Rachelle Loyear, Vice President of Integrated Security Solutions, Allied Universal explores the main trends that will be seen in security in 2024.

The security landscape is rapidly evolving, moving beyond traditional guards and fences toward a sophisticated blend of technology and human expertise.

2024 will see this trend accelerate, with executives seeking to enhance security with automation while retaining the vital role of human judgment.

The last few years have brought great changes to the security industry and 2024 is set to continue, if not accelerate that trend.

Fences and guards, the trusted pillars of earlier security programs, now share their watch with intelligent cameras, sophisticated access controls and data-driven analytics.

We can see this on the floor of any industry trade show we attend; technology and automation are revolutionizing the industry, promising unparalleled precision and efficiency.

Yet, amid this digital shift, we see more recognition, even in tech companies, of the irreplaceable role of human expertise.

This is the main trend I see for 2024. 

Security executives want to retain and grow their top security talent, but it’s clear that technology enhancement and augmentation is the path they must chart for the future.

That future starts today.

This trend is clearly reflected in Allied Universal’s World Security Report released in September 2023, where 98% of Chief Security Officers (CSOs) stated they plan to invest in security technology in 2024.

Key areas of planned investment include:

• Remote response technology: 90% of respondents aim to implement this within a year
• Threat detection and response: 51% will invest in automated solutions and threat intelligence
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition: 42% and 40% respectively will choose these technologies within five years, highlighting long-term interest in advanced technology

The synergy of human and machine

While technology offers undeniable advantages in speed, efficiency and reduced human error, its true power lies in collaboration with human expertise.

Humans interpret data, make critical decisions and execute crucial actions, forming a powerful human-technology alliance.

This alliance will be crucial in supporting the evolution of security programs in 2024 as new technology is incorporated into programs.

Optimizing efficiency without compromising security

Simply deploying technology isn’t enough.

To be effective as we change, security leaders must identify tasks best suited for automation, such as repetitive checks and data analysis, freeing up personnel for higher-value activities.

This requires a structured approach that prioritizes efficiency without compromising risk mitigation.

As part of my role at Allied Universal, I use our Risk360 Review and Efficiency Report Tools to find these opportunities without impacting security risk profiles.

I have seen an unmistakable trend in clients wanting these reviews as part of their security program life cycle and I do not see that trend slowing in the coming year, I expect it will grow much stronger.

The road ahead

2024 will see a continued focus on harmonizing people, processes and technology.

By aligning data-driven insights with strong human-technology partnerships, we can build a security apparatus that is not only swift and efficient, but also intelligent, responsible and truly effective.

That, of course, is just the beginning of the journey.

About Rachelle Loyear

Rachelle leads the Allied Universal Enterprise Security Risk Management approach to customer program development.

She has spent a career building and managing programs in corporate security organizations.

Focusing strongly on security risk management, she has been responsible for ensuring enterprise resilience in the face of many different types of risks, both physical and cyber.

Rachelle is the Secretary/Treasurer of the ASIS North American Board of Directors and has served on the ASIS ESRM, BCM and IT Security Community Steering Committees.

This article was originally published in the Special February Influencers Edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.