IoT, cloud and mobility have been listed as some of the biggest trends to watch for in security next year, according to a recent report released by the Security Industry Association (SIA).
For the report, titled “Megatrends: The 2017 Vision for the Security Industry,” the organization surveyed some of the top names in security during the Securing New Ground event held in October. According to the paper, it serves as a mechanism for readers to look into the year ahead to guide their businesses through the market forces that may affect them and their customers.
The following are the ten megatrends to watch for in 2017, according to SIA.
IoT
Citing Gartner, the report said that an estimated 5.5 million new devices are being connected to the internet every day, with the number to reach 6.4 billion by the close of 2016. “The loT is an opportunity to empower the industry to use data to drive better risk management solutions, even artificial intelligence. The entire realm of situational awareness continues to transition as intelligence is gleaned from new points, with this trend magnified by the loT,” it said.
Cyberthreats and compromise
The DDoS attack launched against Dyn, in which security devices were used as robotic attackers, underscored the importance of cybersecurity, especially in the IoT era. “For the security practitioner, the goals are many and include having hardened products and processes; educating all stakeholders and systems integration companies; and establishing cybersecurity and IT best practices,” the report said.
Smart and big data
IoT stands useless if the data generated by devices can’t be analyzed for other usage. “Customers, installation partners and stakeholders within an organization need to have an understanding of how data flows within the system, and not simply on the method to get the information,” it said.
GSOC evolution
According to the report, a new day is dawning in the evolution of the Global Security Operations Center (GSOC). “What began as a method to address current issues, challenges and threats to the enterprise, employees and visitors is moving into an era of predictive analytics and proactive risk analysis—generated from systems, sensors, real-time location systems, social media and people, processes and technologies,” the report said.
Transformation of systems integrators
Rather than putting systems together, more and more SIs focus on service and maintenance as a “primary profit center.” Citing IHS, the report noted installation and maintenance now comprise a strong overall part of the global market for security systems integration.
Return of strategic acquirers
The year has seen its share of merger and acquisitions in security. “These recent transactions as well as others highlight the attractiveness of the market, the ability of participating companies to embrace new technologies and ways of doing business, continued commoditization and lower pricing of equipment and an emphasis on cloud computing, the connected home and building and the loT,” the report said.
Mobile technology
According to the study, mobile technology is taking its rightful place as the No. 1 access control credential. “But it’s also enabling greater safety and security, with enhanced situational awareness and the ability not only to control access but deeply authenticate individuals and provide real-time presence and location status which can aid significantly in emergency situations,” it said.
Cloud computing
Many systems and services use the cloud for physical security, most prevalently access control but also physical security management of video surveillance, intrusion, and the connected building and home market, the report said.
Social media
Postings on Facebook and Twitter bolster situational awareness with real-time information. “By monitoring many disparate systems, potential threats and trends can be identified, and that information can be delivered to facilities and security management,” the report said.
Do it with me
According to the study, new monitoring options have emerged, giving customers the ability to decide when they want to monitor their systems and for what period of time — a month, weekend or even a day.