Author: dtaitano
US Customs Consider Using Facial Recognition, Other Biometrics At US-Mexico Border
San Ysidro Border Crossing Customs and Border Protection is considering using biometric technology like facial recognition software on travelers leaving the United States by land. Last week, the agency put out a request for information on how biometrics might help accurately identify people leaving the U.S. The agency expressed interest in facial recognition, iris scanning and fingerprint reading. "Biometrics are the ultimate in identity," CBP executive director Colleen Manaher said. Biometrics are used already on some visitors coming into the U.S. Manaher believes recent advancements in biometrics could soon spot people overstaying their visas, for instance. "Right now, the biometric solutions of iris-on-the-move and face recognition are high contenders," she said. "But right now we’re only in the research phase." The agency has not begun the process of contracting with biometric companies. And it’s still too early to say exactly how this technology would be used at border crossings like San Ysidro or Otay Mesa. Officials say biometrics would not be focused on U.S. citizens and would adhere to strict privacy standards.
Source www.kpbs.org
Allegion Ramps Up K-12 School Security Resources
Posted on: 3:36 pm, February 24, 2014, by Donita Hunter , updated on: 04:27pm, February 24, 2014
Source kfor.com
Perimeter Security For Government Sites Provided By Smarter Security
Credit: Wilt family / WAVE via CNN
Source www.wfaa.com
Missouri Courthouse Becomes Test Site For Facial Recognition Security Program
By JENNIFER S. MANN St Louis Post-Dispatch Updated: 2014-02-24T13:02:56Z February 24 By JENNIFER S. MANN St. Louis Post-Dispatch ST. LOUIS — It took three minutes for James Palmer to make it from the entrance of an Arkansas courthouse to the chambers of the judge he intended to kill. Dressed in a long coat that hid two handguns and a rifle, Palmer went undetected on Sept. 13, 2011 — until he started firing. A secretary was injured in the leg, but the judge was at home that day. Palmer fired more than 70 rounds before dying in a firefight with officers. St. Louis judges considered such a scenario in approving a pilot program for security at the Carnahan Courthouse downtown that brings a new twist to law enforcement’s emerging use of facial recognition technology. Unlike programs that have alarmed civil libertarians for snapping pictures of people to run through giant databases of mugshots and arrest records, what’s being done here is much more targeted. If a judge or prosecutor knows of a particular threat — someone such as Palmer, for example, who was angry at the judge over divorce and custody issues — that individual’s photograph is put into a computer system. It sends an alert if that person is spotted by cameras at the courthouse entrances. A group of current and retired St. Louis police officers developed the technology over eight years and recently formed a company, Blue Line Security Solutions, to market it. The St. Louis Circuit Court […]
Source www.kansascity.com
The Israeli Video Analytics Conference
Conference guests Conference guests We know how to install thousands of advanced cameras that cover open and closed, safe and secured areas. We know how to store massive amounts of video footage. The question is how can we use all that information in order to produce useful information? What exactly do you do with all the footage you recorded? This was the focus of the second Video Analytics Conference, which took place today at the IAF Center in Herzlia, Israel, organized by the iHLS news website. “What exactly is video analytics ?” asked Arie Fishbein, former IDF Artillery Corps chief and head of the Iron Dome project in Elta. According to him birds and animals have been using video analysis for millions of years. The hawk can distinguish a tiny rodent at great heights, but humans have trouble making sense of recorded video footage. The most significant element are the sensors, and integrating sensors into security systems provides us with a powerful analytical tool, helping us detect significant events in the ocean of data we recorded. Arie Fishbein Avi Yariv, one of the owners and directors of iHLS , gave the keynote address. According to Mr. Yariv tens of thousands of security cameras are installed all over the world, but their installation alone doesn’t actually help us in any way. “Cameras can’t stop crime or terror.” The challenge is the development of technologies that can use the raw data and provide users with useful information, helping us stop criminals […]
Source i-hls.com
College Of The Holy Cross Announces Plans For Security Cameras On Campus
