5 July 2022

berlin wall

Breaking down walls, physical and immaterial

How border security was once maintained with an iron fist before the digital age brought with it an era of peace  Maintaining country borders has been enforced for as long as organised human society has been about. Humans have always sought to protect their territory and property and this is seen no better than in how regulated and regimented our borders are.  What is interesting above all to note about this is that all borders are rudimentary and immaterial; built upon nothing more than trust and belief. Some borders are more rigid and agreed upon than others and nowadays a lot of these boundaries have been universally established. But during times of uncertainty and turbulence the lines can be blurred: in the wake of World War II there rose from its sordid ashes a different kind of conflict, one rife with political manipulation and proxy wars that threatened to drag the world back once again into the throes of war. There was no better microcosm on Earth for the turmoil of the Cold War than Germany as it attempted to rebuild itself, freed from the chains of the Nazi regime. We’ll take a look at how new and emerging borders that don’t exist anymore were swiftly regulated and maintained by the relevant powers with the aid of good old-fashioned authoritarian threats of violence and subjugation.  These methods are in stark contrast to the ones employed today: with the awakening of the digital age and computer-aided automation in the last three decades playing a huge part in ushering in a new era of peace and convenient but fair security screening at border checkpoints.  The rise and fall of the Berlin Wall  Germany’s economy and society was left crippled after their defeat at the hands of the Allied and Soviet forces at the close of World War II and it was the responsibility of these victorious political powers to reshape Germany into a country that would never again threaten the world. The first step in this rehabilitation was the seizure of the country and namely Berlin by the Allied and Soviet forces. The German capital was divided into subsidiaries, governed by the English, Americans and Russians. Though the aforementioned countries had banded together to banish a common evil, it was clear post-war just how differing the political ideologies of the East and West were. Russia chose to govern the eastern side of the country with a communist iron fist, while the western regions were governed more democratically. This divide caused a rising tension between the nations, exacerbated by the commencement of the Cold War, where any direct confrontation could escalate into global war. And so one morning in August 1961 residents of the impoverished East Berlin awoke to find a wall being constructed, dividing the city in two.   To read the full article, check out our June issue here. Media contact  Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,  Editor, Security Portfolio  Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

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Port of Durban challenges

Strengthening port security in South Africa and the Indian Ocean. How can this benefit critical infrastructure?  The South African Government views the country’s ports and terminals as key engines for economic growth.  South Africa is situated on one of the busiest international sea routes‚ critical to international maritime transportation‚ and its geographical location presents a huge opportunity for investing in a diversified maritime market. Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) which is one of five operating divisions of SOE Transnet is responsible for the safe, effective, and economically efficient functioning of the national ports system, encompassing eight commercial seaports, which it manages in a ‘landlord’ capacity.  While this is the current organisational structure, the South African Government announced plans to address some of the Port operations problems, by creating a clear separation between the roles of the infrastructure owner, which is the Transnet National Ports Authority, and the terminal operator, which is Transnet Port Terminals. It is hoped that the functional and legal separation of these roles, which are currently operating divisions of the same company, will enable each to be fulfilled more independently and with greater efficiency.  In the long term this could mean that revenues generated by the ports can be invested in port infrastructure, both for the replacement of old equipment and for the upgrading and expansion of ports. In addition, this will allow the ports authority to make its own investment decisions and will ensure that it treats all terminal operators fairly and equally in the interests of port users. Transnet will remain the sole shareholder of the subsidiary “to prevent any negative impact on the group’s balance sheet, and to ensure that the ports authority remains an important part of the Transnet group. This reform forms part of the South African Government’s Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. The need for structural changes is evidenced in the World Bank report that was published in May 2021, which ranked the Ports of Cape Town, Ngqura, Gqeberha, and Durban as 4 of the 5 worst ports in the world in operational efficiency (including Durban at #351 out of 351 ports analysed).  So how can port security help change these statistics and develop the port terminals in South Africa?  As a direct result of ‘911’, SOLAS (the Safety of Lives at Sea Convention) Chapter 11 was amended to provide for the inclusion of an International Code for the Security of Ships and Port Facilities, known as the ISPS Code. South Africa agreed back in 2004 to implement the ISPS Code in order to keep in line with its international trading partners.  Back in 2016, Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) introduced a state-of-the-art port security system valued at R843 million (over 53 million US dollars) to safeguard customer cargo, port users, as well as Transnet’s own port assets, staff and contractors.  Richard Vallihu, Chief Executive at TNPA, said: “The National Ports Act 12 of 2005 and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code of 2004 dictate that we as a port authority implement measures to assist in detecting security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents that may affect ships or port facilities used in international trade.”  The CCTV system was integrated between all port sites and the head office to give a bird’s eye view of the port security environment. It comprised 2100 high definition cameras across the various sites – more than double the previous 864 – as well as long range cameras to monitor all port channel entrances and outer anchorages.   To read the full article, check out our June issue here. Media contact  Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,  Editor, Security Portfolio  Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

