https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/ en https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-announces-details-for-2026-accelerise-conference-opens-call-for-speakers SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced details for AcceleRISE - a unique event hosted by the SIA RISE community for young professionals and emerging leaders in the security industry. This year’s AcceleRISE is scheduled for Aug. 3–5 in San Diego.AcceleRISE brings together emerging professionals from across the security industry to explore the ideas, challenges and perspectives shaping the next generation of security leadership. Each year, the conference focuses on practical insights, real-world experiences and conversations that challenge conventional thinking about how security is designed, implemented and led.SIA is seeking fresh ideas and speakers for this year’s AcceleRISE and has opened the call for speakers for the 2026 conference. This year’s conference proposals should challenge assumptions, present real-world experiences and highlight the perspectives that shape how security is designed, implemented and operated. Sessions should focus on ideas, experience and industry insight rather than product promotion.Topics of interest include:The many sides of security, or exploring the same security challenges from multiple perspectivesThe security gap, or when industry assumptions miss the end userEnd-user perspectives and real-world securitySecurity strategy and operational designSecurity leadership and business decision makingPolicy, regulation and securityThe future of securityBusiness, marketing and industry strategyProfessional growth and industry leadershipEthics, sustainability and industry responsibilitySecurity foundations and skill builders“AcceleRISE is the leading professional development event experience in our industry.  The conference gathers a diverse and dynamic group of young professionals, those new to our industry and emerging security leaders for a high-impact, high-energy experience. We are excited to bring this unique event to the west coast and the vibrant city of San Diego this year,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We highly encourage security YPs to attend and our member companies to send their young security talent to this highly respected event, and we welcome industry leaders, experts and rising stars to share their ideas for great conference content.”Speaking proposals are due Tuesday, May 12; learn more and share your idea here.Registration is open for AcceleRISE 2026! SIA members save $100 on registration, and you can access early bird savings too now through April 30; learn more and get your ticket here. 2026-04-20T11:10:43-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-announces-details-for-2026-accelerise-conference-opens-call-for-speakers#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/pfannenberg-to-display-industrial-fire-alarm-signaling-solutions-at-nfpa-conference LANCASTER, N.Y.—Pfannenberg, a global provider of thermal management and signaling technologies, will showcase industrial fire alarm signaling solutions at the 2026 NFPA Conference & Expo, taking place June 22-24 at the Mandalay Convention Center in Las Vegas.The company will highlight products and application expertise that help engineers and facility teams build effective fire alarm systems.“As industrial environments become louder and more complex, the need for clear, code-compliant alarm coverage continues to grow,” said Jacob Vernon, product manager for audible and visual signaling at Pfannenberg. “Through our PATROL, PYRA, and PROTECT product families, along with tools that make selection easier and more precise, we enable engineers to design reliable, standards-aligned fire alarm systems for harsh industrial settings.”Pfannenberg’s fire alarm signaling solutions are designed to support performance-based coverage of audible and visual alarm systems and comply with NFPA 72 requirements for public and private mode applications. The T3 tone in Pfannenberg sounders meets the offset requirements with 10 dB for Private Mode and 15 dB for Public Mode, while the PATROL and PYRA product ranges are UL listed and fully compliant with NFPA 72 standards.In addition, Pfannenberg’s sizing requirements exceed the minimum requirements in NFPA 72 performance-based alternatives, and its products integrate with BIM software and Pfannenberg’s proprietary sizing and 3D coverage tools to support accurate alarm planning.At booth 1731, Pfannenberg will highlight three key signaling solutions. The PATROL line of audible and combination devices is designed for adverse conditions such as high ambient noise levels and bright surroundings, with adjustable sound output typically ranging from 85 to 122 dB(A). The PYRA line provides visual signaling for industrial notification, offering strong visibility and flexible installation options. For harsher conditions, the PROTECT Series offers audible and combination devices for demanding industrial, hazardous and explosive environments, using virtually unbreakable die-cast aluminum housings and available Xenon or LED visual signaling.PROTECT Series devices include 80 selectable tones, four externally selectable additional tones, pre- and main-alarm functionality to help reduce shock reactions, and adjustable sound output from 86 dB to 116 dB. Select models are certified for Class 1 Division 2 hazardous locations and certain devices also carry SIL 2 certification, extending coverage options for facilities requiring durability, reliability and safety.From mild industrial spaces to the most extreme and hazardous environments, Pfannenberg offers the tools, products and knowledge to help customers safely construct an optimal fire alarming system. The company also supports applications tied to battery energy storage systems and other industrial settings, offering UL-listed products backed by a 10-year warranty across key signaling lines.  2026-04-17T13:47:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/pfannenberg-to-display-industrial-fire-alarm-signaling-solutions-at-nfpa-conference#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/elite-appoints-peter-hargittay-as-new-chief-revenue-officer LOS ANGELES—Elite Interactive Solutions has named Peter Hargittay as its new chief revenue officer. He brings more than 25 years’ experience designing revenue systems that align marketing, sales, partnerships and customer success.Hargittay’s background spans branding, demand generation, enterprise sales, partner ecosystems, and post-sale organizations. As CRO for Elite, he will be responsible for all revenue-generating processes, aligning sales, marketing, customer success, and revenue operations to drive growth.“We are delighted to welcome Peter as CRO at a vital moment in Elite’s journey. As the company enters its next phase of growth, we are at an inflection point that demands disciplined leadership and execution, and a vision for scalable growth,” says Elite CEO Michael Zatulov. “This appointment reflects our commitment to strategically scaling the organization, strengthening our go-to-market capabilities, and accelerating revenue performance. Peter’s demonstrated success as a cross-functional operator equally adept at brand, pipeline and customer ownership will serve this mission well.”Hargittay’s most recent and longest association was with Intellect, a provider of quality management solutions with an AI platform enabling quality and regulatory compliance teams to automate critical quality processes, such as corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), audits, document control, and supplier management. His roles there included chief marketing officer, VP of business development, SVP of sales and chief customer officer.“My approach springs from a full customer lifecycle perspective - including acquisition through retention, expansion, and advocacy. I favor an account-based experience that aligns marketing, sales, and customer success around shared account ownership to increase net revenue retention and expansion,” says Hargittay. “I am excited to apply my skills and join the winning team at Elite, whose innovative approach to crime prevention has paced the remote guarding industry and is transformative to security overall.”Hargittay spent nearly 14 years with Intellect, which included delivering record revenue growth through building data-driven systems, high-impact marketing and SDR/BDR teams, and a partner ecosystem. His other previous positions include executive roles with PeopleSupport, Aegis Ltd. and Arise Virtual Solutions.   2026-04-17T12:56:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/elite-appoints-peter-hargittay-as-new-chief-revenue-officer#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/arkansas-electrical-inspector-association-joins-nfpa-to-establish-eis-affiliate-chapter QUINCY, Mass.—The National Fire Protection Association announced that the Arkansas Electrical Inspector Association has been designated as its latest Electrical Inspection Section Affiliate Chapter (EIS).Through its affiliation with NFPA, the Arkansas Electrical Inspector Association will support the state’s electrical inspection community, providing education, training, and opportunities for professional connection.“NFPA is pleased to welcome the Arkansas Electrical Inspector Association as an EIS Affiliate Chapter,” said Tim McClintock, NFPA lead regional electrical specialist and executive secretary of the Electrical Inspection Section. “This partnership strengthens collaboration between NFPA and the Arkansas electrical enforcement community, enabling us to address emerging electrical safety issues together and reinforce our shared commitment to community safety.”  McClintock added, “Effective electrical inspection programs are critical to protecting people and property and ensuring compliance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC) and other codes and standards. The establishment of an NFPA EIS Affiliate Chapter supports electrical inspection professionals responsible for understanding the NEC and how its requirements are applied, while recognizing their unique perspectives and maintaining the independence of the electrical inspection community.”The Arkansas Electrical Inspector Association joins a growing group of electrical inspector organizations nationwide that have formed NFPA EIS Affiliate Chapters, including associations in Alabama, Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, and Rhode Island. The chapters reflect NFPA’s continued efforts to expand support for electrical professionals across the U.S.  “Electrical inspections serve as a cornerstone of community safety and the effective enforcement of the National Electrical Code,” said Michael Archdeacon, president of the Arkansas Electrical Inspector Association. “The establishment of the Arkansas EIS Affiliate Chapter signifies our steadfast commitment to advancing education, fostering collaboration, and promoting professional excellence. In partnership with NFPA, we are dedicated to addressing the evolving demands of electrical safety and further strengthening our impact throughout the state of Arkansas.”Electrical inspection members of an NFPA EIS Affiliate Chapter may be eligible for the NFPA Electrical Inspection Membership, which automatically includes membership in the NFPA Electrical Inspection Section. Benefits include participation in the code development process, access to specialized programming and resources, training on code changes, events, and more.For professionals interested in establishing an NFPA EIS Affiliate Chapter, engaging with an existing local chapter, and for more information about NFPA Electrical Inspection Membership and the NFPA Electrical Inspection Section, please visit the website. 2026-04-17T12:25:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/arkansas-electrical-inspector-association-joins-nfpa-to-establish-eis-affiliate-chapter#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/intercede-announces-extended-support-for-idemia-public-security-device-portfolio RESTON, Va.—Intercede, a provider of identity and credentialing solutions for federal and enterprise customers, announced that the latest version of its flagship product, MyID CMS 12.18, now supports an extended range of security keys and authentication devices from IDEMIA Public Security (IPS).This expanded integration marks a significant milestone in the complementary use of FIDO2 and PIV (Personal Identity Verification) authentication protocols. The latest IPS devices are the first solution on the market to deliver FIDO authentication built on the same COSMO X platform used to achieve FIPS 201 PIV certification - offering federal agencies and large enterprises an unprecedented pathway to modernize their authentication infrastructure without abandoning their existing PKI investments.The combination marks a fundamental shift in how organizations approach enterprise and federal identity. IDEMIA Public Security's hardware puts both FIDO and PKI credentials on a single device, and MyID CMS manages both, giving administrators one place to issue, manage, and revoke credentials across the full lifecycle, with consistent policy enforcement throughout.This matters because neither technology alone is sufficient for the most demanding environments. PKI and the PIV standard deliver the certificate-based trust chains, identity proofing rigor, and regulatory compliance that federal and high-assurance enterprise deployments require. FIDO delivers phishing-resistant, passwordless authentication across modern applications, Cloud services, and mobile workflows. With both on a single IPS device managed through MyID, organizations no longer have to choose: they get the assurance of PKI and the agility of FIDO under one roof and governed by one consistent policy."This is the integration our customers have been asking for," said Allen Storey, chief product officer of Intercede. "By bringing together IPS’s world-class hardware security with our credentialing platform, we are giving agencies and enterprises the only solution that delivers FIDO built on the full PIV platform. This isn’t an incremental improvement – it’s a fundamental shift giving organizations choice in how they deploy phishing-resistant authentication at scale.”“We are thrilled to see Intercede embrace the full breadth of our device portfolio, through the world-leading MyID CMS," said Teresa Wu, VP of smart credentials at IDEMIA Public Security. "Our customers in the federal space and across the enterprise have long needed a credentialing partner that understands the critical importance of the PIV standard while pushing forward with FIDO. This partnership ensures that every IPS device - from our flagship security keys to our FIPS-certified models - works seamlessly within a unified, standards-based authentication framework."Additional IDEMIA Public Security devices now supported in Intercede MyID CMS 12.18:ID-One PIV Card: Smart card with PIV and FIDO applets, along with the ability to store a wide range of physical access credentials, including DESfire, Mifare, prox, and LEAF credentials.ID Key Bolt: Feature-rich USB security key with PIV and FIDO applets. Solid-state processor, dust proof and waterproof, NFC capable.ID Key Go: Budget-friendly USB security key with PIV and FIDO applets.IDEMIA MSO 1300E4: Fingerprint device for biometrics-based logical access.IDEMIA MSO 1350E4: Fingerprint + card reader device for secure multi-factor authentication using biometrics-secured PKI authentication with a smart card (PIV card).  2026-04-17T12:00:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/intercede-announces-extended-support-for-idemia-public-security-device-portfolio#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/allied-universal-cso-william-j-walker-named-to-government-executive-hall-of-fame IRVINE, Calif.—Allied Universal announced that its chief security officer, retired U.S. Army Major General William J. Walker, has been named to the Government Executive 2026 Hall of Fame, recognizing a career spanning more than three decades in federal law enforcement, military service and public security leadership.Walker joined Allied Universal as CSO following a career that included senior leadership roles with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Army and the National Guard, as well as service as the 38th Sergeant at Arms of the U.S. House of Representatives. He was the first African American to hold that position.Government Executive’s annual Hall of Fame honors public servants whose careers have had a significant impact on federal government operations and public service. Walker was cited for his leadership across military, law enforcement and congressional security roles.“General Walker’s induction into the Government Executive Hall of Fame is a significant recognition of his contributions to national security and public service,” said Allied Universal Global Chairman and CEO Steve Jones in a statement. “We are pleased to have his leadership experience and expertise as part of our executive team.”Walker said the recognition reflects the efforts of the professionals he has worked alongside throughout his career. He added that he remains focused on advancing security excellence and public service in his role at Allied Universal.The Government Executive Hall of Fame is published by GovExec, a digital news organization covering federal government leadership, management and policy.  2026-04-16T15:42:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/allied-universal-cso-william-j-walker-named-to-government-executive-hall-of-fame#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/totem-expands-into-north-america-with-rvm-operations-support GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador—Totem announced its continued expansion into the North American security market, offering monitoring centers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico a verified, cost-effective solution for 24/7 remote video monitoring (RVM) operations support.As U.S. monitoring centers face growing pressure to expand coverage while managing labor costs, Totem provides a trusted extension of their operations staffed by trained security operators, powered by advanced video analytics, and backed by redundant infrastructure supporting over 10,000 cameras across commercial and industrial environments.“U.S. monitoring centers need partners they can trust to deliver consistent, high-quality service, not just lower costs,” said Luis Fernando Uribe Blum, CEO of Totem. “Totem has built a proven infrastructure and trained operations team that functions as a seamless extension of any central station. Our goal is to help North American providers scale confidently without compromising the level of service their clients expect.”Brivo, a global provider of cloud-native AI-driven physical security, uses Totem as a verified monitoring partner. Through this partnership, Totem’s operators support remote video monitoring services integrated directly into the Brivo Security Suite, providing human verification of AI-flagged events to reduce false alarms and ensure rapid, accurate incident response.This collaboration reflects Totem’s ability to integrate with leading U.S. security technology platforms and meet the operational standards required by enterprise-grade providers.Totem’s monitoring operations are designed to integrate directly with U.S. monitoring centers, offering flexible service that complements existing teams and workflows. Core support includes:Video Alarm Verification: Dedicated operators verify alarms using live video and AI analytics to confirm incidents, reducing false dispatches and improving response.Remote Video Monitoring: Continuous and event-based monitoring, extending coverage around the clock without increasing headcount.Scalable Capacity: Totem’s infrastructure supports rapid onboarding and seamless scaling as monitoring centers grow their camera deployments and customer base.Vertical Expertise: Operators are experienced across retail, logistics, healthcare, and more, understanding the specific risk and response protocols each vertical demands.Totem combines trained human operators with a suite of advanced monitoring technologies, including AI-assisted video analytics, license plate recognition, facial recognition, perimeter detection, occupancy monitoring, and access control integration. This layered approach enables faster event detection, fewer false alarms, and more reliable incident escalation, the exact outcomes U.S. monitoring centers need to deliver for their clients.Totem’s operations center is built with redundant connectivity and systems designed for continuous uptime, ensuring U.S. partners can rely on consistent, uninterrupted service. Totem is familiar with video monitoring software such as Immix, CHeKT, Sentinel, Patriot Systems, Sitasys, Bold Group, and SoftGuard.  2026-04-16T14:19:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/totem-expands-into-north-america-with-rvm-operations-support#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/kat-tallman-named-executive-vice-president-at-cops-monitoring WILLIAMSTOWN, N.J.—COPS Monitoring announced that Kat Tallman has been named executive vice president of software and technology. Tallman’s promotion expands the leadership of a respected executive whose deep experience across operations and technology will help strengthen innovation, support dealers, and enhance the service that protects their customers.Tallman began her career with COPS in 2000 as an alarm dispatcher and built her leadership foundation from the monitoring center floor upward. Over the years, she advanced through a series of increasingly important roles, including floor supervisor, dealer support, dealer support manager, shift manager, special projects site manager, and director of special projects. Her career path reflects both the depth of her experience and the breadth of her understanding of the company’s operations, the needs of its dealer partners, and the evolving demands of the alarm industry.During her time in operations, Tallman led a specialty division that functioned as a central within a central, overseeing the monitoring operation for a dedicated segment monitoring division. In that role, she was responsible for the full scope of the operation, including staffing, hiring, team leadership, shift management, technical support for the platform, and dealer support for the customer. She managed that highly specialized area for approximately eight years, giving her uncommon experience in both frontline execution and complex operational leadership.As the company grew, Tallman became a key contributor to major strategic initiatives across the business. She worked on special projects related to acquisitions, helped migrate a billing of 250,000 accounts to the company’s proprietary platform, and supported many acquisitions and line swings into COPS. That combination of operational knowledge and cross-functional experience helped her move into technology leadership, where she became director of software development and served as project manager for the Generations software development team, and later VP of proprietary software development.In these positions, Tallman leveraged her broad understanding of the business to successfully lead technology initiatives from initial concept to final implementation, benefiting both internal teams and external clients. Her hands-on experience with the Dice and Manitou monitoring platforms, along with several generations of COPS’ proprietary software, provided her with deep insight into monitoring center operations and the critical systems that power them.In her new role, Tallman will oversee a broader technology and operational portfolio that includes existing software development for Generations and MPower, network infrastructure and integrity, network security, and vendor and product integrations, including APIs. Her responsibilities now extend across teams supporting technology in multiple facilities and locations, encompassing approximately 20 professionals and reflecting a significant expansion in scope and leadership impact.“Kat’s promotion reflects the kind of leadership that can only be built through experience, credibility, and results,” said Jim McMullen, president and chief operating officer, COPS Monitoring. “She understands our business from the inside out, from the monitoring floor to complex technology initiatives, and she brings a rare ability to connect operational needs with technical execution. That makes her exceptionally well-positioned to help lead COPS forward.”  2026-04-16T10:41:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/kat-tallman-named-executive-vice-president-at-cops-monitoring#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/zeroeyes-public-safety-alerts-with-samdesk-integration-now-available PHILADELPHIA—ZeroEyes has announced the availability of its Public Safety Alerts solution, powered by Samdesk, to deliver real-time risk detection and situational awareness at unprecedented speed and accuracy.The integrated solution enables organizations to move from reactive responses to proactive security strategies by providing verified, contextual intelligence as events unfold.ZeroEyes’ Public Safety Alerts combine advanced artificial intelligence (AI) with human analyst verification to deliver proactive risk detection. Powered by Samdesk’s intelligence engine, the solution aggregates real-time data from billions of open-source and licensed feeds to instantly detect emerging incidents and clusters of activity.It then delivers actionable alerts with severity levels, precise location data, visual evidence where available, and proximity to organizational assets, to be verified by a human analyst before being distributed to security and operations teams through email and designated channels within minutes, enabling a faster response, minimized disruption, and strengthened operational resilience.Designed for regulated and security-sensitive environments, the platform adheres to a compliance-first data sourcing model. All data is accessed through licensed APIs or contractual agreements, and customer data and queries are never shared with global AI models. The solution aligns with leading standards, including SOC 2, GDPR, and Cyber Essentials, ensuring both security and privacy. Its AI-driven detection is also reinforced by multi-source corroboration, confidence scoring, and 24/7 human analyst verification, ensuring alerts are both fast and reliable while significantly reducing false positives.ZeroEyes’ Public Safety Alerts supports a wide range of security and operational functions, including Global Security Operations Centers (GSOC), Executive Protection (EP), Travel Risk Management (TRM), campus safety, and public safety teams. By consolidating fragmented intelligence sources into a single, trusted feed, organizations can reduce analyst workload, eliminate tool sprawl, and optimize budgets while improving overall situational awareness.“By integrating Samdesk into our Public Safety Alerts platform, we can deliver faster, verified intelligence to help organizations understand emerging risks and act with confidence,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “Combining AI speed with human verification ensures teams know what’s happening, where it matters, and how to respond effectively.”  2026-04-16T09:00:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/zeroeyes-public-safety-alerts-with-samdesk-integration-now-available#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/actor-jeremy-renner-joins-rapidsos-as-partner-and-investor NEW YORK—Actor and public safety advocate Jeremy Renner announced that he has partnered with pubic safety artificial intelligence (AI) safety company RapidSOS to support the company's work with emergency response systems and first responders.Renner, who survived a near-fatal snowcat accident in Washoe County, Nev., on Jan. 1, 2023, developed a deep personal commitment to the first responders who protect communities like his own. That commitment is part of what drew him to RapidSOS, united by a shared mission to ensure the heroes on the front lines of public safety have the critical information they need to save lives.Developed over 10 years in partnership with public safety, RapidSOS provides purpose-built AI for emergency response - supporting the life-saving work of 23,500+ public safety agencies in over 500,000 emergencies per day. During an emergency, RapidSOS HARMONY AI fuses critical data from the world's largest safety network of over 723 million connected devices directly into 911 and first responder systems. As of 2025, that platform has supported emergency response operations in over 1.1 billion emergencies in 15 countries."Our first responders and healthcare workers put their lives on the line every day. Being able to help our helpers is personally important to me," said Renner. "What they need is the right information, at the right moment. When they have it, they can come together and solve problems. That' s why I'm excited to partner with RapidSOS, to support the people on the front lines and the work they do every day."Life-saving information is fragmented across closed, disconnected systems - home alarms, crash detection, medical alert devices, hazmat sensors, cameras, emergency buttons - creating critical delays in emergency response. Responders and security teams are forced to act without the full picture when every second is a matter of life or death.RapidSOS was built by public safety to solve this. Trusted by over one million first responders, RapidSOS technology powers its large Safety Network. During an emergency, HARMONY AI then transforms this real-time data into mission-critical intelligence, delivered to the people who need it most."First responders do extraordinary work every day," said Michael Martin, founder and CEO of RapidSOS. "But for too long we've asked them to rush into millions of emergencies with almost no information. In partnership with public safety, we are building the first AI platform developed for mission critical response operations - providing an immediate full picture of any emergency."The announcement comes during National Telecommunicators Week. Every day, 240 million calls are placed to 911 in the United States. The telecommunicators who receive those calls do extraordinary work, often without the tools or recognition they deserve. This partnership between Renner and RapidSOS exists to help support both."Today AI is used for so many things, but at RapidSOS, we are clear on its highest and best purpose: for helping people at their most vulnerable moments, getting the right insights to the right first responder when a life is on the line," said Jose Mejia, president and COO at RapidSOS. "That's what we built in partnership with public safety at RapidSOS. That's what Jeremy Renner believes in. And that's why this partnership matters: this is AI for the ultimate good."The partnership kicks off with “Behind the Emergency,” a short documentary featuring Renner, premiering April 29. The documentary follows Renner's journey of discovery into the world of modern emergency response and the technology that supports it. Beginning with his personal survival story, it explores the life-saving work of first responders and healthcare professionals and how mission-critical tools support them.The premiere will take place in Reno, Nev., with virtual tickets available. Register here for the “Behind the Emergency” Exclusive Virtual Premiere on April 29, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. PT/2:30 p.m. ET.More details about the partnership can be found at rapidsos.com/renner.   2026-04-16T06:56:16-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/actor-jeremy-renner-joins-rapidsos-as-partner-and-investor#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/amag-enters-growth-mode-under-shore-rock-egis-capital-investments LAS VEGAS—AMAG Technology is entering a new phase of growth following its acquisition by private equity firm Shore Rock Partners, a move CEO David Sullivan says is already reshaping the company’s investment posture, technology strategy and long-term outlook. During ISC West, Sullivan said Shore Rock Partners has delivered on early promises to aggressively invest in the business, particularly in product development, innovation and operational leadership. “They’ve really met their promises and fulfilled our expectations,” he said. “They’re very interested in making us grow, and they’re committed to putting money into the business.” One of the most immediate signs of that commitment is increased investment in leadership and product development. Sullivan said AMAG plans to add a new CFO and accelerate spending on innovation, with a focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to speed development and improve customer engagement. Private equity with a growth mandate Sullivan said Shore Rock Partners is also actively exploring mergers and acquisitions, both as technology tuck-ins and as potential additions to its broader portfolio. While he declined to share specifics, he confirmed that Shore Rock executives were meeting with companies during ISC West to evaluate potential opportunities. “If there’s a technology advancement we can bring in - say, an AI provider - that could be something we integrate,” Sullivan said. “Other opportunities might be tangential businesses that make strategic sense.” At the same time, Sullivan emphasized that AMAG’s organic growth trajectory remains strong even without acquisitions, citing improvements across product strategy, customer engagement and go-to-market execution. Egis Capital joins as strategic investor AMAG also recently secured backing from Egis Capital Partners, a security-focused investment firm led by industry veteran Robert Chefitz.  Sullivan said Egis is a participating investor, bringing deep industry expertise and relationships. While the firm is not investing in a specific access control product or technology initiative, Sullivan said its involvement underscores confidence in AMAG’s overall business strategy and leadership team. “Chefitz comes from the security industry, and his funds only invest in security companies,” Sullivan said. “Having him involved is exciting because of the network and experience he brings.” Positioning AMAG for its next chapter Sullivan said the combination of private equity ownership and strategic industry investment positions AMAG to move faster while staying focused on customer needs - particularly enterprise customers managing complex, multi-system access control environments. “We have a great organic future ahead of us,” Sullivan said. “Now we also have owners and investors who want to lean in, invest and help us move faster.”  2026-04-15T13:09:00-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/amag-enters-growth-mode-under-shore-rock-egis-capital-investments#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/everon-pushes-deeper-into-proactive-security-with-enhanced-active-video-monitoring LAS VEGAS—Everon is expanding its services with an enhanced active video monitoring offering designed to stop threats before they reach a facility, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), real-time operator intervention and tightly integrated operational processes. The offering allows the national integrator to shift its focus from verifying alarms after an intrusion to proactively monitoring activity outside the asset, says David Charney, senior vice president of video at Everon. “Once an intrusion, access or fire alarm goes off, the building has already been penetrated,” he said. “Active video monitoring is about earlier prevention and deterrence - watching the exterior environment so incidents don’t escalate.” Everon showcased the service at ISC West as part of its broader remote video monitoring (RVM) strategy, which extends beyond traditional central station functions.  Moving beyond traditional video verification The enhanced active video monitoring capability pushes Everon deeper into exterior protection. Use cases include deterring copper theft, loitering, vandalism and other unwanted activity around rooftops, loading docks, parking areas and building perimeters. The service combines AI-based analytics with live operator response, including audio warnings, lighting activation and direct engagement with individuals detected on site. “If someone is lingering behind a building longer than expected for that camera view and time of night, we can intervene in real time,” Charney said. AI efficiency as ‘table stakes’ Charney says AI is critical to making active video monitoring viable at scale, particularly in reducing nuisance alerts. He says Everon is consistently achieving greater than 96% efficiency in filtering out signals that operators do not need to review - a metric the company tracks weekly. “That’s table stakes,” he said. “Our operators shouldn’t be staring at shadows, trees or lighting changes.” Everon is also using behavioral and loitering analytics, calibrating expected dwell times for specific camera views based on location, time of day and normal foot traffic patterns, with responses triggered when activity exceeds those thresholds. Staying ahead of the AI curve Everon evaluates AI providers through its internal innovation lab, pitting them against one another to identify the best-performing solutions for real-world monitoring environments. The company selected several top vendors last year and continues to refine deployments as AI capabilities evolve. “This space is changing rapidly,” Charney said. “We’re working closely with AI providers, but everything has to work operationally - left to right - to be successful.” Technology plus process While AI plays a central role, Charney stresses that technology alone is not enough. Everon has spent the past year refining end-to-end operational processes to ensure systems remain reliable and defensible. “If a camera goes offline, you have to detect it, document it, attempt a remote restart and, if necessary, roll a truck,” he says. “You can’t let a customer operate without reporting. If something happens and there’s no visibility, that becomes a negligence issue in today’s environment.”    2026-04-15T12:59:00-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/everon-pushes-deeper-into-proactive-security-with-enhanced-active-video-monitoring#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/in-brief-security-101-s-school-strategy-rapidfire-s-buy-rad-s-big-order WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—Security 101 has launched Safe Learning 101, a comprehensive new program developed in collaboration with nationally recognized school security expert Wayne Black.  Safe Learning 101 brings together consulting expertise and the ability to design, implement and support proactive security strategies and modern infrastructure, establishing the first program of its kind to formally unite an independent school security authority with a nationally scaled integrator. “There are many reasons children get hurt in schools, but there is not one good reason,” said Black. “With the Safe Learning 101 approach, we give schools a clear, independent path forward, identifying risks, prioritizing what matters most and implementing practical steps that prevent violence before it happens.” An expert on school safety, Black has conducted hundreds of school security evaluations across the country, authored “School (IN)Security” and served as an expert in several high-profile school violence cases, including Parkland and Uvalde. His firm, Wayne Black & Associates, advises school systems, law firms, law enforcement agencies and public sector leaders on threat assessment, risk mitigation and emergency preparedness. Safe Learning 101 provides a unified, consultative experience by combining: Strategic planning tailored to each school’s environment, culture and resource constraints Technology design and deployment delivered by Security 101’s nationwide engineering and integration teams Grant preparation and RFP development support, helping schools secure critical funding Security 101 then designs, installs and supports the integrated security systems that bring the consultant’s recommendations to life. Safe Learning 101 is the first launch of Safe Systems 101, Security 101’s new program designed to scale independently led, vertically tailored security initiatives across multiple industries. While Safe Learning 101 is the flagship program, Security 101 plans to expand the Safe Systems 101 framework into additional sectors where organizations face rising operational risk, tightening compliance requirements and a growing need for strategic security partnerships. These include healthcare, government, multifamily environments and other high-risk or highly regulated verticals. Pye-Barker Fire & Safety acquires Philadelphia Detection Systems ATLANTA—Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Philadelphia Detection Systems, bolstering fire alarm and security services surrounding Philadelphia. The transaction allows Pye-Barker to provide enhanced customer service in the area and help protect more businesses and lives from life safety threats. Philadelphia Detection Systems provides fire and burglar detection, video surveillance, access control and communication systems, serving New Jersey and Philadelphia. An innovator in the fire alarm space, Philadelphia Detection Systems has served customers with design, installation, and ongoing service and inspection since 1987. "For nearly 30 years, Philadelphia Detection Systems has been here to help protect what matters most for our community," said Stewart Rose, owner of Philadelphia Detection Systems. "I feel lucky to now have the national resources of Pye-Barker to help us serve customers better with additional fire protection solutions." Pye-Barker additionally acquired Low Volt Ninja in Philadelphia, which also focuses on fire alarm and security system services for commercial, industrial and residential customers. Along with Philadelphia Detection Systems, Low Volt Ninja helps expand Pye-Barker's full-service life safety solutions in the region. Philadelphia Detection Systems and Low Volt Ninja will continue to serve customers in Philadelphia and New Jersey as part of Pye-Barker. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP, represented Pye-Barker in these transactions. RapidFire Safety & Security acquires ACT Low Voltage ST. LOUIS—RapidFire Safety & Security has acquired ACT Low Voltage (ACT), expanding RapidFire’s Texas footprint and accelerating growth in the Dallas–Fort Worth market. Founded in 2010, ACT Low Voltage is a NICET-certified, NFPA-compliant provider specializing in the installation and maintenance of commercial fire alarm systems across Dallas–Fort Worth. This acquisition strengthens RapidFire’s presence in a high-growth region and broadens its ability to serve customers with expanded fire protection and electronic security capabilities, including access control, video surveillance, and integrated life safety systems. ACT’s team will continue supporting customers locally, backed by RapidFire’s additional resources and regional scale.  The acquisition reflects RapidFire’s acquisition-driven growth strategy to expand its regional footprint and build scaled capabilities in high-growth markets.  “We’re excited to welcome ACT to RapidFire as we continue to expand in one of our fastest-growing markets,” said Bob Ricucci, chief revenue officer of RapidFire Safety & Security. “ACT adds strong local relationships and expertise that accelerates our growth in DFW and helps us deliver a broader set of fire and security solutions."  “This marks a new chapter for ACT, its employees, and its customers. All team members will remain in place to ensure continuity, preserve trusted relationships, and maintain the service standards our customers rely on,” said Bryan Bingham, owner of ACT Low Voltage. “This decision was thoughtfully made to support growth and new opportunities under RapidFire ownership, while continuing the high standard ACT has delivered for years. Thank you to everyone who helped build ACT and support its future success."  Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC served as legal counsel for the transaction. Guardian Protection acquires accounts from Chorus SmartSecure  PITTSBURGH—Guardian Protection has acquired approximately 6,000 customer accounts from Chorus SmartSecure, a privately owned company that has operated since 2019.  Chorus has locations in Texas (formerly operating as BSG) and in Alabama, where it installs monitored residential and commercial security systems. The acquisition will grow Guardian’s presence in Austin and San Antonio and help expand Guardian’s brand to Alabama. It marks the fifth for Guardian since 2021, and plans are underway to continue its strategy.  “From the beginning, our aim has been to deliver ‘Smart security, Made Simple.’ with a focus on a strong customer experience,” said Chorus President Rob Hardman. “This partnership with Guardian maximizes that commitment and brings additional scale, resources, and monitoring expertise that align with our commitment to bring harmony to the lives of our customers. We’re grateful to continue serving our expanding market as an authorized Guardian security provider and prepared to support a smooth, coordinated transition for every customer.” In the coming months, Chorus customers will transition from Chorus’ third-party monitoring center to Guardian’s U.L-certified, Five Diamond accredited monitoring facilities and in-house customer services. As part of this agreement, Chorus will continue to serve its markets as an authorized Guardian Protection dealer, creating a partnership approach that combines Chorus’ local sales, marketing, and operations expertise with Guardian’s national scale, in-house monitoring capabilities, and customer support resources. “We have been very thoughtful and deliberate with our acquisition approach, focusing on opportunities that complement our account base and provide us strategic opportunities for continued growth. I expect to continue pursuing acquisition opportunities that make sense for us,” said Guardian President Bryan Cipoletti. Motorola Solutions acquires HyperYou CHICAGO—Motorola Solutions has announced the acquisition of HyperYou, Inc. (Hyper), a conversational, agentic artificial intelligence (AI) provider designed to reduce the burden on understaffed public safety answering points (PSAPs) by handling non-emergency calls.  Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This acquisition expands Motorola Solutions’ use of agentic AI across its Command Center portfolio and mission-critical AI, Assist. The company also plans to roll out additional specialized AI agents that understand the context of 911 calls, radio traffic and other data sources to take emergency actions.  “Hyper’s agentic AI is helping us better manage high volumes of non-emergency calls and reduce the strain put on our call handlers and dispatchers,” said Ashish Kakkad, chief information officer at the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. “By automating the routing of non-emergency calls, our telecommunicators can focus more of their time on emergency situations that require judgment, empathy and critical thinking. It’s a practical use of technology that improves outcomes for our community.”  In addition to the new capabilities powered by Hyper’s technology, the company plans to roll out new Assist Agents to help save time and increase the effectiveness of emergency response. These agents will focus on removing language barriers in real-time between the 911 caller and call handler while guiding call handlers through complex emergency scenarios and accelerating the delivery of life-saving resources that will help support the incident.  