aggression detection using the advanced solution “IDIS Vaidio AI.”  What Makes You Different? The most common question IDIS hears at their trade show booth is: “What makes you different?” The answer: They offer an end-to-end solution, including cameras; they manage, control, design from end-to-end; and there is no need for multiple integrations. The time needed to install an IDIS system is significantly less because of the simplicity. “We have customers we have supported and grown together for over 20 years,” says Switzer. The company previously deployed IDIS cameras under the Costar brand before the Korean IDIS brand was introduced into the U.S. (IDIS purchased Costar and changed the name to IDIS America.) “This has been a tremendous show for us; we are looking to build our momentum and let more people know about IDIS,” says Switzer. Managing real AI at the edge The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations Based in Prague, Czech Republic, and with U.S. offices in Pennsylvania, FF Group provides licence plate recognition for harsh environments. Using Axis cameras, they offer “managed real AI at the edge,” selling through a nationwide distributed network, says Alex Osypov, CEO and Founder of FF Group. Markets include parking lots, cities/municipalities, police, government, water systems, etc. The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations. They are looking to combine and correlate data including LIDAR, RADAR, etc. to exploit the advantages of “data fusion.” Osypov says: “The market is growing because we are involving other adjacent markets.” Unified platforms and advanced tools Several companies are focusing on enhancing security operations centres (SOCs) by providing unified platforms and advanced tools. Axon’s Fusus system “layers” onto existing infrastructure, tying together various sensors into a single interface for real-time monitoring and information sharing. Increasingly, enterprises have invested in a lot of technologies – ac, video, asset trackers – but none of it talks together. Fusus ties all the systems together so that operators no longer have to look at 10 different screens. Rather, there is a “single pane of glass” that shows everything and facilitates sharing of information with law enforcement.  Motorola also showcased its Security Operations Centre, which integrates hardware, software, smart sensors, communication radios, and broadband devices to streamline incident management.

Physical security technologies are a prominent tool used by correctional facilities to provide a safe, secure, and controlled environment for staff, inmates, and the wider community. Among several functions, security technologies are used to prevent unauthorised access, to detect contraband, to monitor inmate movements and activities, and to protect staff. For security technology manufacturers, integrators and consultants, the corrections market presents distinctive challenges. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the unique aspects of the corrections market, and how should the physical security industry adapt?

New technology advancements significantly increase efficiency and productivity in any industry, including physical security. Enhanced innovation both creates new products and services and improves existing products, all for the benefit of security manufacturers, integrators, and end users. Companies that embrace new technology stay ahead of the curve and gain a significant competitive advantage. In addition, they can differentiate themselves in the marketplace. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the most promising new technologies in the physical security industry?   

Access control solutions will continue their evolution in 2025 as organisations assess and adapt to dynamic and increasingly dangerous threats. Trends to watch include the growing adoption of mobile access credentials and digital IDs, and the integration of digital and physical security and other technologies. Other ongoing trends include the integration of AI into access control solutions and the increasing adoption of contactless biometrics for enhanced convenience.  New access control innovations As these trends gather momentum, they highlight the pivotal role access control systems play in combining security and convenience, every hour of every day. Organisations must strike the ideal balance between a secure environment and satisfying user experience if they are to meet increasingly vocal demands for both. Achieving this balance not only delivers the expected user experience but also delivers multi-layered threat protection while introducing exciting new access control innovations.  Digital technologies and open standards Modern access control solutions deliver a faster pace of innovation and dramatically improved capabilities Modern access control solutions deliver a faster pace of innovation and dramatically improved capabilities as compared to what was possible in the past. The primary objective is no longer simply to secure places and assets so they are beyond the reach of the wrong people. Now it also must be as easy as possible for authorised individuals to enter a building or access digital assets. Mobile access credentials and digital IDs are increasingly a preferred solution for achieving this seamless and convenient access experience. Technology convergence is happening at a rapid pace and this convergence makes it possible to integrate digital and physical security with real-time location systems and other technologies. Together, these converged technologies provide multi-layered protection against both cyber and physical threats while also enabling valuable new capabilities.  