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 provider of identity verification and fraud prevention tools, announces the addition of the Digital CNH (Carteira Nacional de Habilitação, Brazil’s digital driver’s license) to its electronic identity verification platform. This adds to a growing collection of Latin American identification document types available on iDenfy. Brazilian users who previously had to rely on international bank identity sources now have a new credential they can use for verification on their phones. Brazil’s Digital CNH is issued by the country’s national government authority and holds the same legal standing as the physical driver’s license card. According to iDenfy, Brazil has seen rapid adoption of digital government credentials in recent years, and the Digital CNH has become one of the most commonly used identity documents among Brazilian citizens who interact with digital services. Identity verification workflow As a result, the RegTech company is continuing its scaling process to add more non-document identity methods that draw verified data directly from official sources rather than requiring a physical document scan. Currently, iDenfy’s platform covers over 16,000+ government-issued documents across over 200+ countries and territories. The additional integration connects the Digital CNH driving license document that lets iDenfy confirm a user’s identity data in real time. iDenfy has built this option into its own Know Your Customer (KYC) and digital ID verification workflow, meaning Brazilian users can now verify their identity without the need to photograph a physical card or upload a separate proof of identity. From a business perspective, this is a straightforward addition that does not require any new integration work and results in a faster, more reliable identity verification workflow for the Brazilian population. Document-based verification The app behind the Digital CNH already counts more than 68 million active users, reflecting an adoption rate of roughly 31% among the license holders. Brazil’s population stands at roughly 163 million people aged 18 years or older who hold identity documents. “We continue testing these non-document workflows across Latin America, and Brazil is a natural next step given how widely the Digital CNH is already used,” explained Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy. “We started with document-based verification in the region, and now we are bringing more native, government-backed methods into the platform so businesses can offer their Brazilian users a smoother path to onboarding.” Completing liveness detection Document-based identity verification in Brazil often requires additional steps, such as capturing both sides of a physical ID and completing a liveness detection check to confirm the user is present and genuine. iDenfy claims that verifying identity through the Digital CNH removes several of these steps, since the data is confirmed directly against an authoritative government source rather than extracted from a photographed document. Since KYC verification is now a familiar process for most users, expectations around speed and simplicity have increased, and any additional friction can lead to drop-off during onboarding. Dependable identity check “With non-document methods like the Digital CNH, iDenfy’s goal is to reduce the number of steps a user has to take while keeping the verification just as reliable as a traditional document check,” added iDenfy’s CEO, Domantas Ciulde. With every completed Digital CNH verification, iDenfy’s integration cross-checks the user’s full name, date of birth, and license status directly against the issuing authority’s records in real time. The end user does not need to manually enter this information to minimize both onboarding time and the chance for data entry errors. iDenfy’s team notes that this method is particularly useful for Brazilian businesses in banking, fintech, and e-commerce sectors that require a dependable identity check in the sign-up process. Outside automated parameters In addition, businesses can configure the platform to offer the Digital CNH as a primary verification path or as a fallback option when document capture is unavailable or fails due to image quality or lighting conditions, as an extra scenario that iDenfy’s internal data identifies as a frequent reason for session drop-off. Cases that fall outside automated parameters are reviewed by iDenfy’s internal compliance team, which operates 24 hours a day, non-stop, to maintain accurate results and avoid loopholes for fraudulent sign-up attempts. Digital CNH support is available now across iDenfy’s identity verification platform.

Stuart Wheeler, Managing Director at Keynetics, the company behind the smart keyholding solution SentriGuard, explores how operational pressures surrounding alarm response are forcing security providers to rethink traditional keyholding models and reassess the role access management now plays within modern mobile response operations. The operating environment surrounding alarm response has changed significantly over the past couple of decades. Client requirements are rising and, with them, the pressure on security providers to rethink how mobile response operations are delivered in practice.  Faster security response times are now expected as standard, alongside full accountability of the response process, detailed reporting and tighter operational visibility. Service level agreements At the same time, providers are under pressure to control operational costs while continuing to meet demanding service level agreements across increasingly complex contracts and larger geographical areas.  The challenge is compounded further by ongoing staffing pressures across the sector. Many organisations are operating within a constant recruitment cycle while trying to maintain service consistency with limited resources on the ground. While technology continues to support certain aspects of mobile response, many of the pressures facing alarm response operations run deeper than simply digitising parts of the service. Increasingly, security providers are being forced to examine the operational structure of alarm response itself and, in particular, the way access to client sites is managed during incidents. For many security companies, the challenge is no longer simply responding quickly, but balancing service delivery, operational efficiency and sustainability expectations at the same time. Clearest contractual measures Ongoing conversations with security providers reveal that the operational challenge is no longer linear but rather balancing three competing demands that often pull in opposite directions: maintaining service delivery targets, controlling operational costs and meeting ESG expectations.  Response performance remains one of the clearest contractual measures within mobile security. Alarm response times are monitored closely and, particularly within higher-risk sectors, delays can carry serious operational and financial consequences.  At the same time, providers are facing growing costs linked to fleet management, staffing, fuel and keyholding operations, while continuing to protect margins and meet customer pricing expectations. ESG Pressures That Add Further Complexity To complete this triangle of challenges, ESG considerations are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Growing compliance expectations Sustainability is no longer simply a future ambition or corporate talking point. Companies are facing growing compliance expectations that require measurable operational improvements. Yet reducing emissions is challenging for a security function that depends on patrols covering vast mileage, operating for long shifts and transporting heavy key lockers. The operational realities surrounding traditional keyholding can make fleet electrification far more difficult in practice. Looking beyond environmental considerations alone, the wider Social and Governance elements of ESG may also be affected by the operational pressure surrounding alarm response. Tighter response targets can place additional strain on patrol officers, creating pressure to attend sites faster and complete inspections within increasingly compressed timeframes. In some cases, this can contribute to unnecessary operational risk, process breaches and wider health and safety concerns. Recurring operational themes To understand the complexity of this balancing act, it is important to examine the most common service delivery methods and the role keyholding continues to play within them. The scenarios discussed below are drawn from recurring operational themes that Keynetics encounters through ongoing conversations with security providers, mobile response teams and organisations responsible for keyholding operations, particularly when reviewing access control and key management strategies. Scenario One: Keys Carried in Patrol Vehicles One of the most common operational models within mobile response involves storing large quantities of client keys inside secure lockers fitted within patrol vehicles. Patrol officers complete routine assignments throughout the shift while remaining ready to respond to alarm activations when required. While this model offers clear advantages and has been historically tested, there are limitations. Only the patrol carrying the relevant keys can respond to an alarm. But what happens if that patrol is already dealing with another incident miles away from this site? Maintaining operational coverage Delays may follow and, where alarms are genuine, the consequences for the client’s property can become significant. There are also wider governance concerns attached to carrying hundreds of physical keys within a single vehicle. Any theft, vehicle break-in or road traffic collision involving the patrol may affect a large number of client sites simultaneously. Replacing locks and keys across numerous properties can quickly become both operationally disruptive and financially significant. Sustainability pressures add another layer of complexity. Keyholding vehicles need reinforcing to meet strict security requirements, while patrols may cover significant mileage during a single shift with large quantities of keys onboard. For many providers, this creates practical limitations when attempting to transition towards lighter hybrid or electric fleets while maintaining operational coverage. As a result, organisations are beginning to explore alternative approaches to access management to reduce operational dependency on transporting physical keys. Simplifying auditing processes Scenario Two: Collecting and Returning Keys to a Secure Storage Location - An alternative operational model involves storing all client keys within a secure central facility, with patrol officers collecting and returning keys only when alarm attendance is required. From a governance perspective, this model offers advantages. It can simplify auditing processes and reduce some of the risks associated with transporting large numbers of keys during routine patrols. It may also simplify the transition towards lighter hybrid or electric fleets.   