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.

ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas showcased the latest advancements in security technology, offering security professionals a glimpse into the future of the industry. This year's expo highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and enhanced integration. The pioneering comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals to the Venetian Convention Centre.  Integration into unified platforms Several companies emphasised the importance of cloud-based solutions and the integration of diverse security components into unified platforms. For example, Brivo's Security Suite provides “everything in one platform” – not just access control. Customers only pay for what they use because the system is flexible and scalable from a single door to enterprise level applications. Brivo’s suite includes video, but the system can also tie in with third-party “partners.” Genetec's Security Centre allows for more frequent updates through the cloud. Milestone is undergoing a two-year transition to bring its Xprotect system into the future by incorporating Arcules and Briefcam into a video-as-a service product. Suprema introduced BioStar X, which integrates access control and video analytics into a single platform. AI and mobile credentials  Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West 2025 Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West – Eagle Eye Networks, SecuriThings, and Wesco. They join the three partners announced during the first year of Axis Cloud Connect – Genetec, Kone (elevators) and Milestone. AI and mobile credentials were still hot topics at ISC West 2025, but the conversation has evolved beyond amazement at the technologies’ capabilities and now centres on more practical aspects. From the theoretical to the practical “AI and mobility are still the ‘flavors de jour,’ but messages are evolving to manifest AI for better outcomes,” says Heather Torrey, General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas, for Honeywell Building Automation. The company has reframed its security portfolio to be very building- and business-focused, continuing to grow and evolve after the recent acquisition of LenelS2. “From the theoretical to the practical, we want customers to be part of the conversation so we can deliver AI that is meaningful to them, focusing on what’s most important,” says Torrey. Under Honeywell’s new ownership structure, “each part of the business can be more focused on customers’ needs,” she says. Honeywell continues its journey around mobile access and credentialing and migrating to cloud solutions. Innovations in Access Control Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems Access control remains a critical component of security systems, and ISC West 2025 showcased several innovations in this area. Acre is releasing “Gallery,” its version of the App Store for access control. DormaKaba is launching the Keyscan KC Series door controller with TCP/IP connectivity and enhanced features. Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems. Johnson Controls highlighted its C-Cure command centre and C-Cure IQ web client, offering a unified approach to access control and video. Hardware integrations for security panels For service provider Alarm.com, hardware products prepare a path to greater customer experiences, says Abe Kinney, Alarm.com’s Director, Product Management, who oversees hardware integrations for security panels, sensors, video, etc., and drives new product development. “We are looking to bridge the physical world to digital world,” he says. “We want to bring an advantage to our dealers that they can bring to customers.” Because Alarm.com’s customers pay a monthly fee, the products must be durable and economical, says Kinney. “It should work with no need for truck rolls.” The importance of longevity and flexibility Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation. In particular, longevity is important for the Alarm.com’s pro channel. There is also a growing emphasis on deterrence industrywide. Says Kinney: “We recognise that detection is part of it, but we need to prevent problems from happening in the first place. And the industry is re-evaluating.” When it comes to cloud intelligence, Eagle Eye Networks puts the emphasis on flexibility. They offer AI that can perform anywhere on the system infrastructure, on the camera, on their on-site bridge device, or in the cloud. They support their own AI and also any AI product from a third party. “We focus on what customers want from the data AI detects,” says Hans Kahler, Eagle Eye Networks’ Chief Operating Officer. Integration with other systems A timely alert from gun detection could save a life, but AI can also generate information that might be used and analysed later, such as point-of-sale information, dwell time, foot traffic, etc. “What people want is the ability to work with the data for business intelligence,” says Kahler. Integration with other systems provides new opportunities for customers: For example, a licence plate reader at a restaurant drive-thru could trigger customisation of the menu board digital signage based on the customer’s previous buying pattern. Relentless Innovation Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million SKUs for all its various brands, faked in 28 factories in the US Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million stock keeping units (SKUs) for all its various brands manufactured in 28 factories in the United States. Merely