In the world of cybersecurity, ethical hacking proactively identifies security vulnerabilities before malicious actors (i.e., unethical hackers) can exploit them. By simulating real-world attacks, organisations can strengthen defences, protect sensitive data, and maintain public trust. In the physical security world, ethical hacking can transform cybersecurity of security systems from a reactive struggle into a strategic safeguard. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of ethical hacking as it relates to physical security?

Next-generation (Next-Gen) technologies are products, services, or infrastructures that represent a significant leap forward rather than a small, incremental update. In the physical security industry, NextGen products are those that enable disruptive change, breakthrough performance, and a fundamental change that renders previous products obsolete. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the next generation of physical security solutions, and how will they change the industry?

Emphasising proactive rather than reactive security shifts the focus from dealing with crises and damage control to prevention. Advantages of a proactive approach include cost efficiency, better business continuity, and fewer crises that draw attention away from strategic improvements. Staying ahead of threats is a core mission of the security department, and technology has evolved to enable security professionals to deliver on that mission better than ever. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How are security systems transitioning from reactive to proactive, and what is the benefit?

Multiple technology trends are transforming the physical access control market. There is a fundamental shift away from physical cards and keys toward digital identities — mobile credentials, digital wallets, biometrics, and cloud-native access platforms. These next generation access solutions are radically reshaping how buildings operate, protect staff, and perform functionally. At the same time, AI and analytics solutions are being layered onto these physical access control systems to support predictive threat detection and behavioural insights. Access data itself is becoming an asset for sustainability, space optimisation, and smart building initiatives. Risk, impact operations and experience The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues. The survey cites improving user convenience as a priority for nearly half of organisations, while 41% are focused on simplifying administration, and 28% struggle with system integration. These are not theoretical challenges, they are day‑to‑day friction points that add cost, increase risk, impact operations and experience, and, of course, must be addressed. HID Global’s commercial focus HID Global’s commercial focus is to help organisations digitise their access control — with mobile identities, biometrics, and cloud platforms — and then to use the data to deliver more value. “We are turning access control from an operational cost into a software-driven asset that improves efficiency, supports Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and even creates new revenue opportunities,” says Steven Commander, HID Global’s Head of Consultant Relations. The impact of digital transformation Digital transformation is the method of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials Digital transformation is in the process of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials to a software-driven, integrated experience. The transformation strengthens security while also improving user convenience — transforming the “pavement to the desk” journey. HID enables this shift through mobile credentials, biometrics, cloud-native platforms, and solutions that allow third-party applications to run on door hardware. “This helps customers turn access data into operational and commercial outcomes, while also improving the overall user experience,” says Commander.  Digital transformation in access control is not focused on chasing the latest trends. Rather, transformation is about turning software, data and integration into outcomes that matter to customers, says HID. “Security becomes stronger and more adaptive,” says Commander. “Operations become simpler and more cost‑effective. Experiences become seamless and consistent. Sustainability moves from ambition to action. And the financial case becomes clearer as efficiencies are banked and new value streams emerge.” The challenge of futureproofing with long lifecycles Given that physical security technologies will be in place for 15 to 20 years, it is important to plan for how systems can evolve over time. Considering how rapidly security threats, compliance standards, and user expectations change, 15 to 20 years is a long time. The decisions made at the beginning of a system’s lifecycle can either limit flexibility later (which will be costly) or enable long-term adaptability. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important Choosing products and platforms that are open, interoperable, and designed for updates can enable future-proof projects. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important.  