Investing in Drones Paying Off

Resolute Source's PhantomOptic Operated Using a Smart Phone

Drones are often associated with strikes against terrorists in remote caves in Afghanistan and Pakistan.  It may sound ridiculous that a machine once used exclusively for war would someday be common place but that is exactly what’s happening. Over time, drones and their practical uses have been evolving and there are some far reaching applications for use in agriculture, journalism, industry, and in many other facets of daily life.

Resolute Source, a security consulting firm,  has been experimenting with drone technology for the past two years. "We became interested in drones for purposes of security but quickly found that they were versatile machines," said Vincent Grey, CEO Resolute Source. "We found drones to be in high demand and that led us to the development of PhontomOptic."  

PhatonOptic is lightweight drone that has interchangeable cameras that include high resolution HD cameras, infrared heat signature technology, and nigh vision cameras. It also includes improved gyroscope engineering that increases camera stability. Video feeds can be transmitted to multiple man-packed portable devices as well as to multiple fixed sites. Features like these make PhontomOptic ideal for security purposes. Additionally, it has twice the flight time as other unmanned aerial vehicles in its class, relies on battery power and can be fitted with solar panels for daytime charging.  Its design focused on platform stability, to make it easier to control and maneuver in and around corners and in tight spaces.  Its built-in software protects it against electronic interference and offers wireless security that identifies, authenticates, and authorizes access to control the system. Resolute Source’s micro drone is a standalone system but it can be easily integrated into any company’s surveillance infrastructure.

Resolute Source is not alone. The following are just a handful of other drones developments:

Shipping Drones

Shipping Concept Sketch

Amazon and DHL have already developed drone prototypes and are experimenting with how to use them to improve shipping.  Drones are being outfitted to carry 5lbs boxes, 86% of home deliveries are 5lbs or less, and can travel between 35-55 mph and cover a distance of 30 miles. Amazon and DHL are already petitioning the FAA to allow initial testing of their drone delivery systems.  

Journalism Drones

Raphael Pirker, a photographer, was fined $10,000 by the FFA for flying a drone over UVA to make a commercial. In his defense at least a dozen media organizations are challenging the government’s ban on the use of drones by journalists, arguing that the FAA’s position violates the First Amendment’s protection for news gathering.  News organizations are intensely interested in the use of light-weight drones that can be backpacked to a site to take photos and video to help cover news stories.

Agriculture Drones

Drones are already being used to monitor crops and vegetation indexes. Drones with the use of special infrared and high resolution cameras are able to measure green growth and provide indications that a section of a crop may need additional fertilizer, chemicals, or water. According to Charles Malveaux, research associate at LSU, using drones to apply chemicals and fertilizers will reduce costs and runoff. The efficiency and precision that drones offer will likely increase the farming industry’s profits in years to come.

These examples only scratch the surface of what is possible with drones. Drones of all shapes and sizes are being developed for a myriad of purposes. Some will be used to improve security and emergency response while others will be used to survey industrial work sites and oil pipelines on and off shore. Their potential is endless.

We are very interested in your story about the use and development of drones. Leave a comment or contribute to our blog by contacting Luis N. Gaytan at luis.n.gaytan@resolutesource.com

Tagged: Amazon asks FAA, Solutions for Agriculture

You’re Biggest Cyber Threat Could be Your Own Employees.

If a hacker wants to gain access to your company’s secure or financial information they usually turn to social engineering instead of high-tech equipment and stunning computing skills. Hackers understand social behavior and interaction and can manipulate it to their advantage. For this reason uniformed and untrained employees could pose the greatest risk to your cyber security.

It’s no surprise that many of us have preconceived notions of what a hacker looks like and the types of skills they possess. Film portrays them as young reclusive adults who are intelligent and computer savvy. They’re hidden away in their mother’s dark basement surrounded by high-tech equipment and computer screens. 

That couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, they’re just criminals young and old who are often hidden in plain sight. Sometimes we even interact with these people on a daily basis. Hackers could be competitors, maintenance personnel, business partners, or an attractive young lady claiming to be lost in your building.