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How innovation is born from tragedy

For years, airport security has been more reactive than proactive. The last 20 years has brought a different, no-nonsense attitude to protecting the safety of travelers  It’s no secret to anyone that airports all around the world are hotbeds for major breaches in security. Especially so in the last 20 years, where security measures and protocols have been fighting an uphill battle to keep terrorist cells and their operatives under control. In the wake of the thankfully few attacks that have managed to seep through the cracks brought with it innovation in security screening and its associated technologies. Today, we will look at some of the most prevalent aviation disasters in the last two decades and the resolutions they brought to the industry.   A good place to start is on the eve of the worst aviation and terrorist attack of all time: the September 11 attacks. Everyone knows the events that took place on that day but what has garnered less attention is the security landscape for airports at the time. It is estimated that only about 5% of travellers’ luggage was checked in early 2001, with no regulations put in place for who – or what – was coming through the doors of the airport. This statistic may look appalling to us now but it’s important to note the attitudes towards airline terrorism at this time: no amount of violence even remotely close to the scale of the September 11 attacks had ever been conducted, which is why and how Al-Qaeda was able to exploit this weakness to conduct a plot of this magnitude.   Swift and decisive action was taken by the US – and other institutions around the globe – to ensure this catastrophe could never happen again. Henceforth, the percentage of bags checked by airport security increased from 5% to 100% and an additional “Sept. 11” fee was introduced to ticket prices that helped contribute to building security infrastructure. To aid in this, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was founded and received $1.2bn in funding in its first year, which peaked to just under $8bn in 2020. All of this served to prevent violent compounds and persons from boarding aircraft – however, a blind spot in this new legislation meant that terrorists could still enter the airport relatively unimpeded.  No other case study exemplifies this more than the shooting at Los Angeles International airport in 2013. The shooter was able to get a lift to the airport from a housemate, carrying with him bags containing a semi-automatic combat rifle and several hundred rounds of ammunition, before setting foot inside the airport and opening fire at a TSA officer at a security checkpoint, eventually killing him and injuring a few others. He was allowed to continue his rampage through the airport for a while after before he was apprehended by off-site authorities. It was later revealed that the assailant was specifically targeting TSA officers which meant that a lot of civilian casualties were avoided.  The backlash in response to this shooting was immediate: the security practices and staff were scrutinised by the media and questions were asked as to how such a thing was allowed to occur in the first place. Speaking in 2013, the then-president of the American Federation of Government Employees, J. David Cox Sr, said this in response to what more could be done to prevent shootings like these: “our officers [need] to be able to make arrests. That would be a big improvement if they had arrest power”.  To read the full article, check out our June issue here. Media contact  Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,  Editor, Security Portfolio  Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

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LILIN

Product Spotlight – LILIN

LILIN announces the latest innovative solution to their camera range, Edge AI cameras, offering customers flexibility, automation and efficiency LILIN are excited to announce the release of a new range of Edge AI cameras, providing clients with a standalone AI solution with no additional hardware required. All models in the 7 Series range include a Sony STARVIS low light sensor and auto-zoom and focus lenses in a 4K resolution.   These cameras offer a high degree of flexibility- clients can choose which camera chassis they prefer- minidome, bullet or PTZ- and the behaviours they want to detect from a wide variety of available AI license options. Currently available licenses include Home Security, Vehicle Make and Model, ANPR, Health (Masks), Construction Site Safety, Smoke & Fire, Vessel, and Animal detections, which can be used in conjunction with behaviours including prohibited zones, tripwires, and counters to create alarms and reactions  Clients can use a combination of AI engines on one camera, allowing them to build levels of recognition and automation. Having two cars on the drive may be expected- and the client only wants to be alerted if a third car approaches, which can be done by combining the AI Home Security license with Area Violation and Density behaviours.   New engines are being developed by LILIN in line with our customers’ needs as we see them- for example, adding ‘bear’ detection to our Animal license for our clients in Canada! If a bear is in the client’s garden during the day, lock the door so that the children cannot access the garden, and only unlock it once the bear has left.  LILIN have already created an assortment of AI detections – but if the object or outcome the client wants isn’t available on a standard license, they can easily create their own AI engine with our portal. Our Edge AI camera range is the first with ‘YOLO’ (You Only Look Once) technology, allowing clients to create their own AI engines. With our Self+AI Cloud Service, customers can upload their images to our online web server and create a personalised firmware that can be uploaded to our cameras. Teach the camera to identify delivery vehicles for specific companies- Amazon, Hermes, or DHL- for ease of delivery. Trigger push notifications, open a gate- or even unlock your storage box for a secure product drop!  All LILIN products are designed, developed, and manufactured at our Taiwanese Head Office- and have been since we were established over 40 years ago. We’re proud to offer a full range of NDAA compliant products, from cameras to multi-site VMS projects, in 1080P to 4K resolution, including specialist ranges spanning NEMA 4X and Marine Grade stainless steel domes to the latest Edge AI cameras.   LILIN advocate for strong cyber-security policies and have partnered with companies including Deloitte to develop a rigorous, continual testing process, which allows us to provide our customers with the comfort of knowing their surveillance system is secure. Our clients are assured of not only excellent quality products but also exceptional customer service, with branch offices providing local market understanding and native technical support.  For more news updates, check out our June issue here. Media contact  Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,  Editor, Security Portfolio  Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