complying with regulations such as the “Buy American Act” is a monumental effort considering the massive product line, attendees heard at Assa Abloy’s Annual ISC West Breakfast focusing on compliance challenges in the security market. Meanwhile, back at the trade show booth, Assa Abloy focused on “relentless innovation” in every corner of its product line. Assa Abloy’s message: Innovation in security does not have to be about AI or automation. In fact, inventive approaches to products come in all shapes and sizes and at every level of the product portfolio, and innovation is happening faster than ever. For example, the Safebolt product from Securitech, a brand recently acquired by Assa Abloy, can quickly lock down existing doors with the press of a red button on a cylindrical or mortise lock. Temporary Systems to Secure Events Securing events is the focus of Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions, which specialises in setting up temporary security systems for conventions, trade shows, festivals, construction sites, parades, and other events. They can add technology to situations where previously mostly security officers were used, providing safety/security and enabling more efficient event operation.  “We can put cameras anywhere, whether they need power or not, use cell service or WiFi, a localised network or the internet, or whatever,” says Andrew LaMadrid, VP, Sales for Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions. Event operation and management IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past The focus is on easy implementation, flexibility, and fast setup and removal. “We look for a solution to solve each customer’s pain points,” says LaMadrid. They specialise in setting up and deploying surveillance cameras for safety/security and for event operation and management. Mobile surveillance is a relatively new “piece of our puzzle” when it comes to protecting high-profile events. “People are excited about what we can offer that’s new,” says LaMadrid. Unified Command Solutions has been around for about 12 years and was acquired by Allied Universal last summer. IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past, and visitors were very interested in those solutions, says Scott Switzer, IDIS CEO. “The progression of our product line has been tremendous,” he says. Last year, the IDIS booth offered only basic analytics, but this year they had 30 different advanced analytics including gun and aggression detection using the advanced solution “IDIS Vaidio AI.”  What Makes You Different? The most common question IDIS hears at their trade show booth is: “What makes you different?” The answer: They offer an end-to-end solution, including cameras; they manage, control, design from end-to-end; and there is no need for multiple integrations. The time needed to install an IDIS system is significantly less because of the simplicity. “We have customers we have supported and grown together for over 20 years,” says Switzer. The company previously deployed IDIS cameras under the Costar brand before the Korean IDIS brand was introduced into the U.S. (IDIS purchased Costar and changed the name to IDIS America.) “This has been a tremendous show for us; we are looking to build our momentum and let more people know about IDIS,” says Switzer. Managing real AI at the edge The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations Based in Prague, Czech Republic, and with U.S. offices in Pennsylvania, FF Group provides licence plate recognition for harsh environments. Using Axis cameras, they offer “managed real AI at the edge,” selling through a nationwide distributed network, says Alex Osypov, CEO and Founder of FF Group. Markets include parking lots, cities/municipalities, police, government, water systems, etc. The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations. They are looking to combine and correlate data including LIDAR, RADAR, etc. to exploit the advantages of “data fusion.” Osypov says: “The market is growing because we are involving other adjacent markets.” Unified platforms and advanced tools Several companies are focusing on enhancing security operations centres (SOCs) by providing unified platforms and advanced tools. Axon’s Fusus system “layers” onto existing infrastructure, tying together various sensors into a single interface for real-time monitoring and information sharing. Increasingly, enterprises have invested in a lot of technologies – ac, video, asset trackers – but none of it talks together. Fusus ties all the systems together so that operators no longer have to look at 10 different screens. Rather, there is a “single pane of glass” that shows everything and facilitates sharing of information with law enforcement.  Motorola also showcased its Security Operations Centre, which integrates hardware, software, smart sensors, communication radios, and broadband devices to streamline incident management.

Physical security technologies are a prominent tool used by correctional facilities to provide a safe, secure, and controlled environment for staff, inmates, and the wider community. Among several functions, security technologies are used to prevent unauthorised access, to detect contraband, to monitor inmate movements and activities, and to protect staff. For security technology manufacturers, integrators and consultants, the corrections market presents distinctive challenges. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the unique aspects of the corrections market, and how should the physical security industry adapt?

