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.

HackerOne, a global pioneer in Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM), has joined Project Glasswing, Anthropic's controlled-access program for Claude Mythos 5. HackerOne will share what it learns about applying frontier AI to real-world exposure management to advance cyber defense at scale. Consistent with Project Glasswing’s mandate, HackerOne is using Mythos to strengthen its defenses. While doing so, HackerOne will benchmark Mythos’ performance in use cases beyond discovery: confirming exploitability with evidence, prioritising findings by business impact, and generating developer-ready fixes that integrate directly into engineering workflows. Different vantage point “Attackers are already using frontier AI to find and weaponise vulnerabilities faster than defenders can respond. The only viable answer is for defenders to operate on better models, faster. HackerOne's mission is to empower the world to build a safer internet. Anthropic's is safer software at scale. Same goal, different vantage point. Project Glasswing lets us put the most capable model available to work on our infrastructure and share what we learn across the full CTEM workflow," said Kara Sprague, Chief Executive Officer, HackerOne. "Building more resilient software requires continuous innovation in how we identify, understand, and remediate risk," said Nidhi Aggarwal, Chief Product Officer, HackerOne. "We are excited to use Claude Mythos to strengthen the security of our internal systems, explore how frontier AI can strengthen every stage of the CTEM workflow from discovery to remediation, and contribute insights that help the security industry move toward continuous cyber defence." HackerOne's participation in Project Glasswing is scoped exclusively to improve the security of its infrastructure and solutions. Claude Mythos 5 is not being applied to customer programs or external-facing agentic use cases.

iDenfy, a global RegTech company that specializes in identity verification and fraud prevention services, announced a new “Verify Later” reminder feature for its Know Your Business (KYB) onboarding flow, a configurable automation that acts as a virtual follow-up assistant by scheduling and sending reminder emails to end users who chose to postpone their identity verification (IDV) step. It helps partners bring applicants back to finish onboarding without manual outreach, which once required compliance teams to track and re-contact applicants who deliberately avoided this crucial step in their KYB forms. This new upgrade runs automatically in the background, making KYB onboarding less complex for both compliance analysts and end-users. Broader business verification process KYB verification often involves more than a single identity check. Directors, representatives, and sole proprietors may need to complete their own identity verification (IDV) step as part of a broader business verification process that also includes documents such as registration certificates, shareholder registers, and UBO records. Because these documents can take time to gather, iDenfy’s platform allows the person completing verification to choose “Verify Later” and exit the flow without losing any information already entered. Until now, following up with these users required manual outreach from the partner’s team, and the partners were forced to complete verification for the first time, which created some obstacles in the past. The new reminder function automates that step directly on iDenfy’s Business Verification dashboard. Business verification dashboard In the configuration section of the business verification dashboard, partners can now enable reminders for each IDV type: Director, Representative, or Sole Proprietorship, depending on which roles are applied to their onboarding flow. For each type, partners can set one or more reminder send times, ranging from 1 hour up to 21 days after the user selects the “Verify Later” option. For example, an initial nudge after a few hours followed by a second reminder closer to the session deadline, just to ensure that the user will complete verification on time, because the reminder timing is limited to the session’s validity period. KYB workflow settings Once the user completes their IDV, all scheduled reminders for that KYB session stop automatically. In addition, business owners can retain control over the other surrounding KYB workflow settings as well. For example, they can adjust the link expiration time and the overall period that is allowed to complete a KYB process, and if a business does not finish within that time frame, analysts working with iDenfy’s KYB dashboard can easily update the session settings or provide a new verification link not to lose the customer completing their KYB process. According to Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy, this no-code dashboard management has been a success, giving compliance officers the freedom to “control the KYB process more easily while still complying with regulatory requirements” and ensuring vitals like proper reporting and data logging for auditing purposes. Standard identity check iDenfy has designed the “Verify Later” reminder function specifically to give end users flexibility during verification, an approach that is particularly relevant in KYB processes, where corporate documentation such as UBO structures and company registries can take longer to compile than a standard identity check. By allowing users to pause and resume verification without losing progress, and by automating the follow-up process for partners, the feature is intended to reduce both user drop-off and the operational burden on compliance teams. “KYB onboarding rarely happens in one sitting, and we built this feature to reflect that reality. Giving businesses the ability to automatically follow up with users who need more time means fewer incomplete verifications and less manual work for our partners’ compliance teams,” added Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy. Existing configuration settings The “Verify Later” reminder configuration is available now to iDenfy partners through the business verification dashboard. Partners can enable the feature for the relevant IDV types and set their preferred reminder schedule directly within their existing configuration settings. It is worth mentioning that iDenfy’s Know Your Business solution is a no-code service that connects to over 180+ company registries across more than 120 countries, giving compliance teams access to original, real-time data during the verification process. Partners can build custom onboarding forms with 14 company fields and 17 representative fields, as well as extra questionnaires for suitable automation or blocklist rules, with the ability to generate a full breakdown of a company’s ownership structure, including UBOs. AI compliance agent iDenfy’s KYB workflows also include an AI compliance agent that can handle document authentication automatically, along with dynamic, no-code workflows that route applicants through different questionnaires based on their risk profile. Businesses using the platform report an 88 percent form completion rate, above typical KYB industry standards, alongside an average of 40 hours of manual work saved per week and up to 3 times lower onboarding costs through iDenfy’s workflow automation. The solution also supports 24/7 onboarding, including weekends and holidays, so verification is not limited by business hours or onboarding quantity. “Flexibility and automation are not opposing goals in identity verification because they work together. This function lets end users step away when they need to gather documents, while our partners can trust that the follow-up will happen on schedule, without anyone having to track it manually,” explained Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy.

