Guide to security technology: Top industry trends in 2024
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Physical security and information technology security remain top priorities for business owners and security professionals overseeing the safe and efficient management of offices, retail stores and similar commercial establishments. Though FBI figures suggest that violent crime rates may have decreased in recent years, property crimes remain among the most common offenses.
Additionally, business leaders face growing concerns regarding a measurable rise in sophisticated cyberattacks and large-scale data security technology breaches. Research published in 2022 found that significant cyberattacks rose by as much as 38% in a 12-month period, with 2023 data finding that 95% of attacks cost businesses between $1 to $2.25M.
The good news is that new trends in security technology and an operational understanding of modern security concepts and principles give businesses of all sizes the tools to protect themselves from novel threats and begin to develop proactive security systems.
This guide aims to assist business owners and security teams in comprehending the future of security technology and industry trends to develop adaptable defenses. It covers information technology and physical security trends, new cybersecurity technologies and provides insights into the future of security technology for small businesses and large corporations. Here’s a summary of the security technology trends 2024.
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What is security technology?
For business owners asking ‘what is security technology?’ and how to implement emerging security technologies, they must first learn how experts define different types of security technologies. In a broad sense, security technology is a term used to describe the specific components, devices and operational policies that organizations use to protect sensitive data, physical properties and valuable assets.
The hardware and software components included within this umbrella term range from access control and video security systems used to prevent and deter unauthorized property access to IT security technologies, such as firewalls, encryption programs and cloud security applications.
Physical security technology trends and examples
Effective and reliable physical security systems will typically include the following security tech:
Video security cameras
Access control systems
AI analytics software
IoT environmental sensors
On-site alarm systems
While in the past, the above security tech may have been deployed as segregated systems, unable to communicate or share data to develop informed incident responses, modern security industry trends, including security camera industry trends, have generally led teams to prioritize integrated systems managed from a cloud-based platform.
The discussion regarding cloud vs. on-premise security technology continues to be a key topic, though the ability for cloud-based systems to be viewed, adjusted and managed remotely has seen at least 90% of organizations pursue some form of cloud adoption.
Data security technology examples
As businesses of all sizes migrate more essential services toward digital platforms, monitoring cybersecurity trends becomes increasingly important. The following are popular types of security data technology:
Firewalls
Encryption services
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Ransomware detection
AI data analytics systems
Traditionally, advancements in security data technology have been limited to updated versions of the existing firewall, ransomware detection and antivirus software. However, the trends of new security technology 2024 suggest an increasing interest in proactive AI solutions and machine learning algorithms.
Figures published by Forbes in 2023 show that of 600 surveyed business leaders, over 50% currently use some form of AI technology to improve cybersecurity and fraud detection systems, with supporting data from IBM found that 64% of business executives report that they are using AI for security capabilities with 29% evaluating the implementation.
What are the components of security technology?
New security technology 2024 calls for a business security system to offer effective and reliable protection for physical and digital assets, and each hardware and software element will need to be developed in line with the four main components of security technology. These principles outline how each element should function.
No matter where you may sit on the cloud vs. on-premise security technology debate, security tech professionals agree that the following are the primary components of the latest security technology:
- Prevention: All new security technology products must be designed and configured to prevent common threats. Examples include implementing MFA policies to mitigate the risk of lost access credentials and installing visible video security like PTZ camera systems to deter intrusions.
Deterrence: All active security technologies and new security technologies should act as obvious deterrents to criminal activity. Installing visible access control readers and smart door locks will cause intruders to reconsider trespassing, as will the presence of security gates and alarm systems.
Detection: The faster a security breach or intrusion event is detected, the less physical or financial damage it will cause. Security technology trends in 2024 mirror this principle via the increasing popularity of automated systems programmed to perform immediate incident responses.
Response: Despite most modern businesses having active security systems, around 7 million property crimes are reported yearly. Preventative measures are important, but an effective security system will help staff improve incident response times.
The importance of converged security technology systems
What is security convergence?
One of the new security technologies for 2024 is security convergence, a term used to describe the integration of traditionally siloed security systems, particularly physical security devices and information security technologies. As more businesses increasingly rely on both physical and virtual systems to protect themselves from threats, potential security gaps between these systems become more concerning.
