HikvisionTrendsAs we enter 2022, the world continues to suffer from the pandemic, but the security industry has just kept changing, adapting, and evolving as a result.

In fact, several trends have even accelerated: beyond the traditional “physical security”, especially artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity are being enthusiastically advanced.

By all appearances, the security industry is in a stage of redefining itself, moving from mere security and safety protections to encompassing a wider scope of activity that will expand safety while bringing at the same time new levels of intelligence and sustainability to communities, companies, and societies.

Hikvision shared some interesting key trends that will likely affect the security industry in 2022 and beyond:

1. AI will be everywhere

Nowadays, AI is quite common in the security industry. More customers in the industry have recognized the value of AI and have found new uses for AI applications in various scenarios, such as, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), personal protective equipment (PPE) detection, fall detection for the elderly, and much more.

Meanwhile, we also have seen more collaboration across the industry, with security manufacturers opening their hardware products to third-party AI applications and launching open platforms for customers to create and train their own AI algorithms to meet customized needs. Clearly, AI has been one of the fundamental technologies to reshape the security industry.

Benefiting from the optimization of algorithms, improved computing performance and the decreased cost of chips in recent years, AI applications are gradually forming the basic functions and capabilities accepted by all sectors in the industry.

2. AIoT will digitize and pervade industry verticals

With more security cameras and other security devices being connected to the network, the security industry is becoming an important part of an IoT world, enriching its visual capabilities. The combination of AI and IoT, AIoT is taking the security industry to a higher plain, automating the workflows and procedures of enterprises, besides supporting in the digital transformation of various industry verticals such as energy, logistics, manufacturing, retail, education, healthcare, etc.

3. Converged systems will break down data silos

Data and information scattered and isolated in disparate systems or groups create barriers to information sharing and collaboration, preventing managers from getting a holistic view of their operations. Here, the convergence of various information systems has been proven to be an effective approach. Hence, the trend in the security industry has been to converge systems wherever possible, including video, access control, alarms, fire prevention, and emergency management, to name a few. Furthermore, non-security systems, like human resources, finance, inventory, and logistics systems are also converging onto unified management platforms to increase collaboration and to support management in better decision-making based on more comprehensive data and analytics.

4. Cloud-based solutions and services will be essential

From small business markets to enterprise levels, we can see more businesses leveraging cloud-based security solutions and services, with the pandemic accelerating this movement for people and businesses around the world. Cloud offers what all businesses want for their platforms and services – simplicity. With a cloud-hosting infrastructure, there is no need for a local server or software. Users can conveniently check the status of their assets and businesses in real time, receive security events and alarms quickly, and accomplish emergency responses by simply using a mobile app. For security business operators, the cloud enables them to remotely help their clients configure devices, fix bugs, maintain and upgrade security systems, and provide better value-added services.

5. Biometric access control will bring higher security and efficiency

The access control market is rapidly becoming occupied by biometric authentications, from fingerprint and palmprint recognition to facial and iris recognition. Biometric access controls bring inherent advantages, like higher security and efficiency with reduced counterfeiting. They verify within seconds – or fractions of seconds – and prevent unnecessary physical contact. Iris, palmprint, and facial recognition offer touchless access control, a hygienic practice more and more favored because of the pandemic.

6. The Zero Trust approach will take the cybersecurity spotlight

With more security devices connecting over the Internet than anyone ever imagined, cybersecurity has become an immense challenge in the industry. Stricter data security and privacy protection regulations, like the EU's GDPR and the Data Security Law in China, have placed higher demands on cybersecurity. And in 2021, several landmark ransomware attacks on a variety of enterprises have been the decisive factor for many companies to reinforce their network security architecture and strengthen their online protections.

The term "Zero Trust" has become a hot word just in recent years. A strategic initiative that developed to prevent data breaches by eliminating the concept of trust from an organization's network architecture, Zero Trust is rooted in a philosophy of "never trust, always verify" accepted within the IT industry first and slowly but steadily moves into the physical security realm, as it gradually becomes an important part of the IoT world.

7. Green manufacturing and low-carbon initiatives will take big strides

Low-carbon initiatives are valued by societies around the world with products featuring low-power consumption becoming the preferred options for customers and demand for solar-powered cameras are increasing. Meanwhile, local laws, regulations and policies that restrict carbon emission standards for manufacturing enterprises are pushing industries toward adopting more environmentally conscious practices in their daily operations and production, which includes using more environment-friendly materials and adopting multiple energy-efficient designs in product manufacturing processes. (Source: Hikvision Digital Technology)

By MediaBUZZ