Operationally, however, the compromises shift elsewhere. Additional journeys to collect and later return keys introduce downtime, extra mileage and labour inefficiencies. Most importantly, key collection may slow alarm response times. In sectors where rapid attendance is critical, even relatively small delays may lead to client dissatisfaction and penalties for missed contractual response targets. Alarm response operations For many providers, the bigger question is whether physical key movement should remain central to alarm response operations at all. While these pressures may appear to affect security providers alone, clients are increasingly part of the same balancing exercise. The sustainability impact of alarm response operations is no longer isolated to suppliers themselves. Procurement and sustainability teams are paying closer attention to Scope 3 emissions and the environmental impact of outsourced services. At the same time, clients continue to expect rapid response times, competitive pricing and full service accountability. This creates pressure on both sides. Providers are being asked to reduce emissions and operational costs while continuing to meet demanding response targets within service models still heavily dependent on physical key movement. Physical key movement Can Changes to Keyholding Help Ease the Pressure? All of the points discussed above are forcing security providers to reassess operational models that, in many cases, have remained largely unchanged for decades. For many organisations, keyholding has historically been viewed simply as part of the alarm response process. However, growing pressure around sustainability, response performance, accountability and operational efficiency is now pushing providers to examine whether traditional approaches to managing access still support the wider demands placed on modern mobile response operations. Stuart comments, “There has most certainly been a sense of urgency in addressing these challenges across the security sector. The discussion is now moving beyond alarm response itself and towards reassessing how keyholding and access management fit within the wider operational model.” Reducing unnecessary journeys As a result, security providers are increasingly exploring whether changes to access management could help ease some of the operational strain surrounding alarm response delivery. Why the Industry is Beginning to Explore Access Control Alternatives - If physical keys no longer needed to be routinely transported or collected throughout the response process, the nearest available patrol could potentially attend incidents more efficiently, helping providers maintain SLA targets while reducing unnecessary journeys and operational downtime. Reducing the dependency on transporting large quantities of keys may also support wider sustainability goals. Lighter patrol vehicles and reduced reliance on reinforced key lockers could help with fleet strategies and support the transition towards more environmentally friendly vehicles. Systems reducing physical key circulation until attendance at site is required are increasingly being viewed not simply as security upgrades, but as practical ways of easing some of the pressure surrounding modern alarm response. However, changing long-established response processes is rarely straightforward.   Deploying mobile credentials Introducing new technologies, workflows and compliance procedures requires operational buy-in, training, long-term planning and, in many cases, client education before changes can be implemented effectively. Fully digital access control or a hybrid approach? With a wide range of alternatives to traditional keyholding now available, ranging from legacy-key compatible solutions such as SentriGuard through to fully digital systems deploying mobile credentials as the primary means of access, the discussion is no longer simply about functionality, but operational suitability. While fully digital access control may appear to offer the most straightforward long-term direction, the operational reality across the security sector is often far more complex, particularly for organisations managing large multi-site estates. For many clients, replacing access systems across hundreds of locations may not be operationally or financially realistic in the short term. As a result, many organisations are instead exploring hybrid approaches that avoid large scale lock replacements while introducing greater access traceability and remote management. Exploring hybrid approaches Stuart adds, “We are often approached by organisations seeking a hybrid approach to access control, one that continues deploying existing keys while improving visibility and operational control around how access is managed.” He continues, “The discussion is no longer simply about eliminating keyholding challenges. Organisations are also looking at auditability, integrations, remote management and futureproofing alarm response processes as operational requirements continue evolving.” While no single approach is likely to eliminate every challenge surrounding modern alarm response, access management is increasingly becoming part of how providers are trying to make response operations more efficient overall. Significant operational consideration Traditional keyholding models have supported the security sector for decades and will continue to remain part of many operations for years to come. However, the pressures surrounding modern alarm response are changing the way organisations evaluate operational efficiency, sustainability and service delivery. What is becoming increasingly clear is that the discussion is no longer simply about response times alone. Increasingly, it is about how efficiently alarm response can operate as a whole. As providers continue balancing demanding SLA targets, operational costs and ESG expectations, access management is likely to become a far more significant operational consideration within alarm response than it once was.

