HIKVISON USA – A COMPETITIVE WINNER FOR IP CAMERAS

The Thermal Bi-Spectrum Camera System was selected among a pool of applicants at the 2018 ESX Award Winner, in the video surveillance category.

“The ESX Innovation Awards is an industry competition that recognizes the most impactful and groundbreaking technologies for the electronic security and life safety industry. This includes emerging technologies, as well as those that have been field-tested”.

Described as the DS-2TD2615-7/10 Thermal Bi-Spectrum IP Camera, a distinct attribute is the thermal imager feature. It bears a lens in 7 or 10 mm, and contains “matched field of view” with the MP CMOS DarkFighter visible camera.

The winning innovation is known to be extremely reliable, with groundbreaking technology that allows among other things image switching, high picture quality, and full frame with low light color imaging.

Hikvision boasts that the DS-2TD2615-7/10 Thermal Spectrum IP Camera is reported as “being used in some of the most demanding market segments”. The objective of Hikvision, according to published statements is that their newly recognized product will help “combat crime and terrorism, and safeguard North American Communities”.

FAN ID SYSTEMS AT FIFA WORLD CUP 2018

FIFA World Cup 2018 is well underway, in the host country Russia, and soccer fans around the world are jubilant. All eyes are glued to TV screens, to watch competitive matches which started June 14 and will continue through to July 15; a month span, devoted to one of the most revered sports globally – football.

For those fortunate to be able to travel to this once communist Eastern European country, to support their respective national team, amidst the many thousands of other enthusiastic fans, there is one common factor that people should be mindful of during their visit to this highlighted event – safety.

Following the 2016 European Championship, in Marseille, France, reports stated that English fans, were attacked by approximately 150 Russian hooligans, who forcefully charged at the Brits, in a “prearranged” and targeted way. Needless to say, the concern of violence is problematic.

Claims that a Russian Hooligan Army, has been preparing physically to engage in brawls against rivals at the FIFA World Cup 2018, is something the federation are taking very seriously. The viscous attacks in Marseille, by the Russian thugs, are reported to have left two people in a coma. It was disclosed that the attacks were planned with well-trained precision in military style fashion, “with many of them sporting Martial Arts gloves”. Brice Robin acted as the Marseille Chief prosecutor. At least 50 perpetrator Russian fans were deported back to Russia and the team was given a suspended disqualification, together with a fine by the EAFA, Europe’s apex football body.

Law enforcement authorities are on high alert at FIFA World Cup 2018, despite the fact reports state the most notorious Russian football hooligans have been blacklisted and banned from attending. A fan ID system has been implemented to keep track of individuals in attendance and fans groups have been warned by the Federal Security Service, that imprisonment will be the only option, if extreme violence breaks out.

Security expert, Helmut Spahn , the Director of Security, FIFA, seriously has his mind on the threat of Radical Islam extremist terrorist suicide bomber attacks at football stadiums, as well as brutal hooligan fan issues, but he remains ever optimistic that security measures continue to remain strong with vigilant professional co-ordination between all security parties including intelligence, surveillance, police and armed forces.

It is without a doubt that the host country is doing everything it possibly can, security wise, to maintain a positive reputation, at a time when all the world’s eyes are closely watching.

TWITTER RECOMMENDS CHANGING PASSWORDS

Recent media reports state that Twitter Inc, is urging its users to change their passwords due to an internal data glitch in the system.

Media has released information that a “bug” has affected the internal system of Twitter Inc, prompting the social media company to sound the alarm for an alteration on passwords.

In a blog post Parag Agrawal, Twitter’s chief technologist apologized. Normally passwords are protected by a technology that disguises the user passwords, not even allowing Twitter staff the ability to see them in form. Unfortunately, the bug caused the veil to be lifted and the passwords were unmasked, exposing personal codes.

Cryptographic techniques allow passwords to be stored on Twitter’s servers for the purpose of authenticating login. The codes are converted into a strand of characters known as a “hash”. The “bug” did not allow the “hash” process to fulfill its mission. Hacker’s could have had the opportunity to steal personal information, due to such exposure. There is no reports on precisely how many accounts were affected by this incident.

Seemingly, more than thirty three millions people use Twitter, and have been advised to change to a password that is unique and doesn’t match other services, as well as to create one that is heavily formulated with numerals, letters and symbols. It is best to avoid common passwords that include names, addresses or pet names.

To stay securely ahead, change passwords often and use paraphrases that can easily be remembered on all related devices.

U.S. Pentagon orders ban on Huawei and ZTE devices

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., and ZTE Corp are prominent Chinese companies that produce telecommunications equipment and mobile phones.

In a recent statement issued by the U.S. Pentagon, the devices manufactured by these companies “may pose an unacceptable risk” to U.S. military bases worldwide.

Senior level, U.S. intelligence officials are concerned the devices might be capable of spying on U.S. service personnel. According to media reports, Blackberry smart phones have also been ousted.

The potential threats have not been completely released, due to security reasons.

CARAVAN OF MIGRANTS APPROACH USA SOUTHERN BORDER

As the “Caravan” of individuals, noted to be from countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Mexico, approach the southern border, to gain access into America, U.S. security officials step up their game.

President Donald Trump, in an effort to protect the United States from illegal crossings of the USA border, officially signed a memorandum to deploy National Guard to the Mexican border, at the beginning of the month.