2024 State of Physical Access Control Report As AI is increasingly incorporated into access-control solutions, we will see even more powerful ways to leverage access control data for analytics use cases. Almost 40% of respondents to our 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report said they were looking to do this. Equally consequential is the rise of fast, frictionless and easy contactless biometrics solutions in a wide range of applications including healthcare, where 32% of respondents to our recent 2024 State of Healthcare Security Report said their facilities have already implemented this technology for authentication. Looking at the broader marketplace, nearly one in four (23%) respondents to our 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report cited biometrics when asked to “name the top three trends shaping the wider access control industry in the near future.” Evolution of access control solutions As access control solutions become increasingly central to secure and convenient daily life, these and other trends will have an ongoing impact on all market sectors from healthcare and banking to the corporate real estate enterprise and business and college campuses. At the same time, those responsible for a facility’s digital and physical assets know that these trends – and security in general – will never be a static proposition. The only constant is change. Threats will never stop evolving, and those tasked with protecting organisations against these threats must never stand still. The evolution of access control solutions that we saw during 2024 will continue through 2025 and beyond, and organisations will need to remain thorough and vigilant as they address today’s ever-expanding attack surfaces and ever-evolving attack schemes.

Rhombus, a pioneer in cloud-managed physical security solutions, announced the expansion of its AI-powered Operational Analytics capabilities with two powerful new features: Line Crossing and Occupancy Counting. These solutions give organisations real-time spatial intelligence tools to improve how they manage traffic flow, space utilisation, and staffing. Both work with existing Rhombus camera infrastructure and can be centrally managed from the Rhombus console. Traditional surveillance by unlocking Rhombus persists to grow video intelligence beyond traditional surveillance by unlocking AI-fueled insights Rhombus continues to expand video intelligence beyond traditional surveillance by unlocking AI-fueled insights that help businesses solve everyday operational challenges. With these new features, security footage instantly becomes a live source of business intelligence to give teams a clear understanding of precisely how spaces are used and how to improve them. Right AI and powerful analytics "Video systems have long been siloed for security use only," said Brandon Salzberg, Chief Technology Officer at Rhombus, adding "But with the right AI and powerful analytics, those same systems can also power real-time operational intelligence that helps businesses grow." He continues, "Line Crossing and Occupancy Counting are great new examples of how we’re unlocking broader value from existing security camera infrastructure." Line crossing Line Crossing lets organisations define custom boundaries within camera views to monitor the directional traffic of how and when people or vehicles cross from one area to another.  Line Crossing lets organisations define custom boundaries within camera views to monitor the traffic These insights are critical for identifying peak usage patterns and making layout or schedule changes that improve flow and efficiency. From retail store entrances to manufacturing loading docks, Line Crossing provides actionable data through clear, intuitive reporting. "We built Line Crossing to answer a simple question: how are people actually using your space?," said Rickey Cox, VP of Product at Rhombus, adding "We can surface directional insights that help organisations fine-tune everything from where to place employees to broader site design changes, without relying on guesswork." Occupancy counting Occupancy Counting provides ongoing estimates of how many people are in a given area by using AI models. The solution eliminates the need for manual headcounts or check-in systems, enabling teams to manage capacity and identify underused areas. These insights help organisations respond to fluctuations in foot traffic, optimise space layout, and better align staffing with actual demand. Solutions built for real-world use cases Both Line Crossing and Occupancy Counting are designed to support a wide range of operational needs across industries. For example: In retail environments, traffic flow data can inform smarter product placement and optimise underperforming departments. In manufacturing settings, tracking vendor deliveries can reduce congestion at loading docks. At fitness centres, occupancy visibility enables better fitness class and staff planning while minimising safety hazards. Rhombus’ vision for smarter security, smarter operations The expansion of the Operational Analytics suite underscores Rhombus’ broader commitment to making its video intelligence solutions continually smarter, faster, and more adaptive. Rhombus’ broader commitment to making its video intelligence solutions continually smarter From real-time alerts to natural language video search, Rhombus uses AI to eliminate otherwise tedious manual efforts, accelerate investigations, and proactively detect threats.  At the same time, the platform helps teams improve safety, increase efficiency, and make better decisions across their operations. By combining AI-enabled video analytics, audio detection, and IoT sensor data, Rhombus delivers a unified solution that adapts to each customer’s needs, supports evolving workflows, and helps organisations get more value from their existing security infrastructure. Seamless integration with the Rhombus platform Line Crossing and Occupancy Counting work with Rhombus’ dome, bullet, and multisensor camera series, and are available with no additional hardware or complex setup. Teams can access trends and reports through the same intuitive cloud-managed platform they already use, or pull data into their systems via Rhombus’ open APIs. Availability Line Crossing and Occupancy Counting are now available in limited release to customers with a Rhombus Enterprise licence. Organisations interested in exploring the unique advantages of Rhombus’ Operational Analytics can book a demo.