At this year’s annual Cyber Security Summit James Adams, Cyber Director at Resolute Source, spoke on the most common corporate social engineer vulnerabilities.  The data used in the analysis was gathered from dozens of corporate cyber vulnerability assessments. Adams argued that company’s tend to rely on data security rather than educating their employees about hacker social engineering tactics and techniques.     

Tagged: Social Engineering, Cyber Crime

What Questions to Ask About Your Security

Identity theft is just one concern for shoppers this

holiday season.



Everyone is talking about security these days. If you follow the daily news cycle you’re bound to hear reports of fraud, identity theft and both physical and cyber security breaches.  

Threats and vulnerabilities are real and identifying them is critical to protecting yourself, your family, and your assets. Security concerns vary and they come in all shapes and sizes. So, don’t let a security company tell you want you need. Instead, take a step back, think about your security concerns and know what questions to ask.

Tagged: Vulnerabilities, ATM Security

Stop the Grinch: Let’s Talk Prevention

Holiday Shoppers at Barton Creek Mall, Austin, TX.

The holidays are in full swing. Like most, you’ll be out and about shopping and visiting family and friends. Criminals will also be out enjoying the holiday season too but not for spiritual or sentimental reasons. Instead, this is a time of year that criminals hunt distracted and unsuspecting victims.

The Grinch does exist. Too often, this time of year we hear horror stories of armed robbers sticking up shoppers and forcing their way into homes.

It’s no secret that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day most cities see a slight uptick in thefts and burglaries. In South Texas, a women was awakened early one morning around 2 a.m. to find two hooded men grabbing gifts from under the Christmas tree.

Tim Jackson, a veteran Texas Ranger, says that criminals are basically cowards and opportunists. “As cowards they prey on those they perceive to be weak or break into homes or businesses where they think they won’t be confronted.”

To prevent thieves from ruining your Christmas there are some really simple crime prevention measure you can take.

Get Hired: Top 10 Qualities Security Employers Look For

Security companies are always on the lookout for talent. They need people to safeguard and protect people, places, and property. A top tier security firm looks for quality over quantity any day. If you’re in the job market looking for an exciting career or a change of pace then maybe the security industry is for you.

The security market is expected to reach $86 billion by 2016. This exponential growth has increased demand for security professionals. A variety of positions exist out there that require different skill sets and varied levels of experience. There are entry level positions that include armed or unarmed guards, administration or loss prevention agents. Others positions might require more technical degrees, certifications or management experience.
 

Most security companies are often prepared to provide you with the training necessary to make you a successful security practitioner. Finding the right fit for the job is usually where security firms struggles the most. 

No matter what position a security firm is trying to fill there are some fundamental qualities and characteristics they look for.

Top 10 Qualities Employers Look For:

1.    Integrity

2.    Physical fitness

3.    The ability to learn

4.    Training

5.    Experience

6.    Communication

7.    Self-motivated

8.    Strong work ethic

9.    Self Confidence

10.  Ability to lead and to follow

   

Connecting With Dads

Growing up, I remember how excited I was to see my father pull into the driveway. My brothers and sisters would rush in to wrap our arms around him. He taught me a lot about life, how to throw, how to ride, how to treat others and most importantly how to live. I’m a better man today because of him.

We all know how important our dads are. They continue to be an inspiration and to encourage us to push harder and to be our best. That’s why Resolute Source partnered with Watch D.O.G.S an organization that brings fathers into the classroom.

Watch D.O.G.S., a school-based father involvement program works to support education and safety. The program encourages fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures to continue serving by volunteering at their family’s local schools.

Leadership encourages our own fathers at Resolute Support to volunteer. Additionally, throughout the year we offer safety and emergency response training to Watch D.O.G.S. volunteers.

This year we had an opportunity to thank fathers who stepped up to the plate at the First Annual BBQ Baseball Bash. Through our partnership with the local community and Texas Ranger Baseball we were able to offer free tickets and provided meals from BBQ Steel Works and Smokey Fingers BBQ.  

Fathers Attending BBQ Baseball Bash 2014