Holy Cross officials have recently confirmed that a number of cameras will be installed on campus in the coming months. Although these cameras are intended to bolster security, Robert Hart, Chief Director of Public Safety, announced at a recent SGA meeting that they should not be considered “surveillance” devices. He stated that the cameras will not be used to consistently monitor students; rather, they will be utilized on a case-by-case basis when troubling incidents occur. Public safety will have access to the recordings, but they will only examine them when they feel it is warranted. The cameras will also tape over themselves after a certain span of time, so the material they capture will not be retained indefinitely. This information is sure to come as a relief to Holy Cross students, some of whom are understandably anxious about this new measure. It should be noted that there are already some cameras on campus, including in Hogan, the computer rooms, and by a loading dock. More importantly, students should note that cameras will not be installed in any “private” areas in the residence halls, including hallways, study rooms, or common areas. Instead, they will be placed in public access areas such as dorm entrances and near freshmen field. These high-traffic places will be monitored solely for safety reasons, particularly so suspicious individuals or concerning activity can be observed. However, as Chief Hart has consistently maintained, these cameras will not be watched constantly; they will only be referred to […]
Source www.thehccrusader.com
CareVia Selected As Official Video Safety And Biometric Patient Monitoring Platform For Intelligent Hospital Pavilion At HIMSS 2014
February 22, 2014 — Chicago, IL (PRWEB) February 22, 2014 CareVia ( http://www.CareVia.com ), the premier provider of remote patient monitoring and communications, and the Intelligent Hospital, a subsidiary of the RFID in Healthcare Consortium, today announced that CareVia will be the official video safety and biometric patient monitoring platform for the Intelligent Hospital Pavilion at HIMSS 2014 in Orlando, Fla., from Feb. 23-26, 2014. As the healthcare landscape shifts to value-based care, the importance of making patient biometric data available in real-time has become increasingly important to the success of clinical and wellness organizations. A simple solution to a complex problem, CareVia automates key elements of remote population monitoring, management and communication, allowing for a real-time bi-directional flow of data, insights and communications. An end-to-end software solution, CareVia provides a secure means to acquire, transmit, store and access biometric patient information remotely at the hospital, in the home or on the go. As part of its service suite, CareVia also provides integrated HIPAA-compliant video conferencing and safety surveillance. With over 7,000 visitors last year, the Intelligent Hospital Pavilion is one of the most popular attractions at HIMSS, and will provide exciting demonstrations and use cases of health information technology from multiple collaborating vendors. At the Intelligent Hospital Pavilion, CareVia will be showcasing its remote monitoring and video safety platform. The operating rooms, intensive care unit, patient recovery rooms, cardiovascular center and home will be wired with CareVias monitoring technology. The video footage will be streamed in real-time […]
Source www.itbusinessnet.com
Surveillance Cameras Keep Watch In Mountain Brook, AL
MOUNTAIN BROOK, Alabama – – Walk around nearly any city and you’ll notice. You’ll notice them watching you, recording your actions, tracking your comings and goings. In this day and age, security cameras are part of everyday life. So much so, that for the most part, we barely even notice them. It’s almost safe to assume they’re always there. Here at AL.com, we wanted to know: Who’s Watching You? In Mountain Brook at least, several city departments utilize cameras–though perhaps not the one’s you’d expect to. "The Public Works facility has 21 cameras that are used for security," said Public Works Director Ronnie Vaughn. The facility, located at 3579 East Street in Cahaba Heights, houses Mountain Brook’s Right of Way and Traffic Division, Heavy Construction Division, Fleet Management Division, and Forestry Division. For now, said Vaughn, the number of cameras that help keep the building safe are "adequate." "I see no need to increase the number," he said. Quieter areas, like the city’s parks, for example, currently lack security cameras. Shanda Williams, Parks/Recreation Superintendent , said the city currently does not have any cameras installed at the various parks. There are some, however, at the Parks and Recreation facility that she believes are "very useful." "Besides security reasons" said Williams, "they can be used to keep track of employees coming and going." Williams said that along with the cameras, a handy monitoring system allows her to rewind the video and record segments that can be used for evidence. "I […]
Source blog.al.com
American Dynamics Unveils 5MP Illustra 825 Fisheye Camera
