Netwatch Horizon

SPRING 2024

Horizon

BE FEARLESS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

THE FUTURE IS PROACTIVE Innovations designed for change.

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AN INDUSTRY IN TRANSTIION The retail market is at a crossroad.

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ENERGIZING THE WORLD How BELD protects its substations.

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REVVING UP SECURITY Auto dealers rely on PVM for security.

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INDUSTRY DIVERSITY Empowering women in security.

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PIONEERING A MORE SECURE TOMORROW Netwatch is at the forefront of fostering a safer world by leveraging advanced technology, including AI and video monitoring, to empower organizations in their quest for security. Our mission is about being a proactive force. By integrating cutting-edge surveillance technologies, we enable businesses and communities to stay one step ahead of potential threats, ensuring they can operate with peace of mind. Our commitment goes beyond the present day — we're dedicated to being a part of the positive change that will echo into the lives of future generations, envisioning a brighter, more secure future for years to come.

Explore more at netwatchusa.com

WELCOME Welcome to Horizons, your source for insights and analysis on the evolving landscape of the security market. In an era where change is the only constant, understanding the forces shaping our industry is essential. At Netwatch, we dedicate ourselves to illuminating the trends, technologies, and tactics that are redefining security as we know it and we share them here on these pages.

Our mission is twofold: to educate and to inform. Through in-depth articles, expert commentary, and forward-looking analysis, we aim to keep you at the forefront of the industry's shift towards more proactive solutions. We explore the integration of artificial intelligence, the expanding role of cloud computing, and other emerging technologies that are setting new standards for efficiency, effectiveness, and strategic insight in security practices.

Horizons is a platform for learning, discussion, and discovery. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking to stay ahead of the curve or new to the field and eager to understand the foundational shifts underway, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and perspectives necessary to navigate the future of security.

Join us as we embark on this journey together, exploring new horizons in security technology and strategy. Welcome to Horizons — where the future of security is right ahead of us.

Kurt Takahashi CEO, NETWATCH

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The Emergence of Proactive Security

By Kurt Takahashi 05

BY KURT TAKAHASHI

PROACTIVE SECURITY

Video surveillance systems have long served as pivotal cogs in the process of security. It provides a layer of protection that's fundamental to maintaining a secure and safe environment.

But like all facets of our modern, technologically driven society, these systems too must evolve. As we journey further into an era marked by innovation, traditional reactive surveillance systems are becoming archaic, struggling to meet the comprehensive security demands of modern organizations.

Historically, traditional video monitoring services were revered as the standard for after-hours security, adding an additional set of “eyes” over various facilities and campuses. Then

primary role of video systems was to record and report incidents, allowing security personnel to react to events after they occurred. This reactive approach, however, now presents numerous challenges in a world where real-time responses are not just desired but required. These limitations become obvious as we contrast these systems with the capabilities of emerging proactive security technologies.

An example of this evolution is Proactive Video Monitoring, a technology that's setting new standards in the security landscape. Traditional security measures, including video surveillance, security guards, and fences, undoubtedly still hold 7

value. However, their key limitation is the inability to prevent crime. This is where PVM revolutionizes the game.

The process is three-fold: monitor, intervene, and report. At the center of the monitoring phase is intelligent software. This software identifies potential threats by detecting unauthorized activities. Once an activity is recognized, the system immediately sends an alert to an operator stationed at the monitoring center.

During the intervention stage, the operator directly interacts with the intruder via a live audio voice-down system. Guided by a set of pre-determined protocols, she implements an appropriate response. This could range from alerting law enforcement to informing keyholders, or taking other decisive actions, depending on the severity of the situation.

Finally, the incident reports are generated within 24 hours of the event. These reports are made accessible through mobile and web apps, providing users with immediate information about security incidents.

Of course, PVM wouldn’t be possible without intelligence. One of its key applications is in object and activity recognition, where AI scrutinizes video feeds in real-time to detect specific objects or behaviors, flagging anything unusual or suspicious.

