In the world of cybersecurity, ethical hacking proactively identifies security vulnerabilities before malicious actors (i.e., unethical hackers) can exploit them. By simulating real-world attacks, organisations can strengthen defences, protect sensitive data, and maintain public trust. In the physical security world, ethical hacking can transform cybersecurity of security systems from a reactive struggle into a strategic safeguard. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of ethical hacking as it relates to physical security?

Next-generation (Next-Gen) technologies are products, services, or infrastructures that represent a significant leap forward rather than a small, incremental update. In the physical security industry, NextGen products are those that enable disruptive change, breakthrough performance, and a fundamental change that renders previous products obsolete. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the next generation of physical security solutions, and how will they change the industry?

Emphasising proactive rather than reactive security shifts the focus from dealing with crises and damage control to prevention. Advantages of a proactive approach include cost efficiency, better business continuity, and fewer crises that draw attention away from strategic improvements. Staying ahead of threats is a core mission of the security department, and technology has evolved to enable security professionals to deliver on that mission better than ever. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How are security systems transitioning from reactive to proactive, and what is the benefit?

Multiple technology trends are transforming the physical access control market. There is a fundamental shift away from physical cards and keys toward digital identities — mobile credentials, digital wallets, biometrics, and cloud-native access platforms. These next generation access solutions are radically reshaping how buildings operate, protect staff, and perform functionally. At the same time, AI and analytics solutions are being layered onto these physical access control systems to support predictive threat detection and behavioural insights. Access data itself is becoming an asset for sustainability, space optimisation, and smart building initiatives. Risk, impact operations and experience The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues. The survey cites improving user convenience as a priority for nearly half of organisations, while 41% are focused on simplifying administration, and 28% struggle with system integration. These are not theoretical challenges, they are day‑to‑day friction points that add cost, increase risk, impact operations and experience, and, of course, must be addressed. HID Global’s commercial focus HID Global’s commercial focus is to help organisations digitise their access control — with mobile identities, biometrics, and cloud platforms — and then to use the data to deliver more value. “We are turning access control from an operational cost into a software-driven asset that improves efficiency, supports Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and even creates new revenue opportunities,” says Steven Commander, HID Global’s Head of Consultant Relations. The impact of digital transformation Digital transformation is the method of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials Digital transformation is in the process of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials to a software-driven, integrated experience. The transformation strengthens security while also improving user convenience — transforming the “pavement to the desk” journey. HID enables this shift through mobile credentials, biometrics, cloud-native platforms, and solutions that allow third-party applications to run on door hardware. “This helps customers turn access data into operational and commercial outcomes, while also improving the overall user experience,” says Commander.  Digital transformation in access control is not focused on chasing the latest trends. Rather, transformation is about turning software, data and integration into outcomes that matter to customers, says HID. “Security becomes stronger and more adaptive,” says Commander. “Operations become simpler and more cost‑effective. Experiences become seamless and consistent. Sustainability moves from ambition to action. And the financial case becomes clearer as efficiencies are banked and new value streams emerge.” The challenge of futureproofing with long lifecycles Given that physical security technologies will be in place for 15 to 20 years, it is important to plan for how systems can evolve over time. Considering how rapidly security threats, compliance standards, and user expectations change, 15 to 20 years is a long time. The decisions made at the beginning of a system’s lifecycle can either limit flexibility later (which will be costly) or enable long-term adaptability. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important Choosing products and platforms that are open, interoperable, and designed for updates can enable future-proof projects. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important.  