Technology

 

 

Every month Risk UK features some of the latest launches in the security market. If you have a new product that you would like to introduce in Risk UK then contact the editor today.

 

 

 

 

Awareness software

Businesses wrestling with the pitfalls of security, incident management, health and safety responsibilities, corporate liability and the risks of staff misbehaviour have been offered a new ally, A-Ware database software.

 

A-Ware is reportedly the first software on the market to offer joined-up incident and risk management, covering every department and every employee.  It gives companies a complete pan-organisational picture of their activities, connecting data and triggering the appropriate actions.

 

The system gives protection against the consequences of theft, damage, accidents, faulty equipment, misused company vehicles, customer complaints, staff grievances, employee delinquency - in fact, all the problems that can bring expensive consequences in today’s world of increasing legislation and litigation. 

 

For example, if there’s an outbreak of stock pilfering, A-Ware can facilitate the investigation by comparing incidents to identify common factors.  If someone is injured, the software will help categorise the problem and monitor treatment.  And if a female employee accuses a male colleague of assault, A-Ware can immediately reveal whether the man has been accused of the same kind of behaviour in the past - or whether the woman has made similar complaints before.  More

 

Zero ozone-depletion solution

Novec 1230 fluid from 3M is a halon replacement designed to balance concerns for human safety, performance and the environment. With a zero ozone-depletion potential, an atmospheric lifetime of just five days and a global warming potential of one, Novec 1230 fluid is designed to address current halon replacement regulations. With sustainable building and green design practices being high on the agenda at many architectural and construction companies, Novec 1230 fluid, with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) figure of just 1, gives them one less environmental issue to deal with.

 

The non-conductive, non-corrosive and fast-evaporating fluid is suitable for use in occupied spaces. The fluid can be applied in the many areas, including: data processing and control rooms, telecommunications, marine applications, oil and gas applications and archives and museums. It leaves no residue to clean up, so systems can remain operational.

 

The fluid, which is stored as a liquid, becomes a gas upon discharge and is therefore easier to handle and store. As it is a non-pressurised liquid, refilling after discharge is much simpler than filling from a bulk cylinder of gas. This minimises the need to move system containers off-site. Systems charged with Novec 1230 fluid can be used in specialised streaming and conventional total flooding applications, localised flooding systems and directional spray-type applications. More

 

Internet investigations

A UK consultancy is empowering organisations to avoid business threats from the Internet. The Internet Investigator service from ASP Solutions enables organisations to identify web-based threats as soon as they arise, giving brand managers and others responsible for corporate risk and reputation the upper hand against surging Internet crime. 

 

Andrew Clark, Managing Director of ASP Solutions, says Internet Investigator has helped companies to respond to threats such as grey market trading, counterfeit product sales, insurance misrepresentation, video games piracy and online banking fraud.

 

He says: “Web-based crime is increasing dramatically, so if a company conducts any part of its business on the Internet, the business is constantly under threat – especially from invisible activity or dialogue on Deep Web pages, which popular search engines cannot reach. Using advanced spidering technologies, Internet Investigator can produce valuable information from both the Surface Web and the Deep Web – enabling companies to identify possible risks.”

 

Internet Investigator is a solution designed to minimise business risk on the Internet. Providing an unparalleled monitoring, surveillance and reporting platform, Internet Investigator assesses the entire scope of Internet risk, enabling those responsible for corporate risk to protect their business, brand and revenues continuously. More

 

Secure USB flash drive with management

IronKey Inc., the creator of what is claimed to be the world’s most secure flash drive, has announced the launch of IronKey Enterprise with centralised management capabilities and enforced security policies. IronKey Enterprise brings mobile data security to enterprise and government organisations by combining a secure USB flash drive with the ability to remotely manage thousands of IronKeys, and strictly enforce security policies across these devices, all from a centralised administrative console.

