Latest Legislation News

Commercial aluminum doors likely to become dominated by the thermally broken system
posted on 02/05/2008

Due to be launched later in 2008, two new deadlocks from Adams Rite are specifically aimed at meeting the new standards BS 3621 and BS EN12209. Simon Guy, technical manager for Adams Rite discusses the rationale behind the development of the deadlocks and what the changes within the security hardware industry mean for the company: “We have seen a significant growth in the thermally broken door system market, and anticipate that the market of commercial aluminum doors is likely to become dominated by the thermally broken style, reflecting the situation in the European market. We felt it was important for us to develop new locking hardware to meet the needs of this growing sector and, that these products also met the standards BS EN 12209 and BS3621 which were looming on the horizon." “We are facing a lot more competition from European companies than we used to and we are no longer within a niche market. Therefore, it is more important than ever that we invest in our new product devel... [more]

Fraud losses by banks shifted onto consumers
posted on 01/05/2008

The newly revised UK British Banking code means that fraud losses by banks will now be shifted onto consumers. The new code allows banks to hold customers personally responsible if they have not taken adequate security measures to protect themselves. The research, published this month by analyst firm Gartner, documented that 37% of respondents were unsure how they had become victims of credit card fraud and a further 19% attributed credit card account breaches to retailers, government agencies or third parties. Data from the US and the rest of Europe also suggests that similar trends exist, as companies in these regions are looking to adopt a similar policy. While the new guidelines advise that customers' computers must be kept secure to protect sensitive data, it offers little or no real assistance on how to use firewall and antivirus/spyware protection effectively or ensure adequate security standards. Alan Coburn, managing consultant at dns, believes that despite advising custo... [more]

Half of the door staff checked by Security Industry Authority were flouting the law
posted on 01/02/2008

Investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and licensing officers from Strathclyde Police have carried out checks at pubs, clubs and other licensed venues in Glasgow’s city centre. 10 licensed premises were visited and 16 door supervisors were checked. Eight people held valid SIA Door Supervisor licences and eight individuals were warned for offences of working without a SIA licence. Action against licensees and security directors suspected of deploying unlicensed staff may follow. It is an offence to work as a door supervisor (in house and contract) in Great Britain without an SIA licence. A Door Supervisor licence is required if manned guarding activities are undertaken in relation to licensed premises. The maximum penalty for committing an offence such as working without a licence or employing unlicensed staff is six months’ imprisonment and/or fine up to £5,000. Jennifer Pattinson, an SIA Head of Investigation said: “Half of the door staff checked were flouting th... [more]

UK security industry backs Government plans to introduce compulsory ID cards
posted on 25/01/2008

68% of the UK security industry has backed the Government’s plans to introduce compulsory ID cards for UK citizens, according to a poll carried out by IFSEC. This result comes just a week after Gordon Brown vowed to "move ahead" with ID cards, subject to a vote in Parliament. The Government says ID cards will help protect people from identity fraud, tackle illegal immigration, stop people who are not eligible from using public services and disrupt criminal and terrorist activities. The plan has faced strong opposition from rival political parties, the media and human rights activists. James Blue, Event Director IFSEC, said “With the threat of terrorism still high, instances of ID theft rising and the vast extent of illegal immigration in the UK at the moment, it seems more and more people are coming round to the idea of ID cards. Many other European countries already have official ID cards, and it seems the security industry here are behind the scheme.” Brian Sims commented “There ... [more]

Protect critical information: think beyond the hacker
posted on 07/01/2008

This year’s Gartner report states that IT security over-protects the wrong assets, over-reacts to the unexpected and over-spends. Security 3.0 is here; a clearer eyed approach to risk management that applies resources appropriately and moves away from the ‘bolting on’ that’s ruled our approach to security for too long. Businesses and the UK Government really need to start asking themselves where the real IT security threats lie. Repeatedly we hear of threats relating to people hacking into networks and Hollywood reinforces this fear - just look at the latest Die Hard movie. Of course, it is important to focus our attention on the issue of network hacking, but this is not the complete picture in the security world. The reality is that hacking is a complex process and requires intricate timing. After all, how great is the chance of a hacker intercepting information at the very time you are sending it over the internet? And how likely is it he or she will know what network and location ... [more]

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