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Hirsch Electronics VP To Present To Congress Today-UPDATE

2008-04-09T09:23:00.008-04:00

Rob Zivney, vice president of marketing for Hirsch Electronics, will represent the Security Industry Association (SIA) before the US House Subcommittee on Oversight and Government Reform regarding implementation progress of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12). Signed into law by President Bush in 2004, HSPD-12 requires all federal government employees and contractors to have a trusted identity badge for both physical and logical access.

Mr. Zivney is a member of the SIA Board of Directors, Chair of SIA’s Personal Identity Verification Working Group, and represents SIA to the Smart Card Interagency Advisory Board Physical Access Committee.

At the hearing on Federal Security: ID Cards and Background Checks, the Subcommittee will review the status of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and release a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.

The hearing is set to occur today, April 9, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at 2247 Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC.

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UPDATE
The following was released by SIA this afternoon (4/9/08) after Zivney's testimony...

In testimony today before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, Rob Zivney, vice president of Marketing for Hirsch Electronics and member of the Security Industry Association (SIA) Board of Directors, called implementation of HSPD-12 a pioneering effort which will require both a financial investment and development of new infrastructure.

“The opportunity to testify on behalf of our industry is a testament to the legislative inroads and successes SIA has realized in recent years,” said Richard Chace, executive director and CEO, The Security Industry Association. “We look forward to working closely with committee members to implement our recommendations.”

At the hearing, Zivney urged the subcommittee to direct the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Office of E-Government and Information Technology to establish a dedicated “physical security team” composed of professionals with substantial knowledge of physical security technologies and physical security infrastructure within federal agencies. As part of its responsibilities, this physical security team would support the ongoing efforts of the Interagency Security Committee charged with developing physical security policies, standards, and strategies at non-military government facilities.

He also recommended OMB establish a policy for implementation of physical security similar to OMB Memorandum M-05-24. Currently, PIV-I and PIV-II are “unfunded mandates.” However, physical access control systems are outside of that scope and have neither funding nor a mandate. This requested policy must recognize that the PIV card is not compatible with most installed PACS currently in use and that the PACS will have to be, at a minimum, upgraded or most likely, replaced.

Finally, Zivney called on the committee to use SIA as a resource for the effective utilization of the PIV credential with physical access control systems. He noted that SIA not only has the skills and knowledge for deployment and use, but as an ANSI standards development organization, is able to produce standards for physical security systems.

Additional highlights of Zivney’s testimony include:

• HSPD-12 and the associated standards developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), specifically the identity vetting processes, form a far stronger foundation for our federal government agencies’ security than we have ever witnessed in the past.

• The scope of the investment and time required for HSPD-12 implementation were underestimated by the government when it set goals for the deployment of HSPD-12 through the OMB Memorandum M-05-24.

• Traditionally the functions of authentication and authorization have resided locally with the administrator of the physical access control system (PACS). The HSPD-12 and Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201 model have changed this: the credential issuer to a large degree now handles authentication while authorization remains a function of the PACS. This has created a unique challenge facing federal agencies, the development of a substantial shared infrastructure to accommodate the increased functionality and security features of the PIV II credential.

• HSPD-12 requires information technology departments, human resources, and security departments interface and cooperate on an unprecedented level. These three disciplines traditionally are different in cultures and basic objectives. This creates challenges for all parties involved.

• In the absence of clear guidance and specifications for the systems that will use the PIV card, some manufacturers have stepped up to the challenge and assumed substantial research and development costs to produce next generation equipment capable of utilizing the features of a PIV II credential. This work has been conducted without the benefit of having operational PIV II credentials available to manufacturers to develop and test associated product.

For a copy of the testimony or additional hearing details, contact Peggy O’Connor, SIA’s manager of PR and Communications, at poconnor@siaonline.org or 571-236-6172.

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About the Security Industry Association
The Security Industry Association (SIA) is a nonprofit international trade association representing electronic and physical security product manufacturers, integrators, specifiers, and service providers. SIA advocates for and supports the industry by providing education, research, technical standards and representation and defense of its members’ interests.

About Hirsch Electronics
Hirsch Electronics manufactures physical security systems for worldwide markets. Hirsch is a recognized leader in IP-based security solutions that interoperate with other networked databases, devices and systems. Hirsch’s award-winning role-based access control (RBAC), identity management, and security management systems integrate access control, digital video, alarm monitoring, smart cards and biometrics.

BACnet Unplugged: Updates Made to Building Controls Standard

2008-03-25T11:42:00.002-04:00

Advances related to the BACnet standard, including recommending public review for an addendum that would tunnel BACnet over ZigBee wireless networks, were made during ASHRAE’s Winter Meeting.

Proposed Addendum q would lead to a significant reduction in the cost of installation at the sensor and controller level by reducing the amount of wired networking required in a building automation system, according to Jerry Martocci, convener of the BACnet committee's Wireless Networking working group.

"Marrying these two technologies seemed obvious," said Martocci. "BACnet already had the object and services model designed specifically for building automation but no wireless network, and ZigBee had the wireless capabilities but no object model for building automation. We just had to put the two together to benefit from the synergies."

The addendum recommendation began about two years ago with meetings between BACnet and ZigBee experts. “During this time, we learned about ZigBee’s data communications, and they learned about BACnet’s networking and objects and services model,” said BACnet chairman Bill Swan. “Together, we looked at a number of approaches and discussed the pros and cons of each."

For various technical reasons, battery operated devices, including sensors, will probably be ZigBee only, but powered controllers would have BACnet/ZigBee capability. Martocci notes that the "mesh" networking among ZigBee nodes leads to self-healing networks, so that even if a link between two nodes is obstructed, the "mesh" network can route around the obstructed link, leading to reliable networks.

In other developments, the BACnet committee worked toward approval of nine additional addenda during the meeting. "Only a few of these are going out for first public review," said Swan, "but it is our expectation that these are all likely to pass without significant comments."

One such addendum is Addendum j, support for physical access control. This was drafted by the Life Safety and Security working group, comprised of BACnet and experts from the physical security industries. Public reviews of Addendum j have been announced in journals and other media serving the security industry, with long review periods to help ensure it gets the most complete review possible.

Another addendum being prepared for public review is Addendum i, support for lighting applications. This addendum was drafted by the Lighting Applications working group, comprised of representatives from lighting controls manufacturers and BACnet experts.