In addition, systems built on open controller platforms — such as Mercury — enable organisations to switch software providers or expand functionality without replacing core door hardware. Architectural openness is key to system lifecycles and maximising the return on investment (ROI) from a chosen solution. Digital credentials and mobile access Flexibility and upgradeability should also be top of mind when it comes to endpoints like access control readers. While RFID cards are still commonplace, there is a clear trend toward digital credentials and mobile access. Readers that support both allow organisations to transition at their own pace, without committing to a full system overhaul. A long system lifecycle does not mean technology should remain static. Security, particularly cybersecurity, demands more frequent updates. Technologies that support firmware upgrades in the field extend the value of a deployment while helping organisations keep pace with emerging threats. In that sense, lifecycle thinking is not just about longevity — it’s about maintaining resilience and readiness over time. Applying biometrics and mobile identities Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction. Many organisations are now deploying biometrics to support fast, seamless access journeys, with adoption already around 39% in access control according to HID’s recent research.  In addition, 80% of organisations surveyed expect to deploy mobile identities within the next five years. Full technology integration enables tap‑to‑access without opening an app; the user journey becomes faster, safer, and more convenient. “It is where the industry is headed and we are at the vanguard of this,” says Commander.    Ongoing challenge of cybersecurity At HID Global, cybersecurity is embedded into everything, from corporate processes and development practices to the solutions they bring to market. “Our approach ensures that customers can strengthen their overall security posture, not only by deploying secure products but by benefitting from HID’s commitment to the highest industry standards,” says Commander. HID holds multiple globally recognised certifications, including ISO 27001, ISO 14298, SOC Type 2 and CSA STAR, which demonstrate their robust information security and cloud security practices. In addition, HID’s SEOS® secure chipset is independently SEAL-certified, providing one of the most advanced levels of protection available on the market today. “Ultimately, this means organisations are not just purchasing isolated secure products; they are implementing solutions developed and delivered within a comprehensive, cybersecure framework,” says Commander. “When deployed according to best practices, HID solutions enable customers to achieve the highest levels of resilience against evolving physical and cyber threats.” Developing green and sustainable solutions A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards Digital credentials align with the sustainable solutions that everyone wants. A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards. Over 550 million access cards are sold annually. This creates 2,700 tons of plastic waste and 11,400 tons of carbon, based on a PVC card weighing 5 grams.  Therefore, digital credentials self-evidently reduce the reliance on plastic cards (helping reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% according to HID’s research), while leveraging access control system data supports energy optimisation by shutting down or reducing systems in unused spaces. Energy use and CO₂ emissions can be cut dramatically, showing how access systems can contribute to sustainability goals and green building certification. What is the latest in smart buildings? Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services. Real-time access data enables new services such as automated room bookings, HVAC control, lift/elevator calling, e-bike hiring, and so on. Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services The financial upside is clear; smart, digitally transformed buildings can deliver around 8% higher yields per square foot versus traditional office space. Operational savings accrue from reduced administration, the removal of card production and shipping, and lighter IT support. This creates a value cycle — better experiences drive adoption, adoption fuels monetisation, and monetisation funds further improvements. Achieving technology impact in the real world One standout project is One Bangkok – a $3.9 billion mixed used development in Thailand – which demonstrates the scale of what can be achieved when access control data is used for optimisation, particularly when it comes to monitoring facilities usage and occupier behaviours. By switching lights off or lowering the temperature in unused rooms, for example, the One Bangkok building demonstrates this potential with a 22% reduction in energy consumption, saving 17,000 MWh and 9,000 tons of CO₂ annually.  Sustainability is a key factor in contributing to how properties are valued. And sustainability extends far beyond digital credentials having a lower environmental impact than plastic cards.  Buildings with recognised sustainability certifications often command rental premiums of around 6%, and three‑quarters of security decision‑makers now consider environmental impact in their procurement assessments.

