Company News - Nextro Managed Telecommunications, Network & Security Solutions NZ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 19:35:18 +0000 en-NZ hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://nextro.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-image001-32x32.png Company News - Nextro 32 32 Genetec Expands Global Access Control Market Share with Strong Growth in 2025 https://nextro.nz/genetec-expands-global-access-control-market-share-with-strong-growth-in-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=genetec-expands-global-access-control-market-share-with-strong-growth-in-2025 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 02:59:31 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=6606 Genetec records the fastest growth in Asia Pacific, including New Zealand, in Omdia’s 2025 Access Control Report. Nextro brings these global innovations to New Zealand organisations with unified security solutions.

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Genetec Expands Global Access Control Market Share with Strong Growth in 2025

Genetec, Montréal, October 2, 2025

Genetec has secured the #2 position worldwide for access control software and recorded the fastest organic growth in Asia Pacific, including New Zealand, according to Omdia’s newly released  2025 Access Control Report.

In an industry shaped by mergers and acquisitions, the report shows that Genetec achieved the highest organic global market share gain in on-premises access control software. For customers, partnering with a company focused on product innovation and stable growth rather than portfolio consolidation means they can plan long-term with confidence.

According to the Omdia report, Genetec also ranked as one of the fastest organically growing vendors in the Access Control as a service (ACaaS) segment in the Americas region, which represents more than 70% of the global market. This growth was propelled by the rapid adoption of Security Center SaaS, the company’s open, unified physical security cloud-based platform. Genetec has delivered ACaaS solutions since 2017, demonstrating its long-standing experience in helping organizations adopt cloud-based access control at their own pace.

Genetec retained its #2 position in the Americas for access control software market share, gained ground in EMEA, and remained among the top 10 providers in Asia Pacific*, where it once again recorded the region’s highest rate of organic growth.

According to Bryan Montany, Principal Research Analyst, Physical Security at Omdia, “The access control software market has been the fastest growing global driver of access control equipment sales over the past decade as the industry has become more software centric. Cloud-based solutions have emerged as a significant growth driver due to their scalability and their enhanced data processing capabilities. The strong organic growth achieved by Genetec demonstrates the appeal of its flexible deployment options, broad interoperability with third-party hardware, and unified security systems platform.”

Genetec access control solutions scale seamlessly from a single site to global deployments and give organizations the flexibility to run fully on-premises, in the cloud, or to deploy with a mix of both. Built on an open architecture, Genetec eliminates vendor lock-in and lets customers choose the hardware and third-party integrations that best meet their needs. Access control in Genetec Security Center and Security Center SaaS can also be unified with video, intrusion, communications, and other systems in a single interface, delivering stronger situational awareness and more efficient operations.

In addition to its 2025 access control report, Omdia recently released its 2025 Video Surveillance & Analytics Report, which showed that Genetec retained its #1 position worldwide in video surveillance software, and is also ranked #1 globally in the broader category that combines video surveillance software and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS).

“For more than 25 years, our development strategy has focused on anticipating customer needs and delivering practical innovations. The consistent year-over-year growth noted by analysts in the access control and VMS markets is a testament to our long-standing commitment to open, unified systems, robust cybersecurity, and privacy by design,” said Christian Morin, Vice President of Product Engineering and Chief Security Officer at Genetec Inc.

What this means for the New Zealand market

With Asia Pacific recording the highest organic growth rate, New Zealand organisations are directly part of this regional momentum. More New Zealand businesses are seeking to modernise access control, unify security platforms, and explore cloud-based deployments.

As New Zealand’s top Genetec partner, Nextro helps bring this global innovation to the New Zealand market, tailoring deployments to meet the specific needs of New Zealand enterprises, crowded spaces, and critical infrastructure operators. By combining Genetec’s globally recognised solutions with Nextro’s local expertise, organisations gain access to trusted technology that is scalable, resilient, and designed with cybersecurity at its core.

Contact the Nextro team today. We are here to help you harness the latest in access control solutions, be they on premise, in the cloud or hybrid.

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New Zealand Faces Most Challenging Security Environment in Recent History https://nextro.nz/new-zealand-faces-most-challenging-security-environment-in-recent-history/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-zealand-faces-most-challenging-security-environment-in-recent-history Thu, 21 Aug 2025 01:42:59 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=6449 The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) has released its 2025 Threat Environment Report, revealing that the country is confronting its most complex national security landscape in decades.

Despite our geographic isolation in the South Pacific, New Zealand remains firmly in the crosshairs of sophisticated international threats.
See Nextro's summary of the report.

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New Zealand Faces Most Challenging Security Environment in Recent History

The New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) has released its 2025 Threat Environment Report, revealing that the country is confronting its most complex national security landscape in decades.

Despite our geographic isolation in the South Pacific, New Zealand remains firmly in the crosshairs of sophisticated international threats.
See Nextro’s summary of the report below.