Fortreum acquires Kovr.AI to expand AI-driven cyber compliance capabilities LANSDOWNE, Va.—Fortreum has acquired Kovr.AI, adding a FedRAMP-authorized, artificial intelligence (AI)-native compliance platform to its cybersecurity assessment and advisory business as organizations face increasing pressure to navigate complex regulatory frameworks without sacrificing audit integrity. The acquisition pairs Fortreum’s practitioner-led, independent assessment model with Kovr.AI’s automated compliance technology, enabling organizations to manage the full compliance lifecycle - from readiness and evidence preparation to formal assessments and continuous monitoring - across standards such as FedRAMP, CMMC 2.0, DOD SRG, NIST CSF 2.0 and GovRAMP. Fortreum CEO and co-founder James Leach said the deal is aimed at enhancing the quality and defensibility of assessments, rather than simply accelerating them. “This acquisition is about doing AI right - making our assessments better, not just faster,” he said. “Our clients choose Fortreum because our findings represent genuine, independent judgment. By combining that human expertise with an AI platform already validated by the national security community, we’re raising the bar for what credible compliance looks like.” Fortreum will continue to operate as an independent assessor, including its roles as a CMMC C3PAO and FedRAMP assessment organization. The company emphasized that Kovr’s platform is designed to complement existing managed service providers, readiness consultants and compliance tools rather than replace them. CENTEGIX announces acquisition of Pikmykid ATLANTA—CENTEGIX, a K-12 school safety and emergency response technology provider, has acquired Pikmykid, a provider of dismissal management, reunification, and other school safety solutions. Together, the companies will deliver a unified platform that connects the everyday realities of the school day with critical incident response - giving schools a new level of visibility, control, and coordination across student safety. "School safety doesn't begin in an emergency - it's built into every moment of the school day," said Brent Cobb, CEO of CENTEGIX. "By joining forces with Pikmykid, we're connecting the operational moments that schools manage every day with the critical response capabilities they rely on when it matters most. From arrival to dismissal, schools will be able to manage student safety through one platform." Together, CENTEGIX and Pikmykid will deliver a comprehensive approach to student safety that spans: Student monitoring: Real-time visibility and control over student transitions throughout the school day, enabled through Digital Hall Pass Dismissal management: Safer, more efficient coordination of end-of-day pickup Emergency response: Immediate alerting and coordination to initiate and manage critical incident response Reunification: Structured, secure processes for reuniting students with approved caregivers during emergencies Campus-wide visibility: Real-time awareness to support faster, more informed decision-making during emergencies Connected school communities: Seamless coordination between school staff and families Research: Connected building systems result in 20% average increase in operating efficiency LAS VEGAS—Parks Associates and DOOR released new research - From Smart Home to Building Intelligence - at ISC West, highlighting the operational impact of connected building technologies in multifamily properties. As the industry transitions from standalone smart home and security solutions to integrated building intelligence platforms, the research shows that integrated systems are transforming multifamily property management through centralized visibility, automation, and data-driven operations. Key research findings from Parks Associates include: 20% average increase in operating efficiency from connected building deployments. 18% reduction in operating costs through integrated smart building technologies. 19% reduction in energy costs and 18% reduction in water costs with smart building systems. 21% decrease in safety and security incidents among properties deploying connected building solutions. “Smart building technologies are evolving into core operational infrastructure for multifamily properties,” said Kristen Hanich, senior director of research, Parks Associates. “When access control, IoT signals, and property data are integrated into centralized platforms, operators gain real-time visibility and automation capabilities that improve safety, efficiency, and operational resilience.” The research highlights access control as a core component within the broader Building Intelligence framework, connecting identity, device data, and property operations through centralized platforms. Currently, 70% of multifamily companies report deploying smart door locks in at least one property, rising to 91% among luxury properties, as operators implement connected systems to manage resident, staff, and vendor access across portfolios. RAD expands data center security footprint to 30 units at single site   DETROIT—Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX), along with its wholly owned subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices Inc. (RAD), has secured an order for 10 additional RIO Mini autonomous solar-powered security towers from an existing Midwest-based construction client. The units will soon be deployed at a large-scale data center development site, bringing the client’s total planned deployment at this single location to 30 RIO Mini units, each operating with SARA (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent). “Large-scale data center developments represent some of the most critical infrastructure projects underway today,” said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD. “These sites demand continuous awareness and response from the earliest stages of construction through full operation. What we are seeing is a clear shift toward autonomous security as a practical and scalable solution during this phase. Expanding to 30 RIO Mini units at a single location reflects both the customer’s confidence in our technology and the growing role that SARA is playing in securing complex, high-value environments.” Upon deployment of these additional 10 units, the 30-unit RIO Mini footprint at this location is expected to earn the company more than $500,000 in annual recurring revenue (ARR), reinforcing the company’s expanding base of contracted revenue and continued progress toward achieving positive operating cash flow. The customer’s growth from an initial deployment to a 30-unit footprint at a single site reflects a repeatable expansion pattern as large scale construction projects advance and security requirements increase. SAGE Integration appoints Matthew LaRue as critical infrastructure manager  KENT, Ohio—SAGE Integration has announced the appointment of Matthew (Matt) LaRue as critical infrastructure manager. LaRue is an accomplished security professional with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and expansion across the security and technology sectors. Throughout his career, he has managed large-scale accounts in the utility, petrochemical, and energy industries, led high-performing sales teams, and played a key role in revenue growth in the energy sector. His expertise includes acquisition management, relationship management, and operations, making him a trusted industry expert. “We are thrilled to welcome Matt LaRue to the SAGE Integration team,” said John Nemerofsky, chief operating officer, SAGE Integration. “Matt’s proven leadership, industry expertise, and commitment to client success align perfectly with our values and vision for growth. We look forward to the impact he will make as we continue to deliver exceptional solutions and service to our clients.”    SmartSights names Michael Santoli vice president, enterprise sales AUSTIN, Texas—SmartSights, a provider of operational intelligence software for industrial plants, announced that it has appointed Michael Santoli as vice president of enterprise sales. SmartSights is backed by Capstreet, a Houston-based lower middle market private equity firm. “We are delighted to welcome Michael to SmartSights,” said Corey Rhoden, CEO of SmartSights. “His experience in enterprise sales combined with his understanding of the industrial manufacturing sector will be a key asset as we look to build our sales organization. Plus, Michael’s background in bridging software solutions with frontline operational needs aligns neatly with our focus on operational excellence.” Santoli joins SmartSights from Redzone Production Systems, a workforce solution provider for manufacturing companies, where he served as sales director. Previously, he was a senior sales engineer at factory automation equipment manufacturer Keyence Corporation. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from SUNY Fredonia. Camelot Secure wins 2026 CIO 100 Award for AI-driven cybersecurity automation COLUMBIA, Md.—Camelot Secure has been named a 2026 CIO 100 Award winner for its use of agentic artificial intelligence (AI) and orchestration to automate threat hunting, infrastructure workflows, and incident response within its Secure360 platform. The CIO 100 Awards, now in their 40th year, recognize organizations that use technology to drive measurable business outcomes, including operational efficiency, innovation, and improved security performance. “The CIOs we’re recognizing this year aren’t just keeping the lights on, they’re driving the business,” said Richard Smith, head of event content, CIO 100 Awards & Conference. “AI, data, security, cloud; it all lands on the same desk now, and the best CIOs have stopped treating them as separate problems. The 2026 class shows what it looks like when you get that right.” Camelot Secure’s Secure360 platform is designed to help organizations address key cybersecurity challenges, including automating threat hunting, reducing security operations center (SOC) workload, improving incident response times, and orchestrating security workflows across tools and teams. The 2026 CIO 100 Award winners will be honored at the CIO 100 Awards & Conference, Aug. 17–19, 2026, at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa in Frisco, Texas.  2026-04-15T10:24:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/in-brief-security-101-s-school-strategy-rapidfire-s-buy-rad-s-big-order#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/residential-security-hits-reset Residential security is growing - but not in the way it once did.According to a new Parks Associates research report commissioned by the Electronic Security Association (ESA), nearly half of U.S. households now use some form of home security solution.That milestone signals momentum, but it also underscores a deeper shift underway - security is no longer defined by a single system, long-term contract, or intrusion detection alone.In Q2 2025, 48% of U.S. households reported owning a home security solution, up from 38% in 2022 - an increase representing roughly 12 million new households. While professionally installed and monitored systems remain foundational to the market, growth is increasingly driven by alternative entry points. Device-only households - those using cameras or video doorbells without a full system - have doubled over the past three years and now account for 14% of U.S. households.That shift has major implications for the industry. Consumers are assembling security incrementally, often starting with a single device and layering in services as their needs evolve. Cameras, video doorbells, and smart locks have become the “front door” to security adoption, especially for households seeking protection without long-term contracts. Security, in effect, has moved from a one-time purchase to an ongoing experience - one that rewards providers who focus on lifecycle engagement rather than just installation.Recurring monthly revenue (RMR) remains central to that experience, but it is expanding beyond traditional monitoring. Parks Associates found that 35% of U.S. households now pay for some type of security-related service, including professional monitoring, alerts, or video storage tied to a system or stand-alone device.Professional monitoring still accounts for nearly two-thirds of paid services and delivers the highest satisfaction levels, reinforcing its enduring value. At the same time, paid self-monitoring, device-based subscriptions, and hybrid models are gaining traction as consumers look for affordability and flexibility.Consumer behavior highlights clear trade-offs. Half of households that moved from self-monitoring to professional monitoring cited being unavailable during a security event, while others pointed to insufficient detection. These findings point to a growing opportunity for hybrid approaches that blend do-it-yourself (DIY) convenience with professional backup - a model that preserves trust while meeting modern expectations.Across every segment of the report, video emerges as the center of gravity. Cameras are now the most commonly adopted security device, the most frequent post-install add-on, and the clearest driver of consumer value.Forty-four percent of security system owners acquired a camera as part of their system, while another 14% added one after installation. Even among professionally monitored households, video devices are the most frequently added components, reinforcing a market-wide shift toward video-centric security experiences.Consumers increasingly view cameras as the “eyes and ears” of the home, delivering context and verification that sensors alone cannot provide. That demand for context is fueling another critical shift: the rise of verification and intelligence-driven services.With growing frustration around false alarms - and increasing pressure from municipalities - consumers are gravitating toward artificial intelligence (AI)-powered analytics, sensor fusion, and human-in-the-loop services. Seventy percent of security system owners find video verification highly appealing, while strong majorities express interest in AI-driven analysis and live agent response.Live agent services, in particular, signal a move from reactive alerts to proactive intervention. When a trained professional can interact with an unfamiliar individual detected on video, security outcomes improve, false dispatches decline and trust deepens - not just with homeowners, but with public safety stakeholders as well. For providers, verification is no longer merely a compliance issue; it is becoming a differentiator and a justification for recurring revenue.Perhaps most telling, the report shows that future growth lies increasingly beyond intrusion detection. Security system owners express strong interest in add-on services such as fire and gas monitoring, vehicle monitoring, and water leak detection. Even households without a security system show high interest in targeted safety services, pointing to opportunities for modular offerings that do not require full system adoption. These services extend protection beyond the home’s walls and open new entry points for both traditional providers and new market entrants.Competition in residential security has never been broader, spanning traditional dealers, DIY brands, tech platforms, internet service providers (ISPs), utilities, and cross-industry players. Yet amid that fragmentation, one constant remains: trust. Parks Associates consistently finds higher satisfaction among professionally monitored households, reinforcing the long-term value of reliability, accountability, and service continuity.The message from the data is clear. Residential security is expanding, but success in 2026 and beyond will favor integrators that embrace intelligence-driven services, verification, and flexible models - while redefining their role from installer to trusted safety advisor in an increasingly connected lifestyle.  2026-04-15T06:20:15-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/residential-security-hits-reset#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/flock-safety-introduces-audit-assistance-tool-for-accountable-public-safety-technology ATLANTA—Flock has announced the launch of Trust & Compliance, a suite of products and services bringing together best-in-class data privacy controls, transparency tools, and accountability features under one unified system.In a time where public safety technology has faced more scrutiny than ever before, Flock has dedicated significant resources to a dedicated Trust & Compliance program, as five states have already passed legislation related to Flock’s flagship product, Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology.Central to this launch is the general availability of a new tool, Audit Assistance, which continuously monitors system activity and surfaces search patterns that fall outside an agency’s typical usage. With Audit Assistance, agency administrators will be able to proactively see when activity warrants a closer look, allowing them to review, document, and respond to potential concerns earlier.While Flock has always retained audit records for every ALPR search, the auditing process has traditionally been manual, tedious, and reactive. Audit Assistance makes this process proactive, surfacing searches that might require further review directly for system administrators or command staff, saving time and shoring up trust around ALPR technology in communities.Audit Assistance is built directly into the Flock platform and available to any agency at no additional cost, just like all of Flock’s Trust & Compliance products.“This audit tool ensures every LPR search is accountable, transparent, and aligned with our department policies. By automating compliance we are strengthening public trust while advancing our use of technology to fight crime,” said Major Hudson Bull, commander of the Fairfax County, Va., Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center (RTCC). Fairfax County PD was an early adopter and test user of the Audit Assistance tool.“Flock is the only system we have that has ever built an algorithm that has notified us of any type of bias. We would love all our vendors to do that,” said Major Patrick Krieg of the Dunwoody, Ga., Police Department.Trust & Compliance reflects Flock’s broader vision - that responsible public safety technology is not just about solving crime; it’s about building systems of oversight that allow communities to trust the tools their agencies use.“Public safety technology should come with the same built-in accountability standards we expect from any other tool officers use on the job,” said Paige Todd, CPO and co-founder of Flock Safety. “We built Flock because we believe that safety is a fundamental right. In order for communities to truly be invested in the Flock platform, they have to trust its use. Trust & Compliance gives everyone confidence in the use of this technology.”For more information on Trust & Compliance and Flock’s full suite of accountability tools, visit https://www.flocksafety.com/trust.  2026-04-14T19:43:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/flock-safety-introduces-audit-assistance-tool-for-accountable-public-safety-technology#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/guardian-protection-acquires-accounts-from-chorus-smartsecure PITTSBURGH—Guardian Protection has announced the acquisition of approximately 6,000 customer accounts from Chorus SmartSecure, a privately owned company that has operated since 2019.Chorus has locations in Texas (formerly operating as BSG) and in Alabama, where it installs monitored residential and commercial security systems.In the coming months, Chorus customers will transition seamlessly from Chorus’ third-party monitoring center to Guardian’s U.L-certified, Five Diamond accredited monitoring facilities and in-house customer services.As part of this agreement, Chorus will continue to serve its markets as an authorized Guardian Protection dealer, creating a partnership approach that combines Chorus’ local sales, marketing, and operations expertise with Guardian’s national scale, in-house monitoring capabilities, and customer support resources. The acquisition will grow Guardian’s presence in Austin and San Antonio and help expand Guardian’s brand to Alabama.This acquisition marks the fifth for Guardian since 2021, and plans are underway to continue its strategy.“We have been very thoughtful and deliberate with our acquisition approach, focusing on opportunities that complement our account base and provide us strategic opportunities for continued growth. I expect to continue pursuing acquisition opportunities that make sense for us,” said Guardian President Bryan Cipoletti.“From the beginning, our aim has been to deliver ‘Smart security, Made Simple.’ with a focus on a strong customer experience,” said Chorus President Rob Hardman. “This partnership with Guardian maximizes that commitment and brings additional scale, resources, and monitoring expertise that align with our commitment to bring harmony to the lives of our customers. We’re grateful to continue serving our expanding market as an authorized Guardian security provider and prepared to support a smooth, coordinated transition for every customer.” 2026-04-14T16:37:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/guardian-protection-acquires-accounts-from-chorus-smartsecure#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/rapidfire-safety-security-acquires-act-low-voltage ST. LOUIS—RapidFire Safety & Security has acquired ACT Low Voltage (ACT), expanding RapidFire’s Texas footprint and accelerating growth in the Dallas–Fort Worth market.Founded in 2010, ACT Low Voltage is a NICET-certified, NFPA-compliant provider specializing in the installation and maintenance of commercial fire alarm systems across Dallas–Fort Worth.This acquisition strengthens RapidFire’s presence in a high-growth region and broadens its ability to serve customers with expanded fire protection and electronic security capabilities, including access control, video surveillance, and integrated life safety systems. ACT’s team will continue supporting customers locally, backed by RapidFire’s additional resources and regional scale.The acquisition reflects RapidFire’s acquisition-driven growth strategy to expand its regional footprint and build scaled capabilities in high-growth markets.“We’re excited to welcome ACT to RapidFire as we continue to expand in one of our fastest-growing markets,” said Bob Ricucci, chief revenue officer of RapidFire Safety & Security. “ACT adds strong local relationships and expertise that accelerates our growth in DFW and helps us deliver a broader set of fire and security solutions."“This marks a new chapter for ACT, its employees, and its customers. All team members will remain in place to ensure continuity, preserve trusted relationships, and maintain the service standards our customers rely on,” said Bryan Bingham, owner of ACT Low Voltage. “This decision was thoughtfully made to support growth and new opportunities under RapidFire ownership, while continuing the high standard ACT has delivered for years. Thank you to everyone who helped build ACT and support its future success."Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC served as legal counsel for the transaction.  2026-04-14T12:20:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/rapidfire-safety-security-acquires-act-low-voltage#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/security-101-launches-safe-learning-101 WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—Security 101 has announced the launch of Safe Learning 101, a comprehensive new program developed in collaboration with nationally recognized school security expert Wayne Black.Safe Learning 101 brings together consulting expertise and the ability to design, implement and support proactive security strategies and modern infrastructure, establishing the first program of its kind to formally unite an independent school security authority with a nationally scaled integrator.An expert on school safety, Black has conducted hundreds of school security evaluations across the country, authored “School (IN)Security” and served as an expert in several high-profile school violence cases, including Parkland and Uvalde. His firm, Wayne Black & Associates, advises school systems, law firms, law enforcement agencies and public sector leaders on threat assessment, risk mitigation and emergency preparedness.“There are many reasons children get hurt in schools, but there is not one good reason,” said Black. “With the Safe Learning 101 approach, we give schools a clear, independent path forward, identifying risks, prioritizing what matters most and implementing practical steps that prevent violence before it happens.”A holistic program built for modern learning environmentsSafe Learning 101 supports schools at every stage of their security maturity, from those with minimal infrastructure or limited budgets to districts seeking modernization, proactive tools or system consolidation. The program creates an expert-guided security framework that helps schools identify vulnerabilities and implement practical improvements before incidents occur.The program provides a unified, consultative experience by combining:Strategic planning tailored to each school’s environment, culture and resource constraintsTechnology design and deployment delivered by Security 101’s nationwide engineering and integration teamsGrant preparation and RFP development support, helping schools secure critical fundingSecurity 101 then designs, installs and supports the integrated security systems that bring the consultant’s recommendations to life.This approach ensures schools not only understand their risks, but have clear, scalable pathways to strengthen safety, reduce liability and help prevent incidents before they occur.The Safe Systems 101 frameworkSafe Learning 101 is the first launch of Safe Systems 101, Security 101’s new program designed to scale independently led, vertically tailored security initiatives across multiple industries.While Safe Learning 101 is the flagship program, Security 101 plans to expand the Safe Systems 101 framework into additional sectors where organizations face rising operational risk, tightening compliance requirements and a growing need for strategic security partnerships. These include healthcare, government, multifamily environments and other high-risk or highly regulated verticals.“This program reflects exactly who we are today,” said Greg Daly, CEO of Security 101. “We’re combining the national reach and technical capability of a major integrator with the flexibility, personalization and concierge-level service that sets us apart. Safe Learning 101 gives schools a trusted, independent foundation to build on, and the ability to take immediate steps toward a safer environment.”A national partner for schools, backed by local expertiseWith more than 60 locations across the U.S., Security 101 delivers consistent project management, engineering, installation and service through a growing network of corporate and franchise-owned offices. Each market is led by local experts who understand the needs of their communities while leveraging the technology standards, processes and accountability of a national organization.“Our local presence matters,” Daly added. “Schools get the assurance of a national partner combined with the accountability of a local team. The combination is rare in our industry, and it’s why Safe Learning 101 is uniquely positioned to make a meaningful, immediate impact.”Schools and districts interested in learning about Safe Learning 101 or scheduling a consultation can visit the Safe Learning 101 page.  2026-04-14T11:58:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/security-101-launches-safe-learning-101#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/pye-barker-fire-safety-acquires-philadelphia-detection-systems ATLANTA—Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Philadelphia Detection Systems, bolstering fire alarm and security services surrounding Philadelphia. The transaction allows Pye-Barker to provide enhanced customer service in the area and help protect more businesses and lives from life safety threats.Philadelphia Detection Systems provides fire and burglar detection, video surveillance, access control and communication systems, serving New Jersey and Philadelphia. An innovator in the fire alarm space, Philadelphia Detection Systems has served customers with design, installation, and ongoing service and inspection since 1987."For nearly 30 years, Philadelphia Detection Systems has been here to help protect what matters most for our community," said Stewart Rose, owner of Philadelphia Detection Systems. "I feel lucky to now have the national resources of Pye-Barker to help us serve customers better with additional fire protection solutions.""Philadelphia Detection Systems will be a valuable addition to our team's expertise," said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker. "As industry and local community experts, their integration into Pye-Barker will enhance our customer service surrounding Philadelphia with top-tier fire and life safety support."Pye-Barker additionally acquired Low Volt Ninja in Philadelphia, which also focuses on fire alarm and security system services for commercial, industrial and residential customers. Along with Philadelphia Detection Systems, Low Volt Ninja helps expand Pye-Barker's full-service life safety solutions in the region.Philadelphia Detection Systems and Low Volt Ninja will continue to serve customers in Philadelphia and New Jersey as part of Pye-Barker. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP, represented Pye-Barker in these transactions. 2026-04-14T11:21:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/pye-barker-fire-safety-acquires-philadelphia-detection-systems#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/fortreum-acquires-kovr-ai-to-expand-ai-driven-cyber-compliance-capabilities LANSDOWNE, Va.—Fortreum has acquired Kovr.AI, adding a FedRAMP-authorized, artificial intelligence (AI)-native compliance platform to its cybersecurity assessment and advisory business as organizations face increasing pressure to navigate complex regulatory frameworks without sacrificing audit integrity.The acquisition pairs Fortreum’s practitioner-led, independent assessment model with Kovr.AI’s automated compliance technology, enabling organizations to manage the full compliance lifecycle - from readiness and evidence preparation to formal assessments and continuous monitoring - across standards such as FedRAMP, CMMC 2.0, DOD SRG, NIST CSF 2.0 and GovRAMP.Fortreum CEO and co-founder James Leach said the deal is aimed at enhancing the quality and defensibility of assessments, rather than simply accelerating them.“This acquisition is about doing AI right - making our assessments better, not just faster,” he said. “Our clients choose Fortreum because our findings represent genuine, independent judgment. By combining that human expertise with an AI platform already validated by the national security community, we’re raising the bar for what credible compliance looks like.”Kovr.AI’s platform is built around a patented “build once, map anywhere” architecture that allows security controls and evidence to be developed once and automatically mapped across multiple compliance frameworks. The goal, according to the companies, is to reduce duplicative work and allow organizations to pursue multiple certifications in a coordinated manner.Fortreum will continue to operate as an independent assessor, including its roles as a CMMC C3PAO and FedRAMP assessment organization. The company emphasized that Kovr’s platform is designed to complement existing managed service providers, readiness consultants and compliance tools rather than replace them.At the center of Kovr’s technology is Agent Artemis, an agentic AI that provides practitioners with a unified interface into cloud environments, security tools, documentation and evidence repositories. The platform operates in a FedRAMP-authorized, zero data retention environment, with governance controls requiring human review and validation of any AI-generated inputs before findings are delivered to clients.Kovr.AI brings a FedRAMP Moderate Authorization and has already been deployed in highly regulated federal environments, including the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, as well as with organizations such as Accenture Federal Services. That track record was a key factor in the acquisition, Leach said, given the heightened scrutiny around AI use in compliance and audits.Andrew Black, CEO and co-founder of Kovr.AI, said joining Fortreum aligns the platform with the assessment expertise required to complete the compliance journey.“Kovr was built to serve organizations across the entire compliance lifecycle - from building their security posture through the formal assessment that validates it,” he said. “Now our customers gain direct access to the most trusted independent assessor in the market, while Fortreum’s clients gain the most capable AI compliance platform available.”Existing Kovr.AI customers will be able to tap into Fortreum’s assessment services, while Fortreum clients gain access to Kovr’s AI-powered compliance tooling. For channel partners, the companies said, the combined offering should result in smoother assessments that better reflect the depth of readiness work completed ahead of formal audits.The combined Fortreum and Kovr.AI solution is available immediately.  2026-04-14T10:23:32-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/fortreum-acquires-kovr-ai-to-expand-ai-driven-cyber-compliance-capabilities#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/motorola-solutions-acquires-hyperyou CHICAGO—Motorola Solutions has announced the acquisition of HyperYou, Inc. (Hyper), a conversational, agentic artificial intelligence (AI) provider designed to reduce the burden on understaffed public safety answering points (PSAPs) by handling non-emergency calls.Terms of the Hyper transaction were not disclosed. This acquisition expands Motorola Solutions’ use of agentic AI across its Command Center portfolio and mission-critical AI, Assist. The company also plans to roll out additional specialized AI agents that understand the context of 911 calls, radio traffic and other data sources to take emergency actions. This expansion directly addresses a critical industry challenge: Many U.S. PSAPs report being staffed at only 75%, with call handlers often fielding non-emergency calls that can represent more than two-thirds of total volume. Hyper's AI agents can autonomously manage this workload to help reclaim capacity for the most urgent 911 emergencies. The technology is also designed to recognize situational shifts - such as a vehicle breakdown escalating into a multi-car collision - to immediately divert the call to a 911 specialist for critical intervention. “Hyper’s agentic AI is helping us better manage high volumes of non-emergency calls and reduce the strain put on our call handlers and dispatchers,” said Ashish Kakkad, chief information officer at the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. “By automating the routing of non-emergency calls, our telecommunicators can focus more of their time on emergency situations that require judgment, empathy and critical thinking. It’s a practical use of technology that improves outcomes for our community.” “We built Hyper around a simple, non-negotiable truth: when someone calls for help, there can’t be a delay," said Ben Sanders, CEO and co-founder, Hyper. “We're proud to join Motorola Solutions in leading this new wave of agentic AI for the 911 workflow - technology that can move as fast as the crisis at the other end of the call.”In addition to the new capabilities powered by Hyper’s technology, the company plans to roll out new Assist Agents to help save time and increase the effectiveness of emergency response. These agents will focus on removing language barriers in real-time between the 911 caller and call handler while guiding call handlers through complex emergency scenarios and accelerating the delivery of life-saving resources that will help support the incident. “Assist Agents can amplify human attention and accelerate action, giving first responders more time to save more lives,” said Mahesh Saptharishi, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Motorola Solutions. “Assist is already saving public safety agencies hours. With today’s announcement, we’re further accelerating actions to shrink the gap between the moment a caller dials for help and when help arrives.” Motorola Solutions’ Assist Agents feature built-in controls for human supervision so that AI takes autonomous action only when the public safety agency’s pre-determined parameters are met. The company is committed to responsible AI innovation that transparently augments, rather than replaces, human judgment, decision making and control.  2026-04-14T09:22:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/motorola-solutions-acquires-hyperyou#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/adt-adds-live-light-and-my-safety-to-adt-platform BOCA RATON, Fla.—ADT has announced two additions to the ADT+ platform - Live Light, an illuminated, wireless yard sign that directly connects to the ADT+ system, and My Safety, a personal safety service in the ADT+ app that empowers customers with protection, seamless connection, and a network of shared safety.Delivering smarter protection through ADT’s next-generation technology, ADT+ brings together purpose-built hardware, connected devices, professional monitoring and a unified digital experience into one fully integrated smart security ecosystem. With Live Light and My Safety, the ADT+ Security System continues to evolve - extending protection beyond the front door and enabling more intelligent, responsive security at home and on the go.Live Light wirelessly connects to the ADT+ system and illuminates during an alarm event, giving first responders an immediate visual signal and letting potential intruders know your home is actively protected.Real-Time Alarm Visibility — Illuminates when the alarm is triggered, helping first responders identify the location of an emergency.Enhanced Security Signaling — Signals to would-be intruders that the home is under live, professional monitoring by ADT.App-Controlled — Turn illumination on or off anytime from ADT+.Price: $49.99 with professional installation. Learn more about Live Light."We are advancing the ADT+ platform, delivering smarter protection, greater peace of mind, and seamless, real-time control,” said Naveen Chhangani, chief product officer, ADT.My Safety transforms the ADT+ app into a direct line to ADT's nationwide monitoring network - whether you're on a late-night run, commuting, or anywhere you need added peace of mind.Safety Timer — Automatically escalates if a check-in is missed, so help is alerted even if you can't respond.Direct-to-ADT Call — One tap connects you to a live ADT monitoring agent.Emergency Text — Silently message ADT monitoring when speaking isn't safe or possible.Emergency Phrase — A custom verbal cue that triggers help, even when your phone isn't in hand.Price: Free for all ADT+ professional monitoring subscribers. Learn more about My Safety.“Peace of mind shouldn’t stop at the front door,” said Jimmy Lin, ADT vice president, product management. “My Safety brings the strength of ADT’s professional monitoring network into everyday life, creating a smarter, more connected layer of personal security while on the go.”  2026-04-14T09:00:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/adt-adds-live-light-and-my-safety-to-adt-platform#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/camelot-secure-wins-2026-cio-100-award-for-ai-driven-cybersecurity-automation COLUMBIA, Md.—Camelot Secure has been named a 2026 CIO (Chief Information Officer) 100 Award winner for its use of agentic artificial intelligence (AI) and orchestration to automate threat hunting, infrastructure workflows, and incident response within its Secure360 platform.The CIO 100 Awards, now in their 40th year, recognize organizations that use technology to drive measurable business outcomes, including operational efficiency, innovation, and improved security performance.“The CIOs we’re recognizing this year aren’t just keeping the lights on, they’re driving the business,” said Richard Smith, head of event content, CIO 100 Awards & Conference. “AI, data, security, cloud; it all lands on the same desk now, and the best CIOs have stopped treating them as separate problems. The 2026 class shows what it looks like when you get that right.”Camelot Secure’s Secure360 platform is designed to help organizations address key cybersecurity challenges, including automating threat hunting, reducing security operations center (SOC) workload, improving incident response times, and orchestrating security workflows across tools and teams.The proof-of-concept integration is an agentic AI architecture that enables security teams to move from reactive operations to automated, intelligence-driven cybersecurity workflows.The Secure360 platform leverages AI agents to manage complex, multi-step security processes through two key components:Orchestration Agent – Interprets natural language requests and routes them to the appropriate security workflow.Agentic AI Workflows – Multi-step AI agents that automate threat hunting, data collection, and infrastructure automation tasks.This architecture enables organizations to automate repetitive security tasks, reduce analysis time, improve detection and response speed, and increase SOC efficiency.“This recognition reflects a major shift in cybersecurity - organizations are actively looking for ways to automate threat hunting, reduce SOC workload, and improve incident response with AI,” said Stan Oliver, CEO, Camelot Secure. “With Secure360, we’re using agentic AI and orchestration to automate multi-step security workflows, giving teams faster detection, less manual effort, and more accurate threat response.”The 2026 CIO 100 Award winners will be honored at the CIO 100 Awards & Conference, Aug. 17–19, 2026, at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa in Frisco, Texas.  2026-04-13T14:13:43-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/camelot-secure-wins-2026-cio-100-award-for-ai-driven-cybersecurity-automation#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sage-integration-appoints-matthew-larue-as-critical-infrastructure-manager KENT, Ohio—SAGE Integration has announced the appointment of Matthew (Matt) LaRue as critical infrastructure manager.LaRue is an accomplished security professional with a proven track record of driving operational excellence and expansion across the security and technology sectors.Throughout his career, he has managed large-scale accounts in the utility, petrochemical, and energy industries, led high-performing sales teams, and played a key role in revenue growth in the Energy sector. His expertise includes acquisition management, relationship management, and operations, making him a trusted industry expert.“We are thrilled to welcome Matt LaRue to the SAGE Integration team,” said John Nemerofsky, chief operating officer, SAGE Integration. “Matt’s proven leadership, industry expertise, and commitment to client success align perfectly with our values and vision for growth. We look forward to the impact he will make as we continue to deliver exceptional solutions and service to our clients.”    2026-04-13T10:23:09-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sage-integration-appoints-matthew-larue-as-critical-infrastructure-manager#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/smartsights-names-michael-santoli-vice-president-enterprise-sales AUSTIN, Texas—SmartSights, a provider of operational intelligence software for industrial plants, announced that it has appointed Michael Santoli as vice president of enterprise sales. SmartSights is backed by Capstreet, a Houston-based lower middle market private equity firm.“We are delighted to welcome Michael to SmartSights,” said Corey Rhoden, CEO of SmartSights. “His experience in enterprise sales combined with his understanding of the industrial manufacturing sector will be a key asset as we look to build our sales organization. Plus, Michael’s background in bridging software solutions with frontline operational needs aligns neatly with our focus on operational excellence.”Santoli joins SmartSights from Redzone Production Systems, a workforce solution provider for manufacturing companies, where he served as sales director. Previously, he was a senior sales engineer at factory automation equipment manufacturer Keyence Corporation. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from SUNY Fredonia.“Having seen the impact of data-driven engagement on manufacturing teams, I look forward to helping SmartSights’ customers move beyond legacy systems and empower shop-floor teams with real-time, actionable data,” said Santoli.  2026-04-13T08:34:53-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/smartsights-names-michael-santoli-vice-president-enterprise-sales#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/rad-expands-data-center-security-footprint-to-30-units-at-single-site DETROIT—Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX), along with its wholly owned subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices Inc. (RAD), has secured an order for 10 additional RIO Mini autonomous solar-powered security towers from an existing Midwest-based construction client.The units will soon be deployed at a large-scale data center development site, bringing the client’s total planned deployment at this single location to 30 RIO Mini units, each operating with SARA (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent).The expansion comes as data center development accelerates across North America, with hundreds of new facilities currently under construction or in advanced planning to support growing demand for cloud computing and AI infrastructure. These large-scale projects often span extensive footprints and multi-year timelines, creating prolonged periods where valuable materials, equipment, and critical infrastructure are exposed before permanent security systems are in place.This environment is driving increased adoption of rapidly deployable, autonomous security solutions capable of providing continuous coverage and intelligent response throughout the construction phase.Upon deployment of these additional 10 units, the 30-unit RIO Mini footprint at this location is expected to earn the company more than $500,000 in annual recurring revenue (ARR), reinforcing the company’s expanding base of contracted revenue and continued progress toward achieving positive operating cash flow. The customer’s growth from an initial deployment to a 30-unit footprint at a single site reflects a repeatable expansion pattern as large scale construction projects advance and security requirements increase.“Large-scale data center developments represent some of the most critical infrastructure projects underway today,” said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD. “These sites demand continuous awareness and response from the earliest stages of construction through full operation. What we are seeing is a clear shift toward autonomous security as a practical and scalable solution during this phase. Expanding to 30 RIO Mini units at a single location reflects both the customer’s confidence in our technology and the growing role that SARA is playing in securing complex, high-value environments.”RAD anticipates further expansion with this client as the data center development progresses, with additional deployments aligned to evolving site requirements. The company continues to see similar opportunities across large-scale construction projects where security needs increase in step with project complexity and asset concentration.  