Fortinet, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, announced new enhancements to FortiCNAPP that help organisations better understand and prioritise cloud risk beyond what is possible with many CNAPP solutions today. By correlating cloud configuration, identity exposure, vulnerabilities, network enforcement, data sensitivity, and runtime behavior in a single workflow, FortiCNAPP enables security teams to focus on the risks that matter most. Real-world exposure “Cloud security teams aren’t struggling because they lack data. They’re struggling because growing complexity, limited resources, and skills gaps make it harder to manage risk across cloud environments,” said Nirav Shah, Senior Vice President, Products and Solutions at Fortinet. “By unifying network enforcement, data sensitivity, and runtime validation within FortiCNAPP, we’re enabling customers move from alert overload to clear, prioritised action based real-world exposure and business impact.” FortiCNAPP As organisations expand across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, security teams are often forced to piece together risk signals from disconnected tools, resulting in fragmented visibility and slower response. According to the Fortinet 2026 Cloud Security Report, nearly 70% of organisations cite tool sprawl and visibility gaps as the top barriers to effective cloud security. FortiCNAPP addresses this challenge by adding protection where it matters most for cloud security teams—across the network, data, and runtime layers of cloud environments. Factoring Network Security Posture into Cloud Workload Risk FortiCNAPP incorporates network-level protection context directly into risk evaluation, providing a more accurate picture of real exposure that many CNAPP solutions lack.  Network-aware risk scoring: FortiCNAPP detects FortiGate solutions deployed along the internet-accessible path to cloud workloads and incorporates that protection directly into workload risk assessments, ensuring exposure is evaluated in the context of existing network enforcement. Reduced false urgency: Persistent protection context provides a more realistic view of risk and enables security and network teams to operate from a shared, consistent understanding of exposure. Native Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) Adds Data Risk Context  FortiCNAPP enhances risk prioritisation by directly incorporating data sensitivity and exposure, without requiring customers to move or export their data.  In-place data risk visibility: Built-in DSPM identifies sensitive data, access patterns, and potential malware, while supporting privacy and data governance requirements. Business impact-driven prioritisation: Risks affecting sensitive data are automatically elevated, helping teams focus remediation efforts on issues with the greatest potential impact. Bringing Risk Signals together into a Unified Workflow FortiCNAPP simplifies cloud risk operations by consolidating often siloed security signals into a single, actionable workflow.  Unified risk management: Insights from cloud posture, infrastructure entitlement, vulnerabilities, DSPM, and network security posture into a single view. Runtime-informed prioritisation: Validation of vulnerable code paths helps teams distinguish theoretical findings from active, exploitable risk. Faster remediation: Correlated context around configuration issues, identity exposure, vulnerabilities, network reachability, data sensitivity, and runtime behavior enables faster response with fewer tools. Enabling context-driven cloud security operations As cloud environments grow more complex, effective risk management requires understanding not just what is misconfigured or vulnerable, but whether protections are in place, what data is involved and the likelihood of real-world impact. With these enhancements, FortiCNAPP helps organisations reduce noise, improve decision-making, and align security efforts with actual exposure and available resources. How organisations are prioritising real-world cloud risk Organisations are using FortiCNAPP to simplify cloud security operations and gain clearer visibility into risk across complex cloud environments by unifying network, data, and runtime context within a single platform. “FortiCNAPP gives us clear visibility into our cloud environment, from identity permissions and workload configurations to operating systems and vulnerabilities, so we understand exactly where risk exists and how to address it,” said Huy Ly, Head of Global IT Security & Infrastructure at Monolithic Power Systems. “It acts like a continuous auditor, helping us assess the health of our cloud infrastructure at a glance, even without deep, hands-on cloud expertise. Combined with the Fortinet Security Fabric, FortiCNAPP helps us proactively protect our environment and reduce risk across our cloud operations.”

