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1/13/21

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Sensormatic Solutions to Debut VisionWorks at NRF 2021

● VisionWorks provides retailers with new deep learning-based computer vision AI models for unmatched operational insights

● A component and building block of Sensormatic IQ, an intelligent operating platform for Retail

● Showcasing at NRF 2021 – Chapter One, Jan. 12-14, 19, 21-22
and within the Sensormatic Innovation Experience

Johnson Controls, a global leader for smart and sustainable buildings, and the architect of OpenBlue connected solutions, today announced that Sensormatic Solutions, its leading global retail solutions portfolio, will debut it latest offering, VisionWorks, as part of the Sensormatic IQ intelligent operating platform, at NRF 2021.

Read More Here

RLPSA Annual Conference is Coming to You: Presenting RLPSA “TO GO”

The Restaurant Loss Prevention & Security Association (RLPSA) announces it will convert its annual in-person conference to a “To Go” (uniquely virtual) format March 2 – 4, 2021.

RLPSA’s top priority is the safety and security of our attendees and restaurant community. The “To Go” format will provide our foodservice community a safe, economical, and valuable way to obtain critical loss prevention, safety, and risk content.

View the RLPSA “To Go” Schedule here. | Register here.

A Much Different Sight in D.C. This Week

National Guard Sets Up Camp at the U.S. Capitol Ahead of Inauguration

Hundreds of National Guard troops sleep on Capitol floors amid threats of violence

About 20,000 National Guardsmen could arrive in Washington, officials say, in swelling inauguration security effort
An additional 5,000 members of the National Guard could arrive to support Inauguration Day security in Washington, city officials said Wednesday, which would increase the total to at least 20,000 in a rapidly swelling security apparatus focused on the Capitol.

A defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity to comment on internal discussions, said that Pentagon officials were still working through plans for providing additional security support to the inauguration.

For now, officials say 10,000 will be in place by the weekend. National Guard forces in and around the Capitol will be armed, while others are expected to be unarmed. washingtonpost.com

A 'Zero Fail Mission'
Homeland Security locks down DC, ahead of inauguration after Capitol riots
The Department of Homeland Security implemented a security lockdown in downtown Washington, D.C., nearly a week ahead of schedule following the deadly siege at the Capitol and threats of more violence leading up to Inauguration Day on Jan. 20 and the swearing-in of President-elect Joe Biden.

Acting on requests from Congress and city officials, DHS acting Secretary Pete Gaynor expedited the rollout of a massive inaugural security plan Wednesday. The early designation kicked off a sprawling operation that has already draped the city in fencing and barricades.

Unsuspecting commuters encountered multiple vehicle checkpoints at major entrances to the city early Wednesday, clogging traffic, while some streets were completely closed as officials pushed to implement a plan that will involve tens of thousands of law enforcement officers and National Guard troops.

Gaynor's action was his first as the acting secretary since assuming command of the department after Monday's abrupt resignation of acting Secretary Chad Wolf. Concern for the security mission was raised by Wolf's resignation as the inauguration looms.

DHS oversees the Secret Service, which is leading preparations for the designated National Special Security Event. Earlier this week, the Secret Service expressed confidence in the plan, describing it as a "zero fail mission." usatoday.com

DC Police Chief Says MPD Facing ‘Major Security Threats'
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Robert Contee have made it clear they want people to forgo trips to the capital for inauguration and instead mark the event at home. Contee said the Metropolitan Police Department is “intently focused” on inauguration security. In his decades-long career with MPD, Contee says he has never seen so many agencies provide this level of help for a large event. nbcwashington.com

Preparing for Armed Protests in All 50 States
How key states plan to secure their capitol buildings
States across the country are increasing security at their capitol buildings ahead of what the FBI has warned are "armed protests" being planned at all 50 state capitals. An internal FBI bulletin obtained by CNN warns that armed protests are being planned at state capitols from Saturday through at least Inauguration Day next Wednesday. The bulletin suggests there are threats of an "uprising" if President Donald Trump is removed before then.

The startling warning, just days after a pro-Trump mob forcibly took over the US Capitol, is pushing states to increase security in case of a similar such attack at their capitols. Although many are closed due to coronavirus restrictions, the warnings are particularly fraught in states that allow people to openly carry firearms or those where Trump has falsely claimed fraud.

Here's a look at how a number of states are preparing:

● Michigan bans open-carry at Capitol
● Wisconsin authorizes state National Guard
● Pennsylvania says Capitol is closed to public
● Georgia opens legislative session with security
● Florida tells Senate staff to work from home cnn.com

In rare joint message, top U.S. military leaders condemn Capitol riot
The U.S. military’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the uniformed leaders of the military branches, on Tuesday put out a rare message to service members saying the violent riots last week were an assault on America’s constitutional process and against the law. The joint message broke nearly a week of silence by the military leaders after the assault on the Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump sent lawmakers into hiding and left five people dead. reuters.com

FBI report warned of ‘war’ at Capitol,
contradicting claims there was no indication of looming violence
A day before rioters stormed Congress, an FBI office in Virginia issued an explicit warning that extremists were preparing to travel to Washington to commit violence and “war,” according to an internal document reviewed by The Washington Post that contradicts a senior official’s declaration the bureau had no intelligence indicating anyone at last week’s demonstrations in support of President Trump planned to do harm.

A situational information report approved for release the day before the U.S. Capitol riot painted a dire portrait of dangerous plans, including individuals sharing a map of the complex’s tunnels, and possible rally points for would-be conspirators to meet in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and South Carolina and head in groups to Washington. washingtonpost.com

DOJ: More than 70 people charged in Capitol riot; number expected to rise into the 100s

DOJ Warns Violence Won’t be Tolerated During Inauguration Protests

'Several' Capitol police officers suspended over pro-Trump riot

Lawmakers Were Feet and Seconds Away From Confrontation With Mob in the Capitol
The rioters shouted they were searching for lawmakers; some made a narrow escape

Lawmakers briefed on 'horrifying,' 'chilling' security threats ahead of inauguration

These are the violent threats that made Amazon drop Parler

COVID Update

US: Over 23.3M Cases - 390K Dead - 13.8M Recovered
Worldwide: Over 92M Cases - 1.9M Dead - 66M Recovered

Private Industry Security Guard Deaths: 260
Law Enforcement Officer Deaths: 199
*Red indicates change in total deaths

The U.S. suffers its worst day ever for Covid-19 deaths
he US reported its highest daily number of Covid-19 deaths on Tuesday with more than 4,320 fatalities attributed to the virus. It marked the second time - both this month and since the pandemic's start - that the US reported more than 4,000 Covid-19 deaths in a single day. Over the past week, the US has averaged more than 3,300 deaths every day, a jump of more than 217% from mid-November.

The numbers are grim, but to some experts they're not surprising. They follow Covid-19 case surges - fueled by holiday gatherings - across the country and weeks of record-high hospitalization numbers. Now more than 131,300 Americans are hospitalized with the virus, according to the COVID Tracking Project - and in some parts of the country, hospitals have reached their breaking point.

Arizona reported a record-high 5,082 hospitalized Covid-19 patients Tuesday and on the same day broke a second record: more than 1,180 patients with the virus in ICU beds. In Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards extended an order which keeps Covid-19 mitigation measures in place for nearly another month, saying the state was seeing a "huge spike" in cases and hospitalizations. Those numbers are also on the rise in college towns as students return for the first semester of 2021. cnn.com

COVID deaths in the U.S. are currently increasing
fastest in the South and West regions:

New Workplace Safety Standards Coming?
Biden will ask OSHA to reconsider decision to skip emergency Covid standards
President-elect Joe Biden will ask the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) to reconsider its refusal to issue emergency standards for COVID-19 workplace safety, according to a Dec. 29 statement.

The incoming administration will ask OSHA, which has so far declined to issue such standards, "to determine whether to establish an emergency temporary standard to keep workers safe from COVID-19," Biden said.

He also said he would direct OSHA to target the worst violators, increase the number of inspectors and develop strategies for addressing the most dangerous workplace hazards. hrdive.com

U.S. asks states to hasten vaccine delivery, give second dose
Barely a month into a mass vaccination campaign to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trump administration unexpectedly shifted gears Tuesday to speed the delivery of shots. The move came amid widespread concern over a slow start even as coronavirus cases and deaths reach new highs.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar announced a series of major changes to increase supply of vaccines and expand the age groups eligible to receive them as well as locations where people can get shots.

One change will have some teeth to it. Azar said that going forward the federal government will base each state’s allocation of vaccines partly on how successful it has been in administering those already provided.

“If you are not using vaccines that you have the right to, then we should be rebalancing to states that are using that vaccine,” Azar said at news conference. That won’t happen overnight, not until officials try to sort out whether lags in reporting could be the reason for what appears to be subpar performance.

Azar also said the government will stop holding back the required second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, practically doubling supply. Both those shots require two doses to achieve optimum protection.

Additionally, Washington is urging states to immediately start vaccinating other groups lower down the priority scale, including people age 65 and older and younger people with certain health problems. latimes.com

Retailer Incentivizes Vaccine
Dollar General Will Pay Workers to Get Vaccine in Retail First
Dollar General Corp. is offering workers extra pay to encourage them to get vaccinated against Covid-19 as quickly as possible. Hourly employees will get the equivalent of four hours of pay after getting the vaccine, while salaried workers will receive “additional store labor hours to accommodate their time away from the store,” the discount retailer said in a statement. It also will provide assistance to its distribution and transportation teams.

