Unfortunately, the pandemic has forced many people and businesses to reconsider biometric technology. With the COVID-19 virus spreading easily through touchpoints, fingerprint scanners can quickly become a source for infections, especially in public spaces. Offices and ATMs contain many points of contact, and maintaining cleanliness on surfaces is nearly impossible. Unfortunately, these high traffic areas are also frequently the ones that would benefit the most from increased security.

It’s easy to see why the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), has become the security industry’s gold standard for access control installations. It enhances security, adds flexibility and makes systems easy to update and integrate with other devices. The Security Industry Association (SIA), with significant input from manufacturers and integrators, introduced OSDP in 2011 and it is now recommended for any public or private enterprise installation requiring a high level of security. Earlier this year, the International Electrotechnical Commission approved OSDP as an international standard.

Theft, fraud and losses from other retail “shrink” totaled $61.7 billion in 2019, up from $50.6 billion the year before as industry security executives reported increases in the number of shoplifting, organized retail crime and employee theft incidents, according to the annual National Retail Security Survey released by the National Retail Federation.

Governor Gavin Newsom and the California Department of Public Health expanded statewide its indoor closures for businesses that encourage mixing of individuals beyond immediate households and make physical distancing and wearing face coverings difficult.

MITRE announced the launch of a website-based public input option for organizations and members of the public interested in helping to inform the Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes (“commission”).

The Federal Trade Commission launched a new tool that explores data about problems military consumers may experience in the marketplace. For the first time, data about reports the FTC has received from active duty service members and veterans will be available online in an interactive dashboard at ftc.gov/explore data.

ASIS International has announced that General Stan McChrystal, US Army (RET), will present a Global Security Exchange Plus (GSX+) keynote address on Military & Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at GSX+.