Teleport, the AI Infrastructure Identity Company, announced the Teleport Agentic Identity Framework, an AI-centered framework that provides organisations with a clear roadmap for securely deploying agentic AI in production cloud and on-premises environments.  The framework will evolve alongside the industry and needs of the community, defining the policies, practices, developer tools and reference architecture required to operate autonomous and semi-autonomous AI agents as trusted identities across modern infrastructure, reducing the risk of data compromise, misuse, and external adversarial threats. As enterprises move AI agents rapidly to production, security and infrastructure leaders face a growing gap in securing these autonomous, always-on, and non-deterministic systems. The Agentic Identity Framework is designed to close that gap — providing the roadmap that will enable organisations to unlock AI in production without introducing unacceptable security, compliance, or data-exposure risk. Why AI is driving new approaches to Identity Management  Agentic AI introduces fundamentally new security challenges. Unlike traditional workloads, AI agents dynamically invoke tools, access sensitive data, delegate tasks, and operate across environments at scale — often without direct human involvement. Traditional identity, access, and security models were never designed for this class of non-deterministic, continuously operating entities. This shift is already forcing organisations to rethink identity at a foundational level. In a recent Teleport survey of more than 200 infrastructure leaders, 69% said widespread AI adoption will require significant changes to identity management, with only 2% disagreeing. The findings underscore a growing consensus: existing identity approaches are insufficient for securing agentic systems at scale. (The full survey results will be released in February.) In practice, organisations attempting to deploy agents today rely on static secrets, hard-coded credentials, or bespoke configurations layered on top of legacy IAM and PAM tools. This results in identity fragmentation, secrets sprawl, limited visibility, and systemic risk, especially as agent deployments scale. Infrastructure Identity Platform Teleport’s Infrastructure Identity Platform establishes a unified identity layer secured cryptographically with a hardware root of trust. This layer enables zero trust authentication, zero standing privileges, and real-time visibility into identity behavior across infrastructure. By eliminating static credentials and replacing them with strong, ephemeral identities, organisations can prevent unauthorised access, reduce blast radius, and protect against identity-based attacks that lead to data compromise. “A unified identity layer is a prerequisite to deploying AI within enterprise infrastructure environments,” said Ev Kontsevoy, co-founder and CEO of Teleport. “Deploying AI on top of fragmented credentials and identity silos is a recipe for secrets and data leakage.” Why a framework matters While many vendors focus narrowly on LLM safety, runtime monitoring, or post-hoc risk detection, these approaches fail to address the root problem: how trust is established, enforced, and governed for AI agents operating in production infrastructure. The Teleport Agentic Identity Framework elevates identity as the foundation of trust for agentic systems, and provides technology leaders with a coherent, opinionated roadmap for AI security that includes cryptographic identity, ephemeral privileges, access guardrails, auditability, and real-time enforcement. Industry analysts increasingly point to identity as the missing control plane for agentic AI. "As organisations deploy autonomous AI agents, identity — not monitoring — becomes the primary security control. Without a unified identity foundation, agentic systems introduce unmanageable risk across data, infrastructure, and compliance,” said Frank Dickson, Group Vice President, Security & Trust at IDC. By serving as an opinionated model for AI implementation, the framework helps organisations: Accelerate time to value by avoiding DIY security architectures Standardise agent security practices across teams and environments Reduce the risk of data compromise caused by misconfiguration or credential leakage Keep pace with compliance and governance mandates What the Agentic Identity Framework enables With the Teleport Agentic Identity Framework, organisations can inspect a security model that: Treats AI agents as first-class identities secured cryptographically with ephemeral credentials, strong authentication, and full auditability Adopts open standards such as MCP and SPIFFE to reduce vendor lock-in and future-proof deployments Unifies identity governance across agents, tools, and data through a governed MCP and LLM control plane for budgets, rate limits, and guardrails Operates reliably at scale with production-grade security and operational consistency As AI-driven systems proliferate, identity fragmentation and credential sprawl increasingly threaten security, reliability, and scale. Teleport’s Agentic Identity Framework complements Teleport’s products to provide organisations with a roadmap for an AI future, anchoring infrastructure security in unified identity, where identity is the foundation of trust.

Two leaders from Gunnebo Safe Storage have been appointed to senior roles within Eurosafe, with Mark Brookes elected President of the prestigious association. Eurosafe represents national safe manufacturers’ associations across Europe. Founded in Paris in 1988, the organisation brings together industry expertise to promote best practice and support the development of common standards for safes, strongrooms, data cabinets and other secure storage products. Role and responsibility Mark’s election as President followed a vote by Eurosafe members and confirmation by the General Assembly. In this role, he will lead the association’s strategic direction, working with national member organisations to strengthen collaboration and support consistent approaches to secure storage across Europe. Says Mark Brookes Gunnebo Safe Storage Global Product and Standards Director: “It is such an honour to be elected as President of Eurosafe, representing a significant responsibility and an important opportunity to support national associations at a European level. The role is focused on representation, collaboration and ensuring the industry speaks with a clear and informed voice as requirements for safe storage continue to evolve.” Current experience Mark also serves as Chair of CEN Technical Committee 263. This is a technical position responsible for the development and maintenance of European standards for the secure storage of cash, valuables and data media. CEN/TC 263 sets the testing and performance requirements for a wide range of products, including safes, strongrooms, data cabinets, fire rooms and ATMs. Its work ensures products meet consistent levels of security, fire protection and reliability across Europe, including both EU and non-EU countries. Alongside Mark, Viktoria Lövberg, Commercial Director at Gunnebo Safe Storage, has been appointed Secretary of the Eurosafe committee. Authority insight Says Stefan Syren, President of Gunnebo Safe Storage: “With Mark and Viktoria in these prestigious roles, Eurosafe will benefit from their vast experience in safe‑storage standards and practices, strengthening our collective commitment to supporting the security industry. Their work will help ensure safes, strongrooms and other secure storage solutions across Europe remain reliable and resilient for everyone in the value supply chain.”

