Astrophysics: Visionary solutions for a safer world

International Security Journal speaks exclusively with Mark Zayek, Chief Operating Officer, Astrophysics Inc.

Can you tell our readers about your background please?

I have been with Astrophysics for almost two decades now, and during my time with the business, I have gained a deep knowledge of both the company and the industry.

I see myself as part of the next generation of leadership at Astrophysics and feel that I am bringing a fresh perspective to the field. In 2021, I was named as one of your top 25 Influencers.

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work in almost every department at Astrophysics. I started out in Service – where I handled inventory and data entry – before then moving through roles in Accounts Receivable, Finance, Sales and Operations.

After completing my postgraduate studies, I returned to Astrophysics as a Senior Business Analyst, which eventually led me to become VP of Sales.

From there, I transitioned into my current role as Chief Operating Officer.

The experience I’ve gained across these departments has given me a broad perspective on how the company operates, which is crucial when making key business decisions.

As COO, I work closely with our CEO, François, to help guide our corporate strategy, focus on business development and expand our global presence.

I’m driven by a customer-centric approach, focusing on partnerships and solutions rather than just products, while always aiming for excellence in customer service.

Under my leadership, we’ve achieved strong sales growth, entered new markets and continued to solidify our position as a major player in the industry.

Can you tell our readers about some key milestones in Astrophysics’ history that have shaped your position in the security industry?

It’s not about a singular point in time – Astrophysics has a research and development-driven culture with a continuous focus on staying at the forefront of imaging technology.

That ongoing drive to innovate is really embedded in everything we do.

Astrophysics has a legacy for innovating disruptive product technologies across a wide range of markets – VI3D in the critical infrastructure market, MVCT in the air cargo market (the first ever CT cargo system) as well as the HXC-LaneScan with a top-down perspective and powerful 320kV generator for unmatched vehicle imaging.

These products – and more – have helped to solidify our position in the market as a technology leader; the company to look to for what’s next in the industry.

We recently partnered with the US DHS Science and Technology Directorate to develop the world’s first MVCT​, the Border Security Technology Consortium​ to design and build a HAC-LaneScan x-ray vehicle scanner at the US-Mexico Border. Our ongoing partnership with the ALERT DHS Center of Excellence at Northeastern University serves as a valuable connection to the university, giving us access to great young minds.

How has AI impacted the application of Astrophysics’ screening technologies?

Astrophysics is well-known for our x-ray imaging.

For AI to be an effective tool, it relies on the quality of the imaging. If you have a poor-quality image, your AI will certainly not be as accurate.

Astrophysics is able to leverage our imaging capabilities to create AI software that transcends others.

In critical infrastructure, for example, we offer Astrophysics AI for detection of guns, sharps, liquids and batteries and have also customised our AI library to detect a diverse array of objects for a wide array of customers across the medical industry and private sector.

We have partnered with US government and universities to create next generation AI in the air cargo and ports and borders markets, which we are looking forward to introducing in 2025.            

How important is the human factor still when it comes to security screening processes and technology?

Like for any equipment, AI is a tool to support a mission’s objective, however, humans are required to be behind every mission – particularly when it comes to application, risk assessment, escalation, threat diffusion and more.

AI has the added benefit of bringing more threat objects to the library, aiding threat detection accuracy and bolstering confidence in security defences.

Whilst it is a powerful tool, however, it is not a replacement for either operators or security personnel.

What are the most pressing challenges in modern security screening? How is Astrophysics addressing these challenges?

In modern security, the primary challenge is too much data.

Our industry is in data overload.

Customers have multiple brand suppliers as well as a number of different software platforms and a plethora of data from each to analyse and translate into usable information within a short period of time.

As a result, customers are looking for package solutions across product technologies that can also be customised with software and fleet management and integrate across platforms.

There are also third parties that try to create patchwork software but fall short of true integration and do not create the same level of value.

Astrophysics addresses this challenge by offering integration, fleet management system and incredible ease of use to create a unified security infrastructure.

Astrophysics also addresses this challenge by creating a real-time, easy to digest format for operators that is crucial to aid security professionals to make fast and effective decisions.

The follow-up to that challenge would be data protection. Astrophysics adheres to the NIST 801- compliance with US, EU and Int’l standards to combat data breaches.

We recognise the challenges and importance of data privacy.

Especially with the rising prominence of AI, we need to actively protect our data and not let other countries, agencies or competitors gain unapproved access.