PureTech Systems, Inc. evaluates the power of automation and AI-boosted video analytics.

In today’s interconnected and digital world, safeguarding critical infrastructure (CI) is of paramount  importance.

Facilities such as airports, utilities, rapid transit systems and seaports play a pivotal role in our society and they provide the backbone of commerce and our economy.

Threats such as crime, terrorism, weather, natural disasters, drones and weak points in the perimeter pose risks that need to be addressed.

Without a well-functioning physical security system, CI facilities can be compromised and rendered inoperable.

Security breaches can result in significant damage and economic losses.

Potential impacts include power outages, data loss, operational disruptions, damage to reputation and compliance violations.

All of these consequences reinforce the importance of revolutionary, robust perimeter security.

Traditional perimeter surveillance systems have long relied on human vigilance to monitor cameras and process an unmanageable quantity of nuisance alarms.

To truly protect a perimeter takes extraordinary human resources and, even then, protection is marginal at best.

They are typically missing an array of automation and AI capability for such a serious portion of security!

Automation and AI-boosted video analytics

By leveraging the capabilities of automation, AI and advanced video analytics, solutions are now capable of distinguishing between normal environmental motion and benign activities and potential security breaches.

AI video analytics reinforce perimeter protection by preventing or detecting illicit entry, thereby averting potential disruptions to essential services.

What sets automated AI-boosted video analytics apart is the ability to adapt and learn from real world scenarios.

Environmental and machine learning algorithms enable these systems to continuously improve accuracy in detecting threats while reducing nuisance alarms.

This dynamic self-improvement mechanism ensures that security personnel can trust the alerts they receive, focusing their attention on genuine threats.

Nuisance alarms are a specific type of false alarm that occur when the system triggers an alert or alarm in response to an event that is not actually a threat, but still falls within the parameters of the system’s detection criteria.

These types of alarms may, or may not, require action by the security team.

Examples include wildlife that breaches the perimeter, moving vegetation, headlights from vehicles or shadows cast from clouds.

With modern automated and AI-boosted video analytics, most existing monitoring systems (VMS, PSIM, etc.) can be enhanced to accurately detect, track, classify, present and deter intrusions.

The combination transforms ordinary security cameras and other sensors into autonomous, accurate and scalable perimeter intrusion detection systems, delivering real time situational awareness.

More advanced video analytics systems can provide the geolocation of the intruder on GIS map systems for increased situational understanding.

Further functions can be enabled through integration with numerous products, including, but not limited to, other VMS/PSIM software, ground-based RADARs, microwaves, fence and intrusion sensors, access control, building management and radio and other communication systems.

Finally, standard management features such as policies for alarms, automated lockdown actions, self-diagnostic health monitoring and automatic alarm routings can all be implemented.

Not all video analytics are the same

Processing nuisance alarms is not only timely, but also expensive.

For an operator to effectively perform their job, they need a highly accurate system that will automatically distinguish between real threats and nuisance alarms or auto-verify.

At PureTech Systems, we have developed patented, automated AI-boosted geospatial video analytics  algorithms and employed a range of techniques to minimise nuisance alarms.

By continuously improving and testing our algorithms, we provide customers with the highest level of accuracy and reliability in perimeter protection.

These algorithms are designed to automatically distinguish between real threats and normal activity.

PureTech’s Auto-Verify uses Deep Learning Neural Nets to classify the detected object.

If the detected objects classify as an object of interest, then, and only then, is an alarm issued.

Our algorithms leverage a range of factors, such as the size, shape, geo-location and movement patterns of objects in the video feed, to determine whether an event is a real threat without the need for operator intervention.

When integrated into a new or existing enterprise surveillance system, it allows for security personnel to effectively monitor their critical infrastructure facility.

The advancement of automation and AI-boosted geospatial video analytics has ushered in a new era of critical infrastructure protection.

An unparalleled level of detection accuracy and the elimination of nuisance alarms is vital to transforming the way we secure airports, utilities, rapid transit systems and seaports.

PureTech will be at the following shows in 2023: GSX and DSEI.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of GCHQ in the UK, has named Ollie Whitehouse as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective October 2023.

The government agency has said that Whitehouse will help shape the UK’s national approach to cybersecurity.

Whitehouse has 27 years working in private sector cybersecurity and was recently CTO at NCC Group.

