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The-Power-of-a-Layered-Approach-to-Safety-in-our-Schools

The Power of a Layered Approach to Safety in Our Schools

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

As technology and safety practices become more intertwined, it is important to seek a balance between security and accessibility. Layered security has been identified as a recommended practice for securing schools. This approach provides multiple security controls from the outside property line to the building perimeter to the classroom, all to help protect students and staff.

Implementing a layered approach to school security is crucial for creating a safe and accessible learning environment. While schools may not have unlimited budgets, you can prioritize and gradually add electronic access control to vulnerable areas. By adopting a layered approach to school security, schools can enhance safety, efficiency and peace of mind for students, staff and parents.

 

SOURCE: 

Cook, K., The Power of a Layered Approach to Safety, Security Today, May / June 2024.

 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

A-Combined-Security-Solution-That-Leverages-AI-Human-Intelligence-Is-The-Answer

A Combined Security Solution That Leverages AI & Human Intelligence Is The Answer

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Internet-connected cameras and remote monitoring capabilities make streaming 24/7 video data to mobile devices easy. Businesses can now outsource this technology to third-party providers, meaning the onus is no longer on owners to build and manage their surveillance systems in-house. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) that enables computers and systems to derive meaningful information from digital images, videos, and other visual inputs — and take actions or make recommendations based on that information.

People have become wary of AI-only solutions, and a combined approach that maximizes the strengths of both AI and human intelligence will be the gold standard for businesses going forward.

SOURCE: 

 

2024 Trends in Video Surveillance, Security Today, 2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Why-construction-sites-need-proactive-security

Why Construction Sites Need Proactive Security

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Construction sites are undoubtedly one of the most challenging environments to protect from a security perspective. Construction sites are a virtual free-for-all with multiple points of entry and exits with various contractors and subcontractors coming and going at different times throughout the day.

Without proactive security measures in place, construction sites are at risk from thieves attracted to goods. From materials, tools, equipment and even fuel, thieves can be enticed by open construction sites. These open sites are also at risk of vandalism.

SOURCE: 

Wilmas, J., Why construction sites need proactive security, Security Magazine, 09/30/2022.

 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats

 

Today’s Security Guards Leverage Technology Mitigating Potential Threats

Today’s Security Guards Leverage Technology Mitigating Potential Threats

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Technology can help to improve security by providing security guards with real-time information about potential threats, such as facial recognition software that can identify potential criminals and video surveillance that can monitor suspicious activity.

When considering a protection service firm ask:  

  • About what technologies are used.
  • The level of experience with using technology to improve security.
  • What training and expertise in using technology.

 

SOURCE: 

Smith, A., Integrate technology with security guard services for local businesses, Security Magazine, 02/24/2023.

 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Organizations-are-Increasing-Spending-on-Proactive-Security.

Organizations are Increasing Spending on Proactive Security

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Organizations are increasing spending on proactive security solutions. These solutions include attack surface management and risk-based vulnerability management.

A proactive defense strategy, when combined with reactive security, creates a high level of security to mitigate the overall risk to the organization.

 

SOURCE: 

More than 70% of companies increased spending on proactive security, Security Magazine, 06/25/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Leveraging Generative AI to Mitigate Fraud, Disinformation, and Exploitation

Leveraging Generative AI to Mitigate Fraud, Disinformation, and Exploitation

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Fake news, manipulated media, deep-fakes—disinformation continues to evolve online, fueled by increasingly sophisticated generative artificial intelligence (gen AI) tools. Deepfakes in particular have been used to imitate individuals—whether in video or audio form—to achieve a number of criminal aims.

While intentional reputational damage toward organizations is certainly possible with deep-fakes, malicious actors more frequently aim to score more tangible and immediate profits or inflict damage on an individual.

Don’t trust the voice on the other end of the line. Scammers ask you to pay or send money in ways that make it hard to get your money back. If the caller says to wire money, send cryptocurrency, or buy gift cards and give them the card numbers and PINs, those could be signs of a scam.

