Global cloud-based access control and smart building technologies company, Brivo, has unveiled its 'Top Global Security Trends (2024)' report, which highlights considerable shifts within security teams worldwide.

The comprehensive annual report, now in its seventh publication, was based on the responses from 850 security professionals working in financial services, technology and IT, manufacturing and retail sectors across the United Kingdom, United States, and entire Europe.

This year, the report reveals an intensified determination to incorporate new technology with existing systems, an expansion of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) role, and increased expectations and apprehension about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will influence the industry.

One of the critical trends brought to light in the report is a 36% lack of confidence among security teams in their existing system's capabilities of maintaining the safety of their employees and facilities. This figure increases to nearly one-half in front-line roles. This low confidence level may explain the heightened impulse to assimilate fresh security technology with already existing systems to enhance management of employees and facilities.

The changing landscape of the CSO role is another significant trend highlighted in the report. Although CSOs are becoming increasingly vital in heading AI implementations, lots of them lack the necessary budget or authority to fully utilise new technologies, thereby posing a challenge to updating their security systems. In fact, CSOs are typically responsible for less than half (42%) of their organisation’s security budget.

Despite these constraints, 60% of large enterprises in the U.S. plan to invest over $1 million annually in AI over the next three years. In the UK, around a quarter of enterprises have the same financial commitment to AI and automation over the same period.

Founder and CEO of Brivo, Steve Van Till believes these findings evoke optimism. He stated, "The security industry wants to embrace new technologies, and there is investment and belief in new advances. At the heart of these changes will be the CSO, and they will need support to make this a success."

Van Till went on to say, "Security integrators have an opportunity to be trusted advisors to the CSO. Getting technological change right and integrating it into the greater organisational strategy will require strong partnerships."

The report has suggested that an effortless integration with other systems could be a bigger impediment to embracing new technology than budget constraints. About 74% of surveyed security professionals see the CSO role as increasingly vital in organisations, but agree that heightened authority and budget are necessary to meet security objectives.

The newly released Brivo's 2024 Top Global Security Trends Report offers a detailed analysis of the key shifts that could have a significant impact on the future of global security teams.