The BACnet committee continues to work on a broad range of other items, such as integrating buildings and the energy utilities, developing standard profiles for various building automation devices, CCTV control, and elevator monitoring.

The White House E-mail Controversy: Disturbing IT Practices

2008-03-12T11:16:00.005-04:00

David Gewirtz has authored a new special report spotlighting the glaring technical worst practices and misrepresentations stated by White House witnesses at recent hearings of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Where Have All The E-mails Gone? explores the deep, personal, candid, unfiltered communication within the leadership of the most powerful nation on Earth.

Paced like a thriller, Where Have All The E-mails Gone? is the most comprehensive analysis of White House e-mail ever published. Gewirtz (who is also editor-in-chief at ZATZ publishing) has written more than 600 articles about e-mail, collaboration, and mobile technology. As one of America's foremost e-mail experts, he's been able to do unprecedented forensics research.

The book investigates some of the more disturbing technical aspects of e-mail policy at the White House:

The bulk of the White House e-mail records are now stored in bundles of rotting PST files, all at or above their safe file size limit.
That the White House uses piles of these files as their archiving methodology is ludicrous. This is an industry worst-practice.
Both the White House and certain Congress members are dangerously mischaracterizing IBM Lotus Notes as an obsolete technology, providing a seemingly plausible but completely misleading justification for an unfounded migration during a time of war.
Claims of costs for data recovery have been inflated by more than an order of magnitude, possibly as a way to dissuade Congress from pushing recovery.
There is nobody at the White House who owns the RNC email problem and the RNC has refused to restore White House emails from their servers.

Where Have All the E-Mails Gone? explores the technical and security concerns that blast through political rhetoric and even party affiliation. Read this book to understand the three root causes of the White House e-mail problem and discover how six very doable recommendations can quickly and easily bring security and safety back to White House e-mail.

NASCO Testifies Regarding FBI Background Check Legislation

2008-03-11T10:45:00.003-04:00

The National Association of Security Companies (NASCO) recently provided testimony in front of the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor and Pensions of the Committee on Education and Labor of the US House of Representatives regarding "H.R. 2703, Private Security Officer Employment Authorization Act (PSOEAA) of 2007". The act, among other aspects, amends existing law to create a third party clearing house to better facilitate access to FBI Criminal History Records Information (CHRI) checks for security guards in every state. Executive Director Joseph Ricci, CAE, represented the association.

NASCO testimony focused on the importance of these checks, stressing the 85% of the critical infrastructure operated by private firms and the lack of state support for facilitating these checks. NASCO cited problems associated with processing checks in the 10 states that do not license or regulate security, as well as many other states that simply do not have the resources to process and conduct fitness determinations for the nearly two million security guards employed nationwide.

For a copy of Ricci's testimony, click this link. 2008-02-26-JoeRicci.pdf

"Following the passage of the PSOEAA, we had hoped that every state would begin processing background checks for security guards," Ricci testified, "Unfortunately, little has changed since its passage and given public policy and compelling homeland security reasons for this existing law, NASCO is actively pursuing opportunities to increase the facilitation of FBI CHRI checks for security guards through education, dialogue and legislation."

NASCO acknowledged the efforts of Subcommittee Chair Andrews (D-NJ) to improve access to background checks and pledged to work with the Representative and others to improve access and facilitation of background checks and fitness determinations for security guards in every state. Other panelists included:

Weldon Kennedy, Vice Chairman, Guardsmark, LLC
Mark deBernardo, Partner, Jackson Lewis, LLP
Donna Uzzell, Chairwoman, National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council
Floyd Clarke, Member, Board of Managers, Allied Security Holdings

NASCO passed a resolution in the fall 2007 to work with Representative Andrews, his staff, and others to improve access for companies employing security guards to FBI criminal records checks. NASCO has also met with the Department of Justice officials, Subcommittee minority counsel, House Judiciary Committee staffers, state regulatory officials, and others to discuss methods to improve access.

NASCO's testimony cited reports indicating that states such as California, that process FBI CHRI checks for security guards, statistically deny licenses to nearly 12% of all security guard applicants based on the results of the federal checks.

"Using third party channelers to process FBI CHRI checks works for other industries,' testified Ricci, "And while there is no exact model to follow for checking security guards based on varying state regulations and fitness determination criteria, we believe these discussions highlight the issues and importance of the federal criminal records checks, and will lead to improving access by employers of private security guards to FBI CHRI checks as legally granted by the PSOEAA in 2004."

Day Two At CeBIT: Security In The Air

2008-03-05T05:29:00.003-05:00

After cruising the fairgrounds yesterday afternoon and seeing everything from ATV races to Guitar Hero-type competitions to blue haired Intel "representatives," this editor found the experience to be slightly disorienting. But lo and behold, today has been much more on target, with several halls devoted to business solutions--exactly what the doctor ordered.

Some highlights so far have been:

Personal Interlock System from Kaba
Network Security from Microsoft
Contactless Smart Cards from LEGIC
Automatic ID Terminals from AXESS TMC
ID Solutions from Digital Identification Solutions
Smart cards from HID.

An afternoon session from Microsoft on Information Security should also prove to be informative. Stay tuned!

HID Global and ASSA ABLOY Identification Technologies Merge

2008-02-25T09:03:00.002-05:00

HID Global announced on February 21 that it has joined forces with ASSA ABLOY Identification Technologies (ITG). Leveraging the long-term trust customers have in the HID brand worldwide, the merged organization will now operate as one company: HID Global. According to the company, the overall objective of the merger is to strengthen the value proposition to customers by optimizing the combined resources and capabilities of HID Global and ITG, specifically in the areas of technology development, innovative identity solutions, and enhanced worldwide delivery.

“The merger of ITG and HID makes perfect sense when you consider the synergies between the two groups and the common dynamics of the markets we serve,” said Denis Hébert, president and CEO of HID Global, and executive vice president, ASSA ABLOY. “We are excited about the enormous potential we have to strengthen the value we can provide to our customers’ businesses.”

A result of external market trends toward converged secure identity solutions, the merger addresses changing customer requirements for integrated solutions from trusted suppliers. It will also increase HID Global’s ability to enhance relationships with channel partners by serving them with products and programs that are designed to meet their specific needs as OEMs, resellers, installers, systems integrators, and distributors.