This ability to distinguish normal from abnormal activity is facilitated by AI's robust anomaly detection capability. By learning typical activity patterns in the monitored environment, it can effectively spot deviations, treating such instances as potential threats and triggering alerts.

PVM is a versatile technology that can be effectively employed in a wide variety of environments such as: Commercial Businesses and Office Spaces: PVM can safeguard businesses and offices from theft, vandalism, and unauthorized entry. It can also help enforce security protocols during off-hours or when the premises are unoccupied.

Industrial and Manufacturing Sites: These sites often house expensive machinery and materials which can be attractive targets for thieves. PVM can monitor these valuable assets continuously, detect threats in real time, and help prevent crimes from occurring.

Construction Sites: These sites are often targeted due to the expensive equipment and materials left on site after working hours. PVM can provide round-the-clock surveillance, making it much harder for unauthorized individuals to access the area without detection.

Parking Lots and Garages: These areas can be hotspots for various forms of crime due to the presence of unattended vehicles and lack of constant human activity. PVM can monitor these spaces continuously and intervene.

proactively when necessary.

In a world increasingly leaning towards digital transformation, and as technology continues to evolve at a blistering pace, the importance of cutting-edge security measures has never been more apparent. As our world continues to embrace the digital transformation and technology is rapidly advancing, security has never been more important. And solutions like PVM present the ability to help prevent crimes from ever taking place, giving organizations' peace of mind like never before.

With its proactive approach, PVM transforms the existing security paradigm and enables organizations to significantly improve their overall security stance. By identifying and addressing threats before they culminate into crimes, PVM not only contributes to enhancing security but also paves the way for a safer future, providing peace of mind for organizations.

The advent of PVM highlights the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancement, shedding light on the reality that outdated security solutions may no longer be sufficient. In the face of evolving threats, a proactive approach to security is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

A Perfect Pairing

BY ROBERT BRENT

The security market has undergone a transformation, largely driven by new technologies. AI and the IoT have changed the landscape by enhancing capabilities, expanding coverage, and improving responses. When integrated into video systems, AI enables real-time threat detection and instant alerting, improving the effectiveness of security measures. At the same time, the IoT allows greater interconnectivity between devices. These technological advancements vastly improve outcomes.

One of the solutions to emerge from this revolution is proactive video monitoring, which represents a seismic shift from the traditional reactive security model. Traditionally, a security guard's effectiveness is tied to their immediate field of view and their ability to physically monitor their environment, both of which have natural limitations. With the help of video monitoring , they can now oversee multiple locations simultaneously. This improves their understanding of the landscape, allowing them to anticipate potential threats and respond more effectively and efficiently.

But why is augmenting guards essential?

Regardless of their skills and training, human security guards can only be in one place at a time and can only monitor a limited area effectively. Additionally, factors such as fatigue, distraction, or human error can impact their performance.

Technology, particularly solutions like proactive video monitoring, helps to overcome these limitations by providing wider coverage, constant vigilance, and instant alerts for potential threats. This not only enhances security but also allows guards to focus their attention where it is most needed, thus optimizing their efficiency and effectiveness.

The primary benefit of proactive video monitoring lies in its ability to significantly enhance security measures. The incorporation of AI enables these systems to recognize and respond to suspicious activities promptly, reducing the likelihood of security breaches. This enables security personnel to act preemptively, drastically reducing response times and, in many instances, preventing incidents.

The idea of human augmentation is not new. One of the most classic studies on it is the article written by Douglas Engelbart published by the Stanford Research Institute in 1962. The paper lays the foundations for the concept of the augmentation of human intellect.

Of course, the theory and idea of human augmentation has evolved over time. Each one of us is experiencing an increase in our natural abilities each day thanks to devices such as smartwatches and smartphones. This leads to our ability to communicate in ways we never thought possible.

So what does this term mean in modern times? According to Garner, human augmentation (sometimes referred to as “Human 2.0”) focuses on creating cognitive and physical improvements as an integral part of the human body. An example is using active control systems to create limb prosthetics with characteristics that can exceed the highest natural human performance. Or using AI-driven technology to help identify risks more rapidly.

