Home Article In brief: NVIDIA secures agents, Mercury reveals gap, ZeroEyes enters UK

In brief: NVIDIA secures agents, Mercury reveals gap, ZeroEyes enters UK

By SSN Staff

Updated 9:29 AM CDT, Wed September 30, 2026

SANTA CLARA, Calif.—NVIDIA has unveiled the NVIDIA Open Agent Safety Platform, designed to help organizations govern and control autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) agents as enterprises increasingly deploy agentic AI across business operations, critical infrastructure and robotics applications.

The offering combines open-source software and hardware-level security controls intended to monitor agent behavior, enforce policies and prevent AI systems from exceeding authorized permissions.

The launch addresses a growing concern among enterprises and security teams as AI agents gain the ability to perform complex tasks across applications, data sources and operational systems with increasing levels of autonomy.

“AI’s extraordinary potential for society will only be realized if we solve AI safety,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “As we continue to discover the frontier of AI capabilities, we must accelerate discovery at the frontier of AI safety.”

According to NVIDIA, recent security incidents involving AI agents have highlighted the need for stronger controls that extend beyond traditional application-level security measures. The company said organizations require tools capable of enforcing boundaries around long-running agents that can access multiple systems and resources.

The company is positioning the platform as a foundation for secure deployment of AI agents in enterprise and highly regulated environments where governance, auditability and policy enforcement are critical requirements.

A number of major technology, financial services and cybersecurity organizations are participating in the initiative, including Anthropic, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Hugging Face, JPMorganChase, Microsoft, Palantir, Palo Alto Networks, Salesforce, SAP, Scale AI and ServiceNow.

Anthropic said it is integrating the platform with its Claude Managed Agents offering to provide additional guardrails around agent access and behavior.

“Companies are giving AI agents more of their most important work, and they need to direct and verify what those agents do, especially in sensitive environments,” said Paul Smith, chief commercial officer at Anthropic.

Financial institutions including Citi and JPMorganChase are collaborating with NVIDIA on open-source agent safety technologies, while energy and infrastructure organizations such as Schneider Electric, Siemens Energy and NextEra Energy are working with the platform for critical infrastructure applications.

The announcement also extends into robotics, an area that could have implications for physical-world security and safety. NVIDIA said robotics companies including Figure, Gecko Robotics and Skild AI are using OpenShell to embed agent safety controls into autonomous systems operating in physical environments.

“As customers rely more on agents to get real work done, safety should be enforced outside the model by additional controls the agent can’t get past,” said Mike Nicolls, president of SpaceXAI.

The company said the Open Agent Safety Platform is intended to serve as an open ecosystem bringing together industry, researchers and public-sector organizations to advance standards, evaluation methods and best practices for AI safety and governance.

Mercury report reveals growing cybersecurity gap in access control systems

Survey finds interoperability, cloud adoption and AI reshaping controller strategies

CYPRESS, Calif.—Mercury Security has released its 2026 Trends in Access Controllers Report, finding that cybersecurity challenges, interoperability requirements and emerging technologies are playing a larger role in how organizations approach physical access control infrastructure.

The report, based on a survey of 561 physical security and cybersecurity professionals worldwide, found that 78% of respondents consider the access control controller important or critical to their physical access control system strategy, up from 72% in 2025. According to Mercury, the increase reflects the controller's expanding role as organizations connect more devices, systems and applications across their security ecosystems.

Cybersecurity gap widens

One of the report's key findings centers on cybersecurity. Thirty-two percent of respondents said cybersecurity features are missing from their current controller systems, compared with 21% a year earlier.

At the same time, 74% reported that cybersecurity and IT coordination have become more complex, while 86% said their organizations actively work to stay current with evolving cybersecurity and data protection requirements.

“Organizations recognize the cybersecurity risks facing connected access control systems, but the infrastructure in place isn’t always keeping pace,” said Steve Lucas, vice president of sales for Mercury Security. “As they look to modernize, users also want to protect existing investments. That makes interoperability increasingly important and puts more weight on choosing controller platforms that can address current security requirements while providing the flexibility to support what comes next.”

Interoperability remains key

The survey also found that interoperability continues to influence purchasing decisions. Nearly 69% of respondents identified interoperability as a critical factor when procuring controllers, while 82% said backward and forward compatibility are important to future infrastructure planning.

Mercury said the findings indicate many organizations prefer a gradual modernization strategy that preserves existing investments while allowing for future upgrades.

