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.

Allied Universal®, the world’s pioneer security and facility services company, announces that Melissa Butler has joined the company as vice president of communications. Butler will lead comprehensive internal and external communications across North America to advance Allied Universal’s brand, reputation and engagement with key audiences.  She will lead corporate communications, public relations, social media, executive messaging and crisis communications, while using business insights and data intelligence to support business priorities and drive results. Data-driven insights She joins Allied Universal from Burson, the global communications and public relations agency within WPP, where she served as vice president, leading integrated teams that blend data-driven insights and emerging technology with creative storytelling to strengthen and grow client reputations. Throughout her more than 15-year career in public relations and marketing communications, Butler has developed integrated strategies for some of the world's most recognisable brands, including Verizon®, The Coca-Cola Company®, McDonald’s®, Mazda®, Spotify®, and Hyatt®. "Melissa has built her career helping brands tell their stories in ways that resonate with audiences and deliver real business results," said Lasse Glassen, global chief communications and investor relations officer at Allied Universal. "Her expertise in combining reputation management, data analytics, artificial intelligence and creative storytelling will be invaluable as we continue to elevate how we share the Allied Universal story with our clients, our employees and the communities we serve." Strategic communications initiatives Butler spent more than nine years within WPP through two major industry mergers, including Burson Cohn & Wolfe and Hill & Knowlton Strategies, leading work for global brands. Earlier in her career, she held positions of increasing responsibility at leading communications agencies in New York City, building a foundation in corporate affairs and consumer brand marketing. "Trust is the foundation of everything we do at Allied Universal, and how we communicate with our employees, clients and communities matters," said Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO of Allied Universal. "Melissa's proven ability to build world-class communications programs and advance bold, strategic communications initiatives will help us continue to tell the story of our people and our purpose around the world." Butler holds a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in marketing from San Diego State University.

Teleport, the AI Infrastructure Identity company, announces that it has expanded its Identity Security platform with three new capabilities designed to ensure that agent behaviour remains within defined boundaries:  Beams Session Summaries, Agentic Classifiers, and Risk Scoring. Together, these capabilities give enterprises a foundational harness for identifying and preventing agent misalignment as autonomous agents take on greater responsibility inside production infrastructure. The announcement follows Teleport's recent white paper, From Zero Trust to Agent Trust, which argues that zero trust is necessary but insufficient to govern agents operating at scale. Corresponding principles of agent The paper extends the three core principles of zero trust into three corresponding principles of agent trust: Verify explicitly → Enforce continuously. Agents need a unique, attestable identity and must operate inside a trusted runtime that architecturally enforces their operational, execution, and communication boundaries. Use least privileged access → Bound collective autonomy. Individually authorised actions can still be collectively destructive when taken by a swarm of agents acting in parallel. Bounding collective autonomy means actions that are safe individually but risky in aggregate require escalation before they execute. Assume breach → Assume misalignment. Agents can drift from their original objective through adversarial manipulation or through unintentional causes, like context shift over time. Enterprises must continuously monitor for that drift and be able to intervene in real time. Identity security platform Teleport's new capabilities are delivered through Beams, Teleport's trusted runtime for agents, working in concert with its Identity Security platform, now extended to address agentic behavior: Beams Session Summaries are a summary of an AI agent's actions: its identity, privileges, tool and API calls, LLM prompts, responses, and reasoning digested into a short human readable summary of what it was doing and what it was thinking. This establishes a behavioral baseline for evaluating agent activity against its declared objective. Agentic Classifiers provide policy for humans, agents or groups of agents to be evaluated against company specific criteria, enabling agent behavior to be flagged that is inconsistent with an agent's declared objective. Risk Scoring automatically summarises SSH, Kubernetes, and database sessions, classifies them by risk level and maps actions to the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Infrastructure and Security teams can now automate or manually search across sessions for specific commands, resources, or behaviours. Continuously monitored identity Together, these three capabilities in concert with Beams lay the foundation for the agent trust principles: they give agents a cryptographic, continuously monitored identity; they make collective and individual risk visible before action is taken; and they give enterprises the tooling to detect and respond to misalignment as it happens, turning "assume misalignment" from a design principle into a running practice. "The capabilities we're announcing today are the operational harness for agent trust: they let enterprises see what an agent actually did, classify whether that behavior is expected, and score the risk of what it might do next," said Ben Arent, Director of Product at Teleport. "Zero trust assumes the actors inside the architecture are human, bounded, and verifiable at the point of access. Agents break that assumption. They're not predictable, and a swarm of individually authorised actions can add up to an outcome no one sanctioned."

