This Week in Security: Become Known by the Company You Keep, Body-Worn Cameras Are Revolutionizing Hospital Safety and Security Protocols & more!
ESA - Electronic Security Association
THE voice of the electronic security and life safety industry.
Each week, the marketing team at ESA gathers the latest news from the security industry for our weekly integrator round up!
This week we look at Government Sector Hit Hard by Ransomware Attacks According to New Report, Navigating the Waters of Inland Marine Insurance: Protecting Your Assets and more...
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Become Known by the Company You Keep
Countless times throughout my career, I have been called upon to provide an overview of the electronic security industry.
The recipients of that information have run the gamut — from new hires just starting their professional lives, to experienced people making a career change to investors to other trades to the media to consumers.
I enjoy being able to enlighten them about our wonderful business — from its noble purpose to safeguard people and assets, to its exciting technologies and innovative solutions, to its amazing opportunities and bright future, to the driven, high-character folks who compose it.
Security’s Complexities and Nuances
That process always reminds me of security’s complexities and nuances: how it operates differently from many other fields, how it typically takes time to become familiar with many of the key players, and how it takes at least a year for everything to click and make sense.
There are seven essential elements to convey:
I want to concentrate on the fifth point here: trade associations and their utility. Some company owners and managers do not see the value or return on investment in paying annual dues so they can belong to a trade association.
Perhaps they believe they know it all and/or maintain that they don’t have the time to spend participating in the activities of such an organization. Still others might be put off by fraternizing with real or perceived competition, or they might worry about other firms poaching their employees who attend meetings or training sessions.
Yes, it does require some investment of money and effort. And, yes, the payoff may not be as straightforward as signing a new customer. However, the adage that you get back what you put in is spot on when it comes to participating in these groups. There are both overt and intangible benefits aplenty.
As for competitive concerns, they tend to fade into the background in the name of the common good. And if your company culture is sound and you treat your employees fairly, loyalty will prevail. If it helps make it more palatable, think of belonging to an association as keeping your friends close and your enemies closer!
Not a Coincidence
I have witnessed firsthand through decades of observation how a great many of security’s most successful executives (including lots of SSI Industry Hall of Famers) and companies are active in the trade associations. That isn’t a coincidence.
The knowledge gained is power, and the networking and connections made are golden. Plus, there is a higher degree of personal fulfillment gleaned from giving back to the industry, contributing to its advancement and fostering success for all.
What follows is a basic guide:
Electronic Security Association (ESA; esaweb.org): Join if your company sells, installs or services systems.
The Monitoring Association (TMA; tma.us): Join if your company monitors installed systems.
Security Industry Association (SIA; securityindustry.org): Join if your company supplies security devices or software; also recommended for any security business.
PSA Network (PSA; psasecurity.com): Similar to a trade association; join this co-op if your company specializes in systems integration.
American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS; asisonline.org): Join if you are a commercial security end user; this is of value to any security professional, too.
Invaluable Information for You and Your Company
Those are all national (in some cases, international) organizations. For those north of the border, there is the Canadian Security Association (CANSA). Perhaps even more important for installation and monitoring providers is participating in state and local trade associations.
These are the circles in which invaluable information is exchanged, crucial lessons are learned, lucrative deals are made, key partnerships are struck, and lifetime friendships are forged.
That said, joining is not enough. You, your company and its people must engage. Next month, I will address the basics of No. 6: security events.
Read the Full Article - Become Known by the Company You Keep - Security Sales & Integration
Body-Worn Cameras Are Revolutionizing Hospital Safety and Security Protocols
The recent dramatic increase in hospital workplace violence underscores the critical need for innovative solutions to protect those who dedicate their lives to healing others. The healthcare industry has been exploring various approaches to address this issue, from enhanced security protocols to de-escalation training. However, the introduction of body-worn cameras has emerged as a particularly promising solution, offering a unique blend of deterrence and documentation.
Wearable cameras, when integrated with open platform video management software (VMS), offer a comprehensive approach to addressing hospital safety concerns. These devices go beyond simple surveillance, providing a range of benefits that enhance both security and patient care.
Body-Worn Cameras Provide a Wide Range of Benefits
First and foremost, wearable cameras serve as impartial witnesses to interactions between healthcare providers and patients. This objective record promotes a culture of accountability among staff while also protecting them from false accusations. The mere presence of these devices often deters aggressive behavior, creating a safer environment for everyone.
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In practice, this means that when a challenging situation arises – for instance, an agitated patient in the emergency room – the body-worn camera provides an unbiased account of the interaction. This can be invaluable for reviewing incidents, improving protocols, and resolving disputes fairly.