Mobile credential adoption is also shaping controller requirements, with half of respondents either using or planning to deploy mobile credentials. Additionally, 46% ranked mobile credential integration among the trends influencing controller purchasing decisions.

Cloud, AI influence controller purchases

Interest in cloud connectivity is growing as well. Fifty-six percent of respondents cited cloud connectivity as a key factor in controller purchases, up from 50% in 2025. However, only 41% reported their current controllers are cloud-enabled, while 26% said cloud connectivity is lacking in their existing systems.

The report also pointed to increasing demand for AI-enabled and advanced security applications. Behavioral analysis and anomaly detection were cited by 56% of respondents, up from 44% in 2025, while 60% identified facial recognition and 50% cited predictive security and threat prevention as important capabilities. Mercury noted that these applications place greater demands on processing power, storage, cybersecurity and integration architecture.

Beyond traditional access control functions, respondents reported using controller data for broader operational purposes. More than 39% said they are exploring or have adopted edge computing within their security environments, while 41% have integrated controller data with building occupancy and utilization programs.

According to Mercury, the findings demonstrate how controller selection is evolving from a hardware purchasing decision into a long-term infrastructure strategy, with organizations seeking solutions that balance cybersecurity, reliability and future technology adoption while avoiding large-scale system replacements.

The full 2026 Trends in Access Controllers Report is available here.

Security 101 promotes Craig Shulman to COO

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.—Security 101 has promoted Chief Financial Officer Craig Shulman to chief operating officer, a move the company says is designed to strengthen execution and support its next phase of growth. The leadership change is part of a broader organizational realignment aimed at improving coordination across the national security integrator's operations while enhancing accountability and consistency throughout its branch network. In his new role, Shulman will oversee Security 101's day-to-day operations and field organization, focusing on execution, operational performance and service delivery across the company's locations nationwide. "Craig has played a central role in building the foundation of the business and has been a trusted leader and strategic partner through the company's growth," said Greg Daly, CEO. "I have tremendous confidence in his ability to help lead Security 101 through our next chapter." Shulman's promotion comes as Security 101 continues to expand its footprint as a provider of integrated security systems and services. Company officials said the leadership changes are intended to better align operations and position the organization for continued growth. The company did not immediately announce a successor for the CFO position. "Our focus is on building a stronger, more aligned organization that can continue delivering for customers, employees and partners," Daly said.

Gallagher, ASSA ABLOY launch IP lock integration for access control

CANTON, Ga.—Gallagher Security has launched a new integration with ASSA ABLOY designed to simplify access control deployments by enabling IP-connected locks to operate directly within Gallagher’s Command Centre platform. The integration is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of traditional wired access control systems by eliminating the need for extensive cabling and door controllers, making it particularly attractive for retrofit projects and locations where wiring is difficult or expensive. The solution integrates ASSA ABLOY’s IN120 battery-powered Wi-Fi locks and IN220 Power over Ethernet (PoE) IP locks with Gallagher’s Command Centre access control platform. Access permissions, credentials, schedules and overrides can be managed centrally through Command Centre while maintaining visibility across connected facilities. Gallagher said the integration is especially well suited for higher education environments, including residence halls, classrooms and research facilities, where flexible deployment and a mix of online and offline operation are often required. The companies also see opportunities in government facilities, enterprise campuses and healthcare environments with distributed buildings and security requirements. “This integration reflects a shared vision between Gallagher and ASSA ABLOY to make security more accessible, flexible and effective for our customers,” said Matt Butts, executive vice president, Americas, for Gallagher Security. “By combining best-in-class door security with enterprise-grade access control, we're delivering a solution that reduces friction and empowers facilities with greater insight, faster response times and the confidence of connected technologies working together.” A key feature of the integration is the intelligence embedded within each lock, which allows access decisions to be made locally. Gallagher said that capability helps maintain door operations during network outages, an important consideration for applications such as residence halls, laboratories, secure offices and remote facilities. The integration also provides security and IT administrators with access to events, alarms, battery status, audit information and device health data directly inside Command Centre. The companies said the enhanced visibility can support proactive maintenance and faster response to potential issues. Angelo Faenza, head of digital access solutions at ASSA ABLOY, said the collaboration addresses customer demand for more streamlined and interoperable security solutions. “Our collaboration with Gallagher brings together two leaders in access control to solve a real-world challenge for our customers,” Faenza said. “By integrating our IP-enabled locks with Gallagher’s Command Centre platform, we're delivering a streamlined, modern approach to securing doors across complex facilities.” The Gallagher Security and ASSA ABLOY IP lock integration is available now in the United States.

