Industry Experts Share Security’s Most Pressing Issues for 2022
The looming 3G sunset and lack of cybersecurity awareness for both security integrators and their customers are just a few of the issues mentioned.
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Though 2021 didn’t exactly bring the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to new COVID variants, a supply chain shortage and labor woes, there is still hope for 2022.
However, there are numerous factors to be aware of this year. As part of SSI‘s 2022 Security Industry Forecast, we asked leading experts in the field what they believe the most pressing issue the security industry will face in the new year. Below are their responses.
▶ “The 3G Sunset with AT&T is set for February. We want all dealers to upgrade their 3G devices in the field before the target. Telguard and the AICC have filed a petition with the FCC for an extension until December. Due to the pandemic hindering upgrades in 2020 and supply chain issues in 2021, we believe this request is reasonable and necessary. Also, cybersecurity continues as a major concern for the entire economy as well as the electronic security market.” – George Brody (Telguard)
▶ “Homelessness crime is very difficult to solve from a surveillance perspective and since the majority happens outside it is very difficult with alarm systems as well. Also, police won’t arrest as much anymore. I had one campus where they let them know they would only respond to an active rape and when someone has a gun. Lastly, we need more high quality integrators as we have been lazy as an industry and good enough has been too much the norm.” – Jamie Vos (ESA)
▶ “Traditionally, we are slow to change, embrace new technology, accept risks, plan strategically and execute tactically. What has worked in the past will probably not work well in the future. Secondly, there is resistance to embrace digital transformation to enable teams to work more effectively, faster and with fewer errors.” – Paul Boucherle (Matterhorn Consulting)
▶ “Lack of cybersecurity hygiene on security installations and cybersecurity awareness for both security integrators and their customers. Also, the adoption of recurring monthly revenue models by all integrators.” – Ric McCullough (PSA)
▶ “As we ramp up efforts to attract fresh talent with business and technical skills, other industries face the same challenge competing for the best workers. As an industry, it’s everyone’s responsibility to be involved in this fight. Also, facial recognition is amazingly powerful, whether used for access control or investigations, but there is some misunderstanding and mistrust of this technology. A clear framework around policies of use and ethical guidelines are important to advance adoption.” – Geoff Kohl (SIA)
▶ “With more consumer-dominated name brands playing in this space, expect disruption that will result in innovation from providers, manufacturers, integrators and dealers to differentiate and compete. Also, dealing with remote workforces versus in-house operations means security standards will have to evolve to support this mixed model of working. Lastly, governing bodies may not be poised for the technological growth and change that is rapidly evolving.” – Julie Lichty (Bold Group)
▶ “The Great Resignation is being felt far and wide. Growth becomes muted for those companies that can’t attract skilled employees and what may be even more difficult is retaining skilled employees. Also, brand differentiation is a company’s competitive advantage. Dealers, integrators and monitoring companies need to reinvent themselves amid today’s rapidly evolving competitive landscape. Lastly, the perception remains that the industry’s false alarm rate is high. Improved alternative alarm verification methods are needed.” – George De Marco (DECO)
▶ “Providing adequate security while also protecting privacy rights. The line between security and privacy is unresolved and up for continuous discussion. Debate, development and regulation of technologies, their legalities, ethics and practicality are sure to continue in 2022 and beyond. Also, ever-increasing IoT devices will continue to create a perfect environment for cyber attackers to exploit. Cybersecurity is an ongoing battle to stay ahead of the threat.” – Fredrik Nilsson (Axis)
▶ “Cybercrime will continue to grow, with annual global costs projected at $10.5 trillion by 2025. While all industries are affected, those holding onto legacy systems and infrastructures such as healthcare, transit and utility organizations have been prime targets. As more devices come online and data processing becomes central to operations, businesses will need to remain agile and responsive to the evolving threat landscape, and more adamant about building layers of protection into their security ecosystems.” – Andrew Elvish (Genetec)
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