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.

iDenfy, a global RegTech company focusing on identity verification and fraud prevention solutions, announced a new partnership with the Legaline platform, the UAE’s first LegalTech service platform. By integrating iDenfy’s automated identity verification and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) screening into its client onboarding flow, Legaline can now virtually verify clients from any country in real time. This supports the Safe Deal payment system, where client funds are held and released only once both parties sign a closing act, so clients pay only for completed work to build trust between clients and UAE-licensed lawyers. Client onboarding flow Legal services in the UAE operate in one of the most jurisdictionally complex markets in the world, which include federal legislation, seven separate emirate-level systems, two common-law financial centres in the DIFC and ADGM, and more than a dozen additional zones. According to recent UAE statistics, foreign nationals make up close to 88 percent of the country’s population in 2026, so most people that needs for a legal help in the UAE are newcomers who do not know which court has jurisdiction, which lawyer to trust, or what a fair fee looks like. Legaline platform describes itself as an ecosystem rather than a single product. It combines three layers into a single operating system for legal work in the UAE. Firstly, an AI layer provides citation-grounded legal research and document drafting, built on a lawyer-validated corpus of primary UAE law. Secondly, a marketplace layer that matches structured legal tasks with verified, UAE-licensed lawyers. Third, a trust layer, called Safe Deal, that holds client funds through Stripe and releases them only after both parties sign a closing act, so clients pay only for delivered work and lawyers can start knowing funds are already reserved. Identity verification solution That structure only works if every client on the platform is who they say they are. Lawyers commit real professional time to each engagement, and they will only do so consistently if every request comes from a verified, real person identity. This is where iDenfy came in to help with its identity verification solution that can verify identity documents from every country through a single flow, supporting over 16,000+ document types across more than 200+ countries and territories. Legaline draws people from virtually every country in the world who present passports, national identity cards, and residence documents from a wide range of issuing states. Information security management “Legaline is solving a genuinely hard problem, connecting clients and lawyers across one of the most complex legal markets in the world. Our role is straightforward. Every client on their platform needs to be verified quickly and accurately, no matter which country issued their documents, so that trust can be established from the first interaction,” said Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy. Security carries particular weight in the decision. Identity documents are among the most sensitive data a person can share. iDenfy holds ISO 27001 certification for information security management, maintains full GDPR compliance, and undergoes regular audits of its data-processing practices to provide Legaline a way to answer client questions about documents safely. Distinguishing genuine submissions Behind the automation, iDenfy’s internal team of specialists works 24/7 to review flagged registrations by distinguishing genuine submissions affected by poor lighting or framing from those that show real signs of fraud. That human layer, combined with automated checks, keeps the onboarding process fast and smooth to verify an unlimited number of users and save costs, as iDenfy only charges per successful verification, rather than for every authentication flow. Before choosing the ideal identity verification provider, Legaline evaluated several companies and cited fast integration in hours rather than days as a deciding factor to go with iDenfy. “Bringing iDenfy in as our identity verification partner was not a hard decision. Legal work runs on trust, and in the UAE, where most of our clients are newcomers, that trust has to be built into the platform itself rather than earned slowly through referrals. iDenfy lets us verify clients from any country in the world through a single flow, which means our lawyers can take on a new client with confidence from the very first message,” said Dmitry Grinik, the Founder of the Legaline platform. Major international sanctions Beyond identity verification, Legaline also uses iDenfy’s AML screening to support compliance around its Safe Deal system, checking clients against major international sanctions and watch lists as part of the due diligence required whenever real money moves through the platform. In addition, lawyers on Legaline are also verified separately; the platform’s own onboarding process is built around UAE legal licensing and Stripe’s KYB onboarding, so every engagement on the platform runs between a KYC-verified client and a licensed, KYB-verified lawyer. That combination has already resolved three practical problems for Legaline. It closed the client side to verify their identities and replaced a patchwork of manual checks with one flow. It also reinforced the integrity of the marketplace itself, since lawyers now know their time will not be wasted on anonymous or fraudulent requests, which is what makes credible professionals willing to work through a digital platform at all. And it gave Legaline a level of compliance readiness that meets payment-partner and regulatory expectations from the start.