ZeroEyes, creators of the foremost multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, announced a partnership with Advantech, a pioneer in security integration and controls company in the mid-Atlantic, and the Camden Police Department to deploy ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform at Delaware’s Caesar Rodney School District (CRSD). Advantech has been a partner of CRSD for 30 years, and worked closely with Camden Police Chief Marc Whitney to bring ZeroEyes to the district. Leveraging advanced tools "When I saw a ZeroEyes demonstration at an Advantech symposium, I immediately recognised it as a must-have for the school districts in my jurisdiction,” said Marc Whitney, Chief of Police, Camden Police Department. “By coordinating with the CRSD and Advantech to leverage advanced tools like this, we can respond more quickly to potential threats and ensure a secure learning environment for everyone." Layer of protection to CRSD's safety programme The district spans 107 square miles in central Kent County and serves 8,259 students across 15 schools. It is adding ZeroEyes to a multilayered security approach that also includes CEIA metal detectors, the Milestone Video Management solution, armed constables at the high school and middle school, and a Delaware State Trooper on campus.  The district also works closely with the Camden Police Department to ensure a safe, seamless experience for students, staff, and families. The adoption of ZeroEyes' AI gun detection technology at Caesar Rodney High School, Fred Fifer III Middle School, and Nellie Hughes Stokes Elementary School adds another critical layer of protection to CRSD’s safety programme. "Student safety is our top priority, and we are committed to using every tool available to protect our schools,” said Mark Gaglione, Caesar Rodney School District Safety and Security Coordinator. “Deploying ZeroEyes enhances our multilayered security approach, giving our staff and students greater peace of mind each day." Software details ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans.  If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to law enforcement and local security teams, often in a matter of seconds from the moment a gun is detected. Authority comments "We’re proud to partner with Advantech and the Camden Police Department to bring our solution to Caesar Rodney School District,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. "Advantech’s expertise in evaluating and applying technology to best support their customers is remarkable, and I’m proud that they trust ZeroEyes to help keep schools safe." “We are excited to highlight the collaboration between Camden PD and Caesar Rodney SD in delivering a solution that strengthens a layered approach to student safety,” said Ryne Johnson, Account Manager, Advantech. “This achievement reflects the coordinated leadership of Chief Whitney and would not have been possible without that unified effort. The project underscores the importance of strong partnerships and the use of advanced technology to support proactive responses in security situations.”

Dell and Nutanix announced that PowerStore now supports Nutanix Cloud Platform, available with NCI 7.6. Organisations want enterprise storage performance in their Nutanix environments without giving up the simplicity that brought them to the platform. Today, Dell and Nutanix are delivering on that promise.  Performance and independent storage Dell PowerStore now supports Nutanix Cloud Platform with NCI 7.6, bringing end-to-end NVMe all-flash performance and independent compute and storage scaling to Nutanix AHV hypervisor. PowerStore integrates transparently into Prism — no new tools or training required. Dell Private Cloud completes the platform with automated deployment, full-stack lifecycle management and Dell system-level hardware support.  This makes PowerStore the second Dell storage platform to integrate with Nutanix, following PowerFlex, which became the first external storage supported and integrated with Nutanix Cloud Platform. Together with Dell Private Cloud, which completes the platform with automated lifecycle management and Dell system-level hardware support, organisations now have a fully validated foundation for running Nutanix with enterprise-grade external storage.  Key capabilities As Dell's flagship all-flash storage platform, PowerStore delivers end-to-end NVMe performance, always-on data reduction and comprehensive data protection. For Nutanix environments, Dell and Nutanix have engineered an integration that preserves the operational experience Nutanix teams expect. End-to-end NVMe all-flash performance — Consistent low-latency storage for mission-critical databases, enterprise applications and data-intensive analytics without consuming compute resources for storage data services. Independent compute and storage scalability — With Dell Private Cloud, add Dell PowerEdge compute nodes or expand PowerStore capacity on separate tracks based on actual workload demand. PowerStore's Dynamic Resiliency Engine enables granular storage scaling one drive at a time. Transparent Prism integration — Provisioning, snapshots, clones and expanding virtual hard disks are handled directly through Prism. Existing Nutanix skills apply from day one. 6:1 data reduction guaranteed — Always-on intelligent deduplication and compression deliver an industry-leading 6:1 data reduction guarantee, consolidating more workloads while lowering storage costs. Versatile cyber resilience — From asynchronous replication to Metro synchronous with zero RPO and zero RTO, protection policies are managed from Prism. Remote backups via Dell PowerProtect Data Manager provide long-term retention with cloud archival and retention locks. Dell Private Cloud completes the platform PowerStore brings enterprise storage to Nutanix. Dell Private Cloud completes the platform, automating AHV deployment with validated blueprints, orchestrating lifecycle management, and backing the full stack with Dell system-level hardware support. The result is appliance-like simplicity on disaggregated infrastructure, with the flexibility to run PowerStore or PowerFlex on a single Dell foundation. In a recent Technical First Look, Omdia validated the integration, noting that Dell Private Cloud enables organisations to "deploy workload-ready clusters in approximately 2.5 hours, with zero manual effort needed after hardware installation, representing over 90% fewer steps compared to manual deployment methods." What this means for customers PowerStore for Nutanix is the latest step in a 14-year partnership that continues to accelerate. With PowerStore support for Nutanix Cloud Platform, Dell now offers the broadest infrastructure portfolio available for Nutanix environments, spanning from private cloud to disaggregated architecture, and extended data protection. This is what infrastructure freedom looks like, the flexibility to choose the right platform for every workload, the simplicity to manage it through the tools your team already knows, and a partnership that keeps building what comes next. Availability PowerStore for Nutanix Cloud Platform is available now with AOS 7.6. Whether you're modernising from traditional HCI, evaluating hypervisor alternatives, or looking for enterprise storage performance in your Nutanix environment, visit the PowerStore page or reach out to your Dell or Nutanix representative.

