Guest Editorial by Chris Bilello, Vice President, Business Solutions Development at Konica Minolta Business Solutions
In this evolving global climate, government organizations face many significant challenges.
The ability to streamline business processes while doing more with less compounds the fact that they are constantly expected to provide exceptional public services while reducing costs.
As a result, government agencies are constantly looking for ways to increase productivity and serve the public with greater speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
Konica Minolta helps resolve these challenges with federal, state, and local solutions to streamline business processes, provide additional security and infrastructure optimization and improve organizational efficiencies.
Over the years, many of these solutions have been recognized by American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
Every government worker is responsible for the security of the electronic information in their control.
With the digital era continually providing public sector users with new ways to manage information, how do they protect that data?
As a leader in security, Konica Minolta offers everything from built-in protection for documents and devices to enhance capabilities and options that meet or exceed the highest security needs of government and military organizations.
Security Begins with Product Design
Konica Minolta’s bizhub® i-Series multifunction printers (MFP) are designed to meet ISO 15408 certification at hard copy device protection profile (HCD-PPV1.0) – the highest security level given to commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) document imaging products.
(The Konica bizhub i-Series. Simple. Secure. Smarter. Blending simple operability and high-quality performance, the next generation IoT-enabled bizhub i-Series brings the connected office to a whole new level. Courtesy of KonicaMinoltaUS and YouTube.)
Every bizhub device is evaluated and certified as a total system, tested for standalone performance and against possible threats from outside network connections, even the possibility of a hard disk drive being removed from the device.
Evaluation profiles for Konica Minolta’s MFPs include more than 300 security-based items.
Requirements from government initiatives mandate that MFPs sold to the government be capable of reading the CAC and PIV cards issued to government employees and also be capable of public key infrastructure (PKI) encryption.
CAC and PIV cards are used for general identification purposes, and can also be used to control access to computers, networks and facilities.
The embedded PKI technology is the basis for Konica Minolta’s industry-leading authentication platform for Personal Identification Verification (PIV) and Department of Defense (DoD) issued Common Access Cards (CAC).
These cards, in combination with a personal identification number, satisfy the two-factor requirement.
In 2017, Konica Minolta’s bizhub CAC and PIV solutions (HID ActivIdentity and AU-211P card reader) won a Gold ‘ASTORS’ Award for Best Smart Card/Reader System. In 2019, the solutions earned a Silver ‘ASTORS’ Award for Best Smart Card Reader.
Many federal employees require access to the “Classified” Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet).
This network, used by U.S. agencies like the DoD and the U.S. Department of State (DOS), transmits classified information (up to and including information classified “Secret”) by packet switching over the ‘completely secure’ environment.
In an effort to extend its ability to support the U.S. Government – especially the DoD requirements to satisfy Strong Authentication to all employees and contractors – Konica Minolta introduced its SIPRNet Token Solution for smartcard authentication.
The solution provides authorized personnel access to the “Secret” network while protecting against unauthorized access, meeting all National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and government standards.
A specific SIPRNet card is provided to personnel permitted to control access to computers, networks and facilities. Using the AU-211P card reader along with the embedded SIPRNet Solution, Konica Minolta bizhub MFPs can be an integral part of this secure digital ID solution.
These award-winning systems and solutions are the outcome of working with 90meter Inc.’s proprietary Smart Card Manager-90 software, developed to realize the full benefit of the SIPRNet.
The Konica Minolta bizhub SIPRNet Solution embeds the middleware directly into the MFP to provide the same level of security as a user sitting at their workstation. It meets the federal government’s two-factor authentication requirement and facilitates the use of PKI authentication tools.
This partnership with 90meter also ensures compliance with the latest security standards and mandates, including FIPS 140-2 and FIPS 201.
In 2018, the Konica Minolta bizhub MFP’s embedded SIPRNet software solution was selected as the Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Award winner for ‘Best Smart Card Reader;’ a Gold Award for ‘Best Access Control & Authentication System,’ and a Silver Award for ‘Best Identification Management Solution.’
In 2019, the solution won a Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Award for Best Network Authentication Security Device.
Further Securing Government MFPs
Of all the resources in government, personnel information can be the most valuable – and also the most vulnerable.
That’s why Konica Minolta offers lock-down protection with bizhub SECURE, a set of enhanced password and data security measures to give bizhub MFPs an extra level of security.
bizhub SECURE provides customers with the resources needed to lock down and protect any document data that might reside on the bizhub’s internal hard drive.
(Out with disparate print solutions. And in with smarter, connected working through the new bizhub i-Series. Let Dino Pagliarello, Vice President of Vice President, Business Solutions Development, Product Management and Planning at Konica Minolta, take you through the features of our next-generation printer line and discover the new possibilities of productivity and innovation for your workplace today. Courtesy of KonicaMinoltaUS and YouTube.)
