Industry Pioneer Ted Simon Passes

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Alarm industry leader and pioneer Ted Simon passed away peacefully, on Tues., July 23rd  surrounded by family.

Ted was born in Brownsville Brooklyn, on March 28, 1936. He graduated from Printers Vocational high school in Brooklyn and went on to join the Navy in the 1950’s where he served as a Plank Owner on the USS DuPont.

His engineering journey began at the City College of New York. Of note, Ted became the first person in his family to graduate from college. His head was always turning and spinning with ideas. For those who knew him, Ted’s ideas would become reality. In the 1970’s, he took a risk and established a company that would become Fire Burglary Instruments, Inc. [FBII]. He became a master in the alarm industry and an inspiration to many young engineers. His patented ideas and products were widely used in homes and companies. He eventually joined with Honeywell to develop and redevelop intricate systems to secure homes and lives.

Ted’s sense of humor was also infamous. He always had a joke to tell, but never revealed where he heard them.

Ted is survived by his wife Arlene and his two daughters, Michelle and Jamie. He was predeceased by his son Scott, who was also an innovator and creator of the company 2Gig. He is also survived by his seven (7) grandchildren.

Easily Takeover & Upgrade Any Alarm System to New Napco Prima All-in-One Security, Video & Smart Home with Wireless & Hardwire Retrofit Translator Modules

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NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of new retrofit and takeover options for its award-winning Prima 7” Super Self-Contained Panel & Smart System. These latest enhancements include video doorbells, cameras, smoke detectors, smoke/CO detectors, and various sensors, along with the newly introduced wireless and hardwire takeover modules, models PRETROFIT and PHW8RETRO, respectively.

Designed to save dealers time and costs, these new modules allow seamless integration of existing security components into the advanced Prima system, providing the latest RMR-services, user interface, and app functionality. The Prima Wireless Translator, model PRETROFIT, supports up to 64 existing wireless security sensors by translating common 345MHz wireless devices, such as 2GIG® and Honeywell® unencrypted sensors, for use in the 433MHz (encrypted) Prima system without replacing them.

For hardwired sensors, the PHW8RETRO module enables dealers to upgrade virtually any alarm system to the state-of-the-art Prima 7″ All-in-One Super Panel for security, video, and smart home applications. This cost-effective module allows the reuse of existing hardwire zones already in place, ensuring a smooth transition to the Prima system without the need for replacement equipment or labor expense.

NAPCO’s new retrofit solutions reinforce its commitment to providing cutting-edge, cost-effective upgrades for security professionals, ensuring their clients benefit from the latest in security technology.

The Full Prima by Napco Line, is now available in hundreds of Napco Distributor locations, for more information, ask at your local Napco Distributor, or contact  Jim Pless, Napco Director of Sales for Security & Smart Home (c)631-942-4017, or our  Regional Napco Sales Managers, and/or ask for a demo or free training , see schedule https://www.napcosecurity.com/seminars or call 1.800.645.9445.

Bold Group Blog Explores AVS-01 in New Post

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TMA member, Bold Group, recently posted a blog introducing its customers to TMA’s AVS-01 standard. The full blog, entitled “What to Know About AVS-01” can be read HERE.

This is a great example of how members can support TMA’s outreach.

Special appreciation to Julie Steven, Senior Marketing Director, Bold Group, for allowing us to share this.

Napco Access Pro Unveils CA4K v1.2: The Definitive Security Management Platform

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NAPCO Access Pro is excited to announce the release of its latest enterprise security management platform, CA4K v1.2. This scalable new platform simplifies and enhances security, access control, and video through seamless integration with our top-rated wireless access locks by Alarm Lock, Continental Controllers, and an expanding roster of technology partners specializing in intercoms, biometrics, video, and visitor management.

CA4K v1.2 features a redesigned, intuitive interface for effortless management of users and multiple credential types, including mobile solutions with geofencing. It allows for customized notifications, easy HR interactions, in-lists, and customized reporting. Advanced security features include built-in multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and Microsoft Entra ID integration. The platform supports expiring operator log-ins, MiFare/DESFire & OSDP-V1, and is compatible with Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022. Remote administration is possible via a secure, enhanced web client and smart app with geofencing, and it offers global and peer-to-peer lockdown and threat-level management capabilities.

CA4K v1.2 is available now, designed to meet the needs of businesses, institutions, or organizations, in one building or across campuses of all sizes, with comprehensive door-to-door control. It offers a robust and scalable solution for any application, software and hardware longevity, and the lowest total cost of ownership.

Napco Access Pro, formerly Continental Access, is a division of NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc., and a leading provider of innovative security solutions, committed to quality and customer satisfaction. For more information, contact your local Napco Access Pro Dealer, or Regional Napco Access Pro Sales Manager for a CA4K v 1.2 demo or training. Also if you are interested in joining the  Napco Access Pro Dealer  Program please visit https://napcoaccesspro.com/program or 1.800.645.9445.