In the short term, HID Global customers will continue to receive the same products and services, as well as have the same sales and support contacts. Moving forward, customers can expect to see an increase in converged and vertical market solutions for secure identity-related applications. HID Global channels will continue to see the Sokymat and OmniKey product brands through this transition.

About HID Global
HID Global is the worldwide provider of solutions for the delivery of secure identity. The company is focused on creating customer value with product, service, and know-how solutions for access and identification-related applications. Headquartered in Irvine, CA, HID Global has over 2,000 employees worldwide supporting customers in more than 100 countries. HID Global is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand.

TSA Approves Hirsch Biometric Technology

2008-02-19T09:30:00.007-05:00

Hirsch Electronics confirmed earlier this month that its Verification Station’s biometric technology has passed the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) rigorous testing and was placed on the TSA’s “Biometrics for Access Control” Qualified Products List (QPL).

According to the TSA’s website: "Airport operators are encouraged to use the qualified products list to improve upon their existing access control systems by incorporating biometrics technologies." (Source: http://www.tsa.gov/join/business/biometric_qualification.shtm) The requirements for QPL biometrics were spelled out in detail in a 140 page “Guidance Package -- Biometrics for Airport Access Control” that establishes the criteria and standards that TSA believes biometric products should meet for acceptable performance for airport access control systems.

Hirsch developed the Verification Station, model family RUU, in conjunction with Cogent Systems, a global biometric identification solutions provider. Hirsch’s RUU integrates Cogent’s ID-Gate biometric subsystem, one of only two products that met TSA’s testing requirements for airport physical access control. “Hirsch chose to integrate Cogent’s technologies, because we knew their quality solutions would support and enhance Hirsch’s reputation for high security and product reliability,” stated Kevin Reyes, Hirsch’s manager of strategic OEM partners.

The biometrics in the Hirsch Verification Station passed the extensive TSA tests including requirements for a failure-to-enroll rate less than 3% and a 99.86% operational availability rate. TSA’s test required a false rejection rate (FRR) of less than 1%; the RUU biometric’s FRR is just 0.01% to 0.001%. TSA’s test required a false acceptance rate (FAR) of less than 1%; the RUU biometric’s FAR is 0.01% to 0.0001% FAR. TSA’s test required a transaction time of less than six seconds; the RUU biometric extraction and ID time is 1.5 seconds.

“We believe the Hirsch Verification Station is an excellent choice for airports, ports and other high-risk sites, uniquely providing the highest standards in identity management and access control,” commented Chris Crump, Cogent’s director of commercial business.

The Verification Station Model RUU
The Verification Station is the market’s only high security, multipurpose biometric edge reader. The RUU delivers uncommon versatility: four authentication factors (card, code, fingerprint and PKI certificate check), four applications (verify claimed identities, control access, encode smart cards, and enroll card holders in access control system), 12 modes (finger-only, card+finger, card+finger+code, etc.), and three power choices (Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), terminal block, wall socket). The RUU is the only biometric product with a scrambling keypad to secure the PIN code entry from theft. The Verification Station is IP addressable and can communicate with identity management systems, card management systems, access control systems, and PKI certificate authorities. The Verification Station is part of Hirsch Electronics’ integrated, end-to-end solution for identity management and regulatory compliance and won the Security Industry Association’s Special Achievement Award for outstanding technical innovation.

About Cogent Systems
Cogent, South Pasadena, CA, is a global biometric identification solutions provider to governments, law enforcement agencies, and commercial enterprises. Cogent provides quality identification systems, products and services with leading technology, accuracy and speed. Cogent's Automated Fingerprint/Palmprint Identification Systems, or AFIS, enable customers to capture fingerprint and palm print images electronically, encode prints into searchable files, and accurately compare a set of fingerprints/palm prints to a database containing potentially millions of prints in seconds.

About Hirsch Electronics
Hirsch Electronics manufactures physical security systems for worldwide markets. Hirsch is a recognized leader in IP-based security solutions that interoperate with other networked databases, devices and systems. Hirsch’s award-winning role-based access control (RBAC), identity management, and security management systems integrate access control, digital video, alarm monitoring, smart cards and biometrics. Hirsch security solutions are IT-centric, highly secure, and scalable to even the largest organizations.

Two Campus Shootings Leave at Least 10 Dead

2008-02-15T09:53:00.006-05:00

Last Friday (2/8/08), an act of violence at the Baton Rouge campus of Louisiana Technical College left two innocent women dead in a classroom. The shooter then turned the gun on herself and brought an abrupt end to the tragic incident. If there is a fortunate side to this story, it's that the event was contained to one classroom and only involved three students, ages 21, 23, and 26. There was no known motive, and since the situation concluded so quickly, there was very little police could do.

While the details of yesterday's campus shooting at Northern Illinois University (NIU) in Dekalb, IL, are still unclear, the death toll is currently at seven, again, including the gunman, now identified as Steve Kazmierczak, 27, a former NIU graduate student. Fifteen additional students were injured, and seven are in critical condition.

Security across college campuses is a frequent point of examination, in the aftermath of the brutal Virginia Tech massacre. Quick response from campus security may have had an impact on the number of fatalities at NIU; the University revamped its emergency policy shortly after the April 2007 tragedy in Blacksburg, VA.

From CNN.com:

At 3:03 p.m. CT, university police responded, and four minutes later, the campus was ordered into "a lockdown situation," said Police Chief Donald Grady.

At 3:20, an all-campus alert went out via the school Web site, e-mail, voice mail, the campus crisis hotline, the news media and alarm systems, he said.

"The message basically was: There's a gunman on campus, stay where you are; make yourself as safe as possible," he said.

Student Rosie Moroni said she was outside Cole Hall near the King Commons when she heard shots coming from the classroom.

The shots were followed by "a lot of people screaming," then people ran out the doors yelling, "He's got a gun, call 911," she recalled.

By 4 p.m., DeKalb police had swept the area "and determined there was only one gunman" and that he was dead.

Security around campus was increased in December when police found threats scrawled on a campus bathroom wall that included racial slurs and references to last April's Virginia Tech shootings. Learn about other recent school shootings »

Peters said no evidence points to a link between the December incident and Thursday's shooting.

The university revised its emergency procedures after the Virginia Tech massacre, Peters said.

"I believe that paid off," he said. "That's really a sad thing to say, that you have to learn from an event like that, but we knew how we wanted to communicate and we sort of had some messages prearranged, and we got out there fairly quickly."

He said the shooting could force further changes.