The announcement offers an early look at how retailers will deal with getting millions of frontline workers the vaccine -- an urgent issue from both a safety and operational standpoint, as well as an unprecedented logistical undertaking. About 10 million people have received the first dose of a Covid vaccine since immunizations started in December, according to Bloomberg’s vaccine tracker. bloomberg.com

Maine orders Walgreens to give up vaccine doses it had no immediate plans to use
State health officials Monday ordered the Walgreens pharmacy chain to send almost 2,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses it had no immediate plans to administer to two Lewiston hospitals that needed to vaccinate more health care providers. bangordailynews.com

CDC expands Covid vaccination guidelines to everyone 65 and older

Operation Warp Speed chief resigns at Biden team’s request, will stay through transition

Johnson & Johnson Expects Vaccine Results Soon but Lags in Production

How the Two Most Populous States Failed in Their Response
California and Texas Fought Covid Their Own Way, Suffered Just the Same

Politics aside, the nation’s two biggest states have both stumbled in the fight against the deadly coronavirus

When the novel coronavirus struck, California embraced lockdowns and mask mandates. Texas resisted them. Yet almost a year since the U.S. recorded its first Covid-19 case, the two most populous states, so often seen as opposites, find themselves in similar shape, with crippled economies and higher casualties than most nations.

It’s easier to shop, dine, and pray in Texas than in California, where most of its almost 40 million people are living under some form of lockdown. But the states’ unemployment rates are virtually the same: 8.1% in Texas and 8.2% in California. Each state has lost about 30,000 people to the coronavirus. Texas has seen 103 Covid-19 patients die for every 100,000 people since the start of the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In California the ratio is 75.

Public health experts say the grim statistics illustrate the limits of their field. Government orders can make a difference - a big one. But barring draconian measures, such as China placing the city of Wuhan under virtual house arrest, what matters most may be the daily choices of individuals.

“It’s 20 decisions someone makes a day: Do I wear a mask, do I go to the store, do I congregate?” says Robert Wachter, chairman of the department of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. “The kind of facile ‘California good, Texas bad’ argument doesn’t hold up very well.” bloomberg.com

Texas joins California as only states with 2M cases

L.A. County approaching 1M coronavirus cases as officials brace for new hospital surge

Coronavirus stay-at-home order lifted for Greater Sacramento

California’s Disneyland and Dodger Stadium to become mass vaccine distribution sites

Better Covid Treatments are Keeping More People Alive
But Also, Ironically, Overwhelming Hospitals at the Same Time

As Covid-19 Pressure Mounts, U.K. Hospitals Find Pandemic Paradox
U.K. hospitals are under unprecedented stress as a fast-spreading coronavirus variant tears across the country, with the pressure intensified as doctors say they are saving more lives, meaning more hospital beds are in use.

There is “a perverse paradox” this time around, said Will Ricketts, a consultant chest physician at Royal London Hospital in the capital city, where one in 30 people is now estimated to be infected with the virus. “Patients that were previously not surviving beyond a few days of admission are now surviving weeks,” said Dr. Ricketts. “This is obviously good news overall, but at least in part explains why this wave has stretched us so thin.”

The number of people hospitalized with coronavirus in the U.K. has surged to its highest levels in the pandemic, and is now 49% higher than in the previous peak in April. wsj.com

UK Grocery Retailers Stand Together on Banning Maskless Shoppers
Police Standby to Help Enforce & Deal with Aggressive Shoppers

Tesco, Asda, Aldi & Waitrose join crackdown on maskless shoppers
Tesco, Asda, Aldi and Waitrose are the latest supermarkets to take a tougher stance on customers who refuse to wear a face covering without a medical exemption, and they all urged shoppers to be respectful towards staff.

They are the latest supermarkets to ban maskless shoppers, after Morrisons announced it would enforce the wearing of masks for customers unless they are medically exempt, while Sainsbury’s said its security staff at entrances will “challenge” shoppers who are not wearing face coverings or who enter stores in groups.

Asked whether Co-op Food stores will take similar steps, chief executive Jo Whitfield said all customers “must take responsibility for wearing a face mask”. retailgazette.co.uk

This chart shows how restaurant revenue has fallen,
even as delivery and takeout sales soar
UBS Evidence Lab found that takeout and delivery sales are failing to make up for lost dine-in customers. Weekly dine-in restaurant revenue fell 69% in the week ended Nov. 29, according to UBS. A number of factors, including cold temperatures, a surge in Covid-19 cases and new restaurant restrictions, have hurt restaurant sales this winter. cnbc.com

Bruce Willis calls not wearing mask in Rite Aid ‘an error in judgment’

3rd-Party Security Phased Out After Racial Profiling Allegations
Sephora’s plan to combat racial bias: Fewer security guards, new protocols
International makeup chain Sephora is implementing sweeping changes in its merchandising, marketing and employee training practices in one of the most public efforts by a major retailer to mitigate the potential for racial profiling and other discriminatory practices at its stores.

The initiative being announced Wednesday is the culmination of customer and employee surveys, interviews and academic research that have been underway since 2019. Sephora surveyed about 3,000 shoppers and 1,700 employees at its stores and others across the country.

Among its findings were that Black shoppers routinely felt sized up and discriminated against for their skin color and ethnicity. Some reported being subject to additional surveillance while browsing or being told they “could not afford an expensive item.” Shoppers of color also felt they had to wait longer than their White counterparts to get help from employees.

Some Black and other shoppers of color told researchers they’ve changed their habits as a result, including by buying online, avoiding in-store samples, keeping their hands out of their pockets while browsing and carrying designer handbags to “avoid assumptions they can’t afford to shop there or will steal.”

Among the changes, Sephora has created new employee training programs to ensure all shoppers are greeted promptly and consistently. The company is enacting a zero-tolerance policy — meaning immediate termination — for profiling, discrimination, harassment and retaliation by employees. Annual performance reviews will include new inclusivity-based metrics, and the company is phasing out third-party security guards in favor of in-house employees who have been trained in the company’s new policies. washingtonpost.com

Apple unveils new racial equity and justice projects as part of $100M program
As part of its $100 million commitment unveiled this past June to combat racial equality and justice, Apple announced several new initiatives on that front on Wednesday. The Cupertino, Calif.-based tech giant said it would launch the Propel Center, "a first-of-its-kind global innovation and learning hub" for historically Black colleges and universities, as well as an Apple Developer Academy to help Detroit-based students code and receive tech education. It also said it would support venture capital funding for Black and Brown entrepreneurs. foxbusiness.com

Retail's Afterthought Becomes Customer's Primary Driver & Concern
Safety & Health Will Remain Top Priority Even After COVID-19

2021 Predictions About Convenience Retailing

The ability to market safety and cleanliness will be a competitive advantage.
Americans still enjoy shopping in physical stores. The catch is that it’s easier than ever to avoid lazy retailers who neglect their product offer and especially their customer experience. Just ask Macy’s or Bed Bath & Beyond.

Expect consumers to exit the COVID-19 pandemic with lingering concerns around health and safety. Convenience retailers who continue to breathe life into the “dirty gas station” stigma will find it even more difficult to compete against those who invest in a high-quality customer experience. I may be biased given my involvement with the Safe Shop Assured certification program, but data already shows that this was a trend before the pandemic.

Read all eight 2021 predictions about convenience retailing here: cstoredecisions.com

Large US retailers upbeat about financial recovery in 2021
thanks to Covid-19 vaccines
Many of the largest US retailers are optimistic about the year ahead, with nearly one in five (19%) saying that 2021 will be a much better year for business thanks to the Covid-19 vaccine rollouts, according to new research from tech company Emarsys. emarsys.com

The polar vortex is coming - and raising the odds for intense winter weather

NCR launches $1.7B bid for Cardtronics

Whole Foods cutting paid break times for associates

Target has blockbuster holiday season as sales surged 17%

Holiday Sales Results
Five Below holiday sales up 21.1%, comps up 10.1%
Target holiday sales up 17.2%, store comps up 4.2%, digital comps up 102%
Tiffany holiday global sales up 2%, comps up 4% (sales down 5% in the Americas)
L Brands holiday sales down 1.8%, comps up 5% (Bath & Body Works up 17%, Victoria's Secret down 9%)
GameStop holiday sales down 3.1%, store comps up 4.8%, e-commerce sales up 309%
Urban Outfitters holiday sales down 8.4%, retail comps down 9%
Destination XL holiday sales down 23.9%, store comps down 38.1%

Senior LP & AP Jobs Market

Director, Field Asset Protection job posted for Chipotle in Columbus, OH
The Director of Field Asset Protection is responsible for developing field level asst protection and loss prevention programs designed to reduce loss of cash and product while also serving as key cross function partner for all physical security and safety programs for the restaurant organization. Lead a team of Asset Protection Field Managers in execution of comprehensive Loss Prevention/Physical Security and Safety Program including hiring/training/development of a high performing team, creation of actional goals/metrics and delivering on margin improvement. chipotle.taleo.net

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Sensormatic Solutions Launches Sensormatic IQ

Unify diverse data and insights with the new intelligent operating platform designed to drive improved shopper experiences and retail outcomes

NEUHAUSEN, Switzerland, January 12, 2021 - Johnson Controls, a global leader for smart and sustainable buildings, and the architect of OpenBlue connected solutions, today announced that Sensormatic Solutions, its leading global retail solutions portfolio, launched Sensormatic IQ. This intelligent operating platform for retail, backed by Sensormatic Solutions industry expertise and robust technology partner ecosystem, delivers tangible value across the enterprise.

Focus on Innovation
The open, secure and agile platform integrates the full Sensormatic Solutions portfolio, retailer, and third-party data sources, along with advanced technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to offer unparalleled visibility into operations and shopper insights. This combination drives prescriptive, data-driven outcomes for retailers, creating value and growth opportunities as retailers move into the future.

“In today’s hyper-connected world, the customer experience is about how, where, when, and why engagement happens. That’s why our commitment to enabling customers to harness diverse insights to drive positive outcomes and informed business decisions is more important than ever,” said Bjoern Petersen, President, Sensormatic Solutions. “The launch of Sensormatic IQ reflects our forward-looking business strategy. Through collaborating with our technology partners and leveraging the global reach and scalability of the Google Cloud coupled with smart sensors and advanced analytics, our platform is designed to evolve with the industry and our customer’s needs.”

