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18 Security Dealer & Integrator / www.SecurityInfoWatch.com January 2018 Security 101 Unveils 'Gift of Security' Recipients Security 101 has announced 15 winners for its 6th annual "Gift of Security" – a corporate initiative that donates $10,000 of integrated security services from local owned Security 101 offices, and equipment from partner Axis Communications, to deserving non-profits. "We wholeheartedly believe in giving back to the communities where we do business, and several of the winners were subject to recent security incidents," says Steve Crespo, Security 101 CEO. "Applying our exper- tise to help non- profit organizations that otherwise might not be able to afford protec- tion is why we are all so passionate." Winners are selected by the public through an online voting poll, where nearly 70,000 votes were cast. The recipients (with Security 101 office locations) are: • Carolina Youth Development Center (Charlestown, S.C.) • Ada Jenkins Center (Charlotte) • University Circle private school (Columbus, Ohio) • Autism Treatment Center (Dallas) • St. Thomas A. Becket Catholic community (Detroit) • For Kids (Hampton Roads, Va.) • Seamark Ranch (Jacksonville, Fla.) • The Arc of Monmouth (N.J.) • Pace Brantley School (Orlando) • Sojourner Center (Phoenix) • Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (Pittsburgh) • Durham Rescue Mission (Raleigh) • Real Life (Richmond, Va.) • Twin Hills Youth & Recreation Park (San Diego) • The Christmas Box International (Salt Lake City). Kristjen Nielsen Confirmed as Homeland Security Secretary The U.S. Senate has confirmed Kirstjen Nielsen as Secretary of Homeland Security. President Trump named Nielsen to the post in October to lead DHS – succeeding John Kelly, who moved into the White House to serve as Chief of Staff. Nielsen served in the department under president George W. Bush and is the founder of a risk management firm. Amazon Buys Home Security Camera Maker Blink E-commerce giant looks to build on its 'Cloud Cam' and 'Key' services Less than two months after mak- ing its foray into DIY home security with the launch of its Cloud Cam and Key service offerings, Amazon has expanded its investment in the mar- ket with the acquisition of wireless camera maker Blink. Blink made its debut two years ago and offers a range of wireless cam- eras for consumers. The company is currently soliciting pre-orders for a full home security system with an option for professional monitoring. Convergint Acquires 14th Integrator in 24 Months Maryland-based Genesis Security Systems the latest to join the fold Convergint Technologies has acquired Maryland-based Genesis Security Systems – its 14th acquisition since early 2016. Founded in 2002, Genesis employs 75 at its headquarters in Germantown, Md., and it serves a Mid-Atlantic base of clients includ- ing AstraZeneca, Exelon, FEMA, National Public Radio, the International Monetary Fund, PEPCO, and the World Bank Group. "The demand for expertise in the utilities industry and Genesis' service-cen- tric approach made them a natural fit for Convergint," Dan Moceri, Executive Chairman and Co-Founder of Convergint, said in a statement. "We are excited to leverage the expertise of Genesis' colleagues, including leaders Glen Kruglak, Alan Kruglak, Chris Foster and Ed Simon." Hackers Infiltrate D.C. Surveillance Cameras Surveillance equipment plays a part in ransomware scheme Two Romanian hackers have been charged with illegally accessing two-thirds of Washington's outdoor surveillance cameras just days before the inauguration of President Donald Trump, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Mihai Alexandru Isvanca, 25, and Eveline Cismaru, 28, of Romania, were arrested in Bucharest and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit various forms of computer fraud. An affidavit filed by the U.S. Secret Service alleges that 123 of the capital's 187 surveillance cameras were affected by a virus which hit police computers con- trolling the cameras between Jan. 9 and 12. A ransomware virus used the com- puters to send malicious emails to 179,000 addresses, offering to unlock their damaged computers in return for money. Fresh Off the Wire / News from around the industry SECURITY WATCH Nielsen Crespo COMPILED BY PAUL ROTHMAN