 

SOURCE: 

Meyer, C., Putting Generative AI to Use for Crime: Fraud, Disinformation, Exploitation, and More, Security Management, 06/17/2024.

 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #securitythreats



Retailers-Must-Adopt-Proactive-Security-Measures-to-Combat-Crime

Retailers Must Adopt Proactive Security Measures to Combat Crime

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Beyond the financial implications of theft on retailers’ margins and profitability, the escalating levels of violence and the perception of threats of violence connected to theft are also a significant source of concern for retailers. 

Given the surge in violent incidents, an increasing number of retailers are prioritizing the safety of their staff by adopting a “hands-off” approach when dealing with shoplifters.

A secure perimeter is the first line of defense against external theft, including theft linked to Organized Retail Crime (ORC). ORC groups use tactics like theft and fraud to steal merchandise in large quantities. These groups can be difficult to identify and catch, making it challenging for retailers to prevent these crimes.

It is imperative that retailers adopt proactive security measures in order to combat the ever-evolving threat of retail crime. By integrating new technologies into current security strategies, retailers can not only address security challenges proactively but also fortify their ability to protect assets, fostering a secure environment for the collective safety of customers and employees. This strategic integration marks a significant step toward a more robust and secure future for the retail sector. 

 

SOURCE: 

“Elevating Retail Security: Integrating License Plate Recognition and Audio Detection into Your Safety Strategy”, Loss Prevention Magazine, 12/10/2023.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats

 

Security-for-Educational-Institutions-Necessitates-A-Multilayered-Multifactor-Approach

Security for Educational Institutions Necessitates A Multilayered – Multifactor Approach

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Security in educational institutions goes beyond traditional measures, encompassing a multilayered, multifactor approach that combines technology, personnel training, and emergency preparedness.

According to the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), an independent group dedicated to improving school safety, there are five layers of protection to consider: districtwide, property perimeter, parking lot perimeter, building perimeter, and classroom or interior perimeter.

Policies should be applied identically across all public buildings within the school district. Strong written policies can ensure that people know what to do in an emergency and can support security professionals in their efforts to drive compliance with essential safeguards and accountability. 

To be effective, policies centered on preparedness and prevention, as well as response and recovery, need to be woven into the fabric of the school community.

Layers-of-Protection

Layers-of-Protection

 

SOURCE: 

Grace, G., “Strengthening Schools: A Look at K-12 Security Layers and Emergency Preparedness”, Security Management, 03/01/2024.

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats

 

Detecting-threats-in-train-stations-without-compromising-citizens-privacy.

Detecting threats in train stations without compromising citizens’ privacy.

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

Surface transportation such as subway systems can be a unique security challenge due to the large crowds of travelers and the open, unstructured environment. Public safety officials (including mass transit operators, mass transit police, and state and federal law enforcement teams) need a capability to detect potential threat items on persons and in bags without negatively impacting the speed of travel. 

How do we detect terror threats in train stations without searching people or compromising their privacy? 

A video algorithm detects bags left behind and cutting-edge video forensic tools are some of the technologies used to secure train stations and protect the traveling public. 

 

SOURCE: 

Securing Surface Transportation: Video Forensics”, Department of Homeland Security, https://www.dhs.gov/medialibrary/assets/videos/22798. 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats

 

Security-challenges-to-the-transportation-industry

Security Challenges to the Transportation Industry

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Frank Costa, President Nexgen Protection Services – 

The transportation industry is unique because it plays a role in both the minutiae of everyday life and the overall economy’s well-being. Providing uninterrupted and efficient transportation services depends heavily on the safety and security of transportation entities. 

Due to the vast amount of people frequenting transit stations and the importance of the items on ships and ferries, the transportation sector faces multiple challenges that evolve as the industry advances. 

 

SOURCE: 

Anderson, L., “What Are The Security Challenges Of The Transportation Industry?”, Security Informed, 01/17/2022. 

#protectionservices #securitystandards #publicsaftey  #mobilesecurity #secruitythreats