Prior to his role at NCC Group, he was responsible for research in EMEA at BlackBerry and worked in Advanced Threats Research at Symantec.

“A wealth of knowledge and expertise”

Lindy Cameron, CEO, NCSC said: “We’re delighted that Ollie will be joining the NCSC as our new Chief Technology Officer.

“He will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our mission to make the UK the safest place to live and work online at a time when the pace of technological change has never been more evident.”

“I’m honoured to be starting as Chief Technology Officer at the NCSC and look forward to supporting its world class talent in their critical work keeping the UK safe online,” Whitehouse added.

“Having worked closely with the NCSC since its inception, I know how crucial its mission is and I am eager to contribute to our national security by addressing the collective challenges we face in maintaining our edge in cyberspace.”

As part of an ongoing series highlighting the work and innovation of Hanwha Vision’s valued technology partners, Katerina Fischerova, Project Manager, FF Group discusses the need for edge solutions for traffic and parking management.

Can you explain more about FF Group’s work?

FF Group is an innovative data solution provider with over a decade’s experience creating edge and data solutions tailored to road traffic, parking vendors and integrators.

Our solutions are out-of-the-box, making edge intelligence easy and cost-effective to implement.

Our team focuses not only in generating road traffic metadata, but also in processing and analysing it and providing comprehensive insights for users.

What is your role at FF Group?

As the Hanwha Project Manager at FF Group, I provide project support for the development of ANPR and AI applications for Hanwha cameras.

One of my responsibilities is to work with Hanwha Vision on key projects and implementations, including product development.

We work closely with Hanwha Vision’s engineering teams and technical support to ensure our mutual customers have everything they need to succeed with our products.

Can you describe your work with Hanwha Vision in more detail?

We have been working fruitfully with Hanwha Vision for a long time developing ANPR and AI applications for various Hanwha camera models from the popular mid-range series to premium cameras designed for large and complex projects.

It’s this close partnership that has enabled the FF Group team to become familiar with the cameras, ensuring our applications are as effective as possible.

In fact, our algorithm that recognises licence plates and classifies all vehicle parameters is created directly on the Hanwha Vision camera.

This AI at the edge has several benefits over server-based AI including lower bandwidth needs and costs, as less data is transmitted back to a server.

Cost of ownership is also lowered and there can be vital sustainability gains without the need to maintain a large server room.

There are only a few camera vendors on the market that can provide a camera that has high quality recognition of vehicle brands and models.

The combination of FF Group and Hanwha Vision makes for a powerful and highly effective sensor in the intelligent traffic monitoring market that can accurately capture vehicle information in various traffic conditions.

What innovations in surveillance technology are you most excited about?

The new AI capabilities coming to the video sector are really opening up new possibilities for analysis and insight.

Indeed, it’s becoming possible to run several AI applications in parallel that are expanding the capabilities and potential for AI cameras.

It’s also worth noting the increased awareness among security leaders of AI at the edge and the benefits this offers for efficiency, cost, sustainability, implementation and more.

We are also delighted to see Hanwha Vision focusing more on the production of specialised cameras for ANPR and road traffic monitoring such as the TNO-7180RLP high-speed ANPR camera – offering a range of specialised road traffic cameras will better meet the needs and budgets of different organisations, while increasing the prevalence and uses of such devices on our roads.

What challenges do you see end users facing when using video?

A common challenge involves the frustration of sifting through hours of footage to find the right information about an event or vehicle.

Modern day cameras are creating vast amounts of data and using this effectively will help operators not just identify a vehicle, but also gain wider insights into road and car park usage, violations, seasonality and more.

ANPR is becoming more advanced to support this too, with make, model, colour and type recognition a recent development that can help with investigations and eyewitness accounts.

It also makes searching through footage quicker since operators can rely on vehicle makes, models and colours.

On a citywide level, these additional insights from ANPR cameras can help with proactive planning to make roads safer and more pleasant to drive on.

ANPR data can support surveys that look into whether a road needs to be widened, where to implement congestion zones or to understand the potential impact of new bus and cycle lanes.

Where heavy vehicles are often identified as passing through, roads can be reinforced to proactively reduce damage or weight restrictions can be implemented.

Advancements in deep learning AI technology have proven to be highly versatile, finding applications in numerous fields, ranging from law enforcement to traffic management, infrastructure planning and beyond.

Netskope has expanded its NewEdge Network in the Middle East.

