DHS – CISA Statement on Iranian Cybersecurity Threat

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In response to reports of an increase in cybersecurity threats, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Christopher C. Krebs issued a statement on Saturday, June 22, 2019.

TMA encourages all members to read the full statement below and take appropriate protective measures.

FULL STATEMENT

Statement on Iranian Cybersecurity Threats

WASHINGTON – In response to reports of an increase in cybersecurity threats, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Christopher C. Krebs issued the following statement:

“CISA is aware of a recent rise in malicious cyber activity directed at United States industries and government agencies by Iranian regime actors and proxies. We will continue to work with our intelligence community and cybersecurity partners to monitor Iranian cyber activity, share information, and take steps to keep America and our allies safe.

“Iranian regime actors and proxies are increasingly using destructive ‘wiper’ attacks, looking to do much more than just steal data and money. These efforts are often enabled through common tactics like spear phishing, password spraying, and credential stuffing. What might start as an account compromise, where you think you might just lose data, can quickly become a situation where you’ve lost your whole network.

“In times like these it’s important to make sure you’ve shored up your basic defenses, like using multi-factor authentication, and if you suspect an incident – take it seriously and act quickly.You can find other tips and best practices for staying safe online here.

“Anyone who has relevant information or suspects a compromise should immediately contact us at NCCICCUSTOMERSERVICE@hq.dhs.gov.”

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Guardian Protection and CPI Security Take Top 2019 TMA Awards at ESX19

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TMA 2019 Excellence and Marvel Technology Awards we’re presented at the ESX 2019 Opening Celebration in Indianapolis, IN, Monday, June 3.

TMA Excellence Awards sponsor and partner SDM Magazine Editor Laura Stepanek had the honor of announcing the 2019 Excellence Awards winners, which include:

Monitoring Center of the Year
Guardian Protection

Manager of the Year
Sarah Murphy, Sonitrol of Fresno

Operator of the Year
Charles White, Affiliated Monitoring, Inc.

Support Person of the Year
Ben Perry, Universal Atlantic Systems

TMA Marvel Technology Award sponsor and partner Security Sales and Integration Editor Scott Goldfine had the honor to present CPI Security with the 2019 Marvel Technology Award.

Congratulations to all of our 2019 finalists and winners.

Look for details on the winners in the Summer issue of Dispatch.

Paradise Valley, AZ to Enforce Call Verification – June 1

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The Town of Paradise Valley Alarm Ordinance has supported enhanced call verification for years but we were not enforcing it. We have recently put more of a focus on false alarm reduction and to support this will be requiring ECV prior to alarm companies notifying our dispatchers. We are hoping to have compliance as soon as possible with an expected enforcement date of June 1st, 2019. Our Police Officers take a tremendous amount of pride in the service they are able to provide to our community and we hope that this added level of verification will not only help them continue to provide a rapid response time to residents but also help residents avoid incurring false alarm fines.

 

For detailed information, email AlarmOpsTeam@paradisevalleyaz.gov or go to the Alarm Monitoring page on the Town of Paradise Valley website https://paradisevalleyaz.gov/421/Alarm-Monitoring.

BILL ACTION ALERT

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The Texas Legislation is trying to pass a bill that will require populations under 5000 within the state to self-monitor or be monitored by a larger communications facility.  The False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) is working in partnership with the Texas Burglary and Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA) to try and dissuade the mayor that is spearheading this bill.

To be successful, FARA and TBFAA seek to demonstrate that alarm systems do much more than report alarm signals. TMA had been asked to assist with this effort.

VIEW THE BILL – HB538

Data from alarm dealers and monitoring centers that clearly documents and quantifies the full scope of monitoring services provided to their customers is needed. Services beyond alarm signals may include, but are not limited to:

  • Troubles
  • Supervisory
  • Low Battery
  • Signals

Please send the requested data to:

Brad Shipp
Director
False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA)
Email: bradshipp@4yoursolution.com
Tel: +1.301.519.9237

Professional Installation and Monitoring Associations Dispute Google’s Statement, “Security Systems Often Use Microphones”

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Recent reporting by Business Insider, CNN Business and many other publications have highlighted the undisclosed, on-board microphone discovered in Google’s Nest Guard Security Device—raising serious privacy concerns among consumers. The Monitoring Association (TMA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA), trade associations representing professionals who install and monitor security and life safety technologies in homes and businesses, call into question the validity of Google’s published statements concerning the use of microphones in security devices. According to TMA and ESA, statements such as, “security systems often include microphones to provide features that rely on sound sensing,” misrepresent the vast majority of today’s residential security systems installed throughout the country.

Since audio recording includes privacy and legal complexities, it’s not extremely common in residential installations. Security professionals and integrators consult with customers and ensure all federal and state laws are abided by.

