As we step into 2025, it’s time to look ahead at the technological trends that will impact the security industry over the next year. The pace of innovation continues to accelerate, and several key trends are emerging that will shape the future of security.
Some of these trends build on familiar concepts from previous years, while others introduce new challenges and opportunities. One ongoing development is the growing role of AI in security, where advancements in artificial intelligence continue to influence how security systems operate. Additionally, regulatory frameworks surrounding cybersecurity, privacy, and AI ethics will evolve to address the rapid technological changes.
While we won’t list new regulations as a trend, they are undoubtedly a priority for every organization. These regulations, covering everything from critical infrastructure resilience to AI implementation, will have a significant impact on how businesses manage security and technology.
In all these shifts, we see significant potential for the security sector. For organizations, this means access to more advanced capabilities, greater flexibility, improved efficiency, and a higher overall value from security investments.
Hybrid Security Solutions: The Foundation for Flexibility
In recent years, we’ve highlighted how hybrid security architectures—combining edge computing, cloud technologies, and on-premise systems—have become the preferred choice for security solutions. The decision to adopt a hybrid model will vary based on each organization’s unique needs, taking into account factors like technology, legal considerations, ethical concerns, and governance requirements.
The key advantage of hybrid solutions lies in their flexibility, allowing organizations to store, view, and manage security data in the way that best suits their needs. Whether dictated by regulatory concerns, data control requirements, or cost efficiency, hybrid systems offer the scalability needed to address diverse operational challenges.
The Evolution of AI in Security: Efficiency Meets Innovation
Artificial intelligence continues to evolve rapidly, particularly in the field of deep learning and generative AI technologies. These advancements offer significant opportunities, though they also raise new ethical, legal, and operational challenges.
Generative AI, in particular, requires substantial computing power, sparking a debate about the energy consumption and environmental impact of these technologies. Efforts are underway to reduce the size of AI models while maintaining their effectiveness. This is where hybrid solutions shine, providing the computing resources necessary to run complex AI algorithms efficiently.
AI is already enhancing object recognition in security cameras and surveillance systems, and soon, generative AI could enable more intuitive, natural language interactions with security systems. Over time, we anticipate AI-driven systems that can not only analyze video but also integrate radar, audio, and other sensor data to detect anomalies and provide proactive insights.
Beyond Safety: Expanding Security Data Use
As security systems become more integrated with advanced technologies, the data they generate is becoming more valuable than ever. AI-driven improvements in object recognition and analytics mean incidents can be detected and responded to with unprecedented speed and precision.
The potential applications of this data go far beyond traditional security. For example, data from video surveillance cameras can also be analyzed for business intelligence, improving customer experience, operational efficiency, and sustainability efforts. This trend presents a unique opportunity for cross-functional collaboration across various departments within organizations, using security systems to serve multiple purposes.
As hardware platforms continue to improve, and open ecosystems for applications and integrations expand, customers will benefit from the swift pace of technological innovation in security.
The Rebirth of Image Quality in Surveillance Systems
The importance of image quality in surveillance has always been a key focus in the security industry. However, advancements in AI-powered analytics are shifting the paradigm of how visual data is processed and utilized.
Cameras now often analyze images first, with AI-driven systems continuously assessing footage rather than waiting for an incident to occur. The ability to capture high-resolution images means that object recognition is more accurate, and more detailed metadata can be generated to support better decision-making.
Improved image quality also offers operational efficiencies. A single high-resolution camera can cover a larger area, reducing the need for multiple cameras. This helps organizations optimize their surveillance infrastructure, while AI algorithms automatically alert operators to incidents requiring attention.
Long-Term Value in Surveillance: Software Support is Key
As security systems become more advanced, the hardware itself is becoming increasingly reliable, with extended warranties and longer lifecycles. However, the true value of these products is realized through ongoing software support.
The lifetime value of security cameras and other hardware depends on continued updates and security patches through software. Ensuring that systems stay secure and functional over time helps organizations achieve the maximum return on investment in their security infrastructure.
Empowering Customers with Technology Autonomy
The ultimate goal for security technology providers is to meet the diverse needs of customers. The focus should always be on supporting end-users’ goals, from enhanced safety and security to operational efficiency and business intelligence.
As technology evolves, so too does the need for more autonomous solutions that give customers greater control over their security infrastructure. Vendors with control over their core technologies—like custom semiconductors—are better equipped to design products that meet customer needs while ensuring long-term security and sustainability.
The trend toward more independent control over foundational technologies is gaining momentum, and it’s a trend that we, at Ertech, are proud to be ahead of. For the past 25 years, we’ve developed our own ARTPEC system-on-chip, enabling us to deliver technology that is secure, flexible, and optimized for future growth.
