Genetec unveils latest version of Security Center

Canada-based provider of open-platform and unified IP security solutions Genetec showcased the latest version of its flagship security platform, Security Center, along with its new and advanced cyber security, privacy and access control features, during the opening of IFSEC International, the biggest security exhibition in Europe, which opened on June 21, 2016 and will run until June 23, 2016 at the London Excel.

Visitors to the Genetec stand were able to see the first public demonstration of Security Center 5.5, the latest version of the unified security platform, which features added authentication and authorisation protection, new encryption and privacy features, a disaster recovery mode, video management enhancements and expanded access control features.

In addition, Genetec also offered previews of new and in-development technologies benefitting large-scale enterprise and institutional clients with advanced new decision support capabilities and an intuitive map-based user interface. Genetec also held demonstrations for its new Security Center Subscription model with a ‘pay-as you-go’ based ownership – removing the usual operational expenditure costs for a term-based, affordable introduction to Security Center for enterprise and small and medium size outlets.

Privacy & security

To ensure the highest levels of privacy, users can now automatically anonymise the identity of people on camera by employing a new foreground-masking feature. The software streams a redacted version of the video with encrypted and locked access to the original, ensuring security operators in the control room cannot personally identify individuals unless a valid security issue requires them to do so. Combined with a series of encryption, authentication and access security measures, Security Center assures sensors such as cameras, intercoms and door controllers stay ‘hardened’ to cyber-attack.

Security Center users can implement digital certificates to establish trust within their security environment, while the use of the latest encryption standards such as TLS, AES-128, and RSA results in more secure communications between all Security Center client and server applications. Taking it one-step further, Security Center can encrypt video data at-rest (while the data ‘rests’ in an archive), or in-transit (while the data is in movement on the network), ensuring the privacy of live and recorded video. To streamline multi-organisation collaboration, organisations can leverage third-party claims services, including Microsoft Active Directory Federation Services, to authenticate and manage Security Center users across organizations and domains.

“It is correct that visitors to IFSEC are rightly concerned about discovering the right balance between privacy and security,” says Andrew Elvish, vice president, marketing and product management at Genetec. “At this year’s conference, we are addressing these concerns head on by introducing new privacy and security controls that enable systems to be best matched to the specifics of the situation in which they will be used.”

Flexibility of ownership

Genetec has announced two new subscription-based ownership models for its flagship unified security platform, Security Center, addressing the evolving way customers wish to own and access software. Security Center Subscription introduces new flexible ownership and payment options that allow customers to receive the same local, on-premises version of Security Center but pay for it on a monthly or annual basis, as opposed to purchasing the entire system up front. When purchasing on subscription, customers also benefit from the Genetec online support resources and qualified support professionals by phone or through live chat as well as access to Security Center Cloud services with risk-free trials included in the price. Security Center Subscription is available immediately through a new Genetec self-service portal.

Security Center Compact is a new entry-level offering which supports up to 25 cameras and provides an easy ‘no training required’ option for smaller sites and customers with basic video management requirements. It offers a clear upgrade path as an organisation’s security needs evolve, enabling users to move on to a higher edition of Security Center without having to install or redeploy new system software.

Genetec certified channel partners can sign up for offer clients a 90-day trial of Security Center Compact through the Channel Partner Portal.