SecurPod

Please join Ralph C. Jensen, editor in chief of Security Today magazine, as he explores topics of interest in the security industry. SecurPod features well-known industry experts as they talk about technology and solutions in various security verticals.

The World’s First Sovereign SASE Connectivity Service 06/30/2025

The World’s First Sovereign SASE Connectivity Service Brent Dirks, editor of Security Today, sits down with Kelly Ahuja, CEO of Versa Networks. They discuss how Versa is powering Swisscom’s beem in the world’s first sovereign SASE connectivity service and more including some of the top challenges facing today’s security teams. Kelly Ahuja is a seasoned industry veteran with more than 20 years of experience in networking and telecommunications. He currently serves on the board of directors for two startups in Silicon Valley. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/37198930

Improving Surveillance With AI 11/14/2024

Improving Surveillance With AI In this episode, Security Today and Campus Security Today editor Brent Dirks sits down with Aaron Saks, Senior Product and Technical Manager with Hanwha Vision. We discuss a wide variety of topics including how AI can help with forensic search and how AI can help reduce false alarms. Other topics include how organizations can select the best AI deployment and the benefits of multi-sensor cameras. This episode is sponsored by Hanwha Vision. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/33936432

Balancing Technology and Behavioral Elements and How to Improve School Safety 11/01/2024

Balancing Technology and Behavioral Elements and How to Improve School Safety In this episode, Security Today and Campus Security Today Editor Brent Dirks sits down with Ryan Petty, a dedicated school safety advocate, to explore the multifaceted landscape of student security. Ryan shares his insights on creating safer environments for students both during school hours and at extracurricular events, highlighting the critical balance between technology and human oversight. We dive into pressing issues like vaping and other on-campus challenges, discuss how schools can make the most of limited budgets for safety, and examine how law enforcement and school communities can work together to prevent and respond to potential threats. Ryan also emphasizes that while technology plays a vital role, it should enhance—never replace—the human element in security efforts. Join us for an essential conversation on evolving strategies to keep schools safe in today's complex world. This episode is sponsored by Metrasens. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/33748672

A Closer Look at Verkada 10/25/2024

A Closer Look at Verkada Editor-in-chief Ralph C. Jensen spends some time with Jake Leichtling of Verkada talking about the advances of security solutions at the company, new products and technology released by the company at a recent integrators and end users conference in Denver. They also talked about Artificial Intelligence and cloud/storage. Listen in to hear what else they talked about in reviewing VerkadaOne. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/33618442

The Current State of School Security 08/08/2024

The Current State of School Security In this episode of SecurPod, Brent Dirks, Security Today and Campus Security Today editor, sits down with Ken Cook, Director of National School Safety and Advocacy at Allegion. In addition to leading Allegion’s efforts in assisting school districts, Cook serves on the Advisory Council for the Partner for Safer Schools Alliance (PASS) technical committee and chairs the Outreach Committee, and on the Security Industry Association (SIA) school safety committee. Cook discusses the current state of school security, how security measures have evolved, and much more. This episode is sponsored by Allegion. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/32501697

AV Over IP for Control Room Operations 06/07/2024

AV Over IP for Control Room Operations In this episode of SecurPod, Brent Dirks, Security Today editor, sits down with Parker Group CTO Ray May. May discuses the history of the the company and AVeune—a robust AV over IP solution tailored to enterprises. He discusses how control rooms can implement the solution without having to completely redesign a system. Other topics include how AV over IP solutions are modernizing control room operations and how Parker sees AVenue being implemented in the future. This episode is sponsored by Parker Group. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/31653982

Mobile Credentials on the Move 02/26/2024

Mobile Credentials on the Move In this episode of SecurPod, Ralph C. Jensen, publisher of Security Today magazine, sits down with Trevor Hoselton, Director of Federal Civilian Agencies PACS at HID Global, to talk about mobile credentials within the government space. Hoselton explains mobile connective and how it has changed the way we live, work, and play. This includes everything from smartphones to wearables and tables. Today, we address physical access the smart way. Mobile connectivity is ever-present in today’s office environment, always on, and serve a variety of purposes. Mobile is today’s go-to technology, offering convenience and portability, and is a logical step in the evolution of access control. Hoselton’s experience includes agencies such as Veteran’s Affairs, Department of Energy, Customs and Border Patrol USDA, FDA, IRS, and more. This episode is sponsored by HID Global. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/30112868

Training: What You Might Not Know but Need to Understand 01/08/2024

Training: What You Might Not Know but Need to Understand Training your staff is a valuable tool to ensure that security solution implementation is done right the first time, every time. This episode's guest is Connie Moorhead, president and CEO of the CMOOR Group. We'll talk about how organizations in the security industry can effectively bridge the generational knowledge gap to ensure a smooth transition of expertise from older to younger professionals. We'll discuss the roles of continues learning and development, mentorship programs, and cross-directional technology training. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/29390363

