Secured

In this episode of Secured, Mike Monsive reconnects with Idan Koren, EVP of Marketing at Verkada, for an inside look at how the company is redefining its channel strategy, partner experience, and industry influence through innovation and collaboration.Koren discusses the surge in systems integrators embracing Verkada’s ecosystem — and the frustration felt by former employees who only now realize how efficient Verkada’s model truly is. He explains why these partnerships are essential to scaling cloud physical security, describing resellers as “the capillaries” that extend the company’s reach to every customer touchpoint. Over the past year, Verkada has quintupled its channel marketing investment, accelerating co-marketing programs and improving partner efficiency by as much as threefold.A key part of that growth is measuring and improving the partner experience. Verkada’s use of Net Promoter Scores (NPS) — for both customers and integrators — helps identify top performers while maintaining accountability for the brand’s reputation. Koren also highlights the company’s plans to expand data-driven feedback loops, including follow-up surveys a year post-installation to ensure long-term satisfaction.The conversation shifts to Verkada One, the company’s flagship event, where engineers, executives, and partners come together for hands-on collaboration. Koren shares how this year’s conference aims to set a new standard — evolving beyond product demos to focus on thought leadership in cloud physical security, deeper partner integration, and executive networking.From product innovation to event strategy, Koren’s vision reflects Verkada’s commitment to staying customer-centric while scaling globally. As he puts it, the goal isn’t just to grow — it’s to redefine what partnership and trust look like in the future of connected security.

In this episode of Secured, Mike Monsive sits down once again with Idan Koren, EVP of Marketing at Verkada, to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of physical security, operational efficiency, and the broader business of technology.The conversation begins with Verkada’s groundbreaking integration of natural language search in video surveillance — a feature Koren calls one of the most transformative innovations in usability. Instead of scrubbing through endless footage, users can now type queries like “white Tesla at 3 PM last Tuesday” and instantly retrieve relevant clips. Behind the scenes, AI drives not just convenience but optimization — from intelligent storage and detection to scalable processing on the edge and in the cloud.Koren explains that AI at Verkada isn’t limited to descriptive analytics. It’s increasingly proactive — building toward agentic AI that can detect risks, initiate alerts, and even automate responses without human input. Yet with power comes responsibility. Koren emphasizes the company’s firm stance on privacy, moderation, and accountability, ensuring that innovation doesn’t cross into mass surveillance or misuse.The episode also explores Verkada’s internal evolution — how the company’s software-first culture drives its AI development and sales models, leveraging data, automation, and software playbooks more common in Silicon Valley than in traditional security manufacturing.As the discussion turns to the future, Koren touches on Verkada’s path toward an eventual IPO, the company’s rapid product expansion, and the lessons learned from scaling responsibly in an era where technology outpaces regulation.At its core, this conversation captures a defining question for modern security: how do we harness AI’s power for safety and efficiency without compromising trust?

In this episode of Secured, Mike Monsive sits down once again with Idan Koren, EVP of Marketing at Verkada, to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming the landscape of physical security, operational efficiency, and the broader business of technology.The conversation begins with Verkada’s groundbreaking integration of natural language search in video surveillance — a feature Koren calls one of the most transformative innovations in usability. Instead of scrubbing through endless footage, users can now type queries like “white Tesla at 3 PM last Tuesday” and instantly retrieve relevant clips. Behind the scenes, AI drives not just convenience but optimization — from intelligent storage and detection to scalable processing on the edge and in the cloud.Koren explains that AI at Verkada isn’t limited to descriptive analytics. It’s increasingly proactive — building toward agentic AI that can detect risks, initiate alerts, and even automate responses without human input. Yet with power comes responsibility. Koren emphasizes the company’s firm stance on privacy, moderation, and accountability, ensuring that innovation doesn’t cross into mass surveillance or misuse.The episode also explores Verkada’s internal evolution — how the company’s software-first culture drives its AI development and sales models, leveraging data, automation, and software playbooks more common in Silicon Valley than in traditional security manufacturing.As the discussion turns to the future, Koren touches on Verkada’s path toward an eventual IPO, the company’s rapid product expansion, and the lessons learned from scaling responsibly in an era where technology outpaces regulation.At its core, this conversation captures a defining question for modern security: how do we harness AI’s power for safety and efficiency without compromising trust?

In this episode of Secured, host Mike Monsive sits down with Idan Koren, CMO of Verkada, for another deep dive into how cloud-native security platforms are reshaping the industry. What began with video surveillance has now expanded into a full ecosystem of cameras, access control, intercoms, alarms, and analytics—technology designed to work seamlessly out of the box.Mike shares firsthand how quickly he was able to set up Verkada’s platform with no prior training, from cameras and access control to intercoms and PA systems, all working in under 15 minutes. That intuitive experience, Koren explains, is central to Verkada’s growth—and why integrators and end-users alike see it as a step change from traditional on-premise solutions.The conversation explores the competitive landscape, including the rise of companies like Rhombus and Jenea, and why easy integration between systems has become the baseline for modern security solutions. They also tackle the balancing act between keeping software intuitive while still offering the depth and customization enterprise clients demand.Looking ahead, the episode highlights the future of cloud adoption, large-scale enterprise takeovers, and the return of facial recognition technology as legislation evolves. For schools, enterprises, and integrators, the stakes are clear: the shift to cloud-first solutions isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating.Whether you’re evaluating new deployments or planning a system refresh, this discussion provides a candid, real-world look at how cloud-native platforms are setting the pace for the future of security.

In this episode of Secured, host Mike Monsive sits down with Idan Koren, CMO of Verkada, for another deep dive into how cloud-native security platforms are reshaping the industry. What began with video surveillance has now expanded into a full ecosystem of cameras, access control, intercoms, alarms, and analytics—technology designed to work seamlessly out of the box.Mike shares firsthand how quickly he was able to set up Verkada’s platform with no prior training, from cameras and access control to intercoms and PA systems, all working in under 15 minutes. That intuitive experience, Koren explains, is central to Verkada’s growth—and why integrators and end-users alike see it as a step change from traditional on-premise solutions.The conversation explores the competitive landscape, including the rise of companies like Rhombus and Jenea, and why easy integration between systems has become the baseline for modern security solutions. They also tackle the balancing act between keeping software intuitive while still offering the depth and customization enterprise clients demand.Looking ahead, the episode highlights the future of cloud adoption, large-scale enterprise takeovers, and the return of facial recognition technology as legislation evolves. For schools, enterprises, and integrators, the stakes are clear: the shift to cloud-first solutions isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating.Whether you’re evaluating new deployments or planning a system refresh, this discussion provides a candid, real-world look at how cloud-native platforms are setting the pace for the future of security.

Video surveillance has long been the backbone of physical security, but with the integration of artificial intelligence, it’s becoming the first frontier for meaningful innovation. Chuck Wilson, Executive Director of the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) and Chairman of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools, explains why AI is reshaping this space faster than any other.At the core of the shift is scale. A typical school district or campus may have hundreds of cameras, but only a handful of staff or monitors to review live footage. Human oversight alone can’t keep up with the volume. AI bridges that gap by analyzing thousands of images in real time, flagging risks, and supporting proactive intervention. Through active learning tools and synthetic data, systems can be trained to recognize patterns—from unusual movements to potential threats—long before an incident escalates.This capability extends beyond detection. With AI-powered predictability tools, schools and organizations gain enhanced risk classification and situational awareness. The goal is to not only detect threats, but also deter and delay them—buying precious time to respond. Importantly, Wilson emphasizes that human interaction remains essential. AI doesn’t replace judgment; it augments it by filtering noise and surfacing what matters most.In the broader landscape of security, video is the clearest starting point for AI adoption. It’s visual, it’s immediate, and it directly impacts safety outcomes. As Wilson notes, this convergence of technology and human validation is a tremendous opportunity to create safer environments for schools, businesses, and communities alike.

September marks National Campus Safety Month, a timely reminder for students and parents to prioritize personal safety as a new school year begins. In this episode of Secured, Carrie Pasquarello, CEO of Global Secure Resources, highlights emerging risks on college campuses and the proactive steps that can help students stay safe and empowered.One of the most pressing concerns is drink spiking. According to a survey by Alcohol.org, 52% of respondents who had a drink or food spiked reported it happened at college, often at house parties, bars, concerts, or even on dates. Pasquarello stresses the importance of situational awareness, recognizing the signs of tampering, and using preventive tools such as the NightCap drink cover. These simple strategies can dramatically reduce risks in social settings.Another alarming trend is the rise in forcible sexual assaults, which now account for 44% of campus crime, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Many of these incidents occur during the so-called “red zone”—the first four months of the academic year, when students are most vulnerable as they adjust to new environments, social circles, and routines. Pasquarello advises students to balance fun with intention: know your limits, trust your instincts, and always have an exit plan and trusted contact.Campus life should be exciting, not unsafe. As Pasquarello emphasizes, safety isn’t about fear—it’s about preparation, empowerment, and action. By starting conversations early, families can equip students with the tools they need for a safer, more confident college experience.

In this episode of Secured, host Mike Monsive, CEO of ASAP Security, reconnects with Idan Koren, CMO of Verkada, for a conversation about what it really takes to scale events without losing their impact.Idan shares how his team manages nearly 500 events a year—ranging from intimate gatherings to Verkada One, the company’s flagship conference that draws thousands. The discussion explores the mechanics of scaling, from templates and workflows that make field events repeatable, to the creative and production investment that turns a product launch into something closer to a cultural experience.The two also reflect on the broader role of in-person connection in an industry that increasingly relies on digital engagement. From hands-on demos to immersive experiences like escape rooms, they examine how events serve as a testing ground for ideas, a forum for customer insight, and a space where trust is built face-to-face.The conversation widens to consider competition, innovation, and the challenge of staying one step ahead in both technology and presentation. For Idan, the lesson is clear: in events—as in security—success comes from combining efficiency with a willingness to push creative boundaries.This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how one of the industry’s most visible brands balances scale with authenticity, and why the “wow factor” still matters in a crowded marketplace.

In this episode of Secured, host Mike Monsive, CEO of ASAP Security, reconnects with Idan Koren, CMO of Verkada, for a conversation about what it really takes to scale events without losing their impact.Idan shares how his team manages nearly 500 events a year—ranging from intimate gatherings to Verkada One, the company’s flagship conference that draws thousands. The discussion explores the mechanics of scaling, from templates and workflows that make field events repeatable, to the creative and production investment that turns a product launch into something closer to a cultural experience.The two also reflect on the broader role of in-person connection in an industry that increasingly relies on digital engagement. From hands-on demos to immersive experiences like escape rooms, they examine how events serve as a testing ground for ideas, a forum for customer insight, and a space where trust is built face-to-face.The conversation widens to consider competition, innovation, and the challenge of staying one step ahead in both technology and presentation. For Idan, the lesson is clear: in events—as in security—success comes from combining efficiency with a willingness to push creative boundaries.This episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how one of the industry’s most visible brands balances scale with authenticity, and why the “wow factor” still matters in a crowded marketplace.

In this episode of Secured, Mike Monsive, CEO of ASAP Security, sits down once again with Idan Koren, CMO of Verkada, for a deep dive into how cloud-native technology is transforming school security across the U.S.With Verkada now protecting over 20 million students nationwide, Idan shares why the company’s integrated platform has become the preferred solution for school districts of every size. From real-time visibility during lockdowns to intelligent alerts for vaping, bullying, and unauthorized access, Verkada’s tools are designed to simplify complex safety challenges while empowering administrators to act faster.The conversation also explores why outdated on-premise systems are being replaced at scale, how Verkada’s School Safety Advisory Board drives product innovation, and the growing importance of features like one-button lockdowns, AI-powered air quality monitoring, and behavioral threat assessment integrations.Mike and Idan also discuss the real-world stakes of getting safety right, reflecting on high-profile school incidents and the technology gaps that make emergency response harder than it should be. The episode highlights Verkada’s approach of pairing cloud-native simplicity with powerful, hybrid storage options to give schools control, compliance, and peace of mind — all backed by industry-leading 10-year warranties.Whether you’re an educator, IT director, or security leader, this episode offers a revealing look into the future of campus safety and why cloud-first platforms are setting new standards for protecting students and staff.

In this episode of Secured, Mike Monsive, CEO of ASAP Security, sits down once again with Idan Koren, CMO of Verkada, for a deep dive into how cloud-native technology is transforming school security across the U.S.With Verkada now protecting over 20 million students nationwide, Idan shares why the company’s integrated platform has become the preferred solution for school districts of every size. From real-time visibility during lockdowns to intelligent alerts for vaping, bullying, and unauthorized access, Verkada’s tools are designed to simplify complex safety challenges while empowering administrators to act faster.The conversation also explores why outdated on-premise systems are being replaced at scale, how Verkada’s School Safety Advisory Board drives product innovation, and the growing importance of features like one-button lockdowns, AI-powered air quality monitoring, and behavioral threat assessment integrations.Mike and Idan also discuss the real-world stakes of getting safety right, reflecting on high-profile school incidents and the technology gaps that make emergency response harder than it should be. The episode highlights Verkada’s approach of pairing cloud-native simplicity with powerful, hybrid storage options to give schools control, compliance, and peace of mind — all backed by industry-leading 10-year warranties.Whether you’re an educator, IT director, or security leader, this episode offers a revealing look into the future of campus safety and why cloud-first platforms are setting new standards for protecting students and staff.

In this episode of Secured, host Mike Monsive sits down with Idan Koren, Chief Marketing Officer of Verkada, to discuss how the company is transforming the physical security industry through its cloud-first, software-driven approach.Reimagining Physical SecurityIdan reflects on his journey at Verkada since joining in 2018, during its hyper-growth phase. Initially wearing many hats—from HR and operations to Salesforce re-architecture—he shares how Verkada’s software-first mindset became the foundation of its success. By prioritizing scalable solutions, seamless updates, and out-of-the-box value, Verkada has broken away from the industry’s traditional reliance on siloed, hardware-driven security systems.Empowering Businesses Beyond SecurityVerkada’s Command platform is designed to do more than manage cameras—it integrates security with broader business operations. Customers now leverage Verkada for insights like occupancy trends, fraud detection, and marketing performance, turning security data into actionable intelligence. Idan emphasizes that this expansion beyond traditional security budgets reflects Verkada’s focus on operational efficiency and cross-departmental value.Innovation, Integration, and TrustThe discussion explores Verkada’s Helix API, which allows businesses to integrate video data with critical systems for custom workflows. Idan highlights how automatic firmware updates, multi-factor authentication, and customer-controlled encryption underpin Verkada’s cybersecurity-first approach. With FedRAMP authorization in progress, Verkada is preparing to transform security for the public sector, bringing its innovations to federal agencies and beyond.The Future of SecurityFrom real-time integrations to cloud-native scalability, Verkada is setting the pace for the industry. As Idan explains, Verkada’s vision is clear: break down silos, enable smarter workflows, and deliver security that’s both powerful and accessible.

In this heartfelt episode of Secured, host Mike Matranga continues the conversation with Lori Downs and Chele Gillon of Barron County Public Schools, diving deeper into the challenges parents face navigating online safety and mental health with their children. Matranga shares personal experiences as a father, reflecting on the difficult decisions parents must make when balancing digital boundaries with their child’s desire for social inclusion—like allowing access to apps such as Snapchat to avoid isolation from peers.The conversation emphasizes that parenting in the digital age requires compromise, open communication, and ongoing conversations rooted in trust and support. Downs and Gillon stress that modeling appropriate online behavior, creating tech-free zones, and setting rules around social media are essential, but so is maintaining strong emotional connections with children. They encourage parents to respond calmly when children confide in them, ensuring the child feels safe coming forward even after a misstep.The educators also stress the evolving role of schools in stepping into parenting gaps, often acting as the counselor, nurse, and protector when families fall short. They urge schools to take a proactive—not reactive—approach by training staff, using anonymous tip lines like the Kentucky Homeland Security’s STOP Tipline, and instilling a culture of early intervention.Ultimately, the message is clear: online safety starts with relationships. Through empathy, transparency, and consistent education at home and in school, we can empower children to protect themselves—and know they are never alone.

In this powerful episode of Secured, host Mike Matranga is joined by Lori Downs and Chele Gillon of Barron Area School District to explore the complex intersection of technology, online safety, and student mental health. As children are given smartphones and social media access at younger ages, Downs and Gillon warn that many are not developmentally prepared to handle the emotional and social pressures that come with it. The anonymity and reach of online platforms expose students to real dangers—especially sextortion, predatory behavior, and constant social comparison—all while leaving a digital footprint that can have lifelong consequences.The guests urge parents and educators to move beyond passive monitoring and embrace proactive strategies: set boundaries around tech use, create tech-free zones, secure devices at night, and most importantly, have open, honest conversations with children about what they’re seeing and experiencing online. They emphasize that tools like mental health screeners and SEL (social-emotional learning) surveys can help uncover issues in students who may otherwise mask their distress.Matranga and his guests also challenge the overemphasis on rare active shooter scenarios, pointing out that the far more common risks—sextortion, anxiety, self-harm—are often overlooked. By focusing on these issues and building strong, trusting relationships with students, schools can create environments that not only support safety, but also promote long-term well-being.

In this episode of Secured, host Mike Matranga welcomes Lori Downs, Director of Pupil Services, and Chele Gillon, School Social Worker, from the Barron Area School District in Kentucky to discuss a critical and often overlooked issue—how digital behavior is fueling real-world challenges in schools.Downs and Gillon reveal that nearly all the behavioral concerns they manage—about 98%—are rooted in technology. The problems don’t start in the classroom; they start online, with subtle social media posts, cryptic lyrics, or vague emotional warnings. These signs, known as leakage, are often missed because they don’t resemble the direct threats people expect.The conversation emphasizes that schools must shift from reactive security to proactive wellness. It’s not just about looking for explicit threats—it’s about recognizing when a student is quietly struggling with anxiety, isolation, or thoughts of self-harm. Often, these students aren’t looking to hurt others—they’re signaling distress.Matranga and his guests stress the importance of empowering staff, students, and parents to notice the signs, ask tough questions, and foster trust. A simple, sincere “Are you okay?” can open doors to life-saving conversations. They also urge parents to stay actively involved in their children’s digital lives, as schools can’t and shouldn’t be expected to do it all.This episode is a call to see cybersecurity not just as a technical challenge—but a deeply human one.

In today’s workplace, balancing employee safety with privacy is more important than ever. Kenny Kelley, founder of Silent Beacon, sheds light on this delicate balance by highlighting a key differentiator in their emergency alert system: selective location tracking. Unlike many cellular-based solutions that track users continuously, Silent Beacon activates location monitoring only when the emergency button is pressed.This approach respects employees’ privacy, particularly in environments where surveillance can feel invasive or conflict with labor agreements and union protections. “It’s not about tracking people 24/7,” Kelley explains. “It’s about giving them a discreet, reliable way to call for help only when they need it.” The device can be worn as a wristband, necklace, or keychain, functioning anywhere with cellular coverage. This gives workers protection both on and off the job site—without compromising their right to remain "off the radar" when they choose.By allowing employees to control when and how their location is shared, tools like Silent Beacon are redefining the way organizations approach safety programs—especially for field-based or mobile teams. For employers looking to build trust while still enhancing emergency preparedness, this model offers a compelling, privacy-conscious solution.

In this bonus segment from Secured, Kenny Kelley, founder of Silent Beacon, discusses a critical and often overlooked vulnerability in frontline safety: the protection gap for crisis responders outside of law enforcement.“Unless it’s police, most crisis responders—like paramedics or home healthcare workers—are walking into unpredictable environments with little backup,” Kelley explains. While tools like panic buttons and GPS trackers are available, he emphasizes they may not be enough in a fast-escalating situation.Kelley calls for a more comprehensive approach to responder safety: better planning, secure meeting locations, readily available exit strategies, and even on-site support when possible. His insight urges us to rethink how we protect those who show up first when lives are on the line.

In this Secured segment, national security and HR expert Timothy A. Dimoff, CPP, delivers a sobering message: violence and aggression are on the rise across every corner of society—from schools and churches to businesses and public events. Dimoff warns that growing publicity around violent incidents is fueling a dangerous copycat effect, where individuals seek notoriety by replicating past tragedies.Despite this reality, many organizations still operate with a “not here” mentality, assuming that their location or event is too small or peaceful to be a target. Dimoff challenges that mindset, urging leaders to take proactive measures—starting with a thorough physical security analysis and vulnerability assessment. He stresses that every venue, regardless of size, should be fortified for safety without becoming visibly fortified.He also highlights the overlooked vulnerability of outdoor events, which statistically face more security challenges than their indoor counterparts. While stadiums often invest heavily in layered protection for tens of thousands of attendees, Dimoff questions why schools with far fewer people aren’t held to similar standards. His message is clear: prevention starts with awareness, investment, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable realities before tragedy strikes.

In this segment of Secured, cybersecurity and infrastructure expert Pushpjeet Shrivastava, VP of Production Services at Bank of America, addresses one of the most overlooked risks in enterprise cybersecurity: the human and organizational breakdown behind the tech.While most cybersecurity discussions focus on firewalls, software, or toolkits, Shrivastava emphasizes that the real vulnerabilities often stem from poor execution—specifically, siloed teams and inconsistent security standards across departments. “It’s less about having the right tech,” he explains, “and more about utilizing it the right way.” When business units operate independently, without a unified cybersecurity protocol, even the most advanced defenses can fall short.Shrivastava also highlights how AI and prompt engineering are reshaping how security teams operate. By enabling more intelligent interactions with AI tools, prompt engineering is helping teams move from passive alerting to actionable insights. AI is now playing a central role in predictive analysis, faster triage, automation, and the development of adaptive defense strategies—significantly boosting the speed and precision of threat detection and response.

On this bonus clip from Secured, Daniel Maigler, Mental Health Advisor at Paws for Patrick, weighs in on how schools and communities can better respond in the aftermath of trauma. His message is clear: true healing takes time, space, and honest conversation—even when the topics are uncomfortable.In the wake of student suicides or traumatic events, communities often rush to restore order. But Maigler emphasizes that the most important step is to allow people to “stay in the messy”—to debrief, grieve, and talk through their emotions. Avoiding conversation out of fear, especially about topics like suicide contagion, can do more harm than good.He also challenges schools to confront one of the most avoided topics in student mental health: sex positivity. While most institutions offer guidance on abuse prevention, they rarely discuss what healthy intimacy looks like. Without this context, students lack the tools to understand, compare, or process their experiences in a meaningful way.Maigler points out that sexual trauma is among the most common forms of trauma faced by students. Until we create space to talk about sexuality in a constructive, values-informed way, we won’t be able to fully support healing—or prevention.To move forward, schools must not only respond to what went wrong, but also model what safety, connection, and emotional health should look like.