Published on 19 Feb, 2014 American Dynamics, part of the Security Products business unit of Tyco, the world’s largest pure-play fire protection and security company, announces the introduction of the Illustra 825 Fisheye Camera, a sophisticated camera that provides exceptional video quality and ultra-smooth digital pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) movements for capturing real-time 180°/360° panoramic views of wide areas. American Dynamics brings the reputation for high quality video to the 360° panorama product class. With a single, affordable 5 megapixel camera, the Illustra 825 Fisheye can do the work of 2, 3 and sometimes 4 cameras in many indoor applications. Leveraging the power of 5 megapixels, this camera can provide a 360°degree view of a whole lobby using a ceiling mount or a 180°degree view of a room, using a wall mount, or even a 2×2 view of 4 simultaneous dewarped streams. This ultra wide angle technology with dewarping at the edge, and in a future release at the client as well, represents the power of new technology in the IP camera space. Seeing entire rooms with a single camera, delivered with the flexibility of 180°and 360°degree views, or 4 separate streams in a 2×2 view, delivers a whole new video experience. "The technology in this camera actually minimises the quantity of cameras needed for surveillance, which lowers both install times and costs for dealers, integrators, and end users," said Steve Carney, Director of Product Management for Video Solutions at Tyco Security Products. "Simply put, the Illustra 825 Fisheye delivers more […]
Source www.sourcesecurity.com
Ultimate Security Products Becomes 3xLOGIC Manufacturer Rep
Source: 3xLOGIC | Date: 02/20/2014 Related tags: 3xLOGIC , manufacturers , business development , ULTIMATE Security Products 3xLOGIC, a provider of advanced video surveillance and video-enabled Business Intelligence (BI), announced the appointment of Ultimate Security Products as its newest manufacturer’s representative serving Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri. Founded in 2010, Ultimate Security Products’ mission is to provide Integrators, Security Dealers and Distributors with “Best-in-Class” security products that will help their customers expand their business and their profits. The Kansas-based company will represent 3xLOGIC and its complete line of VIGIL Video Servers, VIGIL VMS (Video Management System) software modules, and VISIX IP megapixel cameras in their region, providing pre- and post-sale assistance and support. “In order to address the market demand for our products, especially our BI solution, we are actively expanding our sales resources, both internally and externally,” says Matthew Kushner, 3xLOGIC’s CEO. “Len has established himself and Ultimate Security Products’ as one of the premier rep firms in the Security industry. Our companies’ mutual growth strategies made this relationship one of synergy and compatibility.” 3xLOGIC has been on the forefront of intelligent video analytics for over 15 years. The Company’s VIGIL Video Management System (VMS) was engineered from its inception to capture data from a variety of data sources, including audio data, video data and transactional data. Recently, the Company has been actively developing a BI (Business Intelligence) reporting framework, able to capture and disseminate data from a multitude of sources, forming an […]
Source www.asmag.com
Vecna And Fujitsu Announce Strategic Partnership To Deliver A Patient Biometric Identification And Registration Solution
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif.–( BUSINESS WIRE )– Vecna , an innovative provider of patient self-service solutions, and Fujitsu Frontech North America Inc. , a leader in front-end solution technology, today announced a strategic partnership to deliver a complete biometric patient authentication solution. Fujitsu’s PalmSecure ® technology uses a near-infrared light to capture a patient’s palm vein pattern, generating a unique biometric template for identification verification. Vecna’s On-Site Registration solution enables patients to update demographics, pay bills, verify insurance, and print directions to their care provider. This joint solution reduces organizational expenses associated with manual data entry, prevents fraudulent behavior at the point-of-service, and reduces problems associated with duplicate records in the Master Patient Index. “Our On-Site Registration kiosks optimize patient communication at the point-of-service,” comments Ben Bau, Vice President and General Manager of Patient Self-Service Solutions at Vecna. “By working with Fujitsu’s PalmSecure solution, we’re able to complement barcode scanning, manual authentication, and credit card authorization with a biometric identification solution to offer patients and their providers valuable time-saving services.” “Since palm vein patterns are unique to each person, it is impossible to forge an individual’s identity,” says Randy Fox, Vice President, Currency Handling and Identity Product Solutions, Fujitsu Frontech North America Inc. “Also, because this innovative technology is highly accurate, healthcare systems are provided with an extra layer of necessary identity verification protection.” Vecna and Fujitsu Frontech North America Inc. will be exhibiting at HIMSS in booth #652 from February 24 – 27. For more information […]
Source www.businesswire.com