2026-04-13T06:56:40-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/rad-expands-data-center-security-footprint-to-30-units-at-single-site#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/research-connected-building-systems-20-average-increase-in-operating-efficiency LAS VEGAS—Parks Associates and DOOR released new research - From Smart Home to Building Intelligence - at ISC West, highlighting the operational impact of connected building technologies in multifamily properties.As the industry transitions from standalone smart home and security solutions to integrated building intelligence platforms, the research shows that integrated systems are transforming multifamily property management through centralized visibility, automation, and data-driven operations.Key research findings from Parks Associates include:20% average increase in operating efficiency from connected building deployments.18% reduction in operating costs through integrated smart building technologies.19% reduction in energy costs and 18% reduction in water costs with smart building systems.21% decrease in safety and security incidents among properties deploying connected building solutions.“Smart building technologies are evolving into core operational infrastructure for multifamily properties,” said Kristen Hanich, senior director of research, Parks Associates. “When access control, IoT signals, and property data are integrated into centralized platforms, operators gain real-time visibility and automation capabilities that improve safety, efficiency, and operational resilience.”“Multifamily is moving beyond point solutions toward a more integrated way of operating,” said Dave Lillis, CEO of DOOR. “As these systems come together, operators can run their properties with greater clarity and control. Building Intelligence is what makes that possible.”The research highlights access control as a core component within the broader Building Intelligence framework, connecting identity, device data, and property operations through centralized platforms. Currently, 70% of multifamily companies report deploying smart door locks in at least one property, rising to 91% among luxury properties, as operators implement connected systems to manage resident, staff, and vendor access across portfolios.From Smart Home to Building Intelligence is available to download. The analysis draws on surveys of more than 700 apartment residents in U.S. internet households and over 300 decision makers at multifamily property companies, supplemented by executive interviews conducted between 2024 and 2025.   2026-04-09T15:28:22-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/research-connected-building-systems-20-average-increase-in-operating-efficiency#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/zeroeyes-partners-with-ark-strategic-to-provide-3d-mapping-solution PHILADELPHIA—ZeroEyes has announced a partnership with Ark Strategic to provide a 3D mapping solution.Available in limited release, it delivers situational awareness at a level of detail and responsiveness far beyond traditional mapping solutions, empowering schools, law enforcement, and first responders to act with confidence in critical moments.Ark Strategic’s 3D mapping solution blends cutting-edge aerial and interior mapping technologies to deliver operational intelligence for its customers. Proprietary drone systems, equipped with high-resolution sensors and custom flight profiles, capture precise imagery of a building’s exterior, which integrates seamlessly into the Ark platform, giving security teams complete situational awareness of every building, sight line, and exterior asset.Inside, LIDAR and AI-powered point clouds create fully colorized, interactive 3D maps, enabling users to locate and navigate to critical assets, from Automated External Defibrillator (AEDs) to security camera locations, with ease. When integrating the exterior and interior intelligence with ZeroEyes AI threat detection software, the solution empowers first responders to quickly identify critical assets, enhance situational awareness, and respond to threats with greater speed and precision.“Partnering with Ark Strategic to provide 3D mapping capabilities gives our customers and first responders a complete, real-time operational picture, inside and outside the building,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “By combining AI-based gun and knife detection, immersive 3D mapping, and our 24/7 U.S.-based Operations Center, we’re enabling faster, more precise responses when every second matters.”The solution integrates with ZeroEyes’ AI threat detection software, which layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun or knife is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence - including visual description, weapon type, and last known location - to security teams and law enforcement as quickly as three to five seconds from detection. When a detection occurs at a location mapped in 3D, each camera alert is automatically tied to its exact position on the map, enabling responders to navigate instantly to the area of concern. The system is entirely cloud-based, requiring no installation for local law enforcement. Annotated maps display camera placement, fields of view, and potential blind spots, while operational layers and interactive measurements empower security teams to assess situations and make informed decisions quickly.“Situational awareness is only as strong as the accuracy and accessibility of the information behind it,” said Daniel Hamm, CEO, Ark Strategic. “By partnering with ZeroEyes, we’re bringing highly detailed 3D mapping and real-time threat intelligence to give first responders and security teams a clearer, more actionable view of their environment. This integration ensures that when an incident occurs, teams aren’t just reacting; they’re navigating with precision, speed, and confidence.”This news comes on the heels of ZeroEyes’ recent launch of knife detection, real time threat geolocation, and general analytics capabilities, further affirming the company's commitment to building out a comprehensive security “one-stop shop” that integrates real-time alerts, operational awareness, and investigative insights.   2026-04-08T19:32:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/zeroeyes-partners-with-ark-strategic-to-provide-3d-mapping-solution#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/centegix-announces-acquisition-of-pikmykid ATLANTA—CENTEGIX, a K-12 school safety and emergency response technology provider, has acquired Pikmykid, a provider of dismissal management, reunification, and other school safety solutions.Together, the companies will deliver a unified platform that connects the everyday realities of the school day with critical incident response - giving schools a new level of visibility, control, and coordination across student safety.For more than a decade, Pikmykid has helped schools bring structure and safety to some of the most complex and challenging times of the day. Its platform is widely recognized for transforming manual processes around student monitoring into coordinated, secure workflows that improve both safety and efficiency.From classroom transitions to early pickups and dismissal, schools manage hundreds of student transitions every day - often without real-time visibility or control. While most safety solutions focus on isolated moments, schools face risk across the entire day.The two companies aim to close that gap as CENTEGIX will begin integrating Pikmykid's capabilities into its Safety Platform immediately, with a focus on delivering a seamless experience for customers."School safety doesn't begin in an emergency - it's built into every moment of the school day," said Brent Cobb, CEO of CENTEGIX. "By joining forces with Pikmykid, we're connecting the operational moments that schools manage every day with the critical response capabilities they rely on when it matters most. From arrival to dismissal, schools will be able to manage student safety through one platform."Together, CENTEGIX and Pikmykid will deliver a comprehensive approach to student safety that spans:Student Monitoring: Real-time visibility and control over student transitions throughout the school day, enabled through Digital Hall PassDismissal Management: Safer, more efficient coordination of end-of-day pickupEmergency Response: Immediate alerting and coordination to initiate and manage critical incident responseReunification: Structured, secure processes for reuniting students with approved caregivers during emergenciesCampus-Wide Visibility: Real-time awareness to support faster, more informed decision-making during emergenciesConnected School Communities: Seamless coordination between school staff and familiesThis unified approach enables schools to support a proactive, continuous model where daily operations and emergency preparedness are no longer separate conversations, but part of the same system."School safety isn't just about how you respond in an emergency - it's about how you manage every moment of the school day," said Tony Lake, superintendent of Lindbergh Schools, in St. Louis. "We've used both CENTEGIX and Pikmykid in our district, and bringing them together connects those everyday operational moments with our emergency response in a way that just hasn't existed before. That level of visibility and coordination is a meaningful step forward for schools."The acquisition rounds out CENTEGIX's school safety offerings, supporting the needs of educators, schools, districts, and families by delivering a new standard in comprehensive, layered school safety."Pikmykid was built to solve the real, everyday operational challenges schools face - from dismissal and parent communication to student flow and reunification," said Pat Bhava, CEO and co-founder. "Joining CENTEGIX allows us to extend that foundation - connecting daily operations with emergency response in a way that drives faster decisions, stronger coordination, and safer outcomes for schools and their communities."  2026-04-08T18:57:44-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/centegix-announces-acquisition-of-pikmykid#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-welcomes-amanda-garzon-as-new-chief-operating-officer SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the appointment of Amanda Garzon as chief operating officer (COO).Garzon oversees the association’s strategic execution and day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment across internal functions and delivery of SIA’s programs and initiatives. She is an experienced executive with a background spanning the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.Most recently, Garzon served as COO of the Hydrocephalus Association, where she supported organizational growth and program expansion across a national network of stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers and industry partners. She also led the development of HydroAssist, a mobile app designed to help patients and caregivers manage hydrocephalus treatment.In recognition of her leadership and contributions, the Hydrocephalus Association established the Amanda Garzon Visionary Leadership Award, which is presented annually. She was named one of the Top 20 Advocacy Professionals by the Advocacy Association in 2025, is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Alumni Association and previously served as a Woodrow Wilson School Graduate Fellow at Princeton University.“With Amanda joining our already exceptional team, SIA is poised to deliver additional value to our members and become engaged in new areas that will further SIA’s influence within the industry globally.  Amanda’s perspective and experience will increase SIA’s effectiveness and also ensure that we increase our responsiveness to our members and ensure we deliver the programs that they expect in efficient and innovative ways,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “I know SIA members will enjoy working with her as we build on SIA’s member value, programs and offerings.”Other recent additions to the SIA team include Briana Jeter, senior manager of marketing and events; Courtney Kay, manager of industry relations; and Nicholas Matzerath, coordinator of member services. 2026-04-08T10:16:27-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-welcomes-amanda-garzon-as-new-chief-operating-officer#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/telguard-announces-tg-7fx-sole-path-fire-communicator-for-commercial-applications ATLANTA—Alarm communications provider Telguard has announced the upcoming availability of the TG7FX Sole Path Fire Communicator, a streamlined cellular solution designed to support reliable signal delivery for commercial fire alarm systems. Built for straightforward installations and broad compatibility, the TG7FX delivers exactly what commercial fire applications require: dependable connectivity, universal panel support, and compliance with key fire signaling standards. Designed to be installed inside a UL Listed enclosure and powered directly from the fire panel’s auxiliary output, the TG7FX eliminates the need for added outlets or electrical work, helping simplify deployments across a wide range of fire installations.The TG7FX replaces traditional landlines with LTE cellular service and supports either AT&T or Verizon networks, giving dealers flexibility based on regional coverage needs while introducing a more costefficient option within Telguard’s fire communicator lineup. Using a single DACT connection, the communicator interfaces with virtually any fire panel equipped with a dialer and transmits signals to any central station using commonly supported formats, including CID, SIA, Pulse (4x2, 3x1), Radionics (IIe/3a2,4), and DMP.“TG7FX was designed to meet the everyday needs of commercial fire installations with a focused and simple approach,” said George Brody, president of Telguard. “It delivers the same Telguard reliability, compliance, and support customers expect, in a streamlined communicator built for entry-level and economical applications.” The TG7FX is UL 864 Listed for use in a UL 864 Listed enclosure certified, reinforcing its suitability for commercial fire signaling applications. Compact in size and efficient in power consumption, the communicator is engineered to integrate seamlessly into existing fire system designs.The TG7FX joins Telguard’s comprehensive portfolio of fire alarm communicators, alongside intrusion and residential solutions, offering dealers the flexibility to select the right communicator for each application.TG7FX Features:LTE sole path cellular communicator for commercial fire systemsSupports AT&T or Verizon LTE service (model dependent)Universal compatibility with most fire panelsInstalls in a UL Listed enclosure; powered by panel auxiliary output (12 or 24 VDC)UL 864 Listed for commercial fire signalingBacked by Telguard’s technical supportThe TG7FX is now available for preorder, with general availability expected in June this year. For additional product details or to place a preorder, visit www.telguard.com/product/tg-7fx. For more information, please visit https://www.telguard.com  2026-04-08T09:28:24-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/telguard-announces-tg-7fx-sole-path-fire-communicator-for-commercial-applications#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/security-101-taps-morgan-stanley-to-fuel-next-phase-of-growth WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—Security 101’s acquisition by Morgan Stanley Capital Partners marks a major endorsement of the company’s growth strategy, says Craig Shulman - and a notable first investment by the private equity firm in the security integration space.  Shulman, CFO, says the deal is designed to accelerate the company’s organic growth and support continued mergers and acquisitions, while preserving its local, branch-driven operating model. “Very quickly, it became clear they weren’t just looking to invest in a strong security company,” he said. “They wanted to support our growth strategy and appreciated what we had already built.” A platform investment in security integration Shulman says Morgan Stanley did not have existing holdings in the security integration market, giving Security 101 a distinct position within its portfolio as a platform investment. “They saw us as their platform for security,” he said. “They looked at what was already in place - our national footprint, our execution across complex environments and where the business could go next.” That thesis was supported by Security 101’s increasing mix of national accounts and a localized customer base – a balance the company has worked to preserve as it scales, Shulman says. Capital priorities – organic growth first, M&A alongside While Security 101 has been an active acquirer, Shulman emphasizes that organic growth remains the company’s primary focus under new ownership. “First and foremost, it’s organic growth,” he says. “That means continuing to invest in sales talent and leadership. Sales drives everything.” Morgan Stanley’s backing, he notes, provides additional flexibility to pursue acquisitions -particularly larger targets - but does not fundamentally alter the company’s approach. “We would have continued to do M&A regardless,” Shulman says. “What Morgan Stanley enhances is scale.” Commitment to a branch-driven model A key point of alignment during negotiations, according to Shulman, was Security 101’s commitment to its branch-driven operating model, led by local general managers with end-to-end responsibility for customer relationships. Morgan Stanley, he adds, supported maintaining that structure rather than centralizing operations. “We are 100% committed to a branch-driven model,” he said. “That’s the best way to run a security integration business.” Impact on national accounts and competitiveness Security 101 already operates a national footprint through a mix of company-owned offices and former franchise locations. Shulman says the Morgan Stanley name adds credibility when competing for larger commercial customers. “When national customers see who’s backing us, it reinforces confidence that the capital will be there when investment is required,” he said. Why investors are targeting security integration From a broader industry perspective, Shulman says security integration continues to attract private equity due to its resilience and essential role for commercial customers. “It’s a recession-resistant business,” he says. “Customers still need to protect people, facilities and assets.” For customers and partners, Shulman says the impact is modest operationally. “It’s business as usual,” he says. “What’s changed is the validation that we’re building the right platform, and now it’s about execution – growing the right way and continuing to build the company we set out to create.”  2026-04-08T08:02:00-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/security-101-taps-morgan-stanley-to-fuel-next-phase-of-growth#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/popeyes-dodges-a-fingerprint-fry Popeyes kept its fingers out of the fryer - for now - after a federal judge recently dismissed a biometric privacy lawsuit tied to fingerprint scans at an Illinois franchise.In a March 26 ruling, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois found the fast food chain was not responsible for how a franchisee collected employee data, though not without leaving the door open for the case to return.The lawsuit stemmed from a Popeyes employee in Richton Park, Ill., who alleged violations of the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), one of the most stringent biometric privacy laws in the country. The employee claimed she was required to scan her thumbprint to clock in and out of work and to log into the restaurant’s pointofsale system.According to the complaint, the franchisee failed to obtain written consent, failed to disclose the purpose and retention period for the biometric data, and failed to maintain a publicly available retention and destruction policy - all core requirements under BIPA.The plaintiff also sought to hold Popeyes liable, arguing the company was a joint employer and therefore shared responsibility for the alleged violations. That argument didn’t persuade the court, which ruled the employee failed to show Popeyes had control over the fingerprint scanning system or the underlying employment practices.While the complaint implied a joint employer relationship, the court said it relied on conclusions rather than facts showing Popeyes implemented, oversaw or directed the biometric collection. As a result, the court dismissed the claims against Popeyes.But the decision came with an important qualifier. The dismissal was without prejudice, and the judge granted the plaintiff leave to amend her complaint. The court also declined Popeyes’ request for sanctions, noting there was “some legal basis” for the BIPA claims. In short, this wasn’t a clean win - more of a narrow escape.This case is less about Popeyes than the continued reach of BIPA, nearly two decades after the law was enacted.Failure to follow BIPA’s requirements - even without a data breach - has fueled years of litigation in Illinois. Fingerprint and handscan systems used for timekeeping and access control remain among the most common flashpoints.That risk has already produced multimilliondollar settlements across retail, hospitality and entertainment in the state, including several tied specifically to employee timeclock systems.For franchisors, the ruling offers some reassurance, but it stops well short of blanket protection. Courts continue to focus on control when evaluating liability. The more influence a brand exercises over workplace technology and policies, the harder it becomes to stay at arm’s length in biometric disputes.For franchisees and employers, the message remains direct: biometric tools demand serious compliance attention. Written consent, clear disclosures and retention policies aren’t boxchecking exercises - they’re legal necessities.And for security integrators and technology providers, there’s an increasingly important advisory role at play. Customers may see fingerprint systems as operational upgrades, not legal risks. BIPA has proven otherwise.Integrators who flag biometric compliance considerations early - or urge clients to consult counsel before deploying such systems - can help prevent problems that no update or equipment swap can fix later.Popeyes stepped away from the fryer unchanged, but the heat remains. Dismissed lawsuits don’t eliminate biometric risk, and in Illinois, fingerprint systems continue to come with legal sizzle. Under BIPA, compliance mistakes have a habit of coming back on the menu.  2026-04-08T08:01:00-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/popeyes-dodges-a-fingerprint-fry#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/ssn-poll-integrators-warn-proposed-900-mhz-changes-could-disrupt-system-reliability YARMOUTH, Maine—A strong majority of security professionals say proposed changes to the lower 900 MHz band could disrupt system reliability and force costly technology shifts, according to a recent Security Systems News poll. When asked how concerned they are about potential interference if portions of the band are repurposed, 80% of respondents said they are very concerned, citing risks to system performance and reliability. Another 6.7% said they are somewhat concerned, while 13.3% said they were not concerned or unsure. Those concerns appear likely to influence future technology decisions: Nearly 47% of respondents said they would be very likely to shift away from Z-Wave or other 900 MHz-based technologies if the proposed changes move forward. Another 26.7% said they would evaluate usage on a project-by-project basis. Twenty percent said they would continue using current technologies, while 6.7% said they need more information before making a decision. Several respondents warned that the impact would extend far beyond future installs, potentially affecting millions of already deployed systems. “From everything I have read, this will be destructive across the industry and especially to end users’ deployed systems,” one respondent wrote. Limited support for spectrum changes Support among respondents for reallocating part of the lower 900 MHz band to support a nationwide, 5G-based positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) network was limited. No respondents said the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Forty percent opposed the proposal outright, while another 40% said they would only support changes if strong technical protections for incumbent users are put in place. Twenty percent said more technical data is needed before forming an opinion. Respondents who expressed conditional support emphasized that any changes would need to ensure continued reliability for existing security, life safety and smart home systems. “If NextNav’s proposed network is implemented, receiver sensitivity would significantly deteriorate, and both co-channel and adjacent-channel interference would be so drastic as to make the lower 900 MHz band unusable for most devices in large parts of the service area,” another respondent wrote. Background: what’s at stake As previously reported by SSN, the concerns stem from a petition before the Federal Communications Commission backed by NextNav, a positioning, navigation and timing technology company, seeking to repurpose portions of the lower 900 MHz band to support a nationwide 5G-based PNT network. The lower 900 MHz band is widely used today by unlicensed security and smart home technologies, including alarm panels, sensors, medical alert devices and Z-Wave-based products. Industry groups have warned that introducing higher-power, licensed operations into the band could increase interference, degrade receiver sensitivity and disrupt existing systems. Industry associations, including the Security Industry Association (SIA), Electronic Security Association (ESA) and The Monitoring Association (TMA), have urged the FCC to protect incumbent users, warning that changes could force large-scale equipment replacement or prompt shifts away from long-established wireless platforms. Skepticism about motivations Beyond technical concerns, some respondents expressed skepticism about the intent behind the proposal, questioning whether the benefits justify the risks to existing systems. “This is nothing more than a grab by NextNav to take over 60% of the lower 900 MHz band to resell to AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile as 5G for profit,” one respondent wrote.   2026-04-08T08:00:00-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/ssn-poll-integrators-warn-proposed-900-mhz-changes-could-disrupt-system-reliability#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/in-brief-security-101-pye-barker-make-buys-sia-names-coo-fast-seeks-top-techs WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—Security 101 has acquired Ford Industries, its Salt Lake City, Utah-based franchise operation, further expanding the company’s footprint in the western United States and reinforcing its long-term growth strategy. The acquisition adds an experienced team with deep project capabilities, a solid cultural fit, and valuable federal government customer relationships to the broader Security 101 organization, the company says. “Expanding in Salt Lake City is a meaningful next step in our westward growth strategy,” said Greg Daly, CEO of Security 101. “Ford Industries has built a highly capable team with a strong reputation for technical execution, attention to detail, and customer commitment. Just as important, they are an excellent cultural fit for our organization. We continue to believe that bringing strong franchise partners into the corporate organization is a powerful expression of confidence in where we are headed as a company. It reflects the strength of the broader platform we are building and our continued commitment to growing with people who believe in the mission, the model, and the future of Security 101.” The acquisition also strengthens Security 101’s strategic position in the Mountain West region, expands its ability to support national customers, and positions the company to capitalize on growing demand driven by commercial expansion, infrastructure investment, and evolving security requirements. Nancy Ford, founder and co-owner of Ford Industries, has built the company into a trusted provider of high-quality security solutions through a focus on technology, operational excellence, and customer partnerships. “As a franchisee, we’ve grown with the strength, credibility, and support of the Security 101 brand, and this transition is a natural next step for our team,” said Ford. “We are incredibly proud of what we’ve built and deeply grateful to the employees, partners, and customers who have been part of that journey. Joining the corporate organization allows us to continue doing what we love while becoming part of something bigger. We’re excited for what’s ahead and confident this next chapter will deliver even greater value for our team and the customers we serve.” SIA names new COO SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Amanda Garzon as COO to oversee the association’s strategic execution and day-to-day operations. She will also ensure alignment across internal functions and deliver programs and initiatives.  Most recently, Garzon served as COO of the Hydrocephalus Association, where she supported organizational growth and program expansion across a national network of stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers and industry partners. She also led the development of HydroAssist, a mobile app designed to help patients and caregivers manage hydrocephalus treatment. “With Amanda joining our already exceptional team, SIA is poised to deliver additional value to our members and become engaged in new areas that will further SIA’s influence within the industry globally,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Amanda’s perspective and experience will increase SIA’s effectiveness and also ensure that we increase our responsiveness to our members and ensure we deliver the programs that they expect in efficient and innovative ways. I know SIA members will enjoy working with her as we build on SIA’s member value, programs and offerings.” Other recent additions to the SIA team include Briana Jeter, senior manager of marketing and events; Courtney Kay, manager of industry relations; and Nicholas Matzerath, coordinator of member services. Pye-Barker Fire & Safety acquires Communication Systems International (CSI) ATLANTA—Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has announced the acquisition of Communication Systems International dba CSI, enabling Pye-Barker to bring full-service code compliance and peace of mind to more customers throughout Texas. Established in San Antonio, Texas, in 1996, CSI is a fully integrated and diversified security and communications company. CSI - led by co-owners Carl Lyssy, Roger Lyssy and Darryl Mosses - designs, installs, tests and maintains fire alarm and security systems. It also specializes in video surveillance and monitoring, access control and communication systems, integrating products into a single solution that meets customer needs and provides peace of mind for commercial, industrial and residential buildings. "Selling this company required the perfect culture match, and Pye-Barker provides just that," said Carl Lyssy. "It's a relief to know we are now a part of a company with the national impact and resources needed to back our local mission. Together, we can continue to push innovation in fire and life safety to protect the communities we live in." ESX 2026 education speakers released DALLAS—The Electronic Security Association (ESA) announce its lineup of educational speakers for Electronic Security Expo (ESX) 2026, delivering a peer-driven program built for today’s security leaders. ESX 2026 will take place June 1-4 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas.  A defining strength of ESX education is its peer-led format, where integrators, monitoring professionals, and executives share real-world strategies that directly impact business performance. The 2026 program spans four core tracks - Sales & Marketing, Field Operations,  Management, and Monitoring - along with Executive Leadership Workshops designed for senior decision-makers. Each session is built to address the priorities that matter most, from driving recurring monthly revenue (RMR) growth and improving operational efficiency to strengthening leadership and scaling sustainably. This year’s program also takes a practical look at how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the industry. From improving monitoring accuracy and reducing false alarms to enabling more proactive service models and smarter operational decisions, sessions will focus on how security companies can apply AI in ways that drive real business outcomes.  SIA announces agenda for 2026 SIA GovSummit SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has revealed the agenda and speaker lineup for the 2026 SIA GovSummit - SIA’s annual public policy and government security technology conference. SIA GovSummit 2026 will be held May 20–21 in Washington, D.C. Each year, SIA GovSummit brings together government security leaders with private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and local agencies. The 2026 GovSummit program includes specialized sessions on essential topics in contracting, procurement, infrastructure and facility protection; highlights how security product standards help meet government needs; and explores the latest policies, practices and trends impacting security. “SIA’s 2026 GovSummit offers a compelling lineup of expert-led sessions on the most relevant issues and concerns in government, security and technology,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We look forward to gathering leaders across government and industry in Washington, D.C., to share information, form connections and examine today’s security policy landscape, the procurement needs of the government, the latest industry trends and how security innovations are being used to safeguard schools, government facilities, public spaces, critical infrastructure and more.” SIA names Rita Mounir as chair of Member Engagement and Experience Committee SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Rita Mounir as the new chair of the SIA Member Engagement and Experience (MEE) Committee. The MEE Committee is a key group whose mission is to create and evaluate initiatives that increase member participation within SIA and guide the development of the association’s member engagement strategies. Mounir is the co-founder and COO of Allthenticate, an identity and access control company revolutionizing workforce security through password-less and keyless solutions. She operates at the center of the identity and access management conversation, driving strategic partnerships, overseeing product go-to-market execution, and leading cross-functional initiatives that bring password-less authentication from concept to deployment at scale. Mounir’s work champions decentralized identity, FIDO-aligned credential frameworks and the enterprise-wide shift away from shared secrets - not just as industry talking points, but as operational realities she helps organizations navigate every day.  NFPA announces event details, including keynotes QUINCY, Mass. – The National Fire Protection Association has announced the dates and location of its annual conference and expo: June 22-24, 2026, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Last Vegas. The conference will draw thousands of the industry’s leading professionals to 130 educational sessions that address the latest issues, challenges and trends in the world of fire, electrical and life safety. The expo will feature more than 420 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services. Other highlights from the event: A keynote from Dan Chuparkoff, one of the world’s leading experts on AI, innovation, and the future of work. As a technology leader at Google, McKinsey, and more, Chuparkoff has led transformations for teams in every industry in the world, navigating three decades of technological change. NFPA Specialty Theaters: Facility Manager Theater, Responder Theater and Products and Solutions Theater. NFPA Spotlight on Public Education: A three-day program specifically for individuals in the public education field. NFPA Technical Meeting: Members and the public can express positions through debate on each certified amending motion. FAST seeks the next top security technicians DALLAS – The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) seeks nominations for the 2026 Security Technician of the Year Awards. The awards recognize security technicians who demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, unwavering customer service and leadership that elevates their entire profession. Award recipients will be honored during a special recognition ceremony on June 4 at ESX 2026. “Each year, the Security Technician of the Year Awards remind us just how much talent, dedication and professionalism exist within the technician community,” said John Nemerofsky, chair of the FAST board of directors and COO at SAGE Integration. “The individuals recognized through this program represent the very best of our industry - professionals who solve complex challenges in the field, deliver exceptional service to customers and take pride in the quality and integrity of their work.” First introduced in 2023, the Security Technician of the Year Awards were created to recognize the exceptional technicians whose work often happens behind the scenes but has an enormous impact. These awards highlight individuals who go beyond technical proficiency demonstrating leadership, integrity and a deep understanding that every installation, service call and customer interaction contributes to the reputation and value of the security profession. The nominations deadline is April 22. Learn more and submit a nomination here. March Networks wins SIA award for cloud storage innovation at ISC West 2026 OTTAWA, Ontario—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the winners of the 2026 New Products and Solutions (NPS) Awards, an annual global security awards program. Presented annually at ISC West, the awards celebrate innovation across security technologies. March Networks was named the winner of Best in Video Surveillance Data Storage for its Long Term Cloud Storage solution. The solution was recognized for transforming long-term video retention with a scalable hybrid-cloud approach that reduces storage costs by up to 80% without compromising security or performance. March Networks’ Long Term Cloud Storage solution was recognized for redefining how organizations manage and retain video surveillance data. ADI Expo Tour goes further in 2026, delivering strategies to help dealers grow MELVILLE, N.Y.—ADI has announced the launch of its annual ADI Expo Tour, with its most business-focused and growth-oriented program to date. Beginning in April, the ADI Expo will travel to 28 cities across the United States and Canada, bringing the power of an industry tradeshow to selected markets by connecting dealers, integrators, and leading manufacturers for an immersive one-day experience designed to uncover new revenue opportunities, strengthen competitive positioning, and deliver actionable insights participants can implement immediately to grow their business. Building on more than three decades of success, the 2026 ADI Expo is intentionally designed to go beyond product discovery and technical training. Each stop delivers practical, real-world education focused on helping dealers increase revenue and adapt to evolving customer demands.  Eventide Communications launches expanded channel partner program LITTLE FERRY, N.J.—Eventide Communications has announced the launch of its expanded channel partner program for 2026, an initiative for reseller engagement across Eventide's mission-critical recording, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. The Eventide channel partner program is designed to recognize partner performance, strengthen reseller relationships, and support continued growth across the company's NexLog DX-Series recording systems, EventideAssure maintenance and support program, and Critical Insights AI platform. As mission-critical communications environments continue shifting toward automation and AI-assisted operations, the program is intended to encourage that transition by aligning partner benefits with growth, technical readiness, and critical insights AI adoption. Telguard announces TG7FX Sole Path Fire Communicator for commercial applications ATLANTA—Alarm communications provider Telguard has announced the upcoming availability of the TG7FX Sole Path Fire Communicator, a streamlined cellular solution designed to support reliable signal delivery for commercial fire alarm systems. Built for straightforward installations and broad compatibility, the TG7FX delivers exactly what commercial fire applications require: dependable connectivity, universal panel support, and compliance with key fire signaling standards. Designed to be installed inside a UL Listed enclosure and powered directly from the fire panel’s auxiliary output, the TG7FX eliminates the need for added outlets or electrical work, helping simplify deployments across a wide range of fire installations. The TG7FX replaces traditional landlines with LTE cellular service and supports either AT&T or Verizon networks, giving dealers flexibility based on regional coverage needs while introducing a more costefficient option within Telguard’s fire communicator lineup.   2026-04-08T07:00:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/in-brief-security-101-pye-barker-make-buys-sia-names-coo-fast-seeks-top-techs#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/pye-barker-fire-safety-acquires-communication-systems-international-csi ATLANTA—Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has announced the acquisition of Communication Systems International dba CSI, enabling Pye-Barker to bring full-service code compliance and peace of mind to more customers throughout Texas.Established in San Antonio, Texas, in 1996, CSI is a fully integrated and diversified security and communications company. CSI - led by co-owners Carl Lyssy, Roger Lyssy and Darryl Mosses - designs, installs, tests and maintains fire alarm and security systems. It also specializes in video surveillance and monitoring, access control and communication systems, integrating products into a single solution that meets customer needs and provides peace of mind for commercial, industrial and residential buildings."Selling this company required the perfect culture match, and Pye-Barker provides just that," said Carl Lyssy. "It's a relief to know we are now a part of a company with the national impact and resources needed to back our local mission. Together, we can continue to push innovation in fire and life safety to protect the communities we live in.""The integration of CSI into our team presents an exciting opportunity," said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker. "The addition not only adds to the capabilities of our comprehensive services in the San Antonio market, but most importantly this helps us protect more buildings, more people and more communities from the devastating impact of fire and life safety threats."CSI's expert team and skilled technicians will continue to serve customers in Texas. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP represented Pye-Barker in the transaction. CSI was represented by the Law Offices of Marc P. Katz, LLC and Tim Shiner with Sell Alarm Company.  2026-04-07T09:55:26-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/pye-barker-fire-safety-acquires-communication-systems-international-csi#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-names-rita-mounir-as-chair-of-member-engagement-and-experience-committee SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Rita Mounir as the new chair of the SIA Member Engagement and Experience (MEE) Committee.The MEE Committee is a key group whose mission is to create and evaluate initiatives that increase member participation within SIA and guide the development of the association’s member engagement strategies.Mounir is the co-founder and chief operating officer of Allthenticate, an identity and access control company revolutionizing workforce security through passwordless and keyless solutions. She operates at the center of the identity and access management conversation, driving strategic partnerships, overseeing product go-to-market execution, and leading cross-functional initiatives that bring passwordless authentication from concept to deployment at scale.Mounir’s work champions decentralized identity, FIDO-aligned credential frameworks and the enterprise-wide shift away from shared secrets - not just as industry talking points, but as operational realities she helps organizations navigate every day.Before assuming the role of MEE chair, Mounir served as vice chair for the past few years - a role that reflects her commitment to shaping the security industry from the inside, not just commenting on it from the outside.“After serving as vice chair with John Nemerofsky, I’m honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation of the Member Engagement and Experience Committee,” said Mounir. “As a founder who benefited from SIA’s support very early on, I’m committed to ensuring every member feels equally welcomed, supported, and empowered to grow.”The mission of the SIA Member Engagement and Experience Committee is to create and evaluate initiatives that increase member participation within SIA and guide the development of member engagement strategies. The committee is also dedicated to connecting new member companies to all resources SIA has to offer. Key activities and accomplishments include assisting SIA in achieving unprecedented membership growth, providing input on and shaping SIA member onboarding programs and the development and analysis of findings of the annual SIA Member Satisfaction Survey.“SIA is honored to welcome Rita Mounir as chair of the Member Engagement and Experience Committee,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Rita is an accomplished security luminary with incredible passion for and commitment to the industry and SIA. Her impressive skills, championing of SIA and track record of innovation, industry engagement and leadership will be extremely beneficial to the committee and its work to help SIA build on our programs, member value and success. We also thank outgoing committee chair John Nemerofsky for his longstanding dedication of time and expertise at SIA and for the many achievements he has fostered during his time as chair.”Learn more about the Member Engagement and Experience Committee on the committee page or by contacting Nick Matzerath, SIA’s coordinator of member services and liaison to the committee.    2026-04-07T09:36:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-names-rita-mounir-as-chair-of-member-engagement-and-experience-committee#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/adi-expo-tour-goes-further-in-2026-delivering-strategies-to-help-dealers-grow MELVILLE, N.Y.