i-PRO: How to Advance Cybersecurity with Secure Element & FIPS

“When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s important to rely on facts from a third-party organization with groups of peer-reviewed data scientists and mathematicians whose sole focus is to think about security all day, every day,” explains Will Knehr, Senior Manager of Information Assurance and Data Privacy at i-PRO Americas.
“When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s important to rely on facts from a third-party organization with groups of peer-reviewed data scientists and mathematicians whose sole focus is to think about security all day, every day,” explains Will Knehr, Senior Manager of Information Assurance and Data Privacy at i-PRO Americas.

With the ever increasing rise in cybercrime, i-PRO Americas, a global leader in professional security solutions for surveillance and public safety, and a Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winner in 2022, is advocating for companies to install more cyber-resilient network security devices.

According to Will Knehr, Senior Manager of Information Assurance and Data Privacy at i-PRO Americas, organizations need look no further than the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for expertise.

More specifically, NIST’s IT laboratory regularly publishes its Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) which define the security requirements for cryptographic modules to ensure computer security and interoperability for U.S. government agencies and contractors.

“Ask any security vendor how cyber-secure their solutions is, and you’ll most likely be told ‘it’s great’, but how can we objectively measure the relative cyber-worthiness of a network device?” asks Knehr.

“Just ask the experts.”

How FIPS Protects Cybersecurity

FIPS was created in part by merging cyber best practices from many other technical groups like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to name a few.

When an organization says they are FIPS certified at a certain level, it’s possible to know with confidence exactly how cyber secure they are.

And because technology changes quickly and new exploits are found, FIPS represents an evolving list of standards that IT and security professionals can monitor and adopt over time.

(Have you ever heard of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework or NIST 800-53? Learn about the five core functions of CSF as well as how to think about deploying CSF in your environment. Courtesy of Cybersecurity Decyphered and YouTube. Posted on Oct 27, 2021.)

While FIPS compliance ensures protection for any IoT device installed in a business, it is particularly important for any organization that receives federal funding, either directly or indirectly. This also includes state, local, and education procurement (SLED) markets.

Additionally, FIPS is considered a part of cyber best practices by other frameworks and policies such as Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS), the healthcare industry’s HITRUST framework, and more recently, the 501(c)6 nonprofit StateRAMP standards that many U.S. States are adopting.

In general, any IT department that has been asked to build their environments in a compliant framework with NIST, is effectively following the security requirements laid out in the FIPS publication.

What is a Secure Element?

Part of the state-of-the-art behind protecting IoT devices, like network cameras, is utilizing a secure element. A secure element is a tamper-resistant integrated circuit chip that can be used to generate and store cryptographic keys.

Unlike a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) which can be used in a similar way, a secure element is small, fast, more secure, and is more easily deployable in edge devices.

The EdgeLock SE050 secure element (SE) product family offers enhanced Common Criteria EAL 6+ and FIPS 140-2 certified security, for strong protection against the latest attack scenarios, and an extended feature set for a broad range of IoT use cases. This ready-to-use secure element for IoT devices provides a root of trust at the IC level and delivers real end-to-end security – from edge to cloud – without the need to implement security code nor handle critical keys and credentials.
The EdgeLock SE050 secure element (SE) product family offers enhanced Common Criteria EAL 6+ and FIPS 140-2 certified security, for strong protection against the latest attack scenarios, and an extended feature set for a broad range of IoT use cases. This ready-to-use secure element for IoT devices provides a root of trust at the IC level and delivers real end-to-end security from edge to cloud without the need to implement security code nor handle critical keys and credentials.

For example, i-PRO uses the EdgeLock secure element, and a set of FIPS compliant encryption algorithms are preloaded and configured within the secure element, enabling it to generate secure cryptographic keys from within the camera.

By providing a secure platform for storing and processing this sensitive data, the secure element helps to protect users from a wide variety of attacks and tampering.

Another benefit of utilizing a secure element is its ability to lock third-party apps too.

This enables a secure open platform approach where third-party plugins can be installed on a camera without concern that they might compromise its cybersecurity.