Evolutions in Security 11/21/2023

Evolutions in Security In this episode of SecurPod, publisher Ralph C. Jensen hosts LenelS2 global president and general manager Kumar Sokka. In their conversation, they talk about the security landscape and how quickly and significantly it has evolved over the past couple of years. They also talk about the rapid changes in certain industries and market segments, as well as adapting to the changing environment without “ripping and replacing” security equipment and technology. Sokka also discusses the cloud and LenelS2’s recent enhancements and integration for its Elements platform, as well as the revolving landscape. This episode is sponsored by LenelS2. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/28739903

Key and Asset Management: Bridging the Gap Between Security and Facilities 11/10/2023

Key and Asset Management: Bridging the Gap Between Security and Facilities In this episode of SecurPod, publisher Ralph C. Jensen sits down with Craig Newell to talk about key and asset management solutions in numerous security verticals. Newell is the vice president for sales and business development for Traka Americas. His career with the company spans more than 20 years. This Podcast discussion centers on production, service, R&D, and how Traka provides solutions to some of the biggest brands in the world, ultimately helping organizations better control their important assets while improving productivity, accountability and overall risk reduction of their critical processes. This episode is sponsored by Traka Americas. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/28574893

Secure the K–12 Campus Environment 11/06/2023

Secure the K–12 Campus Environment In this episode of SecurPod, Ralph C. Jensen, publisher of Campus Security Today, addresses campus security protocols and procedures. Nothing strikes home quicker and deeper than an active shooter on campus. Jensen’s guest today is Michael Garcia, who manages the K–12 school business vertical in the United States for physical access control solutions at HID Global. Garcia also is deeply involved as a director at PASSK-12.org National School Safety Committee. Garcia was honored as one of the most influential people in security in 2022. This conversation will address leading campus security practices and best procedures to follow. This episode is sponsored by HID Global. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/28536380

Video Analytics as a Security Solution 11/01/2023

Video Analytics as a Security Solution In this episode of SecurPod, Security Today magazine publisher Ralph C. Jensen sits down and talks with Matt Cirnigliaro, who serves as the Video Analytics Marketing Manager at Bosch Security Systems. They talk about analytics and how organizations use this solution as a response to potential security risks. They also talk about privacy and analytics technology. Simply stated, Bosch Security Systems makes it their mission to help security professionals, consultants, specifiers, and end-users on their journey towards predictive solutions. This is accomplished with AI-driven Video Analytics. And Bosch has been doing this for more than 20 years; developing algorithms for video analytics, to help users to protect people and property. Video Analytics uses metadata to add sense and structure to captured video footage, which helps users to understand scenes and situations to be understood at an ever-deeper level. It is the main reason Bosch video security cameras have had built-in Video Analytics as standard since 2016. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/28489067

AI is Making a Difference 10/25/2023

AI is Making a Difference In this episode of SecurPod, Security Today magazine publisher Ralph C. Jensen sits down and talks with Aaron Saks, the senior technical marketing and training manager at Hanwha Vision America. They talk about the meaning of real intelligence when it comes to AI and how customers can customize an AI solution for their particular need. Saks also talks about some of the new cameras introduced by Hanwha Vision over the past few months, and how Hanwha is making a difference in the industry. This Podcast is sponsored by Hanwha Vision America. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/28423049

DSPM is the Future of Cybersecurity 05/22/2023

DSPM is the Future of Cybersecurity In this episode of SecurPod, Ralph C. Jensen, publisher of Security Today magazine, talks with Parandar Das, the co-founder and CEO of Sotero. The conversation centers around the data security market and how Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) seems to be the future of cybersecurity. Das answers questions of why companies are pivoting more toward a data-first approach to securing their cloud-based data. He also addresses the question of why current approaches to data security are no longer effective. This Podcast is sponsored by Sotero. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/26917533

Making the Cloud an Easy Transition from On-Prem 04/10/2023

Making the Cloud an Easy Transition from On-Prem In this installment, Ralph C. Jensen, publisher of Security Today magazine, talks Eric Kedrosky, chief information security officer as Sonrai Security. Discussion centers on what makes the cloud difficult, how the scale and speed at which the cloud operates, impacting security practices, as well as common mistakes organization might make when moving from on-prem to the cloud. They also discuss what organizations can do right away to minimize further impact from a breach. Overall, education and training are a must for an organization to successfully navigate to the cloud. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/26497605

