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.

Mul-T-Lock and Leeds Lock Centre are marking more than 20 years of working together, reflecting a long-established partnership shaped by technical expertise, professional trust and a shared commitment to well-engineered mechanical security. Leeds Lock Centre has been part of Mul-T-Lock’s authorised locksmith network for over two decades, supplying and fitting its products across domestic, commercial and specialist applications. Over that time, the relationship has developed in line with changes in both regulation and criminal attack methods, with product decisions guided by practical experience and performance rather than trend or aesthetics. Recognised security standards Most recently, Leeds Lock Centre has introduced MTL™300 Break Secure® 3XP Pro cylinder into its retail premises. The cylinder has been developed to respond to the increasingly sophisticated techniques used in forced entry and has been independently tested to meet the latest revisions of recognised security standards. Says Dennis, Martin and Antoaneta at Leeds Lock Centre: “We’ve been proud partners of Mul-T-Lock for over two decades, and the introduction of the MTL™300 Break Secure® 3XP Pro is a perfect example of why. This lock meets all required standards and offers the highest level of protection against emerging security threats. It’s a solution we’re confident recommending to our customers because it combines robust engineering with the peace of mind that comes from knowing their properties are well protected." Internal locking mechanism Built on the established MTL™300 platform, Break Secure 3XP Pro features a sacrificial front section designed to break away under attack, preventing access to the internal locking mechanism. It exceeds BS EN1303 Grade 6 requirements for durability, having passed one million accelerated operation cycles, and has been tested against current TS 007 3-star attack methods. It also meets the latest SS312 Diamond standards and has achieved Secured by Design accreditation, confirming its suitability for use across a wide range of applications. Dimple key technology Alongside physical resilience, Break Secure 3XP Pro uses patented dimple key technology with controlled key duplication, helping maintain long-term access management. Compatibility with existing MTL™300 master key systems was also an important consideration for Leeds Lock Centre, allowing the product to be specified without disrupting established system designs. Nigel Taylor, Director and Head of Locksmiths at ASSA ABLOY UK & Ireland, commented: “Our relationship with Leeds Lock Centre is built on long-term collaboration and honest feedback. They assess products based on real experience, which is exactly the perspective we value. Their decision to adopt Break Secure 3XP Pro reflects the work that’s gone into developing a cylinder that meets current standards and anticipates how those standards and attack methods continue to evolve.” With more than 20 years of partnership behind them, Mul-T-Lock and Leeds Lock Centre continue to work closely as the security landscape changes, ensuring product development, specification and recommendation remain firmly rooted in tested performance and professional judgement.

i-PRO Co., Ltd., a pioneer in professional security and public safety solutions, announces the appointment of Steve Riley as President, EMEA. As i-PRO's EMEA business continues to expand, the company is adapting its regional leadership structure to support ongoing growth, navigate increasing business complexity, and ensure the organization continues to scale effectively across the region. Steve Riley will lead the overall EMEA organization, focusing on regional strategy, organizational development, governance, and business leadership. Jose Riolobos will continue to lead the commercial expansion as Vice President of Sales, EMEA, focusing on customer and partner engagement, and accelerating sales growth across the region. Open-platform technologies The appointment reflects i-PRO's continued investment in EMEA as a strategic region and its commitment to delivering AI-enabled, cybersecure, and open-platform technologies built on the quality, reliability, and innovation for which i-PRO is known. Steve joins i-PRO with more than 25 years of leadership experience across the electronic security, access control, fire safety, and technology sectors. Throughout his career, he has built and transformed international security businesses, leading commercial growth, organizational transformation, product strategy, operations, and business development across EMEA, APAC, and global markets. International security businesses He has held senior leadership positions with Stanley Security, ADT, and other leading technology organizations. Most recently, he served as Global Division Director, PAC GDX at Comelit Group, leading the company's integrated access control and security division. “EMEA is a key growth region for i-PRO, and Steve’s appointment reflects our ambition to build on the strong momentum we have already achieved. With his extensive industry experience and proven track record of leading international security businesses, Steve will further strengthen the operational capabilities of i-PRO EMEA’s business functions. Working alongside Jose and the broader team, Steve will help accelerate the organization’s growth, strengthen our regional capabilities, and support the next phase of business expansion across the region,” said Masato Nakao, CEO of i-PRO.

