As technology progresses at an escalating pace, social values change and both safety and privacy needs increase, 2025 will be a watershed moment for the security industry.
Interestingly, small businesses, corporate groups and the public alike will all experience this shift in security needs.
What is driving these changes, you ask?
It is a blend of advanced technological innovation and changing perceptual needs.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we identify and react to risks, while
- The use of next-generation biometrics, next-generation systems and other technologies are bringing once-hypothetical solutions into our daily lives.
- Discussions around data ethics, privacy and even sustainability are prompting the industry to innovate in ways that extend beyond technology itself.
But here’s the kicker: the accessibility of security tools for small business owners is no longer out of reach. High-tech solutions once reserved for large organisations with big budgets are now quite affordable and available. However, with the variety of choices, it can be a real dilemma to determine which option will work best without wasting either money or time.
But on the corporate side, the risk is also potentially enormous.
Cyber threats are more complex, legislation is stricter and competition to stay ahead is higher.
Although you may not be directly working on cybersecurity, these digital security transformations are here today. The way cities manage public safety, how devices in your home protect data or the measures companies take to secure personal information — everything is connected to the changing ecosystem of security.
The state of security challenges we face today might seem daunting, but they are also sparking some of the most exciting innovations we have ever seen.
For more, read: The Role of Security & Monitoring for People, Assets and Property
So, what does this evolution in security all mean for you?
Whether you are looking to protect your companies, secure your teams or simply understand the trends shaping the world, it is the perfect time to pay attention. Security is an exciting and dynamic world full of opportunity.
Staying safe is no longer all there is to it, it is also about staying ahead.
We’re just scratching the surface of what is possible. As we dive deeper into these topics, we are excited to explore how this transformation will shape the way we think about safety and privacy in 2025. Let’s explore the possibilities together — read on.
1. Facial Recognition: Walking the Line Between Safety and Privacy
Facial recognition is no longer the stuff of science fiction, it is here, and it is making a big impact. Its ability to quickly and accurately identify individuals offers undeniable benefits, whether that means enhancing security in retail environments or supporting public safety initiatives.
Of course, it can help companies streamline operations, reduce theft and improