Sep 03

The use of security cameras is not only an effective way to repel criminals, but can provide a significant amount of help to solve crimes. Today, there are different types of surveillance systems available for any type of location or condition.

Hidden cameras are very popular among business and government establishments, even at home. They are used for security and safety purposes, as well as monitoring employee behavior and activity. Tiny cameras can be hidden in everyday objects at home, upon walls, or placed in inconspicuous places to provide surveillance images. Most of these cameras are equipped with motion sensors and night vision, making surveillance more effective.

Motion sensor cameras are security cameras that use the principle of a photosensor. A beam of light is tracked by the camera’s lens, and any type of change in the light pattern and saturation will cause the camera to begin tracking and recording.

Night vision cameras use motion sensors as well, and are very effective for outdoor and night-time surveillance. These cameras use infrared beams as a light source, and deliver high-resolution images, even in total darkness.

Additionally, there are surveillance cameras with a high level of durability that are to withstand inclement weather conditions and even a certain amount of physical abuse. Vandal proof cameras are available, as well as a dome security cameras that can work with CCTV (Closed-circuit Television) systems for discreet video surveillance. These are often used for neighborhood watch, monitoring highways or streets or serve as security for buildings, government use, or other big establishments.

In most cases, security cameras can be equipped with special applications that will allow its operator to use the equipment from a remote location.

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Sep 03

Often, a thief or a robber would like to attack a place, which is easier to be looted easily. Because, even these evils also know that most of the places now are covered with round the clock surveillance through security cameras. Moreover, they would not want to select a location, where they are likely to face difficulties in running when the police alarm goes on. Therefore, these thieves are contemplating new options and ideas to accomplish their evil task.

Hence, the fast food restaurants and stores which are opened 24 hours are the easy targets for such robbers and thieves. These places work throughout the day and night where fewer employees work during the nights. There is only one clerk working along with few other employees during the night shift. That is why, it is much easier for the robbers to attack at the time when all the resisting people can be controlled easily. Reaching the money is also simple because the only clerk working during the night, knows if where the safe is located and which the keys and codes are to open the safe. So, by threatening the clerk on the point of a weapon, they have an easier access to the cash. Therefore, the robbers find it very easy to attack during the night and elope with the cash safely.

However, if the restaurant is well-equipped with the surveillance security cameras, the robbers would have a very difficult time to attack on them. Still, if some of them try to invade the restaurant, there identity will be recorded through these security cameras. This will enable the police to nab and prosecute them easily.

Apart from the fears of robbery, the restaurants are also a vulnerable place for arguments and fights between the groups of people. Usually, people come there for relaxation, meetings, and dates. Sometimes, they tend to argue for minimal matters, which may lead to thrashing and fighting between the customers or staff of the restaurant. This becomes a very difficult situation to be handled and leads to vandalism of the property of the restaurant. With the help of the security camera, such incidents can be easily avoided. If at all such a thing happens in the restaurant, the video footage will help to punish the guilty.

To safeguard the restaurant, it is not sufficient to install the indoor security cameras. The outdoor surveillance cameras, which cover the exit points of the restaurant are also important. When the robbers park their vehicle outside the main entrance of the restaurant, the number plate of their vehicles can be caught and noted by these outdoor cameras. Some other unique incidents of robbery have also been witnessed where the robbers hid their face outside the main gate before entering the premises to elude their identity from indoor security cameras. So, under such a circumstance, the hidden outdoor camera will help to establish their identity before their getting disguised under the mask.

Though, the primary task of such cameras is to provide security for restaurants but at the same time, they also do help in watching the activities and behavior of the employees. The good and hard workers will be identified by these cameras with the purpose of motivating and training them. Also, the existence of cameras will control the conduct of workers. The purpose of security cameras should not be understood as the mistrust between the management and employees. Rather, these cameras will help the employees to get rewarded for their good job.

Finally, these security cameras will also help the management to make better plans and strategies in favor of the business. The management will become more able to learn from the past incidents which might have caused a particular damage to the restaurant and its goodwill. Thus, by monitoring the references provided by such cameras, the management can prevent the recurrence of such incidents In the future, cameras will help to determine the restaurant management to work effectively.

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Sep 02

While seeking private security guard services most people are extremely cautious. Since the responsibility of protecting a property depends on the security services, they must be reliable and responsive to your requirements. In order to protect your property, employees and customers you a strong and unswerving security service who would be professional on one hand and experienced on the other.

