11 March 2015

The lure and the reality of joining the Islamic State

The lure and the reality of joining the Islamic State On 17 February Kadiza Sultana, 16; Shamima Begum, also 16; and Amira Abase, 15 all left the security of their homes in London for the lure of the Islamic State. Philip Ingram asks why? Their journey through Turkey followed the classic route favored by new IS recruits. But why would such intelligent young people do what to most of us seems so completely illogical? How were they enticed and when they goth there what is likely to happen to them? SecurityNewsDesk have been give a unique insight from a former Jihadist, Aimen Dean of 5 Dimensions consultants, who worked for British Intelligence for many years. He now openly talks about his experiences in order to educate his audiences on the realities. The Lure When Aimen Dean was asked about what lures young girls to IS he explained: “The appeal of the IS can by summed up that they, unlike al-Qaeda, have established a society. Regardless of how brutal and extreme this “society” might appear to people around the world, the IS nonetheless managed successfully to target certain segments of young Muslims with specific appeals. “Some are drawn to satisfy a desire for revenge, some to seek redemption and atone for their sins and some are drawn to the notion of an Islamic State and the need to serve and protect this fledgling Islamic State in its infancy. “For the three British teenage girls, (who are high achievers at school), the appeal was even greater when they were promised a larger role in how to serve the IS.” There is clear evidence that female members of IS are engaged in trying to radicalize and lure other young women to join IS through social media. Global Risk Awareness, a Cyber Intelligence company tracks many of these interactions. James Abernethy a former British Military Intelligence Officer said of Global Risk Awareness capability “The team have seen many interactions between known IS social media accounts and followers based across the globe from Europe, the Americas and elsewhere. It is clear they become online “friends” and the grooming starts from there”. Dean went on to state: “Over the past two months, the IS has begun to close the female faculties of engineering and humanities in universities under their control, such as Mosul University. The female students in all the closed faculties were given the choice, (if there was ever a choice) to study medicine instead. The female students, even those who scored lower than required marks, were told that they can now “fulfill” a life dream of becoming a doctor. Those who do not have the ability to become doctors, can study nursing and so become qualified paramedics.” He suggested, from having studied current recruiting trends and gaining direct inside information that the three young girls were most likely promised to end up being taught medicine and join the legions of female doctors and paramedics much needed on the frontlines where the IS’ fight against an ever growing coalition of enemies was proving more costly. He went on to say “The lure of learning medicine without having to fill in complex university application forms or the need to score the necessary grades is appealing in itself. But what is more appealing is the sense that they would be serve a perceived “noble cause” through the medical education and then applying that knowledge practically in the frontlines and in urban areas coming under bombardment, with all the thrills of action and adventure involved. It is a rather false romantic notion of serving alongside young Muslim men committed to the glory and honor of Islam and the resurrection of the Islamic Caliphate. Therefore such young, bright and well-educated Muslim girls are in fact a prize worth attracting as far as the IS is concerned.” The Reality Aimen Dean went on to explain the reality in detail, having had experience of similar situations; “While the illusion of glorious Jihadi service, living under a semi-utopian Islamic State and receiving life saving medical knowledge, are all possible motivating factors behind these girls’ journey into the heart of what they think is an Islamic heaven! However the reality is different based on past evidence. First, as soon they would have crossed the border into Syria they would be placed under the guardianship of an Islamic State judge. This is because they arrived without “Mahram” a next of kin male guardian such as father, brother or husband. After a four weeks of intensive theological and ideological re-education they would then be married off to some of the Jihadi “brothers” as they are not allowed to be without a “Mahram”. As usual the IS will break the Sharia rules by marrying these girls off without the presence of their legal guardians and instead the judge appointed by the IS as their guardian will preside over the marriage ceremony. Once married, they will almost certainly have to go through the anguish of losing their new husbands as a result of the constant fighting and the IS lack of care in protecting their recruits on the frontlines or due to coalition air strikes. Then they are expected to go through the mourning period of 4 months and 10 days once they lose their new husbands. The mourning period is proscribed in the Quran and will compel them to stay at home throughout this period, as it is an extreme interpretation of Islam by the IS.” He emphasised that “There would be no access to education and no glorious service, just another form of house arrest.” Dean explained that the cycle would continue; “Once the mourning period is over the girls must resume the cycle of being married off to other Jihadi brothers, wait until they too are killed and they go through the mourning period again, and if they are pregnant then the mourning period is extended until the child is delivered. They must then marry again as they cannot stay without a “Mahram” (legal guardian). The

The lure and the reality of joining the Islamic State Read More »