In addition, systems built on open controller platforms — such as Mercury — enable organisations to switch software providers or expand functionality without replacing core door hardware. Architectural openness is key to system lifecycles and maximising the return on investment (ROI) from a chosen solution. Digital credentials and mobile access Flexibility and upgradeability should also be top of mind when it comes to endpoints like access control readers. While RFID cards are still commonplace, there is a clear trend toward digital credentials and mobile access. Readers that support both allow organisations to transition at their own pace, without committing to a full system overhaul. A long system lifecycle does not mean technology should remain static. Security, particularly cybersecurity, demands more frequent updates. Technologies that support firmware upgrades in the field extend the value of a deployment while helping organisations keep pace with emerging threats. In that sense, lifecycle thinking is not just about longevity — it’s about maintaining resilience and readiness over time. Applying biometrics and mobile identities Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction. Many organisations are now deploying biometrics to support fast, seamless access journeys, with adoption already around 39% in access control according to HID’s recent research.  In addition, 80% of organisations surveyed expect to deploy mobile identities within the next five years. Full technology integration enables tap‑to‑access without opening an app; the user journey becomes faster, safer, and more convenient. “It is where the industry is headed and we are at the vanguard of this,” says Commander.    Ongoing challenge of cybersecurity At HID Global, cybersecurity is embedded into everything, from corporate processes and development practices to the solutions they bring to market. “Our approach ensures that customers can strengthen their overall security posture, not only by deploying secure products but by benefitting from HID’s commitment to the highest industry standards,” says Commander. HID holds multiple globally recognised certifications, including ISO 27001, ISO 14298, SOC Type 2 and CSA STAR, which demonstrate their robust information security and cloud security practices. In addition, HID’s SEOS® secure chipset is independently SEAL-certified, providing one of the most advanced levels of protection available on the market today. “Ultimately, this means organisations are not just purchasing isolated secure products; they are implementing solutions developed and delivered within a comprehensive, cybersecure framework,” says Commander. “When deployed according to best practices, HID solutions enable customers to achieve the highest levels of resilience against evolving physical and cyber threats.” Developing green and sustainable solutions A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards Digital credentials align with the sustainable solutions that everyone wants. A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards. Over 550 million access cards are sold annually. This creates 2,700 tons of plastic waste and 11,400 tons of carbon, based on a PVC card weighing 5 grams.  Therefore, digital credentials self-evidently reduce the reliance on plastic cards (helping reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% according to HID’s research), while leveraging access control system data supports energy optimisation by shutting down or reducing systems in unused spaces. Energy use and CO₂ emissions can be cut dramatically, showing how access systems can contribute to sustainability goals and green building certification. What is the latest in smart buildings? Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services. Real-time access data enables new services such as automated room bookings, HVAC control, lift/elevator calling, e-bike hiring, and so on. Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services The financial upside is clear; smart, digitally transformed buildings can deliver around 8% higher yields per square foot versus traditional office space. Operational savings accrue from reduced administration, the removal of card production and shipping, and lighter IT support. This creates a value cycle — better experiences drive adoption, adoption fuels monetisation, and monetisation funds further improvements. Achieving technology impact in the real world One standout project is One Bangkok – a $3.9 billion mixed used development in Thailand – which demonstrates the scale of what can be achieved when access control data is used for optimisation, particularly when it comes to monitoring facilities usage and occupier behaviours. By switching lights off or lowering the temperature in unused rooms, for example, the One Bangkok building demonstrates this potential with a 22% reduction in energy consumption, saving 17,000 MWh and 9,000 tons of CO₂ annually.  Sustainability is a key factor in contributing to how properties are valued. And sustainability extends far beyond digital credentials having a lower environmental impact than plastic cards.  Buildings with recognised sustainability certifications often command rental premiums of around 6%, and three‑quarters of security decision‑makers now consider environmental impact in their procurement assessments.

