Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has set the ball rolling for what he promises will be the biggest shake up in political reform since the Great Reform Act of 1832.

CCTV will be “properly regulated”, and databases holding innocent people’s DNA will be restricted, he said.

Speaking last month at Islington and City College, London, the Liberal Democrat leader said he wanted to "transform our politics so the state has far less control over you, and you have far more control over the state".

This will include scrapping the ID card scheme and the National Identity Register. It would also mean the Contact Point database that holds information on 11 million children, would be made obsolete.

His pledge, or “power revolution,” was welcomed by the British Security Industry Association yesterday, which said regulation paved the way for the “development of national CCTV standards.”

Andy George from OSS Security said it's "good" that CCTV regulation was high on the coalition government's to-do list. He said: "All that has been missing is effective regulation. Without that, it's little wonder that 80% of CCTV images are assessed by the police as 'not fit for purpose.'”

He went on to say that many CCTV systems did not comply with the Data Protection Act (DPA).

"Our compnay routinely hear of cases where law abiding citizens have been refused access to their recorded CCTV images in the mistaken belief that it would be in contravention of the DPA. In fact, the exact opposite is the case.

“You are entitled to a copy of any images of you that are captured on CCTV operated by a business or organisation, subject to reasonable conditions. That's because recognisable images are just as sensitive as personal information held in a database."

Industry information estimates that there are between five and six million CCTV cameras in use in the UK today.

You may not realize it but a picture of your own home is very likely available on the Internet thanks to the popular Google Street View map program.

I’m a big fan of Google. They’ve done a great job on organizing the world’s information. All their tools and apps like Gmail, calendar and docs are fully functional and mobile. They seemed to have taken the fight out of technology with these tools.

Then, there is Google Street View. Zoom, rotate and pan through street level photos of cities around the world. I remember the day Google Street View came down my street. I live on a private dead end and they came right down my driveway. They got stuck trying to turn around and we had to move a car for them.

Then, a few months later there it was on Google Street View. It’s an ambitious attempt at mapping the world just like you were there yourself.

So how does this affect you? For one thing, it allows anyone anywhere to gain intelligence about your street, fences, gates, driveway and information about your home and in general scope out your neighborhood. Certainly someone can simply just drive-by and use a video camera or take pictures and Google Street View makes it even easier.

But what if Google captured much more than a picture?

Now Google admits they messed up a little. An ambitious Google Street View engineer plugged some code in their data collection process that they planned on using to collect data on “Public Wi-Fi Hotspots”.

The code pulled more the just hotspots. There could have been enough data pulled to steal someone's identity.

Protect yourself by making sure your wireless router is protected with a password.

When you have an unsecured wireless connection, it's just like leaving the front door to your home open and inviting the world to come inside to take a peek.

Google says its Street View cars will stay in park until the problem is fixed.

Content expressed does not represent the thoughts and opinions of OSS Security unless explicitly indicated. Source: Robert Siciliano, personal security expert to Home Security Source on Fox Boston.

Recession pushes up Liverpool visitor numbers.

There is a use for CCTV cameras after all – to prove that recession has brought more visitors to Liverpool City Centre than being named Capital of Culture!

A total of 27.1 million people were monitored by six special cameras located across the City Central Business Improvement District (BID) – which covers the heart of Liverpool City Centre from Bold Street to Mathew Street and Church Street to Lime Street – from January to June this year. An average of 5.2 million people a month have been tracked since June – with an estimated extra one million expected in December for the Christmas shopping spree. The startling figures were revealed at City Central BID’s first Annual Review this week and were immediately hailed as “a phenomenal vote of confidence” in the appeal of Liverpool, which is now ranked as one of Europe’s top 20 retail destinations and top five in the UK.