Samsung Techwin appoint Technology Partner Manager

Dan England has been appointed Technology Partner Manager for the Security Solution division of Samsung Techwin Europe Ltd. Dan will be working closely with Samsung Techwin’s Applications Partners and VMS developers to raise awareness of how Open Platform technology can provide users with significant added value from their video surveillance systems. “As someone who has spent the last 16 years working for consultancies and companies involved in the design and installation of integrated solutions, I am very excited to have the opportunity to drive Samsung Techwin’s Technology Partner program,” said Dan. “The massive processing power of the DSP chipsets incorporated into latest generation of Samsung Techwin WiseNetIII high definition cameras has resulted in significant new business opportunities being generated for both the IT and security sales channels. I am therefore looking forward to playing a part in implementing a strategy which encourages a wide range of third party software developers to take advantage of our Open Platform technology.” Bespoke video surveillance solutions The latest generation of Samsung Techwin WiseNetIII Open Platform cameras can claim to elevate video surveillance from being just a security system, to a smart solution that can deliver so much more. Whilst most Open Platform cameras which are currently available can only run one Application, the processing power of Samsung Techwin’s WiseNetIII Platform DSP chipset provides customers with the option to run multiple Applications at the same time. Having the ability to utilise on-board Applications creates opportunities for cameras to be used for multi-tasking, with various departments within a business or organisation able to simultaneously collect and analyse valuable management information via different specialist video analytics Applications. Links http://www.samsungtechwin.com/

Samsung Techwin appoint Technology Partner Manager Read More »

Apprenticeship schemes make common business sense

With National Appreticeship week well underway, John Roddy, Chief Executive of the UK Total Security Solutions firm, The Shield Group, takes a look at why apprenticeships schemes make good business sense.    Apprenticeships, once deemed secondary to university education, are back in fashion as the number of employers signing on apprentices are up by nearly a third (32 per cent) from last year. Commencing on 9th March, National Apprenticeship Week provides a great opportunity to assess the business impact of the rapid rise in apprentices and evaluate why they are proving so popular. Youth unemployment, although gradually falling, is a key concern for many families up and down the country, with currently 16.2 per cent of all 16-24 year olds without a job, let alone a foot on the career ladder. But apprenticeships, a combination of part-time educational programmes and on-the-job learning, are providing young people an alternative option to be at the forefront of the UK’s businesses instead of the more traditional graduate scheme route. At The Shield Group, the building of our apprentices’ numeracy and literacy skills (skills they didn’t learn in school) is a crucial aspect to our programmes, and apprentices usually relish this second opportunity. Businesses need to take a bigger responsibility in giving our young people the skills they need to succeed, which will go some way in reducing youth unemployment and, from our experience, in reducing youth crime. The shift towards vocational development is clearly having a positive impact on businesses across the UK. There’s no denying that apprenticeships are a great way for young talent to enter the workforce, giving school leavers the chance to develop skills for their chosen career path whilst giving businesses the fresh outlook, new ideas and flexibility needed to succeed. Research from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills shows that the majority of apprentices are currently under the age of 25, giving employers the chance to shape and develop their workforce from the onset of their working lives. Apprentices are taught to embrace a company’s culture from an early age and as a result become even more aware of its overall objectives. Not only does this allow companies to mould apprentices into articulate business-minded people, but I have found that having such schemes has a positive knock-on effect amongst existing employees, whose morale is lifted knowing their employer is committed to training and professional development at all levels. However, if you wish for your apprentices to feel they belong to the business, my experience has been that nothing makes this clearer than hiring them on the same basis as your permanent employees, including the level of pay. At The Shield Group, we not only empower our apprentices through the opportunity to learn new skills and industry qualifications but also empower them in their pocket, underlining the value of their services to our business strategy. Productivity is a common concern for employers’ considering adopting apprenticeship schemes. But a survey last year conducted by Populus showed 81 per cent say that hiring apprentices help boost the productivity of their company, with businesses report an average increase in productivity by £214 a week. Whilst it is not legally required, paying your apprentices a decent wage will increase their commitment to your business and, naturally, address concerns over productivity. Lastly, the apprentices I have come across at The Shield Group are some of the most hardworking, conscientious members of our business and it now seems hard to imagine operating our normal business functions without them. It’s why some 86 per cent of apprentices stay in employment after their initial apprenticeship finishes, and why public sector bodies are keen to provide 100% funding to help run a scheme. We are only half way there in realising the potential of apprenticeship schemes for our national economy which is why, ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, I would like to encourage all business leaders to get on board. About John Roddy, CEO of The Shield Group With more than 20 years in the field of security services, John Roddy joined The Shield Guarding Company Limited last year with vast experience and an exceptional track-record, having held the senior-board positions with major brands within the sector. John has operated at senior levels within the Security Industry as Operations Director – UK at Initial Security Limited, and Group Managing Director with Oltec Group Facilities Management, steering business from its original retail guarding operation into facilities management services across various sectors throughout the UK and Ireland. John has managed £150m UK portfolio business throughout the UK and in has a full experience with the London market developing strong relationships within the financial and blue chip sectors throughout the UK. He has developed excellent service relationships with organizations requiring national and regional account management. He gained further regional experience under his role of General Manager at Reliance Security Services Ltd, where he managed guarding and operational services across the Midlands and North West England, with a £55 million portfolio. John Roddy’s regional expertise is key given The Shield Guarding Company Limited’s national footprint. Under his leadership, John will manage the company’s 2000 strong workforce spread across its six offices which located in Scotland, the North of England, Central England, South West of England, two offices in Greater London and the South East of England. Additional to three more senior positions in leading security firms scattered across the UK, John Roddy initiated his career as a Detective of the CID and Regional Crime Squad within the Greater Manchester Police, gaining an adept, hands-on understanding of the fundamentals of security within the UK.

