Why your next security project might cost more? Thank the Tariffs!

By Gina Stuelke, CEO of Kenton Brothers

Why your next security project might cost more? Thank the Tariffs!Tariffs are hitting every industry… particularly those targeting Chinese imports and electronic components. This has resulted in several significant effects on the physical security industry. Here are the top three ways they’re impacting this sector:

1) Increased Hardware Costs

  • Impact: Many security products, such as surveillance cameras, access control panels, and network video recorders (NVRs), rely on imported components (e.g., semiconductors, circuit boards) or are fully manufactured abroad, especially in China.
  • Result: Tariffs (e.g., under Section 301 in the U.S.) have raised the cost of importing these goods, leading manufacturers and integrators to either absorb the higher costs, pass them onto customers, or seek alternative suppliers—often at higher prices or with lower quality.

2) Supply Chain Shifts and Delays

  • Impact: To avoid tariffs, many companies have shifted production to alternative countries (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico, or India), which has disrupted established supply chains.
  • Result: This realignment has caused production delays, limited product availability, and longer lead times for projects, particularly for integrators relying on just-in-time inventory models.

3) Product Redesign and Re-certification Costs

  • Impact: Some manufacturers have redesigned products to eliminate tariffed components or qualify for tariff exemptions.
  • Result: These changes often require new certifications (e.g., UL, FCC), increasing R&D and compliance costs. Integrators may also need to retrain staff or adjust installations due to changes in product specs or form factors.

As tariffs continue to reshape the landscape, staying informed and adaptable isn’t just smart. It’s essential for protecting both your assets and your bottom line. We’re here to help. Give us a call.

Why your next security project might cost more? Thank the Tariffs!

XWiki – Finally, a tool that will help you organize your company’s tribal knowledge.

By Neal Bellamy, IT Director at Kenton Brothers

XWiki - Finally, a tool that will help you organize your company's tribal knowledge.I thought I would take a break from our normal security stories and talk about an internal communication tool that I found recently. I imagine that most companies struggle with communication, I know we do at times. We do a great job of talking to each other, but a lot of our knowledge is tribal, passed down from one member to another.

Over the years, we’ve created countless documents describing processes and procedures, trying to get the knowledge to be more formal and less tribal. However, that has come with its own challenges. These documents are spread out between a shared network folder in the office, printouts from a document on someone’s laptop, and on our cloud storage systems. Each location has a file/folder system designed by the original owner, which then itself becomes tribal knowledge. The cycle has been never-ending.

There are many systems out there proposing to organize the chaos. Although we’ve tried several, getting something that’s effective, won’t break the bank, and is fairly easy to adopt by our team has been a struggle. However, I think we might have finally cracked the code.

XWiki

XWiki - Finally, a tool that will help you organize your company's tribal knowledge.I happened upon a product called XWiki. XWiki is an open-source project that appears to be well-supported with ongoing updates. Since it’s an open source project, it is free to implement for yourself, or you can pay a provider to set it up and manage it on your behalf.

XWiki is the first Wiki or knowledgebase that I’ve found where I can copy a Word document, pictures, and pretty much anything else and then paste them into the editor and it works. (This has been our number one roadblock to implementing anything else.) In other systems, you had to be able to edit HTML or build a document from scratch in the editor. Just this one feature has made adoption for all departments so much easier.

The Extension Store

The next feature that makes XWiki amazing is the extension store. Extensions add features to the base program that make it even more usable. Some of the extensions are free and others you have to pay for, but even the paid extensions are reasonably priced. Some examples of  these add-on extensions are GUI configuration for Active Directory, integration with Draw.io, calender integration with Office365, and hundreds more.

Permissions

XWiki - Finally, a tool that will help you organize your company's tribal knowledge.The last feature that was a must for us was permission-based pages. I wanted to allow each department to be able to create and edit their own processes and procedures, while allowing other related departments to be able to view as needed. For example, the HR department can create policies for the employees and everyone in the company can view them in XWiki.

Of course, XWiki also comes with things you would expect from a wiki. The pages can be edited by anyone with permissions, the system keeps track of revisions, it be searched with keywords and tags, content can be organized into categories, and you can even have sub-wikis with their own set of permissions.

It’s exciting that we have finally found and implemented a tool we can use to document our tribal knowledge. The system makes it much easier to keep things up to date. And our staff can find things they need quickly with the search tools.

Click here to learn more about XWiki. And if you have any additional questions about how we are using this or you want to learn more about our commercial security offerings, please give us a call.

The 12 Days of Security

By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

12 Days of SecurityChristmas is a time for celebrating life and the many blessings we all share. It’s also a time where criminals like to take advantage of distracted people. So to celebrate the Christmas season, and to keep vigilant, here is the Kenton Brothers Systems for Security version of the Twelve days of Christmas. Please sing a long!