Fast Forward Retail
As the retail industry goes through significant changes, Sensormatic IQ helps retailers improve both their top and bottom line and brand value by:

● Powering the digital transformation within the evolving retail market
● Accelerating integration between new and existing solutions and data sets
● Enabling agile innovation via a secure, scalable, and managed enterprise-grade platform
● Amplifying value by deriving new insights and outcomes from complex data streams
● Streamlining execution across retailer functions

Future-Focused Expertise
“This open platform represents years of investment and innovation moving to outcome-based operations in order to meet the shifting needs of retailers,” said Petersen. “The addition of the Sensormatic IQ platform is just one more way Sensormatic is providing the foundation for a digital journey that allows retailers to run at an enterprise scale.”

As the industry continues to evolve, Sensormatic Solutions is ensuring retailers have access to the advanced solutions they need to connect people, merchandise, and data in new and innovative ways. Sensormatic IQ’s flexible, open platform can incorporate insights from edge devices, such as POS, sensors, EAS, RFID, Computer Vision, and more, capable of delivering AI predictive and prescriptive models to support operations in retail environments from grocery and apparel to home improvement and malls.

Learn more about how Sensormatic IQ can revolutionize your analytics approach as we virtually present at NRF 2021, Jan. 12-14, 19, 21-22 via www.sensormatic.com.

You can also visit our Sensormatic Innovation Experience.

RH-ISAC's Upcoming Cyber Thursday Webinars

Jan. 28
Prepare for eCommerce Threats in the New Year
In this webinar, Matt McGuirk, senior solutions engineer at Source Defense, will discuss several emerging business and technology trends that will impact eCommerce in 2021. Attendees will hear best practices on how to avoid upcoming threats, and ways to protect their eCommerce sites. Register now

Jan. 28
Rise of the Hybrid Threat: Resiliency in the Age of Evolving Cyber Attacks
In this session, John Carlin, former assistant attorney general and head of the Department of Justice's National Security Division, will discuss the current cyber threat landscape, the rise of blended and hybrid cyber threats, and the evolution of responses from both government and industry. Register now

Jan. 28
Improve Your Detection Process with Attack Range
In this upcoming webinar, analysts will walk away with knowledge on how to use MITRE ATT&CK and Attack Range to simulate attacks, validate detections, and generate data sets for further analysis, testing detections, building investigations, and writing playbooks. Register now

Register now: 2021 RH-ISAC Cyber Intelligence Summit - Sept. 28-29, 2021

Insider Risk Indicators
Over-Sharer or Troublemaker? How to Identify Insider-Risk Personas

It's past time to begin charting insider risk indicators that identify risky behavior and stop it in its tracks.

Organizations need to lock down insider risk to data without inhibiting the user experience or creating roadblocks. This requires building a culture of trust where employees are given the benefit of the doubt and trusted to act professionally with the best interests of the organization in mind. Then, instead of monitoring every activity by every user, organizations should look at insider risk indicators (IRIs) to identify risky behavior and create actionable information to stop it in its tracks.

Here are three personas that you need to watch out for when determining insider risk across your organization:

The Over-Sharer
We all have some of these in our lives — the people from the office who are always quick to email a document to a wide distribution. These people are not malicious, just victims of poor judgment or human error. But their actions result in the same vulnerabilities from malicious actors that keep security professionals up at night.

The Guy with One Foot Out the Door
When you read about court cases involving IP theft, you can often link them to the guy with one foot out the door.

The Troublemaker
While rare, this is among the most disruptive in the bunch. There are a few varieties of troublemakers, including a mole or insider for hire. Troublemakers are likely out to make a buck by selling corporate information. darkreading.com

'Zoom Fatigue'
Remote Reshapes the Future of Work

CIOs will focus on enabling richer remote work experiences in 2021, and virtual offices could be a part of that picture.

Companies that offered video conferencing and other home working technologies were among the winners. Maybe just as important, everybody's parents and grandparents started using the word Zoom as a verb.

Still, for those office workers who suddenly pivoted to working from the isolation of a home office, the move from in-person face-to-face communication to video conferencing and other collaboration software hasn't been without its challenges.

In some cases it may be contributing to more stress during an already stressful time. Not long after Zoom became a verb, "Zoom fatigue" became a much discussed affliction, with plenty of articles written about best practices to avoid it.

Consider that we may now just be in version 1.0 of work-from-home collaboration technology. Chat software and video conferencing will become the primitive antecedents to the technology that will enable the workplace of the future.

Just what will those technologies look like? Will you be able to project your hologram for conference calls and messages like in Star Wars? informationweek.com

Pentagon’s $2 Billion Cybersecurity Project Slowed by Flaws
The Defense Department has halted deployment on its classified networks of a $2 billion cybersecurity project intended to detect intrusions and prevent attacks because of poor test results, according to the Pentagon’s testing office. The effort to consolidate hundreds of U.S.-based and global systems continues to be fielded to non-classified networks even though test assessments since 2016 have continually shown it’s “unable to help network defenders protect DoD component networks against operationally realistic cyber attacks,” testing chief Robert Behler wrote in his latest criticism of the project known as the Joint Regional Security Stack. bloomberg.com

2021 Kicks Off With Vendor Consolidation
5 Data Security Firms Announce Acquisitions
The deals include private equity firm Francisco Partners finalizing its deal to acquire Forcepoint, F5 announcing plans to purchase Volterra, Equifax revealing the pending purchase of the artificial intelligence firm Kount, Accenture picking up the managed security and cyber defense services company Real Protect, and Huntress acquiring endpoint detection and response technology from Level Effect. govinfosecurity.com

COVID Update

Retail Vaccinations - Lockdown Backlash

Vaccinating Retail Employees
Retail workers waiting to hear about their place in vaccination line
Essential workers on P.E.I. are scheduled to receive vaccines against COVID-19 in the spring, and retail workers are wondering where they fit into that. Phase 2 of the province's vaccination program, which includes essential workers, will run from April to June.