New research from Dell Technologies and Intel reveals that 71% of U.K. IT Decision Makers (ITDMs) view the move to Microsoft Windows 11 as an opportunity to upgrade their PC fleets with AI-capable systems.  The ‘Windows 11 and AI PC Readiness Report’ also found that U.K. businesses see upgrading to AI PCs when they transition to Windows 11 to transform operations, with 64% saying being able to run AI applications effectively is critical or extremely critical for their organisation. Top AI PC advantages The top AI PC advantages reported were ‘advanced security features’ (47%) and ‘greater employee productivity’ (44%), highlighting a dual focus on cybersecurity and using AI to empower their teams.  "The migration to Windows 11 is a key moment for U.K. businesses to align their technology with their strategic ambitions," said Steve Young, Senior Vice President and U.K. Managing Director for Dell Technologies, adding "This research shows that forward-thinking pioneers are looking beyond the immediate deadline, seising the chance to upgrade to AI-capable systems to enhance security, improve efficiency and boost productivity."  Navigating common Windows 11 migration barriers  Hardware (34%) compatibility is also top-of-mind, as are potential disruptions to operations (32%) While 79% of organisations have started to transition to Windows 11 (44% in the process of transitioning and 35% have fully transitioned), the survey found that 20% of businesses have not yet begun the process ahead of the October 2025 deadline.   Respondents report that benefitting from enhanced security features (60%) is their main motivator for transitioning but said that software compatibility for existing applications is a key concern (45%). Hardware (34%) compatibility is also top-of-mind, as are potential disruptions to operations (32%). Seamless transition to minimise disruption "In addition to losing technical support, inaction means businesses may rely on less secure devices that can’t keep up with the latest applications," said Louise Quennell, U.K. Senior Director, Client Solutions Group for Dell Technologies. Louise Quennell adds, "By working with trusted partners like Dell and Intel, they can plan a seamless transition to minimise disruption and set them up to thrive in the AI era." Small businesses face unique hurdles  Findings suggest that small businesses (1 – 50 employees) are less likely to have started or completed their transition to Windows 11 (62% versus 79% of all businesses). They are more likely to be considering the move (22% versus 17% of all businesses) and a higher percentage aren’t considering it at all (14% versus 3% of all businesses). While small businesses share similar barriers with medium and big businesses, they are much more likely to say they feel it’s unnecessary (29% compared to 15% at 51 – 250 employee and 12% at 251+ employee businesses). Benefits of AI PCs   38% of small businesses said that they see Windows 11 as an opportunity to refresh to an AI PC fleet Looking to AI PCs, 38% of small businesses said that they see Windows 11 as an opportunity to refresh to an AI PC fleet compared to 72% of medium businesses and 79% of big businesses.  They report being less likely to be planning to refresh their PC fleet at this time (25% versus 6% of all businesses) and more likely to want to evaluate the benefits of AI PCs further for their transition (26% versus 19% of all businesses).  Windows 11 migration and adoption of AI PCs "We understand that for small businesses, every investment must have a clear return so the need to upgrade isn't always immediately obvious," said Brian Horsburgh, U.K. Small Business Country Manager for Dell Technologies. Brian Horsburgh adds, "That's why we focus on making the business case clear: AI PCs with Windows 11 deliver a competitive edge through smarter day-to-day tools and proactive security. We're here to provide tailored guidance and flexible solutions that turn a perceived cost into a clear catalyst for growth."  The study was conducted via Focaldata from 3 – 9 June 2025. 1,000 U.K. IT Decision Makers were surveyed online across small (15%, 1 – 50 employees), medium (32%, 51 – 250 employees) and large (53%, 251+ employees) businesses to assess preparedness for Windows 11 migration and the adoption of AI PCs.

