Security Industry Association (SIA)- Experts & Thought Leaders

ISC East 2024, with its premier sponsor the Security Industry Association (SIA), and in partnership with the ASIS NYC Chapter, presented another year of dynamic programming as the Northeast’s security and public safety event.  Over three days, ISC East showcased premier keynote speakers, educational sessions, and professional development, and over 200 exhibitors displayed the latest innovations in the field.  SIA Education@ISC East programme From Nov. 19 to Nov. 21, ISC East welcomed nearly 6,000 total security professionals to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. 2024’s turnout continued to display year-over-year growth for general attendance, with more than 4,600 attendees. Adding to the success, the SIA Education@ISC East programme achieved over 40% growth, underscoring the value of ISC East’s educational offerings. Public safety “Both our attendees and exhibitors gather at ISC East to discover the industry’s latest products and solutions, cultivate professional relationships, and celebrate the biggest innovations in the world of security and public safety,” said ISC Event Vice President Mary Beth Shaughnessy. “Over the three-day event, we saw attendees who were eager to learn from industry experts and conduct business face-to-face with new and existing vendors, which all contributes to a maximised customer experience year after year.” ISC East 2024 highlights SIA Education@ISC East This team of industry experts provides critical guidance on the newest trends and most relevant technologies 2024’s event executed the largest SIA Education@ISC East programme yet, which doubled in size from last year with 70+ sessions and 150+ speakers – all carefully curated by the newly formed SIA Education@ISC Advisory Board. This team of industry experts provides critical guidance on the newest trends and most relevant technologies in the world of security to best inform show programming at ISC Security Events.  Content, training courses, offerings “The 2024 ISC East show was one of the best yet – boasting outstanding attendance as well as top-quality SIA Education at ISC East conference content, training courses, and other offerings,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Attendees at the show were able to see the most cutting-edge innovations in security, and the experience was further elevated by the highly engaging SIA meetings and special events that brought together our industry to explore essential topics in security interoperability, mobile credentials, the return on security and safeguarding our utilities and critical infrastructure, honor the exceptional work of SIA member pioneers and volunteers and give back to the future of the security workforce. This year’s show highlighted why ISC East is the Northeast’s premier security and public safety event.” Brand New at ISC East SIA New Products and Solutions New to the ISC East show floor in 2024, several product submissions from the SIA New Products & Solutions (NPS) Awards at ISC West 2024 had the chance to remain in the spotlight.  With the debut of the dedicated NPS area on the show floor, exhibitors were able to showcase their latest solutions and attract potential buyers eager to discover what’s new and exciting in the industry. Critical Infrastructure Pavilion Exhibitors displayed how critical infrastructure impacts transportation, energy, and communications The Critical Infrastructure Pavilion was also new to ISC East this year. With this elevated focus, exhibitors displayed how critical infrastructure impacts transportation, energy, and communications and how to protect these essential services from cyberattacks, intruders, and other potential threats. The products and solutions showcased in this pavilion offered the tools to safeguard the systems exhibitors depend on every day. The Bridge   The Bridge, ISC East’s newly revamped main stage destination, hosted an industry-pioneering lineup of speakers, education sessions, and other exclusive events. Located right on the show floor, The Bridge was home to the Keynote Series, which featured prominent experts making waves in today’s security landscape.   Day 1 Keynote: Proactive Security Strategies at Navy Pier, Chicago: A Unified Approach to Emergency Preparedness and Response  Sponsored by ZeroEyes  Brian Murphy, chief operating officer, Navy Pier  Day 2 Keynote: Presented by the SIA Women in Security Forum: Living Ambitiously, a Career of Continuous Learning and Innovation  Sponsored by Axis Communications  Anjené Abston, executive director, and security division director, JPMorganChase  Career Zone  Experts at the Career Zone led workshops on how to advance the career, attract and retain young talent Industry experts at the Career Zone led workshops on how to advance the career, attract and retain young talent, foster supportive networks for women in security, manage the career trajectory effectively, and much more. ISC East also brought back the fan-favorite Headshot Studio where guests could receive a complimentary professional photo to add to their portfolios.  ISC West 2025 With attendees eager to network, conduct business, and learn from industry experts, exhibitors look forward to ISC West 2025. At this event held March 31 – April 4 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, attendees can experience the largest and most dynamic security event of the year.   Already making plans for next year? Save the date for ISC East 2025, held from Nov. 18-20 at the Javits Center in New York City.