The secure access service edge company has unveiled four new data centres across the UAE as well as Saudi Arabia.

According to ZAWYA, the network can now better serve regional multinational enterprise customers.

“Optimised experience for our users”

Murhaf Alwan, Head of Information Technology, Netskope customer Al Dawaa commented: “As a KSA-based organisation, it is pertinent that our data storage and processing occur within the Kingdom.

“We have been using Netskope’s other Gulf region infrastructure to date and benefitting from all the advantages of the technology, however, now we can have local KSA-based infrastructure it will enable us to provide an even more optimised experience for our users and ensures we can remain compliant with local data protection laws.”

“Robust infrastructure” in the Middle East

Jonathan Mepsted, Vice President – Middle East & Africa, Netskope added: “While the accelerated digitalisation in the region has enabled organisations to provide seamless customer or user experience, they are faced with the challenge of dealing with the ever-changing cyber-threat landscape.

“Businesses in the region are keen to migrate to a Security Services Edge (or SSE) approach to security, which supports hybrid work models and cloud-based technology while ensuring the data is secured wherever it may go.

“However the spanners in the works are the regulatory requirements in place across region, which place strict restrictions on data protection and residency commitments.”

Mepsted continued: “This is why we have invested in robust infrastructure in the region, as part of our distributed and dedicated service edge.

“Because of its ability to inspect massive amounts of data locally, with no need for complex, latency-prone backhauling or reliance on unpredictable public transport, NewEdge has been greatly welcomed by our customers and is unlocking new opportunities for us to serve KSA organisations.”

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA has confirmed its acquisition of motion-based energy harvesting systems provider, Kinetron.

Established in 1984, Kinetron’s main office is located in Tilburg, Netherlands.

“Complementary growth opportunities”

The acquisition is set to accelerate ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA’s growth and strengthen its position in the global market.

“Kinetron is a strategic technological addition to the ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA division and will reinforce our offering in energy harvesting locking solutions that are energy efficient, maintenance free and environmentally friendly,” said Neil Vann, EVP & Head, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA.

“It will provide complementary growth opportunities for our digital access solutions business segment, where we drive innovation to deliver profitable sustainable growth.”

“Connects all our ASSA ABLOY hardware”

David Moser, SVP & Head of Digital Access Solutions EMEIA added: “Kinetron brings 35 years of experience in developing and manufacturing motion-based energy harvesting systems that enable self-powered intelligent products and facilitate the growth of electronic and IoT solutions in a sustainable way.

“Their mission of ‘Energy Harvesting Excellence’ comes together nicely with our vision for Digital Access Solutions (DAS) to create an access control ecosystem, that connects all our ASSA ABLOY hardware through one interface in a sustainable way, so we can continue to improve people’s lives even further.”

Istanbul, the economic, cultural and transportation centre of Turkey, is a famous destination spanning Europe and Asia, attracting countless tourists from all over the world every year, reports Dahua.

As a highly developed metropolis, Istanbul has a well-established transportation system that covers major tourist attractions and commercial areas.

However, the enormous scale of transportation also brings its own set of challenges.

For instance, the small size of electric vehicles presents more demanding requirements for equipment, and with increased driving speeds, monitoring and regulating drivers’ dangerous behaviours becomes crucial.

Additionally, ensuring passenger safety and satisfaction during journeys is important.

To address these issues, Istanbul has implemented intelligent upgrades to its public transportation system, aiming to reduce traffic congestion, prevent accidents and ensure the safety of its citizens.

Upgrading public transport

Dahua’s intelligent transportation solution, utilising advanced technologies like DSM and AI-based passenger flow counting, has facilitated an intelligent system upgrade for nearly 6,400 minibuses and electric buses in Istanbul.

This system, while ensuring safety, can also provide real time passenger count, allowing efficient vehicle dispatch during peak times.

Dahua’s DSM cameras, which are applied to electric buses, help regulate drivers’ behaviors, effectively reducing accident rates and ensuring passenger safety.

When drivers engage in behaviours such as smoking, making phone calls or not wearing seat belts, the intelligent devices can accurately and promptly identify these actions and issue alerts to both the driver and the transit centre.

This effectively helps avoid accidents caused by unsafe driving.

The advanced passenger flow statistics technology can dynamically assess the bus’s crowding level and assist operational scheduling decisions.

By precisely understanding the dynamics of passenger flow, it enhances travel experiences.

Furthermore, real time GPS information is provided by the devices and integrated with the mobile app of the transit company.

This enables passengers to easily access the location of the next bus, helping them to plan their journey whilst improving their overall travel experience.

Improving city sea taxi operations

Sea taxis – which have been specially designed so that they can be easily used by disabled persons, families with strollers and cyclists – are available at 50 stations and terminals.

In addition to the 46 piers on the city lines, Istanbul’s Galata Port, Harbiye Convention Centre, Istinye Cruise Park and Tarabya Cruise Park docking points also cater to passengers.

Given the strait’s unique environment, sea taxis demand high standards in equipment airtightness, waterproof capability and salt spray resistance.

Dahua’s smart on-board solution ensure stable operation while minimising the impact of significant vibrations on the image quality.

In addition, Dahua provides industry-grade dashcams for electric tourist cars on Prince Islands.

These compact and easy-to-install products integrate seamlessly with vehicles and allow full monitoring of the entire travel process.

The dashcams are also equipped with a two-way intercom module for real time communication between vehicles and the control centre.

In addition to sea taxis, the Dahua Intelligent Transportation Solution is also suitable for subways, trams, railways, airports and many other transportation scenarios, ensuring city order and safe travel.

G42 and Microsoft have announced the next chapter in their strategic partnership.

The two companies have made plans to heighten the availability of sovereign cloud offerings whilst working to deliver advanced AI capabilities.

They will also focus on expanding existing data centre infrastructure in the UAE.

A valuable partnership

Microsoft’s sovereign cloud offering enables public sector/regulated industries in the UAE to utilise new capabilities to secure sensitive data.

Moreover, this provides them with access to new cloud and AI features available on Azure public cloud.

This helps users comply with local privacy and regulatory requirements.

According to G42, its knowledge of UAE sovereignty requirements and technical capabilities is central to customising offerings; this helps to address specific customer needs.

HE Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security, UAE Government praised the partnership.

“A holistic ecosystem”

Peng Xiao, Group CEO, G42 said: “This strategic collaboration with Microsoft isn’t just about technology; it’s about creating a holistic ecosystem for societal resilience and growth.

“By combining our respective expertise and shared forward-thinking approach, we aim to not only transform industries but also create positive economic opportunities and lasting impacts on the wellbeing of individuals, communities and society as a whole.”

Tony Smith, Major Accounts and Marketing Manager, Integrated Design Limited offers some basic tips on how to deter and defeat intruders.

Leaving your building vulnerable is like leaving your valuables in the front seat of your car, inviting potential thieves.

It’s essential to address any weaknesses in your security, as it not only puts your building and its contents at risk but may also affect any insurance claim you have to make.

Deciding on your security approach

Security shouldn’t be for show or vanity. It should effectively serve its purpose.

When designing a new security system, tailor it to your specific requirements, consider factors like the environment, required security level, daily footfall, the need for personnel, integration with other access control technologies, space availability and design approach.

Of course, if you take possession of a building and use an inherited entrance control system, you lose that choice.

There are many risks associated with this situation: Not only will the system likely be a poor fit for your exact needs, human factors can limit the degree to which it fulfils its basic function.

If the security level is higher than your organisation requires, for example, you may find frustrated users and, in turn, security staff simply opening lanes or disabling aspects of the system.

Those sharing their multiple occupancy building with others need to be extra careful. It’s easier for wrongdoers to blend in with strangers from other organisations.

Often, criminals will seek to target a string of locations within the same building in rapid succession. A second line of defence, perhaps involving small, discreet units which don’t slow traffic, may be a solution.

How your security solution looks to potential wrongdoers

Criminals often assess entrance points when targeting a building, especially if there is constant activity with deliveries, staff and visitors. Consider how outsiders perceive your building’s security.

A recent trend, especially in the public sector, is a preference for highly visible systems such as full-height barriers. With appropriate design care and customisation options, these can be made to look appealing to staff and visitors, but daunting to potential attackers.

IDL has developed several full-height turnstile options and offers a range of materials and finishes as well as paints, lacquers and vinyl wrapping options.

Security away from the lobby

Securing main entry points is essential, but internal spaces containing valuable items or important data may need additional protection.

Interior doors can also be secured, to ensure that proper staff and visitors have access to appropriate sections of your space only.

They also provide a second chance at thwarting those who shouldn’t have gained admittance in the first place but somehow did. A belt and braces approach is the most effective way to minimise opportunistic crime.

