From the humble beginnings of locks and keys, physical security has transformed over the years. Technological advances like RFID badges and facial recognition software have merged our digital and physical spaces. Security technology continues to evolve to stay one step ahead of increasingly intelligent and tech-savvy criminals.
Several emerging physical security technologies will heavily impact the future of security in the next few years. Let’s dive into three of those advancements.
1) AI Video Surveillance
AI’s involvement in security has already been growing. While video cameras recording our every movement are nothing new, video analytics incorporating AI are modernizing this staple of security infrastructure.
Benefits of AI-Based Video Surveillance for Physical Security
AI-enhanced video capabilities are helping to pinpoint security gaps and offer benefits including:
- Enhanced Threat Detection
Traditional motion detection systems and video cameras have been vulnerable to false alerts for just about anything that moves. AI-based video surveillance not only can distinguish between animals, people, or a vehicle but also detects possible threats or suspicious behavior. Fights, shoplifting, or acts of vandalism are instantly recognizable to the well-trained, AI algorithms. By capturing essential visuals and metadata during the incident, security teams are better equipped to take swift action with AI video surveillance.
- Real-Time Analysis
Say goodbye to hours scrubbing through video footage. AI programs can analyze the audio and images from video surveillance in seconds to identify people, vehicles, or objects. You'll also be able to instantly access surveillance cameras across unlimited locations via a single, easy-to-use dashboard. Video analytics software will extract exactly the footage you need to generate insights without manual review.
- Automated Response Capabilities
With real-time visibility and incident alerts, AI video surveillance bolsters safety and allows physical security guards to rapidly resolve incidents as they occur. For example, banks can automatically lock up vaults during a breach, or schools and colleges can automatically seal off a classroom if a threat is detected.
2) Predictive Security Analytics
AI-powered video and other surveillance technologies are creating a goldmine of data. With advancements in data analytics, that information can be used as more than just a tool to respond to crime. Now physical security data can be turned into smart insights that drive efficiencies across operations and help security guards be predictive rather than proactive.
Benefits of Predictive Analytics for Physical Security
Policing has leveraged predictive analytics quite well to reduce response times and stay one step ahead of threats and emergencies. The physical security space can follow suit to reap many benefits from predictive security analytics including:
- Proactive Threat Mitigation
Beyond the real-time alerting of AI video discussed above, predictive analytics can also be used to assess when potential risks to physical security could be in play. Analyzing data on crime rates, target location hotspots or even weather patterns can identify areas that may be of greater risk for security incidents. Predictive AI can look at the threat level posed by individuals or groups based on behavior, location, and past actions. This can help security personnel prioritize their response to potential threats and help prevent incidents before they occur.
- Resource Optimization
With predictive security data analytics helping to guide incident response tactics and strategies, physical security teams can know exactly where and how to best deploy their resources. It can also play a key role in keeping track of resources and the movements of assets like vehicles or equipment to know if they’re being used correctly and if they’re the subject of a potential security risk. Analyzing data from GPS trackers and sensors makes sure assets are protected from theft or unauthorized access.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making
While predictive security analytics cannot pinpoint where crime could happen, these systems can analyze historical data and trends to provide security firms with insights they can act upon. Analytics can help keep teams on the same page with a shared view of timely information to make more informed decisions.
3) Virtual Reality Training for Security Officers
Virtual reality, or VR technology, has been used in law enforcement training since the 1990s, helping officers to simulate shooting scenarios. With so many advancements over the years and now multiple applications across industries, VR is a powerful tool for physical security training as well.
Key Advantages of Security Officer VR Training
Virtual reality training offers safe and controlled environments with plenty of customization so program leaders can feel confident that security guards are learning the right skills in the right way.
Here are some of the benefits of conducting virtual reality security training:
- Realistic Simulations
By bringing in realistic graphics and background environments, security guards can gain situational awareness for many different scenarios like break-ins or shoplifting events. Haptic feedback and AI-driven scenarios are heightening the immersive experience even more as VR security training situations can adjust based on a guard’s performance and decisions.
- Cost-Effective and Scalable Training
Limit the number of logistical obstacles and extra costs when providing security officer training. VR training programs can be performed on-site with no travel or facility rentals required making them easier to roll out across locations.
- Improved Decision-Making Under Pressure
Trainees are learning in a safe environment to manage high-pressure situations and improve their decision-making under stress. Virtual reality training can be customized to include de-escalation techniques as well to help guards make informed decisions, reducing the likelihood of using excessive force.
- Tackling Security Challenges with Technology
The future of physical security will demand that firms and guards embrace technology to stay on top of their game. Innovations in data collection and the emergence of AI have catapulted physical security technology solutions into must-haves for security guards of the future.
Join security expert Carlos Francisco in Thinkcurity’s webinar series, “The Future of Security,” as he dives into the technology that will transform the physical security industry.