Euralarm has published a new guidance document, Criteria for European Sovereign Cloud, to help manufacturers, service providers, system integrators and end users understand the implications of cloud sovereignty for fire safety and physical security applications. The publication provides a practical framework for assessing when and how European sovereign cloud requirements should be applied, reflecting the growing importance of digital resilience, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. As cloud technologies become increasingly central to modern fire safety and security systems, they enable advanced services such as remote diagnostics, alarm transmission, predictive maintenance and sophisticated data analysis. At the same time, organisations operating critical infrastructure and public services are placing greater emphasis on ensuring that sensitive data remains protected from unauthorised foreign access while complying with European legislation. Five complementary dimensions Euralarm's new guidance explains that cloud sovereignty extends beyond the physical location of data. It identifies five complementary dimensions that organisations should consider when selecting cloud services: technological sovereignty, operational sovereignty, jurisdictional sovereignty, data residency and legal compliance. Together, these factors determine the extent to which cloud services can operate independently within a European legal and operational framework. Rather than promoting a single technical solution, the guidance advocates a risk-based approach. It encourages organisations to assess the sensitivity of their applications, the criticality of the services provided and the potential consequences of foreign legal or operational influence before determining the appropriate level of sovereignty required. This enables customers to balance security, resilience, compliance and cost while avoiding unnecessarily complex cloud architectures. Providing practical considerations The document also examines issues such as data residency, governance, operational independence, legal jurisdiction and protection against extraterritorial legislation, providing practical considerations for organisations procuring cloud services in increasingly demanding regulatory environments. The guidance concludes that cloud sovereignty should not be viewed as an absolute objective but as a business and risk management decision. While the strongest sovereignty measures can provide greater protection against legal and operational risks, they also introduce additional costs and complexity. Organisations should therefore select the level of sovereignty that is appropriate for their operational needs and compliance obligations.

Matrix Comsec, a provider of enterprise-grade security and telecom solutions, has been recognised at the Gujarat Best Employer Brand Awards 2026 for its focus on building a people-first and future-ready workplace. The recognition was presented on August 11, 2026, at Fairfield by Marriott, Ahmedabad. Matrix integrates its people strategy with its broader business vision. Operating in a technology-driven industry, the company focuses on continuous learning, technical capability development, leadership readiness, and cross-functional collaboration. These practices help employees respond to evolving technologies, changing customer expectations, and emerging business opportunities. Changing customer expectations As an organisation driven by research, product development, and indigenous technology, Matrix believes that sustainable transformation begins with capable and empowered people. The company encourages employees to strengthen their expertise, take ownership, contribute ideas, and participate in problem-solving and innovation. Matrix also works to foster a culture built on integrity, inclusion, performance, and mutual respect. Its workplace practices support professional growth, open communication, employee recognition, and well-being, enabling employees to contribute effectively to individual and organisational progress. Future-ready competencies The Gujarat Best Employer Brand Awards recognise organisations that align HR strategy with business transformation while strengthening future-ready competencies, talent development, employee engagement, inclusion, well-being, and organisational value. The recognition validates the people practices supporting Matrix’s innovation-led business model. Commenting on the recognition, Ashish Shah - Senior Vice President - Human Resources at Matrix, said, “At Matrix, we believe that sustainable business growth is built by people who are trusted, equipped, and encouraged to realise their potential. Our focus has been on creating an environment where continuous learning, innovation, accountability, and collaboration become part of everyday work. This recognition reinforces our commitment to strengthening these practices as we prepare our people and organisation for the opportunities ahead.” For Matrix, the award is an acknowledgement of an ongoing commitment rather than the culmination of its employer-brand journey. The company will continue evolving its workplace practices in line with employee aspirations, technological change, and future business requirements.

Gunnebo Entrance Control has acquired Safe Products SARL, a Paris-based specialist in entrance control installation and service, strengthening its presence in one of Europe's largest and fastest-growing entrance control markets. France is the second-largest entrance control market in Europe, with the Paris region accounting for approximately 70% of national demand. With an established customer base, growing service portfolio and strong local presence, Safe Products SARL brings additional expertise and capacity to Gunnebo Entrance Control's operations. Entrance control systems Founded in 2017, Safe Products SARL has established a strong reputation for the installation, maintenance and servicing of entrance control systems and associated security solutions. The company serves across a range of sectors, including critical infrastructure, government and commercial environments and has built a growing portfolio of recurring service contracts. "Since establishing Safe Products SARL, our priority has always been to provide customers with reliable service, technical expertise and trusted support throughout the life of their systems," said Yoann Carl of Safe Products SARL. "Joining Gunnebo Entrance Control allows us to build on this foundation. Our customers will continue to work with a team they know and trust, while benefiting from the additional resources, expertise and long-term commitment that come with being part of a global entrance control business." Entrance control performance The acquisition follows Gunnebo Entrance Control’s purchase of Diadem under the leadership of Thomas Prost, reflecting a continued investment in service-led growth and its ambition to enhance lifecycle support capabilities. To meet latest compliance, sustainability and customer requirements, demand is increasing for partners who can provide ongoing maintenance, upgrades and support to maximise entrance control performance throughout a system's lifecycle. Blanca Sebastia, EVP Commercial Excellence & GM Europe, Gunnebo Entrance Control added: “The addition of Safe Products SARL strengthens our ability to support customers locally in a market where service quality, responsiveness and long-term partnership are increasingly important. Their expertise and customer-focused approach make them a strong complement to our existing operations in France." Comprehensive entrance control services By combining Safe Products SARL’s local market knowledge and customer relationships with Diadem and Gunnebo Entrance Control's broader capabilities and resources, and integrating these strengths within its French organisation, the business will be better positioned to support customers across France with comprehensive entrance control services. Howard Lang, President of Gunnebo Entrance Control concluded: “France is a strategically important market for Gunnebo Entrance Control and particularly the Paris region, which continues to see strong demand for entrance control solutions and services. Safe Products SARL has built an impressive business based on technical excellence, strong customer relationships and a commitment to service. This acquisition strengthens our local presence and service capability, enabling us to support customers more effectively while continuing to invest in long-term growth."