Elite Interactive Solutions Reaffirms Cybersecurity Vigilance

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Elite Interactive Solutions announced its systems and services are deployed and maintained to the highest available level of cybersecurity protections and protocols. As major news stories continue to proliferate about hacks, breaches and vulnerabilities — including the high-profile cyberattacks this past week that crippled CDK Global, which provides management software for thousands of auto dealers — Elite stands apart as an industry leader not only in its crime prevention solution but also its network security.

Among the more than a dozen commercial vertical markets served by Elite, auto dealerships are one of the largest. This gave the company a direct window into how the recent cyberattacks profoundly impacted those customers’ operations. Especially during such trying times, those businesses take solace and gain some peace of mind knowing that, regardless of whatever disruption such a breach may cause them, their Elite remote guarding solution is unaffected and continuing to prevent crime on their properties. That is among the reasons Elite boasts an industry-leading 99% customer retention rate.

“Whereas the physical security industry has been slow to adopt cybersecurity hardening and best hygiene practices as their devices transitioned to IP connectivity and moved onto networks, Elite has factored it into its solution since the very beginning,” says CTO Jonathan Kozak.

Elite keeps loops closed to would-be hackers by providing end-to-end solutions that include thoroughly analyzing sites, forensically designing video-based detection systems, running them through 30-day calibration periods, implementing the highest standard of cybersecurity, and continuous monitoring of camera and network health. Those elements are foundational to the real-time crime prevention that incorporates other key ingredients like advanced AI-enabled noise reduction to never miss an event, swift response and voice-downs from former military and law enforcement command center agents, and priority police response when necessary.

Elite’s surveillance networks are completely independent and pre-isolated from those of its customers, some of whom have experienced firsthand how their remote guarding service has been uninterrupted during enterprise network outages. In addition to using the utmost cybersecurity industry standards, Elite delivers a highly secure, remote access platform, and follows best practices in all implementations. More specifically, Elite’s Beyond Trust (formerly Bomgar) platform protects identities, fortifies any breach points, and delivers dynamic access to empower and secure a work-from-anywhere world.

“We understand that any device or system riding on or accessible through a network is a potential vulnerability, so we take every possible step to make it as difficult as possible — even against a nation state-sponsored advanced persistent threat,” adds Kozak. “We want our customers to rest easy knowing their Elite solution will never be used as a backdoor to their network or otherwise compromised, so long as they’ve opted for our patent-pending, recommended solution.”

Elite Interactive Solutions to Speak at GSX

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Elite Interactive Solutions, a remote video guarding pioneer using proprietary intelligence and integration to achieve proven crime prevention, announced its participation as a featured presenter at this year’s Global Security Expo (GSX) Sept. 23-25 in Orlando, Fla. Elite is organizing the session, “Remote Guarding Has Made Real-Time Crime and Catastrophe Prevention a Reality,” scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., at the Orange County Convention Center.

More and more CSOs, security directors and organizational stakeholders are discovering the extensive benefits of remote guarding systems. Unlike traditional security systems and monitoring center methods, this innovative solution actually prevents crime before it starts, versus only providing footage of what happened after the fact.

By combining proven system design practices, strategically placed surveillance cameras, specially tuned military-grade analytics and AI, high-end cybersecurity, highly trained command center agents experienced in diffusing threat or crime situations, and a tight, trusted relationship with law enforcement, remote guarding solutions are dramatically improving security across multiple industries.

The panel presentation, to be moderated by Elite Vice President of Security Solutions Scott Blakeman, will include on its panel law enforcement executives Tom Stone and Justin Feffer as well as Canyon Partners Senior Vice President and Director of Security Allen Azran. Stone and Feffer, who is also an attorney specializing in cybersecurity, are both members of Elite’s Law Enforcement Advisory Board (LEAB). All are experienced authorities for the topic at hand.

Those in attendance will learn how advances in AI, video analytics, cybersecurity, and other leading-edge technologies are being calibrated, integrated and deployed to deliver real-world results that proactively stop rather than merely react to crime. Attendees will also take away a understanding of the key characteristics that encompass a true remote guarding solution, as opposed to more general video surveillance or alarm monitoring.

By its conclusion, attendees will walk away knowing how a technology-centric solution like remote guarding can make their organization’s security program more effective and efficient, and with a high return on investment (ROI). For more information, go to gsx.com.

DMP Releases the Next Generation of Teller Machine Security

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Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) announced the release of the TMSentry™. This new control panel represents the latest alarm system technology designed specifically for monitoring automated teller machines (ATMs) and interactive teller machines (ITMs). As banking teller machines become more compact, interior space becomes a premium and the technology to protect them must become more robust.

“This new product’s smaller form factor is perfect for space-restricted applications,” said Jon Adams, vice president of sales at DMP. “With TMSentry, the ATM owner can now go back to placing this security solution inside the chest of the machine. It is so small in fact, that it will fit inside the safe in many teller machines, delivering an additional layer of security. This compact product is also ideal for the privately-owned ATM market, which features smaller machines inside tight retail locations.”

High security features are built into this panel, with the specific needs of the financial industry in mind.