"Universities for decades, for hundreds of years, have been open institutions -- the most open institutions," he said. "And events like this and Virginia Tech and others are forcing us to reconsider how we do things. I think that is unfortunate but necessary."

Have you changed your emergency policies in response to any single event like Virginia Tech or 9/11? If not, why not?

To read more about facility management responsibilities and disaster planning, read Victoria Hardy's TFM article, "Emergency Measures In A Post 9/11 World." And to attend an interactive keynote roundtable on this topic, register for "Facility Managers And Critical Operations: Disaster Recovery Beyond Emergency Response," scheduled for 4/23/08 at the TFM Show in Chicago.

Congresswoman To Visit Hirsch Electronics

2008-02-08T09:17:00.000-05:00

Representative Sanchez to discuss homeland security and tour the Hirsch Electronics facility

Hirsch Electronics, a manufacturer of access control and security management solutions, announces the scheduled visit of U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez to their corporate facility in Santa Ana, CA.

The congresswoman will tour their factory and exchange information regarding successes in securing our homeland including seaports, transportation, petroleum reserves, critical infrastructure, federal buildings and other high-risk facilities.

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez represents the California 47th Congressional District of California, which encompasses the cities of Anaheim, Garden Grove, Santa Ana, and some of Fullerton in Orange County. She began her congressional career in November 1996, and is serving her sixth term in the House of Representatives.

As the second Ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Homeland Security, she is working on protecting the country and its citizens. In December of 2004, she voted for S 2845, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, which implemented many of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and was signed into law.

Hirsch Electronics manufactures physical security systems for worldwide markets.

Facility Security Enhancement

2008-02-03T14:05:00.001-05:00

From robberies and horse thieves in the days of the wild west to modern day bank robberies and home invasions - what has history taught us about the ONLY way to stop "bad guys" with guns?

If you answered - "Good guys with guns!" - give yourself a gold star for the day!

You're absolutely right!

Even law enforcement professionals will admit (off the record, of course) that they can't be everywhere all the time. When law abiding citizens are packing heat, criminals face much more risk in their chosen "career".

Attached is a link to a news story about West Virginia lawmakers considering firearm and hunting safety training for teens. The state hopes it will boost interest in hunting (and licensing revenues) but hopefully it will also help prepare a new generation to defend innocent lives and private property.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080201141120.x8hzrof7&show_article=1

Do your facilities prohibit law abiding citizens from carrying concealed weapons? Have you considered sponsoring a National Rifle Association firearm safety course at your facility?

http://www.nrahq.org/education/index.asp

Remember - "gun control" is best defined as the ability to consistently hit the target!

Hirsch Welcomes Industry Veteran As VP, Enterprise Business Development

2008-01-31T09:17:00.000-05:00

Robert Beliles was previously senior manager, physical security market management at Cisco Systems in San Jose, CA. Beliles brings to Hirsch more than 11 years of product marketing and product management experience with Cisco Systems, Inc. He is also the co-author of several networked physical security system patents-pending.

“Hirsch has earned a strong reputation for reliable, high-security management systems for access control and identity management,” commented Hirsch president, Larry Midland. “Bob brings us additional depth to pursue the strong business opportunities presented.”

IP network and other IT technologies are driving changes in how physical security systems are deployed and used. The convergence of these technologies with physical security systems is creating unprecedented opportunities to deliver new capabilities and cost-savings to both government and enterprise organizations, similar to what occurred when voice and IP technologies converged into IP telephony.

"Hirsch has been a trailblazer in security solutions that leverage IT technologies, as one of the first vendors to offer IP network-based interoperability solutions that link the physical security system with human resources systems, directory services, video systems, external watch lists, provisioning systems, command and control, and information security", said Steve Hunt, President of 4A International, a security industry consulting and analyst firm. "With the addition of Bob to Hirsch's executive team, I expect Hirsch will continue to deliver innovative technologies and solutions for quite some time to come."

“The opportunities and benefits of networked physical security are enormous," observed Beliles. "I was very impressed by Hirsch's early leadership in adopting technologies, such as XML and encrypted end-point communications, which demonstrates that Hirsch is at the forefront of this next wave of convergence. As a result, customers not only benefit from products from a proven security vendor, they also enjoy the ability to build security systems with advanced technologies today."

At Cisco, Beliles co-founded the company's physical security initiative leading to the acquisition of two video surveillance systems vendors. During his time there, he led teams that introduced new capabilities to Cisco's flagship network switch and some of Cisco’s first and widely deployed VoIP-capable products. Prior to joining Cisco, he held systems engineering and sales positions with Advanced Micro Devices, Hewlett Packard, and Philips Information Systems. Beliles holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from Clemson University.

About Hirsch Electronics
Located in Santa Ana, CA, Hirsch Electronics designs and manufactures security systems for worldwide markets. Hirsch is a leader in IP-based physical security solutions that interoperate with other networked databases, devices and systems, such as human resources, provisioning, and directory services. Hirsch’s award-winning role-based access control (RBAC), identity management, and policy-based security management systems integrate access control, digital video, alarm monitoring, smart cards and biometrics. Hirsch security solutions are IT-centric, highly secure, and scalable. Customers use Hirsch solutions to authenticate identities, authorize access to appropriate areas of the building or network, route alarms, and perform audits and analysis. Hirsch solutions enable customers to mitigate risk and liability, to prevent incidents, to ensure regulatory compliance, and to safeguard employees, information and assets. An industry pioneer, Hirsch redefined physical access control with the invention of the scrambling keypad more than 25 years ago. Continual development earned the company a reputation for high-security, product reliability and company integrity.

Private Equity Firm Acquires North American Video

2008-01-28T09:21:00.000-05:00

The Halifax Group (Halifax) announced last week its acquisition of North American Video (NAV), a worldwide provider of implementation of integrated video surveillance and security systems. Cynthia Freschi, NAV founder and chief executive officer, will retain a significant stake in the company and continue to serve with the existing senior management team. Terms of the buyout were not disclosed.

"Our partnership with Halifax will accelerate North American Video's continued growth and expansion into new security markets while providing enhanced services and support for both existing and new clientele,” said Freschi. "NAV’s business model has been and will continue to be based on three key principles: the implementation of innovative security systems solutions incorporating cutting-edge technologies, outstanding customer service and support, and responsiveness to changing technology trends and user needs. These attributes will continue to drive our business as we pursue new and exciting opportunities moving forward.”

