Latest Public Sector security News

How to make security policies work even for the largest organizations
posted on 31/03/2011

When it comes to a network security policy, there often seems to be a direct tradeoff between security and maintainability. I’ve found this doesn’t always have to be the case. Even in large organizations, security policies can be easy to maintain if you follow some best practices that ensure they remain clear, intuitive and well-organized. Ready for Change The business requires on-going changes to connectivity. Making these changes is the responsibility of firewall administrators. Your goal as the architect of the security policy is to make it easy for the administrators to find the relevant rule - or add new ones when needed - so that they can provide fast and accurate service. Here are a few guidelines for architecting a policy for maintainability: • Provide clear documentation for each rule and network object so that anybody can understand what they are for • Avoid using the same rules and network objects for multiple purposes. Create another rule or object so you don’t wind up ... [more]

Hygie-Tech software helps defence agencies prepare adequate answers to CBRN incidents in the open
posted on 30/03/2011

Hygie-Tech’s HG_Flow.Protect software has until now been used by defence and security agencies to formulate disaster response plans for CBRN attacks on buildings that might be targeted by terrorists. Market demand has led Hygie-Tech to develop extended capability to cover open spaces, as security professionals need to plan for all eventualities when organising large outdoor gatherings such as international sporting events. Hygie-Tech now has the capability to scan outdoor spaces as well as buildings in order to develop comprehensive response and detection plans for chemical and biological attacks. Hygie-Tech uses its industry leading software to process results from 3D laser scans in order to visualise air flows. Hygie-Tech has designed a new module to capture meteorological data which has been built into the existing HG_Flow.Protect software. This enhancement was developed by Dr Philippe Le Goff, who is Chief Scientific Officer at Hygie-Tech and a world renowned expert on airbor... [more]

Avon Barrier Company's SG1500CR anti-terrorist armoured vehicle gate passes both U.K. and U.S. crash-test standards
posted on 30/03/2011

Avon Barrier Company has announced that its SG1500CR sliding armoured vehicle gate has been successfully tested to both the UK PAS 68 standard and the US ASTM 2656-07. According to the company, it is the only sliding gate to achieve both standards. For the U.K., the U.S, and other markets, such as the Middle East and India, requiring high levels of proven crash-tested performance, the gate is designed to prevent unauthorized vehicle access, including terrorist attack. It can withstand direct impact forces, including extreme Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) attack. It is capable of resisting a 7500KG N3 truck travelling at 50MPH. In addition it was also tested against hostile attack by a 4 x 4 pickup truck. The SG1500CR incorporates a full impact resistance system which means that a wide range of gate heights and infills can be configured to meet individual site applications. The shallow foundation depth required is less than 500mm. Paul Jeffrey, Managing Directo... [more]

Codestuff helps Manchester Airport upgrade to a fully digital CCTV system
posted on 29/03/2011

Manchester Airport is the only global gateway to Northern England. Over 75 airlines offer direct flights to over 190 destinations worldwide and employs around 19,000 people on-site. Codestuff has announced a project helping Manchester Airport to upgrade its aging analogue CCTV system to a fully digital core. The 8 month project will improve a wide range of CCTV related tasks from baggage system monitoring, car park customer service, aircraft stands and pedestrian safety management across a 625 hectare site used by over 18 million passengers and staff each year. Keen to update its existing CCTV network, Manchester Airport chose the Quorum platform for video recording, playback, management and archiving alongside a new fully digital core. Quorum was selected based on its scalability and depth of features as well as Codestuff’s ability to provide custom modification to allow the existing management and control systems to interface directly into the upgraded CCTV system. “The new d... [more]

Organisations need to find ways of protecting themselves against data loss by email that are both pragmatic and practical
posted on 29/03/2011

As regulators gain more teeth, sanctions for inappropriate customer data disclosure now spread right across the private and public sectors, and no longer apply solely to financial services. Offenders are fined and publicised, with resulting reputational damage. Business organisations that leak product or service secrets through email could, in addition, give away their commercial edge, with a consequent loss of market share. Email is a powerful enabler, yet it also carries very significant risks for organisations for which inadvertent or deliberate disclosure of inappropriate information could be damaging. Risk occurs because of the potential for incorrect addressing, for what might be written in the body of messages, and what be might contained within attached files. Email security more often than not relies on human memory, cooperation and integrity. Confidential information might be sent by one authorised employee to another, but it then might by accident or with intent be copied ... [more]

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