Secretary of U.S. Homeland Security, Kirstjen M. Nielsen, and her staff are carefully monitoring the situation of individuals clamoring to enter the USA. The Trump administration are clear that enforcing immigration laws applies to persons whether “part of the “caravan or not”.

In her recent statement Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen highlights:

“If members of the ‘caravan’ enter the country illegally, they will be referred for prosecution for illegal entry in accordance with existing law. For those seeking asylum, all individuals may be detained while their claims are adjudicated efficiently and expeditiously, and those found not to have a claim will be promptly removed from the United States”.

In a statement recently released by Secretary Nielsen, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security are working together:

“DHS, in partnership with DOJ, is taking a number of steps to ensure that all cases and claims are adjudicated promptly – including sending additional USCIS asylum officers, ICE attorneys, DOJ Immigration Judges, and DOJ prosecutors to the Southern border”.

It has been emphasized that anyone entering the USA illegally, has broken the law and shall be prosecuted accordingly. For those seeking asylum, it is encouraged the individuals “seek protection in the first country they enter”.

Secretary Nielson, in her mission to secure America, is appealing to U.S. Congress, for legislations to be passed “to close legal loopholes that prevent us from securing our borders and protecting Americans”.

RUSSIAN GOVERNMENT TARGETING U.S.ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURES

The United States Department of Homeland Security recently released documentation accusing Russia of attempting to attack U.S. infrastructure such as critical manufacturing sectors, aviation, water, commercial facilities, nuclear and energy sectors.

Evidence has shown the Russian government has the capability of sabotaging power plants and electrical systems, through cyber attacks. Unidentified hackers have found a way to enter into critical control systems. As far back as June 2017, the F.B.I. and the Department of Homeland Security alerted utility companies to these perpetrations.

With multiple Russian cyber operations, at large, American intelligence officials are keenly aware that Russian invasion is problematic not only to the United States but other European nations.

According to forensic analysis experts, Russian spies are aggressively preparing themselves for ways to infiltrate into crucial infrastructures within the United States, that could cause serious damage to the country.

Cyber security professionals from companies such a Symantec and Cylance, have confirmed that Russia has the capable espionage to sabotage industries within the USA.

Sanctions have been strongly placed upon Russia, as their behavior continues to be troubling. Two entities highlighted include, “FSB, and GRU intelligence agencies”.

Senior national officials are pushing back in meaningful ways. The determined motive of the attacks have been characterized as “multi-stage intrusion campaign by Russian cyber actors”. Their intent, “to gather details on computer management systems in the U.S. energy grid”

For confirmation on this article visit:

https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-074A

 

 

 

Maritime Safety: Integrated Communication Systems

There is much talk about security on land, but what about safety in the open seas?

Maritime safety is an umbrella for many categories, which include: search and rescue, radio communications, fire protection, maritime security and piracy, to name a few.

Wireless radio has always been a valuable tool in communication. When a vessel is in distress, help can soon be dispatched if a call is transmitted by wireless radio. The problem is that wireless has limited distance capability. Satellites have since proven to be an improvement. Such devices evidently play a vital role in search and rescue operations at sea.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has evolved into the International Maritime Satellite Organization, (Inmarsat), with an intention to focus on emergency maritime communications. Global Maritime Distress Safety Systems (GMDSS) was established as part of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which highlights the importance of global maritime distress and safety systems.

GMDSS is an integrated communication system, which assists in protecting lives at sea. It consists of several parts that work together to function cohesively. The system consists of, determining the vessel in distress by an alert, search and rescue coordination, locating, maritime safety information broadcasts, and various types of relative communications. It is an internationally agreed upon set of safety procedures and protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue vessels in distress.

The latest technologies of maritime safety systems, provide sophisticated ship-to-ship communications, as well as ship to shore.

2018 Winter Olympics Pyeongchang, South Korea and Safety

In less than two weeks, the world will brace itself for the opening of the 2018 Winter Olympics, to be held in the elevated mountainous region, east of Seoul, Pyeongchang, The country shall boast home to various disciplines in winter sports, that will attract athletes and spectators alike, from all around the world.

 

During February 9-25th, people’s breathing will not only be held during competition, but also towards the hopes that this specially selected place for the revered Winter Olympic games, is a safe haven, for all who visit and participate. (more…)

STRONG SECURITY AT SUPER BOWL USA, extra law enforcement on patrol

Ask any American, and they will tell you the importance of Super Bowl, in their culture. It is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), in the United States. A time for households everywhere to glue their eyes on the TV screen as the NFC and AFC rival teams, do battle on the field. Excited viewers, worldwide, watch with family and friends, from the comfort and safety of their private surroundings, while they consume large amounts of football style food and drinks, in celebration.

It is also a sporting event where thousands of football fans make pilgrimage to the stadium, so they can partake in the entire Super Bowl extravaganza, and Big Game experience. For such fans, Super Bowl LII (Roman Numerals 52), will be held on February 4th, this year, at the U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN. The teams playing will be the Philadelphia Eagles against the New England Patriots. In addition, people attending will look forward to a National Anthem performance by Pink, and a halftime show by Justin Timberlake. (more…)

Does Hawaii have safeguards in place to prevent transmission of nuclear missile false alert?

Yesterday, people on the island of Hawaii, were aghast and shaken, by an accidental alert, sent out in error, to their mobile devices, stating, “Ballistic missile threat inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill”. (more…)