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.

The Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO), the organisation for security professionals working in Higher and Further Education worldwide, announces the winners of its Annual Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievement across the global university security community. The awards were presented on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, at the AUCSO Gala Dinner and Awards Evening, held in the Great Hall at the University of Exeter, as part of the AUCSO Annual Conference and AGM 2026. Modern campus security Bringing together sector leaders from across the UK, Ireland, Europe, Australia, the USA and the Middle East, this year’s conference, themed ‘Excellence Shared - Value Realised’, celebrated the innovation, professionalism and dedication shaping modern campus security. The Annual Awards honour individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in 2025, demonstrating exceptional leadership, operational excellence and a commitment to keeping campus communities safe. AUCSO security officer of the year Winner: Vicky Laskey, University of Exeter - Awarded to a Security Officer who has consistently demonstrated excellence and professionalism, going above and beyond the usual expectations of their role. Vicky Laskey was recognised for her outstanding professionalism, compassion and unwavering commitment to student wellbeing. A trusted and highly visible presence across campus, she has led student engagement initiatives and safety campaigns that help students feel informed, reassured and supported. Calm and empathetic under pressure, and committed to continuous development, she consistently goes above and beyond, setting a benchmark for frontline campus security. AUCSO security team of the year Winner: Security Team, University of Plymouth - Awarded to a Security Team whose teamwork or response to an incident has required exceptional commitment beyond normal duties, displaying courage, determination and dedication in supporting their campus community. The University of Plymouth Security Team was recognised for extraordinary courage, professionalism and resilience in the most challenging circumstances. In a life-threatening incident, a three-officer night shift responded decisively to a critically injured individual, securing the scene and delivering life-saving first aid that helped stabilise the casualty before emergency services arrived. Beyond this, the team has consistently demonstrated compassion, operational excellence and community commitment - supporting vulnerable students, responding to major incidents and embodying the very best of the profession. AUCSO security manager of the year Winner: Ahmed Mohamed, Oxford Brookes University - Awarded to a Security Manager who has introduced innovations adding measurable value to their institution, positively contributed to the wider security community, reduced security risks and demonstrated consistent leadership across their team. Ahmed Mohamed was recognised for exceptional leadership and innovation, delivering transformative impact both within Oxford Brookes University and across the wider security community. Through digital reporting systems, data-led operations and modernised training, he has enhanced the effectiveness and professionalism of his Security Service. His work to improve student safety and strengthen external partnerships has increased confidence and reduced risk, while fostering a high-performing, collaborative team culture. AUCSO initiative of the year Winner: Coventry University Protection Service - Awarded to a security team that has implemented a unique and innovative initiative delivering tangible value to both the security operation and the wider institution. Coventry University Protection Service was recognised for a high-impact, student-focused safety programme that places wellbeing, engagement and crime prevention at the heart of campus life. Through twice-weekly roadshows across campus and accommodation, the team has created a visible and accessible platform for student support, working in partnership with local police and PCSOs to deliver practical, real-world safety advice. Interactive demonstrations and hands-on engagement bring key initiatives to life, ensuring messages resonate with students. The results are compelling: SafeZone registrations have increased by 40%, while alerts have risen by 90% year-on-year, reflecting stronger awareness, trust and student confidence. By combining innovation, partnership working and measurable impact, Coventry University has set a benchmark for excellence in student engagement and campus safety. Demonstrating extraordinary commitment Julie Barker, Chief Operating Officer at AUCSO, said: “These awards recognise the very best of our profession - individuals and teams who demonstrate extraordinary commitment, innovation and leadership in protecting their campus communities. This year’s winners are outstanding examples of the professionalism and dedication that define our sector, and it was a privilege to celebrate their achievements at our 42nd Anniversary Conference.” The AUCSO Annual Awards continue to highlight the critical role of security professionals in Higher Education, showcasing best practice and setting benchmarks for excellence across the international community.