On the first day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
a Security assessment from KB!

On the second day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Two Video Intercoms and a Security assessment from KB!

On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Three Analytic Packages, Two Video Intercoms and a Security Assessment from KB!

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Four Milestone Servers, Three Analytic Packages, Two Video Intercoms and a Security Assessment from KB!

On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me
Five Master Keys!
Four Milestone Servers, Three Analytic Packages, Two Video Intercoms and A Security assessment from KB!

On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Six Hardware Lever Sets, Five Master Keys!
Four Milestone Servers, Three Analytic Packages, Two Video Intercoms and A Security assessment from KB!

ISC West 2021 - RoboticsOn the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Seven Robots Patrolling, Six Hardware Lever Sets, Five Master Keys!
Four Milestone Servers, Three Analytic Packages, Two Video Intercoms and A Security assessment from KB!

On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Eight Drones a Flying, Seven Robots Patrolling, Six Hardware Lever Sets, Five Master Keys!
Four Milestone Servers, Three Analytic Packages, Two Video Intercoms and A Security assessment from KB!

On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Nine Metal Detectors, Eight Drones a Flying, Seven Robots Patrolling, Six Hardware Lever Sets,
Five Master Keys!
Four Milestone Servers, Three Analytic Packages, Two Video Intercoms and A Security assessment from KB!

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Ten Biometric Readers, Nine Metal Detectors, Eight Drones a Flying, Seven Robots Patrolling, Six Hardware Lever Sets,
Five Master Keys!
Four Milestone Servers, Three Analytic Packages, Two Video Intercoms and A Security assessment from KB!

Avigilon CameraOn the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Eleven IP Cameras, Ten Biometric Readers, Nine Metal Detectors, Eight Drones a Flying, Seven Robots Patrolling,
Six Hardware Lever Sets, Five Master Keys!
Four Milestone Servers, Three Analytic Packages, Two Video Intercoms and A Security assessment from KB!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me
Twelve Encrypted Credentials, Eleven IP Cameras, Ten Biometric Readers, Nine Metal Detectors, Eight Drones a Flying, Seven Robots Patrolling, Six Hardware Lever Sets, Five Master Keys!
Four Milestone Servers, Three Analytic Packages, Two Video Intercoms and A Security assessment from KB!

12 Days of Security 12 Days of Security

The Crucial Role of Situational Awareness in Transitional Spaces for Personal Safety and Security

By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

Situational Awareness in Transitional SpacesAt Kenton Brothers Systems for Security, our mission is to protect people property and possessions. It’s important work, and we take our work very seriously. A part of our role is creating policy and procedures for companies around physical security and how you interact with the situational environment around you. For instance, if there is an active shooter scenario at your workplace, we would help your company create the procedure for helping those affected deal with that situation. Today we are taking a different spin.

We live in a distracted world full of cell phone screens. In these distracted times of modern life, we often find ourselves moving through transitional spaces without giving them a second thought. Whether it’s walking through a parking lot, riding public transportation, or simply strolling down a city street, these transitional spaces are an integral part of our daily routines.

It’s precisely in these seemingly mundane environments that the importance of situational awareness becomes most apparent. In this blog, we’ll explore why situational awareness is paramount for personal safety and security in transitional spaces, shedding light on the potential threats that lurk in the shadows and the common distractions that hinder our ability to stay vigilant.

Understanding Situational Awareness

Situational Awareness in Transitional SpacesSituational awareness, often described as the perception of environmental elements and events with respect to time or space, plays a pivotal role in personal safety and security. In transitional spaces, being attuned to your surroundings means being able to identify potential threats, assess the level of risk, and respond appropriately to ensure your well-being.

Transitional spaces are unique in that they serve as connectors between different environments. They are the thresholds between safety and potential danger, requiring individuals to adapt their awareness to the changing dynamics of the space. Whether you’re stepping out of your car into a dimly lit parking garage or navigating a crowded subway station, situational awareness acts as a shield against unexpected threats.

Common Distractions in Transitional Spaces

To truly grasp the significance of situational awareness, it’s essential to recognize the myriad distractions that can divert our attention, leaving us vulnerable to potential risks. Here are some common distractions that people often encounter in transitional spaces:

Technological Distractions: The ubiquity of smartphones has created a generation of individuals constantly engrossed in their screens. Whether texting, browsing social media, or listening to music, these technological distractions can significantly reduce awareness of one’s surroundings.

Daydreaming: Mental preoccupation with thoughts unrelated to the immediate environment is another common distraction. Whether worrying about work, personal matters, or daydreaming, being mentally elsewhere can prevent individuals from recognizing potential threats.

Noise Pollution: Overstimulation from loud noises, whether it be traffic, construction, or public announcements, can overwhelm the senses and make it challenging to focus on important auditory cues.

