Elisa Mula, Founder, EMD discusses how the adoption of new technology in 2025 will help organizations become more secure.

New technology

As we look toward the next 12 months, the physical security industry is poised for transformative growth, driven primarily by the next wave of advancements in AI and machine learning (ML), the adoption of zero-trust frameworks, and the widespread integration of remote and mobile security management solutions.

AI and machine learning integration

The deployment of AI and ML technology within physical security systems is revolutionizing the industry.

These technologies are enhancing threat detection capabilities, allowing for more precise anomaly recognition and faster response times.

With AI, systems can now analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, identifying patterns and potential threats that would be impossible for human operators to discern.

Backed by machine learning algorithms, security systems that integrate AI-based solutions are able to improve their processes over time, learning from past incidents to improve detection accuracy and reduce false positives.

As a result of both these technologies, organizations can anticipate and mitigate threats with unprecedented effectiveness.

This shift not only enhances security outcomes but also reduces operational costs, as fewer resources are required to manage security alerts and intervene in potential incidents.

Zero-trust frameworks

As AI/ML technology applications have evolved, the parallel move towards zero-trust cyber and physical security models has marked a significant evolution in how organizations approach both their data management and physical security strategies.

Unlike traditional models, which often rely on perimeter defenses, zero-trust frameworks operate on the principle that no user or device should be inherently trusted – whether inside or outside the network.

Instead, every access request is rigorously verified, employing multi-factor authentication, strict identity verification and continuous monitoring.

This approach significantly mitigates the risk of insider threats and breaches originating from compromised user credentials.

Organizations adopting zero-trust frameworks are better equipped to protect sensitive data, ensuring that security policies are enforced consistently across all devices and platforms.

Remote and mobile security management

The growing ability to manage security systems remotely using the scalability and accessibility of the cloud is another critical trend reshaping the industry.

With mobile security solutions, security personnel can monitor facilities, access real-time alerts and control systems from virtually anywhere using a mobile device, empowering security teams to respond quickly to incidents, regardless of their physical location.

Moreover, these cloud-based and mobile technology applications are designed to take advantage of developments in AI/ML, advanced analytics and user-friendly interfaces, making it easier for security operators to make data-driven decisions on the fly.

As more and more physical security operations shift to cloud infrastructure, mobile security management solutions will become all the more essential, offering a scalable, efficient and convenient way to safeguard assets.

Looking forward

In conclusion, the convergence of AI and ML, the adoption of zero-trust frameworks and the integration of remote and mobile security solutions are set to redefine the landscape of physical security over the next year.

These innovations are not merely trends but necessary evolutions, driven by the complexities of modern security challenges.

Organizations that embrace these changes will find themselves not only better protected but also more agile and prepared for the future.

Elisa Mula

Elisa Mula formed EM Designs (EMD) in 2004 to achieve her vision of creating a consulting business and pioneer efforts that would challenge existing paradigms in business management.

Elisa’s extensive education and years of experience in the security industry have allowed her to develop her practice with both public and private sector security professionals.

These partnerships have imparted a distinctively fresh and inimitable perspective that allows Elisa and EMD to offer a new means of recognizing, evaluating and remediating threats and vulnerabilities.

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