It’s worth mentioning that not every camera contains a secure element, and some manufacturers charge extra for models that include them. Some vendors also charge to install third-party certificates too.

So, it’s good practice to add this capability to any “must have list” of features when evaluating products.

i-PRO provides end-to-end security solutions for its video surveillance products. Video and audio that are not encrypted can be intercepted by unauthorized parties to be viewed, listened to, or modified without consent. In order to protect against this type of attack, i-PRO offers users the ability to encrypt video and audio while it is being transferred to a network video recorder (NVR) and video management system (VMS) using secure protocols. (Courtesy of i-PRO)
i-PRO provides end-to-end security solutions for its video surveillance products. Video and audio that are not encrypted can be intercepted by unauthorized parties to be viewed, listened to, or modified without consent. In order to protect against this type of attack, i-PRO offers users the ability to encrypt video and audio while it is being transferred to a network video recorder (NVR) and video management system (VMS) using secure protocols. (Courtesy of i-PRO)

“When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s important to rely on facts from a third-party organization with groups of peer-reviewed data scientists and mathematicians whose sole focus is to think about security all day, every day,” added Knehr.

“FIPS represents a curated collection of approved encryption algorithms that can ensure that network devices are secure.

A secure element chip is the best way to deploy FIPS in any IoT device.”

In conclusion, knowing if a network device is cyber-secure doesn’t need to be a dark art.

Thanks to NIST, we have a free resource that is available to anyone who wants to ensure a product meets the requirements of the U.S. government and its agencies.

“If it’s good enough for the FBI, NSA, and the DOD, it’s probably good enough for your business and customers,” says Knehr.

i-pro logoAs part of the i-PRO’s commitment to cybersecurity, all of the company’s AI cameras utilize a tamper-proof secure element chip to generate and store cryptographic FIPS algorithms used to authenticate access to the device.

i-PRO Co., is a global leader of advanced sensing technologies in the fields of Intelligent Surveillance, Public Safety and Industrial/Medical Imaging. Established in 2019, i-PRO was built on a legacy of over 60 years of innovation with Panasonic.

The company’s products, software and services extend human senses to capture moments of truth with innovations that inform and protect. In order to help create a safer world, i-PRO Co., Ltd., supports the work of professionals who protect and save lives.

To learn more, please visit i-pro.com/products_and_solutions/en/publicsafety, or follow them on Twitter here.

 

i-PRO Americas Takes Platinum in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

David O’Connor, Director of Public Safety, i-PRO Americas Inc.
David O’Connor, Director of Public Safety, i-PRO Americas accepts a 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Award at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Exclusive Luncheon in New York City.

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering it’s Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

 

i-PRO Americas

Best Vehicle Mounted Law Enforcement Solution

i-PRO WV-VCF41P 4K
The i-PRO WV-VCF41P 4K advanced lens and sensor combination accurately records events as they unfold across the entire scene in front of the vehicle.
  • Unlike traditional forward-facing cameras, the WV-VCF41P provides a full 150-degree field of view. The innovative lens is specifically designed to minimize distortion and edge warping, resulting in the widest angle offered. Behind the lens, the camera’s 4K sensor is i-PRO’s highest resolution sensor for mobile video evidence applications. This advanced lens and sensor combination accurately records events as they unfold across the entire scene in front of the vehicle. With support for detailed forensic zooming into areas of interest without image blurring, the WV-VCF41P presents the clearest possible evidence.

  • Policing with an in-car video system is more demanding than ever, with the expectation that each interaction and event will be captured on video. Many in-vehicle cameras offer a limited field of view between 55 and 85 degrees, and are unable to record what occurs to the extreme left and right of the central focus. 

i-pro WV-VCF41P 4K
Having a 150-degree field of view that uses a 4K resolution sensor allows our in-vehicle video camera to capture the incident with the widest angle offered in a high-quality camera, making every pixel count.
  • The compact design of the versatile WV-VCF41P fits behind the rearview mirror so it does not obstruct the driver’s view. Its 32:9 aspect ratio image reduces storage requirements by cropping away unnecessary areas, such as the sky or a vehicle’s hood, allowing agencies to concentrate on the relevant parts of the evidence. A simple Power over Ethernet connection allows for easy installation, and a built-in G-force sensor provides automatic activation upon impact which reduces the cost and complexity of installing a separate sensor.