In busy offices, gyms, schools, hospitals, or co-working spaces, nobody wants to leave their belongings lying around, risking loss or theft. It often makes sense to provide space users with secure locker access. However, managing physical locker keys eats up staff time. Coin-operated lockers are inconvenient in an increasingly cashless world. The solution: digital access for lockers. A digital lock designed specifically for lockers and cabinets solves the most important challenges facing any security team which manages lockers – whether independently, in a changing or post room for example, or as part of their SMARTair access control system. Access control system A wireless digital locker system enhances the customer or visitor experience by reducing the risk of theft without requiring changes to (or replacement of) existing furniture. At the same time, it eliminates the need for mechanical keys, cutting the hassle and cost of replacing those lost or stolen. The right solution creates a flexible, efficient way to manage locker access almost anywhere. The new SMARTair® i-locker was created to meet these needs, offering wireless, mobile-enabled, real-time locker management as a smart, standalone solution for modern storage or connected with a SMARTair wireless digital access management system. Expensive electrical maintenance The i-locker brings intelligent, flexible control to personal storage, including convenient locking/unlocking via smartphone app. Site users enjoy peace of mind when their belongings are secure and out of sight. Facilities managers save the time previously wasted managing and replacing keys. Each i-locker is quick to fit without cables, wires, or damage. Devices are engineered by a global leader in access technologies for reliability, attack resistance, and regulatory compliance. Battery power ensures energy-efficient operation without the need for expensive electrical maintenance. With the option of real-time, remote control if required, i-locker helps facilities managers run a suite of keyless lockers, or to integrate lockers and cupboards with a growing digital access solution. Streamline locker management The i-locker offers two convenient operating modes. In Free Mode, users identify unoccupied lockers at a glance and lock the device with a tap of their smartphone, RFID smartcard, tag, or bracelet. LEDs give rapid feedback and provide peace of mind that belongings are safely stored inside. With smartphone operation enabled, the Openow® app displays their locker number for easy collection after use. In Assigned Mode, the user is allocated a specific locker. Two shaft lengths depending on the locker width and different cams ensures i-locker ccovers a range of applications to streamline locker management – in a pool changing area, for example – without the need for complex infrastructure. A single, wall-mounted SMARTair Hub connects up to 60 lockers with intuitive admin software. The i-locker can just as easily integrate with a digital access system to provide security and facilities managers with a more holistic site overview. When an organisation installs more lockers, adding them to the system is simple. Multi-residential apartment blocks “A school, university or hospital can deploy i-lockers in staff rooms, or to secure medicine trolleys and drug cabinets,” says Mikel Gaztañaga, SMARTair Sales Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions. “In offices or co-working spaces, the i-locker is a perfect fit for cupboards with sensitive or valuable contents, as well as document drawers, for example. Retail managers can deploy it on customer-facing display cases. As well as pool changing, additional applications include gyms and individual mailboxes in multi-residential apartment blocks.” “The SMARTair i-locker replaces the hassle of mechanical management with mobile, wireless convenience. Install it fast, manage it remotely, scale it easily.”

iDenfy, a global RegTech service and fraud prevention solution provider, has announced a new partnership with NuxGame, a B2B iGaming software provider with over 8 years of experience delivering solutions across international iGaming markets. This partnership formalises the integration of iDenfy’s identity verification technology into the NuxGame platform. NuxGame operator partners now benefit from a reliable solution for know-your-customer and anti-money laundering compliance. It is fully integrated within the NuxGame iGaming platform ecosystem, eliminating the need for external services. With this upgraded verification process, NuxGame now addresses the growing iGaming regulatory demands more effectively. Successful casino business NuxGame serves the iGaming industry with an all-in-one software platform that provides access to a wide portfolio of games via API, along with turnkey solutions, sportsbook, aggregation, and agent management tools. NuxGame has clients operating in Europe, the United States, Latin America, Africa, as well as parts of Asia. The company has now evolved into a comprehensive iGaming platform ecosystem where operators have access to over 17.5k games, 210k+ events per month, integrations with 140+ providers, as well as a multitude of carefully selected partner services needed for a successful casino business. The integration reinforces the NuxGame commitment to provide its clients with a fully regulatory-ready technology infrastructure. With this integration, operators get solid protection from potential penalties, as well as from risks such as multi-accounting, bonus abuse, bot activity, and underage users. Facial biometric recognition technology Identity verification is a foundational requirement within virtually every regulated iGaming jurisdiction, and the quality of that process has a direct impact on both compliance and business performance. iDenfy verifies customer identities in real time by using the industry-pioneer facial biometric recognition technology, coupled with AI tools that scan and