CCTV Systems

Many alarm companies across the United States seek to add monitoring accounts to their subscriber base by taking over existing systems. While this is a common practice, the takeover alarm contractor takes on risks, and they can vary depending on what the new contractor does and/or does not do, regardless of just using contract language such as “Connect to Existing System for Monitoring Only.” With that in mind, would your company knowingly monitor an existing residential fire alarm system that does not comply with NFPA 72 standards? Would you agree to monitor an existing burglar and fire alarm system if it had serious defects that could foreseeably compromise its detection, reliability and performance capabilities? If your inspection uncovers those problems, will the customer authorize the necessary repairs or are you concerned that they will just find another company willing to monitor the system as is? If so, you may lose the account, but in my view, no job is better than a bad j...

IRVING, Texas — The Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award has always recognized the best of the best, honoring “someone who shines as truly stellar in the security industry,” according to an announcement this week by the Electronic Security Association (ESA). This year’s recipient – Electronic Security Expo chairman George De Marco – has well earned that distinction, having devoted the last 40-plus years of his career to the industry. And, like so many others, De Marco “started in the industry purely by chance and has decidedly remained in it purely by choice,” the announcement says. “I grew up in a family with a strong Italian heritage, where many of our relatives and close family friends were business owners,” says De Marco, an SSI Industry Hall of Famer, in the ESA announcement. “They came from all walks of life, but they all shared that same entrepreneurial spirit. “Being around that had a big influence on me. I always kne...

Artificial intelligence adoption is accelerating across industries. Since the introduction of generative AI tools a few years ago, many organizations are experimenting with AI-driven capabilities. According to the Genetec 2026 State of Physical Security report, AI is now a top priority for security departments. AI ranked alongside access control and video surveillance as a key focus area for 2026. At the same time, 70% of end users report concerns about how AI systems are designed and implemented, particularly around auditability, bias, and data use. The rhetoric around AI today includes a lot of speculative ideas that aren’t yet road-tested or reliable. It’s true that AI is reshaping physical security, but systems integrators can help their customers think through responsible applications, realistic goals and discern what is true and what is hype. How AI is really used today It is important to realize that AI is a technology, a set of tools. But much more important than the tool...

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon House of Representatives unanimously passed Alyssa’s Law (House Bill 3083), backing legislation that would require school districts across the state to consider implementing panic alarm systems to improve emergency response times in schools. The legislation, named in honor of Alyssa Alhadeff, a 14-year-old who lost her life in the 2017  Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School  active shooter attack, passed with a unanimous 50-0 vote. Introduced by Rep. Emerson Levy (D-Central Oregon), the bill seeks to equip schools with  mobile-based wireless or wearable panic alarm systems  designed to connect teachers and staff directly with emergency medical services and first responders in the event of a crisis. The goal of implementing panic alarms is to provide faster response times, critical during emergencies such as medical incidents or school shootings. When Are School Panic Buttons Most Often Pushed? School teachers and other employees activate ...

ATLANTA — Get ready to raise a glass and make new connections, as the Electronic Security Association (ESA) has announced its official ESX 2025 pub crawl stops . The ESX 2025 Pub Crawl, set for Tuesday, June 17, offers attendees “a fun and relaxed way to network with peers while exploring some of Atlanta’s most iconic venues near The Battery,” according to the ESA announcement. The Pub Crawl is open to all ESX 2025 pass holders. ESX 2025, scheduled for June 16-19 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Atlanta, will also feature a lineup of educational sessions, Main Stage presentations, hands-on workshops, an expo floor and “countless opportunities to connect with the industry’s best and brightest,” the announcement says. ESX 2025 Pub Crawl Stop Schedule 7 p.m. – Murph’s (Galleria Parkway) Kick off the night at this local favorite where sports fans of all ages can gather and make great memories. Stop sponsored by JLM Wholesale 8 p.m. – The Tavern at Live! (Battery Ave SE) Celebra...

The security industry — and its fellow technology-based endeavors, including audiovisual and information technology — are always evolving. That means there’s no end to emerging technologies in those sectors. Something is always changing and moving forward. It’s the job of security systems integrators to stay on top of and even ahead of those emerging technologies and understand how they can help their customers, even if the customers don’t even know they exist. Let’s find out how emerging technologies are helping security integrators not only show their expertise, but also to make more money while always ensuring they’re helping to solve their customers’ security problems. Rafael Padilla, who works for consulting company Inter-Rep Business in Bogota, Colombia, is the former head of Bosch Security Systems for Latin America and country manager for Colombia and Ecuador for Anixter. Inter-Rep Business has designed and implemented projects using IoT, drone technologies and advanced dat...