As defence contractors face mounting pressure to comply with evolving Department of Defense cybersecurity requirements, DigiFlight Inc. announces the appointment of cybersecurity governance and compliance veteran Jermaine Stanley as Director of Cybersecurity Compliance. Stanley's addition strengthens DigiFlight's ability to help organisations reduce cyber risk and accelerate compliance readiness across the defense industrial base. Stanley brings more than 25 years of experience in cybersecurity compliance, governance, and enterprise risk management across the financial services, government, technology, insurance, and non-profit sectors. Stanley will oversee enterprise cyber risk and compliance initiatives for defense contractors and federal suppliers. Increasingly complex cybersecurity Stanley is the Immediate Past President of the ISACA Greater Washington, DC Chapter and previously served on the ISACA Foundation Board, helping award more than $1.4 million in scholarships globally. He holds a Master’s degree in Software Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and maintains multiple industry certifications, including CISA, CDPSE, and CMMC Certified Professional. "Jermaine's extensive experience in cybersecurity governance, compliance, and risk management comes at a critical time for organisations navigating increasingly complex cybersecurity and regulatory requirements. His leadership will strengthen our ability to help government agencies and defense contractors achieve compliance, reduce cyber risk, and build more resilient security programs. Just as importantly, Jermaine brings a deep commitment to advancing the cybersecurity profession and developing the next generation of security leaders, which aligns perfectly with DigiFlight's mission and values,” said Stan Oliver, CEO, DigiFlight. Mission-critical government contracts As cyber threats continue to evolve and the Department of Defense intensifies Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) requirements across the defense industrial base, organisations face growing pressure to demonstrate both cybersecurity readiness and regulatory compliance. Jermaine Stanley's appointment strengthens DigiFlight's and Camelot Secure's (A DigiFlight company) ability to help customers navigate these challenges by combining deep compliance expertise with practical risk management experience. His leadership will support the continued advancement of DigiFlight's cybersecurity solutions, enabling defense contractors and federal suppliers to accelerate certification efforts, improve cyber resilience, and maintain eligibility for mission-critical government contracts.