Under a converged security strategy, internal security and IT teams are instructed to implement new trends in security technology and operational policies created in line with physical and cyber security best practices. This minimizes the risk of one team unintentionally exposing vulnerabilities in the opposing system and ensures that essential knowledge is shared equally between departments. Convergence helps prevent cybersecurity issues in healthcare, education, government and other applications that are particularly vulnerable to both physical and virtual threats.
Security convergence continues to be well-represented by cyber and physical security trends in 2024, with 60% of surveyed businesses claiming to operate either fully or partially converged security systems. The adoption of integrated solutions is expected to grow in the coming years.
The factors shaping new and future security technology
Future security technology and security trends are influenced by a number of industry-specific and wider societal factors that contribute to the popularity of certain solutions and the development of future security technology. In 2024, new trends in security technology reflect changing attitudes toward work and innovations in smart technology and bring greater focus to the discussions around cloud vs. on-premise security technology.
Research suggests that the three most prominent factors influencing 2024 security trends are:
- Remote and hybrid working: 58% of US workers have reported they have the opportunity to work from home at least one day a week, with 63% of high-growth companies operating hybrid work models. The formation of decentralized teams requires increased investments in cloud-based tech.
AI analytics and machine learning: 77% of companies are exploring using AI technology to improve operational efficiency, with key benefits found in creating automated incident responses and data-informed decision-making to aid teams.
Zero trust and MFA policies: With support from advanced access control systems and MFA, zero trust policies ensure that in-person and remote staff are frequently verified when accessing private networks to prevent significant data security technology breaches.
Future security technology will likely involve increased reliance on converged security policies and integrated systems, with cloud-based management platforms enabling teams to view and adjust essential devices remotely. High-tech security systems, informed by AI analytics, will continue to assist teams in improving efficiency and creating automated incident responses.
These insights provide a general overview of what business owners can expect from future security technology in years to come. To help employers improve existing systems, let’s focus on the new security technology innovations impacting businesses across major industries in 2024.
The top security technology trends in 2024
So, what are the latest security technologies and corporate security trends? Do they affect the views expressed in the cloud vs. on-premise security technology debate in the security tech industry? From recent innovations in AI-powered security software and machine learning algorithms to novel information technology security systems and emerging cloud security trends, below are six top security technology trends to consider in 2024.
1. Smart AI and machine learning integrations
Intelligent AI programs and machine learning algorithms are continuing to revolutionize business security, with modern integrations designed to improve the operation of both physical and digital security technologies, primarily through automated incident detection and response functions.
For example, AI software solutions are now commonly integrated alongside existing business security cameras to improve the efficiency of daily tasks. AI data analytics programs can be deployed to continuously search for anomalous events without requiring security teams to view live feeds permanently, automatically alerting staff if suspicious behavior is detected.
With support from machine learning algorithms, modern AI software solutions can understand how authorized staff commonly use properties to automatically notify teams of anomalous events. In practice, this could mean sending an alert if a crowd begins to form in a typically low-traffic area or if the system detects motion outside of normal working hours.
Businesses can help internal security teams improve their decision-making capabilities and remain focused on key events with AI-informed notifications.
2. Mobile credentials and touchless access control
Installing and operating well-implemented access control systems is one of this year’s corporate security trends and will remain a top priority for businesses in 2024, with a noticeable migration towards mobile credential solutions quickly becoming one of the more prominent physical security trends impacting modern organizations.
The primary benefits of the adoption of mobile credential systems include a lowered risk of lost or stolen credentials leading to serious security breaches, reduced expenses related to the cost of replacing physical credentials and convenience and hygiene benefits for users, thanks to an entirely touchless access process that employees can manage from their devices.
The development of mobile access control systems also allows businesses to implement additional policies and wider integrations to improve on-site security further. Credentials stored within smartphones can be secured behind the MFA protections already present in modern devices, and access control can be combined with existing digital scheduling programs.
In addition, most mobile access systems are developed alongside a cloud-based management platform, allowing security teams to develop bespoke integrations between access devices and wider systems. This means security cameras such as 360-degree IP security cameras and alarms can be programmed to automatically trigger in response to suspicious access events, with staff able to view live data feeds remotely.
