Security Tech Talk

In this episode of Security Tech Talk, host Steve Kenny welcomes back Axis Communications colleague Tertius Wolfaardt to explore the fast-moving world of security design software. Moving past the days of manual circular lens calculators and basic Visio templates, Steve and Tertius take a deep dive into how large-scale enterprise developments, mega-projects, and stringent regional compliance standards have transformed security system design. Together, they unpack the shift from static 2D CAD layouts to immersive 3D Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Revit environments. Tertius explains why design tools account for complex video analytics, multi-layered perimeter sensors, lighting levels, and structural blind spots before construction must now even begins. They also tackle the hidden infrastructure costs of generic calculations, addressing how manufacturer-backed data drastically reduces network, server, and cooling footprints to safeguard total cost of ownership (TCO) and environmental sustainability. About Our Guest: Tertius Wolfaardt: Manager, Engineering & Training - South Asia Pacific , Axis Communications. Over the past 12 years, Tertius has been instrumental in shaping design tool strategies, training programs, and BIM/Revit integrations across the Middle East and globally, helping consultants and system designers build accurate, compliant, and future-proof architectures. Key Discussion Points: The Evolution of System Design: Reflecting on the transition from physical rulers, rotary lens calculators, and early 2D Visio diagrams to sophisticated 3D architectural software. The Demand for 3D Coverage & Regulatory Proof: Why modern giga-projects, transport hubs, and stadiums demand precise virtual sightline modelling to prove regulatory compliance (such as FIFA seating standards) prior to breaking ground. Breaking Multi-Discipline Silos in BIM: How cameras have evolved into multifunctional IoT sensors that interface with building management systems, HVAC, and power networks—and why inter-departmental design coordination is vital to catch architectural clashes like moving columns or signage. Design File Security & Offline Environments: Managing cyber security risks and data confidentiality when handling sensitive project drawings for critical national infrastructure, alongside the role of SOC 2 Type II compliance and offline tool capabilities. Designing for Analytics, Not Just Pixels: Why modern projects must calculate performance boundaries for thermal radar, PTZ automated tracking, and edge analytics rather than simply relying on traditional DORI (Detection, Observation, Recognition, Identification) metrics. Storage, Bandwidth, and the Hardware Ripple Effect: The costly reality of generic calculation tools. Tertius explains how failing to account for modern compression formats (such as Zipstream and AV1) or system-on-chip improvements can lead to clients over-budgeting for servers, storage petabytes, and room cooling by two to three times. The Future: AI, VR, and Digital Twins: Looking ahead at virtual reality walkthroughs, automated camera placement algorithms, and digital twins that test real-time environmental variables and system failover behavior long before deployment. Resources: Plan, design, and configure security solutions using Axis Site Designer. Integrate realistic camera models and 3D views into architectural plans via the Axis Revit Plugins. Learn more about calculating optical requirements, resolution, and pixel density with Axis Camera Station & Design Tools. Meet your host Steve Kenny: Steve has spent 15 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best compliment day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across EMEA. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group). Connect with Steve on LinkedIn More about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training. Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden. Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer world https://www.axis.com/

In this episode of Security Tech Talk, host Steve Kenny sits down with Darren Carter, a seasoned security professional with more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality at Edwardian Hotel Group. Together, they explore the unique challenges of securing high-end hospitality environments, where effective security must remain discreet while ensuring the safety of guests, employees, and visitors. Together, Steve and Darren explore the unique operational balance required in tier-one hospitality: maintaining subtle, non-intrusive security while safeguarding high-net-worth guests, corporate leaders, and staff. They discuss early trials of facial recognition for VIP arrival experiences, the necessity of body-worn video for staff protection in central London, and how multi-sensory camera analytics can cut utility costs and support environmental sustainability. Darren also reflects on his extensive volunteer career across industry associations like ASIS, the Institute of Hotel Security Management, and the Security Commonwealth. About Our Guest: Darren Carter: Former Director of Security, Safety, and Sustainability at Edwardian Hotel Group. Following a military career in the Royal Navy, Darren spent over two decades leading security strategy for luxury London hotels. He is a prominent industry volunteer, serving as Past Chair of the Institute of Hotel Security Management and taking active leadership roles across ASIS UK and the Security Commonwealth. Chapters: (0:00:30) – Introduction & The Industry Legend Who Almost Drifted Off Steve welcomes Darren Carter to the show, poking fun at Darren's brief "retirement" from the security industry before bringing him back into the hospitality spotlight. (0:02:30) – The Power of Volunteering and the "Black Book" Darren shares how taking over a local Hotel Watch at Heathrow in 1999 sparked a lifelong commitment to industry associations. He and Steve reflect on how volunteering builds trusted global networks, peer support, and career opportunities. (0:07:00) – The Subtle Art of Luxury Hotel Security How tier-one hospitality environments maintain non-intrusive, "coiled spring" security. Darren explains how professional environmental design and trained staff deter bad behavior without creating an aggressive, fortress-like atmosphere. (0:10:50) – Facial Recognition: From VIP Greetings to Threat Intelligence Darren recounts early trials with facial recognition technology in central London hotels—using it to discreetly announce VIP guest arrivals for concierge teams as well as cross-referencing regional police intelligence briefings. (0:14:53) – Underutilised Technology & The Handover Problem Steve and Darren discuss why operational teams often fail to use the full analytic power of their surveillance systems. Darren identifies rushed commissioning programmes during hotel openings as a primary reason software capabilities are missed. (0:20:22) – Beyond Security: Sustainability Through Multi-Sensory Analytics How security cameras and audio analytics contribute to sustainability and cost reduction. Darren details using sound detection for running taps and gas releases, as well as thermal imaging to monitor boiler rooms and prevent catastrophic utility failures. (0:24:45) – Merging Security, Safety, and Sustainability Why security directors are increasingly inheriting corporate sustainability portfolios. Darren explains how compliance-focused leaders can use their influence to drive eco-friendly operational changes and reduce utility overheads. (0:28:45) – Body-Worn: Protecting Staff and Building Trust Using body-worn video to protect hotel staff during late-night door control and licensing compliance. Darren shares how objective video recordings de-escalate confrontation and disprove false allegations. (0:32:30) – Key Takeaways: Network, Learn, and Adapt Darren offers his final advice to security professionals: engage with industry associations, stay curious about emerging technology, and embrace enterprise security risk management (ESRM) across all business functions. Resources: Learn more about hotel security management via the Institute of Hotel Security Management where Darren previously served as Chair. Explore cross-association initiatives at The Security Commonwealth. Read about body-worn cameras and surveillance solutions at Axis Communications. Meet your host Steve Kenny: Steve has spent 15 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high-profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best compliment day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across EMEA. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group). Connect with Steve on LinkedIn More about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training. Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden. Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer world https://www.axis.com/

In this episode of Security Tech Talk, host Steve Kenny sits down with Axis Communications colleague Ricardo Marranita, Business Development Segment Lead for Logistics. Together, they explore why logistics and supply chains are such a critical part of the infrastructure society relies on every day—and why we often only notice them when something goes wrong.Drawing on 15 years of experience, Ricardo explores how video technology is moving far beyond traditional security to support operational efficiency, health and safety, and business intelligence. From reducing lost-parcel investigations from hours to minutes to sharing camera-generated insights across departments, Steve and Ricardo discuss what becomes possible when organisations break down silos and start treating cameras as intelligent sensors. They also cut through the hype surrounding AI and analytics, exploring why technology needs to solve real operational problems—and why data without context is ultimately of limited value.About Our Guest:Ricardo Marranita: Business Development Segment Lead for Logistics at Axis Communications. With 15 years of experience at Axis and a background in systems integration and analytics development, Ricardo focuses on how intelligent video and sensor technology can create value beyond traditional security—from operational efficiency and business intelligence to health and safety.Chapters:(0:00:25) – Introduction & The Unsung Infrastructure Steve and Ricardo discuss why logistics receives far less attention than sectors such as data centres, despite supply chains being fundamental to everyday life—and why we often only notice this infrastructure when it fails(0:03:50) – Operating on Slim Margins: Going"Beyond Security"Why logistics operators—running on notoriously tight margins—must look beyond traditional physical security to drive health and safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence.(0:07:01) – Breaking Down Departmental SilosRicardo shares a case study of walking into a room with seven different departments (from security and IT to compliance and operations) and discovering they were all pulling video from the same cameras independently.(0:12:50) – Shared Budgets: Getting Others to Fund Your SystemsSteve and Ricardo discuss how sharing camera data across operations and health and safety opens access to larger operational budgets rather than relying solely on security expenditure.(0:16:01) – "Where Is My Parcel?" From Hours to MinutesAddressing the top logistics use case: How intelligent camera tracking and metadata reduce lost-parcel investigation times from three or four hours down to just five minutes.