Cowbell, a foremost provider of AI-native cyber and specialty insurance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), announced the launch of OMNI, its AI-native Decision Intelligence System that is transforming how specialty insurance is underwritten, serviced, and continuously improved. About OMNI Built on the Cowbell Platform, OMNI serves as the foundation for Cowbell's specialty insurance business, combining decision intelligence, orchestration, and governance into a unified AI-native operating model. The platform supports underwriting, claims, cybersecurity services, customer engagement, product development, and operational workflows, helping insurance professionals make faster, more informed, and more consistent decisions across the insurance lifecycle. The first major application of OMNI addresses one of the specialty insurance industry's most persistent operational challenges: efficiently underwriting high-volume, lower-premium excess and surplus (E&S) business for small and medium-sized organisations. How does it work Using specialised AI agents working alongside human underwriters, OMNI analyses submissions, evaluates complex risk, gathers internal and external underwriting intelligence, and generates transparent coverage and pricing recommendations. As a result, eligible non-admitted quotes can be delivered in minutes instead of days or weeks typical of traditional specialty insurance workflows. Purpose-built for speciality insurance “Specialty lines are increasingly defined by bifurcation,” said Jack Kudale, Founder and CEO of Cowbell. “The market remains highly risk-segmented, requiring more granular underwriting as pricing pressure intensifies and loss costs, litigation, and volatility remain elevated. With OMNI, we are unifying intelligence, automation, governance, and performance measurement into an AI-native Decision Intelligence System purpose-built for specialty insurance." "OMNI simplifies complex underwriting, makes digital risks more manageable, and enables brokers, policyholders, and insurance professionals to make faster, more informed decisions. As we expand OMNI across claims, cyber resilience, and product innovation, we are building an intelligence foundation that will continuously improve how specialty insurance is delivered.” OMNI augments the underwriter to solve complexity  For specialty insurance, underwriting SMEs presents a unique challenge. Submission volumes continue to grow, but per-account premiums don't support traditional underwriting models at scale. Specialised bi-directional AI agents and small language models continuously gather information, analyse risk signals, assess appetite, orchestrate underwriting workflows, and generate decision-ready recommendations. Human underwriters retain final decision authority, ensuring expert judgment, transparency, and governance remain central to the underwriting process. The result is a low-touch underwriting model that enables Cowbell to respond faster while preserving underwriting discipline and consistency. Since deployment, OMNI has driven 53% growth in new business. One intelligence system across the insurance lifecycle While underwriting is the first measurable application of OMNI, the platform has been deployed to support every major specialty insurance workflow. OMNI combines three foundational capabilities that assist with critical decision-making: Intelligence: Augments underwriting, claims, cybersecurity services, customer engagement, and business development with specialised AI agents and insurance-specific language models. Orchestration: Connects intelligent workflows, automates routine tasks, routes work to specialised AI agents, and compresses complex insurance processes from days to minutes. Governance: Provides observability, autonomy, and governance across AI-assisted decisions. Bellwether™, Cowbell's AI performance measurement capability, tracks AI adoption, operational effectiveness, and business outcomes to ensure responsible, transparent, and measurable use of AI. All for one “Insurance doesn’t need another chatbot. OMNI goes further by orchestrating decisions across the entire specialty insurance lifecycle," said Rajeev Gupta, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer at Cowbell. “OMNI helps underwriters evaluate complex risk, claims advisors accelerate claims handling, cybersecurity advisors strengthen cyber risk recommendations, concierges improve customer engagement, and engineers dramatically shorten product development cycles." Accelerating innovation across specialty insurance OMNI is already changing how Cowbell brings new specialty insurance solutions to market. By combining reusable underwriting intelligence, governed AI workflows, and modular product capabilities, Cowbell has reduced product deployment cycles from approximately eight months to as little as six weeks. The recent launch of Prime One for the U.S. middle market demonstrates how OMNI enables Cowbell to rapidly develop and deploy new specialty insurance products while maintaining consistent underwriting discipline and regulatory governance. Business expansion As Cowbell continues expanding its specialty insurance business across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, OMNI enables shared underwriting expertise, claims insights, cyber risk intelligence, and operational governance while adapting to regional regulatory requirements and market needs. "The real breakthrough isn't simply launching products faster," added Gupta. "It's creating an AI-native operating model where every new product, underwriting decision, and claim continuously improves the next one. That's how we believe specialty insurance evolves, from static workflows to intelligent systems that learn and adapt over time." OMNI is being progressively deployed across Cowbell's operations, delivering enhanced experiences for brokers, policyholders, underwriting teams, claims professionals, cybersecurity advisors, and partners through the Cowbell Platform and connected AI ecosystems.

