Reem, Author at Arana Security

How Biometrics Are Transforming Campus Security and Student Experience

Across the education sector, the safety of students and staff remains a top priority. At the same time, institutions are under increasing pressure to deliver efficient operations and a seamless student experience. Traditional access methods such as ID cards, swipe passes, or PIN codes are becoming outdated—they can be lost, stolen, or shared, leaving institutions exposed to security risks. This is why universities, colleges, and schools around the world are turning to biometric access control systems. By using unique physical identifiers such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans, biometrics provide a higher level of security while also simplifying daily operations. In this article, we explore how biometrics are reshaping campus security, supporting operational efficiency, and transforming the student experience. The Security Imperative: Strengthening Campus Protection Educational institutions face a unique challenge: they must remain open and welcoming environments while also safeguarding people, assets, and sensitive information. A single breach, whether an unauthorised visitor in student housing or stolen research data from a lab, can have serious consequences. Biometric systems close the gaps left by traditional security measures. Key benefits include: Stronger Access ControlBiometric authentication ensures only authorised individuals can access student accommodation, classrooms, laboratories, or administrative offices. Unlike cards or keys, biometrics cannot be borrowed or duplicated. Real-Time MonitoringSecurity managers gain visibility into who is entering and leaving buildings at any given time, with audit trails available for compliance and incident investigation. Reduced Risk of IntrusionFacial recognition or fingerprint scanners at entry points act as a deterrent to unauthorised access, significantly lowering the risk of intruders on campus. For institutions responsible for thousands of students and staff, these measures are invaluable in protecting both people and resources. Operational Efficiency: Automating and Streamlining Campus Processes For operations managers, biometrics offer far more than just secure access. They provide opportunities to automate routine tasks and reduce administrative burden. Key applications include: Automated Attendance TrackingBiometric attendance systems remove the need for manual registers or swipe cards, ensuring accurate records while saving staff time. Integrated Access to FacilitiesFrom libraries to sports centres, students can use the same biometric credential to access multiple services, simplifying their daily routine. Cashless PaymentsWith biometric payment systems, students can pay in cafeterias, vending machines, or campus shops without cash or cards, reducing queues and improving hygiene. Resource Allocation InsightsData collected from biometric systems provides operations teams with actionable insights—such as peak facility usage times—helping them optimise staffing and resources. These efficiencies not only save costs but also allow staff to focus more on value-added tasks rather than repetitive administration. Enhancing the Student Experience Today’s students are digital natives. They expect technology to be fast, intuitive, and secure. Biometrics align with these expectations by creating a more streamlined campus experience: Convenience – No need to carry cards or remember passwords; access is immediate and secure. Speed – Faster entry to classrooms, accommodation, and facilities reduces waiting times and bottlenecks. Peace of Mind – Students and parents gain confidence knowing robust systems are in place to protect their safety. By integrating biometrics into everyday student life, institutions not only strengthen security but also improve satisfaction and engagement. Data Privacy and Compliance: Meeting Regulatory Standards Introducing biometric technology requires careful attention to data protection and privacy regulations, particularly in regions governed by GDPR, ISO 27001, or equivalent standards. Concerns about how biometric data is stored and used are valid, and institutions must take a transparent, responsible approach. Modern biometric solutions address these issues by: Using encryption to protect data both at rest and in transit. Offering on-device authentication, where biometric data is stored locally rather than in central databases. Implementing strict access controls to ensure only authorised staff can handle sensitive data. Maintaining audit logs for accountability and compliance reporting. By embedding privacy into system design, educational institutions can build trust with students, parents, and staff while remaining compliant with international standards. The Future of Campus Security and Operations The future of the education sector lies in creating smarter, safer, and more connected campuses. Biometrics will increasingly integrate with: AI-powered CCTV and video analytics for proactive threat detection. Smart building systems to optimise energy use and facility management. Mobile credentials that combine biometrics with smartphones for even greater flexibility. This convergence of technologies will empower institutions to not only secure their campuses but also enhance efficiency and deliver an improved student experience. Biometric technology is no longer a futuristic concept—it is a proven solution already transforming schools, colleges, and universities worldwide. For security managers, biometrics provide stronger protection against unauthorised access and better oversight. For operations managers, they automate processes, reduce administrative workload, and generate valuable operational insights. And for students, they deliver convenience, speed, and peace of mind. At Arana Security, we specialise in biometric and access control solutions tailored to the education sector. Whether your priority is protecting accommodation, streamlining attendance, or enabling cashless payments, our systems are designed to make campuses safer and smarter. → Contact us today to explore how biometrics can enhance your institution’s security and student experience.

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From Coffee to Campaigns: My Day as a Marketing Assistant at Arana Security

Workspace / Reem

Ever wondered what it’s like to juggle creativity, strategy, and technology all in one role? Meet the Marketing Assistant, Umnia, at Arana Security — a global provider of advanced biometric solutions, access control systems, and security technologies that help organisations protect people, assets, and data. From early-morning coffee rituals to collaborating with teams across sales, web, and development, each day is a balance of planning, designing, and problem-solving. Step inside a typical workday to see how ideas turn into impactful marketing that drives results. About the Role What’s your job title, and what does your role involve at Arana Security?My job title is Marketing Assistant. I create and plan content for social media, including carousels, reels, video filming, and infographics. I also create content for new websites we launch, design brochures on Canva, and manage email marketing. Anything to do with getting our message out there in a clear, creative, and engaging way falls on my desk. How long have you been with the company, and what led you to this role?I’ve been with the company for a whole year now. I actually came across the opportunity at a time when I was actively looking to get into marketing, especially within the tech space. I had already been building experience in content creation and design, and this role felt like the perfect step into a fast-paced, growing industry. What attracted you to work in security tech marketing specifically?I was already interested in working or studying in the tech industry, so this has allowed me to work in the industry in a more creative way. Security tech, in particular, is such a rapidly evolving space; there’s always something new to learn, and being part of that innovation while also being creative is a great combination. Daily Routine & Workflow Can you walk us through a typical day in your role? When does your day usually start and end?My day usually starts at 7am, when I get ready and pack my breakfast and lunch. When I’m heading into the office, I’m usually out the door by 8am to get there for 9am. I finish at 4:30pm and get home around 5:30, if I’m lucky and there’s no traffic or delays.Throughout the day, I work through emails, join meetings when needed, create social media content based on the content plan, and schedule posts. Right now, we’re also working on a new website project, so I spend time writing content for web pages as well. How do you usually begin your workday? Are there any morning rituals or go-to tools you rely on?First, coffee, or not much will be done! I start my morning by going through my weekly to-do list, as well as the daily to-do I would’ve written at the end of the previous day. It helps me hit the ground running and gives me a clear picture of what to prioritise. What tasks take up most of your time during the day?Usually, anything that has to do with designing can be more time-consuming, and I’m a bit of a perfectionist. Everything has to be aligned, follow the right colour scheme, etc.For example, an animated infographic can take almost an entire day, from planning the layout and sourcing icons and elements to ensuring it moves smoothly between pages. How do you balance creative work (like content writing or design briefs) with more technical or strategic tasks (like analytics, reporting, or campaign planning)?It depends on the size of the task. If it’s a bigger piece of work, I’ll usually dedicate a few hours or the whole day to focus on that. For smaller tasks, I tend to start with the more technical or strategic items, then move on to the creative work. I find it easier to tap into my creative side once the more analytical stuff is out of the way. Campaigns, Tools & Collaboration What kind of marketing projects or campaigns are you currently working on?Right now, I’m working on content for a new website for our Middles-East branch. I’m also working closely with our web development team to design a site that speaks to our target audience in there.On top of that, I’m launching a monthly company newsletter to keep our clients, partners, and leads updated. And of course, I’m always working on new social media content as well as collaborating on marketing materials for events or client meetings. Which tools or platforms do you use most in your role (e.g., for scheduling, analytics, or design)?For design, I use Canva. For video editing, I use CapCut. To schedule Instagram and Facebook content, I use Meta Business Suite (Calendar), and I also rely on it for insights and analytics.For email campaigns, I use Zoho Campaigns. I use Lusha for lead generation and Zoho CRM to track and manage those leads. Do you collaborate often with other teams (e.g., sales, tech, product)? How does that process usually work?Yes, I collaborate closely with the sales team, often creating presentations for client meetings or events. After we exhibit or attend industry events, I work with them to follow up on leads via email and phone.I also work with the web development and marketing team (including the design team) for new web and design projects. It’s a collaborative process; we each bring something different to the table, and the back-and-forth helps shape better outcomes. Challenges & Highlights What part of your job do you find the most rewarding?When the email campaigns I’ve sent out lead to the sales team getting a lead or client. It’s rewarding to know something I worked on made a real business impact. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your role so far, and how did you overcome it?We exhibited at The Security Event at the NEC Birmingham in April this year, and it was a much bigger project than I expected.There was so much to prepare: I designed and created flyers for each BioWave solution (a total of 8), brochures for every industry we work in, and prepared

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Arana Security Supports Deployment of Biometric Technology at Arab Summit in Baghdad in May 2025