Nearly two in five healthcare workers in the U.S. say they have considered leaving their positions due to safety concerns, with almost half (45%) likely to leave their job in the next 12 months, according to new research conducted by Verkada in partnership with The Harris Poll. Verkada's Healthcare Safety Report Against the backdrop of an already challenging environment that has pushed 138,000 nurses out of the workforce since 2022, Verkada's Healthcare Worker Safety Report reveals that inadequate safety puts the workforce at even greater risk. Nurses reported higher departure intentions (50%) compared to physicians (39%). Over half of respondents (52%) also believe that safety concerns are actively deterring people from entering the profession. Other key findings Violence and harassment on the job is a daily reality: Nearly 3 million healthcare professionals begin each shift anticipating conflict, as one in five (21%) healthcare workers report they worry about verbal harassment from patients most or every time they go to work. Those fears are validated by the data: 79% of healthcare workers have experienced or witnessed aggressive behaviour from patients. This burden isn't always evenly distributed: Women consistently report higher violence exposure of all types, and nurses are more than twice as likely to be physically assaulted on the job compared to physicians (60% vs. 29%). Age also plays a significant role: Gen Z workers report physical assault rates three times higher than Boomers (60% vs. 19%). Employers lag on basic security measures: Despite these persistent threats, 41% of healthcare workers say their workplace has minimal security and 77% say that their company hasn't changed the level of security measures in the last 12 months. Even security measures as simple as visitor ID checks are only required at 40% of hospitals, the data shows. Healthcare workers believe better security would help: More than four in five (82%) healthcare workers want their employers to increase security measures. When asked about specific measures that would give them peace of mind, on-site security guards (63%), weapon detection technology (49%), and panic buttons (48%) topped the list. Invest in security infrastructure "Healthcare workers dedicate their lives to caring for others, yet our research reveals that we're not doing enough to protect them," said Alana O'Grady, Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs at Verkada. Alana O'Grady adds, "While the data shows the clear and urgent need for healthcare organisations to invest in security infrastructure, this is ultimately not just a safety issue. This is driving lasting impact in the industry, with workplace violence driving upwards of $18 billion in costs for the healthcare system annually and threatening to drive an even greater cost if labour shortages worsen."

