Industry News February 2008
BUSINESS NEWS
The Smart Card Alliance recently sponsored a conference that highlighted the evolving variety of smart cards and their growing list of applications. The first day focused on government identity management programs, including the Transportation Worker Identification Credential and Registered Traveler programs, which are in the early stages of implementation.
Contactless payment applications were a hot topic at the event, with contactless payment via cell phone appearing in the near future. Retailers such as Meijer, a supercenter chain in the Midwest, and sporting venues such as the Baltimore Ravens stadium are finding consumer acceptance, especially with younger patrons. Gas stations and vending machines that accept contactless payments continue to multiply, and airports are committing to their use. Transit operators find contactless payment systems help lines move more quickly and keep passengers happier, according to a representative of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
The healthcare industry is finding new uses for smart cards. Mount Sinai Medical Center, for example, is using cards as portable patient records. They contain ID and insurance information along with medical information such as allergies, recent tests, and current medications. Using smart cards helps avoid medical errors and duplicate procedures, while maintaining patient privacy and HIPAA compliance.
PARTNERSHIPS AND DEALS
The new ArcSight PCI Protection Solution is being used by several businesses to safeguard their organizations from cardholder and customer data breaches. Among them are AirTran Airways; BFS Retail and Commercial Operations, LLC; OfficeMax; and Princess Cruises.
Axis Communications and InterCam Systems have implemented an IP surveillance system at Embassy Suites Montreal. Five similar installations will be deployed in other hotels owned by Aquilini Investment Group.
BearingPoint and Voltage Security have teamed up to conduct seminars on the Web and in person about information privacy, data integrity, and business continuity.
Brijot Imaging Systems, Inc., and Rapiscan Systems will develop and distribute passive millimeter wave scanning solutions for military, homeland security, and commercial customers worldwide.
The Morris-Union Jointure Commission Developmental Learning Center in Warren, New Jersey, has a new DVTel video management system that was implemented through a joint venture between MSI Security Systems, Inc., and PROMEDIA Technology Services, Inc.
Trafficmaster has chosen REG License Plate Capture cameras from Extreme CCTV International Inc. for an upgrade project of the United Kingdom’s national traffic monitoring network.
Blyk has deployed an identification verification solution from GB Group plc for customer authentication.
Gemalto has supplied SEB Germany with a solution for secure Internet design of personalized credit cards.
Gemalto and Devon IT have developed a joint solution for healthcare organizations that provides secure logon at Devon IT workstations using Gemalto .NET cards.
Geutebrück has won a contract to supply a CCTV system to secure the perimeter of Aramco’s oil terminal at Ras Tanura on the Persian Gulf.
Guardium and NEON Enterprise Software have developed a solution for tracking all mainframe database activity including access to sensitive data and unauthorized changes by privileged users.
Honeywell is collaborating with Imprivata to offer a solution that integrates physical and IT access control.
A video analytics suite from Ipsotek is helping protect armories and perimeters at ArmorGroup’s Camp Anjuman in Kabul.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has deployed more than 300 IQeye cameras from IQinVision for surveillance of gaming tables and other casino locations.
JPS Communications will collaborate with Cisco to market an integrated local and wide-area interoperable communications solution.
McDonald’s restaurants in Scandinavia are using an integrated point of sale and IP video surveillance system using software from Milestone Systems.
American Electric Power has chosen Orsus to provide its situation management solution to integrate thousands of security devices in 200 remote locations.
Pelco has announced a collaboration with On-Net Surveillance Systems, Inc., to develop a software management platform that works with both companies’ products.
Promisec is providing endpoint security to the law firm Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom.
The bioLock software from realtime North America is compatible with most biometric devices and laptops with built-in fingerprint readers, owing to collaboration with Bromba GmbH and UPEK, Inc.
Verint Systems Inc. and EMC Corporation have formed a partnership to deliver networked video management and storage solutions to the security market.
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
Acro, Inc., has reached an agreement with Life Science Research Israel Ltd (LSRI), a subsidiary of the Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR), whereby LSRI will license the technology of IIBR’s explosives testing kit to Acro for use in Acro’s detectors.
AtHoc, Inc., announced that its IWSAlerts notification system has been deployed in Camp Slayer, Baghdad, for use by the Multi-National Force-Iraq.
B.I.G. Enterprises has installed its Stainless Bullet guard booths as part of perimeter security at both New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
DSM Dyneema announced that the Hong Kong Police are using body armor made with the company’s bullet-resistant material.
Duke Pro, Inc., has been awarded a General Services Administration contract for its shock tube initiators and mounting kits. Products are now listed on GSA Schedule 084.
The city of Delhi, India, has deployed a city surveillance project using DVTel, Inc., cameras. Turbo Consultancy Services, Ltd., was the systems integrator.