Apprenticeship schemes make common business sense Read More »

Honeywell Innovation and Integration Showcase

We’re bringing the power of Honeywell integration to you in 2015. As one of the few manufacturers to offer solutions that include Video, Access Control and Intrusion Systems, we are in a great position to help you deliver the most cost-effective and value-added integrated solutions to your customers. Take this unique opportunity to speak to our experts, including a session on video transmission and switch technology, and learn how you can grow your business with our exciting new offerings. In addition, delegates will also receive 30% discount* off selected demonstration products ordered at each show. *T&C’s apply  If you have any questions please contact Jo Vause Tel: 0777 2578999  

Honeywell Innovation and Integration Showcase Read More »

Grundig Security appoints Paul Dodds as Country Manager

Grundig Security has announced the appointment of Paul Dodds as Country Manager for the UK & Ireland. Paul’s role is to develop new distribution channels for Grundig Security and support established distribution partner, Security Buying Group. Grundig Security, a TKH group company, shares the same ownership as Paul’s previous employer, Aasset UK. Paul’s move to CCTV equipment manufacturer Grundig Security is an obvious progression within the $2bn turnover, Netherland’s based, conglomerate. Paul brings extensive security industry installation, manufacturing and distribution experience to his role. Paul is no stranger to the tools, having trained as an electronic engineer and installer. His sales and management experience includes senior positions in Xtralis, Honeywell, The White Group and ESI where he gained national and international security industry expertise. Dodds commented, “My focus is on developing the Grundig brand within the UK and Ireland. However, I will also identify opportunities for the wider TKH product portfolio. I will also help inform Grundig’s new product development so we stay ahead of the market with technology and products. “This new role will open up big opportunities for Grundig and allow me to use all the product and market knowledge I have gained over the last 20 years.” When Paul is not expanding Grundig’s UK and Irish business he can be seen out on is beloved Honda Fireblade or enjoying the discipline of Wadokai Karate where he is a Black Belt. We wish him well in his new role. For more information on Grundig CCTV products contact +49 (0) 2191 374 9883. Links www.grundig-security.com

Grundig Security appoints Paul Dodds as Country Manager Read More »

AirMax5X benefits wireless IP surveillance network

Video surveillance has grown increasingly popular around the word and video surveillance has extended from office environments to production environments, from indoor to outdoor, and from local to remote. Due to those changes, video surveillance networks have to adapt to multiple access scenarios and even to harsh environments. With the development of technology and the industry trend, WLAN can provide wireless video surveillance access to commercial buildings and office environments and can use to implement remote video surveillance at long distances for places where routing cables is inconvenient. Benefits of a wireless IP surveillance network IP surveillance network eliminates the need for costly installation works with NO Cable; therefore, with less cable to install, project time frames are significantly reduced and business disruption is minimised. As there is no expensive fixed line required, it can lower transmission costs. Surveillance systems can easily be extended using wireless IP Surveillance and it’s able to migrate with a cost-effective full-digit-system solution. Remote monitoring allows us to surveillance of remote locations over large distances. As a network-expert, AirLive provides AirMax 5X (5GHz High Throughput Outdoor CPE with PoE Pass through) to fulfill the bandwidth demands of video surveillance. Furthermore, its network resources can even be shared with other services to reduce deployment costs. Long distance and high speed transmission (10km/20km & 300Mbps) With the integrated directional 2T2R 14dBi 5GHz MIMO antenna and high output power AirMax5X/5X-20 signals can be transmitted to a long distance 10km /20km. The high transmission power and high gain provides longer distance and better signal; according to the field test, the throughput can be up to 77Mbps at 10km. PoE pass-through With its built-in advanced 48V Power over Ethernet output (The output power is up to 30W) for one IPCAM or another AirMax 5X eases the deployment and reaches the green environment standard by less cabling and no extra power source needed. Multiple operation modes AirMax 5X can function as an AP, WDS Station, WDS + AP, Client infrastructure, WISP Router or AP Router. Bandwidth management AirMax 5X provides the capabilities to control user’s bandwidth and can define varies classes of connection speed for different subscription, ensuring the data and video transmission smoothly. Suitable applications: Business Campus, School Campus, Government Park, Port/Harbor, Commercial Building, Stadium, Business Hotel, Gas pipeline, Highway, Coastal defense area, Safe City, Road Monitoring, Public security, Substation, Nationwide prison, management system. Links http://www.airlive.com/product/AirMax5X http://www.airlivesecurity.com

AirMax5X benefits wireless IP surveillance network Read More »

Scroll to Top