July 2024 Newsletter

Comparison of Layer Transports Supported by Safetrust Products: Pros and Cons

Safetrust products support a variety of physical layer transports, each with its advantages and disadvantages. This flexibility allows you to choose and mix transports based on your project deployment time and the level of disruption you are willing to tolerate. By understanding the pros and cons of each transport layer, you can tailor your deployment strategy to optimize performance, cost, and installation time based on your specific project needs.

The Pros and Cons of Connecting IoT Devices to Wi-Fi

Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices with Wi-Fi has become a popular choice for many businesses. At Safetrust, we understand the importance of leveraging technology to enhance security and operational efficiency. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of connecting IoT devices to Wi-Fi, especially within the context of Safetrust solutions.

Pros of Connecting IoT Devices to Wi-Fi

Ease of Installation

Seamless Setup: One of the biggest advantages is the ease of installation. Safetrust devices can be minimally or pre-configured initially, and the configuration can be completed through our web portal. This allows for seamless setup and the flexibility to make changes anytime and from anywhere as needed.

Cost-Effective

Efficient Management: Managing IoT devices over Wi-Fi is highly cost-effective. Devices can be remotely managed, updated, and restarted, eliminating the need for technicians to visit the site with apps or configuration cards. This approach significantly reduces operational costs by avoiding costly truck rolls.

Remote Access and Management

Convenience: Wi-Fi connectivity enables remote monitoring, configuration, and maintenance of devices. This means you can manage your devices from anywhere, ensuring they are always up-to-date and functioning correctly.

Real-Time Updates: Wi-Fi facilitates the delivery of real-time updates and security patches, ensuring that your devices are always secure and running the latest software.

Integration

Smart Systems: Data collected from IoT devices can be aggregated and included in reporting platforms and data visualization systems such as Splunk and Tableau. This integration supports advanced analytics and smart building management.

IoT Compatibility: Safetrust sensors fit seamlessly within IoT ecosystems, supporting advanced analytics and smart building management. They provide an MQTT feed, a standard for IoT devices, which can be sent to any subscriber for enhanced data sharing and integration.

Positive Outcomes for Safetrust Customers

Enhanced Security Measures:

• Advanced Encryption: We use industry-leading encryption protocols to secure data transmission between badge readers and the network, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Regular Penetration Testing: Our systems undergo regular, rigorous penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities, ensuring robust security.
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an additional layer of security, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access sensitive areas and information.
• IT Standards Compliance: Our sensors support the latest IT standards, including certificate-based authentication (WPA2/Enterprise) and feature certificate management functionality such as auto updates and warnings when the certificate pool gets low.

Network Independence:

• Core Functionality Without Wi-Fi: Safetrust sensors are designed to operate without relying on Wi-Fi, ensuring that credential reading and communication with Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) remain unaffected by network conditions.
• Wi-Fi Enhancements: With continuous advancements in Wi-Fi technology, signal strength and reliability are significantly improving, providing a more robust and stable connection for all your networking needs.
• Minimal Bandwidth Usage: Our sensors utilize minimal bandwidth, ensuring efficient operation without burdening the network. Firmware updates, which require slightly more bandwidth, can be scheduled outside of business hours or during low-usage times to prevent any impact on regular operations.
• Intelligent Bandwidth Management: Implementing intelligent bandwidth management ensures that readers have priority access to network resources, maintaining performance even in congested network environments.

Energy Efficiency:

• Power Management: Our sensors are designed with advanced power management features to optimize energy consumption, ensuring very low power usage. While our sensors are generally hard-wired, they can be adjusted to operate at extremely low power levels, enhancing their energy efficiency.

Seamless Setup and Maintenance:

• User-Friendly Interfaces: Our systems are designed with user-friendly interfaces that simplify initial setup and ongoing operation, reducing the need for specialized technical knowledge.
• Compatibility Assurance: Safetrust ensures compatibility with a wide range of network infrastructures and security protocols, facilitating smooth integration and operation.

Cons of Connecting IoT Devices to Wi-Fi

While the benefits are substantial, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

Security Risks

Despite advanced encryption and regular penetration testing, Wi-Fi networks can still be vulnerable to attacks. Ensuring that your network is secured with strong passwords, regular updates, and robust security protocols is essential.

Network Dependency

Relying on Wi-Fi means that any disruptions to your network can affect the performance of your IoT devices. It's crucial to have a reliable and stable Wi-Fi network to minimize potential issues.

Bandwidth Limitations

IoT devices can consume significant bandwidth, which may affect other network-dependent operations. Intelligent bandwidth management and scheduling updates during low-usage times can help mitigate this issue.

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Wi-Fi is a vital tool in Safetrust’s arsenal due to its fast and easy deployment capabilities. We have implemented industry-leading security measures, passing extensive penetration tests at some of the largest and most secure organizations worldwide. Our Wi-Fi solution offers more than just basic password protection; it includes comprehensive device management with device certificates linked to your corporate CA. However, if Wi-Fi isn't suitable for your needs, physical wiring, LoRaWAN, BLE Mesh, RS485, and other physical solutions remain a viable alternative.

By understanding the pros and cons of connecting IoT devices to Wi-Fi, you can make informed decisions that best suit your organizational needs. At Safetrust, we are committed to providing secure, efficient, and reliable solutions for all your IoT device management requirements.