Zimperium, the world's pioneer in AI-empowered mobile security, announces it has been named as a Visionary Leader in Frost & Sullivan's 2026 Frost Radar™ for Mobile Threat Défense (MTD). Frost & Sullivan identified Zimperium as the strongest performer on both the Innovation Index and Growth Index, recognising the company's continued leadership in protecting enterprises and government organisations against the rapidly evolving mobile threat landscape. The report also identified Zimperium as the vendor with the highest estimated market share among standalone mobile threat defence providers, underscoring its continued innovation, market momentum, and leadership in mobile security. Highly regulated environments Frost & Sullivan attributed Zimperium's leadership position to its AI focused approach to mobile security, combining AI-powered, on-device threat detection, multilayered detection techniques, deep mobile threat intelligence, and flexible deployment options across public cloud, on-premises, and highly regulated environments. The report also recognised Zimperium's continued focus on advancing AI-empowered workflows, mobile application security, and autonomous security operations to help organisations stay ahead of evolving threats. "As cybercriminals increasingly use AI to scale and accelerate their mobile-first attack strategies, organisations can no longer afford to leave their most vulnerable attack surface unprotected," said Shridar Mittal, CEO of Zimperium. "This recognition reinforces what we're seeing across the industry: the proliferation of AI by attackers is transforming the mobile threat landscape, and defending against AI-driven attacks requires AI-empowered security that is purpose-built for mobile." Highly restricted environments The Frost Radar report noted several factors contributing to Zimperium's leadership position, including: Purpose-built, on-device AI and multilayered detection architecture capable of identifying known and unknown threats, including zero-day attacks, even in low-connectivity or highly restricted environments. Large-scale mobile threat intelligence derived from approximately 500 million mobile devices operating as distributed security sensors, enabling rapid identification of emerging mobile threats and attack patterns. Highest estimated market share among standalone mobile threat defence providers, with more than 1,500 enterprise customers worldwide and protection for more than 1,000 mobile applications. A privacy-centric approach to mobile security, combined with scalable deployment options designed to support organisations across a wide range of industries and regulatory environments. Flexible deployment across AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, on-premises, and air-gapped environments to meet the needs of enterprise and government organisations. Extensive integrations across enterprise security ecosystems and mobile management platforms. Increasingly distributed workforces The report also highlighted Zimperium's continued investment in AI-powered security operations, recognising the company's work to advance autonomous workflows that accelerate threat investigations, automate triage, and provide richer incident context for security teams. As organisations continue to embrace mobile-driven business operations, AI adoption, and increasingly distributed workforces, Zimperium remains committed to delivering AI-empowered mobile security that protects mobile devices and applications from evolving risks while helping organisations securely embrace the future of mobile.

Automatic Systems, a world pioneer in the automation of secure entrance control, is pleased to welcome Jeff Kernohan as Business Development Manager for North America. Jeff Kernohan has over 27 years of experience in physical security, enterprise risk management, critical infrastructure protection, and security consulting experience. Prior to joining Automatic Systems, he held leadership positions with several globally recognised consulting firms, including Kroll and Guidepost Solutions, where he advised clients on complex security challenges, enterprise security risk management (ESRM) programs, physical security assessments, security technology strategies, and operational resilience initiatives. Operational resilience initiatives Throughout his career, he has partnered with organizations across a wide range of sectors, including data centers, corporate campuses, healthcare, higher education, government, transportation, sports and entertainment venues, and other critical infrastructure environments. “Automatic Systems is proud to welcome Jeff to our team,” says David Enderle, Automatic Systems’ North American President and General Director. “His experience spans program development, security design, executive advisory services, and the implementation of security solutions that align organisational objectives with effective risk mitigation strategies. Jeff will report to Chris McClelland, U.S. Sales Director, and looks forward to supporting our customers with the exceptional level of service synonymous with Automatic Systems.” The Automatic Systems team continues to grow following the launch of its new AS1 vehicle gate and the evolution of its renowned SlimLane speed gate turnstile, the SlimLane EVO.