Additionally, in the fast-paced world of healthcare, accurate documentation is also crucial. Body-worn cameras capture real-time video data of patient interactions, treatments, and procedures. This visual record can be invaluable for reviewing care protocols, ensuring compliance with medical standards, and providing a clear account of events in case of disputes.
For example, during complex medical procedures or in high-stress emergencies, the body-worn camera can capture details that might be missed in written reports. This comprehensive documentation can improve patient outcomes by allowing for more thorough post-event analysis and learning.
Read the Full Article - Body-Worn Cameras Are Revolutionizing Hospital Safety and Security Protocols - Security Sales & Integration
Government Sector Hit Hard by Ransomware Attacks According to New Report
ExtraHop recently released its global ransomware trends report, a data-driven analysis of ransomware impacts across geographies, industries, and organizations of different sizes.
According to the research, security leaders report that they are increasingly being targeted by ransomware actors, averaging nearly eight incidents per year and paying out an average of just under $2.5 million in ransom payments. And while ransomware activity is up across the board, some businesses find themselves to be a more likely target, depending on different demographics, such as the markets in which they operate or size of their organizations.
The U.S. is feeling the heat.
U.S. organizations felt the impact of ransomware the most, experiencing the highest number of incidents on average and paying out the largest ransoms (nearly $2 million more than the global average). German respondents, on the other hand, experienced the fewest incidents.
Governments are paying big ransoms.
Despite stating ransomware isn’t its biggest risk, the government sector averaged more than eight attacks last year and had one of the largest average ransom payments of $3.8 million. The government sector also noted the largest percentage of organizations paying more than $25 million in ransom payments.
Bigger isn’t always better.
The larger the company, the more likely it was to experience a ransomware incident. Organizations with more than 5,000 employees were more likely to pay the ransom every time and, on average, paid more than $4 million in ransom payments.
“Ransomware is targeting some organizations more than others, but despite this notion, everyone needs to be prepared to curtail exposure to the risks and damage posed by an incident,” said Mark Bowling, Chief Information Security and Risk Officer at ExtraHop. “As ransomware continues to find ways to bypass and evade existing security controls, we can anticipate that these statistics will only grow more dire. Amid high-profile political elections and a growing call for regulatory action across the globe, it is time that the cybersecurity industry comes together to develop and adopt a more resilient security framework that can identify a ransomware attack before it devastates entire organizations, industries, and even economies.”
Read the Full Article - Government Sector Hit Hard By Ransomware Attacks According to New Report -- Security Today
Navigating the Waters of Inland Marine Insurance: Protecting Your Assets
In the realm of insurance, certain types of coverage are designed to address specific needs that traditional property or liability policies may not fully encompass. One such specialized form of insurance is Inland Marine Insurance. Read on for detailed information on the nuances of Inland Marine Insurance, its coverage areas, benefits, and why businesses should consider buying coverage.
What is Inland Marine Insurance?
Designed to protect items in transit or temporarily stored at locations outside the insured’s primary premises, this versatile coverage provides a safeguard against various risks that traditional property insurance might not cover.
Coverage Areas
Property in Transit:
Inland Marine Insurance covers goods, equipment, and materials while they are being transported over land, air, or inland waterways. This can include shipments by truck, rail, air cargo, or even via courier services.
Tools & Mobile Equipment:
Items such as construction equipment, tools, and machinery that are frequently moved between job sites or locations can be insured under Inland Marine coverage. This ensures protection against theft, damage, or loss during transport or while in use.
Property at Temporary Locations:
Business equipment or inventory temporarily stored at off-site locations, such as customer job sites or warehouses, can be insured under Inland Marine coverage. This extends protection beyond the confines of the insured’s primary business premises.
Scheduled vs. Unscheduled Equipment
Within an Inland Marine Insurance policy, distinguishing between scheduled and unscheduled equipment is crucial for determining coverage specifics. Scheduled equipment refers to items individually listed and described in the policy with their corresponding values. This allows for precise coverage tailored to each listed item, ensuring clarity in terms of insured value and protection against specified risks such as theft, damage, or loss. On the other hand, unscheduled equipment encompasses broader categories or types of property that are not individually listed but are covered under a blanket limit or based on a general description in the policy. This approach provides flexibility and coverage for a wider range of items without the need for detailed listing, accommodating businesses with diverse and changing inventories or equipment needs.
Inland Marine Insurance stands as a vital component of a robust risk management strategy. Security America has partnered with Impulse, a Balance Partners company, to offer Inland Marine coverage as a part of our available package. Call Crystal Jacobs & the team at 866-315-3838 for more information on the Security America Insurance programs.
Read Full Article - Navigating the Waters of Inland Marine Insurance (esaweb.org)
And that’s all for this week, but don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram for real-time announcements of all our news content!
Sources: Security Sales & Integration and Security Today