cross-match more than 3000+ various types of documents from over 200+ countries. Automated verification tools are backed by human review to reduce the risk of incorrect outcomes, such as failing to take a quality picture, shaky hands, or variations in user appearance that make the verification process more complicated. The review team is there to ensure that only real customers are onboarded with speed in mind. Risk monitoring functions Beyond document verification, iDenfy supports advanced Anti-Money Laundering (AML) processes through its AML screening software, which automates tasks like sanctions screening, watchlist checks, and risk monitoring functions. The platform can screen new and current players against a range of globally recognised sanctions lists and politically exposed persons databases, including the FBI, Europol, SECO, the World Bank, NCA, FSE, Interpol, and many others. This coverage ensures that NuxGame operators can meet the latest AML rules across multiple licensing frameworks without managing other third-party vendors. By having these checks built directly into one onboarding and transaction flow, operators can demonstrate ongoing compliance without relying on manual processes or third-party workarounds that potentially can slow down player registration processes and increase operational overhead. Stable payment operations The integration of iDenfy’s identity verification into the NuxGame onboarding flow helps to reduce exposure to fraud, contributes to more stable payment operations, and improves conversion rates that, in the end, attract the most serious and qualified game providers and their users to the platform. The major benefit of working with iDenfy is its pay-per-approved-verification pricing model that provides the opportunity for operators to be charged only for verifications that are completed and approved. This approach is a smart choice for businesses, as it eliminates the cost of failed or incomplete verification attempts and makes the budget, which is dedicated to compliance more predictable and efficient, especially at scale. The integration between iDenfy and NuxGame is available via API. Operators can now use the identity verification solution directly from the platform’s onboarding flow and manage the full compliance process within a single system. This approach helps to track daily operational results and makes it easier for operators to grow into new markets without any burden. Securely run platforms “Every iGaming operator needs a simple and reliable way to verify players and stay compliant. This partnership with iDenfy lets NuxGame make this process faster and more accurate. The latest KYC and AML tools in our ecosystem give operators the confidence to securely run platforms and grow into different markets,” said Bar Konson, Chief Business Development Officer at NuxGame. “iDenfy is designed to help iGaming businesses to verify users much faster and more accurately while meeting all compliance requirements within a single platform compared to other providers. Partnering with NuxGame gives us the opportunity to help iGaming operators manage KYC and AML processes more efficiently in their day-to-day operations,” said Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy.

Zenitel, the provider of Unified Critical Communication Solutions, has named LAR Rep Group a Manufacturer’s Representative for the safety and security market in Mexico and Latin America. LAR, with offices in Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and Argentina, is one of the largest and most recognized sales group in the region. Since 2003, it has represented the best security manufacturers with superior security and safety solutions to Latin America. That initial vision has transformed into a solid, reliable, and constantly growing network. Its team has deep product knowledge of audio solutions, video management systems, CCTV, video analytics, and smoke detectors. Its strong regional presence provides exceptional support to integrators, end users, and distributors. Critical communication solutions Within Zenitel Americas, LAR will be a key part of its Mexico and Latin America growth strategy for its intelligent critical communication solutions that consist of intercoms, IP speakers, and more that allow people to hear, be heard and be understood, in virtually any environment. "We have known the LAR team for a long time, and we are thrilled to welcome to the Zenitel team, as partners that we can rely upon to support our current customers and to educate new customers about our intelligent critical communication solutions in Mexico and Latin America,” said Bruce Czerwinski, Senior Vice President for Zenitel Americas. “The LAR team’s knowledge and experience with audio solutions is a perfect fit for Zenitel, and we are excited to work with them in the Mexico and Latin America markets.” Dedicating increased resources "We are excited to partner with Zenitel to bring their unified critical communication solutions to our partners and customers in Mexico and Latin America," said JP Mora, President of LAR. "Zenitel is a globally recognized brand and is known for its high-quality products and exceptional customer service. This partnership is an excellent opportunity to continue to offer our customers the best in class critical-communication solutions products and services." “Mexico and Latin America are important regions for Zenitel America’s continued growth,” added Kelly Lake, Director of Strategic Programs and LATAM, Zenitel. “We have already established ourselves as a recognized brand for delivering the best audio solutions within critical security and industrial safety. Yet there is more work to be done, and we will continue to dedicate increased resources across Latin America, to grow it and to also show our partners the value of investing in providing reliable, critical communication solutions to their customers. This new partnership will play a key role in that strategy.”