Yubico, the pioneer of phishing-resistant authentication and creator of the original passkey, the YubiKey, today announced the general availability of its YubiKey 5.8 – marking an expansion of the role of the passkey from secure authentication to include verifiable, hardware-backed authorisation. The new firmware delivers a foundation for secure enterprise workflows across identity wallets, document signing and AI-driven approvals, while also providing developers with the critical capabilities needed to test, design and deploy these next-generation security features early. Hardware-backed foundation As generative and agentic AI mature to drive rapid, automated cyber attacks, traditional multi-factor authentication (MFA) is failing to keep pace. Security leaders now face a challenge globally: securing not just who logs into a system, but exactly what actions a user or autonomous AI agent can perform. While the YubiKey has long delivered industry-pioneer defence against phishing, YubiKey 5.8 addresses the needs of complex, multi-environment enterprises – going beyond trusted logins to provide a secure, hardware-backed foundation for verifiable digital actions in the age of AI. “YubiKey 5.8 represents one of the most significant architectural updates to the modern authentication ecosystem by expanding phishing resistance into the workflows themselves,” said Albert Biketi, chief product and technology officer at Yubico. “In an era where AI agents execute high-consequence business workflows, organisations must enable dynamic verification of human intent. YubiKey 5.8 bridges that gap, bringing hardware-backed phishing resistance directly into digital signatures, enterprise credential management and human-in-the-loop validation workflows – without requiring costly custom cryptographic rollouts.” Custom cryptographic infrastructure The new firmware introduces support for the CTAP 2.3 standard while offering preview support for the emerging WebAuthn signing extension. Developers can now use familiar standards and APIs to build secure, privacy-preserving workflows without relying on expensive backend key management systems or custom cryptographic infrastructure. This significantly lowers the barrier to building trusted digital workflows, allowing developers to integrate high-assurance signatures into web applications, digital wallets and AI-driven workflow approval systems with greater speed and less complexity. The YubiKey 5.8 delivers substantial technical upgrades built directly for developers working across the modern enterprise identity control plane: Support for cutting-edge use cases: Enables hardware-backed digital signatures through standardised APIs – opening the door to document signing, identity wallets, workflow approvals, and other high-assurance transactions Better user experience and enterprise scale: Expanded Enterprise Attestation support to 16 Relying Party (RP) IDs on a single key. This allows a single YubiKey to be simultaneously uniquely identified down to an individual device across trusted development, testing, staging and production environments across multiple identity providers without compromising user privacy Simplified developer integration: Introduces CTAP 2.3 support and preview support for the emerging WebAuthn signing extensions and more, making it easier for developers to integrate secure digital signatures using familiar standards Emerging initiatives secured: Expands support for digital identity wallets, verifiable credentials with privacy-enabling algorithms, and Secure Payment Confirmation (SPC) support for those developing hardware-backed payment use cases on the web Streamlined user experience: Persistent PIN/UV auth tokens allow apps to enable frictionless credential discovery and selection, with more autofill capabilities and fewer PIN prompts for users Operational simplicity and lower overhead: Introduces autofill-like credential discovery directly alongside software passkeys. This reduces user confusion, accelerates phishing-resistant passkey adoption, and minimises IT helpdesk enrolment costs Digital identity credentials “The new signing capabilities of YubiKey 5.8 are a game changer for digital identity and credentials,” said Leif Johansson, executive director at SIROS Foundation. “In the last decade, FIDO authentication has become the industry gold standard for phishing-resistant authentication. By adding signatures, a whole range of new applications become possible without introducing platform lock-in. At SIROS, we are working to integrate the new signing capabilities into a seamless framework for secure phishing-resistant, digital identity credentials.” YubiKey 5.8 is now shipping across all major YubiKey product lineups starting today. For organisations actively working on the next generation of use cases with a focus on hardware-backed signatures, digital wallet features and AI-based workflows, the YubiKey 5.8 enables acceleration of strong security for these scenarios. YubiKey 5.8 supports all of the capabilities of YubiKey 5.7.4 and expands the use of passkeys for enterprise use cases. At this time, the YubiKey FIPS Series will remain on the newly validated FIPS 140-3 firmware 5.7.4 to maintain regulatory alignment. The YubiKey CCN Series will also remain on 5.7.4 while it is undergoing final re-certification.

Invixium, a global pioneer in biometric access control, workforce, and visitor management, along with RTLS-connected worker solutions, has integrated its biometric solutions with Inner Range’s Integriti Access Control Platform. Built using Invixium’s software development kit (SDK), the integration enables seamless enrollment, synchronisation, and management of user data and access permissions directly within the Integriti platform. This unified solution delivers measurable value to customers across key sectors, including large enterprises, health care, financial institutions, and educational facilities. Unified access control platforms “We’re excited to partner with Inner Range to deliver a seamless integration that combines our advanced biometric identity solutions with one of the industry’s leading unified access control platforms,” said Shiraz Kapadia, CEO & President of Invixium. “Organisations are increasingly seeking interoperable, best-of-breed technologies that enhance security without adding complexity. Together with Inner Range, we are enabling customers to deploy highly secure, frictionless biometric access control while preserving the flexibility and scalability they expect from an open architecture. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation and delivering long-term value to customers worldwide.” Advanced biometric authentication “For over 38 years, Inner Range’s strategy has centered on building a truly unified and intelligent security platform that integrates with world-class security and building automation subsystems,” said Gabriel Daher, Vice President and General Manager of Inner Range. “Partnering with industry leaders like Invixium allows us to incorporate cutting-edge biometric technology directly into the Inner Range ecosystem. Their solutions complement our open architecture, delivering advanced identity security for organisations globally.” The integration adds native support for advanced biometric authentication technologies, including fingerprint, face, and finger vein recognition, all from a single unified platform. This unified approach reduces installation complexity, lowers costs, and significantly simplifies maintenance by allowing organisations to manage everything from one application on a single server. Designed for seamless integration with existing access control infrastructure, it streamlines identity management by automatically synchronising users, permissions, and credentials. This integration strengthens identity assurance by providing organisations with flexible multi-factor and biometric security options to protect high-security environments.

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

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

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

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