IDenfy, a globally recognised RegTech company providing identity verification and fraud prevention solutions, has recently incorporated Smart-ID into its electronic identity verification platform. By adding the primary mobile electronic identification service in the Baltic region, businesses will be able to verify customers from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia using their everyday identities (without asking the customer for physical documents during onboarding). Smart-ID is the most popular mobile identity service in the Baltic States. In Estonia, there are approximately 730,000 active users, 1 million in Latvia, and 1.6 million users in Lithuania (a combined total of 3.75 million active users in its primary markets), and an additional 19 million people in Belgium and Finland, where its e-identity service also has an active scope of use. Mobile network operators Authentication is done via 2-step PIN entry or biometrics, and hundreds of millions of qualified electronic signatures and ID checks are performed each year. The service of electronic ID is operated by banks and mobile network operators and uses eIDAS High level of assurance, which is equivalent to the e-identity level of government e-identities of EU countries. In addition, Smart-ID is developed by using the OpenID Connect (OIDC) protocol, and it functions as a credential presentation layer that verifies an already created and proven identity. Each authentication transaction result provides verified attributes such as given name, family name, and nationality. Full name and birth date are optional as conditional attributes depending on configuration and consent. Electronic money providers To maintain a high level of security and regulatory compliance, the application transmits and references specific structured data elements such as personal data, device & network, as well as verification codes, so businesses can avoid the burden of manual interpretation of attributes from photographed documents since attributes are directly delivered from the banking credentials. Under Regulation (EU) 2024/1183, the eIDAS 2.0 framework requires all 27 EU member states to make at least one EU Digital Identity Wallet available to citizens by December 31, 2026, and obligate banks, payment institutions, and electronic money providers to accept wallet-based credentials as a valid method for Strong Customer Authentication. Smart-ID’s eIDAS High assurance certification places it within that framework at the highest recognised level. A business that operates across the Baltics and cannot process a Smart-ID credential is not simply behind on feature adoption. It is misaligned with how the majority of digitally active users in those markets already manage their identity. New integration work “The Baltic countries are one of the most mature mobile authentication markets in Europe. Users in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia are not new to mobile authentication; they have been doing it for many years. Our clients operating in those markets can now onboard those users in the way they expect to be onboarded, with no document photography required,” said Domantas Ciulde, CEO of iDenfy. The Smart-ID integration sits within iDenfy’s broader non-document verification framework. Businesses can configure the platform to route users to an electronic ID verification path automatically when document capture is unavailable or fails due to image quality or lighting conditions, a scenario that iDenfy’s internal data identifies as a recurring source of session drop-off. The combined flow is available to all iDenfy clients at no additional cost and can be activated through dashboard settings without new integration work. Identity verification platform iDenfy’s platform currently covers over 16,000+ government-issued documents across over 200+ countries and territories. The addition of Smart-ID gives businesses that serve Baltic and broader Northern European users a complete verification toolkit that handles both document-based and mobile credential-based identity presentation within a single system. Cases that fall outside automated parameters are reviewed by iDenfy’s internal compliance team, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with no interruptions on the weekends or public holidays. “Smart-ID handles hundreds of millions of identity verifications and qualified electronic signatures every year. By integrating it into our platform, our clients get full eIDAS High compliance and a seamless onboarding experience, with no additional setup required on their end,” added Domantas Ciulde, CEO of iDenfy. Smart-ID support is available now across iDenfy’s identity verification platform.

The Association of University Chief Security Officers (AUCSO), the organisation for security professionals working in Higher and Further Education worldwide, is shocked and saddened by the serious incident reported at the University of Surrey yesterday (4.6.26). AUCSO’s thoughts are first and foremost with the member of the University’s Campus Safety team who has been seriously injured while carrying out their duties. AUCSO’s thoughts are with them, their family, friends and colleagues, and to the wider Campus Safety and university community at this very difficult time. Extremely challenging circumstances Campus Safety and Security teams across higher and further education work every day to help keep students, staff and visitors safe. They are often the first to respond in difficult, fast-moving and unpredictable situations, and today’s incident is a stark reminder of the commitment, courage and professionalism shown by those working on the frontline of campus safety. They also recognise the distress this incident will have caused to students, staff and families across the University of Surrey’ community. They have been moved by reports of students and others at the scene who stepped forward to help, showing considerable bravery and humanity in extremely challenging circumstances. Active police investigation AUCSO has reached out to the University of Surrey to offer support to its Campus Safety team and wider colleagues in any way that may be helpful. As this remains an active police investigation, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further on the circumstances of the incident. Figen Murray OBE, Patron of AUCSO, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of this shocking incident and my thoughts are with the injured member of the Campus Safety team, their family, colleagues and the wider University of Surrey community.” “Those who work to keep our campuses and public spaces safe perform a vital role, often with great courage and dedication. At moments like this, it is so important that we stand alongside them and recognise the humanity, professionalism and bravery shown by those who respond when others are in need.”