Complacency: Familiarity with a particular transitional space can breed complacency. Individuals may assume that because they have traversed a route countless times without incident, there is no need for heightened awareness. This false sense of security can be dangerous.

So what’s the big deal?

The Implications of Inattention

Crimes of convenience are rising at alarming rate.  Failing to maintain situational awareness in transitional spaces can have severe consequences.  Criminals often exploit these environments due to the perceived lack of vigilance from potential victims.  From pickpocketing to more serious crimes, individuals who are not fully aware of their surroundings become easy targets.

Moreover, emergencies such as fires, natural disasters, or medical incidents can occur at any time. Without situational awareness, individuals may struggle to respond effectively to these situations, putting their safety and the safety of others at risk.  Do you know where the exit is?  How about the closest storm shelter?  You should.

So, what can I do specifically?

 Enhancing Situational Awareness

Now that we understand the importance of situational awareness, let’s explore strategies to enhance this critical skill in transitional spaces:

Limit Technological Distractions: While smartphones are valuable tools, it’s crucial to use them judiciously in transitional spaces. Consider keeping your phone in your pocket and headphones off until you’ve safely navigated the area.

Practice Mindfulness: Actively engage with your surroundings by practicing mindfulness. Take note of the people, sounds, and potential exit points in a given space. This heightened awareness can significantly improve your ability to respond to potential threats.

Vary Your Routes: Avoid falling into a routine that breeds complacency. Deliberately choose different routes when possible to keep your awareness sharp and adaptable to changing environments.

Trust Your Instincts: Intuition often serves as a powerful guide in assessing potential threats.  Read that again.  If something feels off or uncomfortable, trust your instincts and take appropriate action, whether it’s changing your route or seeking assistance.

In the complex dance of daily life, transitional spaces demand our utmost attention and vigilance. Situational awareness isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset that can be cultivated and honed through conscious effort and practice. By acknowledging the potential threats in transitional spaces and understanding the distractions that impede our awareness, we empower ourselves to navigate these environments with confidence and security.

It’s not your imagination, the world we live in is more dangerous. Situational awareness stands as a beacon, guiding us through the labyrinth of transitional spaces. It’s a skill that transcends the physical, extending into the realms of mental preparedness and proactive engagement with our surroundings. So, the next time you find yourself in a transitional space, remember: stay vigilant, stay aware, and stay safe.

Thank you for reading this blog Kenton Brothers Systems for security is celebrating its 126th year in business.  We blog every week and would love to have you subscribe to our newsletter!

Positive Pay – Protect Your Business Accounts Against Check or ACH Fraud

By Gina Stuelke, CEO of Kenton Brothers

Positive Pay - Protect Your Business Accounts Against Check or ACH FraudThe 2023 AFP® Payments Fraud and Control Survey reports 65 percent of organizations were victims of payments fraud attacks/attempts in 2022. Checks continue to be the payment method most vulnerable to fraud, with 63% of respondents reporting their organizations faced fraud activity via checks. Of those who were victims of payments fraud in 2022, more than one-fourth of organizations (27%) were able to successfully recover at least 75% of funds lost.

However, nearly half (44%) were unsuccessful in recouping any of the stolen funds. Forty-five percent of respondents (the highest in the past five years) cited wires as a top payment method used during BEC attempts. Instances of fraud via commercial card increased by 10 percentage points, and instances of fraud via ACH credits and virtual cards increased by 6 percentage points each.

Scary stuff, right?

How many business owners have had a scare when a potentially fraudulent check is presented at their bank for payment? We recently had what looked like a legitimate check written to a credit card company (one that we use) for $21,000. This is happening regularly these days, and we needed a safeguard to help protect us from this type of fraud.

Country Club Bank’s Positive Pay program is a great way to prevent fraud and/or encoding errors.

Positive Pay for ChecksCheck Positive Pay

Here is how the check Positive Pay system works:

  1. Your company assigns check data and sends it to the bank.
  2. New checks submitted against your business checking account are verified against the data submitted.
  3. Exceptions are sorted out and you are notified via email or text message depending on your notification settings.
  4. You log into the bank portal or mobile app to decide whether to pay the item or deny it.

Positive Pay for ACH TransactionsACH Positive Pay

Here is how the ACH Positive Pay system works:

  1. Your company identifies a list of approved ACH debits for your business account.
  2. The approved IDs are added to your business online banking profile.
  3. As ACH debits are presented to your account, the IDs are matched against approved IDs in the system.
  4. Exceptions are sorted out and you are notified via email or text message depending on your notification settings.
  5. You log into the bank portal or mobile app to decide whether to pay the item or deny it.

These safeguards work really well, and give you peace of mind that fraudulent checks or ACH debits don’t hit your business accounts. If you don’t have Positive Pay enabled for your business, ask your bank about this service! Don’t get taken by scammers — there is protection available for you in the form of Positive Pay for your business accounts!