 

As more business processes are conducted online and off-site, threats of data breach, identity theft and electronic fraud present serious challenges for organisations not equipped with proper hardware or portable device management. IronKey Enterprise allows organisations to leverage the IronKey’s hardware-based military grade encryption to protect their critical data by allowing a single administrator to deploy and manage thousands of IronKeys with ease and efficiency. This administrator can also create a standardised set of enforceable policies that are downloaded into each IronKey. Because IronKey Enterprise enforces these policies, the organisation is completely reassured that end users will comply with data protection policies. This substantially reduces the risks associated with lost, stolen or copied flash drives. More

 

Compact UPS protection

The new iDialog uninterruptible power supply from Riello UPS offers compact and versatile power protection with features for office-based desktop PCs, workstations and small entry-level servers.

 

The typical office desktop is packed with essential data processing and communications devices including a powerful PC and widescreen monitor, digital telephone, mobile phone, printer and the occasional iPOD. The iDialog UPS can be used to power all these devices, providing a convenient point of connection and control. Within a home office environment the UPS can be as easily used to power entertainment, satellite and cable equipment.

 

iDialog ensures that any connected devices are protected from surges and spikes when mains is present, and provides a load dependent runtime of up to 10 minutes or more from its battery. The UPS runs straight from the box and is simple to install. Four rear panel IEC320 universal sockets provide sufficient power outlets for a typical desktop set up. A single top panel push-button turns the UPS on or off and users can see the status of the UPS from three LED indicators. iDialog Plus models have a backlit display providing easy-to-read information: load %, battery charge % and operating status. More

 

Wireless camera for short-term use

A wireless high definition camera has been launched by Telemotion to provide constant security at short term industrial and construction sites.

 

Operation of the light and easily manoeuvrable camera is triggered by movement within its wide field of vision and a distance of more than 200 metres, and the high definition images show clear detail of the source of the movement. Images are communicated in real-time, via GPRS, then stored on a host server, where they can be accessed by the customer at any time through a secure web user interface and using their own computer.

 

The key benefit, says Seppo Hakkinen of Telemotion, is that with no cables or wires the cameras are standalone units and can be moved from site to site wherever they are required. “If an intruder tries to disable or damage the camera their image is recorded on the remote server long before they can get close enough to the camera to do any damage. Naturally, we hope that just the presence of the camera will dissuade people from trying to enter the working site,” Seppo adds. More

 

Silence is golden

Wagner UK has launched a new range of silent-running air sampling smoke detection units as part of its TITANUS family. The new units are fitted with additional sound-proofing to produce a totally silent running system for applications such as domestic premises and offices where ambient background noise is low. The new silent-running versions are available for both the TITANUS TOP·SENS and TITANUS PRO·SENS systems.

 

The TITANUS range has been developed by Wagner as a simple and low cost air sampling system replacement for point smoke detectors. The combination of silent-running and the use of discreet sampling points completely minimises the impact on the interior environment of a building and produces a more aesthetically attractive solution compared to traditional point smoke detectors. As well as applications where aesthetics are important, TITANUS ASD can provide significant benefits for buildings with large open spaces, in areas where future access is likely to be a problem (in voids, shafts, locked rooms, etc) or where the environment is too harsh for traditional smoke detectors. More

 

Intrusion, access control and audio

Honeywell has unveiled the Galaxy Dimension, a security system that combines an intruder alarm with access control and audio verification capabilities in a simple, reliable solution. Galaxy Dimension has been designed with both installers and end users in mind, incorporating numerous features that enable quick and easy system installation and programming, ease of use and reduced maintenance time. With its enhanced external control protocol, Galaxy Dimension can also interface easily with other building systems to form part of an integrated building management solution. The flexible and scalable design of the Galaxy Dimension provides around-the-clock security for businesses – even for large and complex installations – and is particularly suited to the retail, industrial, local authority and financial sectors.

 

At the centre of the Galaxy Dimension is TouchCenter, a graphical keypad featuring an intuitive smart menu and a large colour touch-screen with crystal clear graphics. A slot for smart memory allows the installer to customise each TouchCenter with its own business graphics and contact information, enabling end users to have the required information at their fingertips. More

  

Protection for businesses

F-Secure has unveiled its Protection Service for Business (PSB) solution to help small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) better manage their computer security.

 

Many SMBs are struggling to protect their business environment as Internet crime and malware have become more and more sophisticated. Attacks targeting financial transactions and specific companies are on the rise, costing hundreds of millions of pounds in business losses worldwide. At the same time, the working environment is becoming more mobile and complex, which makes SMBs even more exposed to such threats and increases the need for IT security expertise. 

 

F-Secure Protection Service for Business (PSB) is designed to meet these challenges. As it is delivered as a service through a certified Value Added Reseller (VAR) it removes the need for the SMB customer to maintain in-house IT expertise. For those SMBs that do have IT departments the solution has an easy-to-use web-based management interface.

 

PSB is a security package providing constantly updated protection against all Internet-based threats, even for mobile users. It combines ease of use with fully featured online protection for SMBs. “Our solution allows small and medium sized companies to focus their time and resources on running their businesses,” said Richard Hales, UK and Ireland country manager at F-Secure. “They no longer need to worry about keeping up with constantly evolving security threats and can focus on core business activity, making PSB a cost-effective option.” More

  

All in one DVR system

Vigilant Vision has launched Media DVR, a new system that combines an 8-inch LCD display, digital video recorder (DVR), DVD rewriter and photoframe functionality in a single compact unit.  With an expected RRP of £375, it provides a solution for a range of industrial and domestic security, surveillance, video recording and point of sale applications.

 

Running most industry standard protocols, the Media DVR is compatible with all commonly used CCTV cameras including speed domes. It provides onscreen PTZ control for up to four cameras and recordings can be programmed by time of day or triggered by motion or sensor detection that can be individually set for each channel.   The system offers a range of flexible screen modes including split screen, picture on picture and full screen.

 

The system can be used either standalone or networked using TCIP enabling remote monitoring from any Internet-enabled location using a standard web-browser. The inbuilt DVR stores up to two weeks of video recordings which can be downloaded to the built-in DVD drive, SD or CF cards for distribution, archiving or evidential purposes. More

 

Rack extinguisher system

By actively and continuously monitoring the air within the protected enclosure for smoke aerosols, the new Rittal rack extinguisher system Detection-Active (DET-AC) can offer early detection of fire sources. DET-AC is equipped with a multi-stage smoke analysis extraction system, which triggers extinguisher actions if required thus providing direct fire protection for valuable hardware and data.

 

Early detection is reliably ensured even at the pyrolysis phase, due to the built-in smoke extraction system. DET-AC continuously checks the air within the enclosure for smoke aerosols, if indicator 1 detects smoke, an alarm is triggered, if indicator 2 detects smoke, the fire is actively extinguished.  DET-AC may be mounted directly in the 19” mounting level of a rack. Several racks or rack sites may also be controlled and extinguished with one 3 U unit. DET-AC is also suitable for bayed enclosure suites utilising the cooling package LCP. The eco-friendly, non-toxic extinguisher medium means the extinguisher system is suitable for universal use. More

 

Counter service for easy DDA adjustments

Improved access to a service counter for the disabled and high-level protection for staff against physical attack are provided by the Safetell Eye2Eye security screen, combining bullet or attack resistant glazing with a height adjustable counter that can be positioned to suit individual customer needs.

 

The Eye2Eye enables public service organisations to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to their customer service points in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act, and is fitted with integral induction loop hearing aid enhancement, active microphone/loudspeaker speech transfer, deep scalloped counter edge and a recess for wheelchair footplates. This is especially important in locations with only one customer service position, reducing the need for expensive building work and delivering a cost effective solution.

 

This modular floor-to-ceiling counter assembly can be secured either flush over an existing opening or recessed into it. Staff safety is never compromised as the security glazing moves up and down with the counter, which is electrically raised or lowered to any height up to 1050mm and down to 760mm or wheelchair level. More

 

 

Whatever the weather

Panasonic has introduced the weather resistant WV-NW960 network dome camera. Featuring a reliable design which encompasses waterproof properties over IP66 standard, it is equipped with intelligent surveillance performance and high image quality including auto tracking, and Super Dynamic III technology.

The WV-NW960 is a new addition to the Panasonic i-Pro series. This high-end model is equipped with Super Dynamic III technology, delivering 128x wider dynamic range compared to conventional cameras. According to press information, the WV-NW960 delivers highly reliable surveillance, not only indoors, but also outdoors under eaves and in harsh environments including cold regions and areas with a wide range of temperatures and its robust body and waterproof properties comply with IP66 standard.

The intelligent WV-NW960 also features an auto tracking function, when motion is detected in the scene the camera automatically pans and tilts to follow the movement, the auto track can also be started at the push of a button on the optional CU950 system controller. More

 

LCD stands for command and control

Chief Manufacturing has announced a selection of stands for the discreet positioning of multiple monitors in command and control security and surveillance applications.

 

The company manufactures ranges of multiple monitor mounts, for example: the model FTP220, which holds two LCD monitors side by side, and the FTP440, which allows up to four monitors to be stacked in a 2 by 2 configuration. The FTP multi-monitor series can also be expanded up to a configuration of nine monitors.

 

All products are designed to provide a rock-solid, free-standing solution for anyone who commonly works with multiple small flat-panel screens.  They can be positioned either on a desktop or from a ceiling in front of operators and have 360-degree rotation.  All models offer built-in cable management and use Chief’s patented Centris pivot/tilt mechanism to provide a smooth range of fingertip position adjustments for each individual monitor.

 

“Command and control centres for applications such as CCTV, security, transport and utilities are designed for 24/7 use, and require technology that is both future-proof and expandable,” comments Melinda von Horvath, Chief’s EMEA Sales Director. “These principles don’t just apply to the video screens themselves – they also apply to the hardware that supports them.”  More

 

Three years in the making

Palisade Corporation, the developer of analytic software for decision support, has announced the release of @RISK 5.0, an upgraded version of the risk analysis software for the insurance and reinsurance industries. @RISK performs Monte Carlo simulation within Microsoft Excel to identify and reduce risk in loss reserves estimation, premium pricing, and other insurance applications. 

 

Under development for the past three years, @RISK 5.0 has been redesigned from the ground up to facilitate corporate-wide collaboration and model sharing. Of special interest to users in the oil and gas industry is the new Compound Function that eliminates thousands of separate frequency and severity distributions by combining them into a single function. This feature is reportedly unavailable in other commercial Monte Carlo software and will save hours of work. The new release also provides total and seamless integration with Excel via its new Office 2007-style interface. 

 

Many of the improvements and additions to the new version are customer-driven.  They are Palisade’s responses to needs and ideas expressed by decision-makers who use the tools on a day-to-day basis—and they are not commercially available elsewhere.  More

 

Easy ANPR

Derwent CCTV is launching REG-Sentry, its first Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) based vehicle access control system. Designed to make life easy for installers the system can be installed as either a stand-alone solution or it can be quickly integrated with existing access control equipment. The technology allows the user to easily configure the system from any linked PC to permit or bar entry to any vehicle attempting to enter a secure site.


Users upload number plate data using the PC based Sentry-Viewer software, creating their own custom white/black list. The REG camera captures the number plate of any vehicle approaching an access control point and sends that data to the REG-Sentry control box which processes the information, compares it to the list and sends a signal to the access barrier to open or remain closed.


The package comprises of a control box with embedded processing engine, a choice of Derwent's REG number plate capture cameras to accommodate a range of required capture distances plus Sentry-Viewer software. Together the system delivers a flexible, user friendly ANPR solution for a wide range of access control applications.


The black/white list can contain up to 10,000 licence numbers and will be supplied with a full European number plate recognition library. Data can be easily uploaded to, or downloaded from, any PC. The technology can also be supplied without a camera to allow users to upgrade existing ANPR systems. More