Konica Minolta’s bizhub SECURE Alert is powered by Prism DocRecord, an application that automatically processes MFP activity records.
It is the industry’s only low cost, all-inclusive way to notify organizations of a security breach at their MFP due to unauthorized usage.
This MFP activity record, Image Log Transfer File (ILTF), is inherent to nearly all of Konica Minolta’s A3 and A4 models.
Konica Minolta also solves the problem of unauthorized usage at the MFP by an authorized user, which can leave customers vulnerable to sensitive documents being printed, copied, scanned, emailed and faxed.
Organizations don’t know when a data or document breach occurs, or who used the MFP for what and when, potentially causing legal and financial liabilities for these businesses.
Konica Minolta also addresses these issues with a complete, searchable audit record of activities and email notifications for data breaches, both of which reduce the risks associated with security breaches at the MFP.
In 2017, bizhub SECURE was a Platinum ASTORS Award Winner for Best IP Federal Government Security Program and Best IP State Government Security Program. In 2019, the solution won the Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Award for Best MFP Protection Solution.
Additional Security through Anti-virus Protection
Inspired by the company’s continuing ambition to create value for customers, Konica Minolta’s i-Series also provides a smart technology hub that fully embraces the way businesses are evolving, enhancing office connectivity while preparing it to be future-ready.
Konica Minolta’s BitDefender anti-virus extension on its MFPs automatically scans all transmitted data to protect data from external threats.
(At Konica Minolta, we put our products through rigorous internal cybersecurity tests to protect systems and ensure they meet PCI, HIPAA, FERPA and GDPR regulations. But to ensure our customers receive the highest level of protection, we also invest in an extra layer of threat protection — penetration tests provided by NTT DATA Security Services. Courtesy of KonicaMinoltaUS and YouTube.)
All models are compliant with GDPR and ISO 15408 certified HCD-PPV1.0, thereby meeting all data privacy standards and security requirements.
BitDefender provides added security for documents processed at an MFP including print data, scan transmission data, internet fax transmissions and receptions, as well as data saved or retrieved from the Solid State Drive.
The embedded BitDefender middleware constantly monitors the data exchanged between the MFP and the external environment to provide the ultimate defense against any potential threats.
Applications, multimedia data and certificates saved on the MFP are also protected.
Should the MFP be attacked by malware, files are protected against getting infected and shield the virus from being passed along to external devices.
Virus scanning methods include real-time scanning, regular and manual scanning. In 2019, BitDefender won a Gold ASTOR Award for Best Anti-Malware Device.
Physical Security
Konica Minolta’s Intelligent Security Solutions team offers reliable physical security with IP video surveillance technology from MOBOTIX.
Various options not only meet thermal screening needs, but also perimeter and interior security needs for monitoring campus grounds, hallways, parking lots for intruders or uninvited visitors.
These security solutions are based on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles and deliver significant cost savings as well as long-term operation and maintenance.
Government entities using MOBOTIX realize greater surveillance coverage with 40-50% less cameras.
The German-made MOBOTIX Thermal Screening Station offers thermal radiometry imaging technology that measures infrared energy quickly and efficiently.
This all-in-one system comes with everything needed to establish a front-line screening process.
Visitors and employees face the camera for inner canthus eye screening, the most accurate point for surface temperature in thermal radiometry, while an operator can view the thermal image on the screen.
Thermal screening images differentiate between hot and face objects, and thumbnail images with temperature data are saved on the local dashboard with clear green or red indicators of pass or fail.
Thermal screening includes optional Mass Text Alert Notification with Video Management System.
MOBOTIX offers the best “Edge”-based video surveillance camera on the market today. Benefits include the ability to store video inside the camera or in a nearby digital video recorder (DVR) at the edge of the network.
Recording at the edge frees up network bandwidth and PC processing power, allowing users to view and manage video feeds and store applicable images. An innovative onboard video sensor technology detects moving objects even in the worst weather conditions like heavy rain, wind, and snowfall.
This self-configuring sensor reduces false alarms dramatically, saves configuration and maintenance cost, and greatly reduces the amount of NAS storage required for longer-term retention.
(MOBOTIX IP video systems have been optimized for remote applications and cloud-based technology because the cameras can reduce the bandwidth of the video by scaling the size and the frame rate. Image details are still available thanks to the onboard virtual PTZ functionality. The cameras store high-resolution video onboard and deliver on-demand low-bandwidth live images and also low-bandwidth playback. Additionally, MOBOTIX cameras can manage an event-driven video ring buffer via network or Internet. The live channel and the recorded video are highly secured because the video encryption is already done inside the camera. Courtesy of MOBOTIX AG and YouTube.)