Comelit-PAC has launched LogiFire 2 panel, extending its LogiFire fire detection portfolio with a solution designed for small to medium-sized installations requiring advanced functionality alongside straightforward installation and operation. The LogiFire range is Comelit-PAC's addressable fire detection platform, providing a scalable solution for applications ranging from smaller standalone sites through to larger, more complex buildings. Designed around a common ecosystem of panels, detectors, interfaces and accessories, the range enables installers and end users to maintain consistency across projects while supporting future system expansion. Common ecosystem of panels The new LogiFire 2 panel introduces cloud connectivity and wireless integration while maintaining compatibility with existing LogiFire devices. The result is a panel combining the flexibility of connected fire systems with the familiarity and reliability of the wider LogiFire platform. Says Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Systems Business Manager UK & ROI: "In many projects we are still seeing fire systems managed across multiple panels and sites without a simple way of viewing or checking status remotely, which can add unnecessary time during maintenance or fault investigation”. Wide variety of applications “With LogiFire 2, we’ve focused on giving installers and end users a clearer view of the system through cloud connectivity, while also keeping the installation process familiar. It’s about making day-to-day management more straightforward without changing the way people already work with LogiFire." Supplied as standard with one loop and expandable to two, the panel supports up to 250 devices per loop and up to 16 zonal leds. Suitable for a wide variety of applications, including education, hospitality, retail, commercial buildings and heritage properties, LogiFire 2 has been developed to deliver advanced functionality in an accessible and versatile format. Providing greater flexibility Among the key developments are compatibility with Comelit's MySites cloud platform, built-in TCP/IP connectivity and wireless integration, providing greater flexibility for projects where remote system visibility, networking or cable-free installation may be required. The panel also features a new graphical display and ergonomic interface, helping to simplify operation and day-to-day system management. Designed as part of the wider LogiFire ecosystem, the new panel works seamlessly with existing LogiFire addressable devices, enabling installers to maintain consistency across projects and simplify system expansion. Programming can be carried out directly through the panel interface or via LogiFire software, providing flexibility throughout the installation and maintenance process. Modern fire detection systems The panel also benefits from features previously available only on LogiFire 8, bringing enhanced functionality to projects where a compact, entry-level addressable solution is required. Approved to EN54-2 and EN54-4 standards, LogiFire 2 delivers the performance and compliance expected from modern fire detection systems. Mandy concluded: "LogiFire 2 strengthens the wider LogiFire range by providing customers with another option to combine proven fire detection technology with the connectivity and flexibility increasingly expected on smaller systems. By maintaining compatibility across the wider platform while introducing cloud and wireless capabilities as standard, we're helping installers, specifiers and end users create solutions that can adapt to changing building requirements both now and in the future."

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.”

Hochiki Europe, working with Italian installer ELE.CO SRL, has completed the installation of a combined fire detection and emergency lighting system at a KOKO Emporio store in the Turin area. KOKO Emporio is a well-established value and family retailer with several stores across Torino and Moncalieri, offering home, clothing and lifestyle products to shoppers across the region. The store in question spans 800 square metres across a ground floor and basement. As with any busy retail floor, aisles and stock displays can make it harder for customers to find the nearest exit in an emergency, particularly those unfamiliar with the layout. The store needed a fire detection system that met current compliance requirements alongside emergency lighting capable of guiding staff and customers to safety during a fire or power failure. ESP intelligent fire detection ELE.CO SRL specified Hochiki's FIREscape+, which combines ESP intelligent fire detection with emergency lighting on a single four loop control panel. ALN-EN smoke sensors with adjustable sensitivity were installed throughout to reduce false alarms, and EN 54-23 compliant visual alarm devices were added to make alarm activation clearly visible to every occupant, working alongside ESP sounders to give full audible coverage. The basement presented a particular challenge. It houses separate retail and warehouse areas with long aisles, stock boxes and stairways, so the emergency lighting needed to keep the space illuminated and evacuation routes clear during a power outage. High power luminaries connected to the FIREscape+ panel now cover this area, guiding staff and customers to the nearest exit if the power fails or an evacuation is needed. Multi-site retail environment Ervin Peza, owner of ELE.CO SRL, said: "Hochiki's FIREscape+ system reduced installation costs significantly compared to installing two separate systems, making it the right choice for this application. Combining fire and emergency lighting on a single panel and loop reduces cabling, which simplifies both installation and maintenance." He added: "KOKO's new integrated fire and emergency lighting system means the store can run smoothly, day to day, with customers confident that any fire will be picked up quickly and that they can find their way to safety. Hochiki's addressable technology means the system can pinpoint the exact location of an incident and guide people along the safest route out, even if the power goes down." The installation shows how a combined, addressable fire and emergency lighting system can meet the practical demands of a busy, multi-site retail environment, giving store owners one system to manage rather than two.

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.”