Originally Posted At: VMBlog.com
Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2025. Read them in this 17th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.
By Scott R. Gane, CPP, Huffmaster
The security industry is undergoing a significant overhaul. The traditional security personnel who do their jobs on the premises are being enhanced by cost-effective and technologically advanced virtual security solutions. Precipitated by the ongoing integration of artificial intelligence (AI), advanced robotics, and remote monitoring, there is a noticeable preference today for using Virtual Security Officer programs. These systems not only surveil but also can perform tasks usually done by onsite personnel, such as dispatching authorities and controlling access points. There is a strong trend toward virtual security, and as technology advances, the number of businesses that use these systems will increase.
Virtual Security Goes Beyond Just Monitoring
Virtual Security Officers are well-trained professionals equipped to handle complex situations. In 2025, virtual security will become more integrated, combining human expertise with AI and machine learning capabilities. Beyond rudimentary monitoring, virtual security officers will manage access points, surveillance detection, and unified incident command.
More virtual officers will have remote control over gates and doors and even provide virtual escort services to employees. In addition, virtual officers, sometimes with the assistance of security robotics, will be able to identify and prevent loss due to accidents involving hazardous materials. For example, virtual security officers conducting virtual patrols with cameras and/or robotics would be able to identify a hazardous spill or dangerous situation developing with hazardous materials (i.e., Lithium batteries overheating is the most common situation discovered). Early identification and notifications have kept employees out of harm’s way and prevented substantial loss.
As organizations expand their reach and set up operations around the globe, a trusted virtual security system that can handle the needs of multiple sites no matter where they are located will become an invaluable resource. Assets and employees will be guarded more efficiently, and the costs of having onsite security teams will be reduced.
AI and Robotics
AI has already been used in security to automate tasks such as detecting suspicious activity and identifying patterns that could indicate potential threats. By 2025, organizations will incorporate virtual security to improve response times and increase responders’ accuracy.
AI will improve at detecting false positives, which is invaluable in keeping the focus on real threats. AI will also do more on-site robotic patrols as an appendage to the virtual security command center. Robots will have improved cameras and sensors to help human officers move about and monitor areas. In addition, robots will report suspicious findings to the virtual security officer, who will monitor from a safe command center.
Partnering human expertise with robotics will provide better security and reduce the need for human personnel often employed to perform mundane and routine tasks. As 2025 progresses, corporations will become used to these robots, allowing them to monitor high-value access points as they patrol corridors and perimeters. Many corporations will realize that AI and robotics can effectively handle repetitive tasks, ensuring faster and more effective responses to threats.
Proactive Threat Detection
Being ahead of the game is where you want to be, and virtual security services can provide the information you need to act proactively regarding threats. One example is how virtual security can dispatch authorities and coordinate emergency responses. By 2025, these services will be boosted by advancements in predictive analytics that can detect potential threats before they materialize.
As AI evolves, its ability to analyze data from various sources, such as camera feeds and access logs, will become an indispensable tool for identifying suspicious patterns that could indicate breaches. This will allow security teams to mitigate risks by addressing potential issues before they become significant threats.
Cost-Efficiency
AI-driven surveillance, remote monitoring, and robotic patrols will become the standard in 2025, allowing companies to achieve sound security at a much reduced cost. Additionally, virtual security’s advantage over traditional security is that it offers flexible packages catering to businesses of all sizes and industries, regardless of location.
Virtual security will flourish and expand because it is cost-effective. It provides scalability while maintaining safety and reducing overhead. Due to its advanced technology, virtual security allows remote monitoring of multiple sites, which can result in considerable cost savings.
Conclusion
Virtual security is going to be the industry standard in 2025. Human expertise, AI, and robotics will work together to provide protection well-suited for dealing with modern threats-it is comprehensive, cost-effective, and adaptable to unique needs. As virtual security evolves in 2025, companies will benefit from better proactive threat detection, see even more costs reduced, and feel safer knowing that their employees and assets are secure. The future of security is virtual, and it will provide more significant benefits due to the exponential growth of AI.
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