The importance of investing in school safety cannot be overstated, but knowing where to start implementation of school safety features can be a challenge. A recent survey by the National Center on Education Statistics found that a quarter of U.S. public schools have classrooms with doors that can't be locked from the inside. Even among schools with doors that do lock, recent legislation reflects a common misconception that simply keeping the doors locked all day will eliminate the potential for an attack, in direct violation of PASS (Partner Alliance for Safer Schools) Guidelines.
- By Guy Grace
- March 19, 2025
The Center for Internet Security, Inc. (CIS) has released its 2025 CIS MS-ISAC K-12 Cybersecurity Report at the SXSW EDU conference in Austin, Texas, to an audience of educators, administrators, innovators, and technology experts. The report details the increasing sophistication, frequency, and impact of cyber attacks against K-12 schools. This is CIS’s third annual report dedicated to K-12 cybersecurity, and the second year partnering with the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), bringing together experience, expertise, and resources to address this critical issue.
Genetec Inc, a provider of enterprise physical security software, announced that Brigham Young University's (BYU) has optimized its security operations with the Genetec™ Operations Center work management system.
The security landscape is undergoing a transformative shift as innovative technologies redefine how we safeguard public spaces, schools, hospitals, and other critical environments. AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing safety by enhancing detection accuracy, streamlining operations, and optimizing resource allocation.
- By Chris Ciabarra
- February 28, 2025
Safety is at the forefront of every organization and covers a gamut of scenarios, not just weapon-fueled lethal threats. It also includes smaller-scale and everyday situations like slipping hazards, fallen persons, unauthorized vehicles, and more. These issues cause disruptions in daily operations and cost companies and facilities money and downtime, so a fully realized security plan must involve actions that facility personnel should take once a hazard of any size occurs. Informing everyone that a hazard exists, where it’s located, and what actions to take is imperative for maintaining personal safety.
- By Michael Peveler
- February 27, 2025
The issue of concealed weapons being introduced into school extracurricular activities, including sporting events and graduations, became a growing concern in communities across the nation. According to the K-12 School Shooting Database, there were at least 202 incidents of gunfire on school grounds in 2024 across the United States, resulting in 56 deaths and 147 injuries, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols.
- By Todd Hokunson
- February 26, 2025
Today’s higher education campuses function much like small cities. Each department works autonomously yet relies on shared resources to operate effectively. Since these departments often work independently, collaboration can be difficult, leading to inefficiencies.
- By Bruce Canal
- February 25, 2025
Schools sometimes need guidance to determine where to start with a security system upgrade, given the vast number of solutions available today. Funding can be a complicated piece of the puzzle to work out, so schools want to ensure that they’re making informed decisions about their security investments.
- By Jill Renihan
- February 24, 2025
ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced the release of its annual Gun Violence Report, offering a deep dive into the landscape of gun-related incidents across the United States. This analysis extends beyond mass fatality events, providing a more nuanced understanding of when, where, and why shootings occur.
Improving physical security on K-12 campuses is always at the top of mind for decision makers like principals, superintendents, and many others with a focus on surveillance cameras, access control, and emergency drills. But cybersecurity something that needs as much scrutiny as in today’s digital landscape.
- By Brent Dirks
- February 18, 2025
An 83-year-old man allegedly injured one during a school shooting at a band competition in a Houston suburb. According to a Facebook post by the Pasadena Police Department, the shooting happened after 6 p.m. at Pasadena Memorial High School on Saturday.
- By Brent Dirks
- February 03, 2025
ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the full US Department of Homeland Security Safety Act Designation, and Metrasens, a provider of advanced detection systems for security and safety applications, today announced a new industry partnership. This collaboration will enhance safety measures across campuses nationwide, including hospitals and schools, by combining leading-edge detection technologies to better protect customers in these environments.
The school shooter who killed one during an attack in Nashville, Tenn. partially livestreamed the attack.
- By Brent Dirks
- January 23, 2025
Allied Universal recently announced its collaboration with Clery Center to support programs and initiatives that help create safer higher education campuses across the U.S.
CENTEGIX announces a strategic partnership with SaferWatch, a safety and security application provider with direct integrations to emergency response centers and law enforcement. Integrating CENTEGIX’s Safety Platform, including CrisisAlert wearable panic buttons, with SaferWatch’s robust emergency communication platform will drive faster and more precise responses to emergencies, ensuring that every second matters when protecting the community.
Omnilert, provider of gun detection technology, today released its compilation of Gun Violence Statistics for 2024 summarizing gun violence tragedies and their adverse effects on Americans and the economy.
ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the full U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced that its proactive gun detection and intelligent situational awareness solution has been deployed at Kenston Local School District in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, to proactively protect students, teachers, visitors and staff against gun-related threats.
Keeper Security, a provider of zero-trust and zero-knowledge cybersecurity software protecting passwords, passkeys, privileged access, secrets and remote connections, recently released its latest report, Cybersecurity in Schools: Safeguarding Students in the Digital Era. This global study highlights the growing cybersecurity challenges that threaten educational institutions, based on a survey of 6,000 parents and students across Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, France, the UK, US and DACH regions.
The education sector is a prime target for cyber-attacks. Campuses typically have a large number of people (students; faculty; temporary staff) accessing their systems and networks or connecting devices with relatively limited controls imposed. In addition, students often connect their personal mobile phones and laptops to campus networks thus potentially increasing the cybersecurity risk.
- By Martin Mackay
- January 10, 2025
In September, at GSX 2024 in Orlando, committee members gave an update on the ASIS School Security Standard. One of the committee members, Jeffrey Slotnick, CPP, PSP, said the standard will help K-12 schools find the right track to improve security. The entire committee is made up of more than 50 volunteers from both the public and private sector. It includes best practices from security experts, educators, law enforcement, and mental health professionals.
- By Brent Dirks
- January 07, 2025
Following the deaths of a teacher and student at Abundant Life Christian School in, Madison, Wisc., police chief Shon Barnes indicated that the motive appears to be a “combination of factors” for a 15-year-old female student’s attack on a study hall.
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- December 18, 2024
NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc., announced it has recently expanded the Prima Security & Connected Home Sales Team, with the addition of two key personnel, Bryan Pope & Adam Krueger, Business Development Managers, East & West, respectively.
- By Ralph C. Jensen
- December 18, 2024
Two people were killed and five injured during a shooting at the Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wis. on Monday.
- By Brent Dirks
- December 16, 2024
Black Hills State University recognized the need for a centralized video system to improve campus security and streamline operations. The university sought a solution that could unify its main campus with a satellite location, enable cross-department access, and scale with future growth. By implementing open platform video technology, BHSU laid the foundation for a comprehensive, flexible, and scalable security infrastructure.
- By Brad Cary
- November 13, 2024
St. Jude School in Mountain Top, Pennsylvania, is a private Catholic elementary school that serves students from Pre-K through grade 8.
Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education, St. Jude offers diverse educational programs designed to foster a nurturing and challenging learning environment, and extracurricular activities like sports are an integral part of promoting teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
- By Heather Bender
- November 12, 2024
In spring 2023, the University of Pittsburgh opened the doors to a seven-story west wing addition to Alan Magee Scaife Hall. The medical school building features several updated lecture halls, labs and classrooms. It also includes team-based learning and small group rooms as well as an entire floor dedicated to medical students. This floor is meant for students to congregate, study and build community.
Class period bells have been ringing across campuses for a few months now, but that doesn’t mean the subject of safety was fully settled before the start of the new school year. As one wise person once said, “It’s a journey, not a destination”. That’s why it remains a leading issue among administrators, faculty, students, and communities. Schools are striving to be at the top of their class when it comes to the ability to control access instantly and securely, monitor suspicious behavior accurately and consistently, and respond to threats immediately and effectively. Ultimately, they aim to provide a reassuring, comfortable, and conducive environment for a rich learning experience. These goals apply whether at a community college in Southern California, a major university in Pennsylvania, or a rural K-12 district in Michigan.
- By Jeremy Saline
- November 08, 2024
Every day, thousands of alerts and sets of data compete for your attention. Many of these relate to minor events that don’t need an immediate response. Unmanaged, this constant flow of alarms obscures real threats. A unified security operations center (SOC) can be a resource to help cut down on the noise and aid in collaboration. A SOC helps security personnel view their security systems in one place, share information seamlessly, and respond more effectively.
- By Bruce Canal
- November 07, 2024
The college experience is often described as a whirlwind of activities. From learning and personal growth to social events and advocacy, students constantly find themselves engaging in a diverse, vibrant campus life. However, along with the fun and learning comes the need to ensure safety, especially during large gatherings. Whether it's a homecoming parade, a football game, or an organized protest, these events carry inherent risks that require thorough planning and modern security approaches.
- By Dean Cunningham
- November 05, 2024
ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the full US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced that its proactive gun detection and intelligent situational awareness solution is deployed at the University of New Haven. This integration marks the first time a Connecticut university has adopted ZeroEyes, enhancing the safety and security measures across the campus and surrounding areas.