Matrix Comsec, a foremost provider of enterprise security and surveillance solutions, announced a technology partnership with Yotta Data Services, integrating its SATATYA IP Video Surveillance portfolio with Yotta’s Drishticam AI Powered Cloud Native Video Surveillance as a Service(VSaaS). The integration enables organisations to transform conventional video surveillance into a centralised, cloud-managed, AI-powered security ecosystem that simplifies operations across distributed enterprise environments. Matrix–Yotta integration As organisations continue expanding across multiple locations, security teams are increasingly looking beyond traditional on-premise surveillance systems toward cloud-native platforms that offer centralised visibility, remote accessibility, intelligent automation, and greater operational flexibility. The Matrix–Yotta integration brings together Matrix's enterprise-grade IP cameras and Drishticam's cloud-native Intelligent Video Management Platform (VMS) to deliver a comprehensive, future-ready, indigenous sovereign surveillance solution.  By combining trusted hardware with an intelligent cloud platform, this partnership empowers enterprises and government organisations to modernise their surveillance infrastructure, streamline security operations, and accelerate their digital transformation through a secure, scalable, and AI-driven video management ecosystem.  Matrix SATATYA IP Cameras Built on ONVIF standards, Matrix SATATYA IP Cameras seamlessly integrate with the Yotta Drishticam Cloud AI-Powered Intelligent Video Management Platform, allowing organisations to securely stream video to the cloud while managing geographically dispersed sites through a unified interface. The integrated solution delivers centralised device management, AI-powered video analytics, encrypted cloud recording, real-time event monitoring, and secure remote access—helping organisations respond faster to incidents while improving operational efficiency. Integrated solutions Key capabilities of the integrated solution include: Simplified Deployment: Automatic discovery and onboarding of Matrix IP Cameras using ONVIF standards for faster implementation. Centralised Cloud Management: Unified device registration, health monitoring, lifecycle management, and configuration across multiple locations. AI-Powered Video Intelligence: Advanced analytics including intrusion detection, human and vehicle classification, loitering, line crossing, crowd density, object left/removed detection, fire and smoke detection, PPE compliance, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), etc. Intelligent Event Management: Correlates AI-generated events with live video, recordings, snapshots, and alerts for faster investigation and incident response. Secure Cloud Operations: Encrypted cloud recording with configurable retention policies, remote access to live and recorded video, and intelligent real-time notifications across multiple communication channels. The solution is designed for organisations operating across distributed environments—including corporate campuses, manufacturing facilities, logistics and warehousing, commercial buildings, retail chains, healthcare institutions, educational campuses, critical infrastructure, and smart city projects—where centralised security operations and scalable cloud infrastructure are becoming increasingly important. Authority comments "Enterprise security is rapidly evolving from hardware-centric deployments to intelligent, cloud-managed ecosystems. Organisations today need surveillance solutions that are scalable, easy to manage, and capable of delivering actionable intelligence across geographically distributed operations. Through our integration with Yotta Drishticam, we are combining Matrix's enterprise-grade surveillance technology with cloud-native video management and AI-driven intelligence to help customers build more connected, efficient, and future-ready security operations." Tarun Sharma, Senior Vice President – Marketing, Matrix Comsec. "At Yotta, our vision is to make enterprise video surveillance more intelligent, accessible, and scalable through cloud innovation. Matrix's proven enterprise-grade IP surveillance camera portfolio complements Yotta Drishticam's cloud-native architecture, enabling organisations to deploy secure, AI-powered surveillance solutions that improve operational visibility while simplifying infrastructure management." Sashishekar Panda - Executive Vice President, Business Head, Cloud and Media Services, Yotta Data Services. Partnership benefits The partnership reflects the growing industry shift toward open, interoperable, and transformational  AI-driven security ecosystems, where enterprise-grade devices, cloud-native platforms, and intelligent analytics work together to deliver greater scalability, operational visibility, and faster decision-making. By combining trusted surveillance hardware with advanced cloud capabilities, Matrix and Yotta are enabling organisations to confidently accelerate their transition toward modern, cloud-enabled security.