Our Fastlane Door Detectives are optical-only units with no physical barrier. Infrared beams detect anyone passing through the doorway and immediately alert security staff.

Strong control of doorways and corridors is possible with no slowdown in throughput and a near invisible presence of small, door side units only. The multiple beams in the matrix can even detect subtle or inadvertent breaches.

As with full turnstiles, door side units can be integrated with whatever credential system you prefer. You might opt for smart cards, QR codes emailed to the individual’s own device or a mix.

Biometric credentials are increasingly popular, as they are harder to break than other security options and require the authorised user to bring nothing but themselves.

Face, eyes, fingerprints and voice are the common choices for biometric credentials. Systems are increasingly sophisticated, with options such as touchless fingerprint recognition no longer unusual.

Fastlane units are known for their ability to integrate with a very wide range of authentication solutions and we regularly showcase our systems alongside authentication partners to demonstrate this. In upcoming months, for example, we will be exhibiting with new partner, Alcatraz AI.

If you’re going to GSX in Dallas, look out for us on Booth #1533 with our North American distribution partner, Smarter Security, and also on the Alcatraz AI Booth #2608.

Both stands will feature Fastlane units integrated with Alcatraz AI’s Rock solution. We’ll also be showing the Alcatraz AI integration, plus other Fastlane offerings, at International Security Expo in London.

Collusion and deception

Social engineering is the term used to describe security attacks that centre on tricking people rather than systems.

You may have a good, fit-for-purpose system, but, if your staff fail to appreciate its importance, or are not fully aware of the procedures they are meant to be following, your location may be highly vulnerable.

In a busy location, even diligent staff will find it hard to spot instances of tailgating or what we call sidegating.

The same infrared beam matrix discussed above is present on our physical barrier turnstiles, meaning that you no longer need to solely rely on sharp-eyed guards to spot these behaviours.

If you have further questions, get in touch with IDL on +44 (0)20 8890 5550 or by emailing [email protected]

i-PRO has confirmed the release of 24 new compact dome camera models.

Available in 2MP and 4MP resolutions, the models provide flexible deployment options for every budget.

New i-PRO compact dome cameras

The compact dome cameras offer wide scene coverage and vandal resistance as well as edge-based AI analytics, with the X and S series models support up to two AI analytic apps.

According to the global surveillance manufacturer, the solutions feature the highest levels of cybersecurity protection available.

The new compact dome cameras are NDAA compliant, with TAA compliant versions also available.

Gerard Figols, President, i-PRO EMEA said: “With powerful wide-angle coverage and strong AI capabilities at an entry level price, these tough compact domes offer significant value for money, making the advantages of AI technology easily accessible for our partners’ daily security projects.

“As market leaders in cyber-protection across our line-up, and because our products are fully NDAA compliant, we also ensure the generated data is handled in a trustworthy way, giving our customers peace of mind.”

To find out more information about the new solutions, click here.

A global intelligent cash protection company has launched its new patented solution.

a2m passive from Secure Innovation complements the company’s existing suite of ATM protection products including core, Crimetag, ibox cassette, Remote Planet and a2m active.

a2m passive – ATM protection solution

Customers can now choose between a2m active (complete protection of cash in the ATM machine) and a2m passive (a rapidly deployable solution to prevent against ATM explosive attacks).

According to Secure Innovation, a2m passive is slimline and is provided with ink or glue.

This means that the ATM protection solution can be inserted into the lid of any ATM cassette without reducing the capacity for banknotes.

When fitted, any attempt to explode the ATM will immediately deploy the system – this then covers the banknotes in permanent smart ink stain or glue and makes the cash valueless.

The solutions have been unveiled in light of a demand for increased protection against explosive attacks.

There was a major increase in such attacks reported in 2022.

“An overwhelming wave”

Tony Westington, Managing Director, Secure Innovation stated: “We understand our customers have different requirements when it comes to protecting their ATM network and we are keen to offer as much choice as we possibly can.

“Our customers know the threats facing their ATM locations more than we do and some will choose a passive system because it is cost effective and can be rapidly deployed to stop an overwhelming wave of explosive attacks.

“Longer term customers may require integrated end-to-end protection, which is where the intelligent a2m active solution comes in.

“The launch of a2m passive however, marks another milestone in our commitment to delivering cutting edge technology for the protection of people and cash.”