—ADI has announced the launch of its annual ADI Expo Tour, with its most business-focused and growth-oriented program to date.Beginning in April, the ADI Expo will travel to 28 cities across the United States and Canada, bringing the power of an industry tradeshow to selected markets by connecting dealers, integrators, and leading manufacturers for an immersive one-day experience designed to uncover new revenue opportunities, strengthen competitive positioning, and deliver actionable insights participants can implement immediately to grow their business.Building on more than three decades of success, the 2026 ADI Expo is intentionally designed to go beyond product discovery and technical training. Each stop delivers practical, real-world education focused on helping dealers increase revenue and adapt to evolving customer demands. The integrated program features hands-on product demonstrations, targeted training sessions, guest speakers, and high-value networking opportunities; all centered on business outcomes dealers can implement right away.“The ADI Expo has always been about helping our customers succeed, and in 2026 we are taking an even more deliberate approach to business growth,” said Marco Cardazzi, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer, ADI Global Distribution. “This year’s Expo is designed to help dealers uncover new opportunities, better position their offerings, and leave each event with insights and strategies they can put to work immediately to drive revenue and long-term growth.”The 2026 ADI Expo tour will begin in Nashville, Tenn., on April 7, followed by Toronto on April 9, Detroit on April 14, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on April 21, Anaheim, Calif, on April 23, and Teaneck, N.J. on April 30. In May, the Expo will travel to New Orleans, Chicago,  and Charlotte, N.C. In June, the Expo will be in Edmonton, Alberta; San Jose, Calif.; and Arlington, Va.Later this year, Expos are planned in the following locations: Oklahoma City, Raleigh, Austin, Seattle, Louisville, Tampa, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Houston, St. Louis, Long Island, Boston, Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, and Montreal.At each stop, attendees will gain access to education that directly supports business expansion, including sessions focused on emerging technologies, solution selling, system integration opportunities, and evolving market trends. ADI will also offer educational seminars and CEU opportunities (where applicable), helping enable dealers to strengthen both their technical expertise and their ability to deliver solutions to customers.The 2026 ADI Expo tour will feature over 50 participating suppliers, giving attendees direct access to a wide range of brands, technologies, and expertise from leading brands across all major product categories. This close collaboration allows dealers to engage in meaningful, one-on-one conversations with suppliers, explore new product categories, and identify solutions that can help expand services, increase project size, and improve profitability.“By bringing education, supplier engagement, and exclusive one-day offers together in a single event, the ADI Expo continues to deliver measurable value for both dealers and manufacturers,” Cardazzi emphasized. “The 2026 tour reinforces ADI’s commitment to helping customers not only stay current, but grow stronger, more resilient businesses in a competitive and rapidly changing marketplace.”To learn more about the 2026 ADI Expo tour and to register to attend, visit https://www.adiglobaldistribution.us/ExposSeries.  2026-04-07T09:19:25-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/adi-expo-tour-goes-further-in-2026-delivering-strategies-to-help-dealers-grow#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-announces-agenda-for-2026-sia-govsummit SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has revealed the agenda and speaker lineup for the 2026 SIA GovSummit - SIA’s annual public policy and government security technology conference. SIA GovSummit 2026 will be held May 20–21 in Washington, D.C. Each year, SIA GovSummit brings together government security leaders with private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and local agencies.The 2026 GovSummit program includes specialized sessions on essential topics in contracting, procurement, infrastructure and facility protection; highlights how security product standards help meet government needs; and explores the latest policies, practices and trends impacting security.Discussion topics include:The evolution of federal identity in today’s digital-first environmentsProtecting critical infrastructure from insider threatsHow government entities can combat artificial intelligence attacks on physical security systemsThe security operations center of the futureWhat’s new in government procurement and policy in 2026The Safer Skies Act and the future of counterdrone defenseWays to maximize funding opportunities when it comes to federal and state grants for physical securityBest practices for public-private partnerships that protect critical infrastructureThe latest research on school-based active shooter eventsImplementation of new school security standards“SIA’s 2026 GovSummit offers a compelling lineup of expert-led sessions on the most relevant issues and concerns in government, security and technology,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We look forward to gathering leaders across government and industry in Washington, D.C., to share information, form connections and examine today’s security policy landscape, the procurement needs of the government, the latest industry trends and how security innovations are being used to safeguard schools, government facilities, public spaces, critical infrastructure and more.”In addition to the day-and-a-half conference program, SIA GovSummit will include an evening reception on May 20 and a security roundtable lunch event on May 21, both offerings featuring great networking and refreshments.Some of the early confirmed experts sharing their insights at GovSummit 2026 include leaders at the Idaho School Safety and Security Program, Texas State University’s ALERRT Center, the SERC Reliability Corporation, the Charles County Public Schools and more.This event is free for all government employees, including U.S. and international federal, state, county and municipal-level staff, plus all military, law enforcement and public safety personnel. SIA GovSummit is considered a “widely attended gathering” and complies with all relevant event guidelines. Industry access starts at $445 for SIA members; learn more and register to attend here.   2026-04-06T10:09:52-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-announces-agenda-for-2026-sia-govsummit#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/security-101-acquires-salt-lake-city-based-ford-industries WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—Security 101, a national provider of integrated security solutions, has acquired Ford Industries, Inc., its Salt Lake City, Utah-based franchise operation, further expanding the company’s footprint in the western United States and reinforcing its long-term growth strategy.Ford Industries has built a strong reputation in the Utah market for delivering highly technical security solutions with precision, professionalism, and a strong commitment to customer service. The acquisition adds an experienced team with deep project capabilities, a solid cultural fit, and valuable federal government customer relationships to the broader Security 101 organization.A strategic step forward in the westThe addition of Salt Lake City marks another important milestone in Security 101’s continued expansion across key U.S. markets. The Utah region presents meaningful opportunity for growth, both as a strong and evolving commercial market in its own right and as an important location for national account customers with operations in the area.“Expanding in Salt Lake City is a meaningful next step in our westward growth strategy,” said Greg Daly, CEO of Security 101. “Ford Industries has built a highly capable team with a strong reputation for technical execution, attention to detail, and customer commitment. Just as important, they are an excellent cultural fit for our organization. We continue to believe that bringing strong franchise partners into the corporate organization is a powerful expression of confidence in where we are headed as a company. It reflects the strength of the broader platform we are building and our continued commitment to growing with people who believe in the mission, the model, and the future of Security 101.”Technical strength and market opportunityFord Industries brings to Security 101 a highly skilled team with a proven track record of executing complex, mission-critical projects, along with an established customer base that includes federal government and other high-security environments. This addition enhances Security 101’s technical depth and capabilities across advanced system design, integration, and long-term service.The acquisition strengthens Security 101’s strategic position in the Mountain West region, expands its ability to support national customers, and positions the company to capitalize on growing demand driven by commercial expansion, infrastructure investment, and evolving security requirements.A longstanding leader joins the next chapterNancy Ford, founder and co-owner of Ford Industries, has built the company into a trusted provider of high-quality security solutions through a focus on technology, operational excellence, and customer partnerships.“As a franchisee, we’ve grown with the strength, credibility, and support of the Security 101 brand, and this transition is a natural next step for our team,” said Ford. “We are incredibly proud of what we’ve built and deeply grateful to the employees, partners, and customers who have been part of that journey. Joining the corporate organization allows us to continue doing what we love while becoming part of something bigger. We’re excited for what’s ahead and confident this next chapter will deliver even greater value for our team and the customers we serve.”Continuing a disciplined growth strategySecurity 101 has continued to grow through a disciplined combination of strategic acquisitions, market expansion, and investment in teams that strengthen the company’s capabilities and culture. The acquisition of Ford Industries reflects that ongoing approach, adding an established operation in a valuable western market while reinforcing the company’s ability to serve customers at both the local and national level.  2026-04-06T09:26:41-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/security-101-acquires-salt-lake-city-based-ford-industries#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/eventide-communications-launches-expanded-channel-partner-program LITTLE FERRY, N.J.—Eventide Communications has announced the launch of its expanded channel partner program for 2026, an initiative for reseller engagement across Eventide's mission-critical recording, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions.The Eventide channel partner program is designed to recognize partner performance, strengthen reseller relationships, and support continued growth across the company's NexLog DX-Series recording systems, EventideAssure maintenance and support program, and Critical Insights AI platform. As mission-critical communications environments continue shifting toward automation and AI-assisted operations, the program is intended to encourage that transition by aligning partner benefits with growth, technical readiness, and Critical Insights AI adoption.The program establishes three partner tiers: Authorized Partner, Certified Partner, and Premier Partner, with benefits aligned to revenue performance and, for Premier status, additional growth and Critical Insights AI criteria. Participating partners gain access to structured commercial, technical, and sales resources, including training, presales support, opportunity alignment, and tier-based program benefits that help them deliver stronger long-term value to the agencies and organizations they support.As part of this expanded program launch, Nelson Systems has been recognized as Eventide's first Premier Partner."This program reflects how we believe partnerships should operate," said Brian Roberts, vice president of sales at Eventide Communications. "It's built on integrity, accountability and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for our clients. Nelson Systems represents the kind of partner we want to grow alongside; experienced, customer-focused and aligned with our belief that doing the right thing for the client always comes first."Nelson Systems has served mission-critical communications customers for decades and has maintained a long-standing relationship with Eventide. Its recognition as the first Premier Partner reflects performance under the new program criteria and its ongoing support of public safety and emergency communications customers.In addition to being recognized as Eventide's inaugural Premier Partner, Nelson Systems serves as Eventide's designated Motorola ASTRO integration provider within its assigned territory. This designation reflects Nelson's deep experience integrating Eventide recording solutions with Motorola ASTRO radio systems, ensuring reliable interoperability in complex mission-critical environments. Their experience supporting public safety agencies across the region has made them a trusted resource for organizations seeking seamless integration between recording infrastructure and Motorola communications platforms."Having partnered with Eventide since 1996, we're honored to be the first Eventide dealer designated as a Premier Partner," said Don Smith, chief executive officer of Nelson Systems. "We're pleased to see the partner program further strengthened, ensuring public safety agencies receive the highest level of support from partners who meet rigorous standards while strengthening and protecting the Eventide brand."  2026-04-03T14:23:20-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/eventide-communications-launches-expanded-channel-partner-program#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/esx-2026-education-speakers-released DALLAS—The Electronic Security Association (ESA) announce its lineup of educational speakers for Electronic Security Expo (ESX) 2026, delivering a peer-driven program built for today’s security leaders. ESX 2026 will take place June 1-4 at the Irving Convention Center in Irving, Texas.A defining strength of ESX education is its peer-led format, where integrators, monitoring professionals, and executives share real-world strategies that directly impact business performance.The 2026 program spans four core tracks - Sales & Marketing, Field Operations, Management, and Monitoring - along with Executive Leadership Workshops designed for senior decision-makers. Each session is built to address the priorities that matter most, from driving recurring monthly revenue (RMR) growth and improving operational efficiency to strengthening leadership and scaling sustainably.This year’s program also takes a practical look at how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the industry. From improving monitoring accuracy and reducing false alarms to enabling more proactive service models and smarter operational decisions, sessions will focus on how security companies can apply AI in ways that drive real business outcomes.“ESX is built on a simple belief that our industry grows strongest when its people grow together,” said George De Marco, ESX chairman. “Our peer-to-peer educational model continues to set ESX apart, bringing security professionals together with experienced practitioners who deliver real-world insight in every session. Whether it’s staying ahead of emerging trends, strengthening leadership, or understanding what AI means for your business, ESX provides the knowledge, community, and perspective to move forward with confidence.”View the full list of speakers by visiting www.esxweb.com/esx-2026-speakers Education at ESX is intentionally built for the pro-installed channel, ensuring every session is relevant to the challenges and opportunities facing integrators and monitoring professionals today. From strengthening RMR models to improving operational performance and leadership execution, attendees leave with strategies they can put to work immediately.Access to the education sessions and esteemed speakers is reserved for Deluxe and Executive pass holders. Register your team today to secure your spot at ESX 2026. 2026-04-03T13:53:52-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/esx-2026-education-speakers-released#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/alcatraz-raises-50-million-to-replace-badges-with-facial-authentication CUPERTINO, Calif.—Alcatraz, a developer of facial authentication technology for physical access control, has raised $50 million in Series B funding as it looks to expand adoption across data centers, airports and other high-security environments.The round was led by BlackPeak Capital, Cogito Capital and Taiwania Capital, with participation from existing investors including Almaz Capital, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Ray Stata and others. The funding brings Alcatraz’s total capital raised to more than $100 million.Founded in 2016, Alcatraz develops an AI-enabled access control system designed to authenticate employees without storing facial images or other personally identifiable data. The company positions its technology as an alternative to badges, PINs and traditional biometric systems, which it says are increasingly vulnerable to loss, sharing and misuse.Alcatraz reports that its customer base includes large data centers, U.S. airports, energy companies, professional sports organizations, universities and Fortune 100 enterprises. In 2025, the company says it saw more than 300% year-over-year growth in data center deployments and doubled new enterprise customer adoption.“Badges and passcodes were designed for a different era,” says CEO Tina D’Agostin. “Organizations want stronger assurance that the person entering a secure space is the authorized employee - without introducing new privacy risks.”Authentication vs. surveillanceAt the center of Alcatraz’s platform is the Rock, a device installed at building entry points that verifies identity through facial authentication as a person walks past, eliminating the need to stop and present a credential.The company draws a clear distinction between facial authentication and facial recognition systems commonly associated with surveillance. Traditional facial recognition technologies typically match images against stored databases of photographs, a practice that has drawn increased scrutiny from regulators and privacy advocates.Alcatraz says its system does not store photographs, does not maintain a facial image database, and allows employees to opt in and delete their data. According to the company, the platform is designed to support compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)  and Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA).“We’re focused on authentication, not identification or tracking,” D’Agostin says. “The goal is to confirm that the person accessing a space is authorized, without collecting or retaining personal data.”Founder roots and early use casesAlcatraz was founded by Vince Gaydarzhiev, who previously led hardware prototyping for iPads and iPhones at Apple during the development of Face ID. Gaydarzhiev says the experience shaped his view that biometric technologies could be deployed in physical environments with privacy built in from the outset.“Consumer devices showed that biometric authentication doesn’t have to rely on centralized databases of images,” Gaydarzhiev said. “We wanted to apply those principles to the places where people work.”One of the company’s fastest-growing markets has been AI-focused data centers, where physical access controls have become more critical as facilities house increasingly valuable computing infrastructure. Alcatraz says it has seen rising demand from operators seeking stronger access assurance alongside regulatory compliance.“The infrastructure powering AI is drawing new attention to physical security,” Gaydarzhiev said. “Access control is part of that foundation.”Expanding into airports and new marketsBeyond data centers, Alcatraz is also targeting transportation and other critical infrastructure sectors. Earlier this year, the Rock received certification from Safe Skies, an FAA-funded nonprofit focused on aviation security, for use in high-security airport environments.The company says the new funding will support expansion into additional verticals, international markets and team growth. Alcatraz expects 2026 to be its strongest year to date as organizations reassess physical access control in response to evolving security and privacy expectations.  2026-04-03T09:58:15-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/alcatraz-raises-50-million-to-replace-badges-with-facial-authentication#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/march-networks-wins-sia-award-for-cloud-storage-innovation-at-isc-west-2026 OTTAWA, Ontario—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the winners of the 2026 New Products and Solutions (NPS) Awards, an annual global security awards program. Presented annually at ISC West, the awards celebrate innovation across security technologies.March Networks was named the winner of Best in Video Surveillance Data Storage for its Long Term Cloud Storage solution. The solution was recognized for transforming long-term video retention with a scalable hybrid-cloud approach that reduces storage costs by up to 80% without compromising security or performance.Established in 1979, the SIA NPS Awards are judged by a panel of industry experts who evaluate entries based on innovation, features, and impact. This year’s program included 38 judges and a wide range of categories highlighting advancements across the security industry.March Networks’ Long Term Cloud Storage solution was recognized for redefining how organizations manage and retain video surveillance data.Already in use across enterprise environments, the solution helps organizations manage petabytes of video data without increasing information technology (IT) overhead.It is built on a scalable, tiered cloud architecture powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS) S3 Glacier, enabling organizations to retain video for months or years without adding on-prem hardware.This innovation directly addresses a growing challenge across industries: managing growing video volumes while controlling storage costs and meeting compliance requirements.Organizations using Long Term Cloud Storage can meet compliance requirements with confidence; reduce infrastructure costs; simplify operations; and scale seamlessly. These capabilities make it an ideal solution for enterprises looking to modernize their video surveillance storage strategy.This recognition highlights the increasing importance of cloud-based video surveillance storage in today’s security landscape while reflecting the strength and collaboration of the March Networks team.Key contributors include Jeff Hanna, channel account manager, for delivering a standout presentation to the judges; Owais Khalid, senior product manager, and Jeff Corrall, chief product officer, for supporting the product vision and innovation.  2026-04-02T16:33:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/march-networks-wins-sia-award-for-cloud-storage-innovation-at-isc-west-2026#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/isc-west-2026-anchors-the-global-standard-for-digital-trust-and-converged-security NORWALK, Conn.—ISC West 2026, one of the nation’s leading comprehensive and converged security trade events, officially wrapped last week at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.Hosted in collaboration with the Security Industry Association (SIA), the event concluded five days of high-quality engagement, featuring over 29,000 security professionals and 750+ exhibiting brands from across the globe.This year’s show focused on the growing intersection between physical protection and information technology (IT) infrastructure. With the successful debut of the Security Experience Center and the Digital Trust & Identity Featured Area, the 2026 event solidified its role as the industry’s holistic security incubator, strategically bridging the intersection of physical, IT and Internet of Things (IoT) security.“ISC West 2026 has been a landmark event, anchoring a new global standard for how we define trust in a connected world,” said Mary Beth Shaughnessy, event vice president at ISC Security Events. “From the high-energy launch of ISC StartUps to the deep technical dives in our AI-powered learning sessions, this week proved that our community is no longer just managing risk - we are architecting resilience. The momentum we’ve seen on the floor this year sets a bold trajectory for the industry’s next decade.”Highlights and key takeaways from ISC West 2026Dynamic Keynote Series: The Main Stage served visionary thought leadership, featuring a powerhouse lineup of experts who addressed the most pressing issues in global security. This year’s series was highlighted by Haywood Talcove (LexisNexis Risk Solutions) and Paul Eckloff (former U.S. Secret Service), who gave a deep dive into how emerging technologies and identity fraud have shifted the front lines of security; Keith White (Salesforce), who shared insights on the evolution of corporate protection in a digital-first world; and Dr. Jessica Barker MBE, who captivated a crowd with her analysis of the human factor and the psychology behind cyber-attacks. Together, these speakers reinforced the show’s central theme: that modern security requires a fusion of high-tech intelligence and human-centric strategy.Focus on Digital Trust and Identity: Sponsored by HID, this new featured area addressed the critical industry shift toward identity-first security, showcasing the latest in biometric authentication and unified access management.Debut of the Security Experience Center: Activated by SAGE Integration, the live, immersive experience allowed attendees to witness how biometrics, environmental sensors and human decision-making integrate in real-time to secure modern commercial spaces.ISC StartUps: The inaugural commitment to emerging companies where integrators and investors caught a first glimpse of disruptive technologies - from agentic AI to autonomous security operations - before they hit the mainstream market.AI-Powered Learning With Rozie.AI: For the first time, the SIA Education@ISC program integrated the Rozie.AI Synopsis platform. Attendees utilized AI-driven summaries and real-time translations across 120+ sessions, maximizing the value of the technical curriculum.Introducing ISC Pro: A sold-out attendee experience that maximized productivity and event satisfaction. With exclusive benefits such as the ISC Pro Lounge, convenient fast-lane badge pickup, and enhanced access to networking with industry experts, these Pros made the most of every hour in Las Vegas.Cyber Hub Featuring Live Hacking: In a high-impact collaboration with the SIA Cybersecurity Advisory Board, attendees put their skills to the test against the Cal Poly Pomona Cyber Team. Located within the Cybersecurity & IoT pavilion - one of the fastest-growing destinations at ISC West - this hands-on activation offered a premier arena for professionals to level up their technical expertise.“This year’s ISC West was an outstanding success, with high engagement, energy and presence on the show floor, in the conference rooms and at the many events held during the show,” said Don Erickson, CEO of SIA. “The 2026 SIA Education@ISC West program featured more educational sessions than ever before, led by top-quality presenters and instructors and covering the most pressing and innovative topics in our industry. We saw tremendous turnout at SIA’s events and activities during the show, including premier networking offerings, The Advance membership meeting, the SIA New Products and Solutions Awards, professional growth events on utility security and data center security and gatherings of SIA’s communities for young professionals, veterans, women, end users and startups, and received very positive feedback from our members and attendees. SIA is proud to be the premier sponsor of ISC West and looks forward to building on the success of the 2026 show in future years.”The week’s high energy extended beyond the exhibit hall, headlined by a packed ISC West Concert featuring a performance by multi-platinum country star Chris Lane. The event, along with various networking receptions, provided a vital space for the industry to reconnect and celebrate the year’s achievements.ISC West will return to Las Vegas in April 2027 with a new look and recommitment to the future of converged security. The security conversation will continue this fall at ISC East, taking place Nov. 3-5, 2026 (SIA Education@ISC: Nov. 3-5, Exhibit Hall: Nov. 4-5), at The Javits Center in New York City.  2026-04-02T15:44:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/isc-west-2026-anchors-the-global-standard-for-digital-trust-and-converged-security#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/fast-seeks-the-next-top-security-technicians DALLAS – The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) seeks nominations for the 2026 Security Technician of the Year Awards. The awards recognize security technicians who demonstrate exceptional technical expertise, unwavering customer service and leadership that elevates their entire profession. Award recipients will be honored during a special recognition ceremony on June 4 at ESX 2026. “Each year, the Security Technician of the Year Awards remind us just how much talent, dedication and professionalism exist within the technician community,” said John Nemerofsky, chair of the FAST board of directors and COO at SAGE Integration. “The individuals recognized through this program represent the very best of our industry - professionals who solve complex challenges in the field, deliver exceptional service to customers and take pride in the quality and integrity of their work.” First introduced in 2023, the Security Technician of the Year Awards were created to recognize the exceptional technicians whose work often happens behind the scenes but has an enormous impact. These awards highlight individuals who go beyond technical proficiency – demonstrating leadership, integrity and a deep understanding that every installation, service call and customer interaction contributes to the reputation and value of the security profession. The nominations deadline is April 22. Learn more and submit a nomination here. 2026-04-01T14:06:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/fast-seeks-the-next-top-security-technicians#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/nfpa-announces-event-details-including-keynote QUINCY, Mass. – The National Fire Protection Association has announced the dates and location of its annual conference and expo: June 22-24, 2026, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Last Vegas. The conference will draw thousands of the industry’s leading professionals to 130 educational sessions that address the latest issues, challenges and trends in the world of fire, electrical and life safety. The expo will feature more than 420 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services. Other highlights from the event:A keynote from Dan Chuparkoff, one of the world’s leading experts on AI, innovation, and the future of work. As a technology leader at Google, McKinsey, and more, Chuparkoff has led transformations for teams in every industry in the world, navigating three decades of technological change.NFPA Specialty Theaters: Facility Manager Theater, Responder Theater and Products and Solutions Theater.NFPA Spotlight on Public Education: A three-day program specifically for individuals in the public education field.NFPA Technical Meeting: Members and the public can express positions through debate on each certified amending motion.FMI: https://www.nfpa.org/en/events/conference. 2026-04-01T14:00:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/nfpa-announces-event-details-including-keynote#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/allied-universal-s-eps-unit-navigates-one-of-its-busiest-periods-on-record LAS VEGAS—Allied Universal’s Enhanced Protection Services (EPS) unit is operating at an elevated tempo as geopolitical conflict, domestic threat activity and rising executive exposure converge to create one of its busiest stretches, says Glen Kucera. “What people think of as executive protection has changed dramatically,” said Kucera, who leads the EPS unit, during ISC West. “This is all executive protection now - but it’s far more all-encompassing than the traditional model.” A surge fueled by global conflict The tempo accelerated earlier this year following a series of international developments that triggered urgent calls from corporate clients with executives and employees overseas. Kucera said EPS teams were asked to help extract personnel from regions impacted by escalating instability, including the Middle East and parts of Latin America due to the conflict in Iran. “We were getting calls from customers saying, ‘I’ve got people in Abu Dhabi, I’ve got people in Dubai,’” Kucera said. “We were helping move people out in real time.” EPS also supported evacuations tied to deteriorating security conditions in Mexico and Venezuela, where criminal activity, political unrest and border complications can rapidly complicate travel and personal safety. In several cases, Allied Universal coordinated charter aircraft, ground transportation and intelligence support to move personnel to the only viable airports or border crossings still operating. “The intelligence piece is everything,” Kucera said. “Something that’s safe one day may not be safe the next.” Executive protection has expanded Kucera said the recent activity underscores how far executive protection has evolved beyond close-in protection details. “The image people still have is the guy in the black suit with the earpiece,” he said. “But it’s gone from that to perimeter security, open-area protection, intelligence, evacuations and crisis response.” While overseas extractions tied to conflicts were underway, EPS teams were also responding to domestic threats, including bomb threats in New York City, security concerns at data centers, and increased attention on drone activity around critical infrastructure. “One threat might start with concern about an individual,” Kucera said. “The next is about drones or coordinated threats across multiple locations.” Reactive planning remains a challenge Despite the heightened threat environment, Kucera said many organizations still approach executive protection reactively. “You can do EP in-house until you can’t,” he said. “When you suddenly need emergency extraction from a place like Venezuela, or armed protection overseas, most companies don’t have that.” EPS is working with Allied Universal clients to put contractual frameworks in place ahead of time. “If you need us tomorrow morning, the contract should already be there,” Kucera said. No casualties, sustained pressure Despite the intensity of recent operations, Kucera said the results have been consistent. “Nobody got hurt,” he said. “Nobody got stuck at the border.” Looking ahead, Kucera expects demand for executive protection services to remain elevated as executive visibility increases and global instability persists. “The environment has changed,” he said. “And executive protection has changed with it.”  2026-04-01T12:33:00-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/allied-universal-s-eps-unit-navigates-one-of-its-busiest-periods-on-record#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/in-brief-verkada-s-expansion-cyber-s-seven-deadly-sins-siemens-usa-s-new-ceo SAN MATEO, Calif.—Verkada has launched four new offices across the U.S. - Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles - and a new international hub in Dubai.  This expansion comes after Verkada closed its fiscal year with revenue up 30% year over year and an investment from CapitalG, Alphabet's independent growth fund, which valued the company at $5.8 billion. The company says more than 31,000 organizations rely on its AI-powered platform to secure their buildings and run smarter, faster operations. "Verkada's growth in the past year reflects the massive opportunity to bring AI into the physical world," said Filip Kaliszan, co-founder and CEO of Verkada. "The longstanding investments we've made in AI have enabled us to meet this moment in the market, and most importantly to build safer communities around the globe together with our customers and partners." Recent growth highlights: Customer growth: More than 31,000 customers globally, including more than 100 of the Fortune 500. Scale: More than 2 million Verkada devices online. Multi-product adoption: 78% of core customers now use 2+ Verkada product lines and 54% use 3+. Account expansion: The average customer nearly doubles their initial spend within the first 12 months of engagement. Customer satisfaction: Verkada’s product Net Promoter Score (NPS) score as of Q4 was 51. SonicWall reframes annual Cyber Protect Report around SMB protection outcomes  MILPITAS, Calif.—Cybersecurity solutions provider SonicWall has announced the release of the SonicWall 2026 Cyber Protect Report, marking a landmark reframing from traditional threat reporting in favor of the protection outcomes that matter most to business leaders, it says. At the heart of the report: Most small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) aren't losing ground to sophisticated attacks – they are losing ground to seven predictable, preventable gaps that SonicWall has named the Seven Deadly Sins of Cybersecurity. Some key statistical findings from the report include: High and medium severity attacks surged 20.8% to 13+ billion hits. Attackers aren't striking more often, they're striking smarter. Automated bots now generate more than 36,000 vulnerability scans per second, accounting for more than half of all internet traffic. Bad bot traffic alone has surged to 37% of all global internet traffic. IoT attacks climbed 11% to 610 million hits; Log4j alone generated 824.9 million (intrusion prevention system) IPS hits in 2025, four years after disclosure. Identity, cloud and credential compromise account for 85% of actionable security alerts. The stolen password, not the zero-day, is the attacker's weapon of choice. SMBs bear a disproportionate ransomware burden: 88% of their breaches involved ransomware in 2025, more than double the rate seen at large enterprises. "SonicWall data reveals attacks are getting faster, and in some instances, they're getting a little more sophisticated,” said Michael Crean, SVP and GM of managed security services at SonicWall. “But the vast majority of the attacks that we're seeing and investigating are basic fundamentals that continue to be missed. The danger isn't that AI isn't working; it's that we're using it as an excuse not to do the things we already know we should." The 2026 report continues to draw on data from SonicWall's global network of more than 1 million security sensors to reveal a threat landscape that is growing more precise and more relentless. The Seven Deadly Sins of Cybersecurity Ignoring the fundamentals: Weak authentication, unpatched systems, and excessive admin privileges remain the primary attack surface. False confidence: Believing you're too small to be targeted, overestimating control effectiveness, and assuming resilience without testing it create dangerous blind spots. Overexposed access: Overly permissive rules, flat networks, and implicit trust after authentication give attackers an unobstructed path once inside. Reactive security posture: Without 24/7 monitoring and proactive threat hunting, attackers set the timeline. The average breach goes undetected for 181 days. Cost-driven security decisions: Deferring investment based on short-term budget pressure creates costs that arrive later, with interest. A single SMB breach can exceed $4.91 million when downtime and recovery are included. Reliance on Legacy Access Models: VPNs that authenticate once and grant broad network access remain one of the most exploited entry points in enterprise security. VPN common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) grew 82.5% over the analyzed period. Chasing hype over execution: Buying the latest tools without deploying them completely, and expecting technology to compensate for process gaps, is its own form of vulnerability. Tools don't create outcomes, execution does. To learn more about SonicWall and download the complete SonicWall 2026 Cyber Protect Report, please visit https://www.sonicwall.com/resources/white-papers/sonicwall-2026-cyber-protect-report.   DMP Owners Forum focuses on the power of influence in business growth LAS VEGAS—Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) hosted its annual Owners Forum on March 24, one day before the opening of ISC West to a record crowd of nearly 600 attendees. The Owners Forum is designed to provide dealers with actionable strategies to grow their businesses. This year’s theme centered on the power of influence, bringing together world-class experts and industry leaders to explore how persuasion, negotiation and leadership drive profitability. The event was held at Resorts World in Las Vegas. “The Owners Forum continues to deliver meaningful value by connecting our dealers with ideas they can immediately apply,” said Jon Adams, VP of sales at DMP. “Focusing on influence gave attendees practical tools to improve how they sell, lead and grow.” Keynote speaker Chris Voss, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) lead hostage negotiator and bestselling author of “Never Split the Difference,” opened the forum. Speakers also included Dr. Robert Cialdini, internationally recognized authority on influence and persuasion; Scott Elkins, CEO of Zeus Fire & Security; Pam Petrow of Vector Security; Tim Westphal of Bay Alarm; and Stanley Oppenheim of DGA Security. The Owners Forum also hosted the Annual DMP Dealer Recognition Awards, honoring top-performing dealers for their achievements and contributions to the DMP network. Ann Fairchild named president and CEO of Siemens USA MUNICH and WASHINGTON—Siemens has announced the appointment of Ann Fairchild as president and CEO of Siemens USA, the company’s largest market globally. Fairchild, who has served as interim president and CEO since October 2025, will assume the permanent role effective immediately. She will guide Siemens’ strategy and engagement across the United States, where the company employs more than 50,000 people in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and generated $24 billion in revenue in fiscal 2025. “Ann Fairchild brings exactly the right leadership for this moment,” said Roland Busch, president and CEO of Siemens AG. “As U.S. customers strengthen critical infrastructure, reshore manufacturing and continue to expand their AI capabilities, Ann’s strong, steady and collaborative leadership will enable Siemens to deliver greater value for our customers. I look forward to working with Ann to advance our ONE Tech Company program in the U.S., our largest market.” Fairchild served for eight years as general counsel of Siemens USA, overseeing legal, compliance, regulatory, and intellectual property functions, helping the company navigate complex regulatory environments while seizing strategic opportunities. She is a member of the Siemens Corp. board of directors and serves on the board of the German American Business Council, where she brings Siemens’ perspective to transatlantic dialogues spanning policy, diplomacy and commerce. She was also recently appointed to the board of directors of Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP). Nice expands regional representation with Elite3 Pro and Precision Sales Group  CARLSBAD, Calif.—Nice, a provider of smart home and business solutions, has announced new partnerships with two manufacturer’s representative firms, Elite3 Pro and Precision Sales Group (PSG), further strengthening Nice North America’s regional support across key U.S. markets. The company says these strategic appointments reinforce Nice North America long-term commitment to the Commercial Integrator (CI) channel by expanding localized sales expertise, hands-on training, and field-level support for integrators, dealers, and distributors. “Regional representation plays a critical role in how we support our partners day to day,” said Donnie McVicker, chief sales officer, Nice North America. “Elite3 Pro and Precision Sales Group are deeply embedded in their local markets and understand what integrators need to be successful - from product knowledge and training to project support in the field. By surrounding both our dealer and distributor partners with additional regional resources, we’re making it easier for them to grow with Nice and deliver great experiences to their customers.” Nice dealers will continue to receive direct support from their Nice regional sales manager and regional technical specialist, with these new rep firm partnerships adding an additional layer of local market coverage and responsiveness. Elite3 Pro will represent Nice North America across Texas (excluding El Paso), Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, providing integrators with direct access to product expertise, demonstrations, and ongoing sales support. Precision Sales Group will represent Nice North America across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. ADI showcases expanding portfolio, ecosystem at ISC West MELVILLE, N.Y. — ADI showcased how its ecosystem of exclusive brands and distributed brands work together to deliver comprehensive, endtoend solutions at ISC West. The company highlighted how customers benefit from expanded products and enhanced services, empowered to design, deploy and support security systems. “ISC West gives us an opportunity to demonstrate how the full strength of ADI comes together – pairing our industry-leading distributed brands with our exclusive brands to create powerful, end-to-end solutions,” said Marco Cardazzi, SVP & chief merchandising officer at ADI. Debuting a new booth layout, visitors explored a wide range of products and solutions, including corporate building, multi-family, health care, education, single family and data center. The booth featured ADI’s exclusive brands such as Control4, Episode, Luma, SunBrite, Triad, WattBox, and OvrC, highlighting the company’s evolving product portfolio to support integrated residential and light-commercial security deployments. Alongside its own brands, ADI spotlighted the breadth of distributed manufacturer brands across key categories, including video surveillance, access control, fire and life safety, intrusion, networking, and more. Distributed brands on display included Altronix, Axis, Digital WatchDog, DoorBird, Farenhyt, Google, Hanwha, HID, Kidde, Potter, Radionix Ubiquiti, and Vivotek.  