FireMon, the major network security and firewall policy management company, releases powerful new findings from its AI-powered analytics platform, FireMon Insights: 60% of enterprise firewalls fail high-severity compliance checks immediately upon evaluation, with another 34% falling short at critical levels. These aren’t just technical oversights; they’re signs of deeper governance issues that can lead to audit failures, operational downtime, and increased exposure to threats. FireMon Insights Across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, FireMon found misconfigurations, outdated rules, and bloated policies that bog down performance and leave security teams struggling to keep up. FireMon Insights was built to change that. It gives organisations a clear picture of their firewall risk, compares them to industry peers, and shows exactly where and how to fix what’s broken. It’s about helping teams see the problem, understand the impact, and move faster with fewer surprises. These findings were collected anonymously from FireMon Insights deployments across new customers in large enterprises and regulated industries. And the data is striking: 60% of firewalls fail high-severity compliance checks; 34% fail at critical severity. 95% of application objects and 82% of service objects show zero usage, creating unnecessary overhead and expanding the attack surface. 30% of firewall rules are completely unused; 62.6% lack any owner or documentation, introducing audit gaps and operational blind spots. More than 10% of rules are redundant or shadowed, reducing performance and masking dangerous misconfigurations. Policy management “Organisations have been trying to untangle firewall complexity for years, but too often the tools fall short, either offering static snapshots or failing to provide the operational context that teams actually need,” said Mark Miller, CRO at EncoreCyber. “That’s why platforms like FireMon Insights matter. They offer a level of clarity and benchmarking that helps teams move from reactive fixes to informed, proactive decisions. FireMon has long been a trusted name in policy management, and it’s good to see them pushing the industry forward in this space.” Threat to resilience and trust “Firewall complexity isn’t just a configuration issue, it’s a threat to resilience and trust,” said Jody Brazil, CEO and founder at FireMon. “Security teams are buried under policies they can’t explain, map to business objectives, or manage at scale. FireMon Insights cuts through the noise. It benchmarks your performance, exposing what’s been missed, and helping you take action before it turns into disruption.” AI-powered analytics platform FireMon provides always-on visibility across hybrid, multi-vendor infrastructures These findings surfaced through FireMon Insights, a next-generation AI-powered analytics platform that continuously benchmarks firewall environments, tracks compliance KPIs, and identifies misconfigurations in real time. Unlike legacy approaches that rely on static scans and siloed views, FireMon provides always-on visibility across hybrid, multi-vendor infrastructures, enabling security and IT teams to move from reactive cleanup to proactive governance. FireMon Insights stands apart from traditional tools by delivering always-on visibility across multi-vendor, hybrid environments, no waiting on scans or outdated dashboards. New enhancements With new enhancements to FireMon Insights, users get: Device-Level Metrics grouped by Complexity, Risk, and Environment for deeper context. Tighter integration with FireMon Policy Manager for seamless analysis and remediation. AI-powered natural language search and chatbot, so teams can surface insights fast—no training required. Expanded peer benchmarking to help leaders understand where they stand in the industry. And unlike other vendors, FireMon provides these capabilities at no additional cost to existing customers. Go-to analytics platform “Since its initial launch in January 2025, FireMon Insights has quickly become the go-to analytics platform for our customers’ security teams,” said Brandy Peterson, CTO of Cloud Security Operations. “What’s been most exciting is the engagement—early adopters across roles are having real ‘aha’ moments, and their feedback directly shaped this release.” Network security teams FireMon Insights helps teams shift from reactive ticket-crunching to strategic execution Network security teams are expected to move fast—but speed without direction leads to missed priorities and unmanaged risk. FireMon Insights helps teams shift from reactive ticket-crunching to strategic execution by providing clear visibility into policy health, peer benchmarks, and baseline controls. It enables network security operations to measure progress against business-aligned goals, course correct where needed, and build a sustainable plan that reduces risk while supporting the pace of the organisation. Cybersecurity industry “Collectively, the cybersecurity industry has been driving organisations to a point of sophistication that actually distracts their cyber strategy from implementing required capabilities and measuring operational outcomes,” said Dan Rheault, Director of Product Management at FireMon. “Teams are turning to FireMon for a smarter, more sustainable path forward.” Strong momentum for FireMon “Most tools only tell you what happened,” said Rich Mogull, SVP of Cloud Security at FireMon. “Insights tells you what’s happening now and more importantly, what to do next. It’s not about more alerts. It’s about clarity and action, at scale.” The Insights 1.5 launch follows strong momentum for FireMon this year. The company was recently named a CRN Tech Innovator finalist for FireMon Insights, recognised for redefining how teams approach policy risk. FireMon also appointed Alex Bender as Chief Marketing Officer to drive global expansion and brought on four veteran sales pioneers from the former Skybox Security, doubling down on execution as demand grows.