"Our members are experts at supply chains and running retail businesses. They are not experts in public health. We will take our direction from public health."

Numbers uncertain

An important factor to consider is how much vaccine is available for those designated as high priority. It would take some time to determine how much vaccine would be required to cover retail workers, said Cormier.

While Statistics Canada has numbers for people working in retail, that would include people not out on the floor working with customers, such as warehouse and administrative staff, who would not necessarily be deemed high priority. It becomes that much more complicated if you want to consider first vaccinating particular sectors, such as grocery and pharmacy workers. ca.news.yahoo.com

At least 4M Canadians need vaccines for country to look at reopening economy

Refusing to Comply with Lockdowns
Business owners prepared to defy health orders as 'last resort'
Phil McLellan, who owns The Parlor Tattoo, was issued the fine on Monday afternoon, delivered by six enforcement officers to his residence. At no point, the tattoo artist says, did inspectors or officers see clients in his shop on Main Street.

McLellan said he is not a COVID denier or anti-masker, He just needs to be able to support his family. The last straw for him was Premier Brian Pallister’s callous attitude about exposing businesses who were not in compliance and then the Winnipeg Jets being allowed to play when no one else can open despite their own precautions and plans.

Jonathan Alward, the Prairie division director for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said he has heard from a number of businesses who were also thinking of opening up despite the health orders because they could no longer afford to be closed.

“In no way are we condoning business breaking the rules … but I can certainly understand why some businesses feel like they don’t have much of another choice right now.,” said Alward. winnipegsun.com

Paying Businesses to Stay Closed?
Indigo CEO calls for government compensation amid lockdowns
With more anticipated restrictions in Ontario set to be announced by Premier Doug Ford on Tuesday, Indigo Books & Music Inc. Chief Executive Officer Heather Reisman called for the government to take more action in supporting the non-essential businesses it has shut down during the pandemic.

That would include putting programs in place to ensure that these retailers were not bearing the full brunt of the lockdown measures. Reisman pointed to the loss of the high-earning holiday season as a particular sore spot for these retailers, especially as they sit on an excess of unsold merchandise.

The impact to Indigo’s bottom line during the “most important six weeks” of the year amounted to losing “tens of millions” of dollars in profits, Reisman said.

Without the “essential business” label, many retailers have been forced to “pay enormous costs” which signals to business owners that they are not relevant, Reisman added. These challenges will have resounding effects like a significant loss to cities' tax bases and could hit real estate companies as more businesses shut their doors, she said. bnnbloomberg.ca

Extended Ontario Lockdown Announcement Blasted for Harming Small Retailers

Petition pushes for lift of COVID-19 restrictions on small businesses in Calgary
A citizen advocacy group in Calgary has launched an online petition asking for COVID-19 restrictions on small businesses in the city to be lifted.

Common Sense Calgary started the petition after Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi admitted Tuesday that two members of his staff had travelled internationally over the holidays despite the government advising people to avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.

The petition goes on to state that, “If Mayor Nenshi thinks it’s fine for his chief of staff to shop at small businesses in Maui, maybe it’s time to lift the restrictions on small businesses in Calgary.”

Though the petition is addressed to Nenshi, the restrictions referred to in it were announced by Kenney’s UCP government on Dec. 8 and are in place province-wide. The mandatory public health measures limited retail to operating at 15 per cent capacity and forced all restaurants, pubs, bars, lounges and cafes in the province to stop their in-person services. Only take out, curbside pickup and delivery services are allowed. globalnews.ca

Canadians call out leaders for breaking their own Covid-19 rules

As Canada battles rising COVID-19 cases, lack of sick leave fuels transmission

Ontario declares emergency as COVID cases surge & Canada buys more vaccines

Canada-U.S. land border closure extended to Feb. 21

Walmart Canada Customer Data Exposed
Data exposure flaw on Walmart.ca revealed personal customer information
Customers’ names, shipping and billing addresses, order dates, methods of payment and the last four digits of the credit cards used were on full display for orders of a $1,500 laptop computer in Ontario, a $700 spin bike in Saskatchewan, and more than $1,100 worth of baby gear in B.C.

These are just a few samples of Walmart.ca orders CTVNews.ca was able to call up on the retailer’s website Tuesday that demonstrated the ease with which customer information could be accidentally exposed.

“(It’s a) huge exploit. And I’m just flabbergasted. I'm actually pissed off because, you know, my stuff was on there too,” said Bhatia, who works in IT himself. He said efforts to contact Walmart Canada about the issue were unsuccessful, which was when he decided to reach out to CTVNews.ca. ctvnews.ca

Couche-Tard exploring Carrefour takeover to create global retail giant
A deal with Carrefour would expand its presence in Europe, where its potential target operates more than 2,800 supermarkets and 703 larger-format hypermarkets, and in Latin America, where it has stores in Argentina and Brazil.