The Road To Interoperability With ONVIF
By Kirsty McMahon on February 19, 2014 Guest article by Scott Hudson, V ice-Chairman of the Technical Services Committee for ONVIF. Within the security market, hybrid environments are becoming more and more common. With a myriad of products from different manufacturers, wouldn’t it be nice, with little or no effort, to have these products work seamlessly with one another — a true plug-and-play scenario? Standards-based interfaces, such as those offered through ONVIF, the open industry forum for IP-based physical security products, have addressed the issue of interoperability among products at a basic level. While true plug-and-play capabilities can be difficult to achieve across multiple manufacturers, ONVIF addresses this interoperability through the definition of compatible specifications known as Profiles. At a minimum, certain functionalities must be supported for conformance with ONVIF’s profiles for video management, recording and access control. For example, Profile S for video streaming specifies how to stream video using RTSP, while Profile G for video recording specifies how to configure and start a recording. The specific details are defined in each respective Profile Specification available from the ONVIF site. While ONVIF provides a common definition that all of these conformant devices must follow, the challenge has been that while products may be in conformance with a profile, there can be some latitude in the extent to which various products achieve that conformance. Complying with the profile puts everyone on equal footing, but levels of performance may vary from meeting the minimum requirements to well exceeding it. So […]
Source www.securitynewsdesk.com
The Growth In Voice Biometrics For Banking
It’s been an interesting week for those interested in Financial Services and how biometrics could be used in the industry. It was the subject of my last post on Finextra (“ Voiceprints can counter ID theft, but other threats remain ”), looking at Barclays’s use of Nuance and Cisco Voice Portal and last week on Finextra brought out some of the industry trends. One major trend was in the story “ US Bank trials voice biometric access to mobile app ” . The move towards apps and mobile is creating some very significant changes in the nature of authentication and security. The traditional use of voice biometrics has been to authenticate callers who have dialled in over a land-line to contact centres. Biometrics have been seen as specific to the voice channel, expensive but potentially more secure for ID&V (as it checks who you are, not what you know) and potentially offering better customer service (as voice can allow more flexible menus than the traditional “….press 1 for…., press 2 for….” functionality of IVR). Mobile devices have changed this paradigm in a couple of ways. First, mobile voice tends to be a much lower quality than land line. Although this can be compensated for, in general terms the lower quality the input, the harder it is to use voice patterns to authenticate an individual. Voice biometric authentication can still be effective for mobile users but it does mean that a higher number of calls will need to be handed […]
Source www.finextra.com
DirectView Enters Into Early Stage Discussions With Several Marijuana Industry Companies To Provide Video Surveillance And Access Control Solutions
NEW YORK, February 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — DirectView Holdings, Inc. (OTC: DIRV), a company focused on ownership and management of leading video and security technology companies, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, DirectView Security Systems, Inc. ("DirectView Security"), has begun early stage discussions with several marijuana industry companies to provide a number of potential video surveillance and access control solutions. DirectView Security sees tremendous growth potential for the Company in this rapidly evolving industry as companies scramble to develop a foothold and meet the ever changing legal requirements for security for both growers and dispensaries. According to several published reports typical dispensaries will need to employ dozens of security cameras, motion detectors, infrared sensors, and 24/7 recording. At most dispensaries, those entering must pass through three doors, show ID and present a verified doctor’s note. With the sale of medical marijuana being approved and rolled out in over 18 states and the sale of marijuana for recreational use already approved in Colorado and Washington, this industry is experiencing rapid growth. According to an April 2013 article published in the Wall Street Journal, an estimated 2,000 to 4,000 businesses produce marijuana legally under state laws. In each state a marijuana related company must meet strict guidelines for security and these requirements often vary. In Massachusetts, for example, according to a February 2014 article in the Boston Globe, the law requires video cameras to be installed and operating in all areas that contain marijuana: in parking lots, safes, vaults, sales […]
