Terrorism has become part of everyday life. Over the past 12 months, Europe has experienced some the deadliest attacks in its history and the threat level remains high worldwide.
One of the main issues facing global security professionals today is the breakup of the so-called Islamic State’s caliphate. Following the liberation of Mosel and the assault on Raqqa, it is becoming increasingly likely that terrorists from more than 80 countries will begin to return to their home countries.
This represents a new challenge for security services across Europe. The return of highly trained and ideologically driven individuals will no doubt further increase the threat level across Europe.
Protecting critical assets and people
Those who retain a desire to commit acts of terrorism will continue to seek new ways to avoid detection, as we saw in December with the German Christmas market attack. It means the security industry must evolve and stay one step ahead by investing in new technologies and intelligence solutions that protect critical assets and people from today’s threats.
In May 2017, Security & Counter Terror Expo (SCTX)—the UK’s leading national security event for private and public sector security professionals—will return with a comprehensive programme designed to keep attendees one step ahead of those intent on committing terrorist acts.
Alongside an exhibition of more than 350 businesses, experts from across the globe, including representatives from NATO, Europol, MOD, Metropolitan Police and critical national infrastructure organisations, will explore the latest strategies to prevent, protect and prepare for future attacks.
Border control
Taking place at Olympia, London, from 3rd to 4th May 2017, SCTX remains the only event that unites security professionals from all four corners of the world. Working in partnership with the Department for International Trade (formerly UKTI), the event is expected to welcome a record number of delegations, building upon the 10,000-plus visitors who attended in 2016 from more than 100 countries—including France, Germany, Japan, Spain, Italy, Brazil, South Korea, Mexico, UAE, Canada, and the US.
"The terrorist threat is changing almost daily; this creates countless issues for security professionals" |
The two-day event, aligned with the Home Office’s seven security capabilities, will showcase the latest innovations from major suppliers, as well as niche technology providers. Visitors to SCTX 2017 will find a plethora of new solutions, equipment and services designed to assist critical national infrastructure protection, border control, cyber security, major events, offender management, policing and counter terrorism, and the emergency services.
David Thompson, Event Director, said: “The terrorist threat is changing almost daily; this creates countless issues for security professionals. SCTX is an essential platform, it provides a secure environment to source the latest solutions and define effective strategies to current threats.”
Drone and counter drone technology
“The 2017 show will showcase the most innovative technologies and provide those tasked with keeping nations, assets, and businesses safe with a platform to learn from industry leaders. Ultimately SCTX will help security professionals remain one step ahead of those intent on carrying out attacks.”
The exhibition has established itself as an international hub where the industry elite come together to identify the security sector’s most significant innovations and new product launches.
SCTX 2017 will showcase a wide range of product innovations from more than 350 exhibitors, including those supplying the latest in drone and counter drone technology, virtual reality, surveillance control systems, high security fencing and much more.
Pelco by Schneider Electric, Airborne Drones UK, e2v Technologies, Yuneec and GEOQUIP are among the major multinational companies booked and will join more than 120 new exhibitors offering cutting edge services and security solutions to the industry.
Radio Frequency Communications Jamming systems
First time exhibitor K9 Electronics will be showcasing its range of Radio Frequency Communications Jamming systems for both covert and overt operations. The UK-based company designs and manufactures jammers that can defeat drones at a range of five kilometres.
"Our primary focus is counter terrorism and countering the potential threats that drones carry" |
Glenn Darien, Director of K9 Electronics, said: “Our primary focus is counter terrorism and countering the potential threats that drones carry. Our systems are currently being used in the Middle East, USA and South East Asia by various government organisations.”
“At the show, we will be exhibiting our new handheld tactical Drone Jammer Gun made for portable use and the covert, briefcase style Drone Jammer. Both have a one kilometre effective Jamming range and are very directional, ensuring that they will have minimal effect on surrounding communications when used correctly.”
VideoXpert video management platform
Following a successful show last year, Pelco by Schneider Electric is returning to SCTX 2017. The company that specialises in security cameras and surveillance systems will be demonstrating its leading VideoXpert video management platform. It will also demonstrate its latest camera technologies, including Opetra multi imager cameras and new low light static and PTZ ranges.
With 127 counter terrorism operations taking place in Europe last year, highlighting the sheer scale of the problem facing security professionals, it has never been more important to share expertise and best practice. Security professionals, law enforcement agencies, government officials and military will attend the annual World Counter Terror Congress to discuss future threats and define joint responses to national security.
With topics ranging from terrorist funding, counter radicalisation tactics, the emerging threats, privacy and technology, 20-plus high ranking officials and academics will lead the congress, providing invaluable trends and information to more than 400 attendees.
"The threat facing the UK and other nations is, and will remain, high for the years to come" |
Securing critical national infrastructure
Richard Walton, the former head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command (SO15) and now a special adviser to Security & Counter Terror Expo, said: “The threat facing the UK and other nations is, and will remain, high for the years to come. Security professionals must use the World Counter Terror Congress to develop their understanding of where the threats are coming from and identify ways that they can be prevented—a unilateral approach it is the only way we will stop attacks in the future from happening.”
