Top security trends to look for in 2019

With 2019 around the corner, it’s inevitable to look at what technology trends will be prevalent in the year to come. In this regard, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and edge computing will be some of the top ones to watch for.
 
That’s according to a recent blog post by Axis Communications, which summarized the top 2019 trends as follows.
 

Artificial intelligence

 
When it comes to AI there has been much hype surrounding it. However according to the post, this will change in the near future, with machine learning- and deep learning-based analytics expected to play a key part in many different applications and products. “Over time it will become a common tool for software engineers and will be included in many different environments and devices. But, again, its application will be driven by the most compelling use cases, not by the technology itself,” the post said. “With AI and deep learning, as with any new technology, we’re committed to making sure its implementation is robust, reliable and addresses real customer challenges. Research and progress will continue, steadily, and bring incremental improvements and benefits over the next year rather than radical change.”
 

Cloud and edge computing

 
While cloud computing has already become a prevailing trend in security, the data generated by IoT devices can significantly strain computing power and network resources. This is where edge computing comes in.
 
“In our business, edge computing means processing data within the camera itself. The benefits can still be significant. Firstly, initial processing of data within the camera can significantly reduce the bandwidth demands of both data transfer and storage. Additionally, data can be anonymized and encrypted before it is transferred, addressing security and privacy concerns,” the post said. “Ultimately, cloud and edge computing will not be an ‘either … or’ decision; the two will work in balance to the greatest benefit.”
 

Personalization vs privacy

 
With the implementation of such regulations as GDPR, the issues of privacy and use of data have become more important than ever. “Ultimately, the trust between an organization and its customers is becoming an increasingly important and tangible asset,” the post pointed out. “Indeed, recent research from consulting firm Accenture has established a correlation between stakeholder trust and revenue. Concerns about a company’s approach to privacy and the use of personal data will be one of the most impactful aspects of trust in business moving forwards.”
 

Cybersecurity

 
According to the post, cybersecurity will be an ongoing issue given newer and more complex attack methods will continue to emerge. “One particular area of vulnerability that has been highlighted recently is in the supply chain, where either a lack of good cybersecurity practice or even deliberately malicious actions can result in cybersecurity breaches being achieved through both software and hardware. The provenance of products is ever more critical than ever, with manufacturers needing to be confident that every link in their supply chain is a secure as it should be,” the post said.
 

Smart technology delivering environmental benefits

 
Besides video, other types of sensors can play a part in various security and non-security applications, an example of the latter being environmental protection. “For instance, one critical area where such sensors can heighten awareness, understanding and, increasingly allow for remedial action is in air quality. Whether inside buildings or in the external urban environment, the negative impacts on health and associated costs are becoming an ever-greater issue. Smart sensors will have a central role to play in addressing the problem globally,” the post said.
 

Sensor integration driving smart actions

 
Finally, combining the different types of sensors to drive smart actions will be a trend, and this is particularly noticeable in smart city applications. “For instance, in a smart city, a motion sensor connected to a barrier could trigger a camera which, in turn, would trigger an alert in the operations center, allowing for rapid and appropriate response. Or an environmental sensor could again trigger a video or thermal camera to quickly identify fires or spillages, again prompting alerts which will create a more rapid and effective response,” the post said.