When Brazil’s Taquari River threatens to overflow, the Municipality of Muçum no longer waits and watches—it knows. Using Hikvision’s water-level detection solution, the town gets faster, more accurate insights about the changing water levels in the river. This strengthens emergency responses and helps protect communities across the Taquari Valley. Located in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state of Brazil, the Municipality of Muçum is part of a wider region that has grown up along the Taquari River which runs through this mountainous region. Following relentless rainfall in both 2023 and 2024, the region experienced flooding of historic proportions. The 2024 disaster became the largest natural calamity in the state's recorded history. More than 600,000 people were displaced and infrastructure was damaged across nearly every municipality in the region, according to a report by Médecins Sans Frontières. Extreme weather conditions For the people of Muçum and its neighbouring cities, the focus quickly shifted from reacting to floods to preparing for them more effectively. Previous approaches had relied on manual observation and physical gauges. But such solutions, as they knew only too well, are unable to provide the kind of continuous, integrated, and real-time visibility that is so vital during extreme weather conditions. Instead, they needed to find a more reliable way to monitor river conditions, improve coordination during heavy rainfall, and communicate risks to residents earlier. Specifically, the municipal council of Muçum sought a technology solution that would: Deliver accurate, real-time water-level measurements Maintain operation during severe floods Support automatic alerts and emergency communication Centralise monitoring and historical data analysis Water-level monitoring solution To support these goals, the council worked with system integrator Infosat and distributor Tecline to deploy Hikvision’s intelligent water-level monitoring solution. Hikvision’s 4 MP Water-Level Detection Network Speed Dome (DS-2DF3C400SCG-D/4G/WL40(F1)(LA)) has been installed on a bridge above the river. Combining video imaging and millimetre-wave radar technology in a single device, the solution allows operators to visually monitor river conditions while simultaneously receiving highly accurate water-level measurements in real time. Preparing nearby communities Unlike traditional gauges positioned close to the water, the radar-based system can measure water levels from distances of up to 40 meters. This elevated installation approach helps ensure continuous operation even during major floods, when conventional equipment may become submerged or damaged. The solution’s millimetre-level precision allows emergency teams to detect even small changes in water levels and receive alerts when predefined thresholds are reached. With earlier visibility into changing conditions, emergency teams gain valuable time to evaluate risks, coordinate response actions, and prepare nearby communities. Challenging lighting environments The device delivers 4 MP high-quality imaging, allowing operators to visually confirm river conditions in real time. Its 120 dB WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology helps maintain clear images in challenging lighting environments, while the IP67-rated housing supports reliable outdoor performance during harsh weather. The integrated 4G connectivity and low-power design also simplify deployment in critical monitoring locations. To strengthen public communication, the municipality also deployed five Hikvision Network Horn Speakers (DS-QAZ1325G1T) in higher-risk neighbourhoods. Installed in areas where floodwaters can rise quickly, the speakers broadcast evacuation warnings and emergency notifications when necessary, enabling them to reach residents rapidly and directly. Real-time monitoring The entire solution is centrally managed on HikCentral Professional. Through the platform, operators can: Monitor water-level changes in real time Manage alarms and emergency alerts Review live video feeds remotely Access historical statistics for flood analysis and planning Since the deployment, the Municipality of Muçum has reported an 80% increase in the accuracy of water-level information compared with previous manual readings. Real-time monitoring and automated alerts now help emergency teams respond more proactively while improving communication with residents during critical situations. Mateus Giovanoni Trojan, the former Mayor of Muçum, said: “The Hikvision solution brings us more reliable information and enables us to respond faster. Automatic alerts help our emergency teams act earlier and improve safety for the population.” Creating a smarter foundation The benefits also extend beyond Muçum itself. Data collected from the monitoring system helps support neighbouring municipalities across the Taquari Valley, contributing to regional preparedness efforts that affect around 100,000 residents. “For nearby communities like ours, earlier information can make a huge difference,” said Luis Maya, Emergency Coordinator for the Municipality of Lajeado. “It helps emergency teams react faster and keep people safe.” Today, Muçum’s story is no longer only about overcoming floods; it is about building resilience through technology, coordination, and preparedness. By deploying Hikvision’s AIoT (AI-powered Internet of Things) technologies, the municipality has created a smarter foundation for flood response across the Taquari Valley. As climate challenges continue to evolve, Muçum is showing how AIoT technologies can help communities respond earlier, act faster, and face the future with greater confidence.

Gozoki, a French family-owned company and pioneer in the freshly prepared meals market (Maison Briau, Maison Tino and other brands), has taken the step of investing to secure its industrial sites. At its facilities in Agen, the company now benefits from a state-of-the-art video surveillance system deployed by specialist integrator SDP, using Hanwha Vision hardware and software solutions. Production sites in the food manufacturing sector face stringent requirements for security, access control and traceability. Protecting staff, preventing intrusions, monitoring logistics flows and securing sensitive areas all present significant challenges. Present significant challenges As part of its ongoing commitment to improving its infrastructure, Gozoki began modernising its surveillance system in 2025 to enhance reliability, accuracy and responsiveness. “We needed a system capable of operating 24/7 in a demanding environment while delivering outstanding image quality. The Hanwha Vision solution meets these requirements perfectly,” says Nicolas Jeannesson, buildings and energy manager at Gozoki. To deliver the project, Gozoki selected SDP, a company renowned for its expertise in integrating electronic security solutions. SDP carried out the site survey, designed the network architecture, installed the equipment and completed its advanced configuration. The objective was to deliver a robust, scalable solution perfectly suited to the demands of a challenging industrial environment. “Our role is to provide a turnkey solution that is reliable and built to last. Hanwha Vision cameras enable us to deliver high levels of performance while simplifying maintenance,” says Pierre Albanese, managing director of SDP. Video analytics capabilities The cameras SDP and Gozoki chose to install were Hanwha Vision’s, and were selected for their exceptional image quality, even in challenging conditions, thanks to high-resolution sensors and WDR technologies. Advanced video analytics capabilities that enable intrusion detection, intelligent management of sensitive areas, and behavioural analysis, were also key features that Gozoki required. The reliability and durability of Hanwha Vision’s cameras are essential in industrial environments that are subject to fluctuations in temperature, humidity or lighting, such as Gozoki’s sites. Enhanced cybersecurity - a critical factor in preventing the risk of cyber attacks on connected systems - was also a vital element of the project’s requirements. The installed cameras cover all strategic areas, including vehicle entrances, loading bays, storage areas, internal traffic routes and external perimeters. “The integrated video analytics allow us to go far beyond simple monitoring. We now have a decision-support tool capable of anticipating risk situations,” adds Nicolas Jeannesson of Gozoki. Future regulatory requirements With the planned deployment of nearly 200 cameras across multiple sites around Agen, Gozoki now benefits from a modern video surveillance system that supports the company’s growth while meeting current and future regulatory requirements. “This project perfectly illustrates our commitment to supporting our customers over the long term with reliable, scalable technologies,” concludes Pierre Albanese. Together, SDP and Hanwha Vision delivered Gozoki a cohesive, high-performance and scalable solution, providing a clear, centralised view of security across its facilities.