Allied Universal launches HELIAUS Gov IRVINE, Calif. — Allied Universal has launched HELIAUS Gov, the government-ready deployment of its award-winning HELIAUS workforce management system. Purpose-built for federal and defense operations, HELIAUS Gov delivers the same HELIAUS capabilities – predictive analytics, digital post orders, geofenced activity tracking and AI-powered insights – in a compliance-segregated environment with no crossover to commercial infrastructure. “Federal and defense agencies face some of the most demanding compliance and security requirements in the world—and they have to meet them without slowing down the mission. HELIAUS Gov was built for that reality—delivering out-of-the-box compliance alongside AI-powered workflows and predictive analytics within the proven HELIAUS framework,” said Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO of Allied Universal. The HELIAUS solution ensures continuity of operations, helps security officials anticipate risks and provides transparent oversight. Features of HELIAUS Gov include: FIPS-validated end-to-end encryption across all data in transit and at rest, incident-response playbooks aligned to federal reporting requirements, enabling structured triage, containment and escalation, full data sovereignty, and U.S. persons-only administration. HELIAUS Gov is compliant with NIST 800-171 and has achieved FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency as validated by an independent third-party assessment organization (3PAO), enabling accelerated Authority to Operate (ATO) and simplified handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Honeywell, Rhombus introduce AI-driven, cloud video and access solution ATLANTA — Honeywell has announced a collaboration with Rhombus, a provider of cloud-based video management, to expand its cloud-connected security and access solutions portfolio with new, AI-powered video solutions. Together, Honeywell and Rhombus will deliver integrated access control and video management in a single cloud solution that is easy to deploy, scale and manage. "This strategic alliance combines the strength of Honeywell's access solutions portfolio, domain expertise and global reach with modern cloud video capabilities and AI enhancements," said Billal Hammoud, president & CEO, Honeywell Building Automation. "Together, we will offer an integrated, cloud-based solution that innovates while ensuring reliability and system resilience."  Honeywell, through integration and a reseller agreement, will offer Rhombus products through its channel partners and system integrator networks. The companies will also partner on deeper integrations that bring Rhombus' AI analytics directly into Honeywell's access control platforms. The solution is designed for a variety of commercial environments, including retail chains, fitness centers, schools and other distributed sites.  Rhombus products will initially be available through Honeywell in North America before deployment across other regions. Resideo introduces Al Smart Search, First Alert/PDK access control integration  SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—Resideo Technologies introduced Al Smart Search available for First Alert CX4 video cameras at ISC West 2026, as well as a cloud-based access control integration between ProdataKey (PDK) and First Alert security solutions. The new features reflect the company's commitment to enhance user experiences and unlock new business opportunities for residential and small-to-medium business (SMB) security professionals. "Resideo continues to invest in our platforms and partnerships to help our First Alert Premier Partners optimize operations, strengthen customer relationships and enhance their businesses," said Ryan Park, senior product director of safety and security at Resideo. "By integrating First Alert security solutions with POK access control, we're opening the doors for united access control and intrusion detection across thousands of installations."  Alfred International receives Alarm.com smart lock certification  TORONTO—Alfred International, designer and manufacturer of secure, modern smart locks for residential and multifamily environments, announced that its ML2 Smart Mortise Lock, DB2S, and DB1 Pro Smart Deadbolt Series - each built on Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) 800 Series technology - have earned certification from Alarm.com. The certification expands Alfred’s compatibility with one of the most widely deployed and trusted smart security platforms in North America and reinforces the company’s leadership in delivering scalable, interoperable access control solutions. In addition, the certification validates Alfred’s implementation of the latest generation of Z-Wave technology, delivering measurable improvements in wireless range, network reliability, scalability, and power efficiency. By certifying multiple smart lock platforms on ZWLR 800 Series simultaneously, Alfred expands the practical deployment options available to integrators, builders, and property managers working across single-family, multifamily, and mixed-use environments. “Interoperability and flexibility have always been core pillars of our product strategy,” said Brad Cook, head of product & integrations at Alfred International. “Alarm.com certification validates our approach to leveraging Z-Wave Long Range 800 Series technology at scale, while giving our partners confidence that Alfred smart locks will perform reliably across a wide range of deployment scenarios.” With Alarm.com certification, Alfred says it continues to strengthen its role within the broader security and smart home ecosystem. Pimloc’s Secure Redact now available in the Microsoft Marketplace LONDON—Pimloc has announced the availability of its Secure Redact platform in the Microsoft Marketplace, the unified online destination for customers to buy trusted cloud solutions, artificial intelligence (AI) apps, and agents to meet their business needs. Pimloc customers can now discover and deploy trusted solutions through Microsoft Marketplace, with smooth integration and streamlined management across Microsoft Azure and other Microsoft products. Secure Redact is an AI-powered privacy platform that provides secure, unified redaction, blurring, audit, and intelligence across digital file and evidence formats including video, audio, images, and documents. Developed entirely in-house, the platform has already anonymized nearly half a billion instances of personally identifiable information (PII) and consolidated capabilities spread across multiple tools into a single, enterprise-ready system. Public safety and security teams are now working with volumes of visual and audio data that are too large to handle manually and too sensitive to share without built-in privacy controls. ADI introduces Araknis Networks 530 Wi-Fi 7 Indoor Access Point MELVILLE, N.Y. — ADI has launched Araknis Networks 530 Wi-Fi 7 Indoor Access Point (AN-530-AP-I), designed specifically for professional residential and small-to-medium business installations. Available now in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the new access point expands the Araknis Networks wireless portfolio. Designed for device-heavy homes and modern business environments such as hybrid workspaces, retail locations, cafés, and SMB offices, the Araknis 530 is delivers high throughput, low latency roaming for growing numbers of connected devices including smartphones, AV systems, MoIP solutions, and surveillance platforms. Concurrent tri-band Wi-Fi 7 performance helps ensure stable connectivity in increasingly congested wireless environments. The Araknis 530 is fully integrated with the OvrC connected ecosystem, designed to allow integrators to remotely configure, monitor, and manage network performance through a single unified interface. Notably, the new Wi-Fi 7 platform is fully backward compatible with existing Araknis Wi-Fi 6 access points. “The Araknis Networks 530 represents a significant step forward for the platform,” said Nima Jamshidi, director of product management – networking at ADI.  “By combining Wi-Fi 7 performance with intelligent optimization tools and seamless OvrC management, we’re giving integrators a future-ready solution that is easy to deploy, simple to support, and designed for the kinds of environments they work in every day.” AMAG Technology, SwiftConnect win SIA New Product Showcase Award HAWTHORNE, Calif. — AMAG Technology and SwiftConnect have announced that the integration between Symmetry CONNECT 2.0 and SwiftConnect won the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Product Showcase award in the Convergence & Integration Solutions category. The SIA New Product Showcase occurred at ISC West. The integrated solution addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing large organizations today, the companies say: managing identities and credentials across multiple physical access control systems (PACS), often spread across regions, business units, and facilities acquired via mergers and acquisitions. Built to help customers manage one identity across disparate PACS environments, the integration provides organizations with a path to centralized identity administration without requiring a disruptive and expensive rip-and-replace of existing systems.  “Winning the SIA New Product Showcase is an exciting validation of the problem we set out to solve,” said AMAG President and CEO David Sullivan. “With Symmetry CONNECT 2.0, networked by SwiftConnect, we are meeting customers where they are, helping them manage identities across existing different access control systems. That is a game changer for organizations dealing with growth, acquisitions, and increasing security complexity.” The companies say the integration is valuable for large enterprises in critical infrastructure, healthcare, banking, data centers, and other highly regulated industries where centralized management, compliance, and operational continuity are essential. Immix, RAD win SIA New Product Showcase Award LAS VEGAS — Immix, a provider of software for commercial monitoring centers, and Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), a subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (AITX), have announced that “SARA Alive Operating Inside Immix” has been named a winner in the Commercial Monitoring Solutions category at the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Product Showcase (NPS) Awards at ISC West. The companies say this recognition builds on the ongoing collaboration between Immix and RAD, which began with the development of a device-level integration designed to deliver greater visibility, control, and real-time context to monitoring center operators. That foundation has since evolved to support more advanced capabilities, including the ability for SARA Alive to operate directly within the Immix platform and execute monitoring tasks in real time. “It’s meaningful to see this recognized by the industry, especially given how thoughtfully monitoring centers approach change,” said Chris Brown, CEO of Immix. “Our customers are navigating real operational challenges every day, and they need solutions that give them flexibility in how they adapt. This is about enabling them to evolve at their own pace - introducing automation where it makes sense, while maintaining the level of human involvement they expect.” The SIA New Product Showcase Awards, presented annually at ISC West, honor innovative security products, services, and solutions across multiple categories. The Commercial Monitoring Solutions category recognizes technologies that enhance monitoring operations and response capabilities. Mission 500 honors security industry leaders and 5K/2K standouts at ISC West  MIAMI—Mission 500, the security industry's nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, hosted its annual awards ceremony on Thursday, March 26, during ISC West 2026. The ceremony, held at The Bridge on the show floor, brought together industry leaders to recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact through service, philanthropy, and community engagement. The 2026 Mission 500 Humanitarian Award was presented to Fredrik Nilsson, vice president of the Americas at Axis Communications. This award honors individuals within the security industry who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to giving back. The Mission 500 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award was presented to RX Global in recognition of its ongoing commitment to giving back. This award is designed to honor companies in the security industry that make important contributions to those in need. The ceremony also included the presentation of the Chairman’s Award to recognize individuals who go above and beyond in their support of Mission 500. This year’s honorees included Jeffrey Eichenlaub, executive director at Serve All NY and Mission 500 board member, whose behind-the-scenes leadership has been instrumental in the success of Mission 500’s care pack build initiatives. Also recognized: Phil Leverette, CEO of ECT Fire & Security, a steadfast supporter of Mission 500 who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission, both during the 2025 service trip and behind the scenes. Top finishers of the race included: Men’s division: 1st Place: Jacob Erdman; 2nd Place: James Goddard; 3rd Place: Brennen Quigley Women’s division: 1st Place: Cathy Hartwell; 2nd Place: Amanda Hoskins; 3rd Place: Courtney Terlecki Fastest team: Alarm.com Best dressed Team: HID  For more information about Mission 500 and its initiatives, please visit https://www.mission500.org/. To view the full results of the 2026 Mission 500 5K/2K, please visit https://results.raceroster.com/v3/events/7e9shuhqpf759tr9?filter_search=.  2026-04-01T12:16:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/in-brief-verkada-s-expansion-cyber-s-seven-deadly-sins-siemens-usa-s-new-ceo#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/industry-leaders-warn-cybersecurity-is-now-the-foundation-of-intelligent-security LAS VEGAS—Industry leaders recently underscored how legacy security practices are colliding with enterprise information technology (IT) expectations, zero-trust architectures and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven use cases, demanding tighter control across devices, networks and data. That was the message from a panel discussion hosted by Axis Communications during its Media Breakfast at ISC West. The panel featured: Eric Yunag, executive vice president of products and services at Convergint; Tim Vanevenhoven, senior director of business development and strategic partnerships at HPE Networking; and Roy Dagan, CEO of SecuriThings. Leaving the ‘run-to-fail’ mindset behind Yunag said many organizations are only beginning to come to terms with the cybersecurity risks created by decades-old physical security infrastructure. “For a long time, our industry lived in a run-to-fail mindset,” he said. “If the camera is recording and the door opens, devices stay on the wall.” That approach, he said, is incompatible with an AI-enabled future that requires broader connectivity and greater reliance on networked devices. As more cameras, readers and sensors come online, the attack surface grows, making lifecycle management nonoptional. Zero trust moves to the forefront From a network perspective, Vanevenhoven described zero trust as an essential framework for securing modern physical security environments. He outlined the need for device authentication, least-privilege access through network segmentation, and continuous monitoring. “If you can’t identify what’s on the network, you can’t secure it,” he said. “Hope isn’t a strategy. It’s not if you get hacked - it’s when.” Treating security devices as IT assets Dagan emphasized that physical security devices must now be managed like enterprise IT endpoints - not static hardware. He said organizations are increasingly aware of cybersecurity and compliance gaps in their physical security infrastructure and are looking to ecosystem partners to help automate updates, credential management and configuration compliance at scale. “These are proper enterprise IT devices,” he said. “They have to be secured, managed and maintained continuously.” Integrators as cybersecurity advisors As traditional hardware margins shrink and security environments grow more complex, integrators are increasingly expected to act as strategic advisors - helping customers navigate cybersecurity, network architecture and long-term technology planning.  “If cybersecurity isn’t foundational to consulting, design and planning right now, organizations will end up in the wrong place in just a few years,” Yunag said. Yunag described the industry’s transition from a traditional linear “channel” model to a more interconnected value-chain approach, where manufacturers, software providers, networking firms and integrators must work more closely together. “This level of complexity can’t be solved by one party alone,” he said. Cybersecurity as duty of care When the discussion turned to accountability, the panel framed cybersecurity less as a question of blame and more as one of organizational alignment. Dagan noted that many physical security teams think in terms of compliance rather than cybersecurity - and that mindset can help drive alignment with enterprise standards. Yunag compared cybersecurity expectations to legal or human resources (HR) compliance: Physical security leaders are not expected to be technical experts but must align with IT and cybersecurity teams. “The mandate remains the same – business continuity, duty of care and risk mitigation,” he said. “Cybersecurity is now inseparable from that responsibility.”   2026-04-01T09:37:00-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/industry-leaders-warn-cybersecurity-is-now-the-foundation-of-intelligent-security#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/no-fooling-isc-west-is-still-the-security-industry-s-must-attend-show When we say ISC West remains the best and most important trade show in the security industry, that’s not a punchline. No fooling.April Fool’s Day is usually reserved for fake announcements, prank press releases and “breaking news” that makes you do a double take. New products that don’t exist. Acquisitions that clearly didn’t happen. Claims that are… let’s call them wishful. So let’s be clear right up front: This isn’t one of those.Every year, the industry descends on Las Vegas not just to see new products - but to take the pulse of where security is headed. ISC West isn’t about one vertical, one technology or one trend. It’s the only place where physical security, cybersecurity, information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), convergence, integration and business strategy all collide under one roof.Other shows do pieces of this well. ISC West does all of it.It’s where integrators talk strategy, not just installs. Manufacturers set roadmaps rather than simply announcing new SKUs, while end users ask harder questions than marketing decks anticipate. Conversations spill out of booths and into hallways and latenight dinners.If you want to understand where the industry actually is - its opportunities, its pain points, its growing pains - ISC West delivers that clarity fast.Just look at the conversations that happened last week: cybersecurity no longer as an “IT problem,” AI shifting from hype to operational reality, zero trust becoming foundational, and integrators stepping into a more consultative role than ever before. These aren’t fringe topics. They’re all central themes, and ISC West is where they’re being debated in real time.What separates ISC West from the rest isn’t just scale - it’s context. The education sessions, partner meetings, media briefings and offagenda conversations often matter just as much as what’s happening in the booths. This is where industries converge, silos break down and assumptions get challenged.You leave ISC West knowing what customers are worried about right now; what technologies are gaining real traction; and which “trends” are actually sticking - and which won’t survive the year. That’s definitely not something you get from a press release or a white paper.On April Fool’s Day, skepticism is healthy. But some things don’t need qualifiers. ISC West is still the industry’s biggest stage, loudest conversation and most reliable barometer of change. Whether you’re an integrator, manufacturer, consultant or end user, if security is your business, ISC West is still the show you can’t afford to skip.So yes, enjoy the jokes today. Laugh at the fake announcements. Doublecheck the headlines. But on this one point, there’s no trick ending: ISC West is still the security industry’s most important show. No fooling.  2026-04-01T08:58:57-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/no-fooling-isc-west-is-still-the-security-industry-s-must-attend-show#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/nice-expands-regional-representation-with-elite3-pro-and-precision-sales-group CARLSBAD, Calif.—Nice, a provider of smart home and business solutions, has announced new partnerships with two manufacturer’s representative firms, Elite3 Pro and Precision Sales Group (PSG), further strengthening Nice North America's regional support across key U.S. markets.These strategic appointments reinforce Nice North America long-term commitment to the Commercial Integrator (CI) channel by expanding localized sales expertise, hands-on training, and field-level support for integrators, dealers, and distributors.“Regional representation plays a critical role in how we support our partners day to day,” said Donnie McVicker, chief sales officer, Nice North America. “Elite3 Pro and Precision Sales Group are deeply embedded in their local markets and understand what integrators need to be successful - from product knowledge and training to project support in the field. By surrounding both our dealer and distributor partners with additional regional resources, we’re making it easier for them to grow with Nice and deliver great experiences to their customers.”Nice dealers will continue to receive direct support from their Nice regional sales manager and regional technical specialist, with these new rep firm partnerships adding an additional layer of local market coverage and responsiveness.Elite3 Pro will represent Nice North America across Texas (excluding El Paso), Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas, providing integrators with direct access to product expertise, demonstrations, and ongoing sales support. The 20-year-old firm's geographic coverage of personnel across the territory provides a foundation for effectively supporting integrators and distributors alike, drawing on their wealth of experience in the control space to help their partners scale their businesses through best practices and technology-driven solutions.“We’re excited to represent Nice North America and its broad portfolio of smart home and building solutions,” said Dale Pugh, principal, Elite3 Pro. “Nice North America offers integrators a powerful ecosystem that spans access control, automation, AV, and security, and we look forward to supporting partners as they grow their businesses.”Based in Concord, N.C., Precision Sales Group will represent Nice North America across Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. With more than 20 years of experience in the custom electronics industry, PSG is widely recognized for its dealer-focused support model, including training, system design assistance, demos, and technical guidance.“Nice North America brings together a unique combination of innovation, integration, and channel commitment,” said Jon Perry, president of Precision Sales Group. “We’re proud to represent a brand that continues to invest in its partners and prioritize long-term success in the field.”Through these expanded rep partnerships, Nice North America continues to invest in regional representation and partner enablement, ensuring dealers and distributors are surrounded by support to help them succeed while reinforcing Nice North America’s commitment to the CI channel.  2026-03-31T18:54:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/nice-expands-regional-representation-with-elite3-pro-and-precision-sales-group#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sonicwall-reframes-annual-cyber-protect-report-around-smb-protection-outcomes MILPITAS, Calif.—Cybersecurity solutions provider SonicWall has announced the release of the SonicWall 2026 Cyber Protect Report, marking a landmark reframing from traditional threat reporting in favor of the protection outcomes that matter most to business leaders.At the heart of the report is a sobering finding: most small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) aren't losing ground to sophisticated attacks – they are losing ground to seven predictable, preventable gaps that SonicWall has named the Seven Deadly Sins of Cybersecurity.The 2026 report continues to draw on data from SonicWall's global network of more than one million security sensors to reveal a threat landscape that is growing more precise and more relentless. Some key statistical findings include:High and medium severity attacks surged 20.8% to 13+ billion hits. Attackers aren't striking more often, they're striking smarter.Automated bots now generate more than 36,000 vulnerability scans per second, accounting for more than half of all internet traffic. Bad bot traffic alone has surged to 37% of all global internet traffic.IoT attacks climbed 11% to 610 million hits; Log4j alone generated 824.9 million (intrusion prevention system) IPS hits in 2025, four years after disclosure.Identity, cloud and credential compromise account for 85% of actionable security alerts. The stolen password, not the zero-day, is the attacker's weapon of choice.SMBs bear a disproportionate ransomware burden: 88% of their breaches involved ransomware in 2025, more than double the rate seen at large enterprises."SonicWall data reveals attacks are getting faster, and in some instances, they're getting a little more sophisticated,” said Michael Crean, SVP and GM of managed security services at SonicWall. “But the vast majority of the attacks that we're seeing and investigating are basic fundamentals that continue to be missed. The danger isn't that AI isn't working; it's that we're using it as an excuse not to do the things we already know we should."The SonicWall 2026 Cyber Protect Report is the first in the company's history to be built around protection outcomes rather than threat statistics alone. In preparing this year's research, SonicWall identified seven recurring patterns, dubbed the Seven Deadly Sins that consistently define the difference between resilience and exposure across SMB breach investigations, security assessments, and incident reviews.The Seven Deadly Sins of CybersecurityRather than attributing breach risk to exotic or emerging attack methods, the 2026 Protect Report identifies seven operational failures that appear repeatedly across investigations and that remain largely preventable. The Seven Deadly Sins are:Ignoring the Fundamentals: Weak authentication, unpatched systems, and excessive admin privileges remain the primary attack surface.False Confidence: Believing you're too small to be targeted, overestimating control effectiveness, and assuming resilience without testing it create dangerous blind spots.Overexposed Access: Overly permissive rules, flat networks, and implicit trust after authentication give attackers an unobstructed path once inside.Reactive Security Posture: Without 24/7 monitoring and proactive threat hunting, attackers set the timeline. The average breach goes undetected for 181 days.Cost-Driven Security Decisions: Deferring investment based on short-term budget pressure creates costs that arrive later, with interest. A single SMB breach can exceed $4.91 million when downtime and recovery are included.Reliance on Legacy Access Models: VPNs that authenticate once and grant broad network access remain one of the most exploited entry points in enterprise security. VPN common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) grew 82.5% over the analyzed period.Chasing Hype Over Execution: Buying the latest tools without deploying them completely, and expecting technology to compensate for process gaps, is its own form of vulnerability. Tools don't create outcomes, execution does."The organizations that suffer the most are not failing because of sophisticated attacks, they’re failing because of predictable, preventable gaps," Crean said. "SMBs are the backbone of the U.S. economy, representing 99% of all U.S. businesses and nearly half of private sector employment. Protecting them protects entire communities. That's why this report is designed around protection outcomes, not just threat statistics."In keeping with SonicWall's partner-first mission, the 2026 Cyber Protect Report is designed to equip Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) with the data and language needed for strategic conversations with SMB decision-makers, translating technical threat intelligence into business risk that leaders can act on.The SonicWall 2026 Cyber Protect Report makes one thing clear: the gap between protected and exposed rarely comes down to technology. It comes down to execution. For the SMBs and the MSPs and MSSPs that protect them, this report is designed to close that gap with data, clarity, and a road map for what to do next, the company said.To learn more about SonicWall and download the complete SonicWall 2026 Cyber Protect Report, please visit https://www.sonicwall.com/resources/white-papers/sonicwall-2026-cyber-protect-report.   2026-03-31T18:09:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sonicwall-reframes-annual-cyber-protect-report-around-smb-protection-outcomes#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/dmp-owners-forum-focuses-on-the-power-of-influence-in-business-growth LAS VEGAS—Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) hosted its annual Owners Forum on Tuesday, March 24, one day before the opening of ISC West. The Owners Forum is designed to provide dealers with actionable strategies to grow their businesses.This year’s theme centered on the power of influence, bringing together world-class experts and industry leaders to explore how persuasion, negotiation and leadership drive profitability. The event was held at Resorts World in Las Vegas.DMP set a new attendance record at this year’s Owners Forum with nearly 600 attendees, further establishing the gathering as one of the security industry’s premier events. “The Owners Forum continues to deliver meaningful value by connecting our dealers with ideas they can immediately apply,” said Jon Adams, VP of sales at DMP. “Focusing on influence gave attendees practical tools to improve how they sell, lead and grow.”Keynote speaker Chris Voss opened the forum. Voss, a former Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) lead hostage negotiator and bestselling author of “Never Split the Difference,” shared real-world negotiation strategies designed to help dealers improve communication, close more business and build stronger customer relationships.Dr. Robert Cialdini, internationally recognized authority on influence and persuasion, delivered a keynote speech exploring the science behind decision-making and how ethical influence can accelerate business growth and customer loyalty. Comedian and impressionist Frank Caliendo provided entertainment between sessions. An industry panel moderated by Scott Elkins, CEO of Zeus Fire & Security, discussed current market dynamics, leadership challenges and opportunities for dealers to differentiate in an increasingly competitive field. Panelists included Pam Petrow of Vector Security, Tim Westphal of Bay Alarm and Stanley Oppenheim of DGA Security.“Combining proven influence strategies and real-world industry insight made this year’s event especially impactful,” said Ken Francis, executive vice president of video solutions at DMP. “Our dealers walked away with perspective and practical ideas they can implement right away.”The Owners Forum also hosted the Annual DMP Dealer Recognition Awards, honoring top-performing dealers for their achievements and contributions to the DMP network.  2026-03-31T16:14:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/dmp-owners-forum-focuses-on-the-power-of-influence-in-business-growth#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/pimloc-s-secure-redact-now-available-in-the-microsoft-marketplace LONDON—Pimloc has announced the availability of its Secure Redact platform in the Microsoft Marketplace, the unified online destination for customers to buy trusted cloud solutions, artificial intelligence (AI) apps, and agents to meet their business needs.Pimloc customers can now discover and deploy trusted solutions through Microsoft Marketplace, with smooth integration and streamlined management across Microsoft Azure and other Microsoft products.Secure Redact is an AI-powered privacy platform that provides secure, unified redaction, blurring, audit, and intelligence across digital file and evidence formats including video, audio, images, and documents.Developed entirely in-house, the platform has already anonymized nearly half a billion instances of personally identifiable information (PII) and consolidated capabilities spread across multiple tools into a single, enterprise-ready system. Public safety and security teams are now working with volumes of visual and audio data that are too large to handle manually and too sensitive to share without built-in privacy controls.Secure Redact makes it possible to work with this data at scale by combining automated anonymization with search, transcription, and full audit trails, enabling organizations to review, share, and govern multimedia data confidently.“Video has become one of the most sensitive and regulated data sources organizations manage, especially as AI makes it easier to search, analyze, and share at scale,” said Simon Randall, CEO of Pimloc. “Making Secure Redact available through the Microsoft Marketplace allows customers to easily deploy privacy-first redaction within their existing Azure environments, helping them protect individuals, meet regulatory obligations, and unlock the value of multimedia without compromising privacy.”“Microsoft Marketplace helps organizations and partners move faster, work smarter, and grow by connecting them with the right solutions - all in one trusted place,” said Cyril Belikoff, vice president, Microsoft Azure Product Marketing. “We’re happy to welcome Pimloc’s Secure Redact solution to the growing Microsoft Marketplace ecosystem.”Microsoft Marketplace is a single destination to find, try, and buy trusted cloud solutions, AI apps, and agents to meet business objectives. Buyers can choose from a growing collection of solutions tailored to their unique needs, available both in Marketplace and directly within Microsoft products.Learn more about Pimloc’s Secure Redact solution on its page in the Microsoft Marketplace.  2026-03-31T14:56:50-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/pimloc-s-secure-redact-now-available-in-the-microsoft-marketplace#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/resideo-introduces-al-smart-search-first-alert-pdk-access-control-integration SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—Resideo Technologies introduced Al Smart Search available for First Alert CX4 video cameras at ISC West 2026, as well as a cloud-based access control integration between ProdataKey (PDK) and First Alert security solutions.The new features reflect the company's commitment to enhance user experiences and unlock new business opportunities for residential and small-to-medium business (SMB) security professionals."Resideo continues to invest in our platforms and partnerships to help our First Alert Premier Partners optimize operations, strengthen customer relationships and enhance their businesses," said Ryan Park, senior product director of safety and security at Resideo. "By integrating First Alert security solutions with PDK access control, we're opening the doors for united access control and intrusion detection across thousands of installations."Al Smart Search on First Alert CX4 cameras offers generative Al to detect and classify data quickly. Users can describe an event using natural language and find relevant video clips in the Total Connect 2.0 app and web experience without manually reviewing and retrieving clips from multiple camera feeds.Access control integration connects PDK's access control platform with Resideo's First Alert security systems and software platform. The integration connects these complementary systems and creates a unified security experience across multiple doors, buildings, and locations. It also offers synced user management from a single portal and enables a valid POK credential to arm or disarm the security system when entering or leaving a location.Also, at ISC West, visitors learned how the broad First Alert security portfolio helps residential and SMB security professionals address key business priorities, including:Streamline operations. The integrated security and video experiences help drive labor efficiency by reducing the need to switch between systems, while over-the-air updates, backward compatibility and remote management tools help streamline installation.Strengthen customer relationships. Dealer branding and modular system design help deliver engaging, personalized customer experiences that enhance customer loyalty.Expand business opportunities. New, exclusive First Alert Premier Partner Program offerings, including the Find-a-Pro webpage on FirstAlert.com, help connect consumers with security professionals. The recent Control4 integration also offers expanded opportunities and leads. 2026-03-31T14:37:01-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/resideo-introduces-al-smart-search-first-alert-pdk-access-control-integration#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/alfred-international-receives-alarm-com-smart-lock-certification TORONTO—Alfred International, designer and manufacturer of secure, modern smart locks for residential and multifamily environments, announced that its ML2 Smart Mortise Lock, DB2S, and DB1 Pro Smart Deadbolt Series - each built on Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) 800 Series technology - have earned certification from Alarm.com.  The certification expands Alfred’s compatibility with one of the most widely deployed and trusted smart security platforms in North America and reinforces the company’s leadership in delivering scalable, interoperable access control solutions.In addition, the certification validates Alfred’s implementation of the latest generation of Z-Wave technology, delivering measurable improvements in wireless range, network reliability, scalability, and power efficiency. By certifying multiple smart lock platforms on ZWLR 800 Series simultaneously, Alfred expands the practical deployment options available to integrators, builders, and property managers working across single-family, multifamily, and mixed-use environments.All three certified Alfred platforms leverage ZWLR on the 800 Series, enabling projects to take advantage of long-range, point-to-hub communication or traditional Z-Wave mesh networking within the same application. This flexibility allows system designers to tailor connectivity strategies based on building layout, density, and infrastructure - without changing hardware.The result is a smart lock portfolio engineered for proven security, stability, and real-world performance, even in challenging environments where range, interference, or scale can limit traditional wireless deployments.By delivering multiple ZWLR-enabled smart lock series at once, Alfred joins a small group of manufacturers actively supporting the industry’s newest Z-Wave standard across diverse form factors - giving partners more choice without fragmenting platforms or workflows.While Z-Wave certification establishes protocol compliance, Alarm.com certification represents a deeper level of validation, confirming that Alfred’s ZWLR 800 Series smart locks meet the operational, security, and performance requirements of one of the most trusted smart security platforms in North America. This additional testing reflects real-world implementation, interoperability, and long-term reliability expectations - providing both explicit and implicit assurance to integrators and end users.“Interoperability and flexibility have always been core pillars of our product strategy,” said Brad Cook, head of product & integrations at Alfred International. “Alarm.com certification validates our approach to leveraging Z-Wave Long Range 800 Series technology at scale, while giving our partners confidence that Alfred smart locks will perform reliably across a wide range of deployment scenarios.”With Alarm.com certification, Alfred continues to strengthen its role within the broader security and smart home ecosystem. The company supports industry-standard protocols including Z-Wave and Zigbee, alongside proprietary integrations through the Alfred API, giving integrators and property managers the flexibility to design connected access systems tailored to each installation.  2026-03-31T14:11:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/alfred-international-receives-alarm-com-smart-lock-certification#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/verkada-launches-four-new-u-s-offices-new-international-hub-amid-record-sales SAN MATEO, Calif.—Verkada, a provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered physical security technology, has announced the launch of four new offices across the U.S. - Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles - and a new international hub in Dubai.This expansion comes after Verkada closed its fiscal year with revenue up 30% year over year and an investment from CapitalG, Alphabet's independent growth fund, which valued the company at $5.8 billion.More than 31,000 organizations rely on Verkada’s AI-powered platform to secure their buildings and run smarter, faster operations."Verkada's growth in the past year reflects the massive opportunity to bring AI into the physical world," said Filip Kaliszan, co-founder and CEO of Verkada. "The longstanding investments we've made in AI have enabled us to meet this moment in the market, and most importantly to build safer communities around the globe together with our customers and partners."Recent growth highlightsCustomer Growth: More than 31,000 customers globally, including more than 100 of the Fortune 500.Scale: More than 2 million Verkada devices online.Multi-product Adoption: 78% of core customers now use 2+ Verkada product lines and 54% use 3+.Account Expansion: The average customer nearly doubles their initial spend within the first 12 months of engagement.Customer Satisfaction: Verkada’s product Net Promoter Score (NPS) score as of Q4 was 51.AI to protect the physical worldVerkada's record sales were driven by demand for proactive, AI-powered physical security that helps organizations deter threats, operate more efficiently, and build safer communities at global scale.In the past year, the company has delivered more than 174 new AI features and product updates that improve efficiency for security professionals, including:AI-Powered Deterrence, a feature that detects unauthorized behavior like loitering and automatically triggers a sequence of realistic, AI-generated messages that incorporate scene context.AI-Powered Unified Timeline, which visually reconstructs the journey of a person or vehicle of interest into a single, map-based timeline that can be exported and shared for investigations – reducing what once took days or hours to just minutes.AI-Powered Voice Directory and live translation on Intercoms, which allows visitors to speak their intent without needing the exact extension, name, or precise department they need – in any language. The system also provides language translations and transcriptions for both the visitor and the call recipient in real-time.AI-Powered Alerts, which notify customers of an anomalous activity like a slip-and-fall event, a person climbing a fence or wall, or a person on a manufacturing floor without personal protective equipment (PPE). Verkada also delivers audio-based alerts for detections of glass breaking, shouting, or general loud noises that include associated video context so that teams can quickly investigate.Customer impactWith more than 2 million Verkada devices online across 171 countries, Verkada is bringing AI into the physical world to solve real-world challenges at an unprecedented scale. Verkada video security cameras process more than 400 million images per hour during peak hours, its access control powers 8 million door unlocks per day, and its visitor management system prevented more than 5,000 potential threats last year.Across industries, Verkada empowers customers to better protect their people and places including1:A global industrial manufacturer saw a 30% reduction in security incidents and accelerated security investigations by 5x using Verkada's smart search features, including Motion Grid and AI-Powered Search. Verkada's integrated, cloud-based system enabled the team to reduce operating costs, with one facility achieving a 50% reduction in costs when accounting for incident reduction, theft prevention, and labor efficiencies.A national non-profit organization saved $1.5 million over seven years by reducing IT support needs by 50-70% and eliminating the need for outdated, resource-intensive on-prem servers and NVRs across 13 states and 240 sites.A renowned public research university slashed daily resident lockouts by 93% and reduced time spent managing keys and troubleshooting lockouts by 40% with Verkada's cloud-based access control system and wireless locks.A multi-site aged care provider achieved zero wandering incidents with high-risk dementia residents over a six-month period by implementing AI-powered alerts. With Verkada's integrated, cloud-based system of AI-powered cameras, access control, guest management, and environmental sensors, the organization projects savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars over a 10-year total cost of ownership analysis. 2026-03-30T19:29:30-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/verkada-launches-four-new-u-s-offices-new-international-hub-amid-record-sales#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/ann-fairchild-named-president-and-ceo-of-siemens-usa MUNICH and WASHINGTON—Siemens announced the appointment of Ann Fairchild as president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Siemens USA, the company’s largest market globally.Fairchild, who has served as interim president and CEO since October 2025, will assume the permanent role effective immediately. She will guide Siemens’ strategy and engagement across the United States, where the company employs more than 50,000 people in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and generated $24 billion in revenue in fiscal 2025. Based on her more than 25 years at Siemens, most recently serving as general counsel for Siemens USA, Fairchild brings a deep understanding of the company’s business objectives and strategic priorities. She has played an important role in advancing Siemens USA’s growth, supporting complex transactions, strengthening governance across a diverse portfolio and enabling closer alignment across the company. “Ann Fairchild brings exactly the right leadership for this moment,” said Roland Busch, president and CEO of Siemens AG. “As U.S. customers strengthen critical infrastructure, reshore manufacturing and continue to expand their AI capabilities, Ann’s strong, steady and collaborative leadership will enable Siemens to deliver greater value for our customers. I look forward to working with Ann to advance our ONE Tech Company program in the U.S., our largest market.” Fairchild served for eight years as general counsel of Siemens USA, overseeing legal, compliance, regulatory, and intellectual property functions, helping the company navigate complex regulatory environments while seizing strategic opportunities. “Siemens proudly serves tens of thousands of customers nationwide and supports the backbone of the American economy – growing manufacturing, building smarter infrastructure, transforming rail networks and developing a skilled workforce,” said Fairchild. “I’m honored to help guide our efforts in this moment of opportunity – as we bring AI to the real world and help customers become more competitive, resilient and efficient.” Fairchild is a member of the Siemens Corp. board of directors and serves on the board of the German American Business Council, where she brings Siemens’ perspective to transatlantic dialogues spanning policy, diplomacy and commerce. She was also recently appointed to the board of directors of Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP). Fairchild began her career clerking for the Honorable Tommy Miller of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, followed by a role as a litigation associate at McGuireWoods in McLean, Virginia. She joined Siemens in 1999 in the Power Generation business and has since held a series of senior leadership roles across the Legal and Compliance organization. She holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a concentration in finance from the University of Virginia and a juris doctor from the College of William & Mary School of Law.   2026-03-30T18:22:47-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/ann-fairchild-named-president-and-ceo-of-siemens-usa#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/amag-technology-receives-growth-investment-from-security-focused-egis-capital SUMMIT, N.J.