Carrefour, which has about 320,000 workers globally, is the biggest private employer in France. The retailer generates about half its sales from the domestic market, where foreign takeovers of key companies are politically sensitive. bnnbloomberg.ca

Stores Shutting in Vancouver ‘Luxury Zone’, Bizou Shutting 30% of Boutiques

Loblaw set to close company-run transportation operations in Cambridge, 150 employees laid off

British Columbia: Online Pharmacy Aims to Disrupt Retail with Next Day Delivery

London, ON: Shots fired at LCBO alcohol display in failed store robbery
Police in London, Ont., allege a man fired a rifle in an attempt to break into a glass display case holding bottles of alcohol at an LCBO store. Police say the man entered the liquor store, removed a rifle from under his jacket and fired. They say he was unsuccessful in breaking the glass and fled to a waiting vehicle. None of the people inside the store was hurt. Police say they arrested two men and found two loaded firearms during a search, one of which was reported stolen in March. ca.news.yahoo.com

Niagara, ON: $20K in merch stolen from Niagara Moose Knuckles store, police say
Niagara police arrested a 15-year-old boy after a break-in at the Niagara Outlet mall where $20,000 in merchandise was stolen from Moose Knuckles. Some of the stolen goods from the sportswear store were being sold on Kijiji, police said. Officers began their investigation on Dec. 24 after the overnight break-in, said a statement from the Niagara Regional Police Service. Police estimate there was $8,000 worth of damage at the store. cbc.ca

Windsor, ON: Cashier gets kicked & punched during variety store robbery
An 18-year-old man has been charged after police say he kicked and punched a cashier during variety store robbery in Chatham. Through investigation, police learned that the man entered the variety store and stole a folding knife and replica Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup ring. Police say the cashier was kicked and punched as he attempted to stop the man from leaving the store. The cashier did not require medical attention. The man fled prior to police arrival. ctvnews.ca

Kitchener, ON: Customer steals $250 worth of groceries from store

Two Men Stole A Suitcase Full Of Meat At A Toronto Store & Fled In A Rideshare

Robberies & Burglaries

● ATM - Corner Brook, NL - Armed Robbery
● C-Store - Nepean, ON - Robbery
● C-Store - Halifax, NS - Armed Robbery
● C-Store - Kitchener, ON - Armed Robbery
● Gas Bar - Nepean, ON - Robbery
● Jewelry Store - Hamilton, ON - Armed Robbery
● Jewelry Store - Corner Brook, NL - Burglary
● Liquor Store - London, ON - Armed Robbery/Shots Fired
● Moose Knuckles - Niagara, ON - Burglary
● Pharmacy - Nepean, ON - Robbery
● Pharmacy - Barrie, ON - Armed Robbery
● Variety Store - Windsor, ON - Robbery

How are we doing? We need your input & suggestions. Send to lpnews@d-ddaily.net

View Canadian Connections Archives

Scrubbing Amazon of Militia Merchandise
Amazon is removing some right-wing militia and QAnon merchandise

Following news reports and employee complaints, certain items with the names and logos of the Oath Keepers, Three Percenters, and QAnon are no longer for sale.

Amazon said on Tuesday that it had begun taking down product listings for merchandise featuring the logos of two right-wing militia groups, after Recode reported on Monday that some corporate employees were pressuring the company to do just that.

In the weeks leading up to the January 6 storming of the US Capitol, Amazon employees questioned the company about apparel featuring the logos of two groups — the Oath Keepers and the Three Percenters — available for sale on Amazon. And in the wake of the insurrection, which was carried out by some rioters wearing gear from at least one of the groups, some Amazon employees demanded the company take the listings down.

“After yesterday, any products advocating for the overthrow of the US government should be removed from the site,” one longtime Amazon employee wrote on an internal email thread.

An Amazon spokesperson, Cecilia Fan, declined to comment on Friday. Spokesperson Mary Kate McCarthy told Recode on Tuesday that Amazon had begun removing merchandise from these groups. vox.com

Amazon Vaccinating 20K Employees
Amazon prepares to administer coronavirus vaccine to its workers in warehouses, Whole Foods stores

Amazon is preparing to administer on-site coronavirus vaccinations to nearly 20,000 of its workers in Washington, according to a letter from the company to Gov. Jay Inslee in which the company urged the state to prioritize its workers for vaccination.

An Amazon spokesperson reiterated Saturday that the company’s warehouse and grocery workers should receive the vaccine “at the earliest appropriate time.”

The commerce giant said in the Dec. 21, 2020, letter that it has signed an agreement with “a licensed third-party occupational health care provider to administer vaccines, just like we do for seasonal flu shots.” KING 5 initially reported on Amazon’s communication with Inslee’s office.