Despite rising violence in U.S. healthcare settings, many hospitals still rely on manual, paper-based systems to identify potentially dangerous individuals, creating serious gaps in both physical security and reporting data. To close this gap, Athena Security, Inc., has launched an automated BOLO (Be On the Lookout) / Person of Interest system engineered to instantly recognise high-risk individuals and deliver real-time alerts to hospital security teams. Much needed innovation “This is exactly the kind of innovation hospitals need in an era where threats can escalate in seconds,” says Lisa Falzone, Co-Founder and President of Athena Security. “Our BOLO / POI technology eliminates the vulnerabilities of outdated methods and gives security teams a real-time advantage that saves lives and reduces administrative burden.” Challenges Hospitals depend heavily on documentation-heavy processes that slow response times and overwhelm security personnel. According to a 2025 overview of hospital security guard duties, officers are responsible for detailed incident reports and daily activity logs documenting patrols, visitor access, suspicious behavior, and unusual events—making documentation a routine and time-intensive part of every shift. A 2022 peer-reviewed study on hospital workplace-violence reporting further found that many violent incidents go unreported or only partially reported because the process requires busy staff—including security and managers—to manually complete incident reports, resulting in inconsistent or incomplete safety data. These gaps are especially concerning as threats continue to escalate. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that healthcare workers experience workplace violence at five times the rate of workers in all other industries, placing immense pressure on hospital security teams who must accurately identify high-risk individuals the moment they enter the facility. Solution Athena Security’s automated BOLO / Person of Interest technology directly addresses this challenge by replacing outdated paper logs, binders, and memory-based identification with real-time driver’s license scanning. Integrated seamlessly with Athena’s Visitor Management System (VMS), the solution enables hospitals to automatically flag dangerous or restricted individuals upon entry and immediately notify security teams, access control staff, and clinical leadership. The system performs real-time checks against both internal BOLO lists and relevant external databases, providing proactive visibility without disrupting normal visitor flow. Accurate record keeping Athena’s BOLO / Person of Interest technology is consistent with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Best Practice 15.4.5, which calls for implementing credentialing programs to manage building access and maintain accurate records of authorised individuals. By replacing manual data entry with driver’s license scanning, the system eliminates common human errors and creates accurate, digitised visitor records.  Key capabilities of Athena’s BOLO / POI system Instant identification of dangerous, banned, or restricted individuals Immediate creation and deployment of new BOLO alerts that are automatically pushed across all hospital locations Real-time alerts across the hospital’s security and operations ecosystem Automated, consistent documentation of POI events without manual reporting Contextual alerts that include officer-entered notes such as prior behavior or safety concerns, enabling more informed response decisions Faster response times during escalating threats Enhanced visitor management and access control across ED, maternity, behavioral health, and restricted clinical areas Offline functionality that allows BOLO searches and alerts to continue even if network connectivity is temporarily lost Automation “Paper lists and manual reporting simply cannot keep pace with modern threats,” states Chris Ciabarra, Co-Founder and CTO of Athena Security. “Violent incidents in hospitals are under-reported largely because teams are overwhelmed by documentation requirements. Automating identification, alerting, and documentation in real time gives hospitals a chance to respond in the way threats actually occur—suddenly and without warning.”

