Hardly a millisecond passes these days without some discussion of security concerns, whether it be in the news or general conversation. However, with increased connectivity and the incessant barrage of IoT products that erode privacy and make everyone more vulnerable to both knavery and boobery on many levels, security is an important matter. Addressing at least one of those level is a somewhat innovative device that could replace the venerable name tag.
Global Net Solutions’ S-Badge is trumpeted as a revolutionary, IoT-based security solution designed to improve safety and tackle insider threats and breaches in high security environments. The S-Badge leverages artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and IoT technology to enhance security and unlock an entirely new range of functionality and data.
It is also promoted as the world’s first security system leveraging a multi-sensor Bluetooth low energy beacon, multiple data sensors, and high-frequency RFID technology to track people, property, and assets with location monitoring in both indoor and outdoor settings. Each badge is individually customized with a printed photo ID on a scratch-proof and water-resistant beveled surface.
What sets S-Badge apart from other similar systems is its use of IoT technology, AI, and machine learning to provide a wider range of functionality and data than other devices. It relies on a system of on-site LoRa gateways and a battery-smart, all-in-one authentication badge that verifies a user’s identity based on location, a biometric signature, and a preprogrammed NFC chip. The badge also features a panic button to discreetly signal an emergency, along with the badge’s location. If you’ve seen the commercials, this function is similar to the LifeAlert product.
Michael Elias, director of business development, Global Net Solutions, touts, “We’re living in a time when security and privacy have never been more important, yet no company is tracking people once they’re in the door. Existing systems let the fox in the hen house, so we developed the S-Badge. Now you can be 100% sure of who is accessing what, where and when, without risk of security breaches from negligence, oversights or abuse. Most importantly, we only track individuals when they are within the campus or facility, not at home or off duty.”
Not to get off track, I must disagree a bit with Mr. Elias on one point, that being his claim “security and privacy have never been more important.” If we had our privacy, security would be less threatened.
Three-Factor Authentication
The S-Badge’s three-factor authentication process provides high levels of security while solving common problems such as badge abuse and lost or stolen badges. The process includes:
- Biometric Authentication: the S-Badge must be activated using advanced fingerprint verification, which also measures moisture, temperature and electricity in the live skin to ensure that only the authorized individual can activate the badge
- Location Authentication: the S-Badge communicates with surrounding gateways to verify its authenticity and exact location at any time
- Secure Element Authentication: an individually programmed NFC chip verifies whether the user is authorized to access a specific area or assets
Notably, AI and machine learning are used to create a prediction model, which can help identify threats in real time based on past behavior and location data. When the prediction model recognizes unusual behavior, like spending too much time in a restricted area, the system can send an alert to security.
Advanced features, like location monitoring, the emergency distress signal and machine learning prediction modeling capabilities, are powered by the stationary gateways throughout a structure or site that communicate with the S-Badge. This is an ideal method for protecting an individual’s privacy – as, ALLEGEDLY, the badge cannot be tracked off site – but still enables data and business insights that can increase employee productivity, improve the customer experience, and further enhance safety and security.
Other S-Badge features:
- LoRa Transceiver Module: low-power, long range radio for communication with gateways up to five miles away
- Panic Button: any user can discreetly signal an emergency along the badge’s exact current location
- Flexible Infrastructure: cloud-based or on-premise server infrastructure giving customers complete control, liability and security of their own data
- Wireless Charging: capability via an NFC wireless charging pad
If the S-Badge has piqued your curiosity and/or interest, you can visit the Global Net Solutions website, which seems to be still under construction on some pages. Of course, you can be an analog commando and, dare I say it, call the company via telephone.
Global Net Solutions
Torrance, CA
424-241-0020