(0:22:24) – Cutting Through AI and & Analytics HypeRicardo addresses industry skepticism surrounding AI analytics, advocating for honest proof-of-concept testing to ensure system accuracy aligns with real-world requirements.(0:31:11) – "Data Without Context Is Nothing"Inspired by a discussion at the TAPA conference, Ricardo explores the difference between simply collecting more data and creating meaningful visibility. Using video as an example, he explains how context transforms isolated data points into information people can actually use to make decisions.(0:35:08) – Three Key Takeaways for Logistics LeadersRicardo outlines his top advice: identify repetitive daily operational pain points, build cross-departmental relationships with health and safety and operations, and embrace open, long-term vendor partnerships.Resources:Learn more about supply chain security standards via the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA).Explore solutions for logistics and warehousing at Axis Communications Logistics Solutions.Read about edge analytics and data privacy compliance via Axis Cybersecurity and Analytics.Meet your host Steve Kenny:Steve has spent 15 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best compliment day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across EMEA. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group).Connect with Steve on LinkedInMore about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training.Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden.Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer world

What does it take to keep one of the UK's busiest McDonald's restaurants safe while serving thousands of customers every day? In this episode of Security Tech Talk, host Steve Kenny sits down with Tim Molden, Head of Security, Licensing, and Community at Capital Arches—the UK's largest McDonald's franchise. Tim oversees high-profile, high-footfall restaurants across London, including one of the busiest McDonald’s in the world. Together, Steve and Tim explore the unique intersection of retail and hospitality security. They discuss the critical role of late-night refreshment licensing, the paramount importance of frontline staff welfare, and how high-street restaurants serve as vital "Safe Havens" for vulnerable members of the public. Tim also breaks down how Capital Arches leverages surveillance technology and license plate recognition for business intelligence, prepares for Martyn's Law (the Protect Duty), and handles the modern nuisance of viral social media pranks. About Our Guest: Tim Molden is Head of Security, Licensing, and Community at Capital Arches. A former law enforcement officer and long-standing ASIS UK board director, Tim oversees physical security, licensing compliance, and community safety across a portfolio of high-volume restaurants. Chapters: (0:00:38) – Introduction & The Dual Retail-Hospitality Challenge Steve introduces Tim Molden and discusses the intense operational environment of managing security for the UK’s largest McDonald’s franchise group, where high customer volume meets open-door, high-street accessibility. (0:02:37) – What is Late-Night Refreshment Licensing? Tim clarifies why a McDonald’s security lead manages licensing, explaining the UK legal framework governing hot food and drink service between 11 PM and 5 AM, and how it dictates door security and operational conditions. (0:06:00) – Prioritising Staff Welfare & The New Shopworker Assault Offence How Capital Arches supports frontline workers through dedicated wellbeing teams, regular safety surveys, and the legal protection offered by newly introduced legislation targeting assaults against retail and hospitality workers. (0:08:35) – Leading-Edge Standards Across Franchise Models Tim details the balance between corporate franchisor security guidelines and how Capital Arches goes above and beyond minimum requirements to establish best-in-class safety protocols. (0:10:52) – Transforming Security Cameras into Business Intelligence Tools Moving beyond crime prevention: How surveillance analytics, heat mapping, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) drive operational efficiency, drive-through speed, and mobile app order fulfillment. (0:17:36) – AI as an Efficiency Booster, Not a Headcount Reducer Addressing workplace AI paranoia. Tim explains how automation and AI tools streamline administrative tasks like meeting transcription, allowing staff to reallocate time toward customer service and operational safety. (0:18:43) – Managing Viral TikTok Pranks and Social Media Auditors The real-world operational challenges posed by online pranksters, fake environmental health officers, and viral content creators—highlighting a recent incident involving a live snake brought to the front counter. (0:23:51) – Safe Havens and Night-Time Economy Initiatives Capital Arches' commitment to community safety: Transforming West End and City of London restaurants into official "Safe Havens" for vulnerable women and girls, and supporting Liverpool Street taxi marshals. (0:26:26) – Standard Tier Compliance under Martyn's Law (Protect Duty) How Capital Arches is standardising counter-terrorism preparedness and staff training across all restaurant locations, regardless of their square footage or customer capacity. (0:30:58) – The Value of Volunteer Industry Associations Tim and Steve reflect on their multi-year tenures on the ASIS UK board, exploring how peer networking, knowledge sharing, and Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM) elevate security into a true business enabler. Resources: Find out more about the ASIS UK Chapter and professional security networking. Learn about the City of London Police Safe Haven Scheme operating across the capital's night-time economy. Read official UK government guidance on Late Night Refreshment Licensing. Meet your host Steve Kenny: Steve has spent 15 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best compliment day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across EMEA. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group). Connect with Steve on LinkedIn More about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training. Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden. Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer world https://www.axis.com/