Ed Oliver, chairman of City Central BID, which represents 631 businesses across 49 acres of the city centre, said, “From any perspective the fact the city centre is attracting so many people in what is a very harsh economic climate, and without the advantage of the global spotlight we had in ’08, speaks volumes for the solid foundations that have been laid down over the past decade. “The economy over the next two-to-three years will present both public and private sector with many difficult challenges but Liverpool needs to keep focused on improving what it does well and how it tells that story. A heightened level of teamwork is needed but this presents a great opportunity for all our members and stakeholders to turn that to their and the city’s advantage.”

Pity, then, that some of the CCTV cameras that counted the visitors are likely to be turned off in the next round of spending cuts.

Closed IP TV integrates enhanced layer 2/3 switching technology, innovatively combined with self-configuration software. This has the potential to create secure, self-configuring video over IP networks where from an installation point of view no prior knowledge of IP network configuration and security is required.

In practice, through Closed IP TV, IP cameras are automatically identified and configured by the server or NVR (Network Video Recorder) as a point-to-point relationship. This means that each camera is identified by the socket it is connected to just like an analogue system. The private network of video over IP created by Closed IP TV is immune from outside hacking attack, providing vital reassurance to security managers, as it sets-up an exclusive relationship between the IP addresses of the camera and server products and the associated layer 2/3 switch.

Said Pauline Norstrom, Director of Worldwide Marketing at Dedicated Micros: "We believe, this signifies a quantum leap in the security and ease of use of video over IP solutions. Through Closed IP TV, once all products are connected together, the system is completely deterministic configuring itself and assigning IP addresses automatically as required. Crucially, as each camera is assigned a specific network port it cannot be hacked or intercepted – a potential weakness with other approaches – as the cameras are all locked down.”

Mike Newton, AD Group CEO and CTO stated: "Innovation is central to our approach to CCTV and Closed IP TV reflects this desire to push the boundaries of surveillance to deliver industry leading solutions which address real issues on the ground for customers - such as reliable and secure operation - and, crucially, provide a real return on investment."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has set the ball rolling for what he promises will be the biggest shake up in political reform since the Great Reform Act of 1832.

CCTV will be “properly regulated”, and databases holding innocent people’s DNA will be restricted, he said.

Speaking last month at Islington and City College, London, the Liberal Democrat leader said he wanted to "transform our politics so the state has far less control over you, and you have far more control over the state".

This will include scrapping the ID card scheme and the National Identity Register. It would also mean the Contact Point database that holds information on 11 million children, would be made obsolete.

His pledge, or “power revolution,” was welcomed by the British Security Industry Association yesterday, which said regulation paved the way for the “development of national CCTV standards.”

Andy George from OSS Security said it's "good" that CCTV regulation was high on the coalition government's to-do list. He said: "All that has been missing is effective regulation. Without that, it's little wonder that 80% of CCTV images are assessed by the police as 'not fit for purpose.'”

He went on to say that many CCTV systems did not comply with the Data Protection Act (DPA).

"Our compnay routinely hear of cases where law abiding citizens have been refused access to their recorded CCTV images in the mistaken belief that it would be in contravention of the DPA. In fact, the exact opposite is the case.

“You are entitled to a copy of any images of you that are captured on CCTV operated by a business or organisation, subject to reasonable conditions. That's because recognisable images are just as sensitive as personal information held in a database."

Industry information estimates that there are between five and six million CCTV cameras in use in the UK today.

You may not realize it but a picture of your own home is very likely available on the Internet thanks to the popular Google Street View map program.

I’m a big fan of Google. They’ve done a great job on organizing the world’s information. All their tools and apps like Gmail, calendar and docs are fully functional and mobile. They seemed to have taken the fight out of technology with these tools.

Then, there is Google Street View. Zoom, rotate and pan through street level photos of cities around the world. I remember the day Google Street View came down my street. I live on a private dead end and they came right down my driveway. They got stuck trying to turn around and we had to move a car for them.

Then, a few months later there it was on Google Street View. It’s an ambitious attempt at mapping the world just like you were there yourself.

So how does this affect you? For one thing, it allows anyone anywhere to gain intelligence about your street, fences, gates, driveway and information about your home and in general scope out your neighborhood. Certainly someone can simply just drive-by and use a video camera or take pictures and Google Street View makes it even easier.

