In The Boardroom™ With...

Mr. Daniel Murray
Director Key Accounts

Systems Integration

Bosch Security Systems

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: Thank you for joining us today, Dan.  Before discussing security threats and solutions in greater detail please tell us about your background.

Daniel Murray: I am currently the Director of Sales for Bosch Security Systems’ Global Key Accounts group and am responsible for sales leadership for systems integration for our portfolio of products that include video, intrusion and fire detection, access control, public address (mass notification) and conferencing.  Prior to joining Bosch in 2004, I worked in sales and management with regional and national security integrators based out of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. 

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: We understand you, and your team at Bosch, recently participated in PSA's Cybersecurity Congress. Can you share with us the major highlights at this inaugural event?

Daniel Murray:  Cyber security is a major area of concern for integrators, and future success is tied to the integrators’ ability to meet their own cyber security needs and those of the customers they support. One of the most startling facts is that the vast majority of cyber vulnerabilities can be mitigated by appropriate password implementation and process management. This is common practice in the IT world and an area for improvement in the arena of physical network security.  Many of the thousands of cameras installed globally are done so with default, insufficient and missing passwords.  This is an easy “first step” in securing the physical security network which is missed by many dealers.

At the PSA Cybersecurity Congress, discussion focused on multiple factors of network integrity that will change the face of our industry in the next 3-5 years:

• Liability mitigation and risk management
• Technical competency – buy versus hire
• Process development, management, and measurement
• Turning risk into revenue – RMR opportunities for managed services
• Identifying the right technology/product partners
• Cloud and where does it fit

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: The security environment has never been more challenging. According to the FBI, ISIS is present is all 50 States and recent breaches at Target, Home Depot, JP Morgan,
UPS, and the recent theft of over one billion passwords by Russian hackers have raised concerns about cybersecurity as never before. Please give us an overview of Bosch Security solutions.

Daniel Murray:  Bosch manufacturers communication, intrusion, and video technologies which are network enabled.  From legacy DVRs to IP cameras, encoders, and appliances, Bosch video platforms are designed with tools to secure them on the network (sometimes requiring firmware updates when risks are identified).  Our IP cameras  run a proprietary operating system. Information on how the operating system works is not public, which makes it difficult to create malware or a virus for these devices. Our  video devices utilize  SSL encryption with MD1, SHA-1, and SHA-256 support.  And, our Video Recording Manager utilizing iSCSI storage decouples the link between storage and data to make the information resistant to the most sophisticated hacking tools.  These are some examples of how we ensure our devices cannot be  exploited, and there’s much more.  Additionally, Bosch intrusion control panels are FIPS 201 compliant, also using sophisticated encryption algorithms to ensure that when deployed correctly, the devices are not a source of vulnerability on the network.  This is an aspect consistent across our product portfolio.

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: Any new products, services, or solutions you’d like to talk about?

Daniel Murray:  Bosch will be launching the next generation G Series Control Panels, which are a powerful expansion to the portfolio.  The B8512G and B9512G control panels will be released in conjunction with ISC West and are designed around an IP-enabled communication platform.  As with our video products, the G Series Control Panels offer a number of features and  functionality that can create new revenue opportunities for dealers as well as greater ease of use for end users.

For Cloud-based Services, all Bosch cameras are now “Cloud” enabled.  Today, this means access to video verification, virtualized guard tours, and employee assistance. 

Bosch also leverages the development expertise from our Automotive group to bring edge-based analytics to our camera technology.  Today Bosch embeds 16 behaviors into the edge devices and can run 8 behaviors concurrently to minimize false positives.  In the future, video will be less about the stream and more about business process management; this is what will be the differentiator for manufacturers and integrators.

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com:  Bosch’s brand recognition and track record is truly second to none. Are there any particular success stories, “wins” or customer voices you would like to mention?

Daniel Murray: Part of the beauty of Bosch solutions is the uncompromising quality, power and innovation of our solutions.  From the public address systems at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, and Vancouver Airport, to one of the world’s largest video deployments at Dubai Airport, Bosch is a leader in technology.  Our intrusion products are deployed in thousands of commercial locations and have become the standard for many national and global customers.  From St. Louis to Singapore, Bosch can supply communication, intrusion, and video solutions in every commercial environment.

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: Can we discuss IoT for a moment? We all know the benefits of IoT, in seconds with our mobile devices…we can pay a bill, make a dinner reservation, sent a gift, or change the settings of the HVAC and security system at our smart homes, but, are we also more vulnerable today to the bad guys out there?  Your thoughts, Dan?

Daniel Murray:  As more devices become “enabled”, the concepts of device certification, encryption, and network integrity become paramount.  Today, many wireless devices, like home thermostats and lighting controls, may not have the security protections required by the IoT.  This has been a tradeoff between easy to deploy and perceived consumer risk.  Several years ago, home  wireless routers were shipped without encryption enabled as a default; the security and electronics industry will have to adapt to address the growing threats of cyber theft and terrorism.

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: What is your perspective Dan on the unique value proposition Bosch brings to the table in this environment?

Daniel Murray:  Bosch is one of the largest privately held manufacturers in the world.  We are first and foremost an engineering-driven organization focused on uncompromising quality and innovation.  From automobiles to home appliances, Bosch delivers innovative technology and is at the forefront in emerging developments around the globe.  In the future, security will be less about an access control reader, detector, or video camera, but nodes on a network that empower people’s lives in the IoT.  Bosch Security Systems is committed to being an industry leader in all aspects of security and communications applications and technologies.

SecuritySolutionsWatch.com: Thanks again for joining us today, Dan.  Are there any other subjects you would like to discuss?

Daniel Murray: Several of the conferences I’ve attended recently have had discussions on cyber vulnerability and the benefits of a closed versus open architecture.  While there are benefits to the “one stop shop”, in the IoT, interoperability and co-opetition will be a requirement to mitigate these risks in the future.  Bosch is heavily invested in our Integration Partner Program and today aligns with over 400 other manufacturers globally.  The emerging landscape of IP-based solutions will require all manufacturers to take cyber vulnerability seriously.  Organized cyber criminals have the resources to wreak havoc on the global markets.  We as manufacturers in conjunction with the integrator and end user community must be prepared to meet these emerging threats.  I am convinced this is a dynamic period in our industry which will drive opportunity for new technology, services and solutions in the coming years.