  • *i-PRO Americas is a new competitor in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

 

NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell
The 45th NYPD Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell served as the lead Chief Negotiator and Commanding Officer for the Nassau County Police Department’s prestigious negotiation team.

AST is pleased to announce that the 45th Police Commissioner for the City of New York, Keechant L. Sewell  has agreed to participate in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon as a guest speaker.

Please join AST in Welcoming Former Commissioner Sewell to the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City.

Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your Seat or reserve a Table and Receive a Special Early Bird Discount.

***Limited space available. There will be No On-Site registrations.

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. Because #MentorshipMatters.

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City at ISC East!

(See some highlights of the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City during ISC East at the Javits Center. Courtesy of AST and YouTube.)

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Access Control/ Identification Personal/Protective Equipment Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism
Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System Interagency Interdiction Operation Cloud Computing/Storage Solution
Facial/IRIS Recognition Body Worn Video Product Cyber Security
Video Surveillance/VMS Mobile Technology Anti-Malware
Audio Analytics Disaster Preparedness ID Management
Thermal/Infrared Camera Mass Notification System Fire & Safety
Metal/Weapon Detection Rescue Operations Critical Infrastructure
License Plate Recognition Detection Products COVID Innovations
Workforce Management Government Security Programs And Many Others to Choose From!

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.

CBP K9 Team Zaskya Steros and TYKE, with Commissioner Bill Bratton at the 2022 'ASTORS' Awards Luncheon.
CBP K9 Team Zaskya Steros and TYKE, with Police Commissioner Bill Bratton at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.

Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.

The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquetan exclusive, full-course plated meal event in the heart of New York City.

2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon

The 2022 exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.

Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino
Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, expresses her pride in the women and men of the CBP, and their families who support them.

The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.

The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.

Deputy Inspector Lashonda Dyce accepts a 2022 'ASTORS' Award on behalf of the NYPD TARU Unit for Excellence in Public Safety.
Deputy Inspector Lashonda Dyce accepts a 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Award on behalf of the NYPD TARU Unit for Excellence in Public Safety, joined at left by Commissioner Bill Bratton, and at right Chief of Department Kenneth Corey.

AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.

Katherine Schweit, an attorney, security consultant, and retired FBI special agent, and former head of the FBI’s active shooter program.
Katherine Schweit, attorney, security consultant, retired FBI special agent, and former head of the FBI’s active shooter program.

FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.

Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.

As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.

Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis’, thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors. 

The 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by Platinum Event Sponsor: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)

NEC NSS

(Hear directly from Keith Terreri, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Services and Business Operations at NEC Corporation of America, on why NEC supports the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program and the value NEC receives for participating in the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program. Courtesy of NEC, American Security Today, and YouTube.)

And Our RETURNING Premier Sponsors:

ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America,

IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, SIMS Software, and American Security Today!

In 2022, AST was pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police,  as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).

The FDNY was honored in the 2022 'ASTORS' Awards Program for Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response.
The FDNY was honored in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program for Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response, accepted by FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin and Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb.

The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI’s active shooter program speaks with 'ASTORS' Attendees and autographs copies of 'STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis.'
Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI’s active shooter program speaks with ‘ASTORS’ Attendees and autographs copies of ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis.’

In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.

Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.

ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was Honored at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City, featuring OFO DEAC Diane Sabatino and Director of Field Operations NY Area Frank Russo (at center).

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:

Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI SystemsAxis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk  Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLCSinglewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government and firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh, compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.
AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, which is essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

American Security Today

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through the year for The Best of 2022 Products and Services endorsed by American Security Today – and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

  • Provides named sources
  • Reported by more than one notable outlet
  • Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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i-PRO Year One: Launches 100+ New Cameras & Earns Double Digit Growth