Freschi emphasized that NAV’s experienced personnel and on-going operations will be unaffected by the transaction. NAV is based in Brick, NJ.

“NAV is a clear leader in the security integration marketplace. We are pleased to be partnering with a management team that has built such a successful enterprise,” said Jud Hill, managing director, Halifax. “Halifax views NAV as a unique investment, not only because of the intrinsic potential in NAV’s current lines of business in the gaming industry, but also, because of the growth opportunities in new markets that include homeland security, education and financial services. Working closely with Cynthia Freschi and her management team, we look forward to implementing an exciting plan for continued growth.”

The Halifax Group maintains offices in Washington, DC, Dallas, TX, and Raleigh, NC.

Vicon Industries Products Will Help Secure 2008 Summer Olympics

2008-01-14T09:45:00.000-05:00

Vicon, a designer and producer of video surveillance systems, has had its camera domes and pan-and-tilt drives chosen to be part of an integrated video surveillance system to be installed at Beijing National Stadium, also known as the "Bird's Nest" for its architecture (see photo). The opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics, as well as some of the athletic events, will be held at this newly constructed venue. When completed in March 2008, the stadium will have a seating capacity of 91,000.

Vicon China, headquartered in Hong Kong with offices throughout China, is providing local support for this project.

As athletes and spectators converge upon Beijing this summer, Olympic officials are under great pressure to provide an environment in which all feel safe. As such, high-tech video surveillance will play a crucial role. Vicon SurveyorVFT day/night PTZ domes with 23x optical zoom will be a key component of the system currently being installed. The SurveyorVFT domes were chosen because of their record for performance and reliability and will be installed around the exterior of the stadium, in locations where quality could absolutely not be compromised.

In addition, Vicon pan-and-tilt drives will be used around the exterior and throughout the interior of the stadium to provide operational stability for a variety of other manufacturers’ cameras. The Vicon pan-and-tilts will assure that Olympic security management can easily and reliably control the movement of the cameras, focusing on desired locations of interest or concern.

“It is exhilarating to be part of securing this facility” said J.C. Caine, International Sales Manager at Vicon. “Olympic officials claim that, when completed, the National Stadium will be the largest enclosed space in the world. I can’t think of a more exciting way for Vicon to conclude its 40th year anniversary.”

Newly Passed Legislation Extends Terrorism Insurance Program for an Additional Seven Years

2008-01-02T10:57:00.000-05:00

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International has commended Congress for passage of legislation H.R. 2761 to extend the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) for seven more years. BOMA International and the Coalition to Insure Against Terrorism (CIAT) have actively worked with Congress to extend the federal terrorism insurance backstop program that was set to expire on December 31, 2007. The President is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days.

"Passage of H.R. 2761 is a huge victory for commercial real estate," said BOMA International Chairman and Chief Elected Officer Brenna S. Walraven, RPA, CPM, executive managing director, national property management, USAA Real Estate Company. "The security of knowing that buildings will continue to be insured in the event of a terrorist attack is crucial for the continued growth and stability of our industry."

The House initially passed H.R. 2761 in September, at which time the legislation included a 15-year extension and several additional provisions that take into account potential nuclear, biological, chemical and radiological (NBCR) events. The Senate approved its own bill to extend the federal terrorism insurance backstop for seven years and did not include many of the expansions to the program that were in the House bill. BOMA applauds Congress for acting to extend this important program to ensure the continued availability of terrorism risk insurance at reasonable rates and terms.

Security Industry Association Appoints Chairperson For Its Education Initiatives

2007-12-10T09:27:00.001-05:00

Scott Chillemi, learning center manager for Hirsch Electronics, was appointed to serve a two-year term as Chair of The Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Education & Training Committee. This is a non-voting vice president position on SIA’s Board of Directors. The Education & Training Committee Chair is responsible for overseeing efforts and guiding the strategic path in order to provide professional development and training programs for SIA’s member companies and the broader security industry.

“The entire industry benefits from better trained, highly skilled personnel,” said Chillemi. “SIA facilitates education and training through its extensive offering of classroom and online-based courses, such as those available at www.siaonline.org. Our committee will continue to increase the awareness and usage of SIA developed or sponsored educational programs.”

Chillemi has been involved with the SIA Education & Training Committee for seven years, four of them as vice chair, including the development of SIA’s Curriculum Map which uses job role and industry focus to help individuals build personalized professional development curricula.

Chillemi has served as Hirsch Electronics’ Learning Center Manager for more than eight years, managing professional trainers and designing and implementing training programs. He is a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Certified Netware Engineer (CNE). Mr. Chillemi has co-authored three technical books, including NetWare Unleashed, Learning NetWare 4 and The Windows NT System Administrator’s Survival Guide.

All of SIA's newly elected and appointed officers and directors assumed their positions effective September 12, 2007.

About The Security Industry Association (SIA) The Security Industry Association is a nonprofit international trade association representing electronic and physical security product manufacturers, integrators, specifiers, and service providers. SIA advocates for and supports the industry by providing education, research, technical standards and representation and defense of its members’ interests.

FRIDAY FUNNY: These Cute PSAs Relay A Feel Good Message About Information Protection, Recycling, And The Circle Of Life

2007-11-30T09:13:00.000-05:00

Most office workers don't realize that much of the information they deal with on a daily basis can put them and their company at risk for identity theft if not properly destroyed. With this message in mind, Fellowes, Inc. has launched a series of light hearted videos which strive to educate consumers about the dangers of identity theft in the workplace, including the release of any kind of confidential information whether it's company trade secrets or the social security numbers and addresses of employees, customers and vendors.

The first video uses humor to emphasize the need to shred all proprietary information before disposal. It chronicles an imaginary story of a company payroll sheet, which includes social security numbers that are mistakenly placed in a company restaurant menu drawer. A link to this video is provided below:

The second feature can be viewed here:

Panasonic Forms Alliance With North American Video

2007-11-14T10:38:00.000-05:00

Panasonic System Solutions Company, a provider of both professional video surveillance and digital signage solutions has announced a strategic alliance with North American Video to further increase its presence in the gaming market. North American Video, recognized throughout the gaming market for its expertise in delivering highly integrated video solutions for leading casinos and gaming operations, will now be representing both Panasonic's video surveillance and digital signage solutions.