In this episode of Security Tech Talk, host Steve Kenny is joined by Shane Garner, Head of Security and ICT at Pure Data Centre Group. Together, they take a deep dive into one of the world's fastest-growing technology sectors: data centres. From their growing role as critical infrastructure across Europe to the rapid expansion underway across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Steve and Shane explore what's driving the data centre boom—and what it means for security.Drawing on a career that began "sitting on a roll of cable" as a systems integrator, Shane shares how his hands-on engineering experience has shaped his approach to security, ICT, cyber security, and operational technology (OT). Along the way, Steve and Shane explore the shift from traditional cloud infrastructure to AI-driven data centres, the growing demands on power, liquid cooling, structural design, and fibre infrastructure, and why resilience, efficiency, and security are becoming increasingly important as data centres evolve.About Our Guest:Shane Garner is Head of Security and ICT at Pure Data Centre Group. With a hands-on background spanning systems integration, engineering, and design, Shane now oversees a broad range of systems across data centre design and build, including security, ICT, cyber security, OT networks, building management systems (BMS), power management systems (PMS), and extra-low voltage (ELV) infrastructure.Chapters:(0:00:16) – Introduction & The GCC Data Centre ExpansionSteve and Shane open the episode discussing the global surge in data centre construction, its classification as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), and the massive expansion currently taking place across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.(0:01:45) – From "Sitting on a Roll of Cable" to Head of Security & ICTShane reflects on his journey from configuring servers and working in communications rooms to overseeing security and ICT, and why understanding technology at a granular level remains invaluable when designing complex data centre environments.(0:04:12) – The Convergence of IT, OT, and Cyber SecurityA look at the thousands of Ethernet-connected controllers across cooling plant rooms, generators, and power management systems. Shane emphasizes the importance of collaborating with operations teams early to safeguard critical OT networks.(0:08:32) – Defence in Depth & Zero Trust and AIShane explains why modern physical security relies on layered perimeter controls, air-gapped zero-trust networks, active directory authentication (802.1x), and AI analytics to highlight alarms by exception rather than overwhelming control room operators.(0:10:47) – Audits, Threat Detection, and Wireless RisksHow data centre operators navigate stringent tenant cyber security audits. Shane discusses the strict prohibition of wireless protocols (like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) on critical plant equipment to protect against airborne drone threats and signal interception.(0:16:29) – Breaking Down Closed ProtocolsAddressing the challenge of proprietary, closed protocols in access control and surveillance. Shane highlights the necessity of open protocols (BACnet, Modbus, open APIs) to integrate tailgating detection and anti-passback systems cleanly.(0:21:27) – The Shift to AI: Power, Liquid Cooling, and Structural LoadsHow the industry is adapting as rack densities jump from 20kW to over 120kW. Shane details the architectural, electrical, and mechanical shifts required to implement liquid-to-chip cooling and high-density fibre infrastructure for AI workloads.(0:32:15) – Hyperscaler Audits and Supply Chain Due DiligenceSteve and Shane discuss how major global technology tenants evaluate vendors, conducting deep-level physical and cyber audits down to the clear-desk policies and hardware component origin.(0:35:44) – Digital Twins, NDAA Compliance, and Future RegulationA look ahead at the future of data centre design. Shane explains how digital twins will allow operators to stress-test environmental conditions and network telemetry in non-live environments, alongside the rising complexity of chipset-level NDAA compliance.Resources:Learn more about global data centre infrastructure at Pure Data Centre Group.Explore cyber security frameworks for critical infrastructure via NIST Guidelines and ISO/IEC 27001.Read about hardware and physical security compliance standards under the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).Integrated security solutions for data centers : Smart Data Center Solutions, Intelligent Video & Analytics | Axis Communications] | Axis Communicati…Securing critical infrastructure: https://www.axis.com/solutions/critical-infrastructureNavigating cybersecurity and supply chain transparency: Cybersecurity | Axis CommunicationsMeet your host Steve Kenny:Steve has spent 15 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best compliment day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across EMEA. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group).Connect with Steve on LinkedInMore about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training.Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden.Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer worldhttps://www.axis.com/