The Future of Security

The future of security is always on the minds of industry leaders and developers. As a welcome to all attendees at this year’s ISC West Conference in Las Vegas, an early morning session devoted to the future of the security industry addressed how IT and security convergence in the cloud will create better end-user operability.

While talks of the illusive cloud continue to resonate amongst IT professional circles, now more security professionals are choosing to partner up with IT pros and gravitating toward cloudy pastures.

Moderator Mike Faddis of Microsoft led the discussion about “The State of the Industry: Where Are We Headed?” featuring speakers Jason Bohrer of HID Global, Francis D’Addario of the Security Executive Council, Bill Taylor of the Security Industry Association Board of Directors and Gary Wong of IMS Research.

All added their industry expertise to address the evolving security marketplace and a new consumerization of security full of new opportunities to better understand and in-turn influence end-user purchasing.

The cloud was a major point of discussion as the speakers presented data highlighting the boom of software-as-a-service also known as on-demand software allowing data to be centrally hosted -- typically on the (Internet) cloud. Both IT and security must work together to balance mobility and security. IT experts understand how to leverage the cloud and security professionals must think about the best way to take advantage of IT professionals’ expertise.

Panelists addressed the increased use of smart devices such as iPads, Tablets and smartphones, and presented the staggering statistics that by 2016 approximately 2 billion people will have access to a smart device.

With such high figures, security professionals need to create use of smart devices for home and work providing mobility and flexibility to end-users. IT and security pros need to work together to provide safe access across various levels of smart device use creating a level of transparency that aids customers. To meet demands of future end-user needs, the security and IT industries need to open up dialogue to maintain standards that allow end-users more flexibility and interoperability.

As the worlds of IT and security merge, they will enable a better end-user experience. And as questions continue to linger in regards to where the future of security is heading, at ISC West, the answer is in the cloud.

About the Author

Christina Miralla is the associate content editor at 1105 Media, Inc.

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services
  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.