RGO College in Middelharnis has selected an Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise network infrastructure solution to ensure secure connectivity for its students and staff. Located in Goeree-Overflakkee. this comprehensive secondary school offers education at multiple levels, including gymnasium, atheneum, HAVO and MAVO1. With approximately 1,000 students, RGO College focuses on inspiring education, personal development and thorough preparation for higher education in a modern and future-oriented learning environment. Connectivity issues RGO College encountered connectivity issues impacting staff and students due to outdated LAN/WLAN network infrastructure. The school chose to deploy Alcatel-Lucent OmniSwitch® 6360 switches and more than 100 Alcatel-Lucent OmniAccess® Stellar AP1321 and AP1351 Access Points (APs). The Alcatel-Lucent OmniVista® Cirrus network management from the cloud and the implementation of Network Access Control (NAC) enable an additional layer of security. Network Access Control (NAC) In accordance with the IBP (Information Security & Privacy) standards framework in the Netherlands, the network has been configured to be fully secure. Network Access Control (NAC) is used to configure network segmentation, so devices, students and staff are separated from one another on the network and assigned specific profiles, roles and permissions. Digital whiteboards used in classrooms are securely connected to the network using Private Pre-Shared Keys (PPSK). Expert insight "We don’t have to do any more network maintenance because we haven’t encountered any problems since the network was upgraded. That saves us a lot of time." Demi Jansen, System Administrator at RGO College   "Thanks to our close collaboration with both RGO College, our partner and our distributor, we were able to deliver a magnificent project that is fully aligned with the IBP Standards Framework. This is of great importance within the Dutch education sector, as it ensures digital security for both staff and students, and we are incredibly proud of that." Esli Coenraad, Data Presales Engineer at Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise Secure and stable network Now, with a secure, stable, cloud-managed network, reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and little to no maintenance, RGO College is well positioned to deliver a high-quality experience for students and staff that meets the expectations of a future-looking educational institution.

Travelers and residential renters increasingly prefer the convenience of digital access. These solutions also offer commercial benefits to businesses operating in these fast-growing sectors: it becomes faster and more cost-efficient for them to roll-out new sites and to manage access to them remotely without the need for expensive 24/7 front-desk operations. City Pop is one short-let furnished apartment rental provider operating in both these sectors. Their growing portfolio of design-led properties covers European cities such as Zurich, Berlin, Prague and Milan. They previously relied on an RFID access-card solution. However, manual handling of credentials created a major challenge to achieving their ambitions. They needed a scalable alternative which would simplify access management and enable their business to grow cost-effectively across international boundaries. Portfolio of serviced apartments For this reason, they adopted card-less, mobile access across their portfolio of serviced apartments – installing Aperio® wireless locks integrated natively with an Incedo Pro access management system. Doors to City Pop apartments and some common areas are equipped with these contemporary-styled wire-free, battery-powered Aperio escutcheons. “We were looking for a future-proof, reception-less access solution that could scale with our growth across Europe,” explains Pawel Gawor, City Pop’s CEO. Integrating access with the booking system automatically distributes entry permissions to customers without manual staff handling. Guests can arrive at convenient times without any need for a reception check-in and have a choice of secure mobile access via the City Pop app or a PIN code to enter directly on the Aperio escutcheon’s keypad. Manual staff handling Choosing to standardise locks with the Aperio E100 Wireless Keypad Escutcheon gave City Pop the ability to retrofit buildings without wiring or door damage. In addition, because reservations software is also integrated with their Incedo Pro system, City Pop automates centralised, real-time, and remote control over time-limited access at multiple sites dispersed around Germany, Czechia, Switzerland, and Italy. Digitalising access in this way gives them the flexibility to offers apartment stays by the month or, at an expanding number of locations, from one night and up. Their ongoing ASSA ABLOY installation project now totals over 2,500 doors… and is still growing. Smartcard management infrastructure Choosing this ASSA ABLOY solution also contributed towards City Pop’s sustainability goals. With no key or smartcard management infrastructure, they use less plastic. Eliminating the need for a 24/7 reception reduces unnecessary staff travel: they manage access remotely. City Pop have also limited their energy use: wireless Aperio locks are powered by standard batteries and draw much less power than equivalent wired access devices. In addition, ASSA ABLOY Signo Readers, installed at external doors, sliding doors, elevators, and some high-traffic interior doors, have an Intelligent Power Mode (IPM) which saves 41% in energy compared to equivalent readers without IPM. “With Aperio wireless locks and Incedo Pro, we now have a fully digital, mobile-first access experience for our guests with no need for staff on-site,” adds Pawel.

Genetec Inc., the global pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces that Lincoln County Schools (LCS) in North Carolina has modernised its district-wide security infrastructure using Genetec™ Security Center, unifying video surveillance, access control, and intrusion systems across its schools and support facilities. Lincoln County Schools serves over 11,000 students across 23 schools, including 13 elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools, a technology school, and an alternative school. Four additional buildings support district-wide services such as school nutrition, transportation, and maintenance. As its existing security technology began showing its age, the district set out to modernise its systems. Human resources database “Genetec™ Security Center offered us a great option,” said Steven Hoyle, Chief Technology Officer for Lincoln County Schools. “We have the features we need in one solution that’s easy to use and fits our budget.” At the top of LCS’s requirements was an open, unified security platform. The district wanted the flexibility to reuse existing video and access control hardware while upgrading devices as needed. It also sought to manage video, access control, and intrusion systems within a single solution and to connect other school systems, including the human resources database, to improve process automation. Access control systems LCS began upgrading its high schools’ video surveillance and access control systems, now unified as one in Genetec Security Center. They also added Radionix intrusion detection. When complete, hundreds of cameras, doors, and intrusion sensors across district buildings will be connected to the Genetec open architecture platform. This has also allowed the district to retain much of its existing hardware and to migrate to newer devices at its own pace. “Genetec™ Security Center supports a wide range of third-party technologies, and that’s been a huge bonus for us,” explained Hoyle. “We have the freedom to keep some existing hardware, upgrade to newer devices, and integrate other business systems. This helps us find the right balance between enhancing security and managing costs. And we can do it at our own pace, taking our time to re-evaluate needs and make decisions from there.” Reducing false alarms LCS has also digitised processes by connecting Microsoft Active Directory and its Radionix intrusion detection system within Security Center. With Active Directory integration, cardholder privileges are automatically assigned based on job role and location. When employees join or leave the district, door and system access is activated or deactivated automatically. Synchronising cardholders with the intrusion detection system has reduced false alarms. “In the past, intrusion alarms would sometimes be activated when someone was still in the building, resulting in many false alarms,” said Hoyle. “Now, staff can badge in during set hours, and the intrusion system is automatically armed or disarmed. We’re seeing far fewer false alarms and fewer calls to law enforcement and our administrators.” As upgrades continue, Lincoln County Schools is working with Genetec to expand capabilities and connect additional systems to support faster, more coordinated communication across the district.

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida is home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins — and a year-round destination for major events. Beyond football, the broader campus supports large-scale operations throughout the year, including international events and a race circuit that runs around the stadium complex. Operationally, the environment changes day to day. On weekdays, the stadium may seem quiet on the outside, but inside the venue is bustling with employees preparing for the next major event. On game days, the stadium surges with activity; that’s when the Security Operations Center (SOC) must expand to include internal teams alongside public safety agencies. Embracing new technologies As security threats rise for major venues across professional sports, the Dolphins have continued to stay ahead of the curve by embracing new technologies to help provide a safe environment for all guests. “Our top priority is to protect our fans and employees — and that starts with the right infrastructure in place.”— Sameer Istafa, CTO. Challenge - The team wasn’t just looking to add devices — they needed a security platform that could match the pace and complexity of a major venue: Cut through “AI claims” in the market: Many solutions promised “full AI from start to finish,” but in testing still required third-party integrations and add-ons. The team wanted a truly all-in-one platform that delivered in real operating conditions. Infrastructure modernisation and reliability: The legacy environment depended on on-prem servers and siloed systems; if servers went down, access to cameras could be impacted. The organisation needed a modern platform built for scale and continuity. Connected workflows across teams: Video, access, intercom, and guest activity all need to work together. Fast visibility under pressure: Operators need to move quickly without bouncing between tools, screens, or handoffs. Event-day collaboration at scale: During major events, different groups may need fast, controlled access to specific views — without administrative drag, shared credentials, or unclear accountability. Proactive coverage for a large site: With major events drawing up to 65,000 spectators, the team