Biometrics, Press Release / Reem

London, UK – July 2025 — Arana Security was proud to support one of its trusted partners in the Middle-East Masar Al-Reem in the successful deployment of IDEMIA’s advanced biometric technology, integrated with Arana’s proprietary BioWave management portal, at the prestigious Arab Summit held earlier this year in Baghdad. The solution provided at the summit underscores the power of combining IDEMIA’s globally recognised biometric systems with Arana Security’s intuitive management platform — a partnership that continues to raise the bar for high-assurance identity and access management in mission-critical environments. Trusted worldwide in border control, financial services, and high-security infrastructures, IDEMIA’s biometric technologies are known for their precision, scalability, and reliability. Through its strategic partnership with IDEMIA, Arana Security delivers fully integrated, end-to-end security ecosystems that ensure accurate identity verification, seamless access management, and enhanced operational security. “Our role in supporting the Arab Summit reflects the value of collaboration and innovation in addressing the evolving demands of global security,” said Ali Nasser, Sales Director, for Arana Security. “The integration of IDEMIA’s cutting-edge biometrics with our BioWave portal demonstrates our commitment to providing tailored, future-ready security solutions where compromise is not an option.” As geopolitical events and international gatherings increasingly demand the highest standards of safety and identity assurance, Arana Security continues to play a key role in enabling governments and enterprises to deploy robust and intelligent biometric infrastructure. When security can’t be compromised, trust the technology that delivers. For more information visit https://aranasecurity.com/

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Why Access Control Must Evolve with Hybrid Working Models

Biometric Access Control, Cloud Services, Workspace / Reem

As the world adapts to the post-pandemic era, hybrid working models have become the norm rather than the exception. This shift has transformed how organisations operate—offering flexibility, boosting employee satisfaction, and reducing overhead costs. However, it also presents new security challenges that businesses must urgently address. One area that demands immediate attention is access control. In this article, we’ll explore why traditional access control systems are no longer sufficient and how evolving technologies are essential to securing hybrid workplaces. The Rise of Hybrid Working The move to hybrid working means employees are no longer tethered to a single physical location. Instead, they split their time between home, co-working spaces, and the office. While this model offers numerous benefits, it complicates physical security management, making it harder to track who is entering and leaving premises, and when. Organisations that fail to update their access control systems risk leaving their offices and sensitive data vulnerable to unauthorised access. Why Traditional Access Control Falls Short Legacy systems—such as keycards, PIN codes, or manual sign-in sheets—were not designed with flexibility or real-time monitoring in mind. These outdated methods lack the intelligence and adaptability needed to support today’s dynamic workforce. For example: Lost or stolen cards can be easily exploited. Manual logs are prone to human error and inefficiency. Lack of integration with cloud platforms makes remote management impossible. In a hybrid model, where employees may only come into the office once or twice a week, these flaws can lead to serious security breaches or compliance issues. Smart Access Control: A Modern Solution Modern access control systems are built to meet the demands of flexible working environments. By incorporating biometric authentication, mobile credentials, and cloud-based platforms, organisations can ensure seamless and secure access—no matter where employees are working from. Key features of an evolved access control solution include: Real-time access monitoring Role-based permissions that can be changed remotely Integration with HR and visitor management systems Touchless entry using facial recognition or mobile apps At Arana Security, we specialise in delivering advanced biometric access control solutions that are scalable, user-friendly, and future-proof. One such solution is Biowave—an intelligent biometric management portal with access control and time-attendance modules designed for today’s mobile workforce. Biowave enables remote check-in using GPS, allowing employees to clock in and out from any approved location with geolocation verification. This feature supports workforce mobility, ensuring accurate time tracking without compromising on security. It’s particularly valuable for organisations with field teams or flexible schedules, providing reliable attendance data alongside robust access management. Benefits of Upgrading Access Control for Hybrid Work Enhanced SecurityModern systems offer a higher level of security through multi-factor authentication and biometric verification, which are far more difficult to forge or bypass than traditional methods. Improved FlexibilityWith cloud-based systems, administrators can grant or revoke access remotely, adapting instantly to changes in work schedules or personnel. Data Insights & ComplianceAdvanced reporting tools enable organisations to maintain accurate access logs, supporting GDPR compliance and ISO 27001 requirements. Cost-Effective ScalabilityModular access control systems allow for easy expansion as businesses grow or adapt to new working patterns. Future-Proofing the Workplace Investing in modern access control isn’t just about security—it’s about aligning with the way we work now and into the future. Businesses must embrace technologies that offer agility, automation, and intelligence to stay competitive in a hybrid world. Whether you’re adapting an existing system or designing a new one from scratch, Arana Security can help you implement a tailored solution that meets your operational and security needs. Let’s Talk About Your Access Control Needs Ready to future-proof your access control? Get in touch with our experts at Arana Security to discuss how we can help you protect your people, property, and data—no matter where work happens.

