Today marked the first eclipse in the continental United States since 1979 and the first one to cross the entire country from coast to coast since 1918. Whether you were fortunate enough to be in the path of totality, enjoyed a partial view, or just basked in the online coverage this celestial event was one for the ages. (Check out this neat gallery!)

Here in Phoenix, we had a peak obscuration rate of 62%. I headed over to the Arizona Science Center for the viewing party and it was quite the experience. It seems they underestimated the general public's interest in space. I waited in line about an hour and a half and didn't even end up getting a pair of eclipse glasses. :(

Thankfully though, there were several telescopes, looking devices, welding glasses and pin hole cameras for all to enjoy. 

My favorite image I was able to take was the one below. The cloudy sky and welding goggles gave the eclipse an appearance that seemed truly out of this world!

All in all it was a very cool experience. I got to chat with a lot of different folks, and we all agreed this truly was a uniting event. It didn't matter your age, color, religion, political leaning etc, we were all just human beings brought together by something greater than all of us.

I'm hoping to interview a few people who were in the path of totality so stay tuned for that!

Healthcare Administrators: Save Big Money in Ransomware Attacks with a Network Alarm System

The healthcare sector in places like Tempe and elsewhere are experiencing network security breaches at an exponential pace. Because this industry in particular holds extensive repositories of patient medical records, including their identities.

If patient records have been hijacked and held for ransom, known as ransomware attacks, the healthcare facility (usually a hospital) will pay up quickly, since they cannot function without patient records for long at all.

Another cause for concern are healthcare employees, who are authorized to access patient records, and are oftentimes clueless of the vulnerabilities of the hospital network.

A solution to the problem of network security in a healthcare environment is an intrusion detection and prevention (IDS / IPS) alarm system. This dual-component security monitoring software augments a firewall, which cannot possibly stand up to network security attacks from hackers.

Simply described, an IDS / IPS system is a two-step security monitoring management tool. The first component, intrusion detection, monitors events occurring in the network. It does an analysis of the events, looking for indicators of potentially harmful incidents, security breaches, or close-at-hand security threats that can violate security procedures.

The second component, intrusion prevention, overlaps intrusion detection, also monitoring events, but taking the additional step of halting about-to-occur incidents.

An IDS / IPS security monitoring system can perform two important functions: 1) continually monitor the network for might- or might-not-happen incidents, create a log, terminate the incident, and inform security administrators. 2) Note security policy problems and prevent hackers from interrupting security procedures.

As a healthcare administrator in Tempe, it’s important to thwart potentially debilitating security breaches to your network, saving thousands of dollars as a result of implementing an IDS / IPS network alarm system. To set up your own security plan call Phoenix Surveillance at 602-248-8477 or request a quote below.

McGruff the Crime Dog: Origin Story

"Take a bite out of crime". These words were made famous when McGruff the crime dog came onto the scene in 1980. Most of us are aware of McGruff which is a testament to the incredibly successful advertising campaign he's had over the past 37 years. But who is McGruff and how did he come to be? Let's find out!

The History of McGruff the Crime Dog

The history of this famous pooch traces back to the late 1970's. In 1978, The Advertising Council took on a mission that would help the nation learn to fight crime. They assigned the task to the high profile ad agency, Dancer Fitzgerald Sample, who volunteered their time and creative abilities. 

After several focus groups had been conducted it was determined that a campaign was needed to "emphasize that individual actions can reduce crime" and "offer easily accessible opportunities for people to participate."

Jack Keil, the executive vice president and creative director of Dancer Fitzgerald Sample came up with the idea of an animal mascot similar to Smokey The Bear. After coming up with the slogan—"Take a bite out of crime"—he decided the mascot should be a dog. His first version was "a Snoopy look-alike wearing a Keystone Cop hat." But, his creative team didn't think the dog would be taken seriously.

The creative teams were give a day to come up with a new concept. Rejected  proposals included a bulldog version of J. Edgar Hoover, a golden retriever, an "aggressive-looking deputy dog", and a "mongrel who became a wonder dog". The proposal Keil ultimately went with, which would go on to become McGruff, was a talking dog in a raincoat produced by Sherry Nemmers and Ray Krivascy who "was tired...he had seen the world, and he had epitomized all the detectives we had seen from Raymond Chabdler to Dasheill Hammet and even Columbo."

McGruff Through the Years

McGruff continues to educate the public to this day. He has made thousands of appearances at community and school events and on radio and television. His messages have changed from urging personal, family, and home security to more broadly based crime prevention concerns. In the 1980's he encouraged people to join Neighborhood Watch and clean up streets and parks so they’d be less inviting for criminals. In the 1990's, the Campaign addressed the effects of gun-related violence on children. Current issues include volunteering, bullying, Internet safety, and identity theft. And McGruff will soon tackle cyberbullying and telemarketing fraud against seniors.

Tips From McGruff

• To lock doors, leave the lights on when away from home, and let neighbors know when you go on vacation 
• Do things that build a sense of neighborhood and create communities that don't produce crime and where people look out for each other and kids feel safe 
• Get involved, to join Neighborhood Watch, and to clean up streets and parks 
• For children and teens to protect themselves from substance abuse, bullies, and gang violence

In Conclusion

CRIME WAVE IN SURPRISE - How Can You Protect Yourself?

A recent crime wave in Surprise, Arizona has local businesses on edge. In the past month there have been multiple reports of theft and damage and the cost both in time and equipment has been devastating for these small businesses.

This string of attacks has a lot of Surprise Business Owners wondering what they can do to protect themselves. Even though crime is a constant reality in this day and age there are things you can do to protect yourself. So here are some practical ways you can do just that.

An Open and Tidy Exterior

The key here is to minimize any potential spots for hiding or sneaking around. If you have shrubbery be sure to have it regularly cared for so it doesn't provide unwanted cover. Also make sure you have sufficiant lighting (both indoors and outdoors) and doesn't allow for unseen areas. Stay on top of burnt out light bulbs and ensure a bright atmosphere at all times.

Reinforced Windows and Doors

Reinforced locks for windows and doors can also be a significant theft deterrent. Heavy duty deadbolts, doorjambs, and strike plates can all aid in this regard.

Alarm Systems and Surveillance Cameras

Alarm systems and surveillance cameras are a highly effective way to reduce crime on your property. An alarm system typically offers a network of surveillance equipment that monitors and notifies the proper channels when an unauthorized intruded is detected.

Surveillance cameras act as a 'silent witness' capturing much needed images of the crime and the perpetrator(s). Video technology is constantly getting better and cheaper with each passing year making this a very attainable and powerful tool to fight crime.

Call Us Today For A Free Quote!

Here at Phoenix Surveillance we're eager to assist you in finding the right security plan for your Surprise business. Call us today at 602-248-8477 to get a free quote or click the link below to request a quote online.