Like all of you, we’ve been closely monitoring the developments surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and wondering, what can we do to help. Last month we reported on some security related products that may help businesses as they seek to formulate re-opening plans (thermal imaging cameras to detect higher body temperatures and a few other products). This month we want to report …
What Decade is Your Access Control System From?
A vital part of any security plan, access control systems continue to evolve, sometimes faster than companies or institutions can keep up. In the 1980’s we had magnetic swipe cards that involved the transfer of unencrypted credentials to a reader. In the 1990’s contactless technology, predominantly low frequency proximity or “prox” technology led to fobs and tags making cards no …
Perfecting facial recognition
We’ve been familiar with facial recognition technology for some time now. It has been in used in law enforcement and security circles since the mid-1990s in one form or another. More recently, the technology has been used at large scale events (Super Bowl) to identify terrorists, in Mexico to prevent voter fraud and by an increasing amount of private companies …
Upgrading your access control system
New technologies, escalating security threats and the need to derive greater value from your access control infrastructure are all good reasons to consider an upgrade. Upgrading from older technology to a new access control standard is a significant undertaking but recent advancements have made the transition easier and depending on your overall objectives, can have a more significant ROI. If …
When your security devices get used against you
Every day, the world is becoming more connected. Our smart phones, our cars, even appliances in our homes are linked via the internet. Internet of Things (IoT) or Internet of Everything is shorthand for the opportunity to create new commercial value by making things smart. But, with the convenience that this may bring, it also brings security woes that stem …
Active Shooter
In an active shooter situation, how quickly police can respond and how information is gathered and disseminated is crucial to saving lives. In my role as security consultant, I recently had the opportunity to visit the folks at Shooter Detection Systems in Rowley, MA for a demonstration of their product. The consulting division of Safer Places is often tasked with …
How well is your guard force supervised?
Yea, I know, your contract with Great Guards, Inc. says they will send a roving supervisor by to check on your security officers on a random, unannounced basis a couple of times per week. But who actually makes sure they are doing this and what does the supervisor actually do when he/she visits your property? Have they ever reported finding …
Why Hire a Security Consultant – Reason # 6
You planned for it in your budget and now it’s time to get the work done; a complete overhaul of your outdated video surveillance system and the addition of an electronic access control system. You’ll need to obtain competitive bids and you absolutely need to get this right the first time. You’ve been advocating for money to make your campus …
Don’t Fire your Guard Contractor (again)
“I don’t think my security guards are making patrols as they should. The guard company said they would be trained but it doesn’t seem like that’s the case. They’re supposed to report it when lights are burned out but I found out there was a parking lot light out for 2 months!” Common complaints; we hear comments like these and …
Tailgating
Some call it piggybacking, others tailgating. Whatever you call it, it’s compromising your security. Whether you have an old fashioned lock and key or a fob reader with a magnetic lock, it’s there to keep unauthorized people out. Same thing goes for vehicle access systems such as gate arms or rolling gates. Only those presenting the proper credentials should be …