What to expect from Private Security Guard Services:

Private Security Guard Services offer investigative solutions with experienced and law enforcement agencies, covert surveillance with the help of latest video and camera equipments, undercover employees to investigate cases of theft, and background checks including criminal, credit and DMV Checks. There are also Polygraph Testing Services in cases of questionable or suspected illegal services.

How the students undergo training:

The employees need to complete a rigorous training course before joining the profession. The course includes around 8 hours of pre-assigned classes, about 16 hours on the job-training course, and almost 8 hours Annual Refresher Training Course (with slight variation in time for different institutes). One needs to have New York State Certification, Individual Site Training, Defense Driving Course, and attending Annual Refresher Classes in order to get employment.

Employment:

As regards the employment, individual who are not just interested in changing jobs but in delivering their best and becoming successful professionals in times to come are preferred to others.

Who are the clients?

The private security guard services have clients like are large corporations, small businesses, residential communities, shopping centers, financial institutions, manufacturers, schools, and universities. They look for professional services with a positive approach to deliver their best.

Benefits of the employees:

The employees are given bonuses and incentives to arouse interest for work and honor them for daring deeds and outstanding performances.

Partnership Opportunities:

Partnership opportunities are available at many private security guards services and unlike franchises do not change royalties or franchise fee.

Some basic features of Private Security Guards Services include the following:

- Cost Effective Security

- Uniformed Panel

- Presence of Marked Security Vehicles

- Professionalism, Reliability and Responsiveness

- Partnership opportunities without franchise fee

- Remote Video Monitoring and Alarm Response

- Clients are large and small business houses, shopping centers, schools and universities

Conclusion:

The unmatched efficiency, autonomous services and state of the art equipments combines to Production of high security to help protect your privacy. For the private security guards is best based on cost.

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Sep 01

While everyone has been discussing McDonald’s and their new push into the coffee market, they have been installing Surveillance Systems into stores all over the country. Just like McDonald’s perfected the fast food industry, they have also perfected the McDonald’s Surveillance System, whether it’s a 16 camera or 32 camera systems. Over the last 18 months we have been able to develop a cost effective functional commercial grade surveillance system specific to McDonald’s franchisees. During this time period we have installed over 100 systems throughout the country and have learned the needs and wants of local McDonald’s franchisees.

How do you want your surveillance dome cameras installed around the cash register area? How about the outdoor surveillance cameras at the drive thru area and pay window? Do you want those cameras hooked up to monitors at the pay window and pickup windows to monitor the drive thru line? What about the ability to log on to the DVR remotely from home or the main office? Are your product costs higher, you may be interested to know that most McDonald’s will install Surveillance Cameras into the freezer and cooler area! The economy is tough and theft will continue to increase in tough times.

Interested in central monitoring software allowing you to view all of your stores at the same time? What about an email alert when the first person clocks in and when the last person clocks out? Yeah, all of this is possible with a customized Other tracking systems and many McDonald.

And local integrators in the U.S., we can offer installation and maintenance needed. We have four full-time systems engineers and technical and design and personal training.

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Sep 01

I was speaking to client of mine named Mike and he wanted me to look at a business problem that he was having with one of his clients. He asked me to go to his home because his business computer is there. I said okay.

Mike and I went to his home office and he turned on his computer. Mike said, “It takes about 10 minutes for my computer to boot up.” I asked him why? Mike said that he had all kinds of security software loaded in his computer because he did not want to have a virus on his computer.

Before I went into business for my own, I was a System Support Specialist for 28 years. I worked to update computers, both the hardware and the software. One of the main jobs I had was dealing with computer security. Now, in no right mind do you have to have all kinds of security software unto your computer.

I’ve learned that you must have, at least one security software loaded unto your business computer and I agree there. But Mike had 7 loaded on his computer. A lot of those security soft wares were repeats. He was just afraid of what might happen to his computer.

After I gave him a lesson on how security software works. He felt okay and unloaded 5 of them. But still the fear was there and I could see it in him. But I told Mike that he needs to rest assure that his computer is safe and the bottom line is he had to be vigilante.

So it made me think, how many people in the country have so much security that it slows down your computer. Well to let you know and with experience. The bottom line is, you must be careful with how much security software you load unto your computer.

First of all don’t be afraid. The majority of people kill their computers because of fear. Loading a lot of security software can kill and slow your computer. Second of all, today’s technology and security software is much more efficient and better controlled and workable than that it was 10 years ago. Third, go with your gut feeling. If the security software does not do the job you want it to do. Then go for another one, until you feel comfortable.