Benefits include:

  • Compact Size – Easily accommodates new, slimmer ATMs and ITMs, as well as existing machines needing enhanced security measures.
  • Free Network – Dealers receive free network communication, offering the ability to easily increase RMR.
  • Built-in Encryption – Signals to the monitoring center and Dealer Admin use industry-standard AES encryption to protect data from being intercepted by third parties.
  • Adaptive Technology™ – If the primary communication path is disrupted, Adaptive Technology seamlessly switches to the panel’s secondary path, ensuring constant communication.
  • Streamlined Audit Reporting – Inactive User auditing and Inactive Zone auditing make compliance reports easy.
  • Comprehensive Security – Six fully supervised alarm zones allow for the addition of security devices such as seismic detectors, door contacts and heat detectors.
  • S. Made – Designed, engineered and manufactured in the U.S. with U.S. and global components.

Teller machine use and design has changed over the years. Today’s consumers prefer simpler digital solutions and closer-to-home convenience. Teller machine robbery and machine theft is becoming more frequent. As this industry continues to grow and ATMs become even more prevalent, the need for effective security solutions grows with it. Provide your financial customers with the highest level of protection in the most compact size available on the market.

Learn more at DMP.com/TMSentry

Verkada Achieves FedRAMP Ready Status

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Verkada has achieved another important milestone on its journey to becoming FedRAMP Authorized. Verkada Command in AWS GovCloud was designated FedRAMP Moderate Ready by the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) and is now listed on the FedRAMP Marketplace. The FedRAMP Ready status makes it easier and faster for government agencies to approve and implement Verkada’s video security and visitor management solutions.

In February, Verkada announced the launch of Verkada Command in AWS GovCloud, supporting two key product lines: video security with FIPS-validated cameras and Verkada Guest, the company’s visitor management solution. The achievement of FedRAMP Ready status further underscores Verkada’s commitment to making secure and reliable solutions accessible to public sector customers.

What is FedRAMP?

The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) is a U.S. government initiative that sets rigorous security standards for cloud service providers. These standards include security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring to help ensure high levels of data protection and compliance.

To achieve FedRAMP Ready status, Verkada collaborated with a third-party assessment organization (3PAO) to complete a comprehensive Readiness Assessment Report. This report demonstrated Verkada’s adherence to key security controls, representing a significant step toward full authorization.

Next Steps for Verkada and FedRAMP

Verkada’s journey toward FedRAMP Authorization continues with the next phase: achieving “In Process” status. This phase involves a more detailed security assessment conducted with a sponsoring federal agency. Success at this stage will lead to an evaluation for full authorization.

“We are thrilled to reach this important milestone, which reflects our dedication to making advanced security solutions accessible to the public sector,” said Jon Andersen, Federal Chief Information Security Officer, at Verkada. “We look forward to continuing our progress toward full FedRAMP Authorization and expanding our offerings to meet the needs of government agencies.”

For more information about Verkada’s FedRAMP Ready products and upcoming government-grade solutions, please visit https://www.verkada.com/solutions/government-grade.

North Carolina’s Buncombe County ECC goes live with ASAP Service

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The Buncombe County Public Safety Communications Center (BCPSC) became the 145th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 13th ECC in the state of North Carolina to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).

Buncombe County went live on June 21st & 22nd, 2024 with the following companies: Rapid Response Monitoring, Vector Security, Alert360, Securitas, Quick Response, Brinks Home Security, Dynamark Monitoring, ADT, Protection One, Guardian Protection, National Monitoring Center, Vivint, Johnson Controls (Tyco), Security Central, United Central Control, CPI Security, and Affiliated Monitoring.

Learn more about TMA’s ASAP Service at https://tma.us/programs/asap/

 

TMA Members Contribute to ASAP 3.0 Next Generation Fund

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TMA announced on Wed., June 26th it had signed a a multi-year managed services agreement with Mission Critical Partners (MCP) to power the future growth of its Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) Service.

The partnership with MCP will expedite the rollout of the next-generation of the ASAP Service and drive the development of a new, cloud-based solution. The next-generation solution will allow for the real-time sharing of rich data, including camera video streams, live location, health information, photos, and interior blueprints, dramatically improving situational awareness for emergency responders.

The primary goal for the Service is to achieve 80% coverage of the populating by 2028.

This partnership and technological advancements have been made possible by the generous support and commitment of TMA members that contributed to our ASAP 3.0 Next Generation funding program. TMA extends its gratitude to the following donors:

  • ADT, LLC
  • Affiliated Monitoring
  • Alarm Detection Systems, Inc.
  • Alert360
  • AvantGuard Monitoring Centers
  • COPS Monitoring
  • CPI Security Systems
  • Doyle Security Systems, Inc.
  • Dynamark Monitoring, Inc.
  • Holmes Electric Security Systems
  • National Monitoring Center
  • Per Mar Security Services
  • Quick Response
  • Rapid Response
  • Securitas
  • Security Central
  • United Central Control
  • Vector Security, Inc.
  • Vivint Smart Home
  • Washington Alarm, Inc.

Learn more about the new partnership and goals for enhancements to the Service by reading the full public announcement HERE.