ZeroEyes expands into UK through partnership with Samson Security Fire & Facilities

PHILADELPHIA and LIVERPOOL, UK—ZeroEyes has partnered with Samson Security Fire & Facilities to expand the availability of its AI-powered visual threat detection technology across the United Kingdom. The partnership will bring ZeroEyes’ human-verified firearm and knife detection capabilities to organizations throughout the UK, leveraging existing CCTV infrastructure to identify visible weapons and provide actionable alerts to security personnel and first responders. Under the agreement, Liverpool-based Samson will offer ZeroEyes’ threat detection platform as part of its security, monitoring and response services. The companies will demonstrate the technology at Booth F61 during the International Security Expo, which opened Sept. 29 and runs through Sept. 30 at Olympia London. “Samson has the experience, relationships and operational capabilities needed to bring our technology to organizations throughout the UK,” said Mike Lahiff, co-founder and CEO of ZeroEyes. “This partnership represents an important step in our international growth and advances our shared goal of helping security teams identify visible threats earlier and respond with actionable intelligence.” ZeroEyes’ platform analyzes live camera feeds for visible firearms and knives and routes potential detections to trained human analysts for verification before alerts are issued. The company said the technology can be deployed on existing digital security camera systems without requiring customers to replace their infrastructure. The partnership combines ZeroEyes’ analytics platform with Samson’s UK-based security and response capabilities, giving customers a way to enhance situational awareness while maximizing existing CCTV investments. “UK organizations are looking for practical ways to gain more value from their existing CCTV investments and strengthen their ability to respond to developing threats,” said Zara Richards, principal of Samson Security Fire & Facilities. “By combining ZeroEyes’ analytics and human verification with Samson’s integrated security and response services, we can provide customers with a more complete and proactive approach to protecting people and property.” ZeroEyes said its expanding Analytics Suite includes visual knife detection, intrusion detection, left-behind-object detection, crowd formation monitoring and camera-health monitoring. The company noted that the platform does not use facial recognition or behavioral tracking technologies. The announcement comes as organizations across the UK prepare for implementation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law. While the legislation does not mandate any specific technology, the companies said human-verified threat detection can support broader security, preparedness and emergency response efforts.

Camelot Secure, DigiFlight named cyber resilience partner of Baltimore Ravens

COLUMBIA, Md.—Camelot Secure and parent company DigiFlight have been named the Baltimore Ravens’ “Proud Cyber Resilience Partner,” expanding the companies’ presence in professional sports as organizations place greater emphasis on protecting increasingly complex digital operations. The partnership will leverage DigiFlight’s experience supporting U.S. government and defense missions and Camelot Secure’s cybersecurity services to help strengthen the Ravens’ cyber resilience efforts. The companies said the relationship reflects the growing importance of cybersecurity across professional sports organizations, which rely on interconnected networks, cloud services, mobile devices, business applications, communications platforms and emerging AI technologies to support year-round operations. “Cyber resilience is ultimately about being prepared, knowing where your vulnerabilities are, anticipating what may be coming, and taking action before it affects your organization,” said Stan Oliver, CEO of DigiFlight and Camelot Secure. Oliver said those principles have guided the companies’ national security work for decades and are increasingly relevant as organizations incorporate AI into mission-critical operations. “As organizations integrate AI into mission-critical operations, protecting those complex data ecosystems requires that same proactive mindset,” he said. “Those principles have guided our work supporting national-security missions for decades, and we are proud to bring that expertise to the Baltimore Ravens.” Kevin Rochlitz, senior vice president and chief sales officer for the Ravens, said the partnership aligns with the organization’s commitment to protecting data and digital assets. “Safeguarding the data entrusted to us by our fans, business partners, key stakeholders and the entire organization is a top priority for the Ravens,” Rochlitz said. “In today’s digital landscape, staying ahead of emerging cyber threats requires best-in-class expertise. Through our partnership with Camelot Secure and DigiFlight, we are reinforcing our digital infrastructure and securing our organization’s most valuable assets.” Beginning with the 2026 NFL season, Camelot Secure and DigiFlight branding will appear throughout the Ravens organization and at M&T Bank Stadium. Planned activations include signage in the Raven Club, branded lobby entrances, digital concourse displays and messaging on the stadium’s exterior northwest digital billboard.