Technology obviously plays a crucial role in augmenting human capabilities across a broad spectrum of activities.

One area is the enhancement of efficiency and accuracy. By automating routine tasks, technology frees up humans to focus their attention and efforts on more complex, high-value activities that require critical thinking, creativity, and strategic decision-making. Additionally, automation reduces the risk of errors with manual work, leading to improved accuracy and consistency in outcomes.

Technology can also expand human capabilities, enabling us to perform tasks or make analyses that would be impossible or impractical otherwise.

For example, data analytics allows us to process and analyze vast amounts of data quickly, leading to insights and decisions that would be impossible with manual analysis.

Digital collaboration platforms enable faster communication, within teams and external stakeholders. This fosters collaboration, accelerates decision-making, and improves the responsiveness of teams.

Security technology plays an instrumental role in augmenting human capabilities to enhance safety. It broadens the scope of surveillance and threat detection far beyond human limitations. By using tools like proactive video monitoring, for example, personnel can monitor large areas in real-time, enabling them to identify and respond to threats more quickly and effectively.

Additionally, advanced features, such as AI-powered analytics, can detect anomalies and patterns that may escape human notice, further improving threat detection.

They can even anticipate potential security risks, shifting the security approach from reactive to proactive. Modern systems can provide invaluable data and insights to inform

decision-making, enhancing the response to security incidents. By providing accurate, real-time information, it helps security personnel make informed decisions swiftly, a crucial factor in mitigating risks and preventing security breaches. In emergency situations, security technology can help ensure a rapid response, initiating alerts or automated processes to ensure immediate action even before human intervention is possible.

potentially dangerous areas is necessary.

Proactive video monitoring is an advanced tool that significantly augments human capabilities in the realm of security. It expands coverage beyond the traditional constraints of a guard's physical location and field of vision.

This technology empowers more eyes on security policies, enabling security personnel to monitor multiple locations simultaneously and providing visibility into hard-to-reach areas, resulting in a more comprehensive surveillance system.

Such systems also contribute to personnel empowerment by providing a learning platform for guards. The insights derived from the data can help in training and upskilling guards, promoting a more knowledgeable, tech-savvy security workforce.

Video monitoring systems have the potential to revolutionize the role of security guards, shifting their duties from merely being reactive to a more strategic, proactive role.

Empowered with real-time data and alerts, security personnel can make informed decisions swiftly, contributing to the effectiveness and efficiency of security operations.

Additionally, proactive video monitoring leverages advanced algorithms to detect unusual activities or anomalies in realtime, extending human analytical capabilities. These systems can identify potential threats that might be overlooked by human eyes and alert security personnel instantly, allowing for quicker, more effective responses.

Another significant value is its ability to monitor situations without fatigue or lapses in attention, addressing one of the critical limitations of traditional security guards. This continuous monitoring ensures that no incident goes unnoticed, regardless of the time or conditions.

Proactive video monitoring also generates valuable data that can be used for insights and decision-making, effectively transforming the traditionally reactive nature of security work into a more strategic, data-informed role. By offering realtime data and analysis, these tools provide security personnel with crucial information, enabling them to make informed decisions and anticipate security risks.

Intelligent video monitoring enhances human capabilities by expanding coverage, improving detection and response times, and supporting data-driven decision-making, all of which contribute to a more robust and efficient security operation. By continuously analyzing the environment, systems can identify safety hazards and alert security personnel or management, facilitating early intervention.

With proactive video monitoring as an integral part of the security toolkit, the future of guarding appears to be significantly more efficient, strategic, and data-driven.

Security personnel will be able to oversee extensive areas in real time, responding swiftly to alerts. This heightened situational awareness and rapid response capability will transform the security landscape, reducing the incidence and impact of security breaches. With routine surveillance tasks handled by the system, security personnel can focus on areas that require human intervention and strategic decision-making.