Keeping beachgoers, swimmers and surfers safe is all in a day’s work for the team at South Maroubra Surf Live Saving Club, and every second counts when an incident unfolds on the water.   One of the most topical issues and threats to those enjoying Australia’s world-renowned beaches is sharks, so for the surf club it made sense to look to smart, new technology to keep those who enjoy the sand and surf safe. Security technology to lifesavers   "Since the club was established in 1959, we’ve prided ourselves on looking out for people at our iconic beach. More recently, we’ve turned to security technology to support our lifesavers to do what they do best: stay alert for hazards," says Simon Torsellini, Director of Lifesaving, South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club.  He adds, "Sharks along with surf conditions represent two of our biggest national hazards on popular beaches, so it’s of critical importance to get people out of the water as quickly as possible when a circumstance evolves." Evacuation of beach users Simon Torsellini continues: "To achieve a prompt evacuation of beach users from the water, an alert system such as an audible siren is the most effective tool. To sound a siren at South Maroubra, the club relies upon a manual switch that triggers an audible alarm across the beach, better known locally as the Shark Siren."  He further states, "Like many other surf lifesaving clubs, we have our club house situated back from the shoreline. What this means is that in the event of a hazard detection, a lifesaver is dispatched from the beach to the club house to activate the audible siren - losing precious moments to alert those at risk."  Recent mass rescue conditions As a result of a recent mass rescue where surf needs threatened swimmers and all lifesaving resources As a result of a recent mass rescue where surf conditions threatened swimmers and all lifesaving resources were in the water, no lifesavers were available to activate the siren, and the team recognised a solution was needed. Andrew McCabe, a surf lifesaver at the club and Director Government and Defence, Pacific at Johnson Controls, spoke to Gallagher Security about a smarter way to raise the all-important shark siren. SMB solutions    After initially working with the club in 2023, Gallagher Security’s Sales Solutions Engineer - NSW, Sabrish Venugopal, was pleased to work together again and find a way to further support the hardworking lifesavers and volunteers at South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club.   "Alongside our Channel Partner, Johnson Controls, we were proud to gift the club one of our Security Made Better (SMB) solutions as a joint community initiative," says Sabrish Venugopal. Next-generation cloud-based system SMB is a cloud-based security app that simplifies everyday business tasks with plenty of functionality SMB is a cloud-based security app that streamlines everyday business tasks with plenty of functionality: from managing alarms, responding to security incidents and controlling site access.   The SMB app provided the club with security and access control through a next-generation cloud-based system that can be easily managed from a smartphone.  Idea of using the SMB system "As a member of the club, Andrew floated the idea of using the SMB system to trigger the shark siren, in a first for Gallagher Security," says Sabrish Venugopal, adding "We joined forces and two weeks later, we had a game-changing solution for South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club." He continues, "Now, lifesavers on surf patrol duty can launch the shark siren immediately via their smartphones if required, to help evacuate beach users from the surf faster."  Key role in enhancing security efficiency Gallagher Security team genuinely enjoys engaging with end users to discuss any challenges Sabrish says the Gallagher Security team genuinely enjoys engaging with end users to discuss any challenges they may be facing, with the aim of developing tailored solutions.  They also value close collaboration with channel partners like Johnson Controls, who have a deep understanding of Gallagher Security products and play a key role in enhancing security efficiency.  How security solutions can make such a positive difference? Sabrish Venugopal said, "We take great pride in playing our part to support the club keep Aussies safe at the beach." He concludes, "We’re chuffed to have helped the club continue their dedicated service to keeping South Maroubra Beach safe by using Gallagher’s SMB, and to see how security solutions can make such a positive difference to our daily lives."