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luminite

Luminite announces new addition in Alertex range

Luminite are delighted to announce the addition of a sleek new annunciator to their Alertex range of wireless critical alerts. Powered by two lithium batteries the NXVS model works with all other Alertex units to provide a site wide vocal alert for lockdown, fire or any other hazard. Users can choose from a library of pre-recorded messages or they can record their own via a PC and upload to the unit’s flash memory. The memory size is 16MB which can store around 3 minutes of sound files. Messages can be changed during an event so, for example, an all clear can be given after a lockdown alert message. This function requires the Alertex PC app. The annunciator is fitted with white flashing strobe lights which automatically turn on when the system is activated – this feature can be over-ridden if required. A hard wired call point can be connected directly if needed or alternatively a wireless call point may be used. The sound clarity is of CD quality with an adjustable decibel level up to 100dBa depending on vocalisation. The annunciator is fully waterproof and is suitable for internal and external use including damp locations such as swimming pools. NXVS units can also be used to form a standalone, rapidly deployable wireless speaker system for events, shopping centres, heritage sites and car parks to name but a few applications. Luminite are specialists in PIR detection, wireless switching, IP connectivity and wireless alert systems. They have been designing and manufacturing products from their North London based factory for over 37 years and possess extensive experience in both the security and home automation markets.  At Luminite, they are dedicated to providing their customers with the most dependable and robust security solutions, excellent customer service and knowledgeable technical support. For more news updates, check out our June issue here. Media contact  Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,  Editor, Security Portfolio  Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

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transaction monitoring

Sentinels expands into the UK with new CCO

Sentinels, a Fenergo company and a European intelligent transaction monitoring platform, has appointed Adrian Jenkins as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), aiding the company’s expansion in the UK – a dominant global financial hub and hotbed for fintech innovation. London-based Adrian brings more than two decades of B2B enterprise sales and revenue experience to the role. He has previously held senior positions at Oracle, Arkose Labs, Vindicia and Amdocs where he delivered revenue growth and led top performing commercial teams focused on technology, fintech and fraud prevention. As CCO of Sentinels, Adrian will focus primarily on the company’s growth, leading its sales, marketing, and business development operations. His experience will support Sentinels in its plan to consolidate and build out its position in the UK market, following strong growth already seen in Europe. Joost van Houten, CEO of Sentinels, commented: “We’re delighted to have Adrian join the Sentinels ranks. His impressive and extensive experience in leading commercial teams at all stages, from those with minimal revenue to those with $100 million, is ideal for helping us to achieve our growth ambitions in the UK and beyond. We’re already working to address the underserved anti-money laundering and transaction monitoring needs of fintechs and financial institutions across mainland Europe, we’re pleased to further strengthen our fight against financial crime in the UK market.” On his appointment, Adrian stated: “It’s a delight to join Sentinels to support its entry into the UK. It was important to me that I join a company with a strong purpose, great people, and an exceptional product. Money laundering and terrorism financing are hugely pertinent world problems, and Sentinels has built an innovative and highly effective solution to protect financial institutions and economies against these threats.” Adrian’s background is diverse, having worked with multiple start-ups through a range of lifecycle phases. He has led businesses through new market entry, establishing and growing their regional operations, contributed to successful exits – initial public offerings and acquisitions – and has unique experience in staying on to scale up a business post-acquisition. In April 2022, Sentinels was acquired by Fenergo, providing an accelerated path to Sentinels’ global aspirations. With experience as both the acquired business and as part of the acquirer, Adrian has a full understanding of what this journey entails, making him well-positioned to support a successful transition. For more news updates, check out our June issue here. Media contact  Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,  Editor, Security Portfolio  Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

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