Matthew Porcelli, Security Management Specialist explores the impact of the convergence of cyber and physical security.

How to handle convergence

As we complete the first quarter of the 21st century, security professionals from the frontline to the C-suite must continue to embrace security convergence.

As organizational lines on maps begin to fade and a higher reliance on technology continues to advance, so will the elevation of safety and security concerns.

With over 20 years of experience in the contract security industry as well as the service of a multitude of diverse clients, I have operated, managed and strategized on how to best implement convergence between frontline security personnel and physical and cybersecurity measures.

With a contemporary society filled with contemporary threats, convergence between frontline security teams who interact with those under protection or those protecting a tangible/intangible asset, must have the knowledge and skillset available to implement, operate and maintain physical security systems to make security convergence successful for their operation(s).

There will be tremendous growth in the physical and cybersecurity sectors as well as those hired to converge, train and maintain the systems.

Competition will indeed be fierce for security suppliers; however, no matter how marketable the product is or how cost effective, it must maintain a level of understanding and adaptability to those who are on the front lines.

Contract security officers remain a necessity to residential and commercial properties, for instance, and must be properly trained, retrained and trained again with any type of updated physical security technology to not only ensure the success of the officer’s duty of protection but also harden the security framework of the person(s) and/or properties(s) under protection.

Security operations centers (SOCs) and their global counterparts (GSOCs) will also remain on the rise to contribute to the mitigation of pending cyber-threats.

Along with planning for these SOCs and GSOCs come the security engineers, suppliers and operators tasked with operating and maintaining this 24/7, 365 day-a-year countermeasure.

Furthermore, as much of the world wants to do more with less and exercise remote frugality, contract security organizations will continue to be called upon to staff frontline security posts and SOCs to ensure fixed assets are protected.

SOCs are not housed in the open. External and perimeter security countermeasures are still a reality and will continue to remain a reality and necessity to protect against crime and delinquency.

2025 will indeed be keeping security professionals and their organizations busy.

Even though the sector’s scale is tipping more and more towards cyber, convergence with physical security is no longer an option but a necessity.

Matthew Porcelli

Matthew is a safety and security manager with 20 years of experience in the criminal justice and private security sector.

He is certified as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) through ASIS International and a Master Security Instructor (MSI) with the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO).

Matthew holds a Master’s degree in Administration of Justice and Security, and is a 2019 graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy Newark, New Jersey Division.

Porcelli currently volunteers in high-level leadership positions with ASIS International, IFPO, The Institute of Strategic Risk Management (ISRM), The Security Institute and The Life Safety Alliance.

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