DHS Lab Certifies Smiths Detection EDS for Detection of Homemade Explosives
Smiths Detection says its high-speed HI-SCAN 10080 XCT explosives detection system (EDS) has achieved laboratory certification for homemade explosives (HME) based on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) requirements for automated explosives detection. The certification follows certification for detection of conventional explosives in 2013. The 10080 XCT uses both 3D volumetric computed tomography imaging and X-Ray technology and features a large tunnel to accommodate out-of-gauge bags. The company says the system integrates into both new and current baggage handling systems.
Evolv Technology Says Body Scanner in 20 Pilots
Evolv Technology says its Evolv Edge body scanner system is involved in 20 different customer pilots, including entertainment arenas, airports, sports stadiums, high threat facilities, and train stations. Evolv says that interest in its system is growing at a rapid pace and that to validate performance the technology has been tested with two U.S. Defense Department agencies and a European anti-terrorism organization. The various pilots have led to a refined concept of operations for the technology to improve the user experience and system performance, the company says. Evolv last November introduced Evolv Edge, a relocatable, high-throughput body scanner built for automated screening of people for mass casualty threats in places such as stadiums, non-secure areas of airports, mass transit stations, critical infrastructure and military facilities. The system isn’t designed for checkpoint applications but Evolv emphasizes the flexible deployment applications of the technology.
Delta Testing Fingerprints as Boarding Pass
Delta Airlines [DAL] is testing the use of fingerprints as the boarding pass for select fliers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The airline says that its SkyMiles Members that are in enrolled in the privately-owned CLEAR expedited screen program are eligible to participate in the biometric boarding pass experience, allowing them to forego a paper or mobile boarding pass and hard copy ID in favor of using their fingerprints as proof of identity at the Delta Sky Club. In the second phase of the testing, members will be able to use their fingerprints to check a bag, check in at the Sky Club and board a flight.
Honeywell Acquiring Industrial Cyber Security Firm Nextnine
Honeywell [HON] has agreed to acquire Nextnine, a provider of software for industrial cyber security and for remote monitoring of assets, adding to its cyber security technology portfolio. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Honeywell says it has “the largest cyber security research capability in the industry and has continued to increase its industrial cyber security offerings.” The company’s current solutions in this space include Risk Manager to proactively monitor for cyber threats, and Secure Media Exchange, which protects facilities against threats from removal media such as USB flash drives. “This acquisition shows our ongoing commitment to providing our customers with a comprehensive portfolio of cyber security solutions to protect and defend their industrial control systems and process control networks,” says Vimal Kapur, president of Honeywell Process Solutions. “Honeywell’s extensive global reach will increase Nextnine’s availability to a broader range of customers.” ICS Shield is Nextnine’s flagship technology and is used to protect industrial sites from cyber attacks as well as enable remote monitoring of assets. ICS Shield has been installed at more than 6,200 industrial sites globally across the oil and gas, utility, chemical, mining and manufacturing sectors. Nextnine’s backers include Infinity VC, XT Hi-Tech, and other investors.