Growing Security Threats, Concerns Have Security Pros Expecting Opportunities for Growth in 2016
SSI interviewed 20 leading members of the industry to offer their projections for the new year across six categories.
2016 is expected to be a "dynamic" year in the security industry.
2016: PRESSING CHALLENGES
Richard Ginsburg, President & CEO, Central Security Group: The industry migration from 2G to 4G cellular communicators has been slow, and a lot of resources have been used to delay the inevitable. Companies must be much more proactive in the future when it comes to maintaining cutting-edge technology and educating customers more on changes, necessary upgrades or solutions.
In addition, the massive problem of some companies using or allowing deceptive sales tactics seems to be a plague on the industry that is not being resolved. Even after an impactful national news story on “20/20,” many companies seem to turn a blind eye to deceptive sales tactics and how hurtful this practice is for the entire industry. I believe it is the No. 1 threat in the industry. A few companies, like ours, are dealing with it, turning away deceptive dealers and working with other companies to identify ways to protect consumers from these tactics. Unfortunately, many companies are not.
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Chris Peckham, SVP, CTO and Special Projects, Kratos Public Safety & Security Solutions: The ease of integration within complex systems remains a challenge for some users. In many cases, an API, SDK or other middleware can be used to provide a very high degree of functionality, but some expertise is still required to deliver in many large-scale deployments. While the use of standards has simplified the process, challenges do remain.
Basic technical knowledge and how a person interacts with the end user can go a long way to increase customer satisfaction. Training for customer support skills should be a requirement for all people that are client-facing. From the sales perspective, do they fully understand the products that are being offered and where they can obtain support from the vendors?
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Fredrik Nilsson, General Manager, Axis Communications: The industry has become aware of cybersecurity challenges, but few have a plan. In addition, changing the business model to a service-oriented model, rather than selling hardware, has been slow to evolve.
Threats continue to be high globally, which will further drive investments in security. The industry will likely see M&A activity as competition increases. Cybersecurity is going to be a big driver in 2016. Many will be unprepared for IT and cyber requirements from end users. Education is the key, so those security professionals that are proactive will be the most successful.
Overall, 2016 will be an exciting year for companies that focus on bringing and adding value long-term.
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Tricia Parks, Principal, Parks Associates: Standards for interoperability that cross platforms are a pressing issue, allowing a consumer with a couple of smart devices already in the home to move toward a security system that doesn’t yet integrate with the owned brands. Another is security breach threats arising from connectedness for many products, as well as the adoption of user interface innovations.
Perhaps the most impactful issue is that some consumers are entering a phase of skepticism, seeking out alternatives to the entrenched subscription models. Consider cord-cutting for example: While not a tidal wave, it portends true disruption as consumers consider other models such as streaming and antennas. The concept of professional monitoring for short periods of time, such as vacations, has not taken hold, but perhaps it will. If so, that is disruption. If this is married with consumer-trusted smart enhancements, such as cameras and alerts to smartphones, more consumers may become resistant to high monthly fees.
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About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
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