July 2008
Features
By Mike McGovern
There is a mistaken belief among some that the use of traditional mechanical keys is becoming less important with the proliferation and evolution of sophisticated access control technology. The fact is, traditional mechanical keys are more common than ever, and today’s security awareness dictates these keys be tracked, monitored and managed effectively.
By Steve Walker
Across the United States, many cities are successfully reducing false alarm dispatches. Each municipality is attributing success to a variety of reasons: alarm verification requirements, alarm system registration, false alarm fees, alarm user training and improved security equipment technology. Two common reasons cited for this success are the strong collaboration among law enforcement, the alarm industry and alarm users, and the expansion of verified response services by alarm companies.
By David Lee
When many security professionals think of thermal security cameras, they think of exotic cameras with long-range, high-resolution performance that can cost as much as a nice car and feature applications befitting their high-end status: border security, huge industrial facilities and the like.
By Brent Hamachek
Drug store giant Walgreens has just completed installing and networking Ionit Technologies Inc.’s DVR system to monitor, manage and protect more than 6,200 stores, facilities and distribution centers around the country.
By Michael Regelski
There are two opposing forces at work in the security industry today. One is the growing sophistication of the customer base, and the other is wide-scale fragmentation, which has caused many systemic issues.
By Kim Rahfaldt
The transportation industry relies on an inherently open architecture and is a complex critical infrastructure where free movement is necessary as people move within and between modes of transportation. This freedom of movement must be maintained for transit to perform its basic functions. Due to the volume of people in public places using various means of transportation, ensuring safety and monitoring all of the movement can be difficult and challenging.
We now live in a digital world. Digital technology, just like the air we breathe, has penetrated our social life in every respect, including surveillance systems in the security industry.
By Mariann McDonagh
Critical infrastructure organizations are essential to the functioning of societies and economies. The role of these facilities in international commerce makes their security a top priority. But given the complex and often geographically dispersed nature of these facilities and assets, critical infrastructure security often presents a daunting challenge.
By John Venator
Information security is a top priority for many organizations. Increasing security concerns regarding the use of hand-held devices, mobile and remote workers, VoIP technology and a host of other issues affect almost every organization. Yet a recent study indicates that the individuals responsible for maintaining data and network security may not have the skills to do so.
By Andy Hilverda
The events of Sept. 11, 2001, and the 2005 hurricane season emphasized U.S. dependence on an effective national telecommunications infrastructure. Telecommunication companies are a critical part of America’s infrastructure and key to securing the homeland in times of emergency. Reliable, resilient communication services can provide the bridge between emergency responders, firefighters and law enforcement for cohesive emergency management.
Departments
By Security Products Staff
By Steve Duncan
As technology evolves, more and more enterprises become targets of highly sophisticated criminal organizations.
By Megan Weadock
In both life and business, it’s always the lessons of the past that help to guide the future.