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Al-Noor University payment system by Arana Security

Arana Security deliver seamless Payment System to Al-Noor University

Case Study, Payment / Reem

Delivering a Seamless Closed-Loop Payment and Time Attendance System Project Al-Noor University, a forward-thinking academic institution committed to leveraging technology to enhance campus life and operations Project Overview Al-Noor University contracted Arana Security to implement a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly closed-loop payment and time attendance system. The goal was to streamline student and staff transactions and enhance operational efficiency across the campus. Objectives Provide students with a single payment solution for transportation, food, printing, and copying. Enable convenient top-ups for student payment cards. Implement an advanced biometric time attendance system for university staff. Enhance security and reduce the dependency on cash transactions on campus. Solution BioWave Closed-Loop Payment System A secure, campus-wide payment system allowing students to make transactions with a university-issued smart card. Top-up Kiosk Three self-service top-up kiosks were installed atstrategic campus locations, allowing students to loadfunds onto their cards with ease via cash or card. Smart Card Kiosk Cards are now used for: Transportation: Usable on 16 university shuttle buses. Food Services: Payments at all on-campus cafeterias and vending machines. Printing & Copying: Accessible use on all printers and photocopiers across the campus. VisionPass Biometric Attendance VisionPass facial recognition devices were installed at key staff entry points to track staff time and attendance with speed and accuracy. Enhanced HR management with real-time attendance logging and reporting. Technologies Used BioWave Management Platform VisionPass by IDEMIA Custom-built kiosk solutions (Payment top-ups) Outcomes and Benefits Student Convenience: One card, multiple uses simplifying daily activities and transactions. Operational Efficiency: Reduction in manual handling of cash and paper-based attendance. Security & Accountability: Biometric authentication minimises time fraud and enhances access control. Cost Savings: Streamlined resource usage and minimised administrative overhead. Client Testimonial “Arana Security’s solution has transformed the way we manage payments and staff attendance. The convenience for students and the reliability of biometric tracking for our staff have been remarkable improvements.” IT Director, Al-Noor University

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Access Granted: Arana Security’s Smart Security Tech Shines at NEC

Corporate / Reem

Arana Security made a significant impact at The Security Event 2025, held from April 8–10 at Birmingham’s NEC. Positioned at stand 5/B100, the company showcased its latest integrated solutions, drawing attention from industry professionals and security enthusiasts alike. BioWave: The All-in-One Biometric Solution A highlight of Arana Security’s exhibition was the demonstration of BioWave, their comprehensive biometric management system alongside devices from IDEMIA, Suprema, StiD and Assa Abloy. BioWave integrates three core functionalities—access control, time attendance, and biometric payment—into a single, user-friendly portal. The system also has a number of additional modules for ANPR, Visitor management, Identity management and E-ticketing. This system supports multi-location authentication, allowing organiasations to manage security across various sites seamlessly. Its touchless enrolment process enhances user experience, enabling individuals to pre-register via a mobile application and complete enrolment through a QR code scan at the station . dFlow Speed Gates: Enhancing Access Control Arana Security also featured the Digicon dFlow speed gates, a product of their collaboration with Digicon. These gates embody the “Free Flow” concept, remaining open under normal conditions and activating only when unauthorised access is detected. Equipped with advanced imaging systems and indicative LED windows, the dFlow gates can accurately identify and track multiple users, ensuring secure and efficient access control . Arana Security at the NEC DFlow in action IDEMIA with BioWave BioWave Demo Advancing Biometric Solutions The event underscored Arana Security’s commitment to advancing biometric technologies. Their solutions cater to a wide range of sectors, including corporate environments, governmental, hospitality and educational institutions. By providing scalable and customisable security solutions, Arana Security addresses the evolving needs of modern access control, time-attendance and identity solutions. Industry Engagement and Future Outlook Throughout the event, Arana Security engaged with a diverse audience, including SMEs, large enterprises, public bodies, and government representatives. Their presence underscored their commitment to providing bespoke, end-to-end security solutions tailored to various sectors. The positive reception at The Security Event 2025 highlights Arana Security’s role as a forward-thinking leader in the security industry. Arana Security’s presence at The Security Event also demonstrated their role as a leader in biometric security solutions, offering innovative and integrated systems that enhance safety and operational efficiency. For more information on Arana Security’s offerings and to stay updated on their latest developments, visit their LinkedIn page or website.

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