General News
SSN Poll: Facial recognition gains acceptance despite privacy concerns
September 23, 2026Theresa Flaherty, Senior Editor
YARMOUTH, Maine – Love it or hate it, facial recognition technology is here to stay, say respondents to a recent Security Systems News Poll.
Slightly more than half (55%) of poll respondents say the technology has become more widely accepted – a trend that will continue, they say.
“Facial recognition still needs refinement, but it has a place in society,” wrote one respondent.
The technology, which has been around for decades, has become controversial in recent years...
In brief: Pavion names Bierer, Graham acquires Immix, driving OSDP adoption
September 23, 2026SSN Staff
CHANTILLY, Va.—Pavion has appointed Andy Bierer as chief executive officer, effective Sept. 14, succeeding Joe Oliveri, who is retiring after leading a period of significant growth and transformation for the integrated security and life-safety provider.
Oliveri will continue supporting the company as advisor to the CEO and board, helping ensure a smooth leadership transition.
Bierer joins Pavion from Automated Logic, a Carrier company and provider of building automation...
AMAG, SIA partner on OSDP training initiative
September 23, 2026SSN Staff
SILVER SPRING, Md.—AMAG Technology and the Security Industry Association (SIA) have partnered to expand education and training around the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), a security communications standard that continues to gain traction across the access control industry.
The collaboration will introduce a tiered educational program designed to help security professionals better understand, deploy and support OSDP-based systems. The initiative combines SIA's OSDP educational...
Beyond the ALPR backlash: SIA calls for safeguards, not restrictions
September 16, 2026Cory Harris, Editor
SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) is urging lawmakers to focus on accountability and oversight of automated license plate recognition (ALPR) systems rather than restrictions that could diminish a critical public safety tool.
The association recently released a policy framework outlining best practices for ALPR governance, data retention and access controls as states consider new legislation. The guidance comes amid growing scrutiny of ALPR providers, including...
Mathes: Private equity increasingly focused on durable growth
September 16, 2026Cory Harris, Editor
NEW YORK—As private equity (PE) continues to play a major role across the security industry, attendees at Securing New Ground 2026 will gain insight into how investors are evaluating businesses and identifying future growth opportunities.
During the conference session, "Private Equity Strategies," Mike Mathes, executive vice president at Convergint and chair of the Security Industry Association's (SIA’s) board of directors, will join Justin Anderson, principal at Ares...
In brief: Convergint enters gaming, Gallagher promotes leaders, partners unify platforms
September 16, 2026SSN Staff
LAS VEGAS – Convergint has entered the gaming market, acquiring Surveillance Systems Incorporated (SSI), a provider of integrated surveillance and security solutions serving the gaming industry.
The acquisition will allow the company to establish a foundation for growth in a market with significant opportunity across North America and globally.
SSI brings deep expertise in complex gaming environments, longstanding relationships with leading gaming operators, and a strong...
ESA partners with nFACT on subcontractor sourcing
September 14, 2026SSN Staff
IRVING, Texas—The Electronic Security Association (ESA) has launched a new partnership with subcontractor sourcing platform nFACT aimed at helping security integrators address labor challenges while increasing their visibility to potential service partners.
Under the agreement, nFACT will serve as ESA's preferred technology partner for subcontractor search and sourcing, providing association members with access to a national marketplace designed to connect buyers with qualified...
SIA marks 25th anniversary of 9/11, highlights security industry's ongoing role
September 11, 2026SSN Staff
SILVER SPRING, Md.—As the nation commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Security Industry Association (SIA) is honoring those who lost their lives while underscoring the security industry's continuing role in helping address evolving threats.
In a statement released Sept. 11, SIA CEO Don Erickson reflected on the enduring impact of 9/11, paid tribute to victims, first responders and military service members, and pointed to areas where security...
SIA issues guidance on ALPR use
September 10, 2026SSN Staff
SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has issued a call for the responsible and effective use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology and released policy principles designed to guide the development of administrative and legislative actions by states and federal governments. “SIA firmly believes that all technology products, including automated license plate recognition, must only be used for purposes that are lawful, ethical and nondiscriminatory,”...
Beyond the badge: The new identity imperative
September 9, 2026Kenneth Z. Chutchian, Contributing Editor
NEW YORK—As physical security, cybersecurity and enterprise risk become increasingly interconnected, access control is undergoing a fundamental transformation. What was once a conversation about doors, readers and credentials is now centered on identity, data governance and organizational resilience.
Ahead of the Security Industry Association’s (SIA’s) Securing New Ground (SNG) conference in New York City on Oct. 20-21, Security Systems News spoke with Matt Butts, executive vice...