Security planners at London Heathrow Airport’s new Terminal 5 have specified Forward Vision cameras for surveillance of key external areas in a project handled by NTL Business.
IBM is working on a project with the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communication to implement a citywide intelligent security system. In collaboration with Firetide and Genetec, IBM has deployed the infrastructure build-out. The partners are now planning to expand the surveillance system.
ICx Technologies has won a contract from the Department of Homeland Security for continued development of a low-cost bioaerosol sensor. The company also has a contract with the Department of Defense to deliver hand-held explosives systems.
IndigoVision’s IP-video technology is being made available to London schools via the London Grid for Learning’s existing IT network.
Burlington County, New Jersey will use iSECUREtrac house-arrest systems from iSECUREtrac Corporation as a tool to ease jail overcrowding.
Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Navy to provide IT services in support of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service Law Enforcement Information Exchange system for information sharing.
The SimGuard 3000 system from Rontal Applications Ltd. has been installed at Israel’s Ben-Gurion International Airport for analyzing critical incident scenarios.
Secure Computing Corporation has announced that Howell Public School District (Michigan) is protecting students and faculty from Internet-based risk using its Webwasher product.
The Baton Rouge Metro Council has approved the integration of the ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System to enhance the city’s surveillance system.
Smith’s Detection has won a contract from the Transportation Security Administration for its checkpoint x-ray systems.
The U.S. Army has selected Advanced Combat Optical Gunsights from Trijicon for its M150 Rifle Combat Optic program.
MARKETING MOVES
ADI will distribute Ethernet and WiFi device networking solutions from Lantronix, Inc., to security integrators.
Future Fibre Technologies has established a presence in the Washington, D.C., area to focus on homeland security and government customers.
Grainger has expanded its security product line to include more mechanical and electronic security supplies, including door and lock products, access control electronics, metal detectors, and security cameras.
Trans-Alarm, Inc., has joined the Honeywell Authorized Dealer for Commercial Security Systems program.
Identica Holdings Corporation has established Identica Corp., PLC, in London to serve the European market with its biometric identity solutions.
Network Video Technologies Inc. and International Fiber Systems have become approved affiliate vendors for the NetClear Electronic Safety and Security program, a technology alliance of Berk-Tek and Ortronics/Legrand.
Promisec Inc. has chosen five new channel partners: Integralis, Ciphertechs, GreenPages Technology Solutions, Cymbel, and Netanium.
Quantum Secure Inc. and Johnson Controls, Inc., have entered into a reseller agreement that enables Johnson Controls to offer credentials management solutions to customers, regardless of their physical access control providers.
Accel Inc. and Lauttamus Communications have joined the SafetyCare Authorized Partner Program. TriCipher has joined the Signatures and Authentication for Everyone (SAFE) BioPharma Association Vendor Partner Program.
Veritas Global LLC has signed a partnership agreement with Steelbox Networks, Inc., under which Veritas will be the exclusive reseller of Steelbox solutions in the Middle East and entitled to offer the technology in other parts of the world.
VisualGate Systems has announced a partnership with Tri-Ed for distribution of its Surveillance Video over Powerline products and solutions.
AWARDS AND CERTIFICATIONS
American Honda Motor Company, Inc., presented its Premier Partner Award to ADT Security Services.
Agent Video Intelligence, Inc., has been awarded the Detektor International Award 2007 for Innovative Achievement in CCTV Products.
Amcom Software has completed federal government testing and certification processes and has received both Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) and Information Assurance (IA) certifications for its suite of software applications.
Application Security, Inc., announced that its AppDetectivePro database vulnerability assessment solution has been certified by the Russian Federal Service for Technical and Export Control.
Astaro Corporation has been chosen by Inc. magazine for its Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. Inc. ranked Astaro 15th among the Top Companies in Security and 32nd among the Top Companies in the Boston-Cambridge-Quincy region.
Brivo Systems, LLC, announced that its access control system has received CE certification and can be exported to Europe.
Delta Scientific announced that its DSC 501 high-security barricade has been tested in the United Kingdom and met the BSI standard PAS: 68 2007.
DVTel Inc. announced that its Baltimore Citiwatch program installation was runnerup in the Security Innovation Award competition sponsored by Security Technology & Design magazine.
Genetec was selected as one of Montreal’s Top Employers by The Gazette.
HID Global Corporation has announced that its North Haven, Connecticut, manufacturing facility has been awarded the Connecticut Gold Shingo Prize. The prize was established by the Connecticut Shingo Board of Advisors.
Incident Alert Systems has been granted a patent for its Fast Alert security system.
Integrated Design has won the International Achievement Award at the Security Excellence Awards 2007, organized by CMP Information to recognize professionalism.
Intellitactics has been named to the Technology Fast 50 Program for Virginia by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP.
IQinVision and end user Loyola University Chicago were awarded a Security Innovation Award for their video security initiative in a competition sponsored by Security Technology & Design magazine.