Safetrust Joins FIDO Alliance

Safetrust is proud to be a member of the FIDO Alliance. As part of our commitment to advancing security and convenience, we are pursuing FIDO certification, further solidifying our dedication to providing secure, user-friendly authentication solutions.

What is FIDO? 

The Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance is an open industry association dedicated to creating authentication standards that help reduce the world’s reliance on passwords. FIDO’s mission is to develop and promote authentication standards that are more secure, private, and easy to use. The FIDO standards utilize public key cryptography and are designed to be interoperable, scalable, and user-friendly, ensuring that users can enjoy a seamless and secure experience across various devices and platforms.

Innovation with FIDO2 on iPhones 

Safetrust supports FIDO2, offering enhanced security with phishing-resistant and passwordless authentication. FIDO2 credentials provide a seamless and secure user experience, reducing the risk of credential theft and streamlining access management. No other company currently provides this functionality, and we are thrilled to lead the way in this space. 

Our FIDO Partner: Tx Systems 

In our journey towards achieving FIDO certification, we are thrilled to partner with Tx Systems. Tx Systems is the go-to partner for managing Safetrust's FIDO2 integration and support, ensuring top-notch implementation and ongoing assistance.

Join Us at Authenticate 2024 

We are excited to announce that Safetrust will have a booth at the upcoming Authenticate 2024 conference from October 14-16, 2024, in Carlsbad, California. This premier event is dedicated to all aspects of user authentication, including a strong focus on the FIDO standards. It will feature world-class speakers, presentations, and panels, offering a deep dive into the state of the authentication industry.

Early bird registration is open now! Click here.

Unveiling the Power of Lidar Technology: Transforming Modern Security Solutions

In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, security solutions are far beyond just locks, keys, and cameras. Advanced technologies are shaking up how we protect our spaces, and one such game-changer is Lidar technology. Originally developed for topographic mapping, Lidar has now found applications in various fields, including autonomous vehicles, archaeology, and significantly, in security. So, what exactly is Lidar, and how is it transforming the security industry?

What is Lidar Technology?

Lidar, short for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure distances. These light pulses, combined with other data recorded by the sensor, generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape and surface characteristics of the target area. By emitting laser beams and measuring the time it takes for the light to bounce back, Lidar creates a detailed 3D map of the environment, which can be processed in real-time to detect movements, identify objects, and analyze patterns.

Key Features of Lidar Technology

1. High Resolution and Accuracy: Lidar technology provides incredibly detailed and accurate 3D images, allowing for precise mapping and object detection. This high resolution is crucial in security applications where every detail matters.
2. Real-time Data Processing: Lidar systems can process data in real-time, providing immediate feedback and allowing for quick responses to any detected anomalies or threats.
3. Wide Area Coverage: Lidar can cover large areas efficiently, making it suitable for extensive surveillance and monitoring tasks.
4. Versatility: Lidar is effective in various environmental conditions, including low light, fog, and rain, making it a reliable option for security purposes.

Applications of Lidar Technology in Security

1. Enhanced Perimeter Security Traditional security systems rely heavily on cameras and motion detectors, which can sometimes be prone to false alarms and limited in coverage. Lidar technology offers a robust solution by providing high-resolution, 3D imaging of the surroundings. This allows for precise detection of intrusions, even in challenging environments with poor visibility or obstructions. With Lidar, security personnel can have a detailed, real-time view of the perimeter, ensuring that any breach is detected promptly and accurately.
2. Improved Access Control In high-security areas, access control is crucial. Lidar technology enhances the accuracy of identity verification and movement tracking. Lidar can scan and map individuals' movements, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access restricted areas. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized entry and enhances overall security.
3. Advanced Surveillance Lidar technology transforms traditional surveillance by providing 3D imagery that can detect subtle movements and identify objects with great precision. This is particularly useful in large or complex environments such as airports, stadiums, and industrial facilities. Lidar can differentiate between humans, animals, and inanimate objects, reducing the likelihood of false alarms and ensuring that security teams can respond effectively to genuine threats.
4. Crowd Management and Monitoring In public spaces or during large events, managing and monitoring crowds is a significant challenge. Lidar technology can be used to monitor crowd density, movement patterns, and detect unusual activities. This information is invaluable for ensuring public safety and managing emergency situations efficiently.
5. Smart City Integration As cities become smarter, the need for advanced security systems grows. Lidar technology can be integrated into smart city infrastructures to enhance public safety. From monitoring traffic patterns to detecting unusual activities, Lidar provides city authorities with the tools needed to maintain order and ensure the safety of residents.

The Future of Lidar in Security

The potential of Lidar technology in security applications is vast. As technology advances, we can expect even more sophisticated Lidar systems that offer higher resolution, faster processing times, and more extensive coverage. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning with Lidar data will further enhance its capabilities, allowing for predictive analytics and automated responses to potential security threats.

Lidar technology is revolutionizing the security industry by providing precise, reliable, and real-time data that enhances the effectiveness of security systems. Its applications in perimeter security, access control, surveillance, crowd management, and smart city integration are transforming how we protect our spaces and ensuring a safer environment for all. As we continue to explore and develop this technology, the future of security looks promising with Lidar at the forefront.