—Egis Capital Partners (Egis) recently announced a growth investment in AMAG Technology, a global provider of integrated high-security access control and security solutions.The growth investment supports Shore Rock Partner’s majority acquisition of AMAG from Allied Universal, which took place on Dec. 9, 2025.  Since 2008, Egis has been investing in market-leading security companies with strong brand recognition and growth strategy. AMAG represents Egis’ fifth investment in access control, where AMAG is well positioned to expand its offerings across its strong enterprise customer base of critical operations and infrastructure.The growth capital will support advancements in the product roadmap and investments in customer relationships under the leadership of CEO David Sullivan.“We are excited to have Egis as partners given their decades of expertise and experience scaling access control companies,” said Sullivan. “The enhanced partnership highlights AMAG’s commitment to providing best-in-class advanced security solutions to our customers, who rely on our technology to secure their assets and enhance their operations.”“Egis is glad to be partnering with Shore Rock to support AMAG in its next phase of growth,” said Robert Chefitz, managing partner of Egis. “This is our second time backing David Sullivan. We believe in this rapidly evolving risk landscape and technology environment, David and the AMAG team are well suited to drive product innovation and support as a trusted partner to their global enterprise customers and channel partners.”  2026-03-30T17:53:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/amag-technology-receives-growth-investment-from-security-focused-egis-capital#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/mission-500-honors-security-industry-leaders-and-5k-2k-standouts-at-isc-west MIAMI—Mission 500, the security industry's nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, hosted its annual awards ceremony on Thursday, March 26, during ISC West 2026.The ceremony, held at The Bridge on the show floor, brought together industry leaders to recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact through service, philanthropy, and community engagement.The 2026 Mission 500 Humanitarian Award was presented to Fredrik Nilsson, vice president of the Americas at Axis Communications. This award honors individuals within the security industry who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to giving back.Under his leadership, Nilsson has not only upheld this commitment but also embedded it into the culture at Axis Communications through initiatives like Axis Community Day and by supporting charitable causes in meaningful, often personal ways. A founding member of the Mission 500 board, Nilsson has shown unwavering support for the organization’s mission while consistently inspiring others to get involved.The Mission 500 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award is designed to honor companies in the security industry that make important contributions to those in need. This year’s CSR Award was presented to RX Global in recognition of its ongoing commitment to giving back. Through initiatives such as its global RXCares program, which provides employees with dedicated volunteer time to support causes they care about, RX Global empowers its teams to engage in volunteerism, fundraising, and community impact efforts.The ceremony also included the presentation of the Chairman’s Award, now in its second year and designed to recognize individuals who go above and beyond in their support of Mission 500. This year’s honorees included Jeffrey Eichenlaub, executive director at Serve All NY and Mission 500 board member, whose behind-the-scenes leadership has been instrumental in the success of Mission 500’s care pack build initiatives. Also recognized was Phil Leverette, CEO of ECT Fire & Security, a steadfast supporter of Mission 500 who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission, both during the 2025 service trip and behind the scenes.In addition to honoring leaders in service and philanthropy, the ceremony recognized top performers from the Mission 500 5K/2K, held earlier that morning at Sunset Park.Top finishers included:Men’s Division: 1st Place: Jacob Erdman; 2nd Place: James Goddard; 3rd Place: Brennen QuigleyWomen’s Division: 1st Place: Cathy Hartwell; 2nd Place: Amanda Hoskins; 3rd Place: Courtney TerleckiFastest Team: Alarm.comBest Dressed Team: HIDAwards were also presented to top participants across multiple age groups, reflecting the strong support and enthusiasm from the security industry community.“The security industry is known for its dedication to protecting others, and it’s that same dedication that shines through in the way we serve others,” said Jason Lutz, chair of Mission 500. “While there is no one right way to give back, the people and organizations recognized here set an example of service we can all learn from.”For more information about Mission 500 and its initiatives, please visit https://www.mission500.org/. To view the full results of the 2026 Mission 500 5K/2K, please visit https://results.raceroster.com/v3/events/7e9shuhqpf759tr9?filter_search=.  2026-03-30T16:21:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/mission-500-honors-security-industry-leaders-and-5k-2k-standouts-at-isc-west#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/immix-and-rad-win-sia-new-product-showcase-award LAS VEGAS — Immix, a provider of software for commercial monitoring centers, and Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD), a subsidiary of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX), have announced that “SARA Alive Operating Inside Immix” has been named a winner in the Commercial Monitoring Solutions category at the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Product Showcase (NPS) Awards at ISC West 2026.This recognition builds on the ongoing collaboration between Immix and RAD, which began with the development of a device-level integration designed to deliver greater visibility, control, and real-time context to monitoring center operators. That foundation has since evolved to support more advanced capabilities, including the ability for SARA Alive to operate directly within the Immix platform and execute monitoring tasks in real time.“It’s meaningful to see this recognized by the industry, especially given how thoughtfully monitoring centers approach change,” said Chris Brown, CEO of Immix. “Our customers are navigating real operational challenges every day, and they need solutions that give them flexibility in how they adapt. This is about enabling them to evolve at their own pace - introducing automation where it makes sense, while maintaining the level of human involvement they expect.”The SIA New Product Showcase Awards, presented annually at ISC West, honor innovative security products, services, and solutions across multiple categories. The Commercial Monitoring Solutions category recognizes technologies that enhance monitoring operations and response capabilities. 2026-03-27T15:47:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/immix-and-rad-win-sia-new-product-showcase-award#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/nfpa-praises-senate-introduction-of-bipartisan-pro-codes-act-to-protect-safety-standards QUINCY, Mass. — The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has praised the introduction of the bipartisan Protecting and Enhancing Public Access to Codes (Pro Codes) Act (S. 4145) in the U.S. Senate.For nearly 130 years, safety standards developed by independent nonprofit organizations like NFPA have protected people and property. These safety standards have dramatically reduced dangers like fire incidents and deaths and helped our communities better prepare for threats like active shooters.“The safety challenges facing our communities — from wildfires to EV batteries — are evolving faster than ever. Helping meet them depends on an independent standards development system powered by thousands of technical experts, but that system is under serious threat,” said NFPA President and CEO Jim Pauley. “We’re grateful to Sens. Coons and Cornyn, as well as Sens. Tillis and Hirono, for introducing the Pro Codes Act and protecting the copyrights essential to sustaining this critical public-private partnership.”In the U.S. House of Representatives, House Judiciary Subcommittee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Rep. Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) introduced a version of the Pro Codes Act in June 2025 (H.R. 4072).“For-profit companies and foreign actors who played no role in creating these life-saving standards are trying to exploit them for their own commercial gain,” said Pauley. “This undermines the organizations that have worked for decades to keep our communities safe. We need clear congressional action to protect the ecosystem that underpins modern fire, electrical, and building safety. With House and Senate versions of Pro Codes now introduced, we’re hopeful Congress will pass this critical legislation into law.”The legislation was introduced by Sens. Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) and co-sponsored by Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii). 2026-03-27T13:47:04-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/nfpa-praises-senate-introduction-of-bipartisan-pro-codes-act-to-protect-safety-standards#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/amag-technology-and-swiftconnect-win-sia-new-product-showcase-award HAWTHORNE, Calif. — AMAG Technology and SwiftConnect has announced that the integration between Symmetry CONNECT 2.0 and SwiftConnect won the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Product Showcase award in the Convergence & Integration Solutions category.The SIA New Product Showcase occurred at ISC West, the world’s largest security tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada.The integrated solution addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing large organizations today: managing identities and credentials across multiple physical access control systems (PACS), often spread across regions, business units, and facilities acquired via mergers and acquisitions. Built to help customers manage one identity across disparate PACS environments, the integration provides organizations with a path to centralized identity administration without requiring a disruptive and expensive rip-and-replace of existing systems. “Winning the SIA New Product Showcase is an exciting validation of the problem we set out to solve,” said President and CEO, David Sullivan at AMAG Technology. “With Symmetry CONNECT 2.0, networked by SwiftConnect, we are meeting customers where they are, helping them manage identities across existing different access control systems. That is a game changer for organizations dealing with growth, acquisitions, and increasing security complexity.”The integration is valuable for large enterprises in critical infrastructure, healthcare, banking, data centers, and other highly regulated industries where centralized management, compliance, and operational continuity are essential. 2026-03-27T12:25:19-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/amag-technology-and-swiftconnect-win-sia-new-product-showcase-award#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/adi-introduces-araknis-networks-530-wi-fi-7-indoor-access-point MELVILLE, N.Y. — ADI has announced the launch of the Araknis Networks 530 Wi-Fi 7 Indoor Access Point (AN-530-AP-I), designed specifically for professional residential and small-to-medium business (SMB) installations.Available now in the U.S. and Puerto Rico beginning March 30, the new access point expands the Araknis Networks wireless portfolio.Designed for device-heavy homes and modern business environments such as hybrid workspaces, retail locations, cafés, and SMB offices, the Araknis 530 is delivers high throughput, low latency roaming for growing numbers of connected devices including smartphones, AV systems, MoIP solutions, and surveillance platforms. Concurrent tri-band Wi-Fi 7 performance helps ensure stable connectivity in increasingly congested wireless environments.The Araknis 530 is fully integrated with the OvrC connected ecosystem, designed to allow integrators to remotely configure, monitor, and manage network performance through a single unified interface. Notably, the new Wi-Fi 7 platform is fully backward compatible with existing Araknis Wi-Fi 6 access points.“The Araknis Networks 530 represents a significant step forward for the platform,” said Nima Jamshidi, Director of Product Management – Networking at ADI.  “By combining Wi-Fi 7 performance with intelligent optimization tools and seamless OvrC management, we’re giving integrators a future-ready solution that is easy to deploy, simple to support, and designed for the kinds of environments they work in every day.” 2026-03-26T17:01:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/adi-introduces-araknis-networks-530-wi-fi-7-indoor-access-point#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/milestone-grows-net-revenue-to-usd-340-million-in-2025 COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Milestone Systems continued to grow in 2025, increasing net revenue by 10% to USD 340 million (DKK 2.2 billion), with nearly a third being reinvested in innovation and fueling new advances in video analytics, responsible AI and cloud technology.2025 was a year with major milestones and innovations: Collaboration with tech giant NVIDIA on artificial intelligence and video, launch of Project Hafnia and the world’s first compliant data library for AI-training, and not least, the integration of AI-driven analytics and cloud solutions in Milestone Systems product portfolio.Milestone said its financial performance in 2025 reflects steady growth and the impact of the recent strategic acquisitions. Over the past five years, Milestone has more than doubled net revenue to now USD 340 million in 2025.Overall operating income reached USD 16 million (DKK 104 million), compared with USD 16.5 million in 2024, and Research and Development investments grew to USD 102 million (DKK 633 million) reflecting the company’s acquisitions and continued focus on building future-ready technology. R&D expenses corresponded to 28.8% of net revenue, compared with 24.8% in 2024.“2025 was a strong year for Milestone,” said Lars Larsen, Chief Financial Officer. “We saw continued revenue growth and formally integrated BriefCam video analytics and Arcules Cloud video surveillance as a service into Milestone. We also acquired anonymization technology provider brighter AI and launched Project Hafnia for developing future AI solutions. These achievements allow us to continuously innovate and invest in nextgeneration software.”CEO Jeppe Frandsen highlighted that Milestone’s 27th year in business marked a significant transformation for the company.“For nearly three decades, our open platform has been the heart of Milestone and remains so. In addition to XProtect video management software, we now have an expanded portfolio to offer to our partners and the world,” said Frandsen.In 2025, Milestone introduced Project Hafnia – a collaboration with NVIDIA – which aims to address a significant challenge for AI developers across the globe: the ability to find sufficient high-quality, accurate and reliable video data to train visual AI models. Milestone launched pilot programs with Genoa, Italy, and Dubuque, Iowa. As part of the NVIDIA collaboration, Milestone launched a visionlanguage model (VLM) and a Video Summarization tool for XProtect. Powered by NVIDIA Cosmos Reason, the tool uses AI to rapidly review and summarize video into text.“Looking ahead, we will continue to innovate in 2026 – both in terms of our products and in the ways in which we create value for our customers and partners,” Frandsen concluded. 2026-03-26T15:58:39-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/milestone-grows-net-revenue-to-usd-340-million-in-2025#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/honeywell-and-rhombus-introduce-ai-driven-cloud-video-and-access-solution ATLANTA — Honeywell has announced a collaboration with Rhombus, a provider of cloud-based video management, to expand its cloud-connected security and access solutions portfolio with new, AI-powered video solutions.Together, Honeywell and Rhombus will deliver integrated access control and video management in a single cloud solution that is easy to deploy, scale and manage."This strategic alliance combines the strength of Honeywell's access solutions portfolio, domain expertise and global reach with modern cloud video capabilities and AI enhancements," said Billal Hammoud, President & CEO, Honeywell Building Automation. "Together, we will offer an integrated, cloud-based solution that innovates while ensuring reliability and system resilience."The Honeywell-Rhombus offering is perfectly positioned to support a paced, cost-efficient cloud journey for thousands of commercial and enterprise operations around the world while helping them to reduce risk."By partnering with Honeywell, a company that shares our vision, we'll be able to offer customers cutting-edge solutions across video security, access control, sensors, building controls and more," said Garrett Larsson, co-founder and CEO of Rhombus.Honeywell, through integration and a reseller agreement, will offer Rhombus products through its channel partners and system integrator networks. The companies will also partner on deeper integrations that bring Rhombus' AI analytics directly into Honeywell's access control platforms. The solution is designed for a variety of commercial environments, including retail chains, fitness centers, schools and other distributed sites.Rhombus products will initially be available through Honeywell in North America before deployment across other regions. 2026-03-26T14:45:34-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/honeywell-and-rhombus-introduce-ai-driven-cloud-video-and-access-solution#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/allied-universal-launches-heliaus-gov IRVINE, Calif. — Allied Universal has announced HELIAUS Gov, the government-ready deployment of its award-winning HELIAUS workforce management system.Purpose-built for federal and defense operations, HELIAUS Gov delivers the same HELIAUS capabilities – predictive analytics, digital post orders, geofenced activity tracking and AI-powered insights – in a compliance-segregated environment with no crossover to commercial infrastructure.“Federal and defense agencies face some of the most demanding compliance and security requirements in the world—and they have to meet them without slowing down the mission. HELIAUS Gov was built for that reality—delivering out-of-the-box compliance alongside AI-powered workflows and predictive analytics within the proven HELIAUS framework,” said Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO of Allied Universal.The trusted HELIAUS solution ensures continuity of operations, helps security officials anticipate risks and provides transparent oversight. Unique features of HELIAUS Gov includes: FIPS-validated end-to-end encryption across all data in transit and at rest, incident-response playbooks aligned to federal reporting requirements, enabling structured triage, containment and escalation, full data sovereignty, and U.S. persons-only administration.HELIAUS Gov is compliant with NIST 800-171 and has achieved FedRAMP Moderate Equivalency as validated by an independent third-party assessment organization (3PAO), enabling accelerated Authority to Operate (ATO) and simplified handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). 2026-03-26T13:55:20-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/allied-universal-launches-heliaus-gov#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/adi-showcases-expanding-portfolio-ecosystem-at-isc-west MELVILLE, N.Y. — During ISC West from March 25–27 at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, ADI is showcasing how its ecosystem of exclusive brands and distributed brands work together to deliver comprehensive, endtoend solutions.In Booth #12043, the company highlights how customers benefit from expanded products and enhanced services, empowered to design, deploy, and support security systems. “ISC West gives us an opportunity to demonstrate how the full strength of ADI comes together – pairing our industry-leading distributed brands with our exclusive brands to create powerful, end-to-end solutions,” said Marco Cardazzi, SVP & Chief Merchandising Officer at ADI.   Debuting a new booth layout, visitors can explore a wide range of products and solutions including corporate building, multi-family, healthcare, education, single family, and data center. The booth features ADI’s exclusive brands such as Control4, Episode, Luma, SunBrite, Triad, WattBox, and OvrC, highlighting the company’s evolving product portfolio to support integrated residential and light-commercial security deployments. Alongside its own brands, ADI is spotlighting the breadth of distributed manufacturer brands across key categories including video surveillance, access control, fire and life safety, intrusion, networking, and more. Distributed brands on display include Altronix, Axis, Digital WatchDog, DoorBird, Farenhyt, Google, Hanwha, HID, Kidde, Potter, Radionix Ubiquiti, and Vivotek.Additionally, ADI will display a portfolio of value-added services that help integrators enhance performance, protection, and recurring revenue opportunities. 2026-03-26T12:20:08-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/adi-showcases-expanding-portfolio-ecosystem-at-isc-west#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/secure-building-council-and-adrm-announce-partnership-on-shield-certification-program LAS VEGAS — The Secure Building Council (SBC) has announced a strategic partnership with Advanced Data Risk Management (ADRM), a provider of security consulting and technology solutions.Through this partnership, SBC and ADRM will collaborate to support the advancement and implementation of the SHIELD Certification Program, including the development and enablement of tools, methodologies, and processes that enhance how building security is evaluated and managed.Developed by SBC, the SHIELD Certification Program provides building owners with a recognized framework to demonstrate compliance with security industry best practices across the design, construction, and maintenance of their properties. The program evaluates buildings across four pillars: physical security, technology and systems, operations and procedures, and governance and compliance. SHIELD certifications are awarded at three tiers - Essential, Advanced, and Elite - each representing a progressively higher standard of integrated security.As part of this collaboration, SBC and ADRM will explore opportunities to support SHIELD Assessments - the field evaluations used to determine a building’s certification level - through innovative approaches that improve consistency, scalability, and efficiency across diverse building types.“This partnership represents an exciting step forward in advancing how we bring SHIELD to the market. ADRM brings deep expertise in both security consulting and technology, and we are excited to collaborate on shaping the future of security assessments and certification.”- Derek Ommert, Executive Director, Secure Building CouncilADRM’s experience in delivering risk and vulnerability assessments, combined with its technology capabilities, positions the company as a strong partner in supporting SBC’s mission to make security more accessible, measurable, and actionable across the built environment.“We are pleased to partner with the SBC team to support their vision of bringing professional security certification to the building and construction community. We look forward to working together to enhance how security is assessed and operationalized across the built environment.”- Dan O’Neill, President, Advanced Data Risk ManagementThe partnership was announced at ISC West 2026 in Las Vegas, NV. 2026-03-25T15:54:11-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/secure-building-council-and-adrm-announce-partnership-on-shield-certification-program#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/keeping-pace-modernizing-security-operations-centers-for-the-ai-era YARMOUTH, Maine — Security Operations Centers (SOC), once primarily the domain of IT security teams, are increasingly expanding into the physical security arena as organizations deploy growing numbers of connected cameras, sensors and other Internet-enabled devices. As these systems proliferate, security leaders are struggling to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies – and the risks they introduce. Current estimates in 2026 place the number of connected IoT devices worldwide at roughly 21 billion, according to research by IoT Analytics. For the physical security industry, that surge represents both a technical challenge and a significant business opportunity. System integrators are being called on to bridge the divide between traditional physical security infrastructure – such as surveillance cameras and access control – and cybersecurity operations. That convergence, however, often requires rethinking how SOCs are structured and staffed. “Most SOCs are still operating as collection tools connected by human effort, and the gap between machine-speed advances and human-speed operations has become a real problem,” said Max Zeumer, director of product marketing for Fortinet, during a recent webcast, “From Alert Fatigue to Action: Using AI and Automation to Modernize the SOC.” According to Zeumer, modern SOC transformation depends on three core capabilities: speed, scale and resilience. “Where these three considerations come in are when you’re looking at security operations, whether you’re in the early stages or you have an advanced team with all the bells and whistles and tools, you need to be able to defend against attackers,” he said. Automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly viewed as essential to achieving those capabilities. These technologies help SOC teams process large volumes of alerts, reduce manual workloads, prioritize threats, and accelerate incident response – allowing analysts to focus on higher-value tasks rather than routine monitoring, according to Zeumer. SOCs should, ultimately, evolve beyond reactive monitoring environments into platforms capable of anticipating and preventing attacks before they escalate, he noted. “Modernization should feel like this controlled evolution, and not just operational shock,” he said.  2026-03-25T13:16:26-05:00 Ken Showers https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/keeping-pace-modernizing-security-operations-centers-for-the-ai-era#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/frequency-jammers-are-undermining-security-systems DALLAS — U.S. security markets are facing a growing threat from frequency jammers – devices whose ease of use has raised concerns about increased criminal activity – and industry experts are taking notice. In its recent webinar, “Frequency Jammers and the Hidden Risk to Security,” Parks Associates brought together experts to examine the threat and impact of these devices. Hervé Muller, vice president of North America for Telecom Design, said the issue is one his company has already been addressing in Europe and is now targeting in the U.S. market. According to Muller, the problem is often misunderstood, as media coverage tends to focus on Wi-Fi jamming, when in reality these devices can disrupt a much broader range of frequencies. “So, if I use a frequency jammer, it will blanket radio noise,” he said. “It will disable the cellular connectivity between your panel and the central monitoring station. It will disable your Wi-Fi, and it will also disrupt all of the frequencies used between door and window sensors, motion detectors and your security panel – whether it’s DECT ULE, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, etc. So, it’s much more than just Wi-Fi.” For Anthony Iannone, vice president of innovation at Affiliated Monitoring, the issue has evolved from something seen in movies into a credible, present-day threat that can directly affect monitoring center operations. “All it takes is a simple web search to purchase one of these devices with a credit card and have it delivered in a couple of days,” he said. “Unfortunately, that means alarm systems – especially in the residential space – are increasingly vulnerable. From the monitoring center perspective, we can only respond to the signals we actually receive.” While anti-jamming technologies like those developed by Telecom design may offer a solution in commercial applications, Iannone said the challenge remains particularly persistent in the residential market. “People don’t really want contractors coming into their homes and drilling holes and things like that,” he said. “So, this is an issue we will have to figure out in the residential space.” The full webinar is available online at www.parksassociates.com.  2026-03-25T12:56:01-05:00 Ken Showers https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/frequency-jammers-are-undermining-security-systems#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/in-brief-sia-announces-new-board-of-directors-chair-milestone-systems-announces-ai-preferred-technol LAS VEGAS—The Security Industry Association (SIA) announced its new board of directors chair - Mike Mathes of Convergint - and presented two new board members at The Advance, SIA’s annual membership meeting, held March 24 at ISC West. The SIA Executive Committee for 2026 includes:Chair: Mike Mathes, executive vice president, ConvergintImmediate Past Chair: Scott Dunn, president, Dunn Strategic AdvisorySecretary: Dave Ilardi, senior vice president and president of the Americas, AllegionTreasurer: John Nemerofsky, chief operating officer, SAGE IntegrationAt-Large Officer: Tara Dunning, vice president of converging technologies, global strategy and sales, WescoThe new SIA Board of Directors members, who will serve an initial two-year term from 2026 to 2028, are:John Maffey, president and CEO, M3T CorporationJames Marcella, director, industry associations, Axis CommunicationsAdditionally, SIA confirmed six returning board members for the 2026–2028 term:Alex Castaneda, corporate vice president, North America video security and access control, Motorola SolutionsAndrew Elvish, vice president of global marketing, GenetecBrian Harrell, chief security officer, FirstEnergyBjörn Lidefelt, president and head, HID GlobalLee Odess, CEO, The Access Control CollectiveJulaine Simmons, vice president of security and electronic systems, M.C. Dean“On behalf of the SIA team and our members, I am thrilled to congratulate our new Board of Directors chair, Mike Mathes, as well as our new board members and the SIA Executive Committee for assuming their roles for the 2026–2028 term. The SIA Board of Directors is a committed, impressive and knowledgeable group of expert leaders in security, and their service on the board helps us to drive the association and our industry forward,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We also thank our immediate past chair, Scott Dunn, and outgoing board members James Rothstein, Tom Cook and Teresa Wu for their impact and leadership in guiding SIA in a number of strategic areas.”Milestone Systems announces AI, analytics built for security operations COPENHAGEN, Denmark—Milestone Systems has announced new artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics solutions, enabling security teams to deploy generative AI with confidence. These include AI Search, Video Summarization, and Video Anonymization. While generative AI is transforming other industries, many security operators still rely on manual processes for footage review, incident documentation, and video anonymization. The stakes in security are high. Missed alarms or false positives can have serious consequences, making organizations cautious about hallucinations, inconsistent outputs, and trusting automated systems where accurate judgement is essential. "How can we build on our decades of experience in video management to prepare our customers for the next generation of artificial intelligence? The answer is trust. Trust that the data is compliant, trust that the AI is accurate, and trust that these tools will genuinely make operators' jobs easier. That's what we're delivering today,” said Andrew Burnett, Milestone chief technology officer. Video Anonymization is powered by brighter AI's deep anonymization technology and will be available soon in Arcules and XProtect.Preferred Technologies receives two Genetec 2025 Channel Partner Awards HOUSTON—Preferred Technologies, LLC (Pref-Tech) announced that it has been awarded two Genetec 2025 Channel Partner Awards - USA Public Sector Partner of the Year and USA Central Region Partner. These awards celebrate exceptional sales performance, service excellence, technical expertise, and commitment to delivering industry-leading security and intelligence solutions. The 2025 USA Public Sector Partner of the Year award highlights Pref-Tech’s outstanding performance and excellence in serving public sector customers, including transportation, law enforcement, and education. Pref-Tech was also awarded the USA Central Region Partner distinction for top regional sales performance, notable year-over-year growth, and consistently exceptional service across the Genetec portfolio.  “We at Pref-Tech hold Genetec in very high regard. Our companies share common values, an appreciation for our employees, a love for innovation, and a desire to build long-lasting companies. We also hold everyone in the Genetec ecosystem in very high regard. Genetec Partners are the best of the best. To be recognized by such an incredible company among such amazing security integrators is a true honor. We are grateful for the recognition!” said Shaun Castillo, president of Pref-Tech.Brivo integrates with Actuate AI to enhance RVM, reduce false alarmsAUSTIN, Texas—Brivo has announced an integration with artificial intelligence (AI) video analytics company Actuate to deliver additional advanced AI video analytics via the Brivo Security Suite. Ideal for enhancing remote video monitoring (RVM) effectiveness, Actuate’s AI is designed for real-time detection, false alarm reduction, and faster operator intervention during security incidents. Capabilities include:Intruder detectionHard hat detectionCrowd detectionLoitering detectionFire and smoke detectionThese combined capabilities give integrators and monitoring centers a cloud-first foundation designed for high-stakes, operator-driven environments. “The RVM market is moving from experimental AI to mission-critical AI,” said Tijmen Vos, VP of product at Brivo. “With Actuate, we’re adding a layer of intelligence for professional monitoring environments - where accuracy, speed, and trust in the alert really matter. Together, we’re helping monitoring centers cut through noise, focus on real incidents, and deliver better outcomes for their customers.”ProdataKey announces new video management integration with Solink DRAPER, Utah—ProdataKey (PDK), a cloud-based access control provider, announced that it now offers a new cloud-based integration with Solink - unifying access control, video surveillance, and point-of-sale (POS) data in a single cloud platform. The integration automatically links access events from PDK with synchronized video and transactional data in Solink, giving retailers and security teams immediate visual context for incidents, faster investigations, and improved visibility across locations. By combining access control data with video analytics and business intelligence, the joint solution helps organizations respond to security events faster, reduce retail loss, and gain operational insights without replacing existing camera infrastructure.The ProdataKey and Solink integration is available now for integrators and retail organizations seeking a more unified, cloud-based approach to security and operations. To learn more, visit prodatakey.com/integrations.System Surveyor announces affiliate partnerships with six manufacturer companies   AUSTIN, Texas—Reinforcing its commitment to an open platform for security system design, System Surveyor has announced affiliate partnerships with six additional manufacturers - DMP, Alarm.com, Avigilon and Pelco (Motorola Solutions companies), Radionix and Zenitel. With the addition of these solutions to the System Surveyor Manufacturer Partner Program, System Surveyor users gain access to an expanded catalog of video surveillance, access control and other security solutions that includes more than 30 manufacturers to streamline site surveys, intelligently design systems and automate a bill of materials for physical security projects. “We are addressing the need for an open platform that can reflect the variety of technologies that professionals actually deploy in the field,” said System Surveyor CEO Chris Hugman. “Our Manufacturer Partner Program continues to expand with many respected manufacturers.  This is the first step in our goal to assist users in selecting from a range of manufacturer technologies when developing the initial system design.” To learn more about the Manufacturer Partner Program, visit SystemSurveyor.com/Partners. Manufacturers interested in joining the program can reach out for details to join the program.SIA names Andrew Campagnola as chair of Built Environment Advisory Board SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Andrew Campagnola as the new chair of the Built Environment Advisory Board - an expert-led group that fosters engagement between the global security industry and adjacent markets such as proptech and smart buildings through partnerships, education and thought leadership.Campagnola serves as director of product management at Kastle, where he leads product strategy for managed security solutions focused on commercial real estate and multifamily environments. He has spent his career working across every side of the security industry - as an end user, integrator, consultant and manufacturer - with roles spanning sales, engineering, operations and product management.  “Under Lee Odess, the SIA Built Environment Advisory Board established our industry’s voice in the built environment. Under Dan Cremins, it expanded its scope. I’m excited to take on this role and work with the board to take it even further,” said Campagnola. SIA’s Built Environment Advisory Board focuses on how the integration of physical security systems with all technology used in building spaces can create more comprehensive smart building solutions. The group’s efforts and activities have included publishing the SIA Proptech Report, which evaluates proptech trends, market size, and buying interests affiliated with security solutions in commercial real estate, including office environments and multifamily housing; authoring expert blogs and articles on key topics in built environment security; and co-hosting the ESG Week Virtual Symposium with SIA’s Environmental, Social and Governance Advisory Board.Allied Universal launches HELIAUS Guest visitor management solution IRVINE, Calif.—Allied Universal has announced the release of HELIAUS Guest, its automated enterprise visitor management system designed to replace antiquated clipboard visitor sign-in methods. Part of the company’s AI-driven HELIAUS workforce management solution, HELIAUS Guest manages every stage of the visitor experience by simplifying pre-screening and automating compliance reporting. The platform is available in the U.S. and goes beyond basic visitor management by automating security and safety processes to help mitigate risk.  Administrators can set up automatic watch lists to instantly notify security if someone attempts to enter the building and should be refused entrance. Identification credentials can also be automatically verified ensuring only approved people are entering a client’s location.“Organizations today are rethinking how they secure their facilities and manage access to people and places,” said Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO of Allied Universal. “HELIAUS Guest reflects our continued investment in technology that strengthens security while improving the daily experience of our clients and their visitors.”Everon appoints Jay Robertson as chief business operations officer IRVING, Texas—Everon has announced the promotion of Jay Robertson to chief business operations officer, a newly created executive leadership role reporting directly to Don Young, chief executive officer. In this expanded position, Robertson will oversee Everon’s centralized, customer-facing operations along with the company’s core business support functions. Establishing this new role represents an important milestone in Everon’s strategy to continually elevate the customer experience, streamline processes through intentional AI investment, and strengthen cross-functional alignment across the organization. He will lead the Business Operations organization, bringing together Everon’s Monitoring Operations, Customer Care & Retention, Video Solutions, Shared Services, Product Management, and Project Management departments under a single, centralized operational leader. “Jay’s appointment marks an exciting and strategically important step in Everon’s evolution as a differentiated service provider and customer-centric security partner,” said Everon CEO Don Young.  “By centralizing our customer-facing operations and critical business support teams under a single leader, we are building the operational foundation required to achieve greater agility, speed, and service consistency. Further supported by focused AI investment, Jay’s proven leadership will be instrumental in driving forward our commitment to delivering industry-leading operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers across the U.S.” As part of Everon’s strengthened customer-centric strategy, Everon also appointed Michael Forbes as senior director, Customer Care & Retention to join the Business Operations team. DMP’s Meg DiVito promoted to director of marketing SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) has announced the promotion of Meg DiVito to director of marketing. In this role, DiVito will be responsible for leading the marketing team’s operational execution, partnering with DMP’s executive management group in developing the company’s multi-year channel, product and communications strategy. DiVito brings more than a decade of marketing leadership, including nearly two years with DMP. “I’m incredibly proud of the work our team has accomplished over the past two years and grateful for the opportunity to lead such a talented group,” said DiVito. “I look forward to developing strategies that strengthen DMP’s position as the choice for professionals, enabling our dealers to elevate their brands and stand out in a competitive market.”DMP appoints Tyler Gebert as regional sales manager, Northern California SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) has announced the appointment of Tyler Gebert as regional sales manager for the Northern California territory. With a decade of experience in the security industry, he will provide pivotal service and support to DMP dealers throughout Northern California, Oregon and Nevada. “Throughout my career I’ve trusted DMP products in my customers’ homes and businesses, as well as in my own home,” Gebert said. “Choosing to work for DMP and talk to people about products I’ve known and trusted for the last 10 years was an easy decision.” Gebert recently served in leadership positions at Valley Communications, Inc. and Sonitrol of Sacramento. He brings a vast knowledge of DMP technology to his new role, making him well-suited to assist dealers and drive regional advancement in the Northern California territory.ICT promotes Jeff June to VP of sales and GM of the U.S.  CENTENNIAL, Colo.—Integrated Control Technology (ICT) has formally announced the promotion of Jeff June to vice president of sales and general manager of the United States. With more than two decades of sales and leadership experience, June has delivered measurable results at ICT in a remarkably short timeframe. In under a year, he has driven meaningful U.S. sales growth, reinforced partner engagement, and helped refine go-to-market strategies to support scalable expansion. Before joining ICT, June served in senior leadership roles at Kastle Systems, leading high-performance sales organizations and enterprise growth efforts. "Jeff has made a meaningful impact on our U.S. business. He has built an experienced team that showcases the value of ICT’s Protege GX platform, a unified, full-stack solution delivering a single pane of glass to end users. GX removes the friction of fragmented physical security to deliver a lower total cost of ownership with greater flexibility for ICT customers and partners," said Andy Bane, CEO of ICT. In his expanded role, June will oversee all U.S. sales operations and general management responsibilities, with a focus on revenue growth, market expansion, and partner success. “Stepping into this role is an exciting opportunity,” said June. “ICT is deeply committed to empowering partners with solutions that help them grow more efficiently and competitively. I’m looking forward to continuing to build a strong U.S. team that keeps partner success at the center of everything we do.”Vector Security hires David G. Smith as chief financial officer PITTSBURGH—Vector Security, Inc., a provider of intelligent security and automation solutions tailored to residential and business customers, has hired David G. Smith as chief financial officer. In this role, Smith serves as a key member of Vector Security’s executive leadership team, overseeing the company’s financial strategy and operations. His responsibilities include financial planning and analysis, accounting and reporting, budgeting, treasury, capital allocation, risk management, and banking relationships. With more than two decades of financial leadership experience, Smith most recently served as CFO at Protein Bar Holdings, LLC, where he led comprehensive financial strategy and value creation initiatives.  “Dave’s ability to align financial strategy with enterprise growth makes him a strong addition to our leadership team,” said Pamela J. Petrow, president and CEO of Vector Security. “As we focus on disciplined growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation, his leadership will play a critical role in supporting our strategic priorities, and positioning the company for continued success.”Pimloc appoints Andre Greco as vice president of U.S. sales  SAN FRANCISCO—Pimloc, an artificial intelligence (AI) video privacy and analytics company, has announced the appointment of Andre Greco as vice president of U.S. sales. In this role, Greco will lead Pimloc’s U.S. sales strategy, working with organizations to responsibly manage and utilize sensitive video, image, audio, and document data while protecting personally identifiable information (PII). “Security technology has evolved dramatically over the past decade,” said Simon Randall, CEO of Pimloc. “Organizations now have access to unprecedented volumes of data from CCTV, body-worn cameras, dash cameras, audio recordings, digital records, and other media. The opportunity is enormous – but so is the responsibility to manage that data in ways that protect privacy and maintain public trust. Andre’s experience scaling sales organizations across the security ecosystem makes him the ideal leader to help organizations unlock that value responsibly.” Greco will focus on expanding Pimloc’s U.S. presence and strengthening relationships with organizations seeking scalable ways to manage sensitive media while maintaining privacy, compliance, and operational transparency. “Organizations have spent years investing in security solutions that capture enormous amounts of information,” said Greco. “What many are realizing now is that capturing the data was only the first step – ensuring that sensitive content can be used, reviewed, and shared while protecting personal privacy can be far more complex. Pimloc’s Secure Redact provides the missing layer that makes that possible, and I’m excited to work with customers across the U.S. as they rethink how sensitive data is handled.”HID announces Converged Credentials solution AUSTIN, Texas — At ISC West 2026, HID announced the launch of HID Converged Credentials at booth #9053. This solution allows organizations to secure their facilities and manage employee identities and credentials through a single, unified platform. The solution consolidates physical and logical access under a single phishing-resistant credential, reducing vendor complexity and strengthening security posture without disrupting existing infrastructure. "Our customers have trusted HID to secure their facilities for decades. HID Converged Credentials is a direct response to what they're telling us: they want fewer vendors, less complexity and a credential that works everywhere, from the front door to the desktop and the cloud. We're uniquely positioned to deliver that, because identity is in our DNA," said Daniel Gundlach, Vice President and Head of Business Unit, NAM - PACS, HID. Visit HID at booth #9053 at ISC West 2026 to experience converged access firsthand, with physical access and identity experts on hand to walk attendees through the broader HID portfolio.Securitas Technology to offer Ambient.ai threat detection and automation platform UNIONTOWN, Ohio — Securitas Technology, and Ambient.ai, a provider of agentic physical security, have announced a global reseller agreement to bring the Ambient.ai platform to Securitas Technology’s global client base. The platform transforms traditional security into proactive threat detection and automation where AI continuously perceives, understands, and acts on real-world events in real time alongside human operators. “Securitas Technology is committed to staying at the forefront of technology innovation in physical security, helping our clients to improve security, streamline operations, and gain intelligence on every aspect of their business or organizational performance,” said Tony Byerly, Global President and CEO at Securitas Technology. “This partnership with Ambient.ai is another important step in our use of AI tools to truly transform security and deliver excellence for our clients —offering faster, more accurate outcomes in an increasingly complex risk environment.” The Ambient.ai platform joins other recent new offerings, including the SecureStat Cumulus AI cloud video surveillance solution. Commenting for Ambient.ai, Shikhar Shrestha, CEO and co-founder of Ambient.ai said, “This agreement with Securitas Technology means we can bring the path to Agentic Physical Security to enterprises at global scale helping clients move from manual, reactive operations to intelligence-led security where AI handles the complexity so operators can focus on what matters most.”ASSA ABLOY showcases solutions at ISC West 2026 LAS VEGAS — ASSA ABLOY will return to ISC West 2026 to showcase its range of access solutions, with visitors to Booth #8061 able to see ASSA ABLOY's latest innovations in comprehensive door security and access control, and discuss real-world challenges with the company’s team of experts. “Staying ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities starts with meaningful conversations and collaboration,” says Angelo Faenza, Head of Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas. “Events like ISC West create a unique environment for connecting with partners and customers, gaining insight into their evolving needs, and working together to shape what comes next. We’re looking forward to being back on the show floor to engage in those conversations and share how we can support the industry moving forward.”The ASSA ABLOY solutions on display at ISC West 2026 will be: The Centrios Smart Reader Expansion Unit. The IN220 Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) lock from Corbin Russwin and SARGENTThe DoorBird D31TDV IP video intercom The newly announced DoorBird A1103 and A1104Control iD iDFace Max ASSA ABLOY ACCENTRA NorBellASSA ABLOY is pleased to welcome the SiteOwl team to ASSA ABLOY. It will be positioned right next to Openings Studio, the building information management software, for the viewer to see both demonstrations and learn how these systems complement each other and give an end-user full control over physical security products and building information.Kwikset brings smart lock control to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto LAKE FOREST, Calif. — Kwikset, a registered trademark of ASSA ABLOY Americas Residential Inc., an ASSA ABLOY Group Company, has announced a smart lock integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new functionality extends the convenience of the Kwikset app to the car, providing key-free access before drivers step out of their vehicle. With the Kwikset app, users can control compatible Kwikset smart locks using their vehicle’s display. Once a smartphone is connected to the vehicle, either wired or wirelessly, the Kwikset app appears alongside other supported apps, allowing users to select their home and tap to lock or unlock their door. “Homeowners want simple, convenient ways to manage access to their homes, especially during everyday moments like arriving in the driveway,” said Anujothi Dinakaran, software product manager at Kwikset at Kwikset. “By bringing the Kwikset app to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, we are extending smart lock control to the car and giving users an easy way to unlock or secure their door before they step outside.” Compatible locks connected through the Kwikset app appear automatically within the vehicle interface, allowing homeowners to view and manage multiple homes and locks from one place. Access through CarPlay and Android Auto is available to homeowners and administrators connected to the Kwikset app. 2026-03-25T12:48:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/in-brief-sia-announces-new-board-of-directors-chair-milestone-systems-announces-ai-preferred-technol#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/staying-chill If you’re looking for me at ISC West, I’m not there! But the good news is that Security Systems News (SSN) is on the floor and if you take a good look, you can probably find us and flag us down for a good chat.In truth I may have dodged a bullet in that respect this year. Yes, it’s true I’m missing out on some amazing content, and even better people and projects, buts it’s also an opportunity to support the team. I can also get some work done without having to worry about finding a spot where the Wi-Fi works.There are also a few other good reasons of course. As the DHS funding freeze continues to be the political football of the moment, air travel, depending on your current location, has become something akin to a debacle. Thankfully Editor Cory relayed a relatively swift and easy passage through TSA on his trip to Vegas, but after the incident at La Guardia airport recently, it’s understandable that nerves might be frayed for travelers making the pilgrimage to ISC West.Speaking of freezes, apparently ICE officers rate as replacements for TSA agents now? Phoenix Sky Harbor was one of the 14 airports to which they were deployed, but since I’m playing hooky this year, I get to dodge that distinct pleasure.What’s even less cool? The weather. It sounds like Vegas is a touch warm this time of year so make sure you snowbirds coming in from the east coast dress appropriately.Enjoy the show, and safe travels! 2026-03-25T11:42:28-05:00 Ken Showers https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/staying-chill#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/vector-security-hires-david-g-smith-as-chief-financial-officer PITTSBURGH—Vector Security, Inc., a provider of intelligent security and automation solutions tailored to residential and business customers, has hired David G. Smith as chief financial officer.In this role, Smith serves as a key member of Vector Security’s executive leadership team, overseeing the company’s financial strategy and operations. His responsibilities include financial planning and analysis, accounting and reporting, budgeting, treasury, capital allocation, risk management, and banking relationships.With more than two decades of financial leadership experience, Smith most recently served as CFO at Protein Bar Holdings, LLC, where he led comprehensive financial strategy and value creation initiatives.“Dave’s ability to align financial strategy with enterprise growth makes him a strong addition to our leadership team,” said Pamela J. Petrow, president and CEO of Vector Security. “As we focus on disciplined growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation, his leadership will play a critical role in supporting our strategic priorities, and positioning the company for continued success.”  2026-03-25T08:22:27-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/vector-security-hires-david-g-smith-as-chief-financial-officer#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/wesco-enables-the-channel-with-intelligent-services PITTSBURGH—Wesco International recently rolled out a new suite of managed services to help integrators gain visibility into complex technology environments, reduce operational risk and create recurring revenue beyond traditional project work. Tara Dunning, vice president of converging technology for Wesco’s Communications & Security Solutions (CSS) business, says the new managed services are reflective of a shift in how distributors support integrators as information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) environments continue to converge. “Distributors have traditionally played a very clear role,” Dunning said. “But with IT and OT convergence, that model has expanded. We define ourselves as a global, tech-enabled solutions provider, and we see it as our obligation to enable the channel.” Wesco’s new managed services include: Intelligent Asset Management to control the lifecycle of technology assets; Intelligent Safety Services to strengthen compliance and reduce risk through digital platforms; and Intelligent Facility Services to optimize building performance through centralized data and analytics. Managing complexity at the edge Dunning points to the rapid expansion of edge networks - where cameras, sensors and connected devices generate growing volumes of data - as a key driver behind Wesco’s managed services strategy. “The camera is the ultimate sensor,” she said. “With artificial intelligence accelerating, the question becomes: What do you do with all that data?” Wesco helps integrators move beyond basic monitoring and maintenance toward predictive and outcome-based services tied to safety, compliance and efficiency. “We’re being asked by the channel to help take over certain aspects of this complexity,” Dunning said. “Integrators are leaning on us to augment their skills and capture the full value of these edge networks.” Asset lifecycle visibility takes priority At the core of the suite is Intelligent Asset Management, which addresses one of the most persistent challenges facing integrators - visibility across large install bases. “Many integrators are managing systems installed more than a decade ago - from location to firmware, software and connectivity,” Dunning said. Wesco estimates organizations using its asset lifecycle services can reduce total cost of ownership by up to 30%, driven by better planning and fewer manual processes. “When that information is tracked in one system, it requires fewer people and fewer site visits,” said Adam Greenblatt, vice president of strategic marketing at Wesco. Recurring revenue and safety services Beyond operational efficiency, the managed services are designed to help integrators move beyond one-time installs toward recurring revenue. “This extends an integrator’s value beyond the end of a project,” Greenblatt said. “It creates long-term, recurring revenue opportunities.” The portfolio also includes Intelligent Safety Services, which apply artificial intelligence (AI)-powered analytics to existing camera infrastructure to identify unsafe conditions or compliance issues. “These capabilities create new value for end users and new service opportunities for integrators,” Greenblatt said. ‘We complete, we don’t compete’ Both executives emphasize that Wesco’s managed services are intended to augment -  not replace - the integrator’s role. “We complete, we don’t compete,” Dunning said. “Everything we do goes through the channel.” As convergence continues, Greenblatt believes managed services will become an expectation rather than a differentiator. “This will go from something integrators should have to something end customers will expect,” he says. For Wesco, the expansion reflects a long-term view of where the industry is headed. “There’s unprecedented growth coming from data, AI and connected environments,” Dunning said. “Our role is to help the channel participate in that growth, reduce risk and create value for everyone involved.”  2026-03-25T08:00:00-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/wesco-enables-the-channel-with-intelligent-services#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-announces-new-board-of-directors-chair-executive-committee-and-board-members LAS VEGAS—The Security Industry Association (SIA) announced its new Board of Directors chair - Mike Mathes of Convergint - and presented two new members to the SIA Board of Directors at The Advance, SIA’s annual membership meeting, held March 24 during ISC West.The SIA Executive Committee for 2026 includes:Chair: Mike Mathes, executive vice president, ConvergintImmediate Past Chair: Scott Dunn, president, Dunn Strategic AdvisorySecretary: Dave Ilardi, senior vice president and president of the Americas, AllegionTreasurer: John Nemerofsky, chief operating officer, SAGE IntegrationAt-Large Officer: Tara Dunning, vice president of converging technologies, global strategy and sales, WescoThe new SIA Board of Directors members, who will serve an initial two-year term from 2026 to 2028, are:John Maffey, president and CEO, M3T CorporationJames Marcella, director, industry associations, Axis CommunicationsAdditionally, SIA confirmed six returning board members for the 2026–2028 term:Alex Castaneda, corporate vice president, North America video security and access control, Motorola SolutionsAndrew Elvish, vice president of global marketing, GenetecBrian Harrell, chief security officer, FirstEnergyBjörn Lidefelt, president and head, HID GlobalLee Odess, CEO, The Access Control CollectiveJulaine Simmons, vice president of security and electronic systems, M.C. Dean“On behalf of the SIA team and our members, I am thrilled to congratulate our new Board of Directors chair, Mike Mathes, as well as our new board members and the SIA Executive Committee for assuming their roles for the 2026–2028 term. The SIA Board of Directors is a committed, impressive and knowledgeable group of expert leaders in security, and their service on the board helps us to rive the association and our industry forward,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We also thank our immediate past chair, Scott Dunn, and outgoing board members James Rothstein, Tom Cook and Teresa Wu for their impact and leadership in guiding SIA in a number of strategic areas.”The SIA Board of Directors is comprised of industry professionals representing a broad spectrum of interests in the security industry. The full list of current board members can be found here.  2026-03-24T20:37:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-announces-new-board-of-directors-chair-executive-committee-and-board-members#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/kwikset-brings-smart-lock-control-to-apple-carplay-and-android-auto LAKE FOREST, Calif. — Kwikset, a registered trademark of ASSA ABLOY Americas Residential Inc., an ASSA ABLOY Group Company, has announced a smart lock integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.The new functionality extends the convenience of the Kwikset app to the car, providing key-free access before drivers step out of their vehicle.With the Kwikset app, users can control compatible Kwikset smart locks using their vehicle’s display. Once a smartphone is connected to the vehicle, either wired or wirelessly, the Kwikset app appears alongside other supported apps, allowing users to select their home and tap to lock or unlock their door.“Homeowners want simple, convenient ways to manage access to their homes, especially during everyday moments like arriving in the driveway,” said Anujothi Dinakaran, software product manager at Kwikset. “By bringing the Kwikset app to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, we are extending smart lock control to the car and giving users an easy way to unlock or secure their door before they step outside.”Compatible locks connected through the Kwikset app appear automatically within the vehicle interface, allowing homeowners to view and manage multiple homes and locks from one place. Access through CarPlay and Android Auto is available to homeowners and administrators connected to the Kwikset app. 2026-03-24T16:45:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/kwikset-brings-smart-lock-control-to-apple-carplay-and-android-auto#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/assa-abloy-showcases-solutions-at-isc-west-2026 LAS VEGAS — ASSA ABLOY will return to ISC West 2026 to showcase its range of access solutions, with visitors to Booth #8061 able to see ASSA ABLOY's latest innovations in comprehensive door security and access control, and discuss real-world challenges with the company’s team of experts.“Staying ahead of emerging challenges and opportunities starts with meaningful conversations and collaboration,” says Angelo Faenza, Head of Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas. “Events like ISC West create a unique environment for connecting with partners and customers, gaining insight into their evolving needs, and working together to shape what comes next. We’re looking forward to being back on the show floor to engage in those conversations and share how we can support the industry moving forward.”The ASSA ABLOY solutions on display at ISC West 2026 will be:The Centrios Smart Reader Expansion Unit.The IN220 Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) lock from Corbin Russwin and SARGENTThe DoorBird D31TDV IP video intercomThe newly announced DoorBird A1103 and A1104Control iD iDFace MaxASSA ABLOY ACCENTRANorBellASSA ABLOY is pleased to welcome the SiteOwl team to ASSA ABLOY. It will be positioned right next to Openings Studio, the building information management software, for the viewer to see both demonstrations and learn how these systems complement each other and give an end-user full control over physical security products and building information. 2026-03-24T13:52:15-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/assa-abloy-showcases-solutions-at-isc-west-2026#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/securitas-technology-to-offer-ambient-ai-threat-detection-and-automation-platform UNIONTOWN, Ohio — Securitas Technology, and Ambient.ai, a provider of agentic physical security, have announced a global reseller agreement to bring the Ambient.ai platform to Securitas Technology’s global client base.The platform transforms traditional security into proactive threat detection and automation where AI continuously perceives, understands, and acts on real-world events in real time alongside human operators.“Securitas Technology is committed to staying at the forefront of technology innovation in physical security, helping our clients to improve security, streamline operations, and gain intelligence on every aspect of their business or organizational performance,” said Tony Byerly, Global President and CEO at Securitas Technology. “This partnership with Ambient.ai is another important step in our use of AI tools to truly transform security and deliver excellence for our clients —offering faster, more accurate outcomes in an increasingly complex risk environment.”The Ambient.ai platform joins other recent new offerings, including the SecureStat Cumulus AI cloud video surveillance solution.Commenting for Ambient.ai, Shikhar Shrestha, CEO and co-founder of Ambient.ai said, “This agreement with Securitas Technology means we can bring the path to Agentic Physical Security to enterprises at global scale helping clients move from manual, reactive operations to intelligence-led security where AI handles the complexity so operators can focus on what matters most.” 2026-03-24T12:40:47-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/securitas-technology-to-offer-ambient-ai-threat-detection-and-automation-platform#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/hid-announces-converged-credentials-solution AUSTIN, Texas — At ISC West 2026, HID announced the launch of HID Converged Credentials at booth #9053.This solution allows organizations to secure their facilities and manage employee identities and credentials through a single, unified platform. The solution consolidates physical and logical access under a single phishing-resistant credential, reducing vendor complexity and strengthening security posture without disrupting existing infrastructure."Our customers have trusted HID to secure their facilities for decades. HID Converged Credentials is a direct response to what they're telling us: they want fewer vendors, less complexity and a credential that works everywhere, from the front door to the desktop and the cloud. We're uniquely positioned to deliver that, because identity is in our DNA," said Daniel Gundlach, Vice President and Head of Business Unit, NAM - PACS, HID.Visit HID at booth #9053 at ISC West 2026 to experience converged access firsthand, with physical access and identity experts on hand to walk attendees through the broader HID portfolio. 2026-03-24T12:07:45-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/hid-announces-converged-credentials-solution#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/march-networks-and-vivotek-merge-branded-video-security-businesses OTTAWA, Ontario — March Networks, a global provider of intelligent video surveillance and business intelligence, and VIVOTEK, have jointly announced the merger of VIVOTEK’s branded business (OBM) with March Networks to deliver greater scale end-to-end video security portfolio spanning cloud, hybrid, and on-premise video surveillance environments.Together, the two companies combine complementary strengths in enterprise video management, AI-powered analytics, advanced cameras, and cloud services to accelerate innovation and expand their global security ecosystem.Following the closing, which is expected in mid-April, the combined organization will be led by Peter Strom, President and CEO of March Networks.“This integration is about driving greater scale and accelerating long-term growth,” said Strom. “By bringing together two market leaders with highly complementary strengths, we are expanding our capabilities and creating new opportunities to deliver more value to our customers and partners. March Networks’ leadership in enterprise video management, analytics, and business intelligence combines with VIVOTEK’s camera innovation, AI capabilities, and direct-to-cloud video technologies to deliver a more powerful, end-to-end portfolio. Together, we are better positioned to help our partners grow and enable their customers to operate more securely and efficiently.”VIVOTEK’s manufacturing (ODM) business will continue to operate independently, while its branded business (OBM) combines with March Networks. Together, the combined organization significantly expands its global scale and innovation capacity, including:Operations across six continents and more than 70 countries, with expected annual revenue of over $200 million USDMore than 300 engineers in R&D across four Centers of Excellence in Ottawa, Taipei, Poland, and ItalyAn expansive network of more than 1,100 certified channel partners Worldwide“This is a seamless transition for our customers and partners. They will continue working with the same teams they know and trust, while benefiting from greater scale, more choice, and broader global coverage,” said Net Payne, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.The combination will take effect following Delta Electronics’ purchase of the remaining VIVOTEK shares it does not already own, which is expected to be completed in mid-April. Both brands will be exhibiting during ISC West 2026, held in Las Vegas from March 25-27 at the Venetian Expo and Convention Center (March Networks booth #23035; VIVOTEK booth #22043). 2026-03-23T15:51:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/march-networks-and-vivotek-merge-branded-video-security-businesses#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/dmps-meg-divito-promoted-to-director-of-marketing SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) has announced the promotion of Meg DiVito to director of marketing.In this role, DiVito will be responsible for leading the marketing team’s operational execution, partnering with DMP’s executive management group in developing the company’s multi-year channel, product and communications strategy.DiVito brings more than a decade of marketing leadership, including nearly two years with DMP. As product marketing manager, she introduced new campaign channels, implemented innovative marketing strategies and helped streamline communication across engineering, product management, sales and marketing, while developing key messaging designed to resonate with multiple target audiences.“I’m incredibly proud of the work our team has accomplished over the past two years and grateful for the opportunity to lead such a talented group,” said DiVito. “I look forward to developing strategies that strengthen DMP’s position as the choice for professionals, enabling our dealers to elevate their brands and stand out in a competitive market.”“For those of us who work with Meg already, we have nothing but pure excitement and confidence around the contributions she makes daily,” said Ken Francis, executive vice president of video solutions. “She is highly creative, capable and drives results at every opportunity.”Contact Information:Meg DiVito, director of marketing 1-800-641-4282Email: MDiVito@DMP.com  2026-03-23T10:08:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/dmps-meg-divito-promoted-to-director-of-marketing#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/milestone-systems-announces-ai-analytics-built-for-security-operations COPENHAGEN, Denmark—Milestone Systems has announced new artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics solutions, enabling security teams to deploy generative AI with confidence. These include AI Search, Video Summarization, and Video Anonymization.While generative AI is transforming other industries, many security operators still rely on manual processes for footage review, incident documentation, and video anonymization.The stakes in security are high. Missed alarms or false positives can have serious consequences, making organizations cautious about hallucinations, inconsistent outputs, and trusting automated systems where accurate judgement is essential.At the same time, the regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly. With the EU AI Act, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and shifting data privacy standards, organizations managing terabytes of video want to learn from the data they already have – but face growing uncertainty about compliance.Milestone's new AI solutions are purpose-built to address these challenges, helping security operators with AI solutions that they can trust in critical moments.Targeted, accurate, and responsible: AI built for securityDesigned to reduce manual effort at key points in the security workflow, Milestone’s generative AI solutions allow for faster video review, consistent incident documentation, and regulatory compliance – aligned with the EU AI Act and GDPR – within the Milestone ecosystem:AI Search enables investigators to quickly identify relevant elements using natural language – no complex filters or manual scrubbing required.XProtect Video Summarization uses generative AI to automatically produce text descriptions of video footage, standardizing incident documentation for operators and dramatically reducing review time.Video Anonymization supports compliance with GDPR and other privacy regulations.Consider a reported traffic accident. With AI Search, an operator can describe the vehicle involved with natural language to surface relevant footage across dozens of cameras in seconds. Video Summarization then generates a structured, standardized and thorough incident report automatically. And when that footage needs to be shared with external authorities, Video Anonymization ensures all bystander faces and license plates are redacted before export.All solutions are built for security teams to trust in real-life scenarios. Milestone’s vision language models (VLMs) are fine-tuned on vertical- and use-case-specific video data, delivering consistent, reliable outputs purpose-built for video intelligence — not broad, multi-purpose AI repurposed from other domains.Milestone brings the same rigor to sourcing and managing video data – with compliance in mind from the start. Milestone’s library of video training data is responsibly sourced, fully anonymized, and traceable video data. Milestone uses brighter AI’s anonymization technology in its own data pipeline and is now making it available to customers directly."How can we build on our decades of experience in video management to prepare our customers for the next generation of artificial intelligence? The answer is trust. Trust that the data is compliant, trust that the AI is accurate, and trust that these tools will genuinely make operators' jobs easier. That's what we're delivering today,” said Andrew Burnett, Milestone chief technology officer.Bringing AI to VMS, VSaaS, and analyticsWith AI Search, operators simply describe what they're looking for in natural language and the system identifies and surfaces the relevant video snippets in seconds. To support secure and air-gapped environments, Milestone will also offer on-premises AI Search through BriefCam: the full intelligence of AI with no internet connection required. AI Search will be available by the end of 2026.XProtect Video Summarization automatically generates detailed descriptions of video footage. Operators can send video clips with custom prompts and receive structured, consistent summaries of exactly what's happening in the scene. Integrated with XProtect's rules engine, summarization can run automatically on alerts, on a scheduled cadence, or on demand. The result is faster incident review, standardized documentation, and operators who can focus on response rather than paperwork. XProtect Video Summarization is powered by Milestone’s growing suite of use-case specific VLMs, such as its U.S. and EU Traffic models.Video Anonymization automatically redacts faces and license plates in video footage -  enabling organizations to share, export, and store video in full compliance with data privacy regulations. Whether exporting evidence to law enforcement or sharing footage across departments, operators can ensure personal identities are protected without manual effort. Video Anonymization is powered by brighter AI's deep anonymization technology and will be available soon in Arcules and XProtect.  2026-03-20T14:44:55-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/milestone-systems-announces-ai-analytics-built-for-security-operations#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-names-andrew-campagnola-as-chair-of-built-environment-advisory-board SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Andrew Campagnola as the new chair of the Built Environment Advisory Board - an expert-led group that fosters engagement between the global security industry and adjacent markets such as proptech and smart buildings through partnerships, education and thought leadership.Campagnola serves as director of product management at Kastle, where he leads product strategy for managed security solutions focused on commercial real estate and multifamily environments.He has spent his career working across every side of the security industry - as an end user, integrator, consultant and manufacturer - with roles spanning sales, engineering, operations and product management. Campagnola is a member of the SIA RISE community and holds an MBA from Syracuse University and a B.S. in security systems from the State University of New York at Farmingdale.“Under Lee Odess, the SIA Built Environment Advisory Board established our industry’s voice in the built environment. Under Dan Cremins, it expanded its scope. I’m excited to take on this role and work with the board to take it even further,” said Campagnola. “Security technology is already in these buildings, driving real business outcomes well beyond the security department, and building owners and operators are increasingly recognizing this opportunity. As chair, I want to scale the board’s reach into the trade associations that serve the commercial real estate, multifamily and smart building markets, so SIA’s member companies have a voice where those decisions are being made - and so what we learn in those forums comes back to sharpen our standards, guidance and solutions.”SIA’s Built Environment Advisory Board focuses on how the integration of physical security systems with all technology used in building spaces can create more comprehensive smart building solutions. The group’s efforts and activities have included publishing the SIA Proptech Report, which evaluates proptech trends, market size, and buying interests affiliated with security solutions in commercial real estate, including office environments and multifamily housing; authoring expert blogs and articles on key topics in built environment security; and co-hosting the ESG Week Virtual Symposium with SIA’s Environmental, Social and Governance Advisory Board.“SIA is thrilled to welcome Andrew Campagnola as the new chair of the Built Environment Advisory Board. Andrew has a wide range of security industry experience that has given him a strong, practical understanding of how security solutions are built, deployed and used every day,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We thank Andrew for lending his time and expertise to the advisory board as chair and look forward to collaborating with him to build on this effort to grow engagement between the global security industry, proptech and smart buildings through partnerships, thought leadership and learning.”Learn more about the Built Environment Advisory Board and access resources from the group here.  2026-03-20T13:09:46-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-names-andrew-campagnola-as-chair-of-built-environment-advisory-board#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/allied-universal-launches-heliaus-guest-visitor-management-solution IRVINE, Calif.—Allied Universal has announced the release of HELIAUS Guest, its automated enterprise visitor management system designed to replace antiquated clipboard visitor sign-in methods. Part of the company’s AI-driven HELIAUS workforce management solution, HELIAUS Guest manages every stage of the visitor experience by simplifying pre-screening and automating compliance reporting.“Organizations today are rethinking how they secure their facilities and manage access to people and places,” said Steve Jones, global chairman and CEO of Allied Universal. “HELIAUS Guest reflects our continued investment in technology that strengthens security while improving the daily experience of our clients and their visitors.  By bringing automation and intelligence to the front door, we are helping our clients operate more efficient, maintain stronger oversight and helps create safer environments for everyone who works at or enters their facilities.”The HELIAUS Guest platform is available in the U.S. and goes beyond basic visitor management by automating security and safety processes to help mitigate risk. Recent studies indicate that 28% of security leaders believe unauthorized access is one of the most anticipated security concerns, making insider risk management a critical priority. Administrators can set up automatic watch lists to instantly notify security if someone attempts to enter the building and should be refused entrance. Identification credentials can also be automatically verified ensuring only approved people are entering a client’s location. In addition, audit trails can be generated to simplify risk management and compliance reporting.“HELIAUS Guest addresses the mounting pressure on companies to modernize lobbies and protect building occupants by empowering security professionals to ditch the clipboard,” said Mark Mullison, Allied Universal chief technology officer.  “When it comes to security, there is no compromise.  We are committed to delivering technology that performs at the highest level to help ensure the safety of our clients.”HELIAUS Guest has been designed with security and safety in mind to provide a powerful visitor management solution that is fast and secure. Features include:Ability to run on desktop, tablet or mobile devices so users can access it from anywhereSimple to install and use with a keyboard, mouse or touchpadConvenient licensing process requiring only one license to cover an entire building“We just recently finished implementing HELIAUS Guest at our Omaha, Norcross and Limerick facilities and I’m extremely pleased with how it has transformed the visitor management experience for us,” said Steven Litherland, physical security operations manager (Global) for ACI Worldwide. “It has far surpassed my expectations, and I would not hesitate to recommend HELIAUS Guest to any company looking for a next generation visitor management solution.”To learn more or schedule a free demo, visit https://www.aus.com/heliaus-guest.  2026-03-20T12:32:14-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/allied-universal-launches-heliaus-guest-visitor-management-solution#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/prodatakey-announces-new-video-management-integration-with-solink DRAPER, Utah—ProdataKey (PDK), a cloud-based access control provider, announced that it now offers a new cloud-based integration with Solink - unifying access control, video surveillance, and point-of-sale (POS) data in a single cloud platform.The integration automatically links access events from PDK with synchronized video and transactional data in Solink, giving retailers and security teams immediate visual context for incidents, faster investigations, and improved visibility across locations.By combining access control data with video analytics and business intelligence, the joint solution helps organizations respond to security events faster, reduce retail loss, and gain operational insights without replacing existing camera infrastructure."Customer expectations have moved from 'keep the bad guys out' to 'help me run a better business,’ which is exactly what the PDK + Solink integration does," said Chris Wolski, VP of product marketing and market strategy at Solink. "The Solink and ProdataKey integration turns every access event into a context-rich, Al-analyzed story-helping customers validate safety and compliance, reduce shrink and organized retail crime (ORC) exposure, and understand how people move through their spaces across every location."The ProdataKey and Solink integration is available now for integrators and retail organizations seeking a more unified, cloud-based approach to security and operations. To learn more, visit prodatakey.com/integrations.  2026-03-20T12:17:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/prodatakey-announces-new-video-management-integration-with-solink#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/dmp-appoints-tyler-gebert-as-regional-sales-manager-northern-california SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) has announced the appointment of Tyler Gebert as regional sales manager for the Northern California territory.With a decade of experience in the security industry, he will provide pivotal service and support to DMP dealers throughout Northern California, Oregon and Nevada.“Throughout my career I’ve trusted DMP products in my customers’ homes and businesses, as well as in my own home,” Gebert said. “Choosing to work for DMP and talk to people about products I’ve known and trusted for the last 10 years was an easy decision.”Gebert recently served in leadership positions at Valley Communications, Inc. and Sonitrol of Sacramento. He brings a vast knowledge of DMP technology to his new role, making him well-suited to assist dealers and drive regional advancement in the Northern California territory.Contact Information:Tyler Gebert, regional sales manager, Northern CaliforniaDirect Cell: 1-417-407-1880Email: TGebert@DMP.com 2026-03-20T11:16:50-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/dmp-appoints-tyler-gebert-as-regional-sales-manager-northern-california#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/system-surveyor-announces-affiliate-partnerships-with-six-manufacturer-companies AUSTIN, Texas—Reinforcing its commitment to an open platform for security system design, System Surveyor has announced affiliate partnerships with six additional manufacturers - DMP, Alarm.com, Avigilon and Pelco (Motorola Solutions companies), Radionix and Zenitel.With the addition of these solutions to the System Surveyor Manufacturer Partner Program, System Surveyor users gain access to an expanded catalog of video surveillance, access control and other security solutions that includes more than 30 manufacturers to streamline site surveys, intelligently design systems and automate a bill of materials for physical security projects.With drag-and-drop simplicity, System Surveyor users can access each manufacturer partner’s element profiles to import devices and accessories directly onto a digital floor plan. This capability allows integrators to intelligently select the right products to create an accurate, professional design for proposals in half the time of typical methods.From initial survey and design through implementation and ongoing management, the System Surveyor Manufacturer Partner Program enables end users and technology managers to refine security system designs using brand-specific equipment for procurement, installation and long-term lifecycle management.“We are addressing the need for an open platform that can reflect the variety of technologies that professionals actually deploy in the field,” said System Surveyor CEO Chris Hugman. “Our Manufacturer Partner Program continues to expand with many respected manufacturers.  This is the first step in our goal to assist users in selecting from a range of manufacturer technologies when developing the initial system design.”Through System Surveyor’s strategic, partnership-driven ecosystem, integrators and end users have access to a robust and diverse catalog of products and accessories from security manufacturers including Hanwha Vision, Digital Watchdog, Rhombus, OpenEye, ProdataKey (PDK), i-PRO, Mobotix, SoundSecure, Verkada, Turing and others.By continuing to expand the Manufacturer Partner Program, System Surveyor helps integrators, consultants and end users quickly capture system requirements, integrate preferred devices into system designs and automatically generate detailed bills of materials, reducing errors and accelerating project workflows.To learn more about the Manufacturer Partner Program, visit  SystemSurveyor.com/Partners. Manufacturers interested in joining the program can reach out for details to join the program.  2026-03-20T10:43:04-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/system-surveyor-announces-affiliate-partnerships-with-six-manufacturer-companies#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/preferred-technologies-receives-two-genetec-2025-channel-partner-awards HOUSTON—Preferred Technologies, LLC (Pref-Tech) announced that it has been awarded two Genetec 2025 Channel Partner Awards - USA Public Sector Partner of the Year and USA Central Region Partner.These awards celebrate exceptional sales performance, service excellence, technical expertise, and commitment to delivering industry-leading security and intelligence solutions.The 2025 USA Public Sector Partner of the Year award highlights Pref-Tech’s outstanding performance and excellence in serving public sector customers, including transportation, law enforcement, and education. It reflects the company’s dedication to meeting the complex security needs of public agencies through innovative deployment of Genetec solutions.Pref-Tech was also awarded the USA Central Region Partner distinction for top regional sales performance, notable year-over-year growth, and consistently exceptional service across the Genetec portfolio. The Pref-Tech team demonstrated strong engagement with Genetec University CPNA and maintained all required technical certifications, further reinforcing its leadership in the Central Region.“We at Pref-Tech hold Genetec in very high regard. Our companies share common values, an appreciation for our employees, a love for innovation, and a desire to build long-lasting companies. We also hold everyone in the Genetec ecosystem in very high regard. Genetec Partners are the best of the best. To be recognized by such an incredible company among such amazing security integrators is a true honor. We are grateful for the recognition!” said Shaun Castillo, president of Pref-Tech.The Genetec Channel Partner Awards honor remarkable achievements and a strong dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and excellence in deploying Genetec solutions. These awards recognize the expertise and commitment of the Genetec North American channel partner network in delivering state-of-the-art physical security and intelligence solutions to customers throughout the United States and Canada.