Chubbsafe, part of Gunnebo Safe Storage, in partnership with VOUROS O.E., has completed the tailor-made specification of safe storage solutions for a private compound of 13 luxury villas in the Cycladic Islands, Greece. The villas required reliable storage for jewellery, watches, and important documents across both private suites and administrative areas. Traditional high-grade safes, while secure, were considered heavy, difficult to position, and visually intrusive. Certified burglary resistance For this project, compact safes with certified burglary resistance were specified. With flexible anchoring options, their lighter construction allowed installation inside wardrobes and other discreet spaces without altering the properties’ structure or interior design. Says Georgios Vouros, Managing Director of VOUROS O.E: “The collaboration highlights a shift in the Greek luxury property market, where homeowners expect certified protection that blends seamlessly into refined interiors. Chubbsafes’ compact and discreet solutions meet this need by delivering proven burglary resistance without altering the design or structural features of the villas.” DIY friendly installation DIY friendly installation enabled minimal disruption to residents, drawing on the long-standing partnership, which began in 1956 when VOUROS first introduced Chubbsafes products to Greece, before coming a sole distributor in 1997. The project demonstrates how technology originally developed for banks and jewellers can be adapted to residential requirements, providing certified protection to EN 1143-1 and EN 1300 certified mechanical or electronic lock, all in a format suited to private homes. “Luxury homeowners want the same level of certified protection that professional institutions have relied on for years, but in a format suited to connected lifestyles,” Jolanta Derbich, Channel Development Manager Southern and Eastern Europe of Gunnebo Safe Storage concluded. “Our partnership with VOUROS combines global engineering expertise with local knowledge to deliver solutions that protect valuable possessions while fitting into residential environments.”

ZeroEyes, the creators of the first AI-based gun detection video analytics platform to earn the full US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, announces that its AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform has been deployed by New Jersey’s Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District to protect students and faculty against gun-related violence. The district serves approximately 1,800 students and 350 staff members across two four-year public high schools: Indian Hills High School and Ramapo High School. Located in Bergen County, New Jersey, the district educates students from the suburban communities of Franklin Lakes, Oakland, and Wyckoff.   Multilayered security approach ZeroEyes complements the district’s multilayered security approach, which also includes a school resource officer (SRO), modernised public address system, enhanced camera infrastructure, strobelight alerts, and more. "Our leadership team, in collaboration with our Board of Education, is constantly exploring new approaches and ideas to stay ahead of potential security issues and enable the best possible response to a school-based threat,” said Charlie Wolff, District Security Coordinator and School Safety Specialist, Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education. “Partnering with ZeroEyes allows us to take our video surveillance system to a whole new level. At Ramapo Indian Hills, our primary goal is to create a safe learning environment for every student, and we achieve this through an ongoing cycle of security evaluation, implementation, and refinement.” Intelligent situational awareness ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to law enforcement and local security teams as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. “We’re proud to support the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District in its mission to provide a safe, secure learning environment,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and cofounder of ZeroEyes. “The district’s decision to implement ZeroEyes demonstrates their dedication to prioritising security and enabling their students to focus on their education.”

Gunnebo Safe Storage has worked in partnership with Capital Vaults to install its high security SafeStore Auto Maxi at Sibaya Entertainment Kingdom and Casino, designed to provide clients with secure, automated access to their valuables. The SafeStore Auto Maxi Solution was seamlessly designed within a certified EN 1143-1 Grade VII vault at a high-security site for a pioneer Casino complex in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. As a protected, discreet facility where customers can store and retrieve possessions at any time without relying on staff, the solution enables the maintenance of the highest level of physical protection. Multi-layered authentication “This project demonstrates how SafeStore Auto can provide secure and convenient access to valuables without the limitations of traditional safe deposit services,” stated Theo Moodley, of Capital Vaults. “Gunnebo’s automated system is housed in a certified EN 1143-1 Grade VII vault and combines robotics with rigorous identity verification to give users confidence their belongings are protected at all times.” SafeStore Auto Maxi is an automated safe deposit system which operates entirely within a certified strong room and always remains closed and secure, eliminating the need for staff interaction during access. Multi-layered authentication ensures only the authorised user can call up their safety deposit locker and the installation has been further strengthened by a proprietary six-eye protocol. The vault is completely isolated from external networks and does not require an internet connection, reducing the risk of hacking or data breaches. Significant sentimental value Located within the broader security perimeter of a major entertainment complex, the site benefits from constant surveillance, controlled entry and exit points, and on-site security teams, while offering customers complete privacy once inside the private suite where the locker is delivered. Access is always available, allowing clients to deposit or retrieve items whenever they choose. Items commonly stored include jewellery, documents, luxury watches, precious metals, digital wallets, and family heirlooms; these are possessions that are often irreplaceable or hold significant sentimental value. Advanced vault technology Gail Carew, Sales Director of Gunnebo Safe Storage South Africa added: “Capital Vaults turned to Gunnebo for a secure, automated alternative to conventional safe deposit boxes. Through a close partnership, we combined our SafeStore Auto technology with a certified high-security vault to deliver 24/7 access in a secure environment.” The success of the installation highlights how advanced vault technology can be adapted to local requirements while adhering to international certifications for burglary resistance. As demand for private secure storage continues to grow, Gunnebo Safe Storage expects similar solutions to play an increasing role in providing individuals with peace of mind and uninterrupted access to their most valuable possessions.