ArmorPoint, CCI partner on 24/7 security operations

PHOENIX—ArmorPoint and Communication Concepts, Inc. (CCI), also known as CCITeam, have entered into a strategic partnership that brings 24/7 security operations capabilities to businesses looking to strengthen cybersecurity without building an in-house security operations center. The partnership will integrate ArmorPoint’s cloud-delivered managed security operations platform, including its security information and event management (SIEM) technology and U.S.-based 24/7 security operations center (SOC), into CCI’s existing portfolio of IT and cybersecurity services. The move expands CCI’s layered service model, which includes core IT, helpdesk and cybersecurity offerings. By adding continuous monitoring, threat detection and incident response capabilities, CCI aims to provide clients with stronger protection while allowing them to retain their existing technology investments. As cyber threats continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, many organizations face challenges in maintaining around-the-clock security coverage due to staffing, expertise and cost constraints. The companies said the partnership addresses that need by delivering managed security operations through a service-based model. “Running a business today is complicated enough without having to worry about whether your IT and cybersecurity are keeping up,” said Nathan Maxwell, founder of CCI. Maxwell said the partnership will enable CCI to provide clients with advanced security operations capabilities while maintaining the customer-focused approach the company has built over more than three decades. “ArmorPoint gives us the security operations capabilities to meet the advanced threats our clients are facing today, while allowing CCI to continue delivering the personalized service, accountability and trust that have defined our customer relationships since day one,” he said. “We're still the partner our clients know, but with a stronger security operation behind us.” David Trapp, CEO of ArmorPoint, said managed service providers are increasingly playing a critical role in customers’ cybersecurity strategies as threat actors become more persistent and sophisticated. “Businesses are facing a threat landscape that's more persistent, sophisticated and difficult to manage than ever, and traditional IT support alone is no longer enough to keep pace,” Trapp said. He added that combining CCI’s cybersecurity services with ArmorPoint’s SOC and SIEM capabilities will help organizations improve protection without adding complexity to their IT environments. The partnership is being delivered through the ArmorPoint Partner Program, which provides managed solutions providers with tools, co-branded resources and support to offer managed cybersecurity services. The companies said the program is designed to help smaller and midsize organizations access enterprise-grade security capabilities that may otherwise be beyond their internal resources.

Fire Prevention Week highlights lithium-ion battery charging safety

QUINCY, Mass.—The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has announced that this year’s Fire Prevention Week, scheduled for Oct. 4-10, will focus on lithium-ion battery charging safety as the use of rechargeable devices continues to grow in homes and workplaces. The 2026 campaign theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower!”, aims to educate the public about the potential hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries and the steps people can take to safely charge devices and reduce fire risks. Lithium-ion batteries power a growing range of products, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, toys, e-bikes and scooters. While the technology allows large amounts of energy to be stored in compact batteries, damaged batteries or improper charging practices can lead to overheating, fires or explosions. NFPA said reports from fire departments, news organizations and other sources indicate a rising number of lithium-ion battery fire incidents, underscoring the need for greater public awareness. “Because lithium-ion batteries are a newer technology, not everyone is aware of the potential dangers they present, particularly when it comes to charging them safely,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy at NFPA. “Our goal for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is to help people make informed choices and practice simple habits that can help greatly reduce these risks.” As part of the campaign, NFPA is encouraging consumers to follow several battery safety practices, including using manufacturer-approved charging equipment, charging devices on hard, flat surfaces, and discontinuing use of batteries that become excessively hot, swell, emit smoke or produce unusual odors. Fire Prevention Week is observed throughout North America each October and is recognized as the nation’s oldest public health observance. For more than a century, the campaign has promoted fire safety education through local fire departments, schools and community organizations.