needed proactive workflows that surface the moments that matter. Core security workflows Solution - The Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium team is standardising on Verkada to bring core security workflows into a single, cloud-managed platform — uniting video security, access control, guest management, intercom, alarms, and AI-powered alerting. Hard Rock Stadium worked with trusted Verkada partner Castaway Technology and Security (CTS) to support deployment and implementation across the campus. With experience in large, complex venues, CTS helped bring the unified platform to life — ensuring the system could scale for everyday operations and major event days. “The biggest thing is bringing cameras and access control into one unified platform.” — Craig Bruce, Co-Founder at CTS. Shared operational view Sameer Istafa, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, conducted a diligence process that included conversations with peer organisations, time with Verkada’s leadership and technical teams at Verkada headquarters through the Executive Briefing Program, and feedback from customers at VerkadaOne. Together, those proof points reinforced confidence in standardising on the platform. With systems consolidated into one interface, operators can move from “Where is the footage?” to “What do we do next?” faster — especially when multiple teams are involved. Instead of switching between disconnected tools, teams can investigate, coordinate, and respond from a shared operational view — improving speed and consistency across day-to-day operations and high-pressure event environments. “A lot of systems claim ‘full AI,’ but when you test them, you still have to bolt on third parties. With Verkada, it’s truly all-in-one.” — Sameer Istafa, CTO Constant manual monitoring Instead of constant manual monitoring, the SOC can configure workflows that surface the moments that matter — perimeter alerts (like fence-jumping) and proactive detection (like fighting) — so staff can dispatch rovers and respond before incidents escalate. These alerts are centrally managed in Operator View, where each alert generates a ticket with footage, location, and event details for faster triage and consistent follow-through. In environments where incidents can span multiple cameras and locations — and where reports may arrive late — AI-Powered Unified Timeline helps teams reconstruct movement across views quickly, compressing the search window and reducing time spent jumping between feeds. During major events, the SOC can include internal staff plus external stakeholders (including law enforcement and other public safety agencies) who need limited access to specific cameras or zones. On major event days, the SOC can expand significantly — with multiple teams working in parallel. With Verkada, the team can: Grant temporary access to external teams for a defined window of time Scope permissions to the right locations/cameras Revoke access afterward — while maintaining accountability through an audit trail of who accessed what and when This enables fast collaboration when the SOC expands — without shared logins, long-term access sprawl, or bottlenecks that slow response. Helping accelerate investigations To evaluate Verkada at a realistic scale — and support a smoother transition — the team used Verkada’s Command Connector during the trial and deployment period to bring legacy camera feeds into Command. This allowed stakeholders to view and manage both legacy and new cameras in a single interface, start using Command earlier, and maintain continuity while the venue migrated toward one standardised system — without needing to replace every camera at once. By bringing legacy feeds into Command, the team could also apply select analytics and investigation tools to supported cameras, helping accelerate investigations during the transition period. Clear business case The deployment supports diverse environments across the complex, including perimeter coverage, parking lots and roadways, stadium interiors — plus adjacent venues and event footprints. Securing CEO and CFO buy-in required a clear business case: compare the ongoing cost of maintaining the existing on-prem system versus consolidating into an all-in-one cloud platform. By moving off legacy on-prem server infrastructure to a cloud-managed platform, the team expects to save millions in server refresh costs — with the added benefit of new features and enhancements delivered over the air through automatic software and firmware upgrades. Event-day collaboration As deployment expands and capabilities deepen, the Miami Dolphins team is building a foundation for consistent security operations across everyday activity and major events — improving speed, visibility, and coordination without adding complexity. At the core of the transformation: a unified platform that supports faster investigations, proactive alerting, and event-day collaboration — designed for what major venues need to operate effectively. In sports and entertainment, no two days are the same. Hard Rock Stadium swings from calm weekdays to high-pressure event days where the SOC expands and decisions need to happen fast. By unifying core security workflows in one platform with Verkada, the Dolphins organisation has improved the visibility, coordination, and reliability needed to protect fans and staff across a uniquely complex venue. “We all wear multiple hats. We needed a system we could depend on — with one number to call. That’s Verkada.” — Sameer Istafa, CTO.