With advanced technology, the role of security guards will shift from being largely reactive to strategically proactive.

Equipped with real-time data and insights from tools like PVM, they will be empowered to make informed decisions and anticipate potential security risks, effectively preventing incidents before they occur.

Call it the security guard of the future.

With the capability to monitor different environmental conditions, proactive video monitoring is highly valuable in enhancing the safety of security personnel who otherwise might be exposed to hazardous situations. This is particularly relevant in industrial settings where the surveillance of

For more information on how you can use technology, like intelligent video monitoring, to augment your guard services program, contact our team at netwatchusa.com.

RETAIL

A Safer Place to Call Home Strategies for Addressing Homelessness

BY NEAL VANSKIVER When addressing concerns relating to homelessness, it's generally considered critical that those engaging in these discussions take an approach rooted in empathy and understanding. After all, most of these individuals are regular citizens who have fallen on hard times - and with inflation recently reaching a historic 9.1%, it is not difficult to imagine why homelessness is becoming an epidemic that affects virtually every region in the United States.

Areas with a high population density, often large cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, or New York City, have recently experienced an increase in homeless populations. These people in need are seeking shelter from the elements during the harsh seasons. More often than not, these individuals find refuge outside of retail stores and their surrounding areas.

While their desire to stay in these areas is understandable, it is not a viable long-term solution for anyone involved. In various industries, retailers have gotten used to their traditional ways

of encouraging unhoused individuals to seek shelter in a more appropriate area that does not interfere with day-to-day operations. Still, these methods have more than their fair share of drawbacks. For instance, they can be overwhelmingly dehumanizing toward homeless individuals, and in some cases, dangerous.

Like any form of loitering, the prospect of homeless camps and unhoused individuals making themselves at home on the doorstep of retail stores comes with its fair share of risks. For example, when people are seen loitering on business property, homeless or otherwise, it tends to drive prospective customers away from the area to do their shopping elsewhere. In addition, when groups of unhoused people form a camp outside of a business in tents or other improvised shelters, it can create a barrier between prospective customers and the entrance of the retail shop. This can eliminate a customer's motivation to enter the store, as navigating their way through

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or around these camps puts both parties in an uncomfortable situation. Needless to say, when left unchecked for extended periods, this can cause severe damage to businesses in any industry.

Another way that extended periods of loitering can hurt businesses is through less-than-friendly interactions between those camping outside and customers or staff. In some cases, these individuals may solicit others for donations through aggressive panhandling tactics, which can escalate into an unpleasant confrontation between both parties involved.

When this occurs, the possibility of danger for either party involved rises, which reflects poorly on the business in question and puts them at risk of liability for any ensuing damages in such confrontations. Hence, it’s best to avoid these situations altogether. In addition to this, another way that businesses can be found liable for damages to local homeless populations is by leaving potentially dangerous items unsecured. This can include ladders, dumpsters, and any other item that can lead to bodily harm for others when left unmonitored. Additionally, when loiterers can gain access to the inside of a dumpster or climb on top of the building, businesses can be at risk of liability charges when things go wrong.

Lastly, another way businesses can suffer from extended loitering is through disrespect to the building itself through unsanitary and indecent means. When loiterers in the area treat the building as their bathroom, the sight and smell of the aftermath can be enough to drive customers away from the site, and staff members are left cleaning up after the perpetrators.

One thing remains clear: for any of these concerns to become a thing of the past, retailers' methods to relocate unhoused loiterers need to change. Over the years, it’s become apparent that when staff members try to take matters into their own hands, or when authorities are brought into the picture, it becomes a no-win scenario for anyone when people in need are met with harsh words and in extreme cases, violence.

While traditional passive methods of addressing these concerns can be easy to fall back on, a proactive approach is necessary to prevent a recurring issue from manifesting entirely. If retailers, security service providers, or anyone else seeking a solution relating to loitering on business properties are to move forward, a 24/7 solution capable of directly addressing policy violators is the best way to prevent the incidents that occur on a near day-to-day basis.