“The organizations recognized this year have shown what’s possible when expertise meets commitment,” said Alain Bissada, area vice president of sales, North America at Genetec Inc. “They’ve delivered measurable growth, built stronger customer relationships, and provided thoughtful security solutions that meet the complex needs of today’s operations. Their leadership continues to elevate the standard for excellence across our network.”Channel Partner Award winners are selected based on several criteria, including sales performance, customer satisfaction, technical expertise, and innovation in deploying Genetec solutions.  2026-03-20T10:22:36-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/preferred-technologies-receives-two-genetec-2025-channel-partner-awards#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/brivo-integrates-with-actuate-ai-to-enhance-rvm-reduce-false-alarms AUSTIN, Texas—Brivo has announced an integration with artificial intelligence (AI) video analytics company Actuate to deliver additional advanced AI video analytics via the Brivo Security Suite.Ideal for enhancing remote video monitoring (RVM) effectiveness, Actuate’s AI is designed for real-time detection, false alarm reduction, and faster operator intervention during security incidents. Capabilities include:Intruder detectionHard hat detectionCrowd detectionLoitering detectionFire and smoke detectionThese combined capabilities give integrators and monitoring centers a cloud-first foundation designed for high-stakes, operator-driven environments.“The RVM market is moving from experimental AI to mission-critical AI,” said Tijmen Vos, VP of product at Brivo. “With Actuate, we’re adding a layer of intelligence for professional monitoring environments - where accuracy, speed, and trust in the alert really matter. Together, we’re helping monitoring centers cut through noise, focus on real incidents, and deliver better outcomes for their customers.”The Actuate AI integration is now part of the Brivo Security Suite’s existing ecosystem of technology partners. As an open platform, the Brivo Security Suite easily integrates with third-party AI providers and gives business owners and resellers the flexibility to choose their preferred cameras and integrated technologies - all within one unified, cloud-native physical security solution. The Brivo Security Suite also offers the convenience of a single invoice, one support team, and one business relationship.“Remote video monitoring only works if operators can trust the alerts they receive,” said Brian Leary, CEO of Actuate. “By integrating Actuate’s AI analytics with the Brivo Security Suite, we’re helping monitoring teams move from reactive surveillance to proactive monitoring by filtering out false alarms and surfacing the events that actually require action.” 2026-03-19T11:53:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/brivo-integrates-with-actuate-ai-to-enhance-rvm-reduce-false-alarms#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/ict-promotes-jeff-june-to-vp-of-sales-and-gm-of-the-u-s CENTENNIAL, Colo.—Integrated Control Technology (ICT) has formally announced the promotion of Jeff June to vice president of sales and general manager of the United States.June’s promotion comes at a pivotal moment for ICT’s U.S. business, as the company sharpens its focus on scalable leadership, closer partner alignment, and sustained market momentum. Elevating dedicated U.S. sales leadership underscores ICT’s long-term investment in the region and its commitment to a partner-first growth model.With more than two decades of sales and leadership experience, June has delivered measurable results at ICT in a remarkably short timeframe. In under a year, he has driven meaningful U.S. sales growth, reinforced partner engagement, and helped refine go-to-market strategies to support scalable expansion. Before joining ICT, June served in senior leadership roles at Kastle Systems, leading high-performance sales organizations and enterprise growth efforts."Jeff has made a meaningful impact on our U.S. business. He has built an experienced team that showcases the value of ICT’s Protege GX platform, a unified, full-stack solution delivering a single pane of glass to end users. GX removes the friction of fragmented physical security to deliver a lower total cost of ownership with greater flexibility for ICT customers and partners," said Andy Bane, CEO of ICT. "Jeff’s promotion is well-earned, and I am excited to see him grow our U.S. business by continuing to focus first on customer business outcomes."In his expanded role, June will oversee all U.S. sales operations and general management responsibilities, with a focus on revenue growth, market expansion, and partner success. His leadership will support ICT’s continued investment in scalable sales operations, customer alignment, and long-term partner relationships across the United States.“Stepping into this role is an exciting opportunity,” said June. “ICT is deeply committed to empowering partners with solutions that help them grow more efficiently and competitively. I’m looking forward to continuing to build a strong U.S. team that keeps partner success at the center of everything we do.”  2026-03-19T10:58:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/ict-promotes-jeff-june-to-vp-of-sales-and-gm-of-the-u-s#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/everon-appoints-jay-robertson-as-chief-business-operations-officer IRVING, Texas—Everon has announced the promotion of Jay Robertson to chief business operations officer, a newly created executive leadership role reporting directly to Don Young, chief executive officer.In this expanded position, Robertson will oversee Everon’s centralized, customer-facing operations along with the company’s core business support functions. Establishing this new role represents an important milestone in Everon’s strategy to continually elevate the customer experience, streamline processes through intentional AI investment, and strengthen cross-functional alignment across the organization.With more than 20 years of experience in the security industry – including with Protection 1, ADT, ADT Commercial, and Everon – and a strong record of demonstrating customer ownership, Robertson will lead the Business Operations organization. This brings together Everon’s Monitoring Operations, Customer Care & Retention, Video Solutions, Shared Services, Product Management, and Project Management departments under a single, centralized operational leader. This consolidation is designed to create greater speed, efficiency, and operational agility to support Everon’s next phase of growth.By aligning these customer-impacting departments under a single leader, Everon is poised to create a more cohesive, endtoend experience for its customers. This centralized structure enables deeper collaboration, clearer accountability, and faster responsiveness for a holistic approach to the customer journey.By bringing key touchpoints together, from product management and operations logistics to monitoring and customer care, Everon is better equipped to anticipate customer needs, reduce friction, and deliver a consistently elevated experience across every interaction.Additionally, Robertson’s organization will advance Everon’s strategic use of artificial intelligence to streamline operational workflows and elevate customer engagement. This includes automating highvolume processes to increase efficiency and return on investment (ROI) and deploying advanced artificial intelligence (AI) within Everon’s monitoring centers to support faster issue resolution, as well as enriched coaching and quality insights for frontline employees.By incorporating agentassist and agentic AI tools to manage routine processes, Everon will enable teams to focus on highervalue, relationshipdriven customer interactions – ultimately strengthening the organization’s ability to scale operations and deliver service with greater speed and consistency.“Jay’s appointment marks an exciting and strategically important step in Everon’s evolution as a differentiated service provider and customer-centric security partner,” said Young.  “By centralizing our customer-facing operations and critical business support teams under a single leader, we are building the operational foundation required to achieve greater agility, speed, and service consistency. Further supported by focused AI investment, Jay’s proven leadership will be instrumental in driving forward our commitment to delivering industry-leading operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers across the U.S.”As part of Everon’s strengthened customer-centric strategy, Everon also appointed Michael Forbes as senior director, Customer Care & Retention to join the Business Operations team. Forbes, who began his career on the frontlines of Protection 1 in 2012, will play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, enhancing customer satisfaction, and building high-performing teams committed to delivering a world-class customer experience.  2026-03-19T10:31:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/everon-appoints-jay-robertson-as-chief-business-operations-officer#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/milestone-s-mauser-talks-hafnia-expansion-project-roadmap YARMOUTH, Maine — Milestone Systems is pushing deeper into the AI infrastructure space with a major expansion of its Hafnia platform, adding new tools designed to dramatically accelerate the development of computer vision models. By introducing synthetic data capabilities and preparing a trainingasaservice offering with NVIDIA, Milestone is aiming to solve one of the industry’s biggest bottlenecks: access to largescale, compliant, highquality datasets. To understand the scope of what these updates unlock – particularly for emerging smart city and publicsector deployments – Security Systems News spoke with Edward Mauser, director of Hafnia. In the conversation, he laid out just how significantly these services could change the time, cost, and complexity of building nextgeneration video analytics and what this direction means for Hafnia’s broader roadmap. SSN: Milestone is introducing a significant expansion of developer tools within Hafnia. From your vantage point, what does this release unlock for the platform, and how does it change what developers can achieve with it? Edward Mauser: What we’re doing with Hafnia – and everything you’re seeing coming out of it – is accelerating the computer vision industry through responsible AI. Another way to say that is, Hafnia accelerates video analytics development. We’re building the world’s largest real-world, compliant video dataset. From that, we’re unlocking services that can dramatically accelerate both time-to-market and the quality of video analytics development. SSN: With synthetic data now being integrated into Hafnia, what kinds of real-world and edge-case scenarios do you anticipate being able to emulate that were previously difficult or impossible to capture? Edward Mauser: I think it gets dangerous when you talk about synthetic data in isolation. What we’re actually doing is augmenting real-world data, not replacing it. We’re not generating completely artificial datasets; instead, we’re enhancing existing ones. We focus on rare or underrepresented conditions, things like specific weather scenarios, traffic patterns, regional vehicle types, or unusual events, such as debris in the road that are difficult to capture in real-world data. With synthetic augmentation, we can simulate variations of these scenarios, allowing models to better detect and respond to them. In this way, synthetic data complements real-world data by filling gaps and improving overall model performance. SSN: Training as a service is a major new direction. How does it simplify the process for developers and integrators without deep AI infrastructure? Edward Mauser: Training as a service is designed to enhance the existing video analytics market. Today, nearly all deployed video analytics solutions rely on classical models. Our goal is to improve their performance and drive broader adoption. We handle the most complex and resource-intensive parts of the process, especially data preparation, which accounts for roughly 80% of the effort and cost in model development. That includes data capture, regulatory compliance, anonymization, structuring and balancing datasets. By taking care of all that, developers and integrators only need a basic level of data science knowledge to train effective models. SSN: How do these new tools fit into the broader roadmap for Hafnia and Milestone’s vision for AI? Edward Mauser: Hafnia has a growing roadmap of services – all built on the data library we’re developing. As you know, we already offer VLM as a service and training as a service. You can expect additional complementary services, including more domain-specific VLMs, as well as continued expansion of the data library to support a broader range of use cases and improve model performance.  2026-03-18T12:58:33-05:00 Ken Showers https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/milestone-s-mauser-talks-hafnia-expansion-project-roadmap#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-confirms-openness-of-transparent-mode-for-osdp-standard SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has confirmed that, going forward, the SIA Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) Transparent Mode configuration will be open to all within the security industry.SIA OSDP is an access control communications standard developed by SIA to improve interoperability among access control and security products. Transparent Mode is a capability within the OSDP standard that allows secure communication channels to be used while passing application-specific data between devices. This capability enables manufacturers to support advanced device functionality without sacrificing the interoperability and security benefits provided by the OSDP standard.Previously, the Transparent Mode mechanism was subject to a number of U.S. patents held by HID and other intellectual property rights. HID has confirmed that its patents related to Transparent Mode functionality, as defined in the OSDP specification, will not restrict implementation within OSDP-compliant solutions.“Open standards drive innovation, interoperability and scalable deployment across the security industry, and Transparency Mode is integral to the secure, interoperable device communication framework of OSDP,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “SIA applauds HID for its commitment to the continued adoption and development of OSDP and its longstanding support for the industry and open standards - enabling manufacturers, integrators and end users to implement solutions with confidence.”SIA OSDP was approved as an international standard by the International Electrotechnical Commission in May 2020 and has been published as IEC 60839-11-5. SIA OSDP v2.2.2 was released in October 2024. The standard is in constant refinement to retain its industry-leading position.SIA encourages broad adoption of this standard - which is already in wide use by many leading manufacturers - and recommends specifying OSDP for any access control installations that require real security and/or will be used in government and other higher-security settings. A key element of the developing SIA EU Advisory Board will be to advocate for adoption of OSDP within the region. SIA OSDP is particularly valuable for government applications because it meets federal access control requirements like PKI for FICAM.Learn more about SIA OSDP, including how to purchase the standard, become OSDP Verified and/or access training around this standard, on the OSDP webpage.  2026-03-18T11:37:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/sia-confirms-openness-of-transparent-mode-for-osdp-standard#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/security-m-a-boom-spurs-need-for-better-seller-preparation-experts-say DENVER—With mergers and acquisition activity in the security industry setting a record pace, Kelly Bond and Marc P. Katz say sellers need to understand the work, timing and preparation required to successfully complete a deal. Bond, partner at Bridgepoint Advisors, and Katz, attorney-at-law at the Law Offices of Marc P. Katz, have spent years helping owners, dealers and integrators navigate transactions. They’ll share their insights in a session, “The Maze of Mergers and Acquisitions – Navigating the Pitfalls Early for an Outcome of Success,” at PSA TEC 2026 on April 22 at 11:45 a.m. MT. “We’ve been there, done that,” Katz said. “We want people in the industry to understand where they can hurt themselves and how to prepare before they start a process.” “You go through this process once,” Bond added. “If we can instill anything before they begin, the better. Otherwise, they’re shocked at how much work it takes.” A shifting landscape Private equity continues to drive strong M&A activity, often creating unrealistic expectations for owners sizing up their potential value or comparing themselves to peers. “Owners see the multiples they think they hear and create expectations that are completely unrealistic,” Bond said. “I explain how transactions really work so they’re not disappointed when things don’t look like the deal their friend across town got.” Katz added that because press releases rarely list purchase amounts, sellers often fill in the blanks with wishful thinking. “We get a lot of unrealistic expectations. We have to explain, this is what the marketplace really looks like,” he said.  At the same time, the influx of buyers has made the space more attractive than ever. “I feel like the security industry is the prettiest girl at the dance right now,” Bond said. What makes security M&A different While M&A fundamentals mirror other industries, the security sector’s reliance on recurring monthly revenue (RMR) adds complexity that many sellers and first-time buyers aren’t ready for. “RMR deals are very different,” Katz explained. “A lot of industries don’t have recurring revenue at the center of their valuation model. As more deals have gone to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization), those look more typical – but when it’s an RMR deal, the structure and language are different.” Bond noted that even integrators – traditionally more EBITDA-focused – are being pushed toward recurring revenue by today’s buyers: “I’ve seen that shift. Buyers want recurring revenue to be part of the overall revenue mix,” she said.  Dig in for the duration of a deal Timing and readiness also remain top pitfalls. “Sellers think it won’t take long, that it can get done in a month,” Katz said. “Then they see the buyer’s request list and say, ‘Why do they need this?’ Well, they do.” Bond recalled a seller with $400,000 in unclear expenses. “They had no idea what was personal or business,” she said. “We had to take them off the market.” Preparing long before a sale Bond and Katz will outline tools owners can use to prepare early – contract reviews, financial cleanup, internal reporting, and established documentation systems – long before going to market. “This is their retirement,” Bond said. “They need a plan.” Katz added that early preparation reduces stress and cost. “You have to do some homework,” he said.   2026-03-18T07:21:00-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/security-m-a-boom-spurs-need-for-better-seller-preparation-experts-say#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/isc-west-travel-meets-tsa-reality ISC West is just days away, and tens of thousands of security professionals are preparing to descend on Las Vegas for the biggest industry event of the year. I’m one of them - or at least I’m supposed to be.But as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers across the country work without pay and staffing shortages worsen, the reliability of air travel itself is suddenly in question.When airport security becomes unpredictable, even a routine crosscountry trip feels anything but routine.It’s a trip I’ve made the last four years since taking over as editor of Security Systems News. Normally, the biggest variables are weather, flight delays, or how early I need to leave for the airport.This year, there’s a different - and far more troubling - question hanging over the trip: Will there even be enough TSA officers at the airport to get me through security?That’s not hyperbole. It’s a question many travelers are now asking as TSA officers across the country work without pay amid the ongoing Department of Homeland Security funding lapse. Last week, TSA employees missed their first full paycheck, receiving $0 while still being required to report to work.According to a CBS News report, unscheduled absences among frontline TSA officers have more than doubled since the shutdown began in midFebruary. More than 300 TSA employees have already quit, and callout rates at some airports have climbed into doubledigit percentages.Internal TSA statistics obtained by CBS News also revealed that at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - which yours truly is flying out of to get to Las Vegas - TSA officers have averaged a 21% absence rate, the highest among major U.S. airports.For anyone departing from JFK - or nearby LaGuardia or Newark Liberty - that’s not an abstract statistic. It translates into longer lines, closed checkpoints, missed flights, and a growing sense of uncertainty about whether the system can keep up.As spring break travel ramps up, security lines have already stretched for hours at major hubs in Houston, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Austin, according to the Wall Street Journal. And this is happening before one of the busiest weeks of the year for Las Vegas.To be fair, reports out of Harry Reid International Airport suggest TSA officers there have largely continued to show up despite missing paychecks, helping keep wait times relatively manageable so far. Local union leaders credit that to dedication and community support - but even they warn it’s not sustainable if the shutdown drags on.Union representatives have cautioned that staffing levels could deteriorate quickly without a resolution, especially as financial pressure builds on a workforce that, by necessity, is still expected to show up.That’s the uneasy backdrop as ISC West approaches, with attendees traveling from airports already experiencing staffing shortages, long security lines, and mounting operational strain.There’s an uncomfortable irony here. ISC West is the premier event for an industry built on risk mitigation, resilience, and preparedness. Yet the basic act of getting there now feels fragile.TSA officers are essential workers. They screen millions of passengers daily and serve on the front lines of aviation security, even during a shutdown that requires them to work without pay. While back pay may eventually come, it doesn’t help cover rent, childcare, gas, or groceries in the meantime. As financial pressure mounts, callouts rise. That’s not politics - it’s reality.From a traveler’s perspective, the immediate advice is familiar: arrive earlier, expect delays, and build in buffers. From a security industry perspective, the implications run deeper.When staffing shortages slow screening operations, pressure builds - on travelers, on officers who do show up, and on the system as a whole. That’s not just a customer experience issue; it’s an operational and security concern.As someone who covers this industry yearround, I can’t help but ask: What message does it send when the people responsible for securing our airports are asked to do so without being paid? And what happens if “essential” eventually becomes “unsustainable”?I’m still planning to get on that plane to Las Vegas next week. But for the first time in a long time, the biggest question isn’t what gate I’ll depart from - it’s whether airport security will be adequately staffed when I get there.And that’s not a question anyone in this industry should be comfortable ignoring. 2026-03-18T07:10:34-05:00 Cory Harris https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/isc-west-travel-meets-tsa-reality#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/pye-barker-fire-safety-accelerates-growth-strategy-with-57-acquisitions-in-2025 ATLANTA—Pye-Barker Fire & Safety acquired 57 fire alarm, fire sprinkler, suppression and security companies in 2025, marking another year of monumental growth and continued impact as the acquirer of choice for fire and life safety services nationwide.Following an impressive year of growth in 2024, Pye-Barker doubled down on its purpose to create peace of mind while protecting what matters most. In 2025, the company grew to 9,000 team members across 47 states, including entrances into Hawaii and Arkansas. Its nationally backed, locally operated branch locations uphold a standard of excellence with top-tier customer service, protection and industry innovation."Each acquisition from 2025 plays a pivotal role in our continued impact," said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker. "Our team deliberately acquired companies that align with our values and company culture to create a team of like-minded, driven individuals nationwide. We plan to continue this trajectory in 2026 as we elevate fire and life safety services to take care of our customers and the communities we serve and be a superior single-source partner for all life safety needs."Pye-Barker also launched significant initiatives to show its deep commitment to its team members and thriving culture. Its ALL In employee ownership program grants incentive awards to every eligible full-time team member at no cost. The company's dedication to shared success, as the largest company in the fire and life safety industry powered by employee ownership, creates a culture where everyone thrives.In addition, the company launched its What Matters community impact platform, a platform which provides support to Pye-Barker employees during hardship and other emergencies, as well as local community causes throughout the U.S. and initiatives to advance firefighter safety and prevent line-of-duty deaths through its partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation."Our culture and the passion of our team members for taking care of each other and their customers nationwide is what makes Pye-Barker special," Proctor said. "As I look ahead to 2026, I feel confident that we will continue to enhance everything we've been working on at Pye-Barker, including continuing to be a great place to work, a supportive resource to our communities and a trusted safety partner to our customers."Pye-Barker made the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list for the sixth time and received Great Places to Work certification in 2025.  2026-03-18T07:10:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/pye-barker-fire-safety-accelerates-growth-strategy-with-57-acquisitions-in-2025#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/in-brief-wesco-launches-integrator-focused-managed-services-motorola-solutions-adds-exacom-pye-barke PITTSBURGH—Wesco International has announced a new suite of managed services designed to help organizations optimize technology assets, strengthen workplace safety programs and improve facility performance with data and expert support.  The newly available service and technology offerings will be showcased at ISC West 2026, taking place March 23-27 in Las Vegas. “Customers are seeking ways to simplify complexity, gain intelligence and improve outcomes across their environments,” said Tara Dunning, vice president of converging technology for Wesco’s Communications & Security Solutions (CSS) business. “We deliver these new services in collaboration with our integrator partners, allowing them to scale faster in support of end-users. By combining software, operational expertise and converging technologies across all categories of connected devices, our suite of managed services unlock performance, enhance safety and manage organizations’ facilities and assets.” “As enterprise operations become more digitized, connected and complex, Wesco is investing and expanding its service capabilities globally to support integrators and end users of all sizes,” said Dirk Naylor, executive vice president and general manager for Wesco’s CSS business. “We are leveraging our scale and global footprint to uncover productivity gains and cost savings from converging technologies, software and services.” Motorola Solutions acquires Exacom CHICAGO—Motorola Solutions has announced the acquisition of Exacom, a provider of cloud-native voice and multimedia recording and logging solutions for mission-critical communications, based in Manchester, N.H. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Exacom’s solutions help public safety agencies consolidate call logs and record 911 audio and radio traffic directly into their cloud-based or on-premise storage systems, helping to create a single narrative of the entire incident. Integrating with Motorola Solutions’ Assist Suites will help provide immediate insights during live incidents while preserving evidentiary records for compliance, quality assurance and investigations. Exacom’s logging recorders are broadly integrated in the market with over 85 existing radio, 911 call handling, Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and enterprise voice systems, enabling comprehensive and cohesive recording. “In a landscape where data is often fragmented, we are moving to unify the ‘audible truth’ of emergency calls and critical voice communication with the ‘visual truth’ of video,” said Mahesh Saptharishi, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Motorola Solutions. “By integrating Exacom into our Digital Evidence Management System, we are helping to eliminate information silos to create a centralized data layer, ready to be efficiently transformed into actionable intelligence with Assist, our mission-critical AI." Pye-Barker Fire & Safety accelerates growth strategy with 57 acquisitions in 2025 ATLANTA—Pye-Barker Fire & Safety acquired 57 fire alarm, fire sprinkler, suppression and security companies in 2025, marking another year of monumental growth and continued impact as the acquirer of choice for fire and life safety services nationwide. Following an impressive year of growth in 2024, Pye-Barker doubled down on its purpose to create peace of mind while protecting what matters most. In 2025, the company grew to 9,000 team members across 47 states, including entrances into Hawaii and Arkansas. Its nationally backed, locally operated branch locations uphold a standard of excellence with top-tier customer service, protection and industry innovation. "Each acquisition from 2025 plays a pivotal role in our continued impact," said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker. "Our team deliberately acquired companies that align with our values and company culture to create a team of like-minded, driven individuals nationwide. We plan to continue this trajectory in 2026 as we elevate fire and life safety services to take care of our customers and the communities we serve and be a superior single-source partner for all life safety needs." Pye-Barker Fire & Safety acquires Priority One Security ATLANTA—Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has announced the acquisition of Priority One Security, a full-service smart security integrator with four offices across South Carolina and Tennessee, adding more than 80 team members to its Southeast operations.  As a U.S. provider of fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services, this acquisition strengthens Pye-Barker's security capabilities across the Southeast. Priority One Security, headquartered in Greenville, S.C., has served commercial and residential customers for more than 25 years. The company provides security and fire alarm systems, access control, video surveillance, automation solutions, entry systems and monitoring. The acquisition includes Priority One's offices in Greenville, Orangeburg and Williamston, S.C., as well as Lenoir, Tenn. The company's service reach extends across 15 states through both its local offices and a national accounts division. Minuteman receives Genetec 2025 Channel Partner Award for USA East Region  ANDOVER, Mass.—Minuteman Security & Life Safety has announced that it has been awarded the Genetec 2025 Channel Partner Award for the USA East Region.  This award recognizes top regional sales performance, year-over-year growth, and outstanding service across the Genetec portfolio. Through strong engagement with the Genetec ecosystem, including active use of the Genetec Portal and ongoing CPNA certifications through Genetec University, the Minuteman team continues to demonstrate technical expertise and commitment to delivering best-in-class security solutions. “Our partnership with Genetec has been instrumental in helping us deliver powerful, scalable security solutions for our customers,” said Ron Oetjen, CEO of Minuteman Security & Life Safety. “This recognition reflects the collaboration between the Minuteman and Genetec teams, and the trust our customers place in us jointly to design and deploy solutions that protect what’s most important to them.” SIA confirms openness of Transparent Mode for OSDP standard SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has confirmed that, going forward, the SIA Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) Transparent Mode configuration will be open to all within the security industry. SIA OSDP is an access control communications standard developed by SIA to improve interoperability among access control and security products. Transparent Mode is a capability within the OSDP standard that allows secure communication channels to be used while passing application-specific data between devices. This capability enables manufacturers to support advanced device functionality without sacrificing the interoperability and security benefits provided by the OSDP standard. Previously, the Transparent Mode mechanism was subject to a number of U.S. patents held by HID and other intellectual property rights. HID has confirmed that its patents related to Transparent Mode functionality, as defined in the OSDP specification, will not restrict implementation within OSDP-compliant solutions. SWEAR integrates with Milestone XProtect VMS BOISE, Idaho—SWEAR, a digital content authenticity provider, has announced the completion of its integration with Milestone Systems’ XProtect Video Management Software (VMS). The integration enables security teams using XProtect to verify, within their existing VMS workflow, that surveillance video is authentic and uncompromised, reinforcing confidence in the evidentiary value of the data they collect and rely upon. SWEAR’s integration with Milestone XProtect represents a proactive step forward for the security industry. Together, the companies provide a practical, standard aligned approach for preserving evidentiary value at scale and sustaining trust in the systems that protect people, property, and critical infrastructure. “Our open platform is designed to grow stronger through partnerships,” said Allan Tange, director of technology partner management for Milestone. “As AI reshapes the media landscape, verifying what’s real becomes essential. Integration with SWEAR helps ensure that video managed in XProtect remains credible, defensible and comply with regulatory requirements.” i-PRO enables camera to cloud connectivity within Milestone’s Arcules VSaaS platform TOKYO — i-PRO Co., Ltd., and Milestone Systems have announced that selected cameras now support native camera-to-cloud connectivity within Milestone’s video surveillance-as-a-service platform, Arcules. The integration enables i-PRO cameras to connect directly to Milestone’s Arcules cloud without requiring on-site servers, recorders, or hardware gateways. By combining i-PRO’s secure, AI-enabled edge hardware with Arcules’ cloud-managed architecture, organizations can deploy a simplified, serverless video infrastructure while maintaining high performance, robust cybersecurity protection, and operational flexibility. “By expanding the range of cloud-ready devices, even more customers are empowered to adopt the right mix of technology for their operational and budget requirements,” said Sebastian Döllner, vice president, technology partnerships & open platform, Milestone Systems. “This is what our open platform philosophy is all about, and together with partners like industry leading i-PRO, we are shaping intelligent solutions that resonate with our customers’ evolving needs.”   Eagle Vision Security unveils Intelligent Facility Management (iFM)  MISSISSAUGA, Ontario—Eagle Vision Security has announced the launch of Intelligent Facility Management (iFM), a next-generation live video monitoring solution designed to proactively protect truck yards, logistics terminals, and commercial facilities with outdoor assets. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Eagle Vision Security is a privately held corporation serving clients across North America. The company has built its reputation on delivering live, interactive remote video monitoring powered by advanced video analytics and live agent intervention. With the introduction of iFM, Eagle Vision Security moves beyond traditional surveillance to offer an integrated platform that not only prevents crime but also enhances operational visibility. “Trucking facilities operate in complex, high-risk environments,” said Parm Deol, president & chief visionary officer of Eagle Vision Security. “Traditional surveillance systems document losses after they occur. Intelligent Facility Management is designed to prevent them from happening in the first place. By combining advanced video analytics with live human decision-making, we’re delivering a proactive security model built specifically for transportation infrastructure.” Nice showcases wireless security at ISC West, launches GC Touch LAS VEGAS – Nice, a global provider of Smart Living solutions, will showcase its latest advancements in wireless security and smart home technology at ISC West, March 23-27, led by the official show debut of the GC Touch panel and its 1.1 firmware update. The solutions have been engineered to simplify installation, streamline inventory, and enhance the end-user experience while protecting dealer investments across residential and commercial projects. “Our goal at ISC West is to demonstrate how the 2GIG platform continues to evolve to meet the real-world needs of our dealers,” says Joe Mac McConnell, VP of sales for security and access solutions at Nice. “With GC Touch, we’re showcasing a modern, cost-effective panel that raises the bar for simplicity and performance. Combined with our expanded sensor portfolio and award-winning support, we’re equipping dealers with the tools they need to compete, especially during the peak spring installation season.” Nice displays industrial, commercial and residential perimeter protection at ISC West LAS VEGAS — Nice will showcase solutions from both its HySecurity perimeter protection portfolio and Nice commercial and residential gate lines at ISC West 2026.  Show highlights include live demonstrations of the StrongArm M30 crash-rated vehicle barrier and presentations of the next-generation SlideDriver II gate operator. Also featured at Booth #23059 are the advanced commercial SwingSmart 535 and SlideSmart 535 systems, as well as Nice’s latest residential gate operator, Juno.  “Our presence at ISC West is about demonstrating the depth of our perimeter protection ecosystem,” says Jeff Shaw, chief product officer at Nice. “From crash-rated hostile vehicle mitigation to intelligent commercial gate automation and reliable perimeter gates for residences, we provide integrators with scalable, field-proven solutions backed by engineering expertise, long-term reliability, and a unified control architecture. “ The systems will be on display at the Nice Booth #23059, March 25–27. Gallagher Security brings AccessNow to ISC West 2026   CANTON, GA — Gallagher Security is coming to ISC West to challenge how the industry thinks about security architecture, identity management, and the value a fully integrated platform can unlock. At the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, visitors will experience the Americas debut of AccessNow. Recently launched, AccessNow is Gallagher’s new cloud-based platform designed to simplify and automate how access and credentials are requested, approved, and provisioned. As a cloud-native extension of Command Centre, it streamlines physical identity and access management through structured workflows that reduce administrative burden while improving visibility and compliance.  “Our focus is on what becomes possible when products and solutions work together to achieve something bigger and more significant for modern businesses,” says Matt Butts, executive vice president – Americas. “When you combine intelligent controllers, seamless migration tools, perimeter innovation, and cloud-based automation into a single architecture, you unlock greater operational efficiency, stronger cybersecurity posture, and better long-term system performance. That’s the value of integration done right.”  SecurityBridge promotes Holger Hügel to chief technology officer NEW YORK—SecurityBridge, the cybersecurity command center for SAP, has announced the promotion of Holger Hügel to chief technology officer (CTO).  Hügel previously served as director of product management and will now oversee the company’s SAP security platform's technological development and strategic innovation. The leadership appointment follows Jesper Zerlang's transition to CEO earlier this year. Company founders Christoph Nagy and Ivan Mans, who previously held the CEO and CTO roles respectively, will step back from day-to-day executive leadership but remain closely involved in shaping the company’s strategic direction. Hügel brings more than 25 years of experience in SAP and IT operations, with a career focused on bridging business requirements with complex technology environments. At SecurityBridge, he has been instrumental in advancing the company’s SAP security platform and expanding its capabilities to help enterprises defend critical systems against evolving cyber threats. Gallagher Security adds Mariah Rimbert to government programs team  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Gallagher Security has appointed Mariah Rimbert as federal business development manager for the Americas, strengthening the company’s continued investment in the U.S. federal market.  Based in Alburquerque, N.M., Rimbert will support the growth of Gallagher’s government programs team, with a focus on expanding relationships across the West Coast and Midwest. In her role, she will work closely with federal agencies and partners to help deliver high-assurance access control and intrusion detection solutions for complex and mission-critical environments. Rimbert brings valuable federal security experience to Gallagher, having previously worked at Sandia National Laboratories. Her background includes evaluating emerging technologies, supporting testing and validation programs, and working alongside vendors and integrators to help ensure secure system deployment.  “I’m really excited to build on the relationships we already have across the West Coast and Midwest,” said Rimbert. “While many government customers are concentrated on the East Coast, there are so many opportunities in regions we haven’t fully engaged yet. I’m looking forward to strengthening those connections and developing new partnerships.”  Tom Bayley joins Hirsch UK as business development manager for London and the South-East LONDON – Hirsch UK has announced the appointment of Tom Bayley as business development manager for London and the South-East. Bayley brings more than 13 years of experience in the security industry, spanning both manufacturing and systems integration, with previous roles at Commend, Johnson Controls (JCI), and Mobotix.  Alex Rumsey, sales director UK, commented, “We are excited to welcome Tom to our team. With a wealth of industry experience and knowledge, his appointment strengthens our continued commitment to supporting our customers and partners across one of the UK’s most strategically important regions.” In his new role, Bayley will focus on expanding Hirsch UK’s presence across London and the South-East, supporting partners, generating new opportunities, and helping to secure major tenders. “No day is ever the same in this industry,” said Bayley. “I enjoy pushing for results, meeting people, and shaping my work through experience and trusted relationships. It’s a great mix of field engagement and strategic planning. I know many people in the sector already, so I’m excited to build on those connections and help grow the region.” Orca Security announces autonomous agents and runtime AI threat detection for platform PORTLAND, Ore. — Orca Security has announced major enhancements to the Orca Platform, introducing new AI-powered security agents, real-time detection of AI usage across cloud environments, remediation-focused workflows, and code reachability analysis.  According to the company, these innovations enable organizations to move beyond fragmented alerts to faster investigation, clearer prioritization, and measurable risk reduction in the AI-era. “Security teams don’t need more data. They need to know what actually matters and what to do about it,” said Gil Geron, CEO and co-founder of Orca Security. “These new capabilities are designed to turn complex cloud risk into clear, actionable guidance so teams can make faster decisions and reduce exposure in a measurable way. That shift from information to action is what ultimately improves security outcomes.”   2026-03-18T06:13:00-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/in-brief-wesco-launches-integrator-focused-managed-services-motorola-solutions-adds-exacom-pye-barke#comments-section https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/orca-security-announces-autonomous-agents-and-runtime-ai-threat-detection-for-platform PORTLAND, Ore. — Orca Security has announced major enhancements to the Orca Platform, introducing new AI-powered security agents, real-time detection of AI usage across cloud environments, remediation-focused workflows, and code reachability analysis.According to the company these innovations enable organizations to move beyond fragmented alerts to faster investigation, clearer prioritization, and measurable risk reduction in the AI-era.“Security teams don’t need more data. They need to know what actually matters and what to do about it,” said Gil Geron, CEO and co-founder of Orca Security. “These new capabilities are designed to turn complex cloud risk into clear, actionable guidance so teams can make faster decisions and reduce exposure in a measurable way. That shift from information to action is what ultimately improves security outcomes.”These enhancements build on Orca’s agentless-first architecture, which provides deep visibility and risk prioritization across cloud infrastructure, workloads, identities, applications, and now AI systems, without requiring agents. 2026-03-17T16:20:10-05:00 SSN Staff https://www.securitysystemsnews.com/article/orca-security-announces-autonomous-agents-and-runtime-ai-threat-detection-for-platform#comments-section