STE Executive Suite blogger and STE magazine editor Paul Rothman discusses security issues of relevance for security managers and chief security officers (CSOs).
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'Undercover Boss' appearance a triumph for ADT
By Paul Rothman - Thursday May 23, 2013
It isn’t a hard and fast rule, but when a company appears on a show like CBS’ Undercover Boss , you can probably expect to see some fireworks — there was the Boston Market cashier who hated customers; the Hooters manager who humiliated the employees; the surf shop employee who tried to sell his boss some dope — and the list goes on. Fortunately for ADT Security Services, its Undercover Boss experience merely revealed a group of dedicated, caring employees and a green executive just trying to understand them, along with the ins and outs of the business. Sure, the show revealed a few areas for the company to improve, but overall, the appearance should be viewed as a tremendous positive for the organization. For the show... -
The Bird is the Word
By Paul Rothman - Wednesday April 24, 2013
When analyzing an emergency mass notification plan, unfortunately it tends to take an actual emergency to see how it works in action. Such was the case in Boston last week, when jammed phone and SMS lines created snarled and ineffective communications. The Boston Police, however, seemed as prepared for the communications breakdown as they were for the actual emergency response. Using social media — mainly Twitter — Boston Police was able to spread its emergency notification messages literally across the globe in a matter of minutes; and, thanks to the help of the media and concerned citizens from all points on the compass, that message was multiplied at an exponential rate. I count 30 Tweets concerning the bombing — everything... -
Keeping up with Innovation
By Paul Rothman - Friday March 22, 2013
It seems like someone pressed the fast-forward button on technology a few years ago, and the breakneck pace has put the security industry on a virtual speedway — with many end-users, integrators and even vendors desperately trying to avoid being left behind the video surveillance curve. Of course, the “gateway drug” to this massive technology shift is IP technology, as it has opened the door to what seems like thousands of other technology breakthroughs. Thought you had a grip on high definition? Well, can you really explain the difference between HDTV and megapixel cameras to your client or company executives? Have you heard of Ultra HD yet, because chances are, you might hear about it in the future. How about video compression... -
Coca-Cola Super Bowl ad uses security cameras as the star
- Monday February 4, 2013
Sure, Coca-Cola gave us all a few warm and fuzzy feelings during the Super Bowl with this well-thought-out advertisement that featured random acts of kindness caught on surveillance video. But for some, it was just a stark reminder that "Big Brother" is usually watching -- at least on public streets. That Coke could even put this ad together says a lot about the municipal surveillance capabilities and how quickly they are growing around the world. -
Keeping secrets safe on the road
By Paul Rothman - Thursday January 31, 2013
Planning to visit China soon? Whether it’s for business or pleasure, American executives must keep their guard up and their corporate secrets secure. Here’s what the U.S. State Department warns: “Security personnel carefully watch foreign visitors and may place you under surveillance. Hotel rooms (including meeting rooms), offices, cars, taxis, telephones, Internet usage, and fax machines may be monitored onsite or remotely, and personal possessions in hotel rooms, including computers, may be searched without your consent or knowledge. Business travelers should be particularly mindful that trade secrets, negotiating positions, and other business-sensitive information may be taken and shared with local interests.” For many...