In the modern world, a single layer of security is sometimes not enough. Premises with sensitive areas or higher-security rooms often benefit from an extra deterrent against unauthorised access. In many sectors, regulations require it. Implementing reliable digital two-factor authentication (2FA) – without adding delays or complexity at the door – is the most convenient, compliant solution. It keeps premises and their users safer from an evolving range of threats. The SMARTair® i-reader Keypad was designed to meet this need for additional security, offering PIN, credential, or PIN+credential (2FA) access within a SMARTair digital access system. This new device extends the functionality of the SMARTair i-reader, already deployed successfully in diverse settings, and is compatible with SMARTair Wireless Online, Update on Card, and Openow system administration options. Compromising site security Like the original model, the new i-reader Keypad can control and audit access almost anywhere. It accommodates a range of credentials, including cards, fobs, badges, and mobile keys. With the same device, facilities managers can also offer secure, cost-effective PIN entry. A capacitive backlit keypad, customisable LED, and IP56 certification enhance usability outdoors and in low-light environments. Trusted, end-to-end encryption, robust engineering, and energy-efficient operation provide peace of mind for building managers and users. When fitted at a parking barrier, an Openow® mobile credential is detected automatically (up to 5m) for driver safety and convenience. And because the device can operate even when offline, a power cut does not compromise site security. Simplify 2FA implementation The i-reader Keypad simplifies the flexible implementation of 2FA at key openings or areas. Easy switching between PIN, card, and 2FA enables security teams to toggle any opening between fast/easy and higher-security access protection, including remotely. Devices can be programmed to switch between card/PIN and 2FA at different times of day – boosting building security overnight when occupancy is lower, for example, and saving round-the-clock staff costs. PINs may be issued remotely, further streamlining the management of contractors. In multi-residential buildings, it adds PIN access to amenities like a gym or pool; protects staircases or filters elevator access; and enables block managers to quickly issue temporary time- and location-restricted access, including dedicated PINs for subcontractors or temporary users who are not assigned a permanent credential. In commercial, healthcare, or education premises, an i-reader Keypad can permit temporary entry by PIN for staff who have forgotten their credential, for example. It can also be deployed to manage and control access to specific floors within a building or to simplify 2FA implementation for sensitive doors in courthouses, hospital wards, data centres, and similarly sensitive settings.

