Euralarm member BSIA (British Security Industry Association’s) have released a new code of practice for installers responsible for safety and security systems. The document summarises current guidelines to minimise the exposure to digital sabotage of network connected equipment, software and systems used in electronic security systems. A copy of the Code of Practice can be downloaded from the BSIA website.

Benoît Stockbroeckx

Michael Scharnowsky

After fifteen years of service Marc Chenevoy has put an end to his activities for Euralarm. A last interview with Euralarm’s Technical Manager who witnessed so many trends and developments in the fire safety and security industry.

On 16 July the European Court of Justice (ECJ) decided to invalidate the EU-US personal data protection agreement (“Privacy Shield”), meaning that it is no longer available as a mechanism for legitimizing transfers of personal data from the EU/EEA to the US.

The ECJ also ruled that the European Commission's Standard Contractual Clauses ('SCCs') remain valid as a legal mechanism for transferring personal data outside the EU and the EEA. As of now, European companies will not be able to rely anymore on the fact that a company self-certifies as “Privacy Shield Compliant”. Instead, companies will need to use Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs). In particular, the European Commission has approved Standard Contractual Clauses between an EU/EEA data controller to non-EU controller and from an EU controller to non-EU or EEA processor.

The European Commission has taken note of the ECJ decision and will consider restarting negotiations with the US government to find a new agreement to allow easier international data transfers between the EU and the US. Euralarm partner Orgalim released a short statement on the day of the judgment.

Please keep us informed on how you or your members are working on this issue/or not by 31 July 2020.

Following a decision of its Board, Euralarm has welcomed its newest member Vanderbilt. The company will join the Security Section of Euralarm. Read the full story here.

Following a decision of its Board, Euralarm has welcomed its newest member Vanderbilt. The company will join the Security Section of Euralarm. The Security Section represents the intrusion, access and video sector and is key stakeholder in organizations such as CertAlarm, CEN-CENELEC, IEC and the European Commission. Together with a diverse number of stakeholders in Europe, the section collaborates on finding solutions for today’s as well as tomorrow’s challenges for security in a digitized world.

The Radio Equipment Directive which is applicable for most wireless equipment also in the fire and security industry looks to be prepared for an update where cybersecurity requirements will become part of the directive and with that part of the CE-marking. While Euralarm supports the need for increased cybersecurity, the fire and security industry will preferably support a horizontal cybersecurity regulation. Nevertheless, if embedded in the RED, Euralarm wants to ensure that the technical aspects addressing cybersecurity are relevant for wireless fire safety and security equipment and can work for manufacturers and service providers. Read the full story here

The Radio Equipment Directive which is applicable for most wireless equipment also in the fire and security industry looks to be prepared for an update where cybersecurity requirements will become part of the directive and with that part of the CE-marking. While Euralarm supports the need for increased cybersecurity, the fire and security industry will preferably support a horizontal cybersecurity regulation. Nevertheless, if embedded in the RED, Euralarm wants to ensure that the technical aspects addressing cybersecurity are relevant for wireless fire safety and security equipment and can work for manufacturers and service providers.

The Extinguishing Section of Euralarm has published a guidance document on the important aspects relating to the periodic inspection of cylinders used in fixed gaseous fire extinguishing systems and especially in respect to hydrostatic testing. The guidance note is intended to identify some critical areas that are often not fully understood and does not prescribe the full processes involved in the testing or the physical handling of the cylinders. Read the full story here.