Cybersecurity Strategies and Their Impact on Physical Security 03/24/2023

Cybersecurity Strategies and Their Impact on Physical Security In this episode of SecurPod, Ralph C. Jensen learns more about the impact of cybersecurity, cyber protection and system infrastructure on the physical security world as he talks with Jami McGraw, manager of product development at Seneca; and Ron Vantassel, technical solutions manager at Seneca. The conversation centers on the key differences between physical security and cybersecurity strategies in terms of protecting assets. The importance of cyber protection in relation to hardware infrastructure solutions, as opposed to software only, is also discussed. In addition, McGraw and Vantassel talk about replacing legacy infrastructure with hyperconverged infrastructure — a combination of servers and storage in a distributed infrastructure platform with intelligent software consisting of separate servers, storage networks and storage arrays to create flexible building blocks. Sponsored by Seneca /episode/index/show/securpod/id/26330934

ChatGPT and More in the Cyber World 02/28/2023

ChatGPT and More in the Cyber World In this episode of SecurPod, Ralph C. Jensen enjoys a conversation with Vikram Phatak, the founder and CEO of CyberRatings.org. The conversation starts with the topic of ChatGPT and its pros and cons in the cyber world. We also talk about testing of the latest cybersecurity technology — the asymmetry, or market distortion — because there is not enough transparency into how security products work. Testing provides ratings and test scores on security product effectiveness, performance and management and reporting capabilities. The CyberRatings.org team has unique security product testing expertise with a combined proficiency spanning more than three decades. Its executives have fostered well-established relationships with most large and small security vendors and have built an earned trust with vendors and enterprises. As one of the industry’s foremost thought leaders, Phatak has extensive experience in cybersecurity technologies protecting networks, endpoints and the cloud. Phatak founded NSS Labs, Inc. in 2007 as a go-to source for trusted independent, fact-based guidance on security product efficacy. For more than a decade, he grew NSS Labs from a small test lab to a global leader in security product testing. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/26079417

The Benefits of Proactive Monitoring 12/29/2022

The Benefits of Proactive Monitoring In this edition of SecurPod, Ralph C. Jensen, editor-in-chief of Security Today, sits down with industry veteran Kurt Takahashi, CEO of Netwatch Group, and Justin Wilmas, who serves as president of Netwatch North America. They discuss and talk about changes in the video monitoring market and how the company has embraced a proactive plan, which benefits the security dealer market and works in tandem with other security measures to keep the enterprise safe and secure. In addition, they discuss how proactive video monitoring works well in the cannabis vertical because of the cash market in which it is involved. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/25389075

Learn More about Drone Technology, Solutions 12/13/2022

Learn More about Drone Technology, Solutions In this episode of SecurPod, Ralph C. Jensen, editor-in-chief of Security Today magazine, talks with Jon Gruen, CEO of Fortem Technologies. Fortem Technologies is a well-known unmanned aerial surveillance manufacturer with experience on consumer and commercial applications, as well as on the battlefield for the past 10 months in Ukraine. Gruen highlights his experience and Fortem Technologies’ capabilities on a global platform, discussing the current state of the drone threatscape, both from a public and military standpoint. In addition, learn about what to expect from the C-UAS space in the future and the evolution of drone technology for years to come. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/25314105

Ahead of Current Events 09/28/2022

Ahead of Current Events In this episode, Ralph C. Jensen chats with Dana Barnes, president of government business at Dataminr. We talk about the evolution of Dataminr and how data software benefits business and personnel alike. Dataminr delivers the earliest warnings on high impact events and critical information far in advance of other sources, enabling faster response, more effective risk mitigation for both public and private sector organizations. Barnes recites Dataminr history and how their platform works. With so much emphasis on cybersecurity, Barnes goes into detail about his cybersecurity background and the measures Dataminr takes to ensure safe and secure implementation. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/24518565

Becoming a Guide on the Customer Journey 09/09/2022

Becoming a Guide on the Customer Journey In this episode, Security Today editor in chief Ralph Jensen chats with Chris Hugman of System Surveyor about the customer journey. As the company’s chief executive officer, Hugman continues to work toward his vision of seamless systems management from concept to system end-of-life. He also addresses what it takes to be a guide in the security industry and why it is different from the traditional sales process. Originally a systems integrator, Hugman reveals his thoughts on technology and the prospects of the customer journey over the next few years, as well as the direction of technology. Sponsored by System Surveyor. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/24325383

The Power of the Open Platform 07/27/2022

The Power of the Open Platform Industry veteran Eric Fullerton has spent much of his security career as an advocate for the open platform, highlighting best of breed solutions. Years ago, Eric and his staff coined the phrase of staying out of “proprietary jail.” In this interview, sponsored by OpenEye, Fullerton addresses the specific advantages of an open platform solution. He also talks how an end user can streamline operations and reduce cybersecurity risk in the cloud. Reducing the burden on IT will make it easier to manage and maintain video deployments and integrations of all sizes. Fullerton has been the executive director at OpenEye for the past four years, and now is transitioning to take on a larger role at his family’s winery business. Sponsored by OpenEye. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/23876196

