The RISCAuthority have recently produced a guide, published by The Fire Protection Association, “Security Guide S35 – Internet of Things – Connected Security Devices and Systems” providing guidance that is primarily focused on protection of security devices and systems against attacks targeting fundamental design and operational/maintenance weaknesses. The recommendations provided highlight key factors for insurance professionals and security equipment users to consider for internet-connected security devices in domestic and small/medium commercial premises. 

The Internet of Things (IOT) refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are connected to the internet.  These objects are embedded with sensors and actuators that communicate with computing systems via wired or wireless networks. 

Whist these technologies have made the world a ‘smarter’ and more efficient place, internet-connected security devices present significant challenges around data privacy and vulnerabilities in software that can subsequently lead to unauthorised access allowing a third party to take control. 

The insurance risk management industries, like all sectors are continuously coming across new ‘smart’ security devices may offer more efficient and controllable options, it is essential that these systems meet suitable certifications and are appropriately designed and maintained to minimise the risks of cyber attack, hacking, and other forms of interference.   The guide is currently available as a Free Download on the FPA website and can be downloaded HERE

For members awareness we are providing a copy of the recent Secured By Design Alarm Standard, Technical Guide Version 2.0

SBD have produced this standard with an aim to further reduce false calls to the Police and to provide an alarm system of enhanced quality.

To download a copy of the standard please click here

Topic: Alarm handling in the UK is undergoing a transformation with the rollout of ECHO, the industry backed not-for-profit automated alarm transfer service

In this NSI Bulletin they share the latest developments on a certification scheme for evacuation alert systems in high rise buildings launched in response to the Grenfell Tower Phase 1 inquiry report, highlighting the role of Third Party Certification in reassuring buyers, insurers and fire & rescue authorities.

The latest NSI News Bulletin covering the new revision of BS 8418:2021 for the ‘Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of detector-activated video surveillance systems (VSS) – Code of practice’ published in July 2021

Once logged in the Bulletin is available HERE

Issue 3: Where do you guide a Policyholder to source a competent Fire Risk Assessment company? 

Once logged in the Bulletin is available HERE

Issue 2: Mitigating risk in commercial kitchens through third party certification

Once logged in the Bulletin is available HERE

A new alarm alert has been issued

Alarm Alert (19) – July 2021

Subject: BT’s ‘All IP’ project and the impact on Alarm Transmission Systems (ATS)

Details of this has been added to the members archive area.  Once logged in you can download details here.

The Police Crime Prevention team have recently launched an initiative providing advice to assist with choosing a suitable system, stressing the importance of using a reputable alarm company which has been approved by an Independent Inspectorate Body.

Once logged in the PCPI press release is available HERE

Secured by Design (SBD), the official police security initiative, have issued a new guide for Construction Site Security which provides advice on how to secure a site from the very start to the end of construction.

Once logged in, SBD’s press release is available HERE

The NSI have provided AiS Members with their most recent ‘Insurance Bulletin’ which focuses on Managing Rogue Labour Risk in the Security and Events Industry.

Once logged in the Bulletin is available HERE

AGM 2020 via Zoom held on 14th September 2020

The AGM minutes together with this years Chairman’s Report have been added to the Document Archives area of the website and are available for members to download here

A new alarm Alert has been issued.

Alarm Alert 18 – January 2020

Subject: Implementation of PD 6662: 2017 and Alarm Transmission Systems (ATS)

Details of this has been added to the members archive area.  Once logged in you can download details here.

A new alarm Alert has been issued.

PD 6669: 2017 Guidance for the provision of Alarm Transmission Systems (ATS) for Alarm Systems in the UK

This new ‘published document’ (PD) from BSI has now been published and came into effect on 30 June 2017.

Details of this has been added to the members archive area.  Once logged in you can download details here.

BRE have launched a new standard for the approval of companies carrying out inspection, cleaning and maintenance of ductwork systems. LPS 2084 is designed to minimise fire risk whilst increasing hygiene and functionality of a building’s ductwork. For further information: http://bregroup.com/press-releases/is-your-ductwork-safe/

A new alarm Alert has been issued to members that will update you on work in the BSI in three important areas of intruder alarm system standardisation this will be relevant to colleagues carrying out security surveys.   This has been added to the new members archive area.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance
Security Fogging is a very effective weapon in the arsenal of crime reduction.  However this is only the case if the systems have been specified, designed, installed and serviced correctly.

The majority of installations fulfil this requirement, however there have been a small number of failures of the security fogging systems to operate as intended which was starting to effect consumer and insurer confidence that they would perform as required.

Being a big advocate of the systems we were able to arrange for a number of security fogging machine suppliers and manufacturers to get together and with the help of the Met Police, NPCC, NSI and others we were able develop what has become the AiS Code of Practice.

I would like to thank all of those who were involved for their time, patience and most of all professionalism in helping develop the Code of Practice which should hopefully help installers, specifiers but more importantly consumers understand what is required for an effective Security Fogging System.

An insight into the reasons behind the new code of practice was discussed at our April 2016 meeting.  This is available to view on our YouTube channel https://youtu.be/DBd0sDnKZNY

This document is intended to supplement the provisions of BS EN50131-1, CLC/TS 50131-7 and EN 50131-8 as they apply to installations of Security Fogging Systems for use in ‘Hold-up – Building Occupied (EN50131-8: Appendix C, C.6).  A copy of the standard can be downloaded here.