2025 Security Industry Predictions: Rachelle Loyear, Vice President, Allied Universal
Allied Universal VP of integrated security solutions Rachelle Loyear gives her thoughts on the year ahead in the security industry.
Photo courtesy of Allied Universal
Our latest set of 2025 Security Industry Predictions come from Rachelle Loyear, vice president of integrated security solutions at Allied Universal.
Security Sales & Integration: Without getting into any specific vendors or branded solutions, what technology category or solution area do you see as 2025’s ripest, most profitable growth opportunity for security dealers, installers and integrators? Explain your reasoning.
Rachelle Loyear: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into security systems is a significant growth opportunity. These technologies enhance threat detection, automate responses, and provide predictive analytics, leading to more proactive security measures.
The increasing sophistication of cyberthreats to physical security infrastructure necessitates advanced solutions, positioning AI and ML as critical components in modern security strategies.
At Allied Universal, we are continually evaluating the industry and what’s available in this space. It may be a major growth opportunity, but it’s vital that security leaders embrace this technology responsibly and with forethought on how it will help mitigate their risk profile within both their risk and budgetary tolerance.
SSI: These days, we’re all hearing a lot about the cloud migration, AI/machine learning, crime deterrence vs. crime reactiveness, etc. Which of these “hot topics” do you think is overplayed? Which ones do you think will truly transform the practice of security integration in the coming years?
Loyear: One of the things we hear about a lot is “zero trust security.” While that is a critical framework to pay attention to for integrators, the drumbeat of it as a universally applicable solution is overplayed for the needs of most integrators. Implementation requires significant time, resources, and organizational alignment that many businesses are not yet prepared for.
In contrast, transformative trends like AI and machine learning, cloud migration, and IoT security are poised to redefine security integration. I discussed AI and ML in question one, but IoT security is now truly “core curriculum” for integrators, as the number of connected devices grows, requiring more robust protocols to mitigate emerging vulnerabilities.
Together, these new technologies are definitely driving a shift from reactive to proactive security, enhancing efficiency and risk mitigation.
SSI: On the business and operations side, which single factor (e.g., interest rates, talent-related issues, geopolitical stressors) poses the biggest challenge for the security industry right now? How can business owners mitigate their downside risk?
Loyear: Talent shortages pose a significant challenge, as the demand for skilled security professionals exceeds supply. This goes for integrators doubly, since now we are looking for both the traditional skillsets, but also enhanced cybersecurity knowledge to go along with it. This gap hampers the ability to effectively manage and mitigate security risks.
To address this, Allied Universal has invested heavily in training programs, has devoted significant resources to new tactics in recruiting and personnel retention, and is leveraging AI-driven tools to augment human capabilities across the board.
Talent acquisition will be more difficult for organizations that may not have the resources to do what we are doing, but it’s still an economic issue that will shape the operational side of security for years to come.
SSI: What’s getting better about the security industry these days? What seems to be getting worse and worse?
Loyear: The security industry is making great strides with advancements in technology integration, leading to smarter, more efficient security solutions. Collaboration among industry players is also on the rise, improving information sharing and strengthening collective defenses.
We see it in industry organizations like the SIA Cyber Security Board, and with the creation of groups to focus on AI and privacy, but it’s not all smooth sailing.
The complexity of cyberthreats, especially AI-driven attacks, is growing faster than many traditional defenses can keep up with, which means we have to keep up with updates and ensuring hardware and software is properly configured for the most recent threat environment.
On top of that, compliance requirements are becoming more demanding, forcing organizations to dedicate more resources to stay ahead of evolving regulations. It’s a mix of progress and pressure, with the industry pushing forward while navigating some serious challenges.
SSI: What’s liable to catch some security dealers, installers and integrators off guard in the coming year?
Loyear: As much as our industry is technology based and our partners are foundational to our solutions putting the technology first is a major mistake and will continue to have some “off guard.” We need to focus on the outcomes first, understanding risk, operations and budget before assessing and building the proper security solution that includes technology, people and process.
SSI: What’s the single most pressing issue that professionals in the security industry should look to tackle right now?
Loyear: The rapid evolution of AI and other automated technologies could catch some integrators off guard, especially those unprepared to implement or defend against AI-driven systems. Addressing the rise of AI-enhanced cyber threats is paramount.
Developing robust defenses against AI-driven attacks and ensuring ethical use of AI in security operations are critical to maintaining trust and effectiveness in security practices.
SSI: Finish this sentence: 2025 will be remembered as the year that the security industry…
Loyear: … transformed its operations to better address workforce shortages, driving the adoption of automation and hybrid human-AI security teams. AI-powered systems took on routine monitoring and real-time threat detection, freeing human personnel to focus on complex interventions. It also marked the tipping point for cloud-based security, with organizations moving from on-premises systems to agile, scalable cloud platforms that support faster updates and remote management. These shifts fueled the rise of hybrid security ecosystems, blending physical presence, remote monitoring, and AI-driven analytics for 24/7, always-on coverage.
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