Source www.finanznachrichten.de
Canada Eyes Wider Biometric Info Sharing
OTTAWA – Canada is eyeing greatly expanded sharing of immigration information — such as fingerprints of visa applicants — with not only the United States but other key allies. An internal memo prepared for Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander says the government is building an information technology system that could be used for the systematic exchange of biometric data with Britain, Australia and New Zealand. "Systematic sharing is preferable to manual case-by-case sharing because it can generate faster responses and be done at higher volumes," says the briefing memo, obtained under the Access to information Act. The federal government is already pursuing wide-scale sharing of immigration information with the United States under the highly publicized perimeter security pact. Beginning this year, the fingerprints of visa applicants to Canada from more than two dozen countries will be checked against a U.S. database that includes the prints of immigration violators, criminals and known or suspected terrorists. The federal privacy commissioner has expressed concerns about high-volume, routine information sharing with other countries, saying it may be impossible to control what happens to that data once sent abroad. The government says such data-sharing is essential to fight fraud and abuse of Canada’s immigration system. Biometric information — unique identifiers such as an iris scan or a fingerprint record — is considered especially useful. Lately there has been intense scrutiny of Canada’s security relationship with its closest allies — collectively known as the Five Eyes — due to intelligence leaks by former American […]
Source www.cambridgetimes.ca
Eagle Eye Debuts Partner Program For Cloud-Based Video Surveillance
The days of storing your video surveillance footage on a hard drive or disc may soon be coming to an end—especially if the folks at Eagle Eye Networks have anything to say about it. Eagle Eye has taken the wraps off a new channel partner program, which will allow its VARs to sell the company’s line of home and business surveillance software to customers throughout North America. Eagle Eye Networks is one of the first surveillance companies to offer its VARs access to an on-demand cloud-based security and operations video management system (VMS) surveillance software, according to company CEO Dean Drako. “Video surveillance, which has traditionally been kind of a traditional security business, is becoming much more of an IT business,” said Drako in an interview with The VAR Guy. “We’re saying, ‘Hey, let’s do to this business what Dropbox did to the file service business.’” Eagle Eye Networks’ resellers and end users simply install a device called a Bridge in each location they wish to be monitored and connect their cameras to the cloud via a monthly subscription service. Users connect ONVIF or analog cameras to the Eagle Eye Bridge, which then stores and uploads footage to the cloud. All of the data can be accessed remotely and managed from central website. Drako is the former founder and CEO of Barracuda Networks (CUDA), a company specializing in IT security, network an application delivery and data storage, including the company’s popular spam filter appliance. Drako and his team began […]
Source thevarguy.com
Latest Genetec IP Security Software Supports 80+ New Video Devices
By Brianna Crandall , February 21, 2014— Genetec , a provider of unified Internet protocol (IP) security solutions worldwide, recently announced that the latest service release of Security Center (5.2 SR4) provides integration with over 80 new video devices from 13 technology partners, including many new models from Arecont, Axis Communications, Samsung, Sony and Vivotek, making it easy for facilities and security managers to take advantage of the latest technological advances. The release follows the launch of new Security Center plugins for partner solutions including Software House C•CURE 9000 access control, Barco CMS video wall, Southwest MicroPoint perimeter detection devices and DSC PowerSeries intrusion panels. Security Center is Genetec’s unified security platform created to seamlessly blend IP security surveillance systems within a single intuitive interface to simplify operations. Available now for download to all Security Center 5.2 customers and to those with an active software maintenance agreement (SMA), this service release provides customers access to new software updates and feature options, with support for many of the latest edge devices on the market. Security Center 5.2 SR4 provides support for a number of new encoders, including the Axis M7016 and P7216, offering analog customers highly cost-effective 16-channel encoder options. The release also integrates with a large number of new megapixel IP cameras from Genetec technology partners, including support for additional models of Arecont SurroundVideo panoramic cameras. Users can choose from modular security systems, building a system that matches their requirements. The number of Security Center technology partners also continues […]