“Adding audio surveillance can certainly make for a more robust system,” says ESA President, Chris Mosley. “We’re seeing exciting advancements in the audio surveillance category, such as acoustic sensors and microphones that can help us detect gunfire or when voices become elevated that could indicate potential violence. However, sweeping statements to infer that residential systems commonly have this feature are simply not accurate.”

Louroe Electronics, an ESA Member company and 40-year-old manufacturer of audio-based technologies concurs with this analysis. “Sound-based technology in security systems is common in law enforcement, institutional, and smart city installations. However, the use of microphones for surveillance in residences is extremely rare on account of heightened expectations of privacy,” says the company’s CEO, Richard Brent.

“Security systems are now an important part of the customer home experience in that we can integrate with audio assistance,” says Ivan Spector, TMA President. “However professionally installed and monitored security systems are not designed to record data and conversations unbeknownst to our customers.”

According to both associations, adding microphones and audio capabilities to security systems adds another level of precaution that must be taken to install the system in a way that protects the privacy of the consumer.

Professionally installed systems have the backing of technology experts who know the full capability of the system and its components and can appropriately safeguard these systems, so as not to compromise privacy.

Visit www.tma.us to learn more about The Monitoring Association or to  find an ESA security professional in your area, visit www.alarm.org.

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About The Monitoring Association

The Monitoring Association (TMA), formerly the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), is an internationally-recognized non-profit trade association that represents professional monitoring companies, security systems integrators, and providers of products and services to the industry. Incorporated in 1950, TMA is legally entitled to represent its members before Congress and regulatory agencies on the local, state and federal levels, and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) over the industry. Learn more online at https://tma.us/about-tma/.

About the Electronic Security Association (ESA)

Established in 1948, ESA is the largest trade association in the United States representing the electronic security and life safety industry. Member companies install, integrate and monitor intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and governmental clients. In cooperation with an alliance of chapter associations, ESA provides technical and management training, government advocacy and delivers information, advice, tools, and services that members use to grow their businesses and prosper. Together, ESA member companies employ more than 500,000 industry professionals and serve more than 34 million residential and commercial clients. To find an ESA security professional in your area, visit www.alarm.org

Cisco Systems Chief Technology Evangelist to Keynote TMA 2019 Tech Summit

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TMA is pleased to announce Jim Grubb, Chief Technology Evangelist, Cisco Systems will provide the keynote address Thurs., Feb. 28 at TMA’s 2019 Tech Summit in Salt Lake City, UT.

Mr. Grubb is a visionary Cisco leader who is passionate about early positioning and differentiation of Cisco innovation and technology. Instrumental in bringing new solutions to life, Jim ensures that Cisco is delivering products, solutions and services that enable our customers to accelerate their journey towards digital transformation.

As an expert in Digitization even before it was called Digitization, Jim has spent most of his career inventing and explaining the Art Of The Possible with technology. He is an exponential thinker and charismatic speaker working with most of Cisco’s largest customers as they build their Digital Strategies.

As John Chamber’s longtime product-demo sidekick, he delivered over four hundred keynote demonstrations at industry, technology, and CXO events, including Cisco Live, CES, HIMSS, NRF, Oracle World, Salesforce, DODIS, Cisco Partner Summit, and Cisco’s World-wide Sales meetings.

Jim has also presented to many Government and World Leaders, including Hillary Clinton, George W. Bush, Tony Blair, Madeleine Albright, Dimitry Medvedev, Al Gore, Viktor Chernomyrdin, Vicente Fox, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jean Carnahan, and Jim Gilmore.

Register now to attend. Room reservation deadline (at special rate) has been extended to Feb. 8.

The Monitoring Association Appoints Two New Directors

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 Association management professional Illeny Maaza and security industry veteran marketer
Leigh A. McGuire join The Monitoring Association headquarters staff

VIENNA, VA (December 17, 2018) – The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Illeny Maaza to the position of Director, Membership and Programs and Ms. Leigh A. McGuire to the position of Director of Marketing and Communications. Both association management professionals joined TMA, an internationally recognized non-profit trade association that represents professional monitoring companies, in December 2018.

“Illeny and Leigh each bring a unique scope of knowledge, experience, and talents to their new roles within TMA,” stated Celia Besore, MBA, CAE, executive director, TMA, adding, “As TMA looks to build upon its firm foundation of excellence across the security industry, these two new additions to our team of professionals position the organization to advance its strategic goals in the core areas of membership, education, advocacy, and standards.”

Maaza comes to TMA from the American Telemedicine Association (ATA) where she served as Business Analyst and Member Group Liaison. Prior to ATA, she held the positions of Director of Certification & Systems Integration at Idealliance and Manager of Customer Solutions at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Maaza brings a wealth of experience and expertise in project management, membership, and customer service to her new position in TMA.

