Physical security has always been a critical component of protecting our businesses, organizations, and communities. However, with advancements in technology, physical security has evolved far beyond traditional measures such as locks and guards. As we move into the future, there are a few upcoming trends in physical security that you should be aware of.
1. Labor shortages as well as economy and supply chain issues are driving demand for unified security solutions and Artificial Intelligence
Pandemic restrictions and the current economic climate are affecting the physical security industry in the form of product and labor shortages. Forecasts show that this will continue into 2023.
50% of security teams reported having experienced human resource challenges in 2022. This served as a catalyst to re-evaluate current physical security systems and find solutions that drive efficiencies – streamlining tasks, automating processes, and enhancing team efficiency.
A prime example is deploying a unified video surveillance and access control system, where video and access control software are integrated as one system.
AI can then be used to analyze data collected from security cameras, sensors, and other devices to identify potential threats in real-time and notify appropriate team members of the issue. This allows security teams to respond more quickly and effectively to incidents.
2. Cloud migration continues
Hybrid cloud adoption is a growing trend in the physical security industry. It allows organizations to leverage the benefits of cloud computing while maintaining control over their physical security systems and data.
Organizations are opting for hybrid adoption instead of fully migrating to the cloud – while some do it to keep their security devices and infrastructure investments that are not cloud-ready, others have bandwidth limitations or need to keep some data processing and storage on-site.
Thus, ready-to-deploy hybrid-cloud products and solutions are in demand as they make existing devices cloud-compatible and enable organizations to centralize access to systems and data across many sites.
3. Cybersecurity and physical security are converging
As the physical security industry continues to advance, the convergence of physical security and cybersecurity has become a key focus as physical and digital security measures are becoming increasingly intertwined. Cybersecurity risks remain a major barrier to greater cloud migration, deterring some organizations from deploying security systems to the cloud.
Organizations are increasingly recognizing the need to integrate physical and digital security measures to prevent threats and protect critical assets. Organizations are implementing cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls and encryption protocols, to safeguard against cyberattacks. Cyber-hardening security hardware also becomes a priority as cloud adoption continues.
4. Access control is getting more advanced
Biometric security, such as facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and voice recognition, is becoming increasingly popular in physical security. This technology allows for more secure and convenient access control, as well as more accurate identification of individuals. For example, facial recognition technology can quickly identify unauthorized individuals attempting to enter a secure area, notifying security teams to take immediate action.
Another trend in physical security is mobile access control. This technology allows individuals to use their mobile devices as access credentials. This provides a more convenient and secure method of access control, as individuals are less likely to lose or misplace their mobile devices compared to traditional access cards or keys. Additionally, mobile access control allows for more flexibility in managing access rights, as access can be granted or revoked remotely.
5. Robots are augmenting security teams
Finally, robotic security is another trend in physical security. Robots can be used to patrol and monitor areas that may be too dangerous for human security personnel. Additionally, robots can be equipped with cameras and sensors to provide real-time data to security teams. This technology can also be used to inspect hard-to-reach areas, such as air ducts and crawl spaces, to ensure that there are no security vulnerabilities.
In conclusion, physical security is evolving at a rapid pace. There are more tools and techniques available than ever before to protect our physical spaces. By staying up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies, you can ensure that your business or organization remains secure.
Incorporating these new technologies into your security plan can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A professional security integrator like Absco Solutions can provide guidance and expertise to help you plan, design and implement a comprehensive security system that utilizes the latest trends in physical security over time to work with your organization’s goals and budget.
Reach out to executivesupport@abscosolutions.com for a consultation on your current life-safety and security master plan with a member of our executive team. You can also contact us at salessupport@abscosolutions.com or 1-800-705-1857 for any feedback, questions, or service needs.