Mul-T-Lock’s MTL™500 platform has been selected by DES Locksmiths for its Golden Key initiative, a programme focused on strengthening accountability, traceability and long-term security within master key systems. The Golden Key was developed in response to post-Grenfell fire safety concerns, addressing how emergency services access communal areas in high rise residential buildings. Introducing patented control Historically, fire brigade keys were widely available to purchase, which led to instances of misuse and unauthorised entry. DES Locksmiths launched Golden Key Secure using Mul-T-Lock’s patented MTL™500 platform to create a controlled, high security system that allows fire brigade access while ensuring each housing provider retains its own dedicated key system. “The starting point for Golden Key was a clear risk where fire brigade keys had become too widely available, leading to unauthorised access,” said Nicky Crossman, Company Owner at DES Locksmiths. “We needed a system to maintain immediate access for emergency services, while introducing patented control.” Accountable access management “Golden Key with Mul-T-Lock’s MTL500 platform achieves this through a high security master key structure, where emergency services hold a specific access key and each housing provider retains its own dedicated system. This ensures access remains restricted, consistent and traceable over time.” At the core of the initiative is Mul-T-Lock’s MTL™500 mechanical platform, which supports structured key hierarchies and controlled duplication. It allows complex master key systems to expand over time while remaining compatible with existing infrastructure, making it ideal for environments with evolving access needs. Using a patented system, keys can only be duplicated through authorised channels, with clear record-keeping ensuring secure, traceable, and accountable access management. Secure access solutions The Golden Key system has already been implemented with more than 10,000 properties converted, particularly within social housing.  This is following early engagement from housing providers who highlighted the risks associated with uncontrolled key access. Fire services across London, Essex, Surrey and Oxfordshire carry the Golden Key, with further rollout planned across additional regions. Collaboration with authorities including the Metropolitan Police has also helped establish coordinated, secure access solutions. Formal agreements with the London Fire Brigade are expected to be the first initiative of its kind in over 30 years. Ensuring emergency services Dan Dodds, Mul-T-Lock Regional Sales Manager concludes: “The Golden Key initiative shows how important it is to get key control right from the start. It’s about having a clear, well thought-through approach from day one, rather than trying to fix things later.” “It demonstrates how Nicky and the team at DES have taken a real issue and turned it into a solution that genuinely works, not just on paper. And our MTL™500 solution sits behind this, helping to keep the system effective, whilst ensuring emergency services can get in when they need to. It’s a simple, practical answer to a real problem."

iDenfy, a global company that provides ID verification and fraud prevention services used by over 1,000+ businesses across the globe, has officially added BSN masking for identity verification in the Netherlands. This functionality allows Dutch users to provide an identity document with the Burgerservicenummer (BSN) deliberately masked out while proceeding through the entire verification process. BSN is considered to be sensitive personal data according to both the GDPR and the Dutch national privacy law, and is forbidden for most private companies to collect and store this information. Dutch individuals had to consistently cover their BSN with a marker before handing their copies of ID documents for verification, whether by using the official KopieID app, manual photo editing, or covering it up with some physical object. Custom-tailored option However, most third-party Know Your Customer (KYC) service providers, which were not native to the Dutch market, don’t have the custom-tailored option for users to upload their IDs in a compliant manner in the Netherlands, which resulted in their verification being unaccepted and denied. For businesses operating on a global level, this results in lost conversions in the very first step of the user journey, the account opening. iDenfy solved this security limitation and now offers a compliant, user-friendly option for Dutch clients to complete their KYC. End-users can now verify the way Dutch privacy law intends, and the businesses serving the Netherlands traffic can onboard those users without taking on unnecessary risks compliance-wise. The new verification path activates when iDenfy detects that the Netherlands has been selected or auto-identified, and accepts Dutch identity documents, including the national passport, Dutch identity card, and Dutch driving licence, in PDF, JPG, and PNG formats. Original identification card “The people in the Netherlands have always had the right to keep their BSN covered, and we shouldn’t demand it when asking to perform the identity verification,” said Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy. The system also accepts any already-for-masking used method without requiring a specific redaction or original identification card. When a masked BSN is detected, and the document meets the requirements, the user is automatically accepted. On the other hand, if the document is flagged with high-risk indications, the user’s KYC data is sent to the review queue for a double-check, which is done by iDenfy’s in-house expert Review team. That means no case is silently auto-passed, and the BSN is automatically excluded from the verification record to ensure that partners do not inadvertently collect or retain data they have no legal basis to hold. AI-powered document analysis The feature is implemented as an opt-in setting, activated on a case-by-case basis with each existing partner to ensure that current AML controls and review workflows remain deliberate and explicit. No integration changes are required on iDenfy’s partners’ side. Once enabled, all companies receive sandbox access to validate the end-to-end flow before going live. It’s important to mention that the BSN masking capability is built on top of iDenfy’s all-in-one identity verification infrastructure, which combines AI-powered document analysis, biometric matching, and an in-house human review team that operates 24/7 without any delays. Automated identity verifications are completed instantly, while human-supervised checks are typically completed within three minutes. Industry AI solutions iDenfy’s advanced biometric and facial recognition algorithms confirm if the face presented during verification is live and genuine in order to actively prevent the use of photographs, 3D masks, and other spoofing attempts. In addition, the KYC system is designed to filter deepfakes and flag AI-generated biometric faces with the best in the industry AI solutions and review team supervision to guarantee a maximum success rate. iDenfy is committed to building a verification infrastructure that respects jurisdiction-specific privacy frameworks, rather than treating local data rights as an obstacle to onboarding