DMP adds Sinciro, Haspel to leadership team

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointments of Tom Sinciro as executive director of national accounts and John Haspel as director of sales engineering, bringing more than six decades of combined experience in the electronic security industry to the company. Sinciro joins DMP with more than 30 years of experience in electronic security technology, including expertise in strategic growth, revenue development and team leadership. In his new role, he will focus on building a national accounts program designed to deepen relationships with key integrators and end users while creating enterprise-level opportunities that support DMP's continued growth. “At this stage of my career, I was very deliberate about choosing my next opportunity. I wanted to join an organization where I believed I could make a difference,” Sinciro said. “I’m excited to create opportunities for people to grow professionally and promote a culture of accountability, trust and support. The business results will follow.” Throughout his career, Sinciro has held several leadership positions across the security industry, including vice president of sales, North America, at Gunnebo Entrance Control, business development manager of strategic accounts at Avigilon, and director of sales for the North U.S. and Canada at Oncam. Haspel brings more than 30 years of experience in physical security and extensive familiarity with DMP's products, engineering organization and dealer channel. He began his career as an alarm technician before moving into leadership positions in sales engineering and technical services at Verint (Loronix) and Cisco Systems. He later built the advisory sales engineering team at Next Level Security Systems, led product management and global training at Avigilon, and held program leadership roles at Oncam and Integrated Security Technologies. Most recently, Haspel served as vice president of operations and product at Soterix Systems and has worked with DMP on its XV Plus Gateways since 2025. “The convergence of video, access control and intrusion is a challenge in the industry right now,” Haspel said. “DMP has spent over 50 years in intrusion, access control, fire and alarm monitoring, and now provides a full VMS platform. This is a great foundation for building a unified platform, and I’m excited to be part of it."

Xtract One launches new metric aimed at measuring total screening effectiveness

TORONTO—Xtract One Technologies has introduced a performance measurement for screening operations, unveiling a new feature suite centered on a metric known as Mean Time to Secure (MTTS). Announced as part of the company's September software release, MTTS is now available across Xtract One's SmartGateway, Xtract One Gateway and Xtract One View platforms. The metric is designed to give security operators a more comprehensive view of screening performance by measuring the entire process from initial detection through threat resolution. According to Xtract One, MTTS combines Mean Time to Detect (MTTD), which tracks how quickly a potential threat is identified during primary screening, with Mean Time to Resolve (MTTR), which measures the time required to complete secondary screening after an alert is generated. Together, the metrics provide what the company describes as an end-to-end assessment of security screening effectiveness. "The security industry often defaults to vanity metrics, such as number of people per minute. These metrics do not tell the true and complete story," said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. Evans argued that throughput alone does not account for detection accuracy, alert rates or the time required to investigate potential threats after an alert occurs. "Security speed and guest experience speed are not the same number, and as an industry has been measuring only one of them," he said. "MTTS gives operators the complete picture for the first time, and the data changes how security programs get evaluated, staffed and improved."

ULTRALOQ debuts smart locks with UWB, digital wallet access

FREMONT, Calif.—ULTRALOQ, a smart lock brand under IoT company Xthings, has introduced a new lineup of residential smart locks designed around hands-free entry and digital wallet-based credentials, reflecting growing consumer demand for more seamless home access experiences. The collection includes the ULTRALOQ Bolt Mission, Bolt Pro and Latch 5 Pro, all of which are Matter Certified and compatible with major smart home ecosystems, including Apple Home and Google Home. The flagship Bolt Mission is being positioned as the industry's first ultra-wideband (UWB)-enabled smart lock. The device combines Bluetooth Low Energy, UWB ranging, radar-based presence sensing and local processing to determine when an authorized user is approaching the home. Rather than unlocking based solely on proximity, the lock analyzes distance and direction of travel to distinguish between someone arriving from outside and movement occurring inside the residence. "The front door is moving away from keys and apps toward digital credentials and intent-aware access," said Raj Sundar, senior director of product management for ULTRALOQ. "Our goal with this collection is to make that transition seamless and practical for customers." Also launching are the Bolt Pro and Latch 5 Pro, which ULTRALOQ said are the first multi-model line of Aliro-certified smart locks. Aliro is an open mobile access standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance and supported by major mobile ecosystem providers including Apple, Google and Samsung. The Bolt Pro deadbolt enables users to unlock doors using digital credentials stored in Apple Wallet or Samsung Wallet, while also supporting fingerprint authentication, PIN codes, app control and physical keys. The Latch 5 Pro extends similar capabilities to lever-style doors commonly used for side entrances, garages, home offices and shared spaces. Both products integrate with Samsung SmartThings, allowing lock activity to trigger home automations such as lighting or thermostat adjustments. The products will be available online through The Home Depot beginning in October, while also being sold through ULTRALOQ and Amazon.

