This Week in Security: Physical Access Control’s Future in an Increasingly Digital World, ESA’s Weinstock Celebration Announced and more!

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 How to take a Proactive Approach to Continuous Cybersecurity Compliance, Gun Violence Report Finds Retail Spaces, K-12 Schools Most Targeted and more...

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Physical Access Control’s Future in an Increasingly Digital World

As a security system integrator, you probably often wonder what the future of physical access control looks like.

It is likely to be dominated by mobile-based access credentials – biometric authentication, particularly facial recognition (including liveness detection) – and an increase in cloud-based access control with mobile biometric credentials on the mobile device.

Specifically, over the next year, we expect the following:

Reduced need for biometric readers at the door: The increased availability of biometrics – made possible through new cloud-based SaaS access control software (ACS) delivery models – is doing more than making biometrics-based physical access control more ubiquitous.

It is taking the next step of integrating with physical access control-focused mobile app platforms, doing away with the requirement for biometric readers that often come with complicated installations and require ongoing maintenance and service.

These ACS mobile app platforms have the added advantage of also supporting multifactor authentication (MFA) – for instance, requiring two modes of biometric authentication: or biometric authentication and another factor, like a password – for an even more robust layer of security and protection.

Not only do organizations no longer need biometric readers, but allowing users to access secure areas using just their smartphones or tablets can also eliminate the need for traditional access control cards.

Biometric authorization integrated with mobile app platforms can strengthen the overall trend towards completely mobile-based access credentials, enabling physical access control systems of unprecedented simplicity and affordability for businesses, combined with the highest possible levels of convenience, security and speed for end users.

Read Full Article: Physical Access Control's Future in an Increasingly Digital World - Security Sales & Integration

How to take a Proactive Approach to Continuous Cybersecurity Compliance

Amidst rising cyber threats and mounting regulatory pressure, cybersecurity compliance has never been more important. With dozens of regulations, common security frameworks and prerequisites for cybersecurity insurance — including GDPR, HIPAA and ISO 27001 — navigating compliance can be overwhelming.?

This challenge is exacerbated in organizations that take a reactive approach to cybersecurity. Ensuring that every device and asset, whether physical or virtual, is in compliance at all times is almost impossible to achieve unless organizations adopt a proactive approach.?

The problem is twofold: many organizations lack a compliance strategy, but even the most well-intentioned organizations may struggle to gain the real-time pulse and visibility needed to collect evidence and identify and close compliance gaps. These issues compound each other. Without actionable insights, it can be difficult to build a comprehensive plan. The solution is to “shift left” on compliance.?

In recent years, the term “shift left” has become synonymous with taking a proactive approach to security in DevOps. Likewise, security operations are increasingly focused on “left of boom” solutions that enable proactive risk management. As it applies to compliance, a “shift left” approach encourages organizations to streamline their processes with automation and continuous insights into gaps and risks.?

Read Full Article: How to take a proactive approach to continuous cybersecurity compliance | Security Info Watch

Gun Violence Report Finds Retail Spaces, K-12 Schools Most Targeted

ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced the release of its annual Gun Violence Report, offering a deep dive into the landscape of gun-related incidents across the United States. This analysis extends beyond mass fatality events, providing a more nuanced understanding of when, where, and why shootings occur.

The report, compiled by ZeroEyes' Gun Violence Research Center, reveals that 90% of gun incidents in the U.S. resulted in injury or loss of life, illustrating the critical nature of the gun violence epidemic, with 30% of incidents proving fatal and an additional 60% causing injuries.

Delving into an analysis of 5,462 incidents, the report uncovers additional trends that aim to inform and facilitate tangible actions to address and mitigate gun-related violence:

Key Findings

• Majority of Incidents Originate in Outdoor Spaces: 3,235 incidents occurred in outdoor locations, highlighting the vulnerability of open areas
• Back-to-School Violence: September emerged as the deadliest month, with 728 incidents coinciding with the return to classrooms
• Retail and Education Targets: Retail spaces and K-12 schools topped the list of affected areas, with 1,459 and 1,417 incidents, respectively
• Elusive Perpetrators: 1,885 suspects managed to evade capture, exposing significant challenges in law enforcement response

Read Full Article: Gun Violence Report Finds Retail Spaces, K-12 Schools Most Targeted -- Security Today

ESA’s Weinstock Celebration to Honor Industry Excellence at Braves vs. Mets Game

This year’s Weinstock Celebration, slated for June 18th during the Electronic Security Expo?(ESX), will take participants out to the ballgame! This traditional celebration will honor the 2025 recipient of the Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award. Considered to be the most esteemed honor in the electronic security and life safety industry, the award recognizes outstanding volunteer leadership.??

This year’s Weinstock Celebration will take place at the home of the Braves – under the lights at Truist Park as the Atlanta Braves take on the New York Mets. ESX attendees can add the Weinstock Celebration ticket to their registration purchase and are encouraged to wear their best baseball attire. The fee includes your ballpark ticket, access to the Hank Aaron Terrace and food/beverage (alcoholic drinks available for purchase separately).?

“The annual Weinstock Celebration is always a highlight event of ESX,” says George De Marco, ESX Chairman. “This year’s celebration combines America’s favorite pastime with honoring excellence in our industry. It’s the perfect setting to recognize the outstanding achievements and dedication of the 2025 Weinstock Person of the Year while fostering the relationships that make our security community so special.”??

Registration is open for the 2025 Electronic Security Expo (ESX), which will be held June 16-19 at the Cobb Galleria Centre in Cobb County, Atlanta, GA. This trade show and educational conference, known to dealers and integrators as The RMR Educational Event of the Year, is designed by and for electronic security and life safety integrators and dealers. Register for ESX and purchase your ticket to the Weinstock Celebration today at:?www.esxweb.com/register.??

“Attendees always look forward to this celebration,” says Kevin Stone, ESA Chairman. “Not only is it an opportunity to honor the Weinstock Award winner, but also to network and enjoy a fun evening out with industry friends and colleagues.”??

Special thanks to Resideo for sponsoring this ESX Networking event.?

Read Full Article: ESA’s Weinstock Celebration to Honor Industry Excellence at Braves vs. Mets Game - ESX

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: SecurityInfoWatch.com, Security Sales & Integration, Security Today and ESX - Electronic Security Expo