GSX 2023 marks a poignant moment for the security industry as an increasingly complex risk landscape converges with the acceleration of technology innovation. Emerging from this environment are three key trends that will dominate the conference and the future of the security industry: (i) the adoption of AI, (ii) the use of predictive analytics, and (iii) a hybrid global and local risk management approach.
As Chief Security Officer of Crisis24, a GardaWorld company, I regularly advise clients on how these trends are evolving and impacting their security and risk management approach. Here’s how we can expect to see them discussed at the show next month:
Trend 1:
Artificial intelligence is the new industry standard.
AI is this year's buzzword. While AI is not new to the industry, this year it has become a standard to operate with AI being adopted or expanded more ubiquitously.
Legacy AI-enhanced security offerings that have been years in the making are becoming more advanced and are being integrated into expert analyst teams to leverage the best of both man and machine.
- Limitations
AI augments the data processing ability; however, human-led intelligence is still necessary
AI can generate unparalleled levels of data and insights, but it also has its limitations. AI does not have the emotional intelligence that can influence decision-making. For instance, our Crisis24 analyst teams know that every one of the intelligence alerts they provide to leadership may save a life or protect a business.
AI augments the data processing ability; however, human-led intelligence is still necessary to effectively elevate knowledge of those threats through an organisation to incite action.
Trend 2:
Predictive analytics powered by AI will transform security operations.
Predictive analytics enabled by AI will allow for more precise planning and execution of true emergency management. Those living or operating in conflict zones must be ready to spring into action and predictive analytics can help better evaluate risks, threat levels, and the probability of certain events.
When I served in Iraq in 2003, our greatest challenge was operating in an unpredictable environment and navigating the many unknown threats. With these large-scale threats, it was difficult to account for the vast array of variables involved and ensure that all parties were protected.
- Broad and instant visibility
Predictive analytics provides broad and instant visibility into numerous potential outcomes, impacts, and mitigation strategies for a wide variety of threats.
When dealing with risks that are constantly evolving and quickly accelerating, the insights from predictive analytics can have a direct impact on risk management, mitigation strategies, and preparedness levels. Predictive analytics can anticipate the ripple effect that threats can have on organisations, their people, and their assets and enable security teams to plan.
Trend 3:
Risk mitigation is increasingly both global and hyper-local.
A company’s workforce is often scattered across the country or the world, working from home or on the go
Remote work and a flood of 24/7 data sources have driven demand for timely, accurate, and hyper-local intelligence.
Where before an organisation may have had a handful of facilities around the world where its employees gathered, now a company’s workforce is often scattered across the country or the world, working from home or on the go.
- Preventive mitigation steps
To keep their people and assets safe, business pioneers need to know what’s happening in all corners of the globe, while also easily accessing details on what is happening at the street corner level.
How a business takes care of its people, including anticipating risks and taking preventive mitigation steps as well as responding quickly in the face of threats, can directly affect its reputation. Every company is in the business of safety and security when it comes to looking after its people on a global, national, and increasingly hyper-local scale.