But what if Google captured much more than a picture?

Now Google admits they messed up a little. An ambitious Google Street View engineer plugged some code in their data collection process that they planned on using to collect data on “Public Wi-Fi Hotspots”.

The code pulled more the just hotspots. There could have been enough data pulled to steal someone's identity.

Protect yourself by making sure your wireless router is protected with a password.

When you have an unsecured wireless connection, it's just like leaving the front door to your home open and inviting the world to come inside to take a peek.

Google says its Street View cars will stay in park until the problem is fixed.

Content expressed does not represent the thoughts and opinions of OSS Security unless explicitly indicated. Source: Robert Siciliano, personal security expert to Home Security Source on Fox Boston.

You have had your alarm fitted, what next?

So, you have successfully installed a sophisticated home monitored intruder alarm system that monitors all entry points and interior of your house. Now what do you do about the outside? The addition of key outdoor home security equipment can complement your indoor alarm system and enhance the safety of your home and family. There are many effective options on the market to meet any sized budget. Here we’ll outline some of the best ways to monitor and protect the perimeter of your home.

Strategic Outdoor Lighting

Most security experts will tell you that outdoor security lights are a great investment and should be one of the first options you consider. Studies have shown that outdoor lighting is incredibly effective in the prevention of home break-ins. Strategic outdoor lighting will deter potential intruders because it forces them to work in the light, showcasing their crimes to any passerby. A well lit property will most often cause a burglar to pass by your home in search of a more vulnerable target.

There are 3 basic ways you can illuminate the exterior of your house, each with its own advantages and disadvantages: • All-Night Lighting—Lighting can be set, using a light-sensitive photocell, to turn on at dusk and off at dawn. This is a popular option because it covers your property with constant lighting, making it nearly impossible for an intruder to enter without being seen. However, the obvious drawback is that this method uses the most electricity which can really add to your utility bill. One way to keep energy consumption down is to use lighting powered by solar energy. The lights will charge up during the day and be able to stay lit all night long without adding to your electric bill.

• Motion-Activated Lighting—These lights turn on when someone passes by a motion sensor. It can be quite frightening for a trespasser when lights suddenly turn on, which is why this type of light is so effective and popular. Additionally, this method saves quite a lot of electricity, as the lights are only activated when needed. ~

• Hi/Low Combination Lighting—This approach uses a low intensity light throughout the night ,and when someone passes by, the motion sensor causes the lights to get brighter and brighter. This method saves some money on electricity while providing complete illumination when needed.

Outdoor Surveillance Cameras

Although not for a very low budget, security cameras have become very affordable in recent years. Some factors to consider when shopping around for cameras are color vs. black and white picture, and lens type.

Color output is effective for recording details (such as the color of a car, clothing, hair etc.) but doesn’t function well in low light conditions, while a black and white picture is effective even in very low light conditions. For especially dark areas, one may want to consider a camera with infrared capabilities. This feature allows video to be recorded even in absolute darkness. In addition, there are 3 main types of lenses:

• Wide-angle lenses are most common and allow the most amount of space to be monitored; however, as objects move further from the camera, they can become hard to see.

• Mid-range lenses allow the user to make out details such as faces from farther away than a wide angle lens, but employ a narrower field of vision.

• Long-range lenses are the most effective for catching the smallest of details (such as license plate numbers) from far away, but also have a more restricted field of vision.

Landscaping

Interestingly, landscaping plays a major role in outdoor home security and can either increase or decrease the safety of your exterior. For example, strategically placed shrubbery (such as a thorny rose bush) can be planted under windows and other vulnerable points to deter intruders from these entryways. Care must be taken, however, to ensure that the landscaping does not become overgrown and provide concealment for the very criminals you are trying to deter. Similarly, trees and large plants shouldn’t be placed right next to doors or paths—the last thing you want to do is give the trespasser an opportunity to surprise you.