Amazon, the state’s largest employer, also contacted the office of King County Executive Dow Constantine to assure officials that Amazon stands “ready to partner with the state and King County to help with logistics or other assistance should they need it,” company spokesperson Glenn Kuper said in an email. seattletimes.com

The Old Rob Me in The Parking Lot Routine
Marketplace Crime: Online Hook-Ups to Buy iPhones Getting Robbed in St. Louis
Man gets 120 months for using online marketplaces to rob victims of iPhones
The victims placed ads to sell their iPhones on various online marketplaces including Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, and Letgo. Jefferson responded to those ads and arranged to meet the victims purportedly to complete the purchase of the phones. When Jefferson and the victims met, Jefferson gave the victims counterfeit currency in exchange for their iPhones and brandished a firearm before stealing their phones. justice.gov

How Bed Bath & Beyond has revamped its digital operations during the pandemic

Consumers Don't Want to Pay to Ship Back Returns

Morgan Hill, CA: Two arrested in multiple Ulta Beauty burglaries
Police in Morgan Hill have made two arrests in a crime spree that involved two beauty store burglaries, a carjacking and a pursuit that stretched from southern Santa Clara County into Oakland last week. Officers were called to the Ulta Beauty store on Cochrane Road around 7 p.m. last Friday after reports of a burglary in progress where a woman and a juvenile female accomplice were allegedly filling large bags of expensive perfumes and fragrances. Police said the same two suspects burglarized another Ulta Beauty store earlier that day in Gilroy. In that burglary, about $6,000 in merchandise was stolen. sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com

Stafford, NJ: Two charged in $4,000 theft from The Home Depot; warrant reveals additional stolen goods
Two people were charged with shoplifting store merchandise from the Home Depot in Stafford Township on Monday, police said. The Stafford Township Police were alerted about suspicious activity inside of the Home Depot on Route 72 West at about 11 a.m. Stafford Detectives saw two people exit the store pushing a cart with a large garbage can and other items. Detectives approached them in the parking lot after learning that they had not paid for the store merchandise, according to police. Police said the suspects were arrested and identified as Anthony Webb, and Kerry Connors. Further investigation revealed that Webb and Connors had concealed a large amount of store merchandise within the garbage can, valued at more than $4,600, according to police. Detectives later executed a search warrant on their vehicle, which led to the recovery of additional stolen property from a previous theft that occurred on Jan. 9 at a Home Depot located in Newton, New Jersey, police said. Both Webb and Connors were charged with shoplifting, conspiracy to commit shoplifting and receiving stolen property. patch.com

Lancaster, PA: UPS employee steals $3K worth of electronics from packages

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Shootings & Deaths

Texarkana, TX: Man shot and killed in Harbor Freight parking lot
The victim in a late morning shooting has been identified by Texarkana Texas police as 29-year-old Nichlos Muldrow of Hope, Ark. Texarkana Texas police are looking for the suspect in a fatal shooting late this morning in the Harbor Freight lot. Just after 11:35 a.m. Tuesday, TTPD officers responded to reports of a shooting on New Boston Road. Police say the victim was shot multiple times before driving his car into the Whataburger parking lot next door and crashing into a tree in front of the restaurant. arklatexhomepage.com

Harrisburg, PA: Police charge teen in death of 50-year-old man outside convenience store
Harrisburg police on Tuesday arrested an 18-year-old in connection with a drive-by shooting Monday night that killed a 50-year-old man in front of a convenience store. Jhajuan Russaw, of Susquehanna Township, was charged with criminal homicide and possessing a firearm while prohibited in connection with the 6:15 p.m. shooting in front of Antonio’s Grocery at North Sixth and Woodbine streets. Court records identified the man who was killed as Billy Grier. He was believed to be homeless. pennlive.com

Luzerne County, PA: Man charged in fatal shooting at convenience store employee
Jafet Rodriguez, 40, has been charged with an open count of criminal homicide in connection with the Dec. 12, 2020, death of Ashokkumar Patel. Patel was shot and killed during a robbery at Craig’s Food Mart in Hazleton, where he was working as a clerk. Rodriguez is also facing charges of robbery, burglary and theft, along with multiple counts of possession with intent to deliver heroin or fentanyl. timesleader.com

Washington, NC: Man charged with murder in shooting outside a Beaufort Co. grocery; victim identified

Saginaw, MI: Two charged after argument inside C-store leads to gunfire

Robberies, Incidents & Thefts

Albuquerque, NM: APD makes 57 arrests in 17th anti-crime operation
The Albuquerque Police Department completed their 17th city-wide anti-crime operation. This operation resulted in 57 arrests. To date, 752 individuals have been arrested since the start of the operations in August. Officials say this operation was conducted between Jan. 5 2021 through Jan. 8, 2021, as a joint operation between the Field Services Bureau, Special Operations Bureau, and the Investigative Bureau. Police say a total of 55 outstanding warrants were cleared, 26 new felony arrests were made, and 543 moving citations were issued. krqe.com

Greenbelt, MD: Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for the Armed Robbery of a Jewelry Store; restitution of $174,967

	Patrick Keegan named District Asset Protection Manager for Kroger
	Ernest Cuevas named West Coast 3PL DC LP Manager for The TJX Companies, Inc.

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