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The other challenge with traditional methods is that ownership of the solution tends to fall back on employees, putting them at risk and potentially making them feel unsafe at work. Using a proactive strategy can enhance workplace safety, build employee confidence, and enhance company culture — all of which drives better customer and employee experience.

In a situation where loitering is becoming a problem for a business, a proactive video monitoring solution is a beneficial option to consider, as it removes the factors that put people at risk of confrontation. When loitering is detected, they can be firm yet politely directed to find somewhere else to take shelter without unnecessary hands-on intervention from a police officer or security guard that may put them in danger.

All intervention that takes place through a PVM system is conducted remotely through a live audio warning. This is a key difference fro m standard remote video monitoring systems that send recorded, non personalized messages.

While passive methods of addressing these concerns can be easy to fall back on, a proactive approach is necessary to prevent a recurring issue from manifesting entirely.

When it comes to finding a solution to incidents involving homelessness, it’s imperative that retailers invest in a solution that isn’t reactive, but proactive. This is due to the fact that most reactive solutions are outdated, and don’t do anything to keep any parties involved out of harm's way, which only a round-the-clock solution that relies on live interventions can do consistently.

While traditional passive methods of addressing these concerns can be easy to fall back on, a proactive approach is necessary to prevent a recurring issue from manifesting entirely. If retailers, security service providers, or anyone else seeking a solution relating to homeless loitering on business properties are to move forward, a 24/7 solution capable of directly addressing policy violators is the best way to prevent the heartbreaking incidents that occur on a near day-to-day basis.

This article originally appeared in the December 2023 edition of Retail Touchpoints. For more information on how you can leverage intelligent video monitoring for you retail organization, contact us at netwatchusa.com.

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UTILITIES

Energizing Monitoring for Operational Efficiency Braintree Electric Light Department is one of 41 municipal light departments organized under Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 164, and one of more than 2,200 municipally owned light departments in the country. BELD is recognized locally and nationally as an innovator in technology and new services.

It has been a stalwart of the energy sector since its inception in 1892. Headquartered in Braintree, the company serves around 16,500 customers through its five substations and employs 78 personnel. Apart from power distribution, Braintree Electric ventured into the telecommunications sector in the late 1990s, offering services such as high-speed Internet, cable TV, and telephone services. But after 20 years as a local ISP provider, BELD sold its ISP business to Comcast to support the evolving needs of the local community.

With increasing incidents of trespassing, break-ins and copper

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thefts at substations across the country, Braintree Electric was keen on taking proactive measures to secure its facilities and ensure the safety of its communities While there were video surveillance cameras installed at its main campus, the company identified a need for a more effective security system at its substations, particularly those that were not staffed.

In an era of escalating security concerns, one of the most promising advancements that stands out is a specialized form of video monitoring tailored to intercept potential threats, deter unauthorized entrants, and eliminate criminal intent even before they can pose a significant risk to substations. Termed 'Proactive Video Monitoring' (PVM), this service is delivered through a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. This approach encompasses round-the-clock video surveillance paired with instantaneous interventions by skilled operators, aiming not just to identify but also to respond to potential security breaches via live, tailored voice messages.

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NETWATCH HAS BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN DETERRING UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS TO BELD’S SUBSTATIONS AND MITIGATING POTENTIAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH COPPER THEFT. In 2018, Braintree Electric partnered with Netwatch, a PVM services provider, to deliver enhanced security and video surveillance monitoring of its substations. This proactive step ensured 24/7 security, providing a heightened sense of comfort to BELD management. Netwatch's services extended to one substation near a high foot-traffic area, where incidents of individuals wandering too close to the property were quite common. The Netwatch service was also deployed to proactively monitor access to the substations by Braintree Electric personnel, verifying their identity through a keypad access code.

One of the standout features of PVM is its foundational principle: to act as a deterrent and preemptively prevent physical threats to substations. This is achieved using advanced camera technologies, bolstered by sophisticated analytics. These systems are calibrated to pick up on and alert security personnel to suspicious activities in real time. Security can oversee substations from afar, granting them the power to step in immediately upon spotting anything amiss. This not only forestalls potential crimes but also ensures that the substation's operations remain operational.