The city of San Francisco de Campeche has taken a decisive step toward urban modernisation thanks to the implementation of an advanced smart traffic light solution from Dahua Technology. This pioneering project, the first of its kind in Latin America, has improved mobility, reduced traffic congestion, and provided greater road safety to thousands of citizens. The challenge With the sustained increase in vehicle traffic, citizens' daily mobility was severely impacted Campeche was facing a serious problem: its traffic light system with outdated technology suffered constant failures that caused traffic jams on main avenues and at critical intersections. With the sustained increase in vehicle traffic, citizens' daily mobility was severely impacted. The city urgently needed a transformation that would not only modernise its infrastructure but also prepare it for the challenges of 21st-century mobility. The solution: Smart traffic lights from Dahua Technology After a rigorous evaluation process that also included other suppliers, the Campeche authorities selected Dahua for its ability to offer a comprehensive, globally competitive solution based on advanced artificial intelligence algorithms. The implementation included: Dahua intelligent traffic controllers, which are capable of adjusting traffic light operation in real time. Specialized traffic cameras that monitor vehicle flow and detect congestion or incidents. Smart traffic light platform that centralises and automates traffic management throughout the city. The solution was deployed in phases, beginning with detailed mapping of critical intersections and an implementation plan that ensured a seamless transition. The project was actively assisted from planning to final delivery by Dahua's consulting, pre-sales, and delivery teams. The benefits: Mobility, improved safety, and greater efficiency The results have been significant: Streamlined urban traffic through the use of algorithms that enable proactive detection of traffic jams and the implementation of slow-entry and fast-exit strategies at problematic intersections. Increased road safety for drivers and pedestrians with continuous monitoring and real-time response capabilities. Reduction in travelling time by 27%, thus improving the quality of life of thousands of residents in the city. Centralized control and complete automation of the traffic light system, allowing for quick adjustments and solutions without the need for manual intervention. Positioning Campeche as the first city in Latin America to adopt this technology, setting a precedent for future smart cities. Dahua's modernise infrastructure "Dahua not only helped us modernise our infrastructure, but also offered us a solution that truly transforms mobility in Campeche," said Ricardo López Gomez, Head of Coordination of Strategy of Digital and Connectivity (CEDyC) at Campeche. "Today we can manage our traffic more efficiently and provide greater security for all our citizens," he added. Future prospects: More innovations on the way Following the success of this project, Campeche is already planning to expand its collaboration with Dahua. Upcoming projects include the implementation of video surveillance solutions and automated fare collection using NFC cards in the Ciudad del Carmen bus system. This commitment reaffirms the path toward smarter and more sustainable urban mobility throughout the country.

Genetec Inc., the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announced that the Port of Barcelona has successfully implemented Genetec™ Security Center, significantly improving the port’s safety, efficiency, and operational capabilities. As one of the Mediterranean’s major logistics hubs, the Port of Barcelona has experienced continuous growth in recent years, leading to new operational and security challenges. In response, the Port Authority launched a modernisation initiative focused on transforming the port into a safer, smarter, and more sustainable environment. A unified approach to evolving security needs Port Authority selected Genetec Security Center for its open, unified platform that seamlessly integrates video surveillance While the port’s previous security system was effective, it lacked the flexibility and interoperability between devices made by different manufacturers required for current demands, hindering real-time decision-making – a critical factor when managing infrastructure of this scale. To overcome these limitations, the Port Authority selected Genetec Security Center for its open, unified platform that seamlessly integrates video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and other security technologies into a single interface. Port integrated advanced technologies Following a successful pilot using virtual servers, the port migrated its CCTV infrastructure – growing from 180 cameras to over 530, with plans to surpass 800 in the coming years. Alongside this expansion, the port integrated advanced technologies, including access control, intercom systems, video analytics, forensic tools, fire detection, and real-time occupancy analysis. Tangible results from day one Port operators can now manage all security systems through a single tool, streamlining workflows The deployment of Genetec Security Center has produced immediate results. Port operators can now manage all security systems through a single tool, streamlining workflows and significantly reducing response times to incidents. Additionally, maintenance and operational efficiency have improved across the board, contributing to significant cost savings. The system has proven especially valuable during high-traffic events like the America’s Cup and Nadal al Port, where it enhances crowd and vehicle management to ensure smooth and safe operations. How unified physical security can enhance not just safety? “The flexibility and scalability of Security Center have allowed us to centralise all our systems, reduce response times, and improve operations,” said Dídac Höflich, ICT Infrastructure Project Manager at the Port of Barcelona, adding “Genetec has provided us with a long-term solution that evolves with our needs, while also giving us peace of mind, knowing we are prepared for any challenge.” “Working with the Port of Barcelona demonstrates how unified physical security can enhance not just safety, but also efficiency and scalability for critical infrastructure,” said Jordi Charles Rodriguez, Account Executive at Genetec Inc., adding “We’re proud to support the Port Authority’s long-term vision and help lay the technological foundation for the port’s continued growth and innovation.”

