PANEL
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Brad McMullen – 3xLogic 2023 marked a significant point in the security industry, with cloud based solutions really taking hold and adding value to dealers and customers. Similarly, video analytics cemented its role not only in security but also in business intelligence, organisational efficiency, employee safety, compliance, energy efficiency and overall situational awareness. I think that this will only accelerate during 2024 and continue to have an impact on the way that security based technology is specified and installed. As with most other business sectors, artificial intelligence (AI) will be a key focus in 2024 and will build on its ability to reduce nuisance alarms, detect suspicious behaviour, provide greater insights and facilitate faster response times. Where AI is set to really revolutionise security is through predictive analytics that allow security cameras to be ‘trained’ to identify suspicious activities in real-time, potentially preventing criminal acts from occurring. AI can also be used to analyse data from other sensors, such as motion sensors, door sensors and temperature sensors to detect anomalies and identify potential security threats. Although National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliance has been hitting the headlines, it feeds into the wider issue about how and where products are manufactured. The need to ensure customer data is secure and not vulnerable will continue to be a high priority area and the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) will be a critical focus for all areas of the industry including manufacturers, developers, installers, service providers and hosting providers. Ensuring products continue to come from reputable and trusted sources will be vital, so the NDAA and CRA will therefore work hand in hand. On a geopolitical level, we are living in a world where often times threats and risks are increasing for businesses in regard to protecting their people, their assets and their customers. The security industry will need to continue to grow to support the everchanging needs of our collective client base.
“The shortage of security engineers persists and potential post-UK election shifts in apprenticeship policy may impact the industry”
enhance their cybersecurity practices to ensure end user resilience. The shortage of security engineers persists and potential post-UK election shifts in apprenticeship policy may impact the industry. If the reigning party commits to more apprenticeships – and completions collaboration between government, education, and industry will be crucial. To strengthen the workforce, the industry needs partnerships for specialised apprenticeships, better financial incentives and simplification of the complex apprenticeship levy to promote increased business participation. Facing these challenges amid economic uncertainty, the security industry will need to be resilient, collaborative and innovative to pave the way for a more robust future.
Mike Isherwood – System Q I have three predictions for the year ahead: Increased emphasis on IoT Security and NDAA as security products are becoming increasingly integrated solutions, focus on IoT security will increase significantly. Network and data security are only as strong as their weakest point and whilst the benefits of integrated solutions are clear from a functionalist perspective, connectivity with third party devices could leave security products vulnerable. Technology that is on the NDAA block list will continue to fall out of favour with the public sector and large business sectors. 32
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Zero Trust Framework Adoption - we expect there to be uptake on the Zero Trust Framework approach to large scale IP based security solutions. This means that devices will be expected to continuously verify that they are trusted devices. Initially this will impact the upper end of the market, but I expect it to trickle down over time. Clarity over AI functions - organisations will be expected to train their AI algorithms with a robust data set. They will be expected to sustain the performance of their products and be able to explain inaccuracies which may create false-positives. This creates a dilemma in the security industry for distributors and resellers who may be challenged in these areas, especially in public sector deployments. The UK Government’s National AI Strategy will need to be carefully studied and investment will be required from the channel to respond to the demands for trusted security solutions.
Ric Martin – Pinnacle Systems The landscape of physical security is in a constant state of evolution, driven by advancements in technology, changing threats, and the need for more sophisticated solutions. We believe 2024 will see a distinct movement away from basic security defences in favour of innovative hybrid solutions. One where human resources can work together in harmony with data analysis and technology to create a safe and secure working environment.
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21/12/2023 17:02:20