The operators that support PVM are not standard operators; they are specialists trained to keep an eye on multiple areas simultaneously, monitoring for any signs of suspicious activities or impending threats. With a suite of tools at their disposal, they can deliver swift and personalized audio warnings to deter any trespassers. This system especially shines when considering the constraints of stationing security personnel at remote substations; PVM allows for broader coverage, continual oversight, and efficiency that traditional security methods struggle to match.

Central to its operation is the use of embedded artificial intelligence that has been optimized to automatically spot irregularities. Upon detecting unauthorized movements or actions, a PVM specialist immediately intervenes. They utilize a real-time voice-down system to alert intruders of their detection and ongoing recording. This method has proven incredibly effective; a staggering 98% of would-be trespassers vacate the premises upon hearing the voice warning, effectively de-escalating potential confrontations. If, however, they remain undeterred, the PVM operator doesn't hesitate to alert local law enforcement and relevant contacts, ensuring

swift and decisive action.

Once an incident is resolved and the threat or individual has left the proximity, the Netwatch PVM service delivers comprehensive reporting options. A complete incident report is automatically issued to provide a detailed account of the events with timestamps and the actions taken by the off-site monitoring teams.

The implementation of Netwatch’s video monitoring service has been successful in deterring unauthorized access to BELD’s substations and mitigating potential risks associated with copper theft. This partnership between Netwatch and BELD has also helped prevent possible damages to the organization’s infrastructure and saved the company from significant potential losses. It has also helped build consumer trust as the community is aware of BELD’s commitment to security and safety.

BELD has an eye on innovation as it looks to further enhance its security. In addition to the security enhancements provided by Netwatch, the organization is also looking to implement gunfire detection systems to reduce active shooter incidents. Overall, these initiatives are a testament to the company's commitment to ensuring the high reliability and reasonable cost of electricity to its customers in the safest, most secure manner possible.

Braintree Electric continues to closely monitor trends and threats to utilities across the country. Its leadership is actively involved with joint industry action agencies to enhance their security measures, share best practices, and safeguard their infrastructure. The company is also exploring partnerships with local associations to increase awareness about its proactive security measures and extend its implementation to other utilities.

The deployment of Netwatch at Braintree Electric exemplifies how a company can strategically invest in advanced security measures to protect its infrastructure, ensure the safety of its personnel, and maintain its commitment to service excellence.

The partnership with Netwatch has significantly contributed to Braintree Electric's ability to provide reliable and cost-effective power to its customers, reinforcing its position as a trusted provider in the energy sector.

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AUTOMOTIVE

The Powerful Capacity to Drive Peace of Mind Windsor Motors are one of the largest automotive groups in Ireland and have been a customer of Netwatch for over a decade. We started providing our services to one location and now manage multiple locations across Dublin, Galway, Meath, Louth, and Wicklow. Our long-term, close relationship with Windsor Motors has allowed Netwatch to gain a greater understanding of car dealership security, and how we can provide the protection required with the help of Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM.) Over the last number of years, The Windsor Motor Group have witnessed significant growth, and with that comes the challenge of keeping multiple premises secure and a large volume of valuable stock to protect. Whilst the Windsor Motor staff focused on looking after day to day requirements of the business, Netwatch was there to look after the day to day requirements of securing their business using our PVM. The Netwatch team reviewed each site as each location differs

in terms of how it can be best secured. This involved conducting an extensive site survey to assess the vulnerable areas, and proposed a technology solution to meet the needs of Windsor Motor Group. In addition to constant on-site recording, the solution across all properties includes Netwatch Proactive Video Monitoring (PVM) which includes Loiter Detection, Perimeter Protection, and Incident Reporting.