Software security is created to protect you from major problems. That’s a fact but people stretch their boundaries when it comes to their computer. There in a mind set that they have to be very protected. Which is true, but to what point? Don’t over do it.

In a small business, you can’t afford to have your computer down for a long time but you also need not to let your fear take over you or your computer. Rest assure that when it comes to protection, you have to have security software but also pace yourself and don’t over do it.

If you face the dilemma of trying to figure out how much you need. Go to a technical expert that you trust and ask him or her those questions. Feel comfortable with what they are saying to you. Ask If you do not understand the question by any person and a good software. In addition, an amount equivalent.

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Aug 31

Guarding and securing your business is business that should be at the top of your list. You will need to make sure that all your products are stowed away safely and are accounted for completely at the end of the day. You need to make sure that your employees are well-watched and are monitored for the things that they do and do not do. You also need to make sure that your building is safe and guarded against robbers, thieves, and even natural disasters. Security is all about being prepared and having the evidence to back up your claims, so make sure that you have the best equipment for it.

You should get a digital video recorder. This is different from your traditional recorders in that it has the capability of recording hours and hours of footage, sometimes without having to be hooked up to a power source or to a place that should store all the footage. The footage is also in digital format, so that it can be transferred easily among digital sources, and can be examined in detail. In order for you to see the ways that a digital video recorder can help you secure your business, here are the top three benefits that you can get with using a digital video recorder for surveillance.

1. Many of today’s surveillance digital video recorders are actually small and unobtrusive. This means that you can hide the digital video recorder and you can catch people doing whatever it is they should not be doing. With a hidden camera, you can have more than one monitoring your office space. Moreover, many of today’s surveillance digital video recorders are actually wireless, and you don’t have to worry about rewiring your whole building if only to install security equipment.

2. Digital video recorders record in recognized digital video files, and these can allow you to transfer them to your computer. Once there, you can look at the files, watch them at your leisure, protect them from theft or overwriting, and look at individual images and resolve them better. This can be useful if you need to take evidence to court, and you need to have very clear images of people in order to implicate them in crime.

3. Having a digital video recorder is actually cheaper than getting many of the tape-driven video recorders. For one, you do not have to invest in the long term on tapes or other recording equipment, since your videos are in digital format and can simply be stashed in your computer’s hard drive. Of course, you can save on your hard drive so you do not have to pay for the files except the files are large so you need a large capacity hard disk or external SD card.

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Aug 31

There are so many facets to contemplate when considering the subject of business and travel security. Every security expert worth his or her salt understands the different variations as almost stand alone security issues.

For example every single aspect of business and travel security presents its own unique problems. Airlines, flights, air travel, vacations, travel agents, travel tours, travel insurance, medical insurance, kidnap for ransom insurance, business insurance travel, holiday home security, backpacking, gap year travel all require some form of risk assessment and personal risk management to minimise security risks.

Business travel and business travel security encompasses everything designed to minimise the security risks to you, your family and/or your business associates. Threats are ever present and although every individual professional security expert operates in a permanent state of professional paranoia it is unrealistic to expect occasional travellers to act the same way. There are however many simple security strategies which every traveller can utilise to minimise the risks.

Once again the risks factors vary and are ever changing due to increased terrorist and organised criminal activities around the globe. When considering travel tours to politically hot spot destinations, the first priority has to be to purchase kidnap for ransom travel insurance from a security related brokerage. Most kidnap for ransom insurance or K&R insurance as it is known in security expert parlance is underwritten by Lloyds of London. It is a myth that kidnap for ransom insurance is only available for VIP’s and senior corporate executives. Due to the exponential increase in kidnap and the taking of hostages K&R insurance is available for everyday tourists and it is not as expensive as most people believe.

Your K&R insurance broker may stipulate certain security procedures must be undertaken to qualify you for cover. For example some insist on basic security awareness training. Depending on the country or countries you intend visiting they may insist that you participate in a 1 to 2 day close protection training programme run by professional bodyguard instructors. Elements of risk identification, risk assessment and risk management, advanced observation skills and counter kidnapping measures are taught. Security Expert Tip: Prior to the end of the last Millennium if we removed the obvious trouble zone of Lebanon, we found that six countries dominated two-thirds of the recent terrorist attacks, namely Columbia, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Spain and Belgium. However fast forward to current day and the shift has moved to war zone areas like Iraq and Afghanistan. However terrorist attacks are increasing in many other global destinations. Security and close protection officers are advised to conduct rigorous threat assessments prior to close protection operation deployment to these areas.

