The year 2015 has already seen an increase in terrorism concerns and subsequent calls for stronger security systems, but three key reasons make the November 13 Paris attacks a turning point for the security industry.
The brutal terror attacks that killed at least 129 people in Paris have inevitably strengthened the call for stringent security measures across the globe. The attacks, planned and coordinated by the Islamic State (IS) militant group, have been described as an “act of war” by French President Francois Hollande, and is reportedly the worst on French soil since the World War II.
The year 2015 has already seen an increase in terrorism concerns and subsequent calls for stronger security systems, but 3 key reasons make the November 13 attacks a turning point for the security industry.
First, this attack was the first of its kind from IS outside the Middle East that indiscriminately targeted civilians. Sure, the attacks on Charlie Hebdo magazine early this year were ruthless, but for most part that had not created a general sense of insecurity, as the target was seen to be a publication that had provoked them. In other words, terrorism in the West was still considered something that was targeted at specific groups. The latest attacks have brought home a sudden realization that this is no longer the case, and that security couldn’t be taken for granted.
Second, all the targets in the latest attack were the so called “soft targets” - places of mass civilian gathering. Stade de France, which was hosting an international friendly match, several restaurants and a concert venue, were all popular spots for a Friday night. This has highlighted the importance of implementing stronger security solutions at not just the macro level, but also at the micro level across verticals.
Third, the attack takes place even as European nations are facing an unprecedented immigrant crisis. Some reports indicate that one of the terrorists could have entered France as an immigrant. This is likely to prompt Europe to implement stronger border control solutions.
Expect security with citizen engagement
Security solution providers have for long been stressing the need for integrated solutions, customized to vertical-specific requirements that can offer holistic security. But more importantly, the whole incident highlights the need to take more advantage of information that the general public sends through their smartphones and similar gadgets.
Through citizen engagement, the general public should be able to provide information to public safety professionals, including reporting suspicious activities, natural disasters, terror attacks, crime, vandalism or similar issues.
In an earlier report from
a&s, Kevin Wine, Vice President of Marketing at Verint Systems, had said as much, while indicating terrorism and related concerns have spearheaded demand in the security market this year.
“There is an increasing need for the public to be able to communicate what they’re experiencing instantaneously, and for the proper authorities to be able to harness this information and use it in a meaningful way,” Wine said. “People want answers and they want them quickly. Today’s technology is changing to be able to accommodate the needs of the public.”
The coming days would definitely see more evaluations on the intelligence and security flaws that had permitted such an attack, which should ideally look further into the security solutions that need to be in place. Solution providers and installers should see this as a priority too. There will be also an increase in the general awareness amongst masses on the need for security solutions, which could see more demand in sectors such as residential.