With cyber security being such a hot-button topic and 2024 seeing major cyber attacks on organisations like the NHS and CrowdStrike that caused significant disruptions, it’s easy to forget that physical security for businesses and commercial properties is just as important and needs just as much attention. To bring focus to the future of this area in the security industry, the team at Expert Security has put together some of their thoughts…
AI monitoring integration
AI has been one of the main talking points of 2024, and it shows no signs of slowing down going into the year ahead. In the on-site security space, AI is becoming increasingly integrated to assist with monitoring, not only able to pinpoint exactly when security issues arise, but also to provide real-time, around the clock updates on potential threats.
This makes security solutions, such as CCTV cameras, a preventative security measure – alongside being a deterrent and an invaluable tool in catching criminals after the fact. An AI camera was even recently introduced by police in Devon and Cornwall to detect irregular driving patterns and catch potential drink drivers and prevent accidents from occurring, showcasing their potential as a preventative measure that could be transferred to other situations.
And speaking of AI’s use in catching criminals after crimes have occurred, thanks to its constant monitoring capabilities, it can help to highlight points of interest throughout recordings e.g. behaviours it finds out of the ordinary or sudden movements, completely removing the need to trawl through footage to find the incidents you’re investigating.
An interconnected approach
As security systems are updated and newer technologies are installed, they are becoming more interconnected as smart devices dominate the market. While some may see the Wi-Fi and analytical capabilities of some smart security products as redundant, they in fact all serve a greater purpose and can help to massively increase the safety of both staff and customers.
Smart turnstiles can be linked to a constantly updating database of allowed keycards and passes, and work in tandem with CCTV systems to pinpoint exactly when people are entering and exiting the premises, temperature and air quality sensors can sync with motion detectors and fire doors to close off areas when they’re empty and contain fires… The list goes on. 2025 brings another year of systems needing a refresh, so expect to see these smart tech solutions be the preferred choice for those looking for a good security investment.
Off-site monitoring
One of the big trends expected for 2025 is on-site monitoring becoming a thing of the past, namely with CCTV cameras. CCTV systems are increasingly becoming cloud based, completely removing the traditional idea of a security room and instead allowing the footage to be accessed from any device, at any time, from anywhere.
Some businesses may be skeptical about their footage not all being contained on the premises, however, cloud-based CCTV solutions have to adhere to strict regulations and cyber security laws and are – in most cases – just as safe, if not more so, than on-site storage and monitoring. When combined with the advancements in AI we’re seeing in the space, 2025 is set to be a huge year for off-site security and we’re looking forward to seeing the results.
The running theme for what we can expect to see in 2025 is technological advancements, and the security industry is no different. From integrating AI to the switch to cloud-based systems, the world of physical security is becoming increasingly intertwined with cyber security, and moving forward you can be sure that the lines between the two will continue to blur. While the phasing in of these up-to-date technologies will take some time, both providers and consumers will need to adapt in order to not only stay competitive, but also keep themselves and their customers as safe as possible.
Photo by Tasha Kostyuk on Unsplash