Regarding business and travel security I advise all travel agents offering world travel tours to exotic locations to include a security update in their customers travel guide. I have delivered security training for business clients and close protection training for travellers and tourists. The benefits provide far more value than cost. If you think for a moment about the trauma of being a kidnap hostage then a 1 day security training programme is a positive investment.

Although every security expert will reinforce the fact that there is no such concept of 100% security, the knowledge you will gain from close protection training will seriously reduce your security risk. Don’t harbour any fears of joining a troop of muscle bound bodyguards fending off terrorists in a jungle fortification, because you can purchase a comprehensive home study security close protection training programme which requires no actual residential training. Many professional close protection officers purchase these training programmes to study when on operational bodyguard duties in the field.

Be under no illusion of all the international special forces, professional bodyguards or close protection officers are the finest security specialists to prevent attacks against individuals or the abduction by kidnap. Much of their close protection training curriculum consists of avoidance over confrontation. They place meticulous emphasis on the clients under their protection not being placed in an environment conducive to attacks or abduction. Forget Kevin Costner and Whitney Huston, and think more of The US Secret Service who provide presidential protective services.

The next security requirement is to book travel, luggage and medical insurance from your travel agent. Entering a hospital in an overseas destination can be very expensive. Ensure your medical policy covers you for return emergency flights back to your home country. It is also wise to ensure your insurance covers you for a daily cash payment in the event of your cash, cards and valuables being stolen. Insist on a maximum daily limit and ensure you have a cap on the amount of days you can receive cash. Kidnappers target hostages just to clean out their daily limit on a cash card ATM machine. Fortunately most of these kidnappings take place in Asia and once the money runs dry hostages are generally released. Not always, but frequently.

Another aspect worth considering for business and travel security is deciding which travel agent and travel agency to book your holiday or vacations with. Security is paramount. Travel agents hold much of your personal data. If this data was accessed by organised crime or a terrorist organisation then you may be targeted for kidnap for ransom. These criminal organisations are technology smart and in some cases victims are chosen before they have even left their country of origin. At the risk of sounding obvious your travel agent and/or travel agency should have the finest security data-safes installed in a very secure area of their business premises.

From a personal security perspective it is important to deal with a credible travel agent and/or travel agency. Home based criminals would welcome information which informs them when you and your family members or business associates are away from your home or office for a week or two.

No one escapes the business and travel security leprechaun. An innocent trip backpacking to Australia turned into a nightmare for British backpacker, Jamie Neale in July 2009. Playing a football match in Jakarta could have had serious consequences and resulted in large fatalities for the Manchester United football team, had they stayed in the Ritz-Carlton hotel a day earlier when it was blown up by suicide bombers.

Piracy and hostage taking is on the increase globally, suicide bombings, muggings, child abduction, violent assaults and theft is also increasing in many tourist destinations. I’ve heard more than one security expert attribute this growth to the current economic downturn.

Purchasing top quality security products and services falls under the tactical equipment section of most e-commerce web sites. It is advisable to visit Europe’s largest e-tailer of security products and services.

If this business and travel security seems like a doom and gloom article then please understand it is not. If you take one thing from this article then take this. Organised criminals, terrorists, pirates and kidnappers will always focus on soft targets. If you present as a hard target they will almost always leave you alone and focus on a softer target. They particularly welcome individual targets who live their life in what every security expert calls ‘Condition White.’ This is the concept of an individual not having any security awareness what so ever.

For any business employees or executives travelling overseas you should consider a visit with a security expert prior to booking your trip. The old saying of a little knowledge is dangerous, does Industry does not apply to security awareness is scratched and security is intended to avoid light

Copyright (c) 2009 Dr Mark Yates.

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Aug 30

Multiple types of commercial security systems are available to assist the business owner or corporation to prevent a loss. The best and probably most often used is the 24 hour monitored service, which will help to protect your business from not only break-in, but also fire and other losses.

Every commercial security system should have a planning phase, much as you used when actually planning the business. Each aspect of the kind of protection that you need should be considered to give you the fullest form of protection for both assets and employees. Consider components that may be helpful to you in your business protection when you plan your system.

Surveillance techniques that use cameras to monitor your business are often used aspects of business security systems today. You may place cameras in and outside of your business to monitor those things that are taking place both inside as well as outside the business. In some instances, you can have your business security system cameras monitored by third party companies in real time, to assure that your business stays secure.

Camera surveillance of a business is quite common these days, particularly in larger businesses with a lot of assets to protect. It is also common in factories and other concerns where vandals may play a part in business loss.

Also, a part of any good commercial security system will be fire prevention devices such as fire and smoke detection devices. A monitoring system for these is generally a good idea. While 24 hour monitoring of your security devices and the reactions of them is not a necessity, it can minimize the time which an intruder has inside your business, or that a fire has to gain a good foothold and consume your property.

Lastly, intrusion detection in a commercial business system is Indeed, not only necessary. But to protect your product. But those who work for you.

Business of installing security very generally lead to lower premiums for business owners.

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Aug 29

Have you ever tried to convince your management to fund the implementation of information security? If you have, you probably know how it feels – they will ask you how much it costs, and if it sounds too expensive they will say no.

Actually, you shouldn’t blame them – after all, their ultimate responsibility is profitability of the company. That means, their every decision is based on the balance between investment and benefit, or to put it in management’s language – ROI (return on investment).

This means you have to do your homework first before trying to propose such an investment – think carefully how to present the benefits, using language the management will understand and will endorse.

I’ll try to help you – the benefits of information security, especially the implementation of ISO 27001 are numerous. But in my experience, the following four are the most important:

1. Compliance

It might seem odd to list this as the first benefit, but it often shows the quickest “return on investment” – if an organization must comply to various regulations regarding data protection, privacy and IT governance (particularly if it is a financial, health or government organization), then ISO 27001 can bring in the methodology which enables to do it in the most efficient way.

2. Marketing edge

In a market which is more and more competitive, it is sometimes very difficult to find something that will differentiate you in the eyes of your customers. ISO 27001 could be indeed a unique selling point, especially if you handle clients’ sensitive information.

3. Lowering the expenses

Information security is usually considered as a cost with no obvious financial gain. However, there is financial gain if you lower your expenses caused by incidents. You probably do have interruption in service, or occasional data leakage, or disgruntled employees. Or disgruntled former employees.

The truth is, there is still no methodology and/or technology to calculate how much money you could save if you prevented such incidents. But it always sounds good if you bring such cases to management’s attention.

4. Putting your business in order

This one is probably the most underrated – if you are a company which has been growing sharply for the last few years, you might experience problems like – who has to decide what, who is responsible for certain information assets, who has to authorize access to information systems etc.

ISO 27001 is particularly good in sorting these things out – it will force you to define very precisely both the responsibilities and duties, and therefore strengthen your internal organization.

To conclude – ISO 27001 could bring in many benefits besides being just another certificate on your wall. In most cases, if you present those benefits in a clear way, Management will start listening.

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Aug 28

Sales of home and business surveillance/security systems have exploded in recent years. Even before September 11th, sales of surveillance systems had been on the rise. But following the terrorist attacks, sales of home and business security systems rose as much as 20% over the course of three months.

The reasons for this increased interest in property and personal security are varied. However, whether you own a home or business, topping the list are the three most common reasons for installing surveillance cameras; protecting your property, family members and employees.

The rise in the sales of security cameras has been more than justified by the results stated by police departments of major cities across the country, which report that the chances of a break-in or robbery are nearly cut in half by the presence of an obvious security camera on the premises. Business owners have reported that theft by both customers and employees is nearly eliminated when they install the right security camera system. And who hasn’t seen the TV footage taken by home security cameras that have led to the conviction of child abusers, ‘peeping toms’ and home burglars?

How Security Cameras Safeguard Businesses

The most obvious commercial use for surveillance systems is the prevention of loss of merchandise through shoplifting. Other applications are:

o Logging transactions at the cash register or ATM

o Monitoring remote areas of the premises for safety precautions

o Observing how employees are servicing/treating customers

o Providing evidence in sexual harassment suits/burglary trials/homicide trials

o Monitoring premises after hours

o Watching work progress at construction sites

But video taped surveillance doesn’t just provide negative evidence; it can also be used to exonerate. In one case, security video tapes of a parking lot were used to prove that the car of an accused “hit and run” driver could not have been used in the accident that took place several blocks away.

Home security

According to police in major cities, the presence of a home security camera can reduce the probability that a home will be burglarized by as much as 80%! Home applications include:

o Video baby monitors can watch over an infant

o Video door phones can identify callers at the door

o Nanny cams, with time lapse VCR’s or DVR’s, can provide the peace of mind that your child is being taken care of adequately

o Home surveillance systems can provide a view into what may be occuring in your home when you’re away at work or vacation.

o Combined with a remote alarm system, a video surveillance system can not only alert police to a break in at your home, but also provide evidence to assist in the capturing and conviction Aggressor

Installation advisory firm, security experts can help you check up the system.

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