HID, the pioneer in trusted identity solutions, announced that Chester Race Company, owner of the world’s oldest racecourse still in operation, has adopted Near Field Communication (NFC)-based ticketing technology – the first major sports venue in the UK to adopt an end-to-end solution provided by HID. Leveraging HID’s Event Management Platform (EMP) and Janam’s rugged XT3 handheld scanners, the organisation has revolutionised its guest admissions process, offering a seamless and efficient entry experience at Chester Racecourse. Oldest operational racecourse The company also manages Bangor-on-Dee and Musselburgh racecourses, alongside diverse catering Founded in 1539 during the reign of King Henry VIII, Chester Racecourse holds the Guinness World Record as the oldest operational racecourse. Operated by Chester Race Company, the venue welcomes over 200,000 guests annually to its 15-race season, including the renowned Boodles May Festival, which features the Chester Cup. The company also manages Bangor-on-Dee and Musselburgh racecourses, alongside diverse catering, hospitality, hotel and recruitment businesses. HID’s NFC ticketing technology “Admissions are our first touch point with our guests on a race day, so delivering an excellent customer experience is critical,” said Gareth Simpson, Head of Racecourse Operations at Chester Race Company. “By adopting HID’s NFC ticketing technology, we’ve transformed the entry process, offering guests the ease of smartphone-based tickets in their Apple or Google Wallets. It’s just like downloading a mobile boarding pass for an airline flight.” Chester Racecourse’s new system streamlines Chester Racecourse’s new system streamlines the ticketing process from purchase to entry Chester Racecourse’s new system streamlines the ticketing process from purchase to entry. Guests now receive encrypted e-tickets within seconds, downloadable directly to their smartphones, along with guidance about dress code, race program and directions. On race day, reminders appear on guests’ devices as they approach the venue, further enhancing convenience.  Key to the implementation is the purchase of 45 Janam XT3 rugged mobile computers which enable offline ticket validation for continuity of service. This is important as the racecourse is in a low-lying area in Chester where the mobile signal strength is poor. Upgrade its network infrastructure Preloaded ticket data on each device eliminates reliance on Wi-Fi connections, enabling swift and accurate access even during peak times. With a scan time of less than a second, the Janam XT3 units significantly reduce congestion and wait times and work well in poor light conditions. To support the NFC ticketing solution, Chester Race Company has made significant financial investments to upgrade its network infrastructure, deploying Wi-Fi 7 access points along with new routers, switches and robust 10-gigabit Ethernet connections to the Internet. Access control solution in real-time HID's EMP integrates with a ticket sales platform from SeatGeek, with a bespoke API recently written to integrate the two systems to enable ticket purchases to be updated automatically in the access control solution in real-time, thereby removing a cumbersome manual process adopted in the past.  “We’ve addressed all our entrance issues,” added Simpson. “From faster entry to real-time visibility of guest attendance, HID’s solution has been transformational.” Terms of enclosure and stands NFC-based system offers more benefits as Chester Racecourse knows exactly the number of people The NFC-based system offers additional benefits as Chester Racecourse knows exactly the number of people who have entered (out of the tickets sold) and where people are in terms of enclosure and stands. This helps it meet its compliance with capacity obligations, along with consideration for forthcoming legislation such as Martyn's Law. It also reduces ticket fraud by eliminating barcode sharing or resale opportunities by touts. Additional features within HID's EMP Looking ahead, Chester Race Company plans to expand NFC ticketing across its portfolio and explore additional features within HID’s EMP, such as accreditation management for staff and contractors, as well as loyalty program integration. “We’re the oldest racecourse in the world using pioneering-edge technology,” concluded Simpson. “HID’s solutions are enabling us to create modern, memorable experiences for our guests by streamlining admissions totally using a tool that everyone has in their pocket – a smartphone.”