The security industry stands at a crossroads in video management. While cloud technology offers transformative potential, many organizations remain uncertain about their migration path. The good news? Today’s open platform video management solutions are breaking down traditional barriers, providing unprecedented flexibility for organizations to connect to the cloud on their own terms. Flexibility: The Key to Video Management Success The biggest misconception in video security today is that moving to the cloud means completely abandoning on-premises infrastructure for a full software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution. The reality is far more nuanced. In the real world, organizations want deployment options that match their specific environment. Every organization faces unique considerations from network infrastructure and financial constraints to regulatory requirements — all affecting their ideal cloud strategy. What works for a multi-site hospital system won’t necessarily work for a sc...

SAN JOSE, Calif.—VIVOTEK, a global security solution provider, has announced that it along with Kabob Cloud will feature its AI-powered cloud surveillance platform VORTEX during the 2025 National Restaurant Association Show, which is set to take place in Chicago at McCormick Place (Booth #8307) on May 17 to 20. “ VORTEX by VIVOTEK is an AI-powered cloud surveillance platform designed to make store management smarter, easier, and more secure,” says Albert Lin, general manager at VIVOTEK USA, Inc. “With plug-and-play setup, centralized remote access, and automatic updates, VORTEX helps store owners reduce IT hassle and maintenance costs. VORTEX AI features, including people counting, loitering alerts, and license plate recognition, turn video footage into valuable insights for staffing, loss prevention, and customer service.” VIVOTEK Highlights VORTEX Capabilities at NRA Show The company points out that its VORTEX platform supports existing cameras, protecting past investments while...

PROVO, Utah — Brigham Young University (BYU) has enhanced its security operations with the Genetec Operations Center work management system. Located on a 560-acre campus, BYU is home to nearly 34,000 students and over 5,000 faculty and staff. The university’s security program includes 25 sworn officers, 15 security supervisors and up to 400 student employees trained through its Security Academy. To better coordinate multiple departments and manage a broad range of responsibilities, BYU sought a solution that would unify operations and improve efficiency. Customizable Workflows, Enhanced Collaboration at BYU The Genetec Operations Center is integrated with BYU’s existing Security Center platform, allowing the university to consolidate tasks like dispatching, work ticketing, and activity tracking into a single system. This streamlined approach replaces disconnected tools and manual processes, helping teams collaborate more effectively and maintain clear visibility of their ope...

No matter how many times through the years I have participated in security industry presentations — be it as a speaker, moderator or panelist for a webinar, virtual gathering, thought leadership summit or major conference — I’ve always looked at it as an honor and a privilege to share and bring value to the audience and the event organizer. I have been fortunate that several of those opportunities have come my way over the past several months. That includes engaging in an education session at ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas , a show at which I’ve had the pleasure of presenting a half-dozen or so times in previous years. Although contributing to seminars like this requires going beyond one’s standard work regimen, investing extra time and effort for planning and preparation, I enjoy the process and the collaboration. It forces you to reassess and organize your thoughts around a given topic, which can be very beneficial. In a sense, it allows the instructor to learn, as well. The New Role...

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Global security management professional association ASIS International has announced its programming lineup for Global Security Exchange ( GSX ) 2025 with in-person and digital experiences scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans and via the online GSX event platform. “It has been an honor leading this year’s selection committee and we are excited to present another year of world-class security education sessions at GSX 2025,” says Alejandro Liberman in the ASIS International announcement. “I am especially grateful to my fellow committee volunteers, who have dedicated their time, effort and expertise over these past months to the rigorous review process to guarantee the best possible education lineup,” he says. “Together, we have curated over 200 sessions that discuss the leading issues in the security space and aim to create value for all participants. I look forward to connecting with you in New Orleans!” Inside t...