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named 24 recipients for this year’s SIA RISE Scholarship, a program offered through SIA’s RISE community, which supports the education and career development goals of young industry talent and emerging pioneers. Through this scholarship program – open to SIA student members and RISE members who are employees at SIA member companies – each awardee will receive a USD 3,000 scholarship to use toward continuing education and professional development courses, SIA program offerings and/or other academic or education programs. Array of security professionals Scholarship funds can be used to expand knowledge in the areas of business, human resources Scholarship funds can be used to expand knowledge in the areas of business, human resources, information technology, marketing, sales, project management, security engineering, and/or risk management. “SIA congratulates this year’s class of RISE Scholarship awardees – an impressive, diverse array of security professionals and rising stars who are making their mark on our industry,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We are proud to present scholarships to more recipients this year than ever before and honoured to support these inspiring young pioneers as they pursue their educational and career development goals.” RISE Scholarship The winners for this year’s RISE Scholarship are: Zachary Allen, account executive, Convergint Technologies Brianna Bonfondeo, account manager, Traka, ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Joi Brown, control centre specialist, Rapid Response Monitoring Services Brenda Constantin, account executive, 3Sixty Integrated, a Division of the Cook & Boardman Group Jonathan Crabtree, channel sales specialist, Genetec Taylor Davenport, HR business partner, i-PRO Americas Mason Fanning, end user specialist, ASSA ABLOY Natalie Fetsko, customer success manager, dormakaba Aishwarya Gandhe, senior channel marketing coordinator, North America, Genetec Anish Chandra Jalla, software developer II, Genetec Kajaanei Kajenthiran, security guard, City of Toronto, Canada Will Knehr, senior manager of information assurance and data privacy, i-PRO Americas Ryan Knoll, account executive, Pro-Tec Design Chandni Lalwani, DevOps engineer, HID Global Vincent Malenfer-Henard, security analyst, Genetec Josh Martin, mechanical engineer II, dormakaba Bryn Menzel, director of strategic accounts and marketing, 3millID Corporation Gabriella Moraniec, contracts manager, GSA Schedules Taylor Nevells, digital marketing and content specialist, Wavelynx Juan Pelayo, technical support supervisor, i-PRO Americas Itzel Portillo, marketing specialist, Allegion Joel Searle, program manager, ZBeta Maria Sturges, project coordinator and administrator, Northland Controls Julie Trinh, SDK specialist, Genetec New opportunities in the security industry SIA would also like to thank the following individuals and companies which contributed to the 2024 RISE Scholarship fund.  Tax-deductible donations were made through the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST), a nonprofit organisation co-founded by SIA and the Electronic Security Association and dedicated to connecting passionate, innovative professionals with new opportunities in the security industry. ADI Allegion Axis Communications Convergint Genetec HID i-PRO Secure Access & Digital Systems Securitas Technology TIME program SIA RISE is a community that fosters the careers of emerging pioneers in the security industry. In addition to the SIA RISE Scholarship, SIA RISE offers fun in-person and virtual networking events for young professionals, the Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education (TIME) program for early and mid-career professionals, the 25 on the RISE Awards, career growth webinars and trade show education tracks and the annual AcceleRISE conference – a unique event designed to ignite new thinking, strengthen leadership and sharpen business acumen in young security talent.  The SIA RISE community is open to all employees at SIA member companies who are young professionals under 40 or have been in the security industry for less than two years; learn more and sign up to join.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) – with support from PSA – has released the “Secure Your Future” Security Industry Careers Guide, a helpful resource offering insights on the security industry, job types, pathways, and employers and how to prepare for a security career. Informative, enriching tool “As someone who didn’t originally plan to work in security but has now been happily in the industry for over 20 years, I can tell you what an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling field this is,” said SIA Board of Directors Chair Scott Dunn, senior director of business development, Americas, at Axis Communications. “Often, when speaking with other pioneers, I find that they, too, stumbled into security, but with this new guide, we are hoping to change that trend so that prospective talent is actively seeking out the many exciting career opportunities there are in this industry. This informative, enriching tool will help our increasingly diverse workforce better navigate their own personal career journeys and foster their professional growth.” Guide features The robust guide features detailed information on: The mission, scope, and market value of the security industry. The security ecosystem, including the types of organisations offering employment in the industry. Jobs and career paths in security – including educational requirements, day-to-day responsibilities, compensation, work-life balance, and opportunities for advancement. programmes and pathways for entering the industry, include degrees, internships, apprenticeships, certifications, scholarships, learning resources, and alternative pathways. Networking and employment opportunities in security. Additionally, the guide shares an array of stories and testimonials from professionals and pioneers in security, highlighting their careers, experiences, and perspectives. Security Industry Careers Guide “SIA is proud to collaborate with PSA on the Security Industry Careers Guide – an informative, compelling, and impactful resource to help professionals and students discover the dynamic, innovative, and fulfilling career opportunities our industry has to offer,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Having a career in security means playing an active role in protecting people, their privacy and information, and critical infrastructure." Well-paid, high-growth opportunities "This guide shares invaluable insights on the meaningful, well-paid, high-growth opportunities available in our industry, the security landscape, how prospective talent can sharpen their skills and prepare to enter the workforce, and how organisations like SIA and PSA can help." "We are committed to growing the next-generation security workforce and supporting people as they embark on and progress in their careers, and this guide will be immensely useful to both job seekers and our industry.” Bringing awareness “We were thrilled to partner with the Security Industry Association and the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent on the Security Industry Careers Guide,” said Matt Barnette, president and CEO of the PSA Network. “In a world where safety is paramount, our industry provides an abundance of exciting opportunities to secure futures. This guide highlights the diverse career paths available and will help bring awareness to the industry as a whole.” Outreach efforts SIA invites the industry to join in its outreach efforts to technical schools, colleges, and universities through the Security Workforce Ambassador programme. SIA member companies are invited to help users connect with students and career services departments and inspire the next generation of security professionals. To support these outreach efforts, sign up and download the ambassador letter template.  Coming soon are: A career video showcasing exciting career opportunities in the security industry, Guidance on how to partner with career service departments to promote jobs and recruit students, and Tips for recruiting student-athletes.

The days of being reactive are over. That’s right, we as an industry, can no longer afford to be reactive. As threats evolve, the need for proactive security is critical. While traditional methods, including physical barriers and security personnel, are still necessary, the future of our approach is built on the backs of emerging technologies.  Substantial vulnerabilities As an industry, we’ve operated reactively for decades, it has been common for security teams to address threats only after they occur. The growing risk landscape proves that this approach has significant limitations. Human oversight, delayed responses, and the inability to monitor large areas have exposed substantial vulnerabilities.  Emergence of AI AI enables real-time monitoring, advanced data analysis, and more accurate risk detection Times are changing though and it’s largely due to the emergence of AI. AI is revolutionising the security landscape by making technology smarter. It enables real-time monitoring, advanced data analysis, and more accurate risk detection. This ensures a higher level of security and safety, minimising potential incidents' impact while enhancing overall safety.  Focus on strategic aspects AI's ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately is, quite frankly, a game-changer. It can identify patterns and anomalies that can provide stakeholders with critical insights to respond in a more prepared manner. By automating routine tasks and highlighting potential issues, AI also allows operators to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of security management, rather than responding to false alarms.  The future is AI  The future of security lies in AI. The Security Industry Association (SIA) has recognised AI as one of the top security megatrends in 2024. However, the challenge is not adopting AI, it is about effectively using it to enhance security.  AI can enhance video surveillance by improving object detection and enabling real-time, informed responses AI systems can easily integrate with existing infrastructures, providing a layered defence that combines traditional methods with more modern technology. For example, AI can enhance video surveillance by improving object detection, reducing false alarms, and enabling real-time, informed responses. This ensures that security measures are adaptive, scalable, and capable of addressing the evolving risk landscape.  Don’t react, anticipate  One of AI's most significant benefits is its ability to provide proactive insights. AI can predict potential breaches by analysing behaviour patterns and detecting anomalies allowing security pioneers to do something before an event happens. This shift, from reactive to anticipatory measures, marks a significant advancement in asset protection and risk management.  AI systems can also continuously analyse data and distinguish between everyday events and real-world threats. It’s AI's continuous learning capabilities that mean the systems can adapt and improve over time to become more accurate and efficient in threat detection and response.  Save money, scale on demand  Contrary to common belief, adopting AI technologies will not put a security department over budget. It may be surprising, but these solutions offer cost-effective and scalable alternatives to traditional security measures. An initial investment in AI technology can result in substantial long-term savings (and ROI) by reducing the need for physical infrastructure and on-site security personnel.  Customisable solutions The ability to scale and customise AI solutions makes them an efficient choice for enhancing perimeter defence AI systems are also inherently scalable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different environments. This ensures the system can evolve with emerging threats and technological advancements without requiring a complete system overhaul. The ability to scale and customise AI solutions makes them a practical and efficient choice for enhancing perimeter defence. How’s that for staying within budget?  Embrace the possibilities  Integrating AI into perimeter security is the future of proactive and intelligent security. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect even more refined solutions that are predictive, autonomous, and capable of directly addressing new and emerging threats. We’re experiencing an exhilarating transformation as AI becomes more trusted, precise, and advanced on multiple levels. This evolution is bigger than pilots and small, low-profile deployments. AI in perimeter security For instance, France is preparing to deploy AI-powered video surveillance as it gears up to host the 2024 Olympics, part of its efforts to detect sudden crowd movements, abandoned objects, and suspicious activities. Think about the sheer scale of that project.  We’re finally moving forward, and staying one step ahead must be our priority. But this shift requires a significant change in mindset. Are you ready to make the change?

