In with the Old: Security Industry Trends in 2020

Many security industry leaders still find the value of a number of old systems that were in use a few years ago.  The continued presence of these old trends is expected to go well into 2020.  

Admittedly, many of the past trends would no longer work for 2020, and would, in fact, have the potential of having negative impacts on businesses.  Those trends will be out. We will take a look at the old trends that will still continue as we enter into a new decade.

Privacy concerns

It is now a concern for everyone all over the world, especially those that belong to the more advanced economies.  Cases of a breach in the data privacy of individuals continue to be on the rise. Because of this, governments are putting, or in the process of putting, stringent data protection laws.  The European Union spearheaded these efforts, using these concerns to create privacy regulations that preside over the development of data-driven applications. Nowadays, everyone is shifting to more data autonomy and privacy, so this trend is beginning to impact the whole world.  Most physical security applications include the collection of video and data about people and assets. For this reason, the continuous development of privacy regulations will have a huge impact on the security industry for years to come.

Cloud and mobile capabilities

The importance of mobility for physical security is fast emerging through the creation and use of cloud-based services – and also the ability to access security devices either through a Web-based browser or a smartphone.  For this reason, there has been a surge in the creation of mobile apps for use in managing cameras, receiving automatic alerts for the most diverse events, and giving users the capability grant and restrict access to a facility.  There will be a continued high demand for mobility, connectivity, and ease of use worldwide and it is seen that this demand will continue well into the future.   

Cybersecurity

Cyber-attacks continue to be a security nightmare for everybody.  It is a major threat, which makes cybersecurity so valuable for today’s businesses.  From the point of view of manufacturers, creating cybersecurity into the products as they are making them is crucial, as the people who market these products continue to demand this level of consideration from the products that they sell.  Because of the uptick in the confluence of IT applications and security investments, customers are looking for solutions that are designed with data security in mind. All network devices, for sure, are vulnerable. These include smart sensors, IP cameras, access controllers, and intrusion alarms.  This is why it is important to continue this added step in developing cybersecurity protocols and putting them to use.  

Video cameras

Video is front and center of security.  CCTV cameras provide real-time security as well as forensic coverage for apparent threats and incidents.  This is why video remains popular and continues to grow in the market. It is also being used for newer applications outside of security purposes and is poised to have the most movement in terms of demand.  In the petroleum industry, video coverage is being used to monitor extremely harsh and dangerous environments. 

Manufacturing facilities like food processing plants also use videos for training and compliance purposes to prevent costly business costs like food recall.  Camera manufacturers then are challenged to produce appropriately certified equipment to meet the high demand.

Connected devices  

One of the major trends we have seen in the past few years is the Internet of Things or IoT. This trend is seen to continue as we integrate sensors of different kinds into the network.  These sensors collect and analyze data, and this gives rise to a myriad of applications which include industrial applications, intelligent building management, and events management. The physical security industry benefits from this by receiving additional intelligence for situational awareness and management of emergencies.   This industry is also given opportunities to provide value-added services and new business insights. For sure, with its increasing presence in a number of frameworks, a video may yet become the eye of IoT.  

AI-Enabled devices

Artificial intelligence, or AI, will continue to play a role in propelling advanced analytics in an effort to deliver situational awareness to operators.  It also increases the ability to assess incoming threats or anomalies. Video and analytics have been around for quite some time, but people would argue that they are less effective as compared to software that uses artificial intelligence to create the current applications that include facial recognition to become more accurate.   

These trends may be old, but they are still as effective as ever and we may yet to build on the success of these innovations in the security industry.  For sure, these will be used as frameworks for future systems. Check out what works best for you!