HID, a pioneer in trusted identity and access control solutions and Kodaa, an Australian digital consultancy, announces that Melbourne’s iconic 101 Collins Street tower is emerging as a live example of how mobile credentials are moving from pilot projects to everyday building operations - with thousands of tenants and visitors now accessing one of the city’s most prestigious commercial towers through their mobile wallet, without the need for a physical card. The Collins Street building is setting a new benchmark for commercial buildings after deploying HID Mobile Access at scale across entry points, elevators, lockers, and end-of-trip facilities. Secure mobile credentials The deployment, delivered by Melbourne-based digital consultancy Kodaa with HID Mobile Access, has been live for nearly a year and is supporting thousands of active users across more than 35 tenancies. Rather than introducing new hardware or layered systems, the integrated solution embeds access directly into the mobile wallet, with HID providing the trusted identity backbone through secure mobile credentials. Steve Katanas, Head of ANZ for HID Physical Access Control Solutions said the shift from plastic cards to mobile credentials is one of the most significant changes the industry has seen in decades. “Through HID’s proven ecosystem of credentials and readers, we enable partners like Kodaa to deliver frictionless, mobile-first experiences at scale,” Katanas said. Combining strong identity “There’s often a perceived trade-off between security and convenience, but mobile access solutions remove that compromise entirely by combining strong identity and device-level security, which sets a new benchmark for workplace access control.” Kodaa founder, Seth Khouri, said the results confirmed the growing demand for mobile wallet access to secure buildings. “A year on, we’re supporting thousands of active users, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive. People don’t want to go back. Also, the project didn’t require a full infrastructure overhaul. The integrated solution is built to work with existing systems and HID ensures modernisation without disruption, making the transition low risk and the results immediate.” Modernise access control The 101 Collins Street deployment has reshaped the way teams manage access administration, with access requests, approvals, updates, and revocations now handled digitally through a central portal. “As hybrid work continues to influence tenant expectations, office buildings are under increasing pressure to deliver smarter, more seamless experiences from the moment someone arrives. What 101 Collins has shown is that digital credentials can be deployed at scale without disrupting existing infrastructure,” Katanas said. What began as a flagship deployment at one of Australia’s most iconic commercial towers is now being viewed as a model for how HID and its partners can help modernise access control for the next generation of workplaces.

Gunnebo Entrance Control has completed a major entrance control project for ByteDance’s new corporate offices in Dubai Media City and Business Centre, delivering secure and efficient access for one of the world’s pioneer technology companies. ByteDance, the global organisation behind TikTok, Lark and Lemon8, selected Dubai as the base for its Corporate Services head office. The facility supports business functions including security, procurement, EHS and R&D and reflects the company’s long-term investment in the Middle East. Maintaining robust protection With a rapidly growing workforce and constant visitor traffic, ByteDance needed to maintain a secure workplace while ensuring smooth, welcoming operations. Managing access for hundreds of employees and contractors daily, alongside the onboarding of new staff, was critical to preventing unauthorised entry to sensitive areas and systems while maintaining a seamless day-to-day experience across the offices. Gunnebo Entrance Control worked closely with ByteDance’s internal teams to align with both security and operational requirements, ensuring employees and visitors could move efficiently throughout the building without disruption while maintaining robust protection across key areas. High-traffic corporate environments In total, twenty-four SpeedStile FLs MAX gates were installed across the two sites: seven in Media City and seventeen in the Business Centre. The SpeedStile FLs MAX is a premium speed gate designed for high-traffic corporate environments, combining advanced security functions with a sleek, professional appearance. Compact in footprint and highly adaptable, the solution integrates smoothly with third-party access control systems. Intelligent detection technology reduces the risk of tailgating and piggybacking, ensuring only authorised personnel gain entry while preserving a smooth flow for everyday movement. Entrance control solutions Delivering the project required close collaboration with ByteDance’s IT teams and civil contractors to align the solution with building design and operational requirements. The installation was completed in line with the timeline for the launch of ByteDance’s new headquarters and has become a central part of the company’s entrance control strategy in the region. Jacob Touma concluded: “ByteDance is a global brand with demanding requirements for workplace security and employee experience. Their new Dubai offices mark an important hub for the company’s Middle East future, and the SpeedStile FLs MAX delivers the right balance of safety, efficiency and aesthetics, ensuring smooth movement while maintaining robust protection. This project underlines our commitment to supporting world-leading businesses with reliable, effective entrance control solutions.”