Proactive Video Monitoring provides The Windsor Motor Group with a purpose-built video surveillance and response platform, and a dedicated team of intervention specialists, which are equal to specially trained security operators. This combination of video surveillance technology with the human element helps The Windsor Motor Group to efficiently protect their perimeters, facilities and valuable stock. As soon as any potential problem is detected, expert intervention specialists verify the situation and issue live, personalized audio warnings.

These have demonstrated a 98% efficacy rate in deterring bad behavior and stopping crimes.

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Over the last few years, The Windsor Motor Group have moved most of their sites to what is called managed service, allowing the Netwatch Proactive Video Monitoring technology, coupled with a team of qualified Intervention Specialists, to provide peace of mind that their facilities are protected at all times.

“Our feeling was with the investment we have put in our

buildings, our vehicle, we want someone who is going to be the best, that is a decision made at the time, we are eleven years on since then, and we are very happy with our selection of Netwatch,” said Ian Moran, Head of Finance, Windsor Group.

“We do have peace of mind when we turn off the lights and close the door that our investments and our premises are being protected.”

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An Eye on the Future

BY NICOLA OAKIE

In the constantly evolving landscape of the security industry, the role of women has often been underrepresented. Yet, women have excelled across a variety of roles, from the strategic decisions made in the C-suite to the innovative campaigns crafted in marketing and sales, and the groundbreaking solutions developed in engineering. Their contribution showcases an influence that enriches the industry with diverse perspectives, creativity, and resilience. This impact continues to grow and expand, reshaping the industry.

Organizations such as the California Alarm Association’s WISE (Women In the Security Evolution) and WISF (Women in Security Forum), run by the Security Industry Association (SIA), are at the forefront of championing this evolution. By highlighting the achievements of women throughout the industry, these groups provide the recognition that female professionals deserve while inspiring a new generation to explore career opportunities in security.

As we stand at the crossroads of an evolving market, the imperative to push these efforts forward has never been more apparent. The collective effort to elevate the role of women is not just about achieving equality — it’s about leveraging the full spectrum of talent available to us, ensuring that the industry not only grows but thrives in its richness and diversity.

WISE is dedicated to promoting women in the industry. By focusing on increased visibility, inclusivity, and equality, WISE is paving the way for a more diverse and empowered market. In collaboration with security solutions and service providers, such as Netwatch, there is a commitment to championing diversity initiatives and acknowledging the contributions of female leaders. WISE’s vision is to create a thought-based community of leaders who are committed to each other’s success. This vision is rooted in the belief that collective support and empowerment can lead to great achievements.

This year, WISE has taken significant steps to review and enhance its mission and direction. This includes efforts that incorporate the diverse voices of its members.

The commitment to highlight three WISE members monthly in the MIRROR publication is a testament to this effort and the group’s dedication to increasing visibility and celebrating the achievements of its members. WISE also strives to feature insights from its members on topics of inclusivity and niche services in security in a variety of mediums, all part of its mission to share knowledge and experiences that can inspire and educate others within the industry.

I am proud to be part of an organization that values diversity and supports groups like WISE. Netwatch, a provider of proactive video monitoring services, supports the advancement of women in the security sector and recognizes the important role that female leaders play in driving innovation and excellence, Netwatch actively promotes an inclusive culture that values and nurtures all talent. Through initiatives like partnering with WISE, Netwatch is advocating for gender diversity and actively contributing to the creation of a more equitable industry. Today I am the VP of Sales for Netwatch North America.

As the electronic security industry continues to grow, the need for a diverse and inclusive workforce becomes increasingly clear. Organizations like WISE, supported by industry allies like Netwatch, are essential in this journey. By highlighting the achievements of women, advocating for equality, and providing platforms for leadership and development, we are contributing to the advancement of women while shaping the future of the industry.

As someone deeply proud to be part of this industry, I have witnessed remarkable transformations over the course of my career. By working together, we are paving the way towards an inclusive space that not only attracts but also retains top talent. Looking ahead, the role of female leaders, coupled with our efforts to support and celebrate their contributions, is essential in shaping an industry that is dynamic, resilient, and successful — an industry that people are eager to be a part of.