ZeroEyes, creators of the multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, announces that its proactive AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software has been deployed by Perry-Lecompton USD 343 in Kansas to help protect students, staff, and visitors from gun-related threats. Located in Northeastern Kansas, Perry-Lecompton USD 343 serves approximately 730 students and employs 160 staff members district-wide. The district will deploy ZeroEyes at Perry-Lecompton Middle School and Perry-Lecompton High School as part of its continued commitment to maintaining a safe, welcoming learning environment. Broader community initiatives 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. The grant followed coordination with local law enforcement and community leaders to identify AI gun detection as a key safety priority aligned with broader community initiatives. “The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority,” said Justin Dunnaway, Assistant Superintendent of Perry-Lecompton USD 343. “We are proud to have secured funding through the Kansas firearm detection grant program to bring ZeroEyes to our middle and high school campuses. This technology adds another proactive layer of protection and aligns with the collaborative safety efforts we’ve been building alongside local law enforcement and community leaders.” Situational awareness software layers 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 operations center staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If the threat is determined to be valid, alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — are dispatched to law enforcement and school officials, often in a matter of seconds from the moment a gun is detected. “Perry-Lecompton USD 343 has taken a thoughtful and proactive approach to campus safety,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “By leveraging state grant funding and building upon existing security investments, the district is demonstrating its strong commitment to protecting students and staff while preserving the close-knit culture that defines its community.”

ZeroEyes, creators of the multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, announces that its proactive AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software has been renewed by Sumter County Schools following two successful years of deployment. Serving nine schools across rural Sumter County, the district supports approximately 6,000 students and 700 faculty and staff. ZeroEyes has been integrated across these schools as part of the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming learning environment. Welcoming learning environment “I personally have been very impressed with ZeroEyes since day one,” said Philip Martin, Safety and Security Specialist for Sumter County Schools. “The level of detail that ZeroEyes provides, as well as the responsiveness of their customer service, is outstanding. Communication is always quick, which is critical from a customer standpoint. It’s reassuring to know that this technology is helping keep our students and staff safe.” Sumter County Schools maintains a strong, collaborative relationship with local law enforcement. The district works closely with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring that security protocols are consistent, proactive, and responsive. This renewal reinforces the district’s dedication to combining modern technology with community-centred safety measures. 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 operations center staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If the threat is determined to be valid, alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — are dispatched to law enforcement and school officials, often in a matter of seconds from the moment a gun is detected. “Sumter County Schools has demonstrated a thoughtful and proactive approach to campus safety,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “By leveraging real-time intelligence, the district continues to protect its students and faculty while preserving the close-knit community culture that makes Sumter County special.”