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, announces that it has agreed to a multi-year renewal of its hardware and software subscription agreement with TD Garden, the 19,000+ seat multipurpose arena in Boston, Massachusetts. TD Garden, home of the NHL’s Boston Bruins and NBA’s Boston Celtics also hosts a full calendar of other sporting events, concerts, and shows annually. Advanced sensor technology The subscription renewal, which extends an original agreement struck in 2024, includes an upgrade of the Evolv Express® concealed weapons screening systems to the company’s Gen2 hardware. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the person and location of the potential threat, while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. The system is designed to screen visitors effectively while helping minimise congestion and disruptions to traffic flow at entry points. Under the new agreement, the Express units, which are deployed at all venue entry points, will be paired with Evolv eXpedite™ bag screening systems. All the new systems are currently deployed and in use at the venue. Minimising congestion and disruptions The renewal also extends the official partnership between Evolv and the arena, under which Evolv has been designated as the “Official Fan Screening Provider of TD Garden.” “TD Garden operates at an exceptionally high volume, often hosting multiple events in a single day, which makes reliable and efficient systems essential to delivering a strong experience for both guests and staff,” said Tim Townsell, SVP of Business Operations at TD Garden. “We value our continued partnership with Evolv and look forward to further enhancing operations with the Gen2 hardware and new eXpedite systems.” Collegiate sports properties “We’re grateful for TD Garden’s continued trust in Evolv to support entry screening operations at such a busy and high-profile venue,” noted John Baier, Evolv’s Vice President of Sports & Entertainment. “As a company, we take pride in serving one of the landmark venues in our hometown of Boston, so we’re especially pleased to continue our partnership with TD Garden for years to come.” Evolv has official partner status with nearly all of the major professional and collegiate sports properties in the Boston market. In addition to TD Garden, the company is a “Proud Partner” of the Boston Red Sox; the “Official Fan Screening Provider” of the New England Patriots, New England Revolution, and Gillette Stadium; and the “Official Fan Screening Partner” of Boston College Athletics. These official partner designations join more than 50 others held by the company, which in total counts nearly 100 sports teams and venues worldwide as customers.

Comelit-PAC has partnered with Optic Fire & Security Solutions to deliver an upgrade to the fire alarm system at Rampworx Skatepark, the UK’s largest indoor extreme sports centre. Established in 1997, Rampworx is one of the UK’s longest-running skateparks and a major community facility in Merseyside. As a registered charity, it supports more than 1,000 young people every week and reinvests all income back into maintaining and developing its skatepark, programmes and retail operations. Multiple interconnected areas With a large and constantly active indoor environment, Rampworx required a fire alarm system capable of delivering consistent coverage across multiple interconnected areas. These included skate zones, spectator spaces, retail units and staff facilities while allowing daily activity to continue without disruption. Says Rachael Robinson at Rampworx Skatepark: “As a busy charity facility with thousands of weekly visitors, it was important for us to work with a company we could trust to guide us through the entire upgrade process for our fire alarm. Optic Fire Safety & Security Solutions understood the requirements and recommended a Comelit-PAC solution. The new system provides confidence and peace of mind, knowing it has been designed around us and the way we operate.” Live operational environment Optic Fire Safety & Security Solutions worked closely with Rampworx to design and install a tailored system using Comelit-PAC fire safety systems, ensuring the solution reflected both the operational demands and the unique layout of the building site. The installation was delivered within a live operational environment, requiring careful planning and coordination to ensure the skatepark remained open throughout much of the works. Optic Fire Safety & Security Solutions phased the installation to minimise disruption to visitors, staff and ongoing activities. Sase Boardman, Director at Optic Fire Safety & Security Solutions added: “Every area of Rampworx presented different considerations from a fire safety perspective. By working closely with the team and technical specialists at Comelit-PAC, we were able to carefully deliver a fire safety system known for its adaptability, reliability, and scalability to provide consistent protection across a complex, multi-use environment.” Fire detection coverage The completed system provides enhanced fire detection coverage across the entire facility, improving response capability and strengthening life safety provision for users, staff and volunteers. Mandy Bowden, Fire Systems Business Manager UK & ROI: “This project was delivered through close collaboration with Optic Fire Safety & Security Solutions and Responsible Persons on site, taking time to understand the specific requirements of the Rampworx environment. By combining this insight, we were able to specify a bespoke fire safety system, enabling a unified detection and control approach across areas with very different occupancy and risk profiles.”