ASIS: A show for integrators, too

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Integrators need to attend ASIS to network with security practitioners and understand emerging issues such as cybersecurity, said Howard Belfor, president of Belfor & Associates and council VP of ASIS.

“The integrators should definitely be at this show to see what it is the practitioners are hoping to discover for best practices and [to] mitigate their risks.” Belfor told Security Systems News. “They should definitely be sticking their heads into a session or two to see what's going on.”

“As I look over the list of early exhibitors that are out there, I see many more cyber-related companies, many more IT-centric companies,” Belfor said. Cybersecurity is becoming more relevant through IoT devices, he said. Because they are connected to the Internet, the devices inherently have risk. “As we weave all of these products together, the risk just gets bigger,” Belfor said.

Understanding matters of cybersecurity is important for integrators today. “Without a knowledge of [IT matters], the integrator who is still hanging on to the older physical security issues will become obsolete,”

There are several sessions that cover the link between cybersecurity and physical security, Belfor said, pointing out one session: “Information Technology Security Council Series: Addressing Cybersecurity Concerns in Physical Security.”

Belfor said many integrators get a one-day exhibit pass, but do not attend sessions. He equated this to “going to Disneyland and never going on a ride. You'd be walking around the park, hearing people screaming and having a good time, but not experiencing it yourself.”

ASIS has an integrator education track, Belfor noted, with sessions scheduled on each of the show's three days.

“[Integrators] may actually find that some of their clients are on panels, some of their clients are speakers, and it would be � wise to hear what their own clients are saying to their peers,” Belfor.

Belfor & Associates specializes in security industry consulting. Belfor said he's has attended ASIS for 37 consecutive years.

ASIS 2015 will be held here, Sept. 28 to Oct. 1.