Last but not least…

The easiest thing to do to improve your perimeter security is to walk around and survey your property. Think like a criminal, locate vulnerable spots, and make them less susceptible to unauthorized entry. Lastly, be sure to make it clear that you are heavily protected. Even a small detail such as an OSS Security sticker, or a “beware of dog” sign can greatly reduce the chance of someone targeting your home. Criminals do not want to get caught - put these stickers and signs in highly visible places like on windows and doors and they won’t dare try entering your home!

Smoke alarms saved family of 7 from late night house fire in Wellington, USA.

Monitored smoke detectors saved a family of seven from a fire that ravaged their Wellington home in USA late Tuesday night.

A fire broke out just before midnight on Pacer Circle in the Pinewood neighborhood, Palm Beach, USA. County Fire-Rescue spokesman Capt. Don DeLucia said this morning, 'The fire was reported by the monitoring station who said five children lived in the home'.

Palm Beach County firefighters on the scene Tuesday night told TV channel CBS12 the home's fire detectors which were linked into a Monitored Intruder Alarm System, woke the family but more importantly alerted the Fire Rescue, allowing them to escape. The fire took about a half-hour to contain, and did heavy damage to the home.

Local officers said they did not want to even think about what may have happened if they wouldn't have had a Monitored Intruder Alarm System with Smoke Detectors linked in.

Smoke alarms saved family of 7 from late night house fire in Wellington, USA.

Monitored smoke detectors saved a family of seven from a fire that ravaged their Wellington home in USA late Tuesday night.

A fire broke out just before midnight on Pacer Circle in the Pinewood neighborhood, Palm Beach, USA. County Fire-Rescue spokesman Capt. Don DeLucia said this morning, 'The fire was reported by the monitoring station who said five children lived in the home'.

Palm Beach County firefighters on the scene Tuesday night told TV channel CBS12 the home's fire detectors which were linked into a Monitored Intruder Alarm System, woke the family but more importantly alerted the Fire Rescue, allowing them to escape. The fire took about a half-hour to contain, and did heavy damage to the home.

Local officers said they did not want to even think about what may have happened if they wouldn't have had a Monitored Intruder Alarm System with Smoke Detectors linked in.

You come home late at night to a dark home. As you enter from your garage, you hear noises from an upstairs bedroom and realize you are not alone. Before you can retreat or call for help, two masked burglars seize you and tie your arms and legs.

A home invasion has to be one of the most frightening situations anyone can experience. It can be even worse if you have other family members with you to worry about. Do you think you would know what to do in a situation like this? What actions are likely to give you your best chance of surviving unharmed? Answer the following five questions and see how you do compared to advice from experts.

1. I should resist my captors. True or False

2. If I am left alone for a few minutes, I should try to escape. True or False

3. I should engage my captors in conversation. True or False

4. I should try to make my mind blank until the event is over. True or False

5. The longer my captors are in my home, the more likely I am to survive. True or False

Answers: 1. False. Unless you feel you are facing an imminent life-and-death situation, don’t fight back. As hard as it may be, accept your situation and give your captors time to take any material possessions they want.

2. False. If you fail in your attempt, you risk severe injury or death. As one expert put it, even if you feel certain you can succeed in your attempt, think twice.

3. False. Speak only if spoken to and then try to keep your answers short and to the point. Certainly, don’t argue with your captors.

4. False. Try to get a good look at your captors and memorize their physical details and clothing. Listen for any names or other details that might help identify them later. 5. True. Generally speaking, the first few minutes of a home invasion are the most dangerous. Try to remain calm and quiet. If you are not threatening, your captors can concentrate on their goals and leave. Also, the longer the situation continues, the more likely outside help will arrive.

Remember, these are generalizations. No two incidents are ever identical, so consider these tips to be basic guidelines. As hard as it may be at the time, try to stay calm so that any decisions you make are not just reactions resulting from panic. Also remember that a monitored home alarm system acts as a deterrent to most burglars and can help prevent a home invasion altogether. If burglars should enter your home, a monitored home alarm system can help report the incident to the police.