ZeroEyes, creators of the multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, announces that its AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform has been deployed by Kansas’ Bonner Springs–Edwardsville USD 204 to protect students and faculty against gun-related violence. USD 204 serves more than 2,400 PreK–12 students with 455 staff members across a network of schools in the suburban communities of Kansas City, Bonner Springs, and Edwardsville, including one high school, one middle school, three elementary schools, and two pre-K buildings. ZeroEyes complements the district’s multilayered security plan, which also includes school resource officers (SROs), secured entrances, and close, ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement agencies across all three communities.  Situational awareness platform The district secured funding through the Kansas Safe and Secure Firearm Detection Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, to purchase and implement ZeroEyes. “Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is at the core of everything we do,” said Lisa Terrell, Director of Education Foundation & Counseling Services. “The deployment of ZeroEyes is a natural extension of our district’s proactive, layered approach to security, enhancing the strong foundation we’ve built through trusted partnerships with local law enforcement, secure facilities, and dedicated personnel.” Digital security cameras ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation centre, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to law enforcement and local security teams, often in a matter of seconds from the moment a gun is detected. “Thanks to the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, we can provide an added level of confidence for USD 204’s families and community with ZeroEyes,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “It's great to see the district reinforce its commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive.”

Athena Security, a physical security and threat detection company specialising in AI-powered weapons detection systems, announced today they are working with MLK Community Healthcare, a non-profit healthcare system in South L.A., to improve security measures at their hospital. MLK Community Healthcare is utilising Athena’s Apollo 500 Weapons Detection System, an Al-driven walk-through concealed weapon detection system designed for busy entrances, such as those at hospitals and healthcare facilities. “Everyone deserves to feel safe going to work every day. Likewise, patients and their loved ones should feel at ease when seeking care at their local healthcare facility," said Lisa Falzone, Athena Security co-founder and president. Threat detection company Lisa Falzone, Athena Security’s co-founder and president, said the device offers peace of mind to healthcare providers and patients alike at a time when violence in hospitals and other healthcare facilities is rising across the country. “Everyone deserves to feel safe going to work every day. Likewise, patients and their loved ones should feel at ease when seeking care at their local healthcare facility,” Falzone said. “By leveraging our expertise in the security space and utilising emerging technology like AI, we’ve created a weapons detection system platform that is potentially saving lives while creating less disruption in the day-to-day activities at healthcare facilities.” Automated weapon detection systems The move comes ahead of a new AB 2975 California law requiring hospitals and certain other healthcare facilities to have automated weapon detection systems at key entrances. “When it came time to comply with California’s AB 2975 workplace violence prevention requirements and implement a weapons detection solution, we conducted an extensive evaluation of the available systems. Athena’s Apollo 500 Healthcare Weapons Detection System stood out as the best overall value, combining effective weapons detection with the operational capabilities and healthcare-focused workflows our hospital needed,” said Trenton Jackson, Director of Public Safety and Support Services at MLK Community Healthcare. Weapons detection platform “Throughout the installation and testing process, Athena has been a responsive collaborator. They’ve worked with us every step of the way to ensure that the weapons detection platform technology works as it should and integrates smoothly into our hospital operations.” Athena Security’s Apollo 500 Weapons Detection System has already been shown to improve security measures at healthcare facilities. A recent case study at an Illinois-based healthcare system found that Athena’s product successfully detected more than 200 weapons at their hospitals in 2025 alone.

