In episode 5 of the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast, we hear from Leo Levit, Chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee, as he provides an overview of the general trend towards open, common and interoperable standards in physical security. As an open industry forum that provides and promotes standardised interfaces for effective interoperability of IP-based physical security products, ONVIF’s profiles cover everything from access control and door control management, to edge storage, video and analytics applications. So in other words, Leo is the perfect guest to discuss this all with!
We also touch upon how the security industry has evolved from proprietary-based tech to open standards over the years. And, in the final few minutes, Leo offers his thoughts on the key trends ahead for security professionals.
In Episode 4, James Willison & Sarb Sembhi discuss the concept of converged security and why uniting physical and cyber operations is more important than ever. Both are consultants to the IFSEC International Converged Security Centre, and the discussion touches upon a clarification of what we mean by ‘converged security’, how an operation works in practice, and the benefits of a more collaborative approach.
We also explore the duo’s involvement in the IoT Security Foundation. CCTV, access control and alarm devices are increasingly connected to the internet and third party applications and software, so Sarb and James explain where physical security professionals can start understanding IoT risks and how to mitigate them.
In our third episode, we zero in on new challenges facing modern security professionals, as Mike Gips, Principal at Global Insights in Professional Security and IFSEC Global influencer, expands on his predictions for the trends ahead in physical security.
We chat about how the pandemic has changed the face of the sector, and why it has helped professionals get a ‘seat at the C-suite table’, as organisations recognise the value security personnel and technology can bring. The second half of the episode explores the new challenges physical security professionals face from the growing divisive societal ‘factions’ that social media has helped to cement, to blockchain, to the development of the insider threat as a major disrupter and risk factor in businesses of all sizes. We finish on a fascinating story regarding an ex-US intelligence agent, so keep listening to find out more!
In the second episode of the IFSEC Global Security in Focus podcast, we hear from Paul Barnard, Director and Vice Chair at the Security Institute, as we find out all about a fresh approach to bringing through the next generation of talent in the security sector. The Secure Futures programme, lead by Paul and in collaboration with the EY Foundation, has seen widespread support from the industry since its launch in 2020. It’s an initiative designed to introduce 16-18 year-olds from low income backgrounds to the wide array of opportunities and roles within the physical, personnel and cyber security sectors. We also hear from two graduates who were on the programme, to understand what their experiences were and why they’d encourage others to get involved. Throughout the discussion, we examine the importance of developing the next generation of security leaders, and in particular engaging those from diverse backgrounds that haven’t traditionally entered the sector.
Paul Barnard CSyP MSyl is the director overseeing the Next Generation strategic pillar of the Security Institute, alongside Angie Clarke CSyP FSyl. Paul is also a member of the senior leadership team as Vice Chair. Paul is Managing Director at Solace Security Consultancy, has a significant background in counter terrorism from a career in the police, delivering risk mitigation against threats and is an adept speaker, presenter and panellist.