Six Critical Security Assessments for 2025

The NZSIS makes six key assessments about New Zealand’s
threat environment in 2025:

  • Lone actor terrorist attacks – The most plausible violent extremist attack scenario remains a lone actor who has radicalised online and prepares for violence without intelligence forewarning, likely using easily accessible weapons
  • Online-driven extremist support – Grievances and polarising issues in online spaces are almost certainly driving support for a range of violent extremist ideologies, with no single ideology presenting a greater threat
  • Youth radicalisation risk – Young and vulnerable people are particularly at risk of radicalisation, especially while online
  • Active foreign interference – Multiple states are conducting foreign interference activities, including transnational repression targeting diaspora communities
  • Undetected espionage – It is almost certain there is undetected espionage activity harming New Zealand’s national interests, with foreign states continuing to target critical organisations, infrastructure and technology
  • Insider exploitation – Some foreign states have attempted to exploit people inside public and private sector organisations through deceptive, corruptive, or coercive means

The Threat Landscape

The report reveals that a terrorist attack remains a “realistic possibility,” with young and vulnerable New Zealanders particularly at risk of online radicalisation. Foreign interference activities continue across multiple fronts, with several states actively targeting New Zealand. The People’s Republic of China remains the most active, though it’s not the only concern. These activities include transnational repression targeting diaspora communities, particularly those from certain religions, ethnicities, Rainbow communities, and pro-democracy movements.

The Global Context

Three global themes are driving these security challenges: strategic competition between major powers (particularly involving the US, China, and Russia), increasingly polarised and violent online rhetoric, and rapid technological advancement that’s both creating opportunities and vulnerabilities.

The report emphasises that while New Zealand may seem distant from global security hotspots, our economic connectedness, diverse society, and strategic location in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific region make us a target for states seeking power and influence.

Looking Forward

The NZSIS stresses that while threats cannot always be eliminated, risks can be managed through awareness and robust security practices. The agency continues to call for public vigilance, encouraging New Zealanders to report concerning behaviour through their online portal at nzsis.govt.nz.

As global instability continues and shared international values degrade, the report makes clear that foreign interference and espionage activities are likely to intensify. For a nation that has long prided itself on being safely removed from international conflicts, this assessment serves as a sobering reminder that in our interconnected world, no country is truly isolated from global security challenges.

The full report provides detailed protective security advice for organisations and communities, emphasising that national security is increasingly everyone’s responsibility in this challenging new environment.

Whether you manage a crowded place, critical infrastructure, large retail, hospitality or logistics environment, contact Nextro today to discuss your protective security requirements.

Download a full copy of the report below.

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New Biometric Processing Privacy Code for New Zealand 2025 https://nextro.nz/new-biometric-processing-privacy-code-for-nz-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-biometric-processing-privacy-code-for-nz-2025 Wed, 13 Aug 2025 03:26:15 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=6426 The Biometric Processing Privacy Code 2025 outlines how biometric information, such as facial features or iris scans, must be managed under the Privacy Act. It applies to technologies used to identify individuals or to learn about them, and sets expectations for transparency, necessity, fairness, and accountability in the use of these technologies. 

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New Biometric Processing Privacy Code for New Zealand 2025

A major update for biometric security solutions in New Zealand

On 21 July 2025, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner in New Zealand announced the release of the Biometric Processing Privacy Code 2025. This is a significant milestone in regulating how biometric technologies, such as facial recognition, are used across New Zealand. The Code introduces specific rules for organisations collecting, using, and processing biometric information. 

The new Code reinforces the importance of privacy in an era where biometric authentication is rapidly expanding across sectors, from critical infrastructure and public venues to private enterprise. It will be interesting to see how it is interpreted and whether it fits all use cases. Nextro recommends its customers to take note and follow the new code.

The Biometric Processing Privacy Code 2025 outlines how biometric information, such as facial features or iris scans, must be managed under the Privacy Act. It applies to technologies used to identify individuals or to learn about them, and sets expectations for transparency, necessity, fairness, and accountability in the use of these technologies. 

Key Obligations for New Zealand Businesses:

For New Zealand organisations using biometric systems, including facial recognition cameras and biometric access control, the Code introduces the following key obligations.

  • Transparency: Businesses must ensure people know when their biometric information is being collected. Clear, accessible signage and privacy statements must be visible at the point of collection. 
  • Purpose limitation: Biometric data must only be collected for specific, lawful purposes. The use must be necessary for that purpose and not collected ‘just in case’. 
  • Necessity and proportionality: Organisations must assess whether less privacy-intrusive options exist before using biometric tech. If a swipe card or PIN can reasonably meet the same purpose, biometric use may not be justified. 
  • Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs): A PIA is required for any biometric processing activity, documenting risks and mitigations. This is mandatory and should be completed prior to deployment. 
  • Consent and alternatives: In many cases, particularly in workplaces or public access scenarios, individuals must be offered a genuine alternative to biometric enrolment, unless an exemption applies. 
  • Special restrictions: Certain uses, like real-time facial recognition in public, or profiling individuals based on biometric data, are considered high-risk, and face stricter scrutiny under the Code. 

The Code comes into effect on 3 November 2025 with new systems deployed after that date having to be compliant. A grace period for existing biometric systems, in operation prior to 3 November 2025, gives operators until 3 August 2026 to meet the updated compliance standards. New systems will need to be compliant from 3 November 2025.

This timeframe is short and likely insufficient for large organisations. Nextro recommends that business start early to ensure sufficient time to assess and align their technologies, policies, and processes. 

Nextro will continue to work closely with its technology partners and customers to ensure that our evolving biometric solutions are capable of meeting the requirements of the Code.  

We encourage all businesses using or considering biometric technologies to familiarise themselves with the Code.  

Please reach out to the Nextro team to discuss our face recognition, iris recognition, and finger print biometric access control solutions.