The Z-Wave Alliance Focuses on the Residential Market 06/01/2022

The Z-Wave Alliance Focuses on the Residential Market Mitchell Klein serves as the executive director of the Z-Wave Alliance, an industry organization that drives numerous initiatives to expand and accelerate the global adoption of smart home and smart cities applications. In this Podcast, we talk about the 2022 State of the Ecosystem, and the fact that technology has brought about almost unimaginable residential security resources. The Alliance also provides education resources as well as looking at expanding technology. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/23297582

A Fresh Perspective on Security 03/31/2022

A Fresh Perspective on Security Fred Nelson may be new to the security industry, but his sales and leadership methods are time-tested and true. Fred joined AMAG only a few months ago but brings with him a wealth of experience in sales and life balance solutions. This year is off to a good start for AMAG with new solutions on the horizon. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/22639076

Reviewing the PSA Tech Security Mission 03/09/2022

Reviewing the PSA Tech Security Mission Learning about the mission and goals of PSA Tech will answer many of the questions integrators deal with every day. The vision of the organization is to “be the rising tide.” Learn what challenges integrators are facing and what emerging technologies will take off in 2022. This podcast is a conversation with Matt Barnette of PSA. He was named the chief executive officer about a year ago, and is preparing for an in-person forum in Denver, May 16-19. He talks about how membership in PSA is a benefit for integrators, and how it might impact end users. Matt shares a wealth of knowledge not only from leading PSA, but from his many years involved in the security industry. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/22395392

Focusing on Challenges in Cybersecurity and the Business Community 02/09/2022

Focusing on Challenges in Cybersecurity and the Business Community Over the course of the past few years, UncommonX has continued to observe companies’ unwavering “It could never happen to me,” mindset, despite an uptick in cyber threats and attacks. This presents a great challenge in the cybersecurity world and the business community at large. There still isn’t a strong urgency or focus on digital protection. The reality is that “the problems of the past are the problems of today.” Even though there’s a heightened interest in the topic of cybersecurity, due to recent attacks, organizations are not taking the necessary steps to learn from the past and safeguard their future. Patrick Hayes is the chief strategy officer at UcommonX. Patrick is a hands-on leader, with depth in strategy, business operations, information security and technical architecture. He has led multiple technology start-ups through funding, growth, international market expansion, and acquisition. Patrick has also held senior leadership roles with Hitachi, Allstream and IBM. As a Certified Enterprise Security Architect, Patrick has also led large-scale security programs and operations in Media & Communications, Finance, Oil & Gas and Public Sector organizations. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/22076291

Approaching the Education Market with Milestone 01/21/2022

Approaching the Education Market with Milestone Milestone’s Laurie Dickson addresses Open Architecture, new equipment and the cost of entry and upgrading VMS systems over time. She also talks about how K-12 and Higher Education campuses differ in regard to surveillance system needs. Schools have certain guidelines they must follow to protect student identities, and Laurie addresses this question as well. Laurie Dickson began her career with 15 years in advertising and marketing as a brand strategist and art director/creative director. In 2010 she decided to join the family manufacturer's rep business and began a new career in physical security sales. After representing a broad range of brands, from intercom and access control to video management and complex analytics. She held positions in new business development, territory sales, and channel management, and is now the Channel Business Manager for the Greater Los Angeles and Orange County territory for Milestone Systems. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/21853289

Understanding Access Control 01/07/2022

Understanding Access Control The Secure Technology Alliance is the digital security industry’s premier association. It exists as a neutral forum that brings together leading providers and adopters of end-to-end security solutions designed to protect privacy and digital assets in a variety of vertical markets. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/21707519

Securing Entertainment Venues 09/22/2021

Securing Entertainment Venues One thing entertainment venues, sports stadiums and theme park officials want to accomplish is getting people back into their seats. That is happening today—but not without understanding and technology. In this episode, AJ DeRosa shares his insight on how COVID-impacted businesses are able to face safety and security issues with confidence and technology. We also discuss visitor expectations and how venue officials can ensure their space is secure as they welcome visitors back. This episode is sponsored by Evolv Technologies. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/20564426

Remembering 9/11 09/07/2021

Remembering 9/11 In this episode, Security Today Editor-in-Chief Ralph C. Jensen Talks with Steve Karoly about security and transportation issues, specifically airport, airline and passenger security. It is the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in New York, the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA. /episode/index/show/securpod/id/20397959

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