Genetec Inc., the global pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces that SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park have unified their physical security operations using Genetec™ Security Center. Home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, SoFi Stadium is the premier sports and entertainment destination located at Hollywood Park. The stadium has established itself as a world-class venue, hosting record-breaking concerts and global sporting events while consistently ranking among the top venues in the world. Global sporting events To support events of this scale, the organisation standardised on Security Center to unify video surveillance, access control, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), and other physical security systems in the 3.1 million-square-foot venue and across the 300-acre Hollywood Park development. Operators manage more than 3,000 cameras, 700 readers, and numerous other systems and sensors from three security control rooms, helping teams maintain situational awareness while streamlining day-to-day operations. "Genetec Security Center has improved our response time efficiency by giving us all the information we need in one platform. We’re able to understand what's happening and make decisions quickly," said Nick Bermensolo, Vice President of Security and Safety at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. Physical security systems Since deploying Security Center, the SoFi Stadium IT team has a reliable, scalable, and cybersecure platform that runs on an isolated network and connects back to centralised servers. During big events, they support security operations by monitoring system performance from the Network Operations Center, ensuring everything is working as it should. The security team can easily handle daily tasks, while IT keeps systems running smoothly on the backend. "The Genetec team doesn’t just understand physical security systems, but IT systems too. With their help, we’ve been able to deploy a reliable and high-performing security platform at scale," said Paul Maldonado, Vice President of IT Infrastructure and Operations at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. AI-based tools Looking ahead, both teams are focused on getting more value out of Security Center, exploring AI-based tools and more automation. They know they have a flexible, scalable platform that can support evolving cybersecurity and network requirements. "Genetec has really helped us establish a technology standard. Security Center is reliable and cybersecure, integrates well with our network, and reduces overhead for both IT and security. That’s the type of technology we want to continue implementing across our business," said Maldonado.

With up to one million fans attending FIFA World Cup™ matches and festivities in Miami, Florida, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department has equipped the city’s host stadium with advanced connected safety technology to help protect spectators, athletes, and event staff. The technology is provided by Blackline Safety, a global pioneer in connected safety technology. Eight of Blackline’s connected EXO area monitors have been discreetly placed throughout the stadium to continuously monitor for potential hazards. Connected safety technology Highly visible, high-stakes environments like the World Cup require emergency responders to prepare for a wide range of potential risks, from accidental incidents to intentional chemical, biological, radiological and other public safety threats. Connected to the Blackline Live cloud platform, EXO technology provides incident commanders with real-time visibility into conditions, ensuring rescue teams can respond quickly if needed. “These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and being asked to protect such a large event is incredible,” said Marcel Berube, Hazmat, Logistics and Training Lieutenant with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department in Florida. “You’re there in case anything happens, and you have a product that’s going to assist you to help everybody if needed." Real-time visibility Of the eight devices deployed, four are EXO 8 area monitors, equipped to detect up to eight gases plus gamma radiation, as well as four G7 EXOs, EXO 8’s predecessor. The monitors transmit readings live over a cellular network to Blackline Live software that act as a central command platform for the fire crew, giving them the instant data to make fast decisions if needed. Its long-lasting battery means no downtime throughout the tournament. “Every day, our technology helps protect workers in some of the world's most demanding environments,” said Cody Slater, CEO, Blackline Safety. “At events like the World Cup, or the Winter Olympics in Italy earlier this year, that same mission extends beyond the worksite to help emergency responders protect the hundreds of thousands of people who have gathered to experience something unforgettable." Connected monitoring solutions This deployment reflects the growing role of connected safety technology in public event security. Increasingly, fire departments and emergency management organisations are adopting cloud-connected monitoring solutions that provide greater visibility, faster communication, and improved coordination during planned events and emergency response operations. Berube and his team were even able to use the data from Blackline's platform to inform the entire Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), a coordinated group of agencies including police, FBI, and more. Emergency response operations Blackline Safety worked closely with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue throughout planning and deployment to configure the system, support implementation, and help ensure the technology was ready for operational use before fans arrived. “Every experience I’ve had with Blackline has been great,” Berube said. “The support is excellent. If you have a question, they run you through it without a problem, and everyone is very helpful. Every time I've had an issue, problem, question, they've been very supportive.”