Video security built for any environment
Wide range of cameras for different use cases
AI-powered analytics to improve security
Real-time notifications for fast incident response
Open platform allows seamless integrations
3. Cloud-based data security technology
Cloud security trends and corporate security trends show that cloud tech will remain central to many businesses’ wider security strategies in 2024 as modern organizations continue to embrace remote and hybrid work schedules. With so many employees now requiring access to sensitive company data from remote locations, security and IT teams must strengthen existing cloud security measures to prevent significant data security technology breaches.
Popular examples include implementing zero trust policies to frequently assess employee credentials when staff access private networks remotely, modern encryption services to ensure all communications with cloud-based systems remain unreadable to malicious actors and MFA protocols designed to secure server access behind additional credential layers.
Implementing advanced cloud security technology protocols becomes even more important when teams consider the growing popularity of cloud-based security management platforms. If businesses are to enjoy the benefits of remote-access security management and AI-informed automation, they must ensure that communications between remote devices and cloud servers are secure.
This consideration helps to explain the growing adoption of converged security systems among modern organizations. To suitably protect cloud servers from sophisticated attacks, physical and cyber security policies must be designed in unison. By ensuring that on-site security and IT teams know how opposing systems operate, the risk of cross-platform attacks can be reduced.
4. Data-informed occupancy management
Modern organizations are increasingly turning toward data-informed occupancy management to assist security teams in optimizing existing systems and deciding where to invest time and resources to best protect people and property. IoT occupancy sensors installed in key locations can provide teams with accurate data regarding how properties are commonly used.
This information is then organized and analyzed by smart software solutions to help business leaders better understand which facilities experience the most daily traffic and which areas will benefit most from installing new security devices. For example, occupancy data may highlight frequently used shortcuts through areas without active security cameras.
Presenting security teams with accurate occupancy data can also aid in developing and updating emergency response plans. Staff can see which areas of the property frequently experience bottlenecks during high-traffic times and use this data to improve evacuation policies.
In addition, occupancy management sensors are often integrated alongside existing scheduling and amenity booking systems to optimize business operations. For instance, if certain facilities are used more frequently during specific times, business leaders may expand those services during future renovations or adjust internal schedules to optimize operational efficiency.
5. Biometric systems for high-security applications
Biometric access control integrations are becoming increasingly popular as an additional form of verification to protect high-security locations and sensitive company data. Though it’s rare to find biometric access systems deployed to secure all areas of commercial properties, the additional protection biometrics provide for highly sensitive assets has seen their use increase.
Installing biometric access readers to secure high-risk locations such as server rooms, inventory storage facilities and cash vaults ensures that even with compromised credentials, intruders will be unable to access valuable assets.
Considering the increasing number of significant data breaches impacting businesses in recent years, it’s expected that more systems traditionally secured behind password protections may gradually transition toward biometric authentication. As most smart devices are already fitted with biometric scanners, expect to see these protections equally applied to IT security policies.
Alongside well-known biometric security technologies becoming more accessible to businesses of all sizes, recent developments in the industry are leading to innovations that may impact future security technology. For example, novel processes like post-quantum cryptography and multi-model biometrics increase the accuracy of biometric scans far beyond current limitations.
6. Increasing adoption of behavioral analytics
Smart behavioral analytics programs are becoming one of the new security technologies and are increasingly popular among cybersecurity professionals to accurately analyze large datasets to inform wider security networks. Utilizing AI and machine learning tools, these solutions help staff better understand user behavior and use this data to detect suspicious cybercrime-related activity.
AI-informed behavioral analytics software typically identifies warning signs of sophisticated cyber threats, like DDoS attacks and data exfiltration activities. Removing the need for human teams to manually assess active systems by instead triggering automatic responses if certain criteria are met saves time and resources, with staff able to set unique parameters based on typical system use.
Behavioral analytics programs share a particular synergy with both converged and cloud-based security systems, allowing organizations to frequently test and assess all aspects of the network, including web applications, cloud-based servers, management platforms and hardware devices.
By deploying these solutions, admins can better understand how employees typically use core systems to both optimize existing processes and ensure that cyber threats are detected before criminals can cause harm. As more businesses adopt converged security policies and integrated systems, behavioral analytics programs will likely become increasingly popular.