Source www.fmlink.com
Historic Police Department Adopts New License Plate Technology
Longwood, FL (PRWEB) February 20, 2014 The New Bern Police Department, one of the oldest police departments in North Carolina, is adding automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) technology from NDI Recognition Systems (NDI-RS) to its crime-fighting arsenal. The department has purchased a mobile ALPR solution for installation in one of its patrol vehicles. The department’s documented history extends back to 1797, and the New Bern Police Department prides itself on adopting new technologies and setting a high standard for police work. License plate recognition (LPR) systems allow law enforcement agencies to quickly and accurately scan vehicle license plates, matching them against crime databases such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), as well as state and local wants and warrants. The system is a valuable asset to law enforcement officers, alerting them to wanted vehicles, including those sought for AMBER, Silver, and other types of alerts. “NDI Recognition Systems is excited that the New Bern Police Department has chosen NDI-RS to supply its license plate recognition equipment and software,” said Christopher McKissick, sales director. “We look forward to helping the New Bern police officers protect their citizens and visitors to this historic city.” About NDI Recognition Systems: NDI Recognition Systems (NDI-RS) is a global provider of automated license plate recognition (ALPR) solutions for law enforcement, homeland security, and critical infrastructure security, as well as other market sectors. With an installed base in over 40 countries, NDI-RS designs and manufactures turn-key, end-to-end LPR solutions including mobile, fixed, and covert installations. […]
Source www.prweb.com
Apexis Launched PIR IP-camera
Surveillance cameras are playing an increasingly important role in the prevention and investigation of crime phenomena. Cameras are increasingly being seen in public places for crime prevention, traffic control and other public safety fields. The rapid development of technology is the reason to promote the community to increase investment in video surveillance. Apexis has recently introduced a new IP camera APM-HP803-MPC-WP, this camera not only supports plug and play, but also built-in PIR detection sensors, accurate detection human body(in the indoor 100% accurate trigger !, zero false positives. Following is a specific feature of this camera: > PIR supported > Iphone and android APP > Support Plug and Play,easy to set up > Support IR-Cut > 1.0MegaPixel,720P > H.264 video compression format > SD2.0 standard, maximum storage upto 32GB > Support two-way audio function > Freely control upload image to FTP > Freely control Pan/Tilt angle by software > Freely control Pan/Tilt speed by software > Freely control network indicator LED on/off > Support up to 9 users online simultaneously > Motion detection alert with snapshots via email > Wi-Fi compliant with wireless standards IEEE 802.11b/g/n > Support both WEP & WPA WPA2 encryption for wireless > Support IE, Safari, Firefox, Google chrome browser or any other standard browsers
MOBOTIX Expands Key Personnel And Video Surveillance Solutions Throughout North America
Published on 21 Feb, 2014 MOBOTIX, an industry leading provider of high-resolution, network-based security solutions, is building its resources throughout the United States and Canada Derek and Mark will further strengthen company’s sales initiatives and business strategies MOBOTIX , an industry leading provider of high-resolution, network-based security solutions, is building its resources throughout the United States and Canada by adding key personnel and expanding its array of video surveillance solutions. Project wins in the transportation, education and municipal environments and the release of new products, including a line of five-megapixel cameras and lowlight exposure optimisation software, have propelled interest in MOBOTIX technologies. In response to expanding market opportunities, the company has added experienced industry professionals to its North American sales team. Effective immediately, Derek Martinez assumes the role of Business Development Manager, Northwestern United States. Martinez is a seasoned sales professional who is charged with driving growth and demand for the portfolio of IP surveillance solutions in the Northwest territory. His experience as both an industry sales professional with surveillance manufacturers, including UTC Fire and Security and Sentry 360 , and as a security practitioner at the University of California San Diego enables him to keenly understand the needs and challenges end users and resellers face in today’s market. Martinez also currently serves as a committee chair with the Puget Sound chapter of ASIS International . As the Business Development Manager for Canada, Mark Bomas will focus on promoting the MOBOTIX product range throughout the country. He will also […]
Source www.sourcesecurity.com