Threat DashboardWant to “reduce enterprise monitoring to a single screen”? Sounds like a recipe for eye strain, but that’s the bold claim of TowerView Security, a software product that projects data from various security devicesintrusion detection systems, firewalls, surveillance cameras, access control systems, you name itonto a three-dimensional grid in real-time.When any significant event (as defined by the user) occurs on any of these systems, it causes a “spike” to appear on the TowerView screen. Security monitoring personnel can then drill down into the specific event to get more details. The real-time aspect is a critical selling point; as a spokesman says (attaching the customary industry scary vibe), “It’s the difference between knowing an intruder was in your home and knowing one is in your home.”TowerView has been shipping to beta and evaluation customers since last year, although its maker (High Tower Software) hasn’t planned the official rollout party yet. High Tower officials claim companies in gaming, retail and entertainment among early adopters. More information is available at www.hightowersoftware.com.-Derek SlaterGunshot LocatorProxity Digital Networks went a step further than feeling helpless and angry as most people did last fall when sniper gunfire was spreading fear around Maryland and the United States. The New Orleans-based integrated security technology company created a product that can detect gunshots and potentially pinpoint their origin.The fruits of the company’s labor is a product called On Alert, which reportedly can not only detect gunshots but determine the type and caliber of weapon fired (using a database of the “sound signatures” of various types of weapons that were recorded at a firing range) and then use satellite coordinates and triangulation to find where the shot came from. That information can be transmitted immediately to a command center (such as a police station) or an officer’s PDA. Proxity hopes to beta test the system with law enforcement agencies in early 2003 and aims to roll out the first generation of the product shortly thereafter. “[On Alert] is a protection device that reports an event that should be reported at the time it happened and gives the location so the proper authorities can respond appropriately,” says Billy Robinson, Proxity’s CEO. He adds that On Alert is easy to implement and cost-efficient to maintain because it is wireless and can be installed on existing structures such as power lines and telephone poles. On Alert is expected to cost about $20,000 to deploy per square mile (about 18 devices are needed per square mile) at a monthly cost of $100 to maintain, says Robinson. For more information, go to www.proxity.com.-Cheryl Asselin Related content feature Top cybersecurity M&A deals for 2023 Fears of recession, rising interest rates, mass tech layoffs, and conservative spending trends are likely to make dealmakers cautious, but an ever-increasing need to defend against bigger and faster attacks will likely keep M&A activity steady in By CSO Staff Sep 22, 2023 24 mins Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions Mergers and Acquisitions brandpost Unmasking ransomware threat clusters: Why it matters to defenders Similar patterns of behavior among ransomware treat groups can help security teams better understand and prepare for attacks By Joan Goodchild Sep 21, 2023 3 mins Cybercrime news analysis China’s offensive cyber operations support “soft power” agenda in Africa Researchers track Chinese cyber espionage intrusions targeting African industrial sectors. By Michael Hill Sep 21, 2023 5 mins Advanced Persistent Threats Cyberattacks Critical Infrastructure brandpost Proactive OT security requires visibility + prevention You cannot protect your operation by simply watching and waiting. It is essential to have a defense-in-depth approach. By Austen Byers Sep 21, 2023 4 mins Security Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe