WHITEPAPER: Best Practices For Integrated Physical Security Capabilities Supporting Massachusetts Document Reference: ITD-SEC-10.1 “Enterprise Physical & Environmental Security Policy”

After careful review of the Commonwealth of “Massachusetts Enterprise Physical & Environmental Security Policy”, the following Whitepaper was prepared as a response utilizing concepts, best practices and the countermeasures & tools available under contract FAC64 “Security Surveillance and Access Control Systems.”  

Physical Security Technology today is all about the network, if you’re not on the network you are probably not working.  The physical protection of facilities including the perception of detection of negative human behaviors is the key to effective physical, network security and risk management. 

In response to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Enterprise Physical & Environmental Security Policy (Reference # ITD-SEC-10.1 Issued Dated 10-29-2010) issued by the Information Technology Division, this document articulates available physical security and monitoring solutions to meet the requirements that Secretariats and their respective Agency or Contractors facilities must address in defining a policy to implement adequate physical and environmental security controls and to secure and protect information, assets, infrastructure and Information Technology (IT) resources by using solutions provided to these departments under procurement contract Operational Services Division (OSD)  contract FAC64.

Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of American Alarm & Communications, Inc., (AACI).  Additionally, neither AACI nor any of its employees makes any warrantee, expressed or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process included in this publication. Users of information from this publication assume all liability arising from such use.

According to this policy the Secretariats and their respective Agencies must implement the appropriate combination of controls (administrative, technical, physical) to provide reasonable assurance that security objectives are met. Agencies must achieve compliance with the overall information security goals of the Commonwealth including compliance with laws, regulations, legal agreements, policies and standards to which their technology resources and data, including but not limited to personal information (PI), are subject.  This policy encompasses existing technologies existing within each department and the physical security solution technologies themselves since these integrated solutions are also network appliances.

Download the above document to learn more or call 508-453-2731 to discuss you security requirements.

IFSEC 2011 - The Complete Security Event - What's HOT!

Here is What's HOT!

Assa Abloy's latest innovation - Aperio

On display will be Assa Abloy’s latest innovative locking technology, Aperio, which enables the wireless integration of mechanical locks into existing access control systems, offering a cost effective and simple security upgrade.

If you are a facilities manager or have responsibility for security and have key control problems that are costly and time consuming, then this is the product for you, Assa claims.

Suitable for public and commercial building extensions, Aperio has been designed to upgrade mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connect them to existing online access control systems, with minimal modification to doors and premises.
 

Bosch Security Systems

Bosch Security Systems has launched a new portfolio of high definition surveillance technologies for applications where HD is preferred as part of an overall CCTV solution.

Bosch is to promote its new products in a series of HD Roadshows at IFSEC on stand five/D90.

Dallmeier presents Panomera

At this year’s IFSEC Dallmeier presents Panomera, which it describes as “a completely new HD camera technology that eclipses all previously known approaches”. Panomera is a novel camera technology which was specifically developed for the comprehensive surveillance of spacious areas, Dallmeier says.

It offers a panoramic overview with simultaneous real-time recording (up to 30 images/s). Panomera delivers highly detailed images even at large distances, which significantly reduces infrastructure requirements, according to the company.
 

New Gallagher Reader Range

Gallagher, manufacturers of the Cardax FT access and intruder alarms security system, will introduce their new reader range at this year’s IFSEC.

The Gallagher T10, T11 and T12 Readers are attractive card readers which provide fast, secure access by simply passing a card across the face of the unit. Not only are these readers highly functional and durable, they are also designed to work across the spectrum of enterprise installations.

Their overall aesthetic treatment will complement contemporary architectural spaces, materials, hardware and finishes while subtly projecting an identity of security to distinguish it from other products that share wall space, Gallagher claims.

LightSYS new flexible hybrid systems

LightSYS is a new Flexible Hybrid System with advanced IP and GSM/GPRS communication as well as a choice of wired, wireless, and Risco Bus detectors. LightSYS will be featured alongside the ProSYS Integrated Security System and Agility Flexible Wireless Solution.

A new video verification solution will also be launched, which includes a battery powered PIR detector with an integrated camera that provides video verification of events, and remote viewing upon demand.

Mayflex - IFSEC's 'trusted IP advisor'

Mayflex is coming to IFSEC as “a trusted IP advisor”, aiming to help both those new to IP obtain a greater understanding and also to support those already established IP players through their expertise and experience.  In Hall 4, Stand C20, Mayflex will be helping anyone who is new to IP by offering basic introductory advice and answering any initial queries.

They will also be showcasing their products and design solutions for those who are already experienced within the market, which includes a range of complementary infrastructure and networking solutions.

IP, hybrid, or analogue? CCTV, access control, or intruder?

However complex or straight forward your requirement maybe, the answer we’re told can be found on Norbain’s stand in hall 5.

Whether you work on the ground or the cloud, or anywhere in between, norbAin’s knowledgeable staff will be on hand to guide you towards the solution best suited to your specification, and of course budget.

Panasonic's new 16 channel NDR

Panasonic will introduce its new 16 channel NDR, the WJNV200, to security professionals at IFSEC 2011. Showcasing a collection of intelligent features, the WJ-NV200 delivers leading edge technology within an adaptive PC-less setup incorporating simple mouse operation.

The ‘analogue-like’ 4-stage set up and intuitive operation makes the WJ-NV200 versatile for a range of public locations and ensures ease of use. The built-in decoder eliminates the need for a PC; reducing the total cost of ownership and removing time and complication from operation.
 

Samsung City

Samsung's largest ever booth at IFSEC will allow it to demonstrate its Samsung City concept.

Samsung’s new stand in Hall 5, which is over 40% larger than last year’s, will provide an ideal platform to effectively demonstrate the full range of security solutions made up from the company’s latest line-up of IP & network products and other technologies from its CCTV, access control, door entry and intruder detection portfolio.
 

Education, Education, and yet more Education

The theme for this year’s SANYO stand at IFSEC is ‘Education, Education and yet more Education’.

SANYO want to ensure the pace at which Full HD camera technology is utilised by end-users is not affected by the lack of training by all who are involved in the sales channel. It has therefore introduced, and will be demonstrating at IFSEC, stand C70, Hall 5, an interactive Full HD technology training programme.

This comprises a number of modules tailored to cater for the specific requirements of end-users, consultants, installers/system integrators and distributors. Each module comprehensively covers how to design, install and commission a surveillance system based around Full HD camera technology.
 

Sony Professional's new high definition CCTV camera

Sony Professional is set to unveil new high definition CCTV cameras at this year’s IFSEC. The company will showcase four new HD / Full HD pan-tilt-zoom cameras. Visitors to Sony’s stand, in Hall 4, will also have the opportunity to see the latest additions to its analogue and Networked Security Recorder (NSR) ranges.

The company is also to launch a range of standard definition cameras aimed at entry-level and mid-range Network Video Recorder markets. The NVR products should bring the option of hybrid and full-IP security solutions to smaller budgets and are ideal for small-scale monitoring applications, Sony says.
 

TDSi new facial recognition reader

Access control company tdsi is to demonstrate its new facial recognition reader.

Based at stand E30, in Hall 4, TDSi will also be showcasing its EXgarde access and integrated security systems management software, VUgarde IP digital video surveillance solution, MICROgarde networkable controller product and SOLOgarde stand-alone access control system.

The company will also show how the biometric system can be integrated onto existing or planned security and surveillance systems.
 

Risco's comprehensive security solutions

Risco Group will be exhibiting its comprehensive line of security solutions at stand D10, Hall 4, including several solutions new for the show.

Also on display will be the GT600 Series of control panels, prominent in the UK market. GT600 panels are designed for commercial and institutional installations up to 136 zones.
 

Winsted launch Ascend console

Technical furniture specialists WinstEd, has claimed to have taken control room console design to new heights with the launch of the new Ascend console, being shown for the first time in the UK at IFSEC.

The Ascend, the latest addition to Winsted’s Prestige Series of consoles, features electric leg lifts offering three programmable height settings enabling operators to adjust the work surface height with the touch of a button for versatility and comfort.

Also on display will be Winsted’s M-View monitor wall, never shown before on UK soil. The M-View is a completely modular viewing solution, which we’re told is suited for any control room environment.
 

Y3K's latest camera's line up

Y3K will demonstrate its latest camera line up including HD IP Cameras and DVRs from Xvision along with DIY security products and vehicle CCTV solutions from Smart Witness.

Exclusive to this year’s show will be the launch of “the world’s smallest portable WiFi Camera”, the Smart-i. Measuring just 30mm in diameter and offering high quality video and audio, the camera can stream continuously for remote viewing on any wireless enabled device including PCs and Smartphones.

Bomb Dog used by the American Military in Afghanistan

This video tells a story of a bomb dog used by the American military in Afghanistan.  Bomb dogs have been an invaluable asset to US military operations as they are capable of detecting explosives, finding enemy combatants, and chasing down anyone who tries to escape.  General David Petraeus, the commander of US forces in Afghanistan, has said of the dogs "The capability they bring to the fight cannot be replicated by man or machine.  By all measures of performance, their yield outperforms any asset we have in our industry. Our Army would be remiss if we failed to invest more in this incredibly valuable resource."

Satellite's Facial Rec Spotted Bin Laden in September 2010

U.S. officials revealed yesterday that facial recognition software honed in on Osama bin Laden from satellite as early as September 2010. The al-Qaeda founder was identified while he was exercising in his Abbottabad, Pakistan, compound, a win that led to Sunday's successful operation.

We now know that the compound had been under surveillance for months prior to that first sighting. 

This type of facial recognition wouldn't have been possible only a few years ago. The extreme high-definition image resolution of the satellite's camera, combined with today's advanced facial rec capabilities, enabled officials to ID bin Laden from space--an amazing concept, even in 2011. 

ONVIF UP-DATE

ONVIF, the organization looking to standardize IP-based physical security products showed the standard is growing quickly among vendors at a demonstration in Las Vegas.


ONVIF held a public demonstration of IP-based device interoperability with more than two dozen network video terminal (NVTs) and network video clients (NVC) gathered together in a ballroom at the Sands Convention Center during the ISC West 2011 trade show. According to Jonas Andersson, chairman of ONVIF’s steering committee and director of business development and global sales at Axis Communications, “We wanted to show that it’s working,” he said in an interview during the event. ONVIF is the leading global standardization initiative for IP-based physical security products. Anderson said there are currently more than 700 products available in the market that conform to the ONVIF specification. “As of the end of March, there are more than 700 and we’ve been adding almost 100 per month” in the last few months, said Andersson.


ONVIF membership has grown to more than 280 companies, according to the organization. The recently-expanded specification now includes video storage, analytics and a pending addition of physical access control, with the release of the ONVIF Core Specification 2.0 to encompass video storage, display devices, video analytics and other areas, ONVIF said it is getting closer to its goal of providing a global open network interface standard for physical security equipment. The expansion of the scope to include physical access control systems is slated for release in 2011, it said.


The event was ONVIF’s fourth interoperability showcase and continues the group’s tradition of providing an open forum during major security industry events to foster communication with companies actively involved in the development and implementation of the ONVIF specification and provide education about standards, it said.  Companies taking part in the demonstration include network video firms such as CNB Technology, Hikvision, Bosch Security Systems, GVI Security, LG Electronics, Siemens, Axis Communications, Sony and several others. “The rapid adoption rate of the ONVIF specification in the security industry has proved that ONVIF is becoming the de facto standard in the market,” said Andersson. “End users, integrators and consultants are beginning to embrace the ONVIF specification as a critical tool in the design of today’s network video surveillance systems.”


One of the demonstration participants, thermal imaging systems maker FLIR, demonstrated it could connect its systems with a number of NVCs in the demonstration room. A FLIR spokesman said the process of conforming to the ONVIF standards allows the company to validate the interoperability of its products more quickly, resulting in faster incorporation by systems integrators.

Data Center Best Practices for Integrated Physical Security

Just finished a White-paper  titled  "Data Center Best Practices for Integrated Physical Security Technology Solutions and SAS 70 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 7 (HSPD-7) Compliance" It’s time to get physical—as in physically protecting a data center and all of its assets.  The need for ironclad virtual security measures, such as managed firewalls, is well known. Yet physical security is often placed on the back
burner, largely forgotten about until an unauthorized party manages to break into or sneak onto a site and steals or vandalizes systems. Read more below...

Protect Your Home and Family as well as Your Department from Physical Security Threats

As a contracted provider of Physical Security Solutions for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under contract FAC64, I wanted to answer physical security questions you may have on your mind. I specialize in helping departments that don't have a specialized security manager’s on staff. I do this by assisting non-security professionals create and operate effective protection programs that allow safeguards to be managed without having a dedicated physical security professional.  Today’s security technologies offer fantastic tools to deter a variety of threats.

I recently had a conversation with Security Professionals within the Commonwealth.  In that conversation I became aware that security technologies, policies and procedures are primarily focused on facilities and not on the personal residences of our elected and appointed officials.  I was asking these questions because I was aware of protection policies that were addressed back in 2007 at the federal level, originally concerning the Federal Judiciary.  I have some ideas that you may want to consider since the January 8^th 2011 event in Tucson, AZ brought to the forefront the clear and present danger a person with no concern for themselves or others can cause. 

I am available to individually meet and discuss your individual concerns, in the mean time I would suggest some policies and procedures that you may want to consider.  I have included the following checklist to introduce some reasonable ideas and enhancements to improve basic safety:

·         A professional physical security review of key person’s home including their home security alarm system (if available).

·         The alarm should be monitored (or installed) and a clear escalation process for a State Police and Local Law Enforcement enhanced priority response, such as: “crime in progress.” with follow-up.

·         Make sure all keys and codes are protected and not available to non-family members.  (There are other options to provide limited access to vendors, cleaning services, etc.)

·         Do not put key person’s name or title outside their residence or in their mailbox.

·         Do not put key person’s home address on any public records or public accessible records. (Consider holding title to real and other property in trust.)

·         Change key person’s mailing address to key person’s work address and use a post office box or business-address telephone number on their personal checks.

·         Apply for confidentiality on driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations owned or leased by key person, spouse, and children from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) thru the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) administered by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.

·         Make sure their telephone number is unpublished and unlisted.

·         Do not give out identifying information such as home address or telephone number unless absolutely necessary or required for governmental purposes.

·         Ensure that key person’s home address and telephone numbers are not listed on Web sites other than those secured by government agencies.

These are just a few ideas; threats to public officials can come in many different forms: in writing, by telephone, verbally through an informant or a third party, or through suspicious activity.  Threats and inappropriate communications can be anything that harasses or makes ominous or unsettling overtures of an improper nature and can include inappropriate pictures drawings or trespassing.  Any received threats should always be reported immediately, even if they appear minor or inconsequential.  Law enforcement should determine whether a threat is credible and warrants investigation.

Please call my direct line at (508) 453-2731 if I can be of service to you and help you improve your personal security.  I appreciate and look forward to the opportunity to meet and work with you, as I continue to provide value and serve the unique needs of public-sector clients, continuing our track record of strong service, safety and support. 

About American Alarm and Communications, Inc., 

AACI is in a unique position to improve personal protection of key individuals as a Massachusetts based Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Listed, and federally recognized 24-hour Security Command Center and Central Station.   Every day we manage a full range of security, communication and escalation procedures specifically designed for our key customers.  We are an independent, family-run business with three offices throughout Massachusetts.  Our founders, three engineers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, have worked to bring the benefits of new technology and solutions to our customers. Though we have grown over the years, our mission has remained the same: to provide the best possible security technology and customer service to protect homes and businesses across Massachusetts. www.americanalarm.com