iLOQ campaign spotlights Kimi Räikkönen, son Robin and the next generation

OULU, Finland—iLOQ, a provider of battery-free digital locking and smart access management solutions, has launched a new global brand campaign featuring Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen and his son, Robin Räikkönen, centered on the theme of creating opportunities for the next generation. The campaign, titled “The Next Generation Is Coming,” builds on iLOQ's longstanding relationship with the Räikkönen family. While Kimi has represented the brand for years, the new effort highlights Robin's emerging karting career and Kimi's transition from driver to mentor following his retirement from Formula 1 in 2021. “I'm a mechanic now, so it's different,” Räikkönen said. “I enjoy doing the mechanic work for Robin and supporting him and trying to explain some corners.” According to iLOQ, the campaign reflects its broader philosophy that access is about more than opening doors. The company said the initiative focuses on how access can create opportunities, independence and growth for future generations. “Supporting Robin as he begins his own journey feels like a natural next chapter,” said Heikki Hiltunen, iLOQ board member and former CEO. “It's about opening opportunities for the next generation and giving them the freedom to make those opportunities their own.” The campaign is anchored by a cinematic film featuring Kimi and Robin at the racetrack and is supported by digital, print, social media and out-of-home advertising, as well as a four-part interview series with Räikkönen. The campaign will roll out across iLOQ's key global markets.

Neurotechnology’s contactless fingerprint technology clears NIST FastCAP milestone

VILNIUS, Lithuania—Neurotechnology announced that its contactless fingerprint capture technology has successfully completed qualification testing under the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST’s) Fast Capture (FastCAP) program. According to the company, the technology met the requirements of NIST Special Publication 500-339, which establishes certification testing standards for contactless fingerprint acquisition devices. The qualification means fingerprints captured with a standard smartphone camera can be matched against existing contact-based fingerprint records, a key requirement for many identity management applications. Neurotechnology said the technology enables any smartphone camera to capture all 10 fingerprints in either supervised or unsupervised environments. “Contactless fingerprint capture becomes much more useful when the images it produces can be searched against existing contact-based records,” said Evaldas Borcovas, head of biometrics research at Neurotechnology. “The NIST qualification confirms that fingerprints captured with our technology on an ordinary smartphone camera are interoperable with contact-collected data, which is the requirement for using them in real identity systems.” The FastCAP program is administered by NIST’s Biometric Technologies Group in cooperation with industry partners. During the program’s first phase, participating technologies were evaluated for biometric acquisition performance and rapid contactless tenprint capture capabilities. Under the SP 500-339 testing process, contactless fingerprint images are compared against images of the same fingers collected using an FBI-certified optical live-scan device. The images are assessed using NIST’s Fingerprint Registration and Comparison Tool, which measures factors including image quality, ridge orientation, corresponding minutiae and scale accuracy. Neurotechnology said its smartphone-based contactless capture technology met the required performance thresholds across all submitted image pairs. The company has offered contactless fingerprint capture technology for several years through its MegaMatcher product portfolio. The technology is used in applications ranging from national ID and voter registration programs to law enforcement, banking, digital onboarding, payments and government e-services. Neurotechnology said the NIST-qualified version of the technology will be included in upcoming releases of MegaMatcher SDK and MegaMatcher ID.

Schmidt unifies security, fire divisions under Schmidt Total Protection brand

MANSFIELD, Ohio—Schmidt Security Pro and Schmidt Fire have rebranded as Schmidt Total Protection, a move the company said reflects its evolution into a provider of integrated security, fire safety and monitoring solutions ahead of its 50th anniversary. The unified brand brings the company's security and fire protection operations under a single identity while maintaining existing customer relationships, service agreements and monitoring support. “Reaching 50 years is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of, and it’s the right moment to align our name with what we deliver today,” said President Brian Schmidt. “Schmidt Total Protection represents our commitment to being a single-source provider, bringing security, fire safety and monitoring together into one coordinated approach that helps protect people, property and peace of mind.” Over the years, the company has expanded beyond traditional intrusion systems to offer a broader range of services, including IP-based video surveillance, access control, fire alarm services, fire system inspections and 24/7 professional monitoring. Schmidt Total Protection also provides health and senior monitoring solutions designed to support independent living. Company officials said the new brand is intended to give customers a clearer understanding of the full scope of services available while reinforcing Schmidt’s focus on professional system design, code compliance and local service. Ken Zahn, chief operations officer, said the rebranding reflects the benefits of a more integrated approach to protection. “Our brand is evolving, but our mission remains the same: to protect and honor those we serve,” Zahn said. “This new identity brings our services together under one name and reflects the value of an integrated approach, where security and fire safety are planned, installed, inspected and supported to work seamlessly together.” The company said the transition will roll out in phases across its website, service vehicles, customer communications and marketing materials. Schmidt noted that customers will continue working with the same teams and will not experience disruptions to monitoring, inspections or service processes. As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, Schmidt Total Protection plans to highlight its company history, community involvement and ongoing investments in technology and training.