McGuire’s career in the security industry began at ADEMCO (now Honeywell) on New York’s Long Island. After a short tenure in the company’s advertising and commercial marketing division, she relocated to Virginia where she joined the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) in 2000 and, later, ASIS International in 2008—serving both security industry organizations in various marketing communications, public relations, and event management roles. McGuire’s expansive skill set coupled with her security industry tenure and network open distinct and valuable new growth opportunities for TMA and its member companies worldwide.

To learn more about TMA, visit www.TMA.us.

TMA Announces Next Executive Director

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Call for participation in TMA-VMS-01 video procedural standard committee.Celia T. Besore is New Executive Director of The Monitoring Association

 Accomplished Association Executive is TMA’s First Female Executive Director

VIENNA, VA (October 2, 2018) – Next month, Celia T. Besore, MBA, CAE will become the new executive director of The Monitoring Association. An astute executive and dynamic strategist, Besore has established a solid career of success representing national associations and members, nurturing key alliances, and influencing and inspiring change through advocacy, education, and professional opportunities.

Besore, previously executive director of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses as well as a former member of the board of directors of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), is well-recognized for expertise in delivering strong revenues, generating growth, driving turnarounds, and building organizational value in diverse sectors, including healthcare, electronic security, packaging, and trade association management. Besore currently serves as TMA’s Vice President of Membership and Programs and previously worked at the association as Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

“Frankly, choosing Celia to lead TMA was an easy choice,†said TMA President Ivan Spector. “Throughout the years that I have known her, she has been a tireless advocate for the association. Her energy, passion and enthusiasm for the industry will spur TMA to grow to the next level in a rapidly changing landscape.â€

“I am honored to have been chosen for this position,†commented Besore. “I love our industry and the critical role it plays in the well-being of our communities. I greatly admire our members and look forward to working with the board, our many volunteers, and my staff colleagues on TMA’s mission to advance the professional monitoring industry.â€

Besore holds the prestigious Certified Association Executive credential from ASAE as well as an MBA from George Mason University. She is a recognized association management community leader, volunteering countless hours to ASAE programs such as the Diversity Executive Leadership Program for which she serves as a mentor.

The first woman to lead The Monitoring Association staff as executive director, she will assume her new position on November 1, following the retirement of Executive Director Jay Hauhn on October 31.

2018 Excellence Awards: Affiliated, ADT, Vector

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Affiliated Monitoring is TMA 2018 Monitoring Center of the Year

 ADT, Vector and Affiliated Honored with Personnel Awards

The four winners of the 2018 TMA Monitoring Center of the Year Awards were announced at the 2018 Electronic Security Expo (ESX) on June 19. They are:

  • Monitoring Center of the Year: Affiliated Monitoring
  • Monitoring Center Support Person of the Year: Beth Bailey, ADT LLC
  • Monitoring Center Manager of the Year: Carmelo Mosca, Affiliated Monitoring
  • Monitoring Center Operator of the Year: Patricia Fody, Vector Security

“We congratulate our winners for being recognized as the best of the best,” said TMA Vice President of Communications Elizabeth Lasko. “The TMA Excellence Awards recognize the operators on the front lines of the monitoring process, helping customers every day through very challenging situations. The managers who lead the personnel and oversee the functions of the monitoring center to achieve the best performance possible. The support people who keep the monitoring centers running through every challenge imaginable. And of course, the monitoring centers that have proven to deserve a spot at the pinnacle of our industry.”

“All of us at Affiliated Monitoring are gratified to receive this honor,” said Daniel Oppenheim, Executive Vice President, Affiliated. “It validates our deeply held beliefs in professionalism, kindness and technological innovation. The Monitoring Association represents the best of our industry and being recognized in this way is very fulfilling. Affiliated looks forward to supporting our dealers and their customers through this exciting era of growth and opportunity.”

“This award belongs to our ADT team members on the phones right now protecting our neighbors, family members, and our communities,” said Support Person of the Year Beth Bailey, ADT Sr. Manager, Customer Care. “It is my honor to support them and my passion to find ways to make it easier for them to do what they do best – take care of our customers.” ADT had finalists in all four categories this year.

“I feel grateful and honored to receive this award from The Monitoring Association,” said Manager of the Year Carmelo Mosca, Managing Director, Monitoring Operations, Affiliated. “It’s a pleasure to go to work every day with the hundreds of caring and hardworking monitoring specialists in Texas and New Jersey. I’m proud of this personal award and how it reflects positively on the entire Affiliated family.”