Panasonic Security Systems awarded special recognition for longstanding sales and support to LCA Sales Company, Monfort Electronics, Pacific Group, and CBX Electronics.
SecurAmerica LLC was named the second-best, medium-sized place to work in Atlanta by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
In an independent test conducted by AV Test Labs, the Webwasher anti-malware engine from Secure Computing Corporation achieved 99.86 percent detection surpassing products from all leading vendors and scoring higher than 27 other companies.
Verint Systems Inc. was named to Software Magazine’s Annual Software 400.
Frost & Sullivan named Verint its 2007 Mass Transit Security Company of the Year for the European Market.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AD Group, the parent company of Dedicated Micros Inc., has acquired Baxall Limited.
ADI teamed up with industry vendors for a customer appreciation event at the CEDIA Expo.
Acro, Inc., has signed a letter of intent to acquire RAY Detection Technology Group.
Arteco has launched an outreach program to educate utility company executives about video analytics.
Corporate Screening Services has relocated its management and administrative functions to a building adjacent to its operations center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.
General Solutions is now doing business as DIGIOP Technologies, Ltd.
The Information Security Forum has released a 2007 version of its International Standard of Good Practice for Information Security, which can be downloaded atwww.isfstandard.com.
The North American Security Products Organization has opened new offices in Washington, D.C.
The Chamberlain Group, Inc., has acquired PTI Integrated Systems.
Tom Ridge, former secretary of Homeland Security, has launched Ridge Global LLC, a global advisory firm that provides strategic and operational guidance to clients worldwide.
Tripwire has joined the VMware Technology Alliance Program.
Zebra Technologies is now providing a two-year warranty for all Value and Performance class printers purchased after January 12, 2007, for North American and Latin American customers.
ASIS NEWS
Foundation Partnerships Multiply
The ASIS International Foundation, Inc., is busy building partnerships and helping to spread security best practices and research. Recent months have seen the Foundation teaming up with U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Urban Institute.
DOJ. The Foundation has received a DOJ grant of $110,000 to give ASIS members training and materials on a crime prevention program, Business Watch, so that it can be implemented in their own organizations.
The Business Watch model is derived from Neighborhood Watch, which according to the National Crime Prevention Council is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country. As part of this project, the Foundation will update material on Business Watch, modify it for delivery to the private security audience, and conduct a campaign to introduce the program.
This effort, along with other crime prevention tools and resources designed for security professionals, will allow ASIS members to establish the program throughout various business sectors. The outreach will be promulgated by the ASIS infrastructure of chapters and councils.
The Business Watch Program creates and nurtures ties between businesses and public law enforcement and trains staff to watch for and report suspicious activities and crimes, promotes the use of traceable object identification tags, teaches employee risk awareness and self protection, encourages burglary prevention measures, urges the development of emergency and money handling procedures, and more.
The Foundation received the grant from the Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program run by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the DOJ’s Office of Justice Programs. The program’s funding helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts, including training and technical assistance programs strategically targeted to address local needs.
This latest award brings the total federal grant funding to the Foundation since 2002 to over half a million dollars.
Trends. ASIS has undertaken a demographic study in partnership with the Urban Institute, a nonprofit research organization that examines public and social policy. The study will examine trends that may affect the security industry to determine probable future impacts and likely practitioner responses.
As part of the study, security professionals organized by industry sectors were convened in four focus groups at the ASIS 53rd Annual Seminar and Exhibits in Las Vegas, Nevada. They were queried on the effects that various forecasted trends are likely to have on the industry and their job responsibilities. Among the issues discussed were the aging population in the United States, ethnic sensitivities, current crime trends, and technological advances. More than 50 ASIS members participated in these sessions.
The information collected will be analyzed and promulgated in a report intended to assist practitioners in preparing for industry changes that are likely to occur.
The Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable organization, provides funding and manages endowments for a wide range of academic, strategic, and professional development activities. Support for the Foundation is achieved through financial contributions from individuals, chapters, and companies employing ASIS members, and corporations with an interest in security.
Biometric Check-in Offered
ASIS International’s testing service, Prometric, now offers biometric check-in at all Certified Protection Professional® (CPP), Professional Certified Investigator® (PCI), and Physical Security Professional® (PSP) examination locations.
Candidates must still provide the required identification documentation for check-in. In addition, each candidate has one fingertip scanned by a fingerprint reader. This allows those taking the exams to leave the testing room and re-enter using a secure method that assures that the candidate who originally checked in for the exam is the same candidate returning, and an electronic record of departure from and return to the testing room is maintained. The fingerprint data is erased after the exam concludes.
There is no additional charge for this service. An optional premium service is also available for an additional charge, whereby fingerprint data is maintained so that candidates taking multiple tests over a period of several days can enter, exit, and return securely.