Artificial intelligence is transforming video surveillance from a passive recording system into an intelligent platform for real-time decision-making. Powered by deep learning, computer vision, and edge computing, AI-driven video intelligence enables organisations to move beyond post-incident investigation toward proactive security, operational efficiency, and predictive insights. As governments, enterprises, and critical infrastructure expand surveillance networks, the focus is shifting from deploying more cameras to extracting actionable intelligence from vast volumes of video data. This evolution demands scalable, interoperable, and privacy-conscious solutions capable of delivering real-time analytics that enhance safety, streamline operations, and support smarter, faster decision-making across diverse environments — not controlled demos. AI-powered video intelligence No Indian company has answered that call more decisively than Videonetics. Ranked India’s #1 Video Management Software provider by Omdia and recognised among the top players in Asia-Pacific, Videonetics has spent over 17 years engineering AI-powered video intelligence from the ground up — not adapting foreign technology, but building it indigenously, for the conditions the real world actually presents. Today, its solutions power 150+ cities, 80+ airports, critical infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, financial institutions, and enterprise campuses across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. By combining advanced AI research with open architecture and customer-centric deployment strategies, Videonetics has positioned itself at the forefront of the industry’s transition toward intelligent video computing. Video intelligence platform Founded in 2008 by Dr. Tinku Acharya — an IEEE Fellow, holder of over 180 patents, and former Intel scientist — Videonetics began with a conviction that has never wavered: that video is one of the richest, most data-dense IoT sensors available, and that unlocking its potential requires purpose-engineered AI, not retrofitted analytics. That conviction produced India’s first indigenous Video Management Software. It has since produced a comprehensive AI-powered video intelligence platform serving smart cities, airports, critical infrastructure, manufacturing facilities, financial institutions, and enterprise campuses across 150+ cities in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. According to Bhardwaj Naik, Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer, the company’s founding insight was rooted in a clear market failure. “Organisations were deploying thousands of cameras, yet the intelligence extractable from footages remained practically zero. Surveillance was fundamentally reactive; a forensic tool used only after a failure occurred. Videonetics was built to change that equation.” Conventional facial recognition At the heart of the platform is “Deeper Look” — Videonetics’ proprietary deep learning engine, and the technology that separates the company from the field. Rather than limiting AI capabilities to conventional facial recognition or license plate identification, the platform analyses behavioural patterns, crowd dynamics, unusual activities, and structural anomalies, enabling organisations to detect risks before they escalate into incidents. One of the platform’s defining strengths is its fog computing architecture, which enables AI inference directly at the edge. Processing data closer to the source significantly reduces latency, allowing critical decisions be made almost instantly while remaining integrated with centralised command-and-control systems. This architecture becomes particularly valuable across airports, transportation networks, industrial facilities, and urban environments where rapid response is essential. Proprietary hardware traps Equally important is what Videonetics deliberately refuses to do. The platform is ONVIF compliant and hardware and OS agnostic — meaning it integrates across diverse camera ecosystems without locking customers into proprietary hardware. As Naik puts it plainly: “We refuse to lock our customers into proprietary hardware traps.” “At Videonetics, we are not building cameras smarter; we are building cities, industries, and institutions more intelligent. That is the standard we are setting, and we intend to own it globally." Next-generation analytics Adoption of AI-based video intelligence faces three persistent industry challenges, and Videonetics has structured its technology strategy specifically around overcoming each one. The first is what Naik calls the ‘Garbage In, Garbage Out’ trap, AI models that perform flawlessly in pristine demo environments but collapse under poor lighting, extreme weather, or chaotic real-world scenes. “DeeperLook” is hardened on massive, complex datasets drawn from some of the most demanding environments in India and globally. It is built to perform precisely where standard AI systems fail. The second is infrastructure debt. Most enterprises are constrained by legacy surveillance hardware that cannot easily accommodate next-generation analytics. Videonetics’ open, hardware and OS agnostic platform layers advanced AI capabilities directly over existing infrastructure — eliminating the need for costly, disruptive rip-and-replace programmes. Intelligent surveillance deployments The third is trust and compliance. As AI surveillance scales, privacy must be foundational — not an afterthought. Videonetics embeds privacy-by-design principles at the code level, ensuring advanced analytics and data anonymisation operate in strict alignment with global governance and data protection frameworks. Videonetics’ technology is already delivering measurable impact across numerous sectors, with one of its most notable deployments being the Andhra Pradesh RTGS CCTV360 project. Integrating approximately 15,000 cameras into a unified AI-powered command-and-control framework, the initiative represents one of the world’s largest intelligent surveillance deployments, supporting public safety, rapid law enforcement response, and large-scale situational awareness. Beyond public infrastructure, the company’s solutions are deployed across airports, banking, manufacturing, energy, retail, and smart city ecosystems, where AI-powered video intelligence contributes to faster threat detection, improved operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and enhanced workplace safety. Critical infrastructure management In the near future, Naik envisions video intelligence fully maturing from a security tool into an autonomous business intelligence layer spanning urban mobility, industrial safety, and critical infrastructure management. The category is expanding; the question is who defines it. For Videonetics, the answer is unambiguous. The company’s long-term vision is absolute global leadership in True AI-powered video computing — delivering technology powerful enough for the world’s most demanding environments, and deployable enough for the world’s fastest-growing cities and industries. The goal: to enable organisations to operate with greater visibility, faster decision-making, and enhanced resilience in an increasingly connected world. After 17 years of indigenous innovation, a #1 ranking in India, and deployments that set global benchmarks, Videonetics is not chasing that standard. It is setting it.

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

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

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

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