Digital signage presents agencies with unique challenges, despite being both easy to use and protecting sensitive information.
Agencies must be certain the hardware and software, as well as their vendors, are committed to maintaining the integrity of mission-critical operations for the military, law enforcement, power grids, traffic control and other systems supporting everyday life.
From desktop monitors to large-scale, command-and-control video walls, Samsung’s solutions deliver innovative and secure display technologies built according to established public sector guidelines.
“From manufacturing to deployment, Samsung prioritizes security so agencies can keep mission-critical data safe from unauthorized transmission or access,” says Mike Bahniuk, senior director of the public sector government professional display division for Samsung Electronics America. “Unlike sourcing via consumer channels, our long track record of compliance makes us a vetted, trusted supplier for government agencies.”
Bahniuk spoke with FedTech about how Samsung works with government customers to develop the best signage solutions for their needs.
FIND OUT: How Samsung's digital signage technology enhance your operation.
FEDTECH: How do security features in Samsung's digital signage solutions for government differ from consumer offerings?
BAHNIUK: Features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are now built into a range of devices, from baby monitors to electric water heaters. But in the context of government agencies, these features quickly become vulnerabilities that could compromise everything from confidential files to citizen data and entire network infrastructures. In response, Samsung has display options with the latest in high-resolution performance, but without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
To maximize protection against cyberattacks, Samsung displays are secured at multiple levels with our Knox defense-grade security platform, powered by the Tizen operating system. Knox allows agencies to isolate, encrypt and secure data, from hardware to chip.
LEARN MORE: TSA locations in airports all rely on electronic signs to get their messages across.
Before LCD and LED became the dominant display technologies, plasma screens were the standard across all industries. But there was a critical security vulnerability baked into the screen itself known as data screen retention. If content, including classified information, was held on a screen for too long, that data would become etched into the plasma of the display and could be retrieved later. The latest displays from Samsung have zero screen retention; every pixel of data is wiped once the screen is turned off.
A device with memory volatility is actually a positive when it comes to cybersecurity for the most secure levels of government. Devices with volatile memory erase data stored in their RAM as soon as they are turned off. Samsung displays feature memory volatility certification; all RAM memory disappears immediately when power is disconnected.
FEDTECH: Does any recent deployment of a Samsung digital signage solution come to mind as being particularly successful?
BAHNIUK: One of Samsung’s most recent success stories is the West Sayville Fire Department on Long Island in New York. The department was using basic bulletin boards, letter boards and projectors for communication and collaboration throughout the fire station — solutions that were inefficient and arduous to manually update.
By replacing static signage with Samsung digital displays managed through the built-in MagicINFO content management system, the department has been able to streamline operations and improve productivity. The new installations included interactive whiteboards, which now facilitate collaboration in the training area and executive conference room. A dynamic lobby display now proudly honors fallen firefighters by sharing each hero’s personal story.
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FEDTECH: What certifications or validations do Samsung's digital signage solutions have?
BAHNIUK: Samsung displays, especially those designed for government use, come from Trade Agreements Act-approved countries. Not only does this better secure an agency but it also helps accelerate the procurement cycle. Most important, unlike some display vendors with limited options, Samsung has a wide range of TAA-compliant displays, including high-definition and 4K Ultra HD in all size ranges.
All Samsung displays are built and installed to meet exacting Common Criteria requirements. This means that Samsung’s displays have been evaluated holistically, from development and creation to physical delivery to the agency, to establish the chain of trust.
FEDTECH: How does Samsung address potential cyberthreats or attacks targeting digital signage in government settings?
BAHNIUK: In addition to adhering to the International Organization for Standardization 27001 and 27701 security and privacy standards, Samsung has a well-structured security detection chain, including internal and external activities, that continually monitors for cyberthreats and checks for vulnerabilities. We work very closely with our customers to alert them to any potential threats and provide any corrective actions that may be needed.
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