Together, we can achieve our shared goals and create an environment where everyone seeks to thrive.

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UTILITIES

Energizing Security to Protect Communities

The recent uptick in security-related incidents targeting U.S. electrical substations and utilities has set off alarm bells. With a 71% increase in incidents over the past year, experts predict that this worrying trajectory will continue into 2023 and beyond. More than mere numbers, these incidents pose a direct threat to citizens, neighborhoods, vital industries, and the national economy.

The increasing number of attacks on utilities poses a multifaceted challenge for city administrations, both public and private entities, and local communities.

According to the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC), various forms of attacks such as gunfire damage, equipment sabotage, security breaches, and vandalism are on the rise. These incidents have occurred in clusters, impacting numerous regions across the country.

During a technical conference convened by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC), Eric Rollison, assistant director of the U.S. Energy Department’s Office of Cybersecurity, emphasized the “heightened threat environment” surrounding the industry.

Additionally, a NERC report noted a marked increase in physical security incidents since 2020, with significant outages reported in substations in North Carolina, Washington state, and California. Varied motivations, from economic theft to ideological extremism, add layers of complexity to this issue, complicating the work of law enforcement and local governments.

Electrical substations and public utilities are critical to modern society, providing power to residences, offices, healthcare systems, and various modes of transportation. A single attack on these vital nodes can lead to a domino effect of disruptions. For example, a major power outage in a North Carolina county in December 2022 left 35,430 utility customers without power, a crisis exacerbated by evidence of tampering at two key substations.

The financial ramifications of these security lapses can also be debilitating.

Following an incident, utilities may experience surging insurance premiums, face liabilities, and even suffer reputational damage. They may also could entail penalties and the need for corrective measures to preempt future occurrences.

Protecting the U.S. electrical grid — comprising more than 55,000 substations and extensive transmission lines — is no small feat. While traditional approaches like fences, video surveillance, security by environmental design, and adequate lighting have provided some level of deterrence, they fall short.

Traditional solutions often also serve a more reactive role, aiding in post-event investigations rather than actively thwarting incidents.

Among emerging tech, proactive solutions show promise. SaaS offerings deliver the capabilities needed to get ahead of risks.

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For example, remote video monitoring combines real-time video surveillance with the immediacy of operator intervention. This proactive approach empowers trained operators to intervene immediately, delivering a live, customized voice down to deter criminal behavior. Rather than just recording incidents for later review, utilities can use existing camera technology combined with video analytics to identify and counter threats in real-time.

The future of security solutions for the utility and critical infrastructure sectors is centered around integrated artificial intelligence technology. AI is immensely powerful as it can enable a once-passive system like traditional video surveillance, to automatically identify unauthorized movements or actions. Then a remote operator immediately intervenes and delivers a personalized message. An example is, “You in the yellow shirt with the black hat.” This action informs the intruder that they’ve been identified and if they don’t leave, authorities will be dispatched to the site.

In cases where the intruder remains unresponsive, specialists promptly contact local law enforcement and other relevant parties to ensure a rapid and effective response. This solution is particularly beneficial for providing security to remote utility sites, where traditional security approaches fall short.

While the current threat landscape is challenging, it’s not without remedy. Through innovative tech and collaborative efforts like public-private partnerships, a secure and resilient energy landscape is achievable. Advanced technology and services offer immediate intervention capabilities, something not feasible with traditional methods.

The urgency for innovative, adaptive security strategies has never been greater. Through investments in technologies and protective processes, and a dedicated commitment to enhancing security measures, the industry can turn this sizable challenge into a stepping-stone for stable, long-term growth. The clock is ticking, the risks are substantial, but a fortified and resilient energy future is attainable.

A version of this article appeared in the November issue of Power Grid International.

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SEE BEYOND

Netwatch's AI video monitoring transforms security from simple observation to proactive foresight, transforming security operations into a catalyst for growth and limitless opportunities. And this is just the beginning. Explore what's on the horizon at netwatchusa.com.

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