Visitor management systems can be an important component of a comprehensive security program and may help organisations manage facility access and visitor tracking as part of their overall security strategy. They also play an important role in delivering a seamless visitor experience and optimising front desk operations by streamlining check-ins and reducing administrative burdens. Many organisations have visitor management procedures in place that require a receptionist or other employee to keep written logs or manually check in visitors, which takes time and resources away from the day-to-day business. Implementing visitor management systems can be a major task for organisations – and finding a solution that can integrate with existing systems is vital. Keeping track of appointments Visitor management systems allow a business to centralise and automate their visitor-related processes including pre-registering guests, providing QR code or mobile credentials for building access and check-in, and notifying hosts automatically when guests arrive. Everon was approached by a long-standing customer in the professional lawn care industry, with over 10,000 employees in locations across North America, to upgrade their visitor management system. The customer relocated to new headquarters and sought to upgrade from written logs to a more efficient means of keeping track of appointments. Workplace experience platform Everon worked closely with Sharry, a cloud-based smart access and workplace experience platform that provides workplace managers and security teams with reliable, easy-to-deploy access control solutions. Sharry offers a highly customisable visitor management solution that can be tailored to each client’s specific requirements. In this case, the client was looking for a way to ensure an automated yet secure operation of their new reception area without the need for on-site front desk staff. Temporary access credential The customer was clear in their request that they did not want visitors to download an extra app to check in to the facility, so Sharry provided software that the customer could use on their existing compatible hardware such as iPad tablets – eliminating the need for large purchases of additional hardware. The Sharry system is designed to provide visitors with an efficient check-in process. Once an appointment is confirmed, the host can send a standard calendar invitation via Outlook, while the Sharry system automatically issues a guest pass email to the visitor. This email includes meeting details, directions to the facility, and a QR code that serves as a temporary access credential. Upon arrival in the lobby, the visitor can use the QR code to unlock the doors, as the system is fully integrated with the customer’s existing Brivo access control infrastructure. The host is then notified in real time that their guest has arrived. Additional features for consideration For walk-in guests without prior registration, a self-service kiosk app on a tablet at the reception is available for a smooth check-in. The system automatically verifies each guest against a do-not-admit list and simultaneously notifies the host that a visitor has arrived to see them. The host is then responsible for escorting the guest from the lobby. While not utilised in this particular deployment, Sharry’s robust visitor management system offers a wide array of additional features for consideration, such as automated parking reservations for guests, visitor ID scanning, or the management of visitor agreements. Reinforcing brand consistency Since Sharry visitor management is delivered as a white-labeled solution, it fully incorporates the customer’s brand identity across various outputs and touchpoints. Guest pass emails are not sent under the Sharry name but are instead issued on behalf of the client, reinforcing brand consistency. Similarly, the kiosk app reflects the client’s branding, contributing to a cohesive and professional visitor experience from the moment a guest is invited to a meeting. The delivered solution also includes the Insights analytics tool, offering a clear view of visitor flow by identifying peak days and times and forecasting visits for the coming times. It can automatically generate and send data reports to support management decisions. Separate access control system This project was unique – the customer had already worked with Everon in implementing a separate access control system, Brivo, before the inclusion and integration of the Sharry system. Support from both the Brivo and Sharry teams were excellent, working closely with Everon technicians to ensure that the integration process went smoothly. “The Sharry team were ready to jump in and help at any time to provide a seamless experience,” said Richard Kensky, Project Manager at Everon, “Considering that the customer had not worked with the technology of this kind before, it was important that both teams were hands on every step of the way.” Integrated visitor management system “Although this was not a typical use case for our integrated visitor management system, the project confirmed the flexibility and robustness of our system to adapt to the evolving needs of enterprise clients and office buildings,” said Michal Čeřovský, COO and co-founder at Sharry. “Thanks to smooth cooperation with Everon and their hands-on approach as a trusted partner for the client, the implementation of the integrated solution—from kickoff to full deployment—was completed in just three weeks.” The implemented visitor management solution demonstrated strong capabilities in deployment speed, cost management, and access control features, while supporting the client's security, efficiency, and compliance objectives. Modern access control technology has never been more convenient.