This article originally appeared in the January 2023 issue of Security Business magazine. When sharing, don’t forget to mention Security Business magazine on LinkedIn and @SecBusinessMag on Twitter.
Attacks by perpetrators against schools, utility facilities and workplaces – along with crushing challenges with supply chains across the globe – made it a very trying year for security professionals, manufacturers and integrators alike. For those who are too busy trying to stay ahead of the next curveball, take a look back at the 10 most-read SecurityInfoWatch stories of 2022.
1. U.S. and U.K. governments crack down further on Chinese surveillance manufacturers.
The U.S. government made good on its threat to take action against security industry giant Hikvision for its alleged role in enabling human rights abuses by the Chinese government. The FCC ruled that no new Dahua, Hikvision or Hytera gear could be approved unless they assure the FCC that the equipment will not be used for public safety, security of government facilities and other national security purposes. In November, the UK government banned the use of Hikvision’s camera systems at “sensitive” sites. Actions taken by the countries in both cases were vehemently protested by both Hikvision and Dahua. www.securityinfowatch.com/21288370
2. Illinois biometric law snags Ring and Google.
In 2022, Ring continued to fight a 2020 lawsuit brought against the company alledging it violated the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) by using its cameras to record passersby and collect their biometric data without their consent. After an unsuccessful attempt to dismiss, the trial is expected to reach a courtroom in 2023. As for Google, Illinois residents who appeared in a photograph on the Google Photos app within the last seven years may be eligible for a cut of a $100 million class-action BIPA privacy settlement. www.securityinfowatch.com/21278015 and www.securityinfowatch.com/21265683
3. The ADT-Google partnership becomes clearer.
In a March 2022 investor call, ADT executives finally outlined how the company planned to co-develop solutions with Google that leverage the strengths of both brands. The company announced the development of a proprietary software platform, an alarm verification solution, and more. www.securityinfowatch.com/21258700
4. Utility substations come under attack.
Public confidence that utility companies can keep the nation’s power grid safe took a hit in December 2022, when a suspect with a high-powered rifle shot into two substations in North Carolina, leaving tens of thousands without power. It was later revealed that several substations in the western U.S. were also deliberately damaged earlier in the year. www.securityinfowatch.com/21289543
5. Tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.
Robb Elementary joined a growing list school massacres after an 18-year-old gunman walked into the school and opened fire, killing 21 people, including 19 children. While many were understandably devastated and angered by the incident, in the security industry, the tragedy brought a failed access control lock and/or policy into the spotlight, as well as campus security design and the availability of funding. Victims also brought a $27B class action against the city, school district, law enforcement, and even unnamed security providers. www.securityinfowatch.com/21269069
6. Sullivan conviction puts security directors on notice.
The October 2022 conviction of Joseph Sullivan, former Chief Security Officer (CSO) of Uber, for his attempted cover-up of a 2016 hack of private consumer information, sent shockwaves throughout the security industry. Sullivan will be given a sentence for the crimes in early 2023, and he faces up to eight years in prison. www.securityinfowatch.com/21283224
7. Stanley completes its exit from the security industry.
Just months after Stanley Black & Decker divested its security integration arm in a December 2021 deal with Securitas valued at more than $3 billion, the company announced in April it was selling its Access Technologies business to Allegion for $900 million, and the deal was completed in July. Stanley officials said the company will focus on its tools, outdoor and industrial segments moving forward. www.securityinfowatch.com/21265161
8. SecurityInfoWatch readers choose their favorite new products in its inaugural Readers’ Choice Awards.
In November 2022, SecurityInfoWatch unveiled the results of its first-ever Readers’ Choice Awards, recognizing the most impactful security products introduced over the past year in 13 different categories. More than 1,650 readers participated in the voting, and winners and honorable mention products were announced in each of the product categories. www.securityinfowatch.com/readerschoice
9. Pye-Barker rapidly expands into security via acquisition.
Powered initially by a December 2021 acquisition of Utah-based, Mountain Alarm, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has quickly grown beyond its roots in fire safety via the acquisition of a flurry of super regional and smaller security integration firms, including Matson Alarm (Feb.), Choice Security Services (March), B Safe Security (April), Complete Security Systems (August), Briscoe Protective and Integrated Security Group (Sept.), and ComTronix (Nov.). Read the Security Business Integrator Connection profile of Pye-Barker and its aggressive acquisition strategy: www.securityinfowatch.com/21268873.
10. 2022 Security Vanguard Award winners announced.
SecurityInfoWatch.com, Security Business magazine and Security Technology Executive (STE) magazine announced the 2022 winning submissions for its annual Security Vanguard Awards, which honor the industry’s most innovative and collaborative security projects. The Vanguard Project of the Year was submitted by integrator Sciens Building Solutions, and involved a massive, multi-year collaborative security project at the World Equestrian Center (WEC), located in Ocala, Fla. It was featured on the cover of the November 2022 Security Business. www.securityinfowatch.com/vanguard
John Dobberstein is managing editor of SecurityInfoWatch.com.