The TMA Monitoring Center Excellence Awards recognize any FM Approvals, Intertek/ETL or UL-listed monitoring center (TMA members and non-members) and outstanding personnel who perform in the highest professional manner, thereby making a significant contribution to the betterment of the alarm industry and the alarm profession while demonstrating exceptional service to their customers and community.

The purpose of the awards program is to:

  • Establish and promote the inherent value of professional monitoring services in general.
  • Honor those who have made the most significant contributions to the service.
  • Promote the distinct level of professionalism attained by NRTL-approved monitoring centers.

The TMA Monitoring Center Excellence Awards Program is sponsored by SDM Magazine, which will publish a feature story detailing the accomplishments of the winners later this summer. Entries are judged by a blue-ribbon volunteer judging panel appointed by TMA.

“Each nominee must submit an extensive application detailing company systems like disaster recovery plan, education and training programs, technical innovations, and even community outreach,” said Lasko. “In the case of individual nominations, we ask for examples of how these employees go above and beyond their job descriptions to pursue excellence. Our judges had an extremely difficult time choosing winners from the amazing submissions we receive each year. We hope everyone will read SDM’s profiles of the winners this summer for inspiration!”

For past winners and more information, visit www.tma.us.

 

NMC Wins 2018 Technology “Marvel”

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NMC is Winner of the 2018 TMA/SSI Monitoring Technology “Marvel” Award

 Winner of Inaugural Award Revealed at ESX on June 19; Ackerman Security and COPS Were Finalists

VIENNA, VA (June 25, 2018) – The Monitoring Association and Security Sales & Integration announced that NMC (National Monitoring Center) has won the “the Marvel” — the inaugural TMA/SSI Monitoring Technology “Marvel” Award. This new award honors innovations in monitoring center technology. It is co-sponsored by TMA and Security Sales & Integration (SSI) and coordinated by the TMA Technology Committee.

NMC submitted an application that outlined how the company has used video technology to tie video verification to an alarm, which in turn triggers a video camera to generate a clip in an intrusion/reaction model that records criminal activity. They recently partnered with Netwatch to be the first and only entity to offer proactive video monitoring tied to a vast analytics program that filters non-suspicious activity and IDs threatening ones.

“This kind of service is impressive and raises the bar for new video monitoring capabilities,” said Steve Butkovich, co-chair of the TMA Technology Committee. “This is where the industry is going next in our goal to protect life and property, and NMC is leading the way.”

The purpose of the Marvel is to provide recognition for monitoring centers creating and/or using cutting-edge technology and to raise awareness of these new technologies. “Technology is consistently mentioned as one of the most important challenges our industry faces. We are pleased to team up with SSI to spotlight these innovators in our industry,” said Butkovich.

The winning Marvel entry was chosen for the “best adoption of new technology to advance your business.” NMC was announced as the winner of the Marvel on June 19 in Nashville (as part of the 2018 Electronic Security Expo). View Photos. NMC will be featured in the August 2018 Monitoring Issue of SSI.

Runners-up Ackerman Security and COPS Monitoring will also receive coverage in the issue.

Ackerman detailed their move to a new cloud hosting solution which they believe provides customers with increased protection without the concerns of alarm errors due to legacy panels or aging infrastructure. By being an early adopter of hosting alarm monitoring software in the cloud, Ackerman has been able to set the trends for what is possible for an alarm monitoring company.

COPS Monitoring submitted an entry focusing on redundancy to provide “failsafe” monitoring above “disaster recovery”.  Their technical architecture of 6 UL listed monitoring centers along with off-site servers in one of the world’s most advanced data centers provide a higher level of redundancy than other professional monitoring companies.

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About The Monitoring Association
The Monitoring Association (TMA), formerly the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA), is an internationally-recognized non-profit trade association that represents professional monitoring companies, including those listed by a TMA-approved Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory, such as FM Global, Intertek/ETL or UL. Incorporated in 1950, TMA is legally entitled to represent its members before Congress and regulatory agencies on the local, state and federal levels, and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) over the industry. TMA’s mission is to advance the professional monitoring industry through education, advocacy, and public safety relationships. www.tma.us. For more information, contact Elizabeth Lasko at TMA, 703-242-4670 x 16.

About Security Sales & Integration
  “The #1 Technology & Business Authority Since 1979” reaches executive, sales & technical professionals who recommend, buy and/or install electronic security equipment, including video surveillance, access control, biometrics, IT networking, intrusion, fire alarm, home controls/automation plus other security products and services. Editorial features include commercial & residential product applications, technology updates, systems design installation techniques, sales & marketing case studies, statistical research and operation management. A publication of Framingham, MA-based EH Media, SSI is celebrating its 40th year in 2018. For more information, visit www.securitysales.com.