DELTONA, Fla.—SS&Si Dealer Network has announced the addition of Shooter Detection Systems (SDS) to its growing portfolio of security technologies. As an authorized distributor, SS&Si now offers its dealers access to this gun-detection solution that is designed to enhance safety and emergency response in active shooter situations. “We believe Shooter Detection Systems can save lives, and we’re honored to bring this technology to our dealer base,” says Jake Voll, president of SS&Si Dealer Network . “Our role is to equip integrators with innovative tools like SDS that enhance safety and support rapid emergency response.” Shooter Detection Systems Platform Works with Alarm.com Shooter Detection Systems combines acoustic and infrared sensors to detect gunfire in under a second, sending automated alerts to central stations and first responders with no human intervention required. Two distinct versions of the gun-detection system are available through the SS&Si Deal...

The SAMMYs — short for the “Sales and Marketing Awards” — are an institution in the electronic security industry. Thus, it was no surprise when The Bridge Stage area was packed with security luminaries during ISC West 2025, the gathered masses eager to see which firms would take home a SAMMY Award. SSI has bestowed the SAMMY Awards on security installers, integrators and dealers, recognizing their sales, marketing, creative and business excellence for 30 years now. Here, we spotlight each of our 2025 SAMMY Award winners, presenting a short adaptation of their successful submission materials and sharing a personal reflection from each winner about what winning a SAMMY Award means to them. We hope you enjoy this celebration of security industry excellence, and we look forward to seeing you at ISC West next year for the 31 st annual ceremony! Click here to check out the 2025 SAMMY Awards winners! The post 2025 SAMMY Awards: Celebrating Sales & Marketing Excellence appeared ...

The global ransomware threat is undergoing a major transformation , with new  research from Black Kite exposing a fractured ecosystem marked by a surge of smaller, unpredictable attackers targeting less-defended organizations. The findings, drawn from data collected by the Black Kite Research & Intelligence Team (BRITE) between April 2024 and March 2025, reveal an industry in upheaval after law enforcement crackdowns dismantled some of its biggest players. Gone are the days when a handful of notorious syndicates such as LockBit and ALPHV/BlackCat dominated the  ransomware scene. The disruption of these groups has paved the way for a proliferation of smaller groups and solo actors. Out of the 150 ransomware groups tracked by BRITE, 96 remained active in the past year, up from 61 just 12 months earlier. Remarkably, 52 of these active groups are new entrants who emerged within the last year, according to the report. “We are entering a new era of ransomware,” said Ferhat...

DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas—Reconeyez, a developer of wireless outdoor security solutions, has announced the launch of its newly redesigned website. Now live, the new site is said to reflect Reconeyez’s strategic evolution from offering standalone products to delivering a fully integrated ecosystem of cutting-edge security solutions. “Our new website is more than just a facelift—it’s a reflection of our growth as a company,” says Brian Beale, president and COO Americas at Reconeyez . “We’re not just offering products; we’re providing an ecosystem that integrates advanced AI, cloud-based management, and rugged hardware to deliver unmatched outdoor security.” Reconeyez Website Emphasizes Company’s Integrated Ecosystem The company asserts the revamped website features a clean, modern design and improved navigation, making it easier for users to access resources, explore product offerings, and learn about Reconeyez’s approach to security. With enhanced functionality and open-source marketi...

The need for comprehensive security and safety continues to increase. Likewise, the evolving technological advancements that play a crucial role in providing these measures (e.g., enhanced surveillance, threat detection and response times) are advancing. That includes drones and robots. Traditional security systems, including video and guard patrols, have limitations when it comes to covering vast areas, responding in real time and minimizing risks to personnel. The great technological advancements with respect to drones and ground robots present abundant opportunity to increase security and safety in an efficient and effective manner, while reducing the inherent risks associated with physical, manned security personnel. Drones and robotic systems equipped with artificial intelligence, thermal imaging and real-time communication capabilities are transforming how security is managed across industries such as defense, critical infrastructure and corporate campuses — even residential...

Brian Denke is joining the SSI and Campus Safety  media and  Campus Safety Conference team as a media account executive. With more than a year of experience at Emerald, Brian has already proven his ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with clients while working on events such as ASD Market Week, MJBizCon, and the International Fastener Expo. His passion for fostering professional growth and delivering impactful solutions has made impressive contributions to Emerald. Denke will share media, advertising and event sponsorship sales responsibilities with Matt Yates . Matt will handle sales for companies with names starting from A-H, while Brian will oversee accounts beginning with I-Z. Together, they will ensure Security Sales & Integration  clients are well-supported to achieve their goals. Brian brings his passion for security and public safety to his new role and will introduce his clients to SSI and Campus Safety’s  wide array of media pro...