“Panasonic is uniquely positioned to provide casinos with comprehensive video surveillance systems that can be coupled with integrated narrowcasting via our retailTV product offerings,” said Frank DeFina, president of Panasonic System Solutions Company. "It is a solution that integrates security and messaging, two essential applications for the gaming industry. Panasonic and North American Video have long enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship, but we are extremely pleased to be working more closely with them to specifically increase our presence in the gaming market."

“Panasonic has always been recognized as a technology leader in the professional video industry. The Panasonic name also has strong brand recognition which provides a comfort level with users,” said Cynthia Freschi, president of North American Video. “We are looking forward to working closely with Panasonic as we continue to expand our presence in the gaming industry both domestically and globally.”

"North American Video’s presence in key gaming markets is well established and documented," said Mr. DeFina. "We believe our i-Pro Series network video surveillance products and digital signage solutions will supplement North American Video’s networked system solutions.”

NASCO Passes Resolution to Pursue FBI Criminal Records Checks

2007-11-13T11:50:00.000-05:00

The National Association of Security Companies (NASCO) is proactively working to improve private security's access to FBI criminal history record information (CHRI) for screening security officers as authorized under the Private Security Officers Employment Authorization Act (PSOEAA). These efforts include meetings and discussions with:
· US House of Representatives Judiciary Committee staff
· FBI Criminal Justice Information Service (CJIS)
· Frank Campbell, Senior Counsel, Office of Legal Policy, US Department of Justice
· Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Insider Threat Study Group

"The private security industry is continuing to work together to provide safety more secure environments by improving screening process for security officers including access to FBI criminal records," said NASCO Executive Director Joseph Ricci.

In 2004, NASCO worked with Congress to enact the PSOEAA, which granted employers of private security officers federal authority to request that states screen their security officers against FBI CHRI. Unfortunately, the majority of states have not implemented processes to access FBI CHRI. As a result, private security officer employers cannot regularly screen prospective and current employees against the national database, increasing the likelihood that a convicted felon could slip through the security officer screening process.

During its October meeting, NASCO members met with DOJ officials to discuss PSOEAA implementation problems and state participation. The discussion focused on "The Attorney General's Report on Criminal History Background Checks," which provided observations and recommendations to improve access and screening, including DOJ's observation of state reluctance to obtain FBI CHRI and conduct suitability screening similar to DOJ experience with state participation under the National Child Protection Act.

DOJ pledged to provide additional information and guidance to the states about the PSOEAA and to support state implementation and offered to raise the issues and problems with the PSOEAA before the National Crime Prevention and Privacy Compact Council. DOJ also suggested the possibility for states unwilling or unable to undertake PSOEAA checking and screening to "outsource" their PSOEAA responsibilities to a third-party, non-state agency "channeler" pursuant to federal regulations issued by the Compact Council "Outsourcing of Noncriminal Justice Administrative Functions''.

NASCO will continue to work with DOJ to promote awareness of the PSOEAA with state agencies and private security companies, to explore "channeler" options, and pursue a federal legislative fix.

In related activities, NASCO Chair Martin Herman and Executive Director Ricci were invited to address the DHS Insider Threat Study Group regarding private security screening practices and problems related to improving access to FBI CHRI. The study group is comprised of senior security directors from critical infrastructure areas and is tasked with researching and identifying methods to reduce insider threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

Allied Barton Executive Joins NASCO Board

2007-11-01T09:27:00.000-04:00

The National Association of Security Companies (NASCO) recently appointed David Buckman, executive vice president and general counsel at AlliedBarton Security Services, to complete the remaining year of a vacant At-Large Board position. In addition, the NASCO Board and General Membership approved its 2008 budget and operational plan.

As general counsel, Buckman is responsible for the legal affairs of the company, including its regulatory compliance and risk management functions and supervises AlliedBarton's human resources functions, including recruitment and training. Prior to joining AlliedBarton, Buckman was associate general counsel of ARAMARK Corporation, a provider of managed services, including food, facility, and uniform services, and was an associate attorney with the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.

The NASCO Board serves two year terms with the next election scheduled for fall 2008. The current Board includes:
* Chair - Martin Herman, president, Special Response Corporation
* Vice Chair - Heather O'Brien, executive vice president, Security Forces
* 2nd Vice Chair - Jim McNulty, executive vice president, Securitas Security Services, USA
* 3rd Vice Chair - Stephen Kasloff, vice president, Guardsmark
* Treasurer - Lynn Oliver, president, American Security Programs
* Secretary - Robert Kilbride, vice president and associate general counsel, The Wackenhut Corporation
* Member-at-Large - Dennis Roberts, chief operating officer (COO), SecTek

Each elected officer serves a two year term beginning at the conclusion of NASCO's October General Membership meeting except the Treasurer whose term ends December 31st of the same year. The Board also includes Past Chair, Rick Massimei, Special Consultant, U.S. Security Associates, which is a non-elected position.

About NASCO
The National Association of Security Companies (NASCO) is the nation's largest contract security trade association, representing private security companies that employ more than 450,000 of the nation's highly trained security officers servicing every business sector. NASCO is leading efforts to set meaningful standards for the private security industry and for security officers by monitoring state and federal legislation and regulations that affect the quality and effectiveness of private security services.

New Standards for Sensitive Property and Cyber Security

2007-10-02T00:07:00.000-04:00

ASTM International Committee E53 on Property Management Systems has begun developing new standards to address the beginning of a challenging new era for asset managers – the era of lost laptops. Understanding how organizations reached this point – where entities are losing an increasing number of sensitive assets such as computers, some with sensitive information stored in the memory devices – is a multifaceted task, but is critical to forming solutions that will ensure fewer losses and without delay.

“Our objective is to establish standards that will define methodologies to identify sensitive assets, categorize the risk associated with each asset type, and based on the risk category, offer guidance on process activities such as the level of resources that an organization might expend on protecting sensitive assets,” says Jerry Hanley, subcommittee chair of Committee E53.

The volume of mobile information technology (IT) assets that is entering organizational inventories is growing at an incredible rate and is redefining how the facility management profession is managing organizational inventories.

Compounding the problem is the fact that IT assets are much smaller, cheaper, and easier to acquire. The new ASTM standards will help organizations implement processes to identify and control sensitive assets such as IT through its life cycle.