7. Advanced sensor technology
Sensors are an integral security and safety technology, enabling real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making. Vape detection sensors help improve air quality and ensure compliance with no-smoking policies. These sensors can detect the presence of vape aerosols, providing real-time alerts for prompt action.
Some smart sensors, such as the HALO sensor, offer a wide range of functionalities beyond vape detection, including noise detection and keyword recognition to alert of potential safety incidents. Air quality sensors can continuously assess the levels of pollutants, humidity and temperature, and facilitate healthier indoor environments.
Some advanced smart sensors are also equipped with panic buttons. This provides an immediate means for individuals to alert people in the building of emergencies and contact the authorities, mitigating damages and enhancing security.
These multifaceted applications of sensor technology not only promote safety and occupant well-being, but also optimize energy usage, reduce operational costs and provide security coverage in areas where cameras cannot be placed.
8. License plate recognition (LPR)
The adoption of License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology is rapidly expanding, driven by its ability to enhance security and streamline vehicle identification processes. LPR systems utilize advanced license plate detection cameras and software to accurately capture and analyze license plate information in real-time. This technology is pivotal for automating vehicle access control in secured premises, such as commercial and government buildings, as well as residential communities. By recognizing and recording license plates, LPR systems can grant or deny access based on pre-configured criteria, significantly minimizing the risk of unauthorized entry.
Additionally, LPR technology integrates seamlessly with other security systems, such as video security, access control and alarm systems to create a cohesive and robust security infrastructure. This integration allows for immediate cross-referencing of vehicle data with security databases, improving the capability to respond to potential threats or incidents swiftly.
In parking management, LPR helps with efficient space utilization and streamlined operations by automating ticketing and payment processes. As the technology continues to advance, LPR systems are becoming more accurate and cost-effective, making them an important security tool.
Implementing physical and cybersecurity technology trends
Though it’s important to remain informed about the latest physical, cloud and cyber security trends to understand how new innovations may shape the future of security technology, most business leaders and security professionals will need to prioritize certain technologies suited to their operations.
In most cases, it’s simply not possible to constantly update all existing systems in line with the latest security technology and most advanced systems, meaning business owners, security teams, and IT professionals must work together to select tech that will have the most significant impact.
Perform detailed risk assessments
Before choosing which systems to upgrade and improve, teams must combine their knowledge to perform detailed physical security risk assessments to identify the organization’s five most prominent threats. For example, businesses with high numbers of remote staff may prioritize cloud security improvements, while retail security systems may require more secure access control systems.
Develop risk mitigation strategies
With all major security threats identified and discussed, teams should develop risk mitigation strategies by assessing existing information technology security systems and policies and considering how new security technology may be used to improve them. This could mean investing in AI software integrations to improve video security systems and IP security cameras rather than taking on the cost of replacing hardware devices.
Consider scalability and future upgrades
Any investments into emerging security technologies must be made with future scalability, upgrades and maintenance in mind. For instance, if teams have decided that mobile access systems will be beneficial to the business, they must also ensure that installing new readers, developing wider integrations and upgrading software systems can be reasonably achieved.
Evaluate installation and integration costs
New security technology and high-tech security devices will need to be installed by professional teams trained to integrate these systems with existing tools without exposing significant vulnerabilities. Business leaders must consider whether structural work will be required and how labor-intensive the work will be, as these factors could dramatically increase overall costs.
Final thoughts on the future of security technology trends
Understanding emerging security technologies and prominent cyber and physical security industry trends is often key to modern organizations developing proactive strategies and truly reliable security policies. However, business leaders, physical security professionals and information technology security experts must work together to plan the implementation of the latest security technology in line with existing systems and projected growth.
Leveraging emerging security technologies and new security technology for 2024 alongside trusted policies and effective security management can help businesses to future-proof their operations and improve the efficiency of daily tasks, with many cyber and physical security technology trends of 2024 reflecting this via automated processes and remote access functionality. It’s expected this will remain the case with regard to future security trends.
By assessing the physical and cyber security trends covered in this guide and working closely with relevant departments to develop detailed installation and integration plans, businesses of any size should be well-equipped to update and improve existing security measures.
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