In 2017, MOBOTIX Thermal TR with MxActivity Sensor and 6MP Moonlight Technology Lens won the Gold ‘ASTORS’ Award in the categories of Best IP Video Surveillance Solution and Best Perimeter Deterrent System.
In 2020, the system earned Konica Minolta the Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Award for Best Security Solution. View the cameras in action in a healthcare environment here, as seen on News 4 New York.
Managing Print and Workflow Securely
Dispatcher Suite is Konica Minolta’s premier print management and workflow automation solution which allows government organizations to effectively manage and reduce their printing costs, while increasing their document workflow productivity and security. The platform comprises Dispatcher Paragon for print management and Dispatcher Phoenix for automated workflows.
This feature-rich, integrated platform simplifies print and scan operations, maximizes office efficiencies and provides government organizations of all sizes with the flexibility they need, including:
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A powerful, single sign-on solution for printing, scanning and document workflow automation
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An intuitive and seamless user experience at the MFP
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Simple device set-up with Active Directory/LDAP synchronization
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Easy deployment with a single installer
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Modular structure to meet varying corporate needs
(Learn More about the Konica Minolta Print Management & Document Security Solutions Dispatcher Suite. Courtesy of KonicaMinoltaUS and YouTube.)
This year, Konica Minolta hopes to be recognized for its Dispatcher Suite platform in the Best Image Technologies Solution category.
Please visit Konica Minolta online to learn more about its federal, state and local solutions at https://kmbs.konicaminolta.us/kmbs/business-solutions/government-solutions.
About the Author
Chris Bilello, Vice President, Business Solutions Development at Konica Minolta Business Solutions.
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Selected as a Finalist in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards
Special Early Luncheon Registration Discount Ends November 1
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is today in its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting 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.
American Security Today is pleased to announce TSA Administrator David Pekoske, will join the organization as a featured speaker at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Presentation Luncheon, on November 17, 2021 at ISC East in New York City.
“On the heels of an unprecedented global pandemic, continued unrest in our cities and potentially catastrophic cyberattacks on our nations critical infrastructure, the focus of the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon will be on the latest, state-of-the-art innovations that are driving investments in new public security and safety technologies and systems,” said AST Editorial and Managing Director Tammy Waitt.
“As a recognized expert in crisis management, strategic planning, innovation and aviation, surface transportation and maritime security, David Pekoske’s message highlighting his top priorities and challenges for the TSA based on his years of wide-ranging experience will be critical to our attendees internalizing the critical nature of these escalating challenges, and realizing innovative new approaches to meet them.”
The 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK, Fortior Solutions and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.
Additionally, the First 100 Registered Attendees to receive autographed copies of the Latest Book by Legendary Police Commissioner, Bill Bratton, who will be Live at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.
‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America’
The epic, transformative career of Bill Bratton, legendary police commissioner and police reformer, in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York When Bill Bratton became a Boston street cop after returning from serving in Vietnam, he was dismayed by the corrupt old guard, and it is fair to say the old guard was dismayed by him too.
The Profession presents not only a fascinating and colorful life at the heights of law enforcement leadership, but the vision for the future of American policing that we sorely need.
At ISC East 2021 you with the opportunity to interact with a broad array of security industry professionals.
ISC East works closely with other businesses in the security and public safety space to help bring together the Northeast’s largest security trade show each year.
Therefore, the ISC audience of security dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, corporate, government and law enforcement/first responder practitioners will be joined by the ASIS NYC audience of major corporate managerial-through-director-level national and global security executives.
The combination of one-on-one conversations with the industry’s top innovators, integrators and security executives, special events, high-quality education and training, and strong support from industry associations, will allow attendees to learn and evaluate solutions from leading security exhibitors and brands.
With the integration of the Natural Disaster and Emergency Management (NDEM) Expo, the show is moving even further into our reader’s wheelhouse!
Your ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon registration includes complimentary attendee access to ISC East, NDEM and the ASIS NYC Security Conference and Expo!
Thank take advantage of this exclusive luncheon opportunity to take a break from the show – Invite your team, guests, clients and show visitors to a lovely and affordable plated meal event in the heart of New York City, for a fabulous networking opportunity!
Special Early Luncheon Registration Discount Ends November 1
Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your seat or reserve a table.
***Early Registration Discount Ends November 1. Limited space available so Register Today. There will be no on-site registrations.
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.
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 as well as firms allied to 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
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, 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.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to 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 about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and 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 – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘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 includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
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