Mark Junge, Chief Executive for Gallagher Security highlights the biggest trends facing the security industry for the remainder of 2024, showcasing cloud technology, convergence and training
This past year, the security industry has seen a continuity of challenges stemming from ongoing international conflicts: supply chain issues continue to disrupt business as usual, impacts of labor market shifts continue to linger, and global financial uncertainty coupled with the regularity and impacts of cyberattacks continue to grow.
The security industry is set to undergo significant changes and advancements, and keeping up with these emerging trends will be crucial for businesses looking to stay secure in an increasingly digital world.
The Gallagher Security Industry Trends Report for 2024 uncovered emerging security trends that are expected to shape the landscape in the coming year. Here are the top three.
Adoption of hybrid cloud solutions
Of all the security trends driving the evolution of security systems, arguably none has as much potential to transform industry dynamics than the cloud, which is dramatically changing how we protect people and assets – and the foundation of how businesses operate.
There’s an increasing recognition by businesses that transitioning to cloud-based solutions is inevitable, however adoption is slow. Those who do plan to deploy cloud solutions anticipate incorporating them as part of a hybrid deployment strategy with their organizational systems, with a minority planning an all-cloud environment.
In 2024, a key security trend will be the adoption of hybrid cloud solutions amongst business and cloud solutions will evolve to achieve more secure, sophisticated, and robust security options.
Staffing, training, and growth
2024 promises an increased investment in staffing, training, and growth. Channel Partners, End Users, and Consultants have all identified recruitment and retention as major pain points in the industry, with a shortage of skilled technical staff being a particular challenge. All three groups plan to prioritize hiring and the upskilling of existing staff.
By prioritizing continuous learning, organizations not only equip their employees with tools for success, but also build a culture that values growth and loyalty, ultimately leading to enhanced employee retention and organizational prosperity.
Beyond staffing and training, key trends in security will involve expansion into areas such as systems, sites, production, and staff numbers. There will also be a priority to upgrade existing security software and hardware for better security measures.
For End Users, key investments will be focused on upgrades and integrations with video surveillance and biometric access control, as well as mobile credentials.
Channel Partners are planning to grow their client base, commercial presence, services, verticals, and geographic regions. They will invest in training and upskilling to bring customers up to date, integrations, and capability uplift.
As organizations grow, security budgets and investments are also predicted to increase.
Fortifying cybersecurity through upgrades
Cybersecurity and physical security are often inherently linked to one another: it’s difficult to have a secure physical solution without considering elements of cybersecurity, and impossible to avoid physical components within a cybersecure environment. It’s becoming increasingly important for businesses to consider both to achieve a holistic security solution.
Recognition is growing that strong cybersecurity defenses are critical, but help is needed to understand best practices.
In 2024, a key cybersecurity trend will be businesses strengthening their cybersecurity efforts with an emphasis on upgrades to existing systems and the education of staff. A transition from basic defenses to innovative solutions is on the horizon, but building a solid foundation is the priority.
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