Summit Access & Security acquires Top Security Locksmiths

FARMINGDALE, N.Y.—Summit Access & Security has acquired Point Pleasant, N.J.-based Top Security Locksmiths, expanding its presence in the Mid-Atlantic region and strengthening its footprint in the New Jersey market. Under the agreement, Top Security Locksmiths will operate under the Summit Access & Security brand. The company said all Top Security employees will remain with the business, and the Point Pleasant office will continue serving as a base of operations. Service vehicles will continue supporting customers throughout Monmouth, Ocean and Middlesex counties. Founded in 1989, Top Security Locksmiths provides residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services, as well as access control, video surveillance, safes and vaults, and burglar and fire alarm systems. The company traces its roots to more than 60 years of locksmith experience within the Rible family. “This acquisition represents an exciting step in our growth strategy,” said Sean O’Hayre, CEO and president of Summit Access & Security. “David and his team have built Top Security Locksmiths into one of New Jersey’s most trusted names in the industry, backed by generations of hands-on locksmith expertise.” O’Hayre said the acquisition will allow Summit to expand its capabilities and resources in the New Jersey market while maintaining the local expertise and customer relationships established by Top Security. As part of the transaction, David C. Rible, who has owned and operated Top Security Locksmiths since 2022, will remain with the company and continue overseeing day-to-day operations. “I’ve spent my career in this industry, and I’ve always been proud of the reputation Top Security Locksmiths has built with our customers across New Jersey,” Rible said. “Joining Summit gives us the opportunity to build on that legacy with even greater resources, while I stay closely involved in the business and the customers we serve.” Summit Access & Security said the acquisition supports its ongoing expansion strategy across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The combined organization will continue providing locksmith, access control, video surveillance, intrusion alarm and fire alarm services to customers throughout New Jersey. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

LeapXpert, Carahsoft partner to bring governed messaging to government agencies

NEW YORK and RESTON, Va.—LeapXpert and Carahsoft Technology Corp. announced a partnership to provide federal, state and local government agencies with governed messaging capabilities designed to help secure, capture and archive communications conducted on consumer messaging platforms. Under the agreement, Carahsoft will serve as LeapXpert's Master Government Aggregator, making the company's communications platform available through Carahsoft's reseller network and a variety of public-sector contract vehicles. The announcement comes as government agencies face increasing pressure to maintain oversight of communications occurring on applications such as WhatsApp, Signal, iMessage and SMS, while meeting records-retention, compliance and security requirements. LeapXpert said its platform enables organizations to communicate across those channels while capturing conversations in real time and applying governance policies as communications take place. The company said the solution is designed to help agencies address National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) retention requirements, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) obligations and broader federal security mandates. “Federal employees are already having these conversations on WhatsApp and Signal. Until now, the record of them lived on a personal phone, outside every system meant to protect it,” said Avi Pardo, co-founder and chief business officer of LeapXpert. Pardo said government has become the company's fastest-growing market segment and that the partnership will help expand availability of the platform across the public sector. For Carahsoft, the agreement adds another offering focused on helping agencies secure communications occurring outside traditional enterprise platforms. “Government agencies need secure, governed communications across the messaging channels their employees already rely on,” said Brian O'Donnell, vice president of cybersecurity solutions at Carahsoft. “LeapXpert's Communications Platform provides agencies with a scalable path to integrate governed messaging across their organization, providing a solution that meets federal security and compliance requirements.”