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, announces that Evolv Express®, the company’s people-screening system, has been selected as a security partner in Northwestern University’s new Ryan Field following a rigorous evaluation process. As Ryan Sports Development prepares to open the first NFL-type stadium in college sports, they evaluated available screening solutions before selecting Evolv Express to help deliver an elevated fan security experience. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the location of the potential threat while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. Advanced sensor technology The New Ryan Field, in the final stages of construction, will have a capacity of 35,000 fans when it opens on October 2nd with a nationally televised game. In addition to Northwestern football games, New Ryan Field will also host other athletic and community events throughout the year. The project is designed to set a new standard for the college football experience and boasts several features and innovations fitting its ambitious vision, including the Evolv Express security systems. The multi-year agreement between Evolv and Ryan Sports Development includes a variety of marketing elements and designates Evolv as Northwestern University’s “Official Fan Screening Provider.” Exceptional arrival experience “Our goal for the New Ryan Field is simple: build the best place to watch football in America,” said Pat Ryan Jr., CEO of Ryan Sports Development. “That ambition covers not only the event itself, but also the entire time that a fan is on site. We built a stadium designed to represent the future of college athletics, and so much more, and we rigorously evaluated available screening technologies and selected Evolv Express because it aligned with our goals of delivering a secure, convenient, and exceptional arrival experience.” “When an institution invests in creating what it believes will be the premier college football venue in the country, every decision matters, including the first impression fans receive when they arrive,” said John Kedzierski, President and CEO of Evolv Technology. Ambitious stadium projects “Northwestern had the opportunity to evaluate the industry’s leading screening solutions as part of this landmark project, and we are honoured that Evolv Express was selected to help deliver the elevated fan experience Ryan Field is designed to provide. It’s a testament to the strength of our technology that one of the most ambitious stadium projects in college sports chose Evolv to help welcome fans through its gates.” The New Ryan Field at Northwestern is another signature deployment on Evolv’s growing roster of higher education customers, as well as numerous stadiums, arenas, theme parks, schools, hospitals and other public spaces around the world.

iDenfy, the global RegTech solution provider that delivers identity verification and fraud prevention tools, has implemented Czech Bank iD into its electronic identity verification software. The addition of the new digital ID or non-document verification method for the Czech market gives businesses a native alternative for verifying Czech citizens through their existing bank login credentials, without asking for a physical document during the onboarding process. Czech Bank iD is a nationwide, bank-issued digital identification system introduced in the Czech Republic in 2021. It allows citizens to use their internet banking credentials to authenticate themselves for both e-government and private sector services. Separate identity document The system is currently used by over 5,000,000 internet banking users, which corresponds to an adoption rate of 57% across the Czech Republic with 9 million people. Czech Bank iD runs on the OIDC protocol and operates through a bank delegation model, meaning the verification is confirmed directly by the user’s bank rather than through a separate identity document. iDenfy’s non-document verification platform was built to operate alongside the platform’s standard document-based KYC flow. Businesses can configure the platform to automatically route users to the Czech Bank iD path when traditional document capture is unavailable or produces insufficient image quality, a scenario that iDenfy’s internal data consistently shows as a recurring source of session drop-off. The combined flow is available to all iDenfy clients at no additional cost and can be activated in the dashboard settings without any additional integration work. Additional integration work To perform a successful verification, Czech Bank iD checks the person’s given name, family name, middle name, full name, date of birth, nationality, sex, phone number, and full address details. Where available, it can also return document data, such as document type, number, issue date, expiration date, issuing country and authority. This gives businesses a verification result that is both broad in scope and consistent in structure, since the data is returned directly by the bank network rather than extracted from a scanned image. As defined by Regulation (EU) 2024/1183, each of the EU 27 will have to implement the EU Digital Identity Wallet for citizens and residents by the end of 2026. Every bank, payment, and electronic money institution will have to support wallet-based credentials as Strong Customer Authentication measures. Bypassing security controls The Czech Republic has the third-highest risk of cyber fraud globally, according to security firm Gen Digital, which conducted research from Avast, AVG, and Norton companies. Social engineering attacks, a form of psychological manipulation in which criminals trick people into giving up private data, downloading malware, or bypassing security controls, made up 86% of the threats that happened in the country. iDenfy states that for businesses that serve Czech market users, the ability to verify identity through a credential that more than five million adults already use for banking and government access can remove a document capture step that often contributes to onboarding drop-off. It still maintains a secure enough compliance procedure to keep the process trustworthy for both the user and the business so it can validate a real person behind it. Digital identity networks “Czech Bank iD has become one of the most widely trusted digital identity credentials in the Czech Republic. Our clients that serve that market can now meet Czech users on those terms and present a verification path that feels familiar and requires no additional physical document capture at the point of onboarding,” said Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy. It is worth mentioning that iDenfy’s KYC software currently covers over 16,000+ government-issued documents across over 200+ countries and territories. If a case is not resolved automatically, it is reported to iDenfy’s internal compliance review team, which works 24/7 to review identities and fix any onboarding issues. “Czech Bank iD is deeply embedded in how Czech citizens already access banking, government, and private sector services. For our clients, adding Czech Bank iD is not just an onboarding improvement. It is a direct connection to one of Central Europe’s most established digital identity networks,” added Domantas Ciulde. Czech Bank iD support is available now across iDenfy’s identity verification platform.