Nextro Biometric Access Control

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Genetec Enhances Digital Evidence Management with AI-Powered Scene Redaction in Clearance™  https://nextro.nz/genetec-enhances-digital-evidence-management-with-ai-powered-scene-redaction-in-clearance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=genetec-enhances-digital-evidence-management-with-ai-powered-scene-redaction-in-clearance Wed, 23 Jul 2025 02:36:43 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=6256 Nextro is proud to highlight the latest innovation from our strategic partner Genetec Inc., a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions. Genetec has announced a major enhancement to its digital evidence management system, Genetec Clearance™, with the addition of Scene Redaction, an AI-powered capability that significantly accelerates the process of preparing video evidence for sharing.

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Genetec Enhances Digital Evidence Management with AI-Powered Scene Redaction in Clearance™ 

Nextro is proud to highlight the latest innovation from our strategic partner Genetec Inc., a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions. Genetec has announced a major enhancement to its digital evidence management system, Genetec Clearance™, with the addition of Scene Redaction, an AI-powered capability that significantly accelerates the process of preparing video evidence for sharing.

A major step forward for video redaction

Traditional manual redaction is often slow and labour-intensive, especially when dealing with large volumes of footage involving multiple individuals and moving elements. With Scene Redaction, Genetec Clearance leverages advanced AI and machine learning to identify people in a scene and automatically apply blurring, dramatically reducing the time and effort required by investigators and privacy officers.

“Redacting video evidence to protect privacy is both a legal obligation and a practical challenge for organisations around the world. Scene Redaction allows users to do this with unprecedented speed and consistency,” said Samir Sinha, Product Group Director at Genetec Inc.

Built for public and private sector needs

Genetec Clearance is already trusted by public safety agencies, police, retailers, and private enterprises across New Zealand and internationally. This new redaction capability is particularly relevant for local government, education providers, security firms, and other organisations subject to Privacy Act 2020 obligations in New Zealand.

As privacy regulations become more stringent and public scrutiny of video surveillance increases, the need for reliable and efficient redaction tools is more critical than ever. Scene Redaction ensures compliance without slowing down operations.

Seamless integration with existing workflows

Clearance users can access Scene Redaction directly within the platform’s intuitive interface. It complements the system’s existing redaction tools, which allow for manual redaction or blurring based on facial recognition, and works across footage from various sources, including body-worn cameras, fixed surveillance, and mobile devices.

At Nextro, we see this as a game-changing advancement for businesses across New Zealand. Whether you’re managing critical infrastructure, safeguarding schools, or coordinating a public safety response, this update to Genetec Clearance delivers powerful tools to ensure evidence integrity and individual privacy, fast.

Want to know more?

To learn how Genetec Clearance™ with Scene Redaction can support your organisation’s evidence management and compliance workflows, contact the Nextro team today, we’re here to help New Zealand businesses and agencies harness the latest in secure, privacy-forward technologies.

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Genetec enhances Security Center SaaS with the addition of intrusion management https://nextro.nz/genetec-enhances-security-center-saas-with-the-addition-of-intrusion-management/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=genetec-enhances-security-center-saas-with-the-addition-of-intrusion-management Sun, 09 Mar 2025 21:11:28 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=5637 Genetec enhances Security Center SaaS with the addition of intrusion management New functionality enhances real-time threat detection, verification, and automated response. Genetec Inc. the global leader in enterprise physical security software, recently announced the addition of intrusion management to Security Center SaaS, the company’s unified physical security solution that can be deployed in the cloud or as...

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Genetec enhances Security Center SaaS with the addition of intrusion management

New functionality enhances real-time threat detection, verification, and automated response.

Genetec Inc. the global leader in enterprise physical security software, recently announced the addition of intrusion management to Security Center SaaS, the company’s unified physical security solution that can be deployed in the cloud or as a hybrid solution. By unifying intrusion detection with video surveillance, access control, identity, and visitor management, Security Center SaaS through Nextro now delivers a fully unified, open, cloud-managed platform supported by the Genetec Cloudlink line of appliances. Security Center SaaS will support a wide range of intrusion devices from multiple vendors, starting with Bosch intrusion panels.

Unified intrusion management

Automated intrusion management eliminates reliance on manual processes, reducing errors and ensuring systems are automatically armed when needed. Operators can configure automated schedules, enforce badge-based activation, and apply first-in, last-out logic to keep facilities protected 24/7 without adding operational complexity. By integrating intrusion with business workflows, companies can focus on their core operations while maintaining a secure environment.

Real-time threat verification and response

Security Center SaaS intrusion management helps security teams act quickly by validating alarms/alerts in real time with video verification, which eliminates uncertainty and reduces unnecessary disruptions. When a real threat is detected, automated workflows can immediately lock doors, activate deterrents, and notify the appropriate personnel based on predefined escalation paths. By minimising false alarms and focusing on real threats, end-users can enhance their security posture while reducing the impact on daily operations, ensuring faster decision-making and more effective responses.

Proactive security measures

In addition to real-time detection, Security Center SaaS intrusion management provides automated reporting and dynamic system alerts to help organisations identify vulnerabilities before they become critical issues. With comprehensive event logging, organisations can ensure compliance and maintain a solid foundation for auditing. 

Operational efficiency

An open approach to intrusion panel support in Security Center SaaS not only enhances security but also improves operational efficiency. By centralising intrusion event data on intuitive dashboards, teams gain real-time visibility that empowers faster, more informed decisions. This immediate access to critical information feeds into automated reporting, which tracks trends in alarms and response times, enabling teams to uncover valuable insights for continuous improvement.

“Security Center SaaS continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. With the introduction of intrusion management, we are delivering on our vision of a fully unified, open, and cloud-managed platform. This empowers organisations to detect, verify, and respond to threats with greater speed and confidence,” said Christian Morin, Vice President Product Engineering at Genetec Inc.

Availability and hardware support

The intrusion panel feature for Security Center SaaS will be available in New Zealand in mid-2025 through Nextro. Built on an open architecture and supported by the Genetec Cloudlink line of multi-workload cloud-managed appliances, Security Center SaaS will support Bosch intrusion panels at launch, with plans to expand compatibility through additional technology partnerships. This open approach enables customers to choose the hardware that best fits their needs or retain their existing panels, providing a cost-effective and flexible path to modernising their physical security operations.

For more information about Security Center SaaS, its new intrusion management capabilities, and how they will benefit your business, contact us today.

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Nextro Achieves Fortinet SD-WAN Specialisation https://nextro.nz/nextro-achieves-sdwan-specialisation/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nextro-achieves-sdwan-specialisation Tue, 04 Mar 2025 01:29:58 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=5584 Nextro has announced that it has proudly achieved Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN Specialisation, demonstrating its commitment to delivering advanced and secure networking solutions to businesses across New Zealand and Australia. Nextro’s in-depth knowledge of Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN technology, combined with its extensive experience in cybersecurity, enables the company to provide comprehensive solutions that meet the specific needs of its clients.

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Nextro Achieves Fortinet SD-WAN Specialisation

The Fortinet Secure SD-WAN Specialisation solidifies Nextro’s position as a leader in secure networking solutions.

Auckland, New Zealand, 5 March 2025 – Nextro, the New Zealand-headquartered network, cybersecurity and physical security provider, today announced that it has proudly achieved Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN Specialisation, demonstrating its commitment to delivering advanced and secure networking solutions to businesses across New Zealand and Australia.

This specialisation recognises Nextro’s expertise in deploying Fortinet Secure SD-WAN, showcasing and validating its capability to enhance network security while optimising client performance. As a key player in cybersecurity, Nextro continues to ensure that businesses are equipped with the tools that they need to navigate the complexities of today’s digital landscape.

“Achieving the Fortinet Secure SD-WAN Specialisation is a significant milestone for our team and a deserved validation of their experience and capabilities. It not only reflects our dedication to offering the best in network security, but also positions us to further support our clients in protecting their digital environments, assets, and critical infrastructure,” said Martyn Levy, Nextro’s Managing Director.      

Nextro’s in-depth knowledge of Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN technology, combined with its extensive experience in cybersecurity, enables the company to provide comprehensive solutions that meet the specific needs of its clients. This includes secure connectivity, optimised application performance, and simplified management – all while reducing costs and enhancing security.

“Nextro has consistently demonstrated its ability to deliver innovative and secure networking solutions. We are excited to see how their expertise in Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN technology will benefit their clients and contribute to the overall cybersecurity landscape across Australia and New Zealand,” said Nick Frantzen, Service Creation Manager at Fortinet New Zealand.

In a fast-paced industry, specialisations focused on market opportunities enabled by the Fortinet Engage Partner Program help partners be recognised and valued by current and potential customers as trusted advisors who have the expertise, services and technologies they need to meet their digital acceleration needs.

With this specialisation, Nextro is now positioned to offer even greater value to its clients, helping them stay ahead in an increasingly challenging cybersecurity environment. The Fortinet specialisation means that Nextro understands convergence and the value of maximising a secure networking approach for digital acceleration for customers.   

Click here for more information on Nextro’s SD-WAN offering.

A wall of Fortinet firewall boxes from one of Nextro’s recent 40+ site SD-WAN deployments.

A wall of Fortinet firewall boxes from one of Nextro’s recent 50+ site SD-WAN deployments.

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Nextro and Genetec partner with Eden Park for enhanced security operations https://nextro.nz/nextro-and-genetec-partner-with-eden-park-for-enhanced-security-operations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nextro-and-genetec-partner-with-eden-park-for-enhanced-security-operations Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:52:05 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=5216 Nextro and Genetec deliver operational efficiencies and security enhancements for Eden Park with Genetec Security Centre. On a busy event day, Eden Park welcomes about 50,000 spectators. Find out how the team has expanded visibility to keep guests safer, all while developing stronger city partnerships to streamline operations and incident response. The company Eden Park...

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Nextro and Genetec deliver operational efficiencies and security enhancements for Eden Park with Genetec Security Centre.

On a busy event day, Eden Park welcomes about 50,000 spectators. Find out how the team has expanded visibility to keep guests safer, all while developing stronger city partnerships to streamline operations and incident response.

“Nextro is proud to partner with Eden Park to design, implement and support its upgraded security platform. The Genetec solution is now being used to enhance operations and ensure stadium-wide safety and security for New Zealand’s biggest sporting and cultural events.”

Martyn Levy

Managing Director at Nextro

The company

Eden Park is widely considered New Zealand’s national stadium. Since its opening in 1903, the stadium has been the home of Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby. It has a seating capacity of nearly 50,000 and an unmatched atmosphere for live events. As New Zealand’s largest stadium, Eden Park has a proven track record of delivering successful events for over a century. This includes the 1987 and 2011 Rugby World Cup finals as well as the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup and others.

The challenge

Over one million local and international fans pass through Eden Park’s doors each year. High-volume patronage means the stadium needed a security platform that could help the team proactively safeguard against threats. This became important following the release of the New Zealand Government’s Crowded Places Strategy in 2020 and Eden Park becoming the host of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™.

The solution

Boosting stadium-wide visibility

Operators now have a clear picture of stadium events. With privacy-first visual tracking and quick search functionality, identifying and responding to security alerts can happen in seconds.

Gaining real-time insights

The AutoVu ANPR system helps operators automatically track vehicle license plates, comparing them against the live law enforcement database of stolen vehicles or vehicles of interest.

Achieving full redundancy 

Dual directory servers and four Streamvault security infrastructure appliances operating in high-availability mode mean Eden Park has certainty of continuous operation for game day. 

Enhancing city-wide collaboration

Using the Genetec Federation feature, Eden Park can grant system access to the New Zealand Police in case of emergencies. This enables authorities to rapidly respond to stadium incidents.

“Eden Park is committed to delivering world-class live experiences and attracting premium events for Auckland and New Zealand. With centralized security operations underpinned by Genetec, we’re able to continue setting the benchmark for stadium experiences in the wider APAC region.” 

Nick Sautner

Chief Executive Officer at Eden Park

Results

With the Genetec platform at hand, Eden Park operators can now monitor crowds, address safety concerns, and coordinate incident responses from centralized spaces. Eden Park now has a unified view of security, backed by infrastructure appliances that have been tested to their limits and tailored to the stadium’s unique requirements. This added level of reliability eliminates guesswork and offers invaluable peace of mind.

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Elevate critical infrastructure networks with Nextro and Arista https://nextro.nz/elevate-critical-infrastructure-networks-with-nextro-and-arista/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=elevate-critical-infrastructure-networks-with-nextro-and-arista Mon, 19 Aug 2024 22:48:38 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=5142 Elevate critical infrastructure networks with Nextro and Arista Critical infrastructure industries such as energy, water supply, healthcare, and transportation are the backbone of our society. They are crucial to ensuring public safety, economic stability, and country security.    As critical infrastructure managers continually embrace digital transformation, their corporate (IT) and operational (OT) networks must be able...

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Elevate critical infrastructure networks with Nextro and Arista

Critical infrastructure industries such as energy, water supply, healthcare, and transportation are the backbone of our society. They are crucial to ensuring public safety, economic stability, and country security.   

As critical infrastructure managers continually embrace digital transformation, their corporate (IT) and operational (OT) networks must be able to efficiently manage large volumes of data, and the growing number of IoT devices, while securely integrating operational technologies, security equipment, and other devices with their systems. To keep their operations running seamlessly, critical infrastructure organisations rely heavily on robust, high-speed, efficient, and secure network solutions/architecture.  

At Nextro, we understand that ensuring the reliability, operations, and security of critical infrastructure networks is of utmost importance not only for the organisations but the entire community.  To this end, Nextro partnered with Arista Networks, an industry leader in data-driven, client-to-cloud networking for large data centre/AI, campus, and routing environments, to provide innovative network solutions tailored to meet the dynamic and growing demands of the critical infrastructure sector.  

This article explores the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure networks and how Arista Networks’ advanced switches and network solutions enable critical infrastructure organisations and managers to enhance their network availability, agility, automation, analytics, and security. 

Arista’s solutions for critical infrastructure networks 

Arista Networks is at the forefront of providing innovative cloud networking solutions to meet the highest performance, reliability, and security standards necessary for critical infrastructure operations. Their solutions include Extensible Operating System (EOS), network applications, and Ethernet switching and routing platforms.    

Check here how Arista’s solutions and Nextro can help critical infrastructure organisations: 

1. High-Performance Switches 

Arista’s switches are designed for high-performance, offering scalable bandwidth from 1Gbps to 400Gbps. They provide ultra-low latency, high throughput and scalability, ensuring real-time data processing essential for critical infrastructure operations that demand reliable, high-speed data transmission. Below are the two models of Arista’s high-performance switches that meet the needs of critical infrastructure and can be supplied by Nextro in New Zealand & Australia:   
 

  • 7000 series switches: designed for high-frequency trading, cloud data centres, and large enterprise environments. They support 10/25/40/50/100 Gigabit Ethernet and are known for their modularity and high-density configurations.   
  • 7500R series switches: engineered for the most demanding data centre environments. They offer exceptional performance, support for up to 400 Gigabit Ethernet and features designed to handle massive amounts of data traffic with minimal latency. 

2. Extensible Operating System (EOS) 

Arista EOS is a highly modular and fully programmable operating system that delivers workflow automation, high availability, unparalleled network visibility and analytics capabilities.   

Arista EOS integrates seamlessly with a wide range of third-party applications, automation tools, and scripting languages, enabling network administrators to customise and automate network functions and workflows. It can also scale to hundreds of thousands of compute and storage nodes with management and provisioning capabilities that work at scale.   

EOS ensures optimal network performance and troubleshooting issues by harnessing advanced features, including analytics, network telemetry, and real-time monitoring.   

Designed for resiliency and programmability, Arista EOS provides a robust software foundation and allows for solutions customised to the specific needs of critical infrastructure sectors, ensuring optimal performance and security. 

3. CloudVision: Unified Management and Automation 

Managing complex network environments can be challenging, particularly in critical infrastructure organisations. Arista’s CloudVision platform offers unified management, simplifying network operations and enhancing security. CloudVision’s real-time telemetry and analytics enhance network visibility, monitoring, and control.   

CloudVision’s centralised approach enables network administrators to oversee and efficiently manage complex and large-scale deployments from a single interface, reducing operational complexity, improving response time and mitigating risks.  

The platform leverages cloud networking and integrates various automation tools and orchestration frameworks, enabling streamlined operations and reduced manual intervention. At Nextro, we know that this is crucial for maintaining high availability and scaling infrastructure in response to changing demands. 

4. Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) 

Arista’s VXLAN technology enhances network segmentation, vital for isolating sensitive data and protecting critical systems. By segmenting the network, organisations can minimise the impact of potential breaches and effectively contain threats.

Benefits of Arista’s Network Solutions for Critical Infrastructure 

Nextro can help its critical infrastructure customers achieve the following benefits when deploying Arista switches and other solutions: 

1. Improved Operational Efficiency 

With high-performance switches and routers, Arista network solutions cater to the demanding requirements of critical infrastructure. Their devices provide high-speed data transmission with minimal latency and maximum throughput, allowing critical infrastructure organisations to enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure continuous and reliable service delivery. 

2. Scalability and Flexibility 

Critical infrastructure systems must often scale quickly to accommodate growing demands or integrate new technologies. Arista’s software-driven solutions allow critical infrastructure organisations to adapt and expand their networks without compromising performance. The flexibility and scalability of Arista’s solutions, such as EOS (EOS), enable seamless integration with existing systems and technologies, ensuring that critical infrastructure can scale and evolve without disruption. 

3. Proactive Threat Detection and Response 

With the real-time telemetry and analytics capabilities offered by Arista’s CloudVision platform, organisations can proactively detect anomalies and threats to their networks. This allows them to respond swiftly to potential incidents, minimise damage, and ensure rapid recovery. 

4. Enhanced Security 

Critical infrastructure networks are exposed to various cybersecurity threats, which can cause significant disruptions to their operations, compromise the availability and integrity of vital services, and lead to catastrophic consequences. Therefore, security is paramount in critical infrastructure.   

Arista Networks incorporates advanced security features into its solutions, including segmentation, encryption, and real-time threat detection. By leveraging these capabilities, Nextro helps organisations protect their networks from cybersecurity threats and unauthorised access, safeguarding vital operations and sensitive data. 

Protecting critical infrastructure networks from cybersecurity threats is essential to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of vital services and the safety of our society. At Nextro, we understand the challenges these industries face and provide best-of-breed solutions to meet their needs.  

Together with Arista Networks, Nextro delivers advanced switches and comprehensive network solutions that provide the security, reliability, and performance needed to safeguard critical infrastructure. By leveraging Arista’s innovative networking solutions, organisations can enhance their resilience against cybersecurity threats, ensuring the continued operation and security of the services we rely on daily.  

To learn more about how Arista’s solutions can elevate your network, operations, and security, get in touch with the Nextro team today. We are ready to help you implement the right best-of-breed solutions to optimise the operation of your critical infrastructure while at the same time meeting your security needs. Nextro is a certified and trained Arista Networks partner.   

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OT environments are facing increasing cyber attacks https://nextro.nz/ot-environments-are-facing-increasing-cyber-attacks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ot-environments-are-facing-increasing-cyber-attacks Sun, 18 Aug 2024 23:07:59 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=5137 OT environments are facing increasing cyber attacks According to a recent global survey released by Fortinet, 31% of organisations with OT environments reported over six intrusions in the past year, a significant increase from the 11% reported the previous year.    This alarming finding shows that despite growing efforts and investments to bolster their security posture,...

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OT environments are facing increasing cyber attacks

According to a recent global survey released by Fortinet, 31% of organisations with OT environments reported over six intrusions in the past year, a significant increase from the 11% reported the previous year.   

This alarming finding shows that despite growing efforts and investments to bolster their security posture, organisations still face significant challenges when securing integrated IT/OT environments. 

In this article, we cover the main OT cybersecurity challenges highlighted by Fortinet’s 2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity Report and provide some insights on the best practices for enhancing your OT security posture.    

Cyber Threats to Operational Technology Environments  

Traditionally kept isolated from other environments, most OT systems were not designed for today’s increased network connectivity. As organisations integrate new digital technologies into their OT environments, security challenges become more complex. 

Threats to OT environments can come from numerous sources, including terrorist groups, disgruntled employees, malicious intruders, natural disasters, actions by insiders, and unintentional actions such as human error or failure to follow established policies and procedures. Attackers are developing more sophisticated tactics and tools to penetrate OT protocols and systems.  

To ensure the safety of their OT systems, organisations must adopt essential tools and capabilities to enhance visibility and protection across the entire network, reducing the time for attack detection and response, as well as the overall risk for these environments. 

Key Findings from Fortinet Report 

1. Cyberattacks that compromise OT systems are on the rise. 

This year, 73% of organisations reported intrusions that impacted either OT systems only or both IT and OT systems, a sharp increase from only 49% in 2023. 

Findings also showed an increasing number of organisations experiencing a high volume of intrusions. Over 30% of respondents had six or more intrusions, up from only 11% in 2023. 

2. Email attacks and mobile security breaches are the main attack techniques.   

Phishing and compromised business email were the most common attack types in the last year, affecting 76% and 65% of the organisations. Additionally, ransomware and wiper intrusions saw a spike in activity, rising from 32% in 2023 to over 55% in 2024.  

Cybercriminals’ most common techniques for gaining access to OT environments were mobile security breaches and web compromises.  

These findings highlight the importance of organisations investing in cybersecurity awareness training for their team members, making them a key component of your business’s strategy to fortify your company’s defences.  

3. Organisations have experienced increased damage from intrusions. 

The damages caused by intrusions have also gotten worse for organisations. More than half of respondents (55%) reported degradation of brand awareness due to a successful attack. Findings also showed an increase in organisations that reported lost business-critical data and decreased productivity due to a breach incident.  

Given the rise in attacks and extension of their damages, nearly half (46%) of respondents indicate that they measure success based on the recovery time needed to resume normal operations. That suggests that for many organisations, quickly responding to inevitable attacks may be a more realistic target to measure their cyber resilience success.  

4. Organisations have a more mature OT security posture  

As OT threats become more sophisticated, the report suggests that most organisations still have blind spots in their environment. While there has been a decrease in organisations claiming to have complete visibility of their OT activities within central cybersecurity operations compared to the previous years, the number of organisations reporting that they have 75% visibility increased. This suggests that organisations are gaining a more realistic understanding of their security posture and becoming more aware of their blind spots.  

5. OT Cybersecurity has become a high-rank responsibility 

The percentage of organisations aligning OT security with the CISO increased to 27% this year, compared to 17% in 2023.  

Findings also indicate a growing trend of transferring OT responsibility to other C-suite roles, such as the CIO, CTO, and COO, with an expected increase to about 60% in the next 12 months. This indicates a clear concern for OT security and risk in 2024 and beyond. 

Also, in organisations where the CIO is not responsible, these responsibilities are shifted from the Director of Network Engineering to the Vice President of Operations role, illustrating another escalation of responsibility. 

This elevation into the executive ranks indicates that OT security is becoming a higher-profile topic and gaining more attention at the board level. 

Best practices to enhance OT security 

The results of the Fortinet report show us the urgent need for effective security measures. 

Based on these findings, the Nextro team has compiled the best practices to address OT security challenges and strengthen its security posture.   

Implement network segmentation 

To minimise intrusions, it’s crucial to establish a fortified OT environment with robust network policy controls at every access point. This defensible architecture begins with creating distinct network zones or segments. Additionally, teams should assess the complexity of managing these solutions and consider the advantages of an integrated or platform-based approach with centralised management capabilities. 

Enhance Visibility and Apply Compensating Controls for OT Assets 

Visibility into all assets on the OT network is essential. Once visibility is achieved, organisations must protect any vulnerable OT devices with purpose-built compensating controls. These controls should include protocol-aware network policies, system interaction analysis, and endpoint monitoring to detect and prevent the compromise of sensitive OT assets.  

Integrate OT into Security Operations and Incident Response 

Organisations should integrate OT considerations into their overall SecOps and incident response plans. This involves creating playbooks that specifically address the OT environment, ensuring comprehensive incident management and response. 

Utilise OT-Specific Threat Intelligence and Security Services 

Effective OT security relies on timely awareness and precise analysis of emerging threats. Organisations should ensure their threat intelligence and content sources are rich with OT-specific information, enhancing their ability to respond to imminent risks accurately. 

Adopt a Platform Approach to Security Architecture 

To tackle the dynamic nature of OT threats and the growing attack surface, organisations often deploy numerous security solutions from various vendors, leading to complexity. A platform-based approach can streamline this by consolidating vendors and simplifying the security architecture. A robust platform designed to safeguard both IT and OT environments enables solution integration, improving security efficacy and allowing centralised management to boost efficiency. 

With the rise of more sophisticated and complex OT security threats, organisations must adopt comprehensive and proactive cybersecurity strategies to safeguard their OT environments. 

At Nextro, we stand at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, offering best-of-breed solutions specifically designed to protect OT and IT infrastructure effectively. Our solutions enable organisations to enhance their security and mitigate risks.  

If you would like to learn more about safeguarding your OT network, or have general networking or cybersecurity questions, please get in touch with the Nextro team today. 

To download your copy of the Fortinet 2024 State of Operational Technology and Cybersecurity here.

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Harnessing AI solutions for security, operational efficiency, and health and safety compliance  https://nextro.nz/harnessing-ai-solutions-for-security-operational-efficiency-and-health-and-safety-compliance/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=harnessing-ai-solutions-for-security-operational-efficiency-and-health-and-safety-compliance https://nextro.nz/harnessing-ai-solutions-for-security-operational-efficiency-and-health-and-safety-compliance/#comments Fri, 21 Jun 2024 03:56:59 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=5020 Harnessing AI solutions for security, operational efficiency, and health and safety compliance  The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked both excitement over its potential and concerns about its risks. As AI technology continues to evolve, various industries around the globe are exploring its potential applications.   AI, which includes machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL),...

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Harnessing AI solutions for security, operational efficiency, and health and safety compliance 

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked both excitement over its potential and concerns about its risks. As AI technology continues to evolve, various industries around the globe are exploring its potential applications.  

AI, which includes machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and rule-based expert systems (RBES), has the potential to revolutionise the security, operations, and health and safety of critical infrastructure, industrial sites, retail, and other industries.  

At Nextro, we are already leveraging AI, ML and video analytics to help our customers gain operational leverage and efficiency.  

In this blog post, the Nextro team shares some of its learnings to date, and takes an in-depth look at the benefits of leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning video analytics solutions to enhance physical security, operational efficiency, as well as health and safety compliance.  

Enhancing Physical Security with AI  

AI physical security applications enable security teams to perform their duties more efficiently and accurately across large datasets. Some well-known examples include:  

  • Video Analytics: AI can analyse real-time video feeds to quickly identify unusual activities from people or vehicles such as loitering or intrusion, allowing security operators to focus on other tasks, increasing overall efficiency.  
  • Face Recognition: AI systems can use biometric data to locate or recognise a person in real-time or from video archives. This is especially useful for law enforcement, retail crime prevention, or VIP use cases. It also can be used to generate highly-accurate dwell-time statistics 
  • People Counting: Automating the counting of people in airports, train stations, stadia, large-footprint retail environments, and businesses aids in managing occupancy, monitoring queues, and alerting staff when necessary. This data assists in enhancing crowd control and understanding peak travel times in transit.  
  • Traffic Flow Management: Using advanced AI technology, traffic flow is effectively managed at large venues, hospitals, and city areas. The system detects backups, promptly alerts staff to any issues, and seamlessly re-routes traffic or adjusts signage as needed to ensure optimal flow.  
  • License Plate Recognition: Recognising license plates assists in investigations and enables touchless parking payment systems.  
  • Object Detection: AI is used to detect objects to secure perimeters at critical infrastructure facilities, prevent smuggling in correctional facilities, and identify left luggage or bomb threats at airports and train stations.  
  • Data Integration: AI systems have the capability to seamlessly integrate with diverse data sources including airport baggage systems, logistics systems, and smart building systems. This integration allows for the analysis, prediction, and proactive response to specific business situations. The data can also be seamlessly outputted to an enterprises own data lake and business intelligence systems for further analysis and reporting.  

Securing critical infrastructure and industrial sites from intrusion, theft, and sabotage is just the initial measure to safeguard production and operations. Sustaining ongoing operations also depends on a strategic and proactive approach to operational efficiency, adhering to health and safety regulations, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.  

AI’s Role in Enhancing Health and Safety  

AI-powered solutions offer far more than traditional methods to minimise disruptions, improve operational efficiency, and enhance health and safety procedures. From risk assessment to accident prevention, AI is reshaping how companies approach and implement health and safety practices.  

AI & Video Analytics Systems for Enhanced Safety Compliance  

The new generation of network cameras, thermal sensors, and access control systems, when paired with AI and analytics technologies, efficiently collect and analyse vast amounts of data. This results in faster and more effective safety interventions, not just in real-time events, but also for future protection, raising the bar for long-term site health and safety procedures.  

Key Applications: 

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Detection: AI can detect and confirm the presence or absence of required PPE, enabling workplaces to issue corrective actions and link to access control systems to prevent site access without proper PPE.  
  • Restricted Area Monitoring: AI helps prevent incidents in restricted areas and confined spaces. Sensors can trigger equipment shutdowns and alert operations when detecting a person within a risk zone.  
  • Early Fire Detection: AI supports fire detection with early recognition of smoke and fire, allowing prompt action.  
  • Man-Down Detection: Analytics monitor the working environment for slips, falls, or collapses, mitigating risks in lone-worker scenarios and enabling swift response to incidents.  
  • Blocked Exit Notification: AI systems, when paired with well-placed cameras, can detect objects blocking emergency exits or evacuation areas and send alerts. This reduces reliance on a human patrol of the back-of-house corridors and emergency egress points, saving time and money and allowing human resources to focus on more important tasks.  
  • Leak Detection: AI monitors pipes, tanks, and equipment, sending alerts regarding potentially dangerous leaks using thermal technology.  
  • Safety Regulations Compliance: AI analytics systems can automatically detect potential safety hazards, such as workers not wearing protective gear/PPE or unauthorised personnel in restricted areas, allowing prompt intervention and corrective actions.  

Utilising AI in High-Risk Sectors 

AI integration in high-risk fields exemplifies its potential to mitigate issues, create safer environments, and revolutionise approaches to challenging tasks in critical industries:  

  • Predictive Maintenance in Manufacturing: AI-driven systems use sensor data and ML algorithms to forecast equipment failures before they occur, enabling proactive maintenance, reducing downtime, and minimising accident risks.  
  • Hazard Detection in Mining: AI-powered drones with advanced sensors and computer vision capabilities can survey mine sites and detect safety hazards, such as unstable terrain or toxic gas leaks, prioritising worker safety and enabling prompt threat response.  

Wearable Devices and Sensors for Worker Health Monitoring  

Specialised wearable devices are indispensable in safeguarding worker health in hazardous environments. In industries like construction, mining, and manufacturing, smart helmets equipped with sensors detect harmful gases, monitor environmental conditions, and assess potential head injuries. These wearables can automatically trigger alerts or emergency responses in case of accidents, ensuring timely assistance and preventing severe consequences. 

Disaster Response and Rescue Operations  

In high-risk situations, such as natural disasters or search-and-rescue operations, AI-powered drones and robots aid first responders in assessing situations, locating survivors, and navigating hazardous environments. These technologies enable more effective disaster response and help protect the safety of rescue teams.  

AI has significantly impacted workplace security and safety through its practical applications, paving the way for a future where protection and progress are intrinsically linked. The adoption of AI for health and safety in the workplace marks a significant shift in today’s organisations. AI-driven solutions offer predictive maintenance, real-time risk assessments, virtual reality training, and wearable devices to enhance workplace safety, mitigate risks, and boost productivity.  

By identifying safety hazards and empowering workers with AI-driven insights, organisations can foster a culture of prevention, creating a collaborative work environment where technology complements human capabilities.  

If you want to know more about how to use artificial intelligence, machine learning and camera analytics to safeguard your organisation, dramatically increase operational efficiencies, surface up business insights, and improve health and safety compliance, please get in touch with the Nextro team now.   

Sources: https://itbrief.com.au/story/ai-in-physical-security-opportunities-risks-and-responsibility
https://www.thedigitalspeaker.com/transformative-role-ai-revolutionising-workplace-health-safety/

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