Zygal taps Jason Bezuidenhout as CRO to drive international expansion

PUNE, India—Cloud AI surveillance platform provider Zygal has appointed Jason Bezuidenhout as chief revenue officer (CRO), adding an experienced security technology executive to its leadership team as the company looks to accelerate growth in international markets. Bezuidenhout brings nearly 20 years of sales and business development experience across the security industry, with expertise spanning electronic surveillance, CCTV, cloud-connected security solutions, remote video monitoring (RVM) and AI-driven technologies. Over the course of his career, Bezuidenhout has focused on building distribution networks, strategic partnerships and channel alliances across multiple regions. Much of his recent work has centered on the North American remote video monitoring market, where he has spent the past decade helping drive adoption of emerging security technologies. Prior to joining Zygal, he held senior leadership roles with Webeye and Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD). At RAD, he helped advance the deployment of AI-powered and autonomous security technologies within monitoring centers and enterprise security operations. “My approach has always been centered on understanding our clients’ businesses and challenges, and then helping them achieve their goals using the best technology available,” Bezuidenhout said. For Zygal Founder and CEO Sumanyu Vashistha, the hire reflects the company’s ambitions to strengthen its global footprint. “Jason brings a valuable combination of deep security industry experience, international market knowledge and a strong understanding of how technology can address real-world security challenges,” Vashistha said. “His experience in building distribution networks, partnerships and alliances, particularly across the North American market, will be an important addition as we continue to strengthen our global presence.” Bezuidenhout said he sees significant opportunity as security operations become more connected and intelligence driven. “Security technology is going through a significant transformation, and the opportunity is no longer simply about adding more technology to existing security systems,” he said. “It is about making security operations more intelligent, connected and responsive.” The company said Bezuidenhout’s background in RVM, technology partnerships and international business development will support the next phase of growth for Zygal’s cloud-native platform, which combines video surveillance, AI-powered intelligence and security operations capabilities.

IQSIGHT earns LenelS2 certification for OnGuard integration

EINDHOVEN, the Netherlands—IQSIGHT, formerly Bosch Video Systems, announced it has received factory certification from LenelS2 under the LenelS2 OpenAccess Alliance Program (OAAP), validating the integration of its Video Recording Manager (VRM) with the OnGuard access control system. The certification covers IQSIGHT's VRM versions 4.50 and 4.70 with OnGuard 8.3, allowing security operators to view live and recorded video and receive Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA) and IVA Pro alerts directly within the OnGuard platform. According to the company, VRM support enables access to video stored across multiple iSCSI disk arrays while automatically balancing video streams to optimize storage capacity and improve retention times. The certification also extends to IQSIGHT's DIVAR IP all-in-one appliances, which utilize VRM core components and services. Operators can leverage analytics built into IQSIGHT cameras to receive real-time alerts within OnGuard, including perimeter breach notifications. The integration also provides color-coded bounding box overlays that identify where an event occurs within a camera scene, helping operators quickly assess potential threats. “IQSIGHT has completed the required factory testing at LenelS2 to validate the functionality of its interface to the OnGuard system,” said John Marchioli, OAAP product management, LenelS2. “With this certification, users can benefit from receiving IQSIGHT video analytic alerts within the OnGuard platform for earlier risk detection and enhanced security and safety.” Marchioli added that LenelS2 looks forward to IQSIGHT's continued participation in the OpenAccess Alliance Program. Matt Lamb, director of solutions engineering at IQSIGHT, said the integration enhances situational awareness for security teams. “Combining IQSIGHT video solutions with the security and productivity features of LenelS2’s OnGuard system delivers improved situational awareness to security personnel,” Lamb said. “Users gain clear visual information and precise detection of potential threats for the actionable insights needed to accelerate incident response.”

Southeast Florida inspectors group joins NFPA affiliate program

QUINCY, Mass.—The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has named the Southeast Florida Electrical Inspectors Association as its newest Electrical Inspection Section (EIS) Affiliate Chapter, creating additional opportunities for education, training and collaboration within the region's electrical inspection community. According to NFPA, the new affiliate chapter will support electrical inspectors and code enforcement professionals throughout Southeast Florida with resources focused on electrical safety, professional development and code compliance. “NFPA is pleased to welcome the Southeast Florida Electrical Inspectors Association as an EIS Affiliate Chapter,” said Tim McClintock, NFPA lead regional electrical specialist and executive secretary of the Electrical Inspection Section. “This new partnership creates additional opportunities for NFPA and Southeast Florida’s electrical enforcement community to share knowledge, collaborate on emerging safety challenges, and work together to promote safer communities across the state.” McClintock said strong electrical inspection programs play a critical role in protecting people and property while supporting compliance with NFPA 70, National Electrical Code (NEC), and other safety standards. The Southeast Florida organization joins a growing network of NFPA EIS Affiliate Chapters across the country, including associations in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Kentucky, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio and Rhode Island. “Electrical inspections serve as a cornerstone of community safety and the effective enforcement of the National Electrical Code,” said Anthony Solino, president of the Southeast Florida Electrical Inspectors Association. “The Southeast Florida EIS Affiliate Chapter is committed to advancing electrical safety through education, collaboration, and active participation in the standards development process.” NFPA said electrical inspection professionals participating in an EIS Affiliate Chapter may be eligible for NFPA Electrical Inspection Membership, which includes access to code development activities, training on code changes, industry events and other educational resources.

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