Enterprise security directors often count on an integration firm to handle jobs ranging from day-to-day activities to long-term, technology-laden projects. However, before entering a relationship, you must know what's reasonable to expect from an integrator – as not all are created equal. Here are some tips that might make the selection process easier. Completing comprehensive classwork An integrator's experience working in an enterprise environment is an obvious consideration. Ideally, that experience fits well with your business. Any enterprise experience is a plus, but local, state, and federal regulations create precise yet very different rules for securing a utility instead of a hospital. That's also true for university campuses, manufacturing facilities, and many other operations. Many manufacturers offer certifications awarded after completing comprehensive classwork and testing Look for certifications indicative of an integrator's commitment to staying on top of industry changes. Organisations such as ASIS International and the Security Industry Association offer certifications showing an integrator's team members have mastered security principles and skills. Many manufacturers offer certifications awarded after completing comprehensive classwork and testing. Also, ensure an integrator sells and services equipment that integrates with your current security systems. Using multiple systems for the same function is less efficient. Project update meetings Go beyond an integrator's slick brochures and websites to ask tough questions about previous experience. How would the integrator handle a hypothetical situation in one of your facilities? Ask the integrator if there will be one project manager for all jobs. And ensure that person handles all interactions with security subcontractors. Ask if the integrator provides regularly scheduled project update meetings. It's frustrating to wonder how your project is progressing. Ask if the integrator's team can work during the hours and days that result in the least interference to your daily operations. Ask for onsite system training to save time and eliminate travel costs. Gathering sensitive data Look for an integrator with proven experience working with an enterprise IT department A malfunctioning component may be more than an inconvenience – it may be a severe security threat. You need to know how quickly your integrator can respond when things go wrong. Ask about available service plans. And consider the embedded staff approach in which the integrator places employees on your site full time to handle day-to-day and emergency activities. Much of the security equipment – video, access control, intercoms, visitor management, and more – is wireless and dependent upon networks operated by your IT department. Network-based devices provide more opportunities for hackers to gather sensitive data or cause critical equipment to malfunction. Don't trust your security operations with an Integrator unfamiliar with at least basic cybersecurity principles. Look for an integrator with proven experience working with an enterprise IT department. At a minimum, ensure the integrator can set and change security device IP addresses and port locations. Certifications from providers such as Cisco, Microsoft, and IBM indicate an understanding of various IT technologies. Potential security partners Knowledgeable integrators work with the well-encrypted Open Supervised Data Protocol (OSDP), now an internationally recognised standard. Run from any integrator who suggests operating an access control system with used Wiegand technology offering no encryption between cards and readers. It's easy for hackers to capture data and clone a working credential. Technology moves at a rapid pace. Your modern system of a few years ago may be long-of-tooth. You need an integrator capable of bringing new and innovative ideas to the table. You want an integrator who conducts in-house testing of new products, not relying solely on a manufacturer's claims. You want an integrator capable of thinking outside the box to solve a complex security problem. These ideas are just a start in assessing an integrator's value to your enterprise operation. However, they will help you sort through potential security partners to find one that best meets your needs.

Here’s a news flash: 2022 will be a pivotal year for the security industry. As we enter the new year, continuing change is a safe prediction for any fast-moving, technology-driven marketplace. Recent history confirms the ability of the security industry to shift and adapt to changing conditions and to provide an ever-expanding menu of technology solutions to make the world a safer place. Given that the new year will bring change, what will that change encompass? More to the point, what should it encompass? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the biggest change you would like to see within the security industry in 2022?