Top Technology Trends in the Security Market to Look For in 2017

Expecting customers will start to see their security as a service with remote and professionally hosting and monitoring of video transmitted from the customer’s site. This will not only free up internal resources which could be better focused elsewhere, but also improve the service levels, enable better device-management, and strengthen cyber security.

Integrated solutions

The security industry will continue its trends of offering more specific solutions to particular situations. In the end, customers aren’t looking to buy hardware/software – what they really want is to reduce shoplifting, or make sure only certain people can access the cash office, or keep track of potential threats in an airport. The convergence of hardware into end-to-end solutions will be able to address specific security problems. They will consist of high-performance cameras, storage and access controls tightly integrated with video management and analytics tools. This approach will be easier for customers to purchase, install and implement, while offering a great return on their investment.

Expanded use of analytics

While high quality video footage is a core feature of modern security cameras, ultimately that information needs to be assessed and analyzed before a decision can be made to respond to its content. The recent advances in camera technologies, such as thermal imaging and enhanced low-light capabilities have been significant steps forward. But in the end, they just generate more footage that needs to be watched/reviewed. The security industry has been working hard on video analytics software that can work in real time to help professionals make informed decisions. The 2017 is the year when these new camera capabilities are combined with real-time analytics to address several security challenges, including facial recognition, forensic analysis and perimeter protection.

With all this data being gathered, the deep learning technologies being more broadly used within the security industry. As more data is gathered, computers can start to learn about what behavior is expected for certain typical locations or environments and flag up incidents when unexpected activities occur. This is only the beginning and is a very exciting space to keep an eye on.

Beyond video

Physical security doesn’t just involve watching people/places/stuff. It’s also about access to places, communication and managing emergencies – and sometimes having to do that kind of thing from a significant distance. So, the 2017 should be the year when fully-integrated physical security systems, combining cameras, intelligent doors, intercoms and speakers become viable.

Cybersecurity

‘The Internet of Things’ has evolved from buzzword status to mainstream reality, but not without its challenges. Axis has always taken its customers’ security seriously, but hopefully the 2017 is the year when all manufacturers make this a priority. The biggest challenge with cyber security is to find the right balance between secure devices/systems and complexity/ease of use.