Genetec Inc., the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces 40 Leadenhall has deployed Genetec™ Security Center and Genetec Mission Control™ to create a seamless modern experience for visitors and tenants. Located in the capital’s insurance district, 40 Leadenhall is one of the biggest City of London developments ever to receive planning permission. It spans over 900,000 square feet of commercial office, amenities, and retail space, serving up to 10,000 occupants. Original performance specification A unified security platform formed part of the original performance specification, with Genetec Security Center ultimately selected to give 40 Leadenhall the flexibility to integrate best of breed hardware and software, support informed decision making, and tailor the interface to a wide range of user needs and access privileges. “Genetec is proud to be safeguarding a growing portfolio of flagship buildings across the City of London - including some of its newest and largest developments,” said Viet Tang, Account Executive at Genetec Inc. “40 Leadenhall is a standout example of how forward thinking property owners are embracing unified, intelligent security to deliver safer, more efficient and more intuitive environments.” Standardising incident response The smart building solution incorporates over 200 cameras, more than 250 doors, and 2,600 data points, all managed through Genetec Security Center and hosted on Genetec Streamvault™ servers and archives. Genetec Mission Control™ further enhances operations by standardising incident response with advanced automation. By integrating with other building systems, it can automatically trigger workflows for events such as power loss, water leaks, or high winds thus enabling teams to respond proactively with timely notifications and targeted actions that help ensure occupant safety. Access control and visitor experience technologies from partners including HID Global, Mercury Communications, and STid help enable seamless navigation throughout the facility. Occupiers can use mobile wallet credentials for frictionless entry, while visitors receive QR code passes that remove the need for temporary plastic cards. Integrated cameras from Axis Communications enhance situational awareness across the site. Truly smart building Genetec workstations located throughout the building provide role based access for operators. Reception staff can enrol visitors, while control-room security teams can run reports, investigate events, and monitor live video on either dedicated workstations or tablets. “The Genetec security system is easy to use and enables us to deliver a world class service to our occupiers and guests, ensuring occupant wellbeing and building security,” says Stewart Maynard, Smart Systems Manager at 40 Leadenhall. “Collaboration between delivery, systems and service partner teams has helped make 40 Leadenhall a truly smart building.” Quickly identify devices By uploading interactive floor plans into Security Center, operators can quickly identify devices, investigate activity, or access live video with a single click, significantly reducing training times. The building’s digital experience is further enhanced through integration with the 40 Leadenhall app, powered by VTS Activate. Occupiers can issue virtual visitor passes, receive arrival notifications, and seamlessly access amenities including wellness spaces, cycle facilities and the Peloton studio. “We believe Genetec provides the ideal platform to support 40 Leadenhall’s future growth and technology goals,” concludes Maynard. “The investment in leading technology, supported by strong partnerships, positions 40 Leadenhall at the forefront of innovation.”

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 New Jersey’s Sayreville Borough School District to protect students and faculty against gun-related violence. Located in Middlesex County, the district serves approximately 6,500 students and employs approximately 750 staff across 10 buildings, including a high school, middle school, upper elementary school, four K–3 elementary schools, two preschools, and a specialised 18–21 program that operates a publicly accessible store and café for job training. With strong community involvement, the district prioritises proactive safety measures and operates on the principle of staying ahead of evolving security needs. Incident management software ZeroEyes enhances the district’s comprehensive, multilayered security strategy and will be integrated with Singlewire’s InformaCast incident management software. This enables real-time gun detection alerts from ZeroEyes to automatically trigger Singlewire’s InformaCast system, which can instantly distribute customised alerts across a wide range of devices, supporting faster, more coordinated emergency responses and ensuring critical information reaches those who need it most. “Our responsibility is to create an environment where students and staff can focus on learning while knowing that safety is taken seriously,” said Dr. Richard Labbe, superintendent of Sayreville Borough School District. “By integrating advanced technology, such as ZeroEyes, into our broader security framework, we are strengthening our ability to identify potential threats early and act quickly, helping us move from awareness to action in a matter of moments.” Secure learning environment 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 school security teams as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. “Sayreville Borough School District’s leadership has demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a safe and secure learning environment,” said Mike Lahiff, co-founder and CEO of ZeroEyes. “We’re proud to support their efforts by turning existing security infrastructure into a source of timely, reliable insight that supports faster, more confident action.”