Risk
The Biggest Security And Safety Trends In 2023
This past year has been a rollercoaster for security professionals. Between pay raises for security forces, supply chain issues, and a rise in crime, safety and security professionals have had a lot to deal with in 2022.
That said, the security industry toolset also grew, with autonomous robots, cameras, and analytics improving considerably. What will next year hold? Read on for our 2023 predictions.
What risks will security professionals face in 2023?
Thanks to the economic and political climate we’re living in, many of the issues that plagued 2022 are unlikely to go away when the ball drops on December 31. Some may even get worse in 2023:
Supply chain problems: Thanks to inflation and other economic issues, asset theft is likely to rise in 2023. Everything is more expensive now, and desperate people will probably take what they can, both at work and out in the community, where smash and grab retail crime is still a big concern.
Illness: The pandemic might be the norm now, but it is still happening. We are seeing many health concerns now with variants as well as with other diseases, like Respiratory syncytial virus infection (RSV). There are other underlying health issues as well; for two years people avoided doctors for fear of catching COVID-19. The ailments that weren’t being treated have the potential to cause more health problems for employers.
Short tempers: The last year or so has seen bad behavior by people in public and in businesses. People now get frustrated very easily, and that can lead to impatience, anger, and violence.
Transportation security theft: With so many supply issues we may continue to see theft from transportations, like trains and trucks.
Retail fraud: Similar to theft, it’s likely we will see more fraudulent returns and other means of defrauding retailers.
The hybrid workforce: Although we are getting back to normal work, many workplaces have gone hybrid. Security forces will likely struggle to secure a workforce that is partly remote and partly onsite.
Infrastructure: Our energy infrastructure is aging. As we’ve seen in previous years, one hack or ransomware attack can result in an energy crisis.
Natural disasters: Climate change has been causing severe weather conditions. Businesses need to beef up their continuity plans and become more resilient to natural disasters.
The sociopolitical climate: Because 2024 is a U.S. presidential election year, campaigns will start in 2023, as will an escalation in rhetoric and associated violence and anger.
Active shooters: Active shooters are an escalating problem, especially for diverse businesses, schools, and organizations that have taken a political stand on divisive issues.
What tools will be available to security professionals in 2023?
While risks are on the rise, the technology available to security professionals has also been increasing in quality and decreasing in price. The following tools will be making it easier for professionals to do their jobs in 2023:
Access control: Expect to see more (and better) keyless access in the next year, eliminating the need for cards or other items that are easily lost or stolen.
Analytics and AI-backed Video: Cameras have come a long way in just a few years. Expect to see smarter cameras offering surveillance backed with analytics and AI.
Mobile apps: There’s an app for every security function, including tracking security KPISs, remotely monitoring sites, and locking and unlocking doors.
Detection systems: As sensor technology improves, look for more and better detection systems, for weapons, health screening, and other surveillance.
Integrated GSOCs: As technology improves, so is the ability for all of these applications to play nicely together. Organizations that take advantage of these integrations will be able to build a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) with very little overhead.
Prevention: Thanks to the development of technology, security forces will be able to use preventative countermeasures to intervene and stop attackers before incidents expand or even begin.
A critical approach to manguarding operations: Because technology has the potential to be a force multiplier, companies are going to be reviewing contracts with a critical eye. Expect a penalty and reward system to be built into contracts for both performance and non-performance.
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