Today, protecting IT assets is a top priority for organizational leadership, because it is now recognized that failure to do so can result in litigation, loss of proprietary or sensitive information, and violation of statutory or regulatory requirements. Perhaps most importantly, lost IT assets containing sensitive information can impact national security. The sense of urgency is evident and ASTM Committee E53 aims to respond to this challenge proactively.

Committee E53 is one of 138 ASTM technical standards-writing committees. Established in 1898, ASTM International is one of the largest international standards development and delivery systems in the world. ASTM standards are accepted and used in research and development, product testing, quality systems, and commercial transactions around the globe.

For further technical information, contact Jerry Hanley, U.S. Department of Energy, Washington, DC (phone: 202/287-1563; jerry.hanley@hq.doe.gov).

FRIDAY FUNNY: Theft is for the Birds (not an Urban Legend!)

2007-09-28T09:44:00.000-04:00

After spending most of this week covering the ASIS security show, I have seen an abundance of criminal deterrents for the work environment. But even after visiting thousands of booths and sitting in millions of classes (that's what it felt like, trust me), I can't say I came across a solution for this outrageous security violation.

By the way, today's Friday Funny was submitted by TFM FM Frequency Columnist Jeff Crane. He has supplied us with several other "Funnies" and writes a monthly op/ed/humor piece in the magazine. You can get a better sense of Crane's tongue in cheek perspective (including his most recent column) here.

Bill Dougherty owns a company that manufactures and installs coin operated car wash systems called Magic Wand Inc. These are complete systems, including the money changer and money taking machines.

Dougherty's company installed a car wash system in Fredericksburg, VA. The problem started when the new owner complained that he was losing significant amounts of money--several hundreds of dollars, in fact--from his coin machines each week. He went as far as to accuse Dougherty's employees of having a key to the boxes and ripping him off.

Dougherty just couldn't believe that his people would do that, so he set up a camera to catch the thief in action. Well, they did catch the thief on film! Check out this sequence of photographs:

That's a bird sitting on the change slot of the machine.

The bird had to go down into the machine and back up inside to get to the money.

This bird has three quarters in his beak.

Another amazing thing is that it was not just one bird -- there were several working together. The starlings were initially attracted to the glint of the coin cup, more than likely, since shiny objects are used by these birds to attract mates or incorporate into nests (not to buy sodas or snacks from a vending machine--see today's related post here).

The truth of this story has been verified on Snopes, the Web site that debunks Urban Legends. To read the full Snopes explanation, click this link.

Architect Eero Saarinen Recognized Through International Exhibit

2007-08-30T09:20:00.000-04:00

The first-ever retrospective of the life and works of this 20th century architect comes from Europe to the United States this November. The first stop is Bloomfield Hills, MI.

ASSA ABLOY, a global company providing door opening solutions, is the global sponsor of "Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future."

Saarinen, one of the more celebrated designers of the modern era, is best known for his post-war masterpieces including the 630-foot tall stainless steel St. Louis Gateway Arch, the TWA terminal at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, numerous university campus plans and buildings, and the General Motors Technology Center near Detroit, MI.

The exhibition's arrival in Bloomfield Hills, MI this fall follows a European tour that began October 2006 in Finland--Saarinen's native country.

After opening to architectural acclaim in Helsinki, the tour moved to Oslo, Norway and Brussels, Belgium. Confirmed U.S. tour stops include: The Cranbrook Art Museum in Bloomfield Hills, MI; The National Building Museum in Washington, DC; Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Walker Art Center at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts in Minneapolis, MN; and Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. The tour concludes at the Yale School of Architecture in New Haven, Connecticut in 2010. Additional tour information may be found at www.eerosaarinen.net.

ASSA ABLOY Group brands, whose commercial door and hardware solutions include Besam, Ceco, Curries, Corbin Russwin, Graham, Rixson, Sargent, and Yale, embraced the opportunity to be a part of such an exciting exhibition that celebrates design. “We feel we at ASSA ABLOY provide architects with just one small building block in the complex art of creating and designing the foundation and spirit of a community,” noted ASSA ABLOY Americas President and CEO Thanasis Molokotos. “Our brands strive to offer openings solutions that provide both a design continuum that complements the architect’s aesthetic ambitions and an integration ability that addresses a building’s need for security and life-safety.”

As part of the global sponsorship, ASSA ABLOY Group companies will hold special events and promotions throughout the exhibition timeframe.

About Eero Saarinen: Shaping the Future
The exhibition is organized by the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York, the Museum of Finnish Architecture, Helsinki and the National Building Museum, Washington, D.C., with the support of the Yale University School of Architecture. The exhibition is accompanied by a book of the same title, published by Yale University Press and edited by Eeva-Liisa Pelkonen and Donald Albrecht. The patron of the exhibition is Her Excellency Tarja Halonen, President of the Republic of Finland.

For Review Until 10/17/07: All Hazards Risk Management Best Practices Draft Standard

2007-08-29T09:44:00.000-04:00

ASIS International (ASIS), through its Commission on Standards and Guidelines, has released the All Hazards Risk Management Draft Best Practices Standard. The standard—the first ASIS has issued since adding standards development to its successful Guidelines program in April—provides a practical management systems approach to security, preparedness, response, business/operational continuity, and recovery for disruptive incidents resulting in an emergency, crisis or disaster. The document is also in alignment with ISO management systems standards and is an enhancement of the ASIS Business Continuity Guideline.

The All Hazards Risk Management Draft Best Practices Standard is available for a public review and comment period of 60 days, ending October 16, 2007.

The premise for the standard is that natural disasters (like Hurricane Katrina, which struck two years ago today), acts of terror, technology mishaps, and environmental accidents have demonstrated that no members of the public or private sectors are immune from intentionally or unintentionally caused crises, and that organizations must know how to prepare for—and respond to—potentially devastating incidents. The All Hazards Risk Management Draft Best Practices Standard, when completed, will provide organizations of all types and sizes with the elements needed to achieve and demonstrate proactive risk reduction and security performance related to their physical facilities, services, activities, products, supply chains and operational (business) continuity.

"Because so many factors in a company's daily sustainability fall outside of its direct control, it is important that management have a plan in place to protect the organization and limit its damages from internal and external crises and guide its recovery from such risks and threats," said F. Mark Geraci, CPP, chairman of the ASIS International Commission on Standards and Guidelines. "The All Hazards Risk Management Draft Best Practices Standard provides an excellent start to that plan, but can be refined and improved through the efforts of business and security leaders who take the time to lend their thoughts during the review period."

The Standard uses an "all-hazards" approach, covering the phases of emergency and crisis management before, during, and after a disruptive incident. The document is written to complement the ISO Publicly Available Specification (PAS 22399), the only internationally agreed upon benchmark for emergency and disaster management. ASIS plans to submit the finalized version of the All Hazards Risk Management Best Practices Standard to ISO/TC 223˜the technical committee comprised of representatives from industry, the first responder community, emergency and disaster managers, business, government and non-governmental organizations from more than 50 countries˜for consideration as an international standard.

To download the All Hazards Risk Management Draft Best Practices Standard for review and comment, please visit this link. Also included is a comment form that can be completed and submitted electronically, or downloaded and faxed to 703-518-1517.

Government Agencies Test Security Technology

2007-08-24T09:11:00.000-04:00

Secure Network Systems (SNS), LLC and HID Global Announce Successful Summer Breeze Demonstration.

SNS, a company in the converged IT/network and physical security market, and HID Global, a firm known for providing solutions for the delivery of secure identity, recently announced that the SNS NIMS-IMPACT® Logical and Physical Access Control System enabled by HID technology, played a key role in the successful Summer Breeze demonstration. Summer Breeze was the latest in a series of DOD and DHS demonstrations for first responders to display interoperability and identity validation, a multi-location demonstration illustrating the role that US NIST Personal Identity Verification (PIV)-compliant smart card credentials play in a crisis. The Department of Homeland Security Office of National Capital Region Coordination (DHS ONCRC) and Department of Defense Pentagon Force Protection Agency (DoD PFPA)-sponsored demonstration took place on July 19, 2007.

During the nationwide demonstration, handheld devices read traditional credentials from a variety of vendors, transmitting information on location, Emergency Support Function (ESF) and sector attributes in near real-time for situational awareness visualization. The Colorado North Central Region participated in the demonstration, illustrating that interoperability encompasses a broad suite of FIPS 201 compliant technologies, including Logical and Physical Access Control Systems (LACS/PACS) and contactless smart cards. At the Colorado State Patrol site, credentials were also read and validated using SNS’s revolutionary mobile Emergency Management LACS/PACS system utilizing HID Global components.

“While there were technical failures of handheld card readers being used at the demonstration to read the contact chip information stored on the ID cards, the contactless readers worked as expected on the SNS contactless cards and were even able to read the contactless portion of cards provided by other vendors," said Captain Craig Meyer, Regional Credentialing Coordinator. "The system was also able to read barcode information on non-smart card IDs from the State Health Department. The focus of this demonstration was to test the ability of several different vendor products to see if they could read different card formats. By the end of the day, this goal was successfully achieved by the Colorado North Central Region using the NIMS-IMPACT mobile product family. Plus having a mobile system means a perimeter can be quickly relocated if a plume or wildfire takes an unexpected turn”.

Eric Widlitz, vice president of OEM and Government Channels, HID Global, said, “HID Global is pleased that our longstanding development partnership with Secure Network Systems contributes to the safety and security of our nation’s first responders. With HID’s leadership in protecting physical facilities worldwide, extending the paradigm of LACS/PACS into the challenging disaster response and incident management realm is not only a worthwhile endeavor it is also extremely cost-effective.”

About the NIMS-IMPACT system
The SNS NIMS-IMPACT system is available now, and can be configured to meet various budget goals in a stairstep manner. Proven during the Hurricane Katrina evacuation, the NIMS-IMPACT system utilizes HID Global GSA certified multiCLASSTM readers and SNS GSA certified credential issuance stations. The complete end-to-end NIMS-IMPACT solution is now field-proven for usage with credentials issued by various agencies that conform to the FIPS 201 set of standards.

Approved by U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) as Transparent Contactless Readers for their FIPS 201 Approved Products List, HID multiCLASS readers read a variety of popular proximity, contactless, and dual interface smart cards. Using multiCLASS, the customer has the ability to transition to contactless smart cards over time while incorporating the use of multiple card technologies within an emergency scene, a single building, across multiple facilities or between widespread simultaneous emergency events.

Advantages of a mobile LACS/PACS system include faster read times through the contactless interface and unattended operation. Compared to handheld readers, a mobile LACS/PACS system allows for unattended operation, key in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive hazardous environments. The perimeter of the "hot zone" does not have to be manned by officers wearing special protective suits, gloves and hoods, and the reader units can be destroyed if they are contaminated and replaced for a few hundred dollars each compared to traditional handheld devices which cost thousands of dollars.

All PIV credentials from various vendors have a contactless interface, and the raw data transfer rate is faster natively. Contributing to the rapid read timings, cards do not have to be inserted into a slot and instead are hovered or waved across readers. Also, using contactless only cards that conform to the predecessor GCS-IS standard which is encompassed by the FIPS 201 set of standards, there is no contact chip interface--as the contact chip can be damaged by decontamination washes used in emergency management as well as particulates in the air from soot, smoke, and even salty air. The readers used for contact chip reading also have a limited life especially in hazardous environments.

NIMS-IMPACT® is a registered trademark of Secure Network Systems, LLC. SNS Credential Issuance ™ and Write-IMPACT™ are trademarks of Secure Network Systems LLC. NIMS-IMPACT® and Write-IMPACT™ are Patent Pending. ® HID and multiCLASS, are trademarks of HID Global Corporation.

Security Expert To Head IFMA Webinar

2007-08-09T09:31:00.001-04:00

Felix P. Nater, producer of the Nater Associates Workplace Violence Prevention and Security Awareness Newsletter has been selected by IFMA to co-host the organization's First Wednesday Webinar. After gaining the attention of the association through his contributions to FacilityBlog, his video, and his e-zine articles, Nater was approached by Larry Thompson on behalf of the IFMA Corporate Facilities Council to facilitate, with panel members, this online security seminar.

Nater says, "Workplace violence continues to be the number one threat to the workplace. It impacts performance, efficiency, operations, personnel assignments. It also increases injury compensation claims and personnel turnover while reducing morale and degrading employee trust in management's ability to protect them or provide for a safe and secure workplace. One act of violence, regardless of its severity, consumes valuable time responding and assessing the incident. Meanwhile, a permissive environment dismisses misconduct and, by lack of intervention, the aggressor is empowered."

The tentative date for the Webinar is September 5, 2007. To find out more about participating, call Nater at (877) VAL-U101 or 516-285-8484.