The World Counter Terror Congress will feature six sessions, covering policy and strategy responses to the changing terror threat; radicalisation, de-radicalisation and preventing radicalisation; geopolitical security briefings; encryption, communications and security; security for critical national infrastructure; and emerging terror networks and tactics.
Among those confirmed to speak are Lord Carlile of Berriew CBE, QC; Rob Wainwright, Director at Europol; Dr Jamie Shea, Deputy ASG, Emerging Security Challenges Division, NATO; Raffaello Pantucci, Director of International Security Studies, Royal United Services Institute (RUSI); and Thomas Wuchte, Head on Anti-Terrorism Issues, Action Against Terrorism Unit, Organisation for Security & Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
Cyber security
Cyber security was once again thrust into the spotlight recently, with Russia’s alleged involvement in the US Election. The overall number of incidents the US experienced the previous year, totalled at 77,000, a 1300% increase over the last decade.
The importance of increased cyber security at a national level is now recognised globally, with the UK government creating the National Cyber Security Centre, part of GCHQ, in October 2016.
The free-to-attend Cyber Threat Intelligence Conference at SCTX will host the industry’s leading figures who will explore the latest cyber security strategies and share real life case-studies.
Addressing most important security issues
Running across two days in partnership with techUK, the representative body for the UK’s technology industry, the programme will feature the NCSC Chief Executive, Ciaran Martin, who will provide a keynote address on the current and future threat in cyber space and how prepared the UK is.
Other speakers confirmed for the conference include Peter Wood, CEO, First Base Technologies; Nader Heinen, Regional Director, Advanced Security Assurance Advisory, BlackBerry; Ron Gregory, Estates & Facilities Compliance Manager, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust; and Jenny Radcliffe aka 'The People Hacker'.
"The cyber terrorism threat grows immeasurably year-on-year" |
Talal Rajab, techUK’s Head of Programme, Cyber and National Security, said: “The cyber terrorism threat grows immeasurably year-on-year and we as an industry, must grow, adapt and react in equal measure. The Cyber Threat Intelligence Conference at Security & Counter Terror Expo provides the opportunity to learn from and meet with some of the key figures in the sector addressing the most important issues we face today.”
Safeguarding critical national infrastructure
In addition to securing the ever-expanding cyber space, protecting national infrastructure and businesses is critical for the effective running of nations. Terrorist groups want to propagate the notion that no one is safe from attack in the western world and everyday life could be disrupted at any time. Security professionals therefore must look at the best way of protecting communications networks, the emergency services, energy plants, financial institutions, governments, health services, transport links and natural resources.
The Critical National Infrastructure & Business Resilience conference will aim to aid public and private entities to identify, assess, prioritise, and protect critical infrastructure and key resources. Allowing them to mitigate deliberate efforts to incapacitate or exploit a nation’s CNI.
The conference will feature a series of presentations from experts on how to protect CNI and business, citing real life examples and case studies and instructing how to create effective strategies utilising cyber, physical security and staff.
Securing borders and transport hubs
Running alongside the Critical National Infrastructure & Business Reliance and Cyber Threat Intelligence conference, the Border & Transport Security Conference will focus on the most critical issues facing borders and transport hubs.
Devastating attacks on transport hubs such as Atatürk international Airport in Turkey and attacks on Brussels Airport and Metro Station, as well as the mass movement of people throughout the world, poses serious problems for security professionals—with borders being exploited by those seeking to do us harm.
"The addition of the Counter IED Zone at SCTX serves to highlight the changing nature of terrorism" |
The free-to-attend Border & Transport Security Conference will allow fellow practitioners to share best practice and explore the latest capabilities for secure border and transport management. Visitors will be able to hear from the likes of Bart van Hofwegen, Chief Security National Tactical Command, Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands; Jirí Celikovský, Head of Unit for Coordination of Schengen Cooperation and Border Control, Department for Asylum and Migration Policy, Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic; Peter O'Broin, Director, Airport Operator’s Association; and many more.
Explosive detection
Public and private sector buyers, influencers and government delegations from across the globe will attend SCTX to enhance their current and future security capabilities.
At Advanced Technologies Live, visitors will be able to see and hear more about innovative solutions through a series of live demonstrations. Attendees can view the latest products from the likes of Aerialtronics, dataminr and Aaronia.
New to the event for 2017, Security & Counter Terror Expo will be partnering with DSEI—the world leading defence and security event—to launch the Counter IED Zone. As well as showcasing best practice in reducing the threat of IEDs, live demonstrations will enable EOD, CIED, CBRNe, Defence, Law Enforcement, CT and Security professionals identify new strategies to disarm and detect devices. Exhibitors featuring in the Counter IED Zone include Bomb-Jammer, MIB-Electronic, ISSEE and Med-Eng.
Duncan Reid, Event Director of the DSEI, said: "The addition of the Counter IED Zone at SCTX serves to highlight the changing nature of terrorism. The threat is multifaceted and the security industry must seek out innovations that will help them detect and prevent attacks. This element of the show will help mitigate future threats and help personnel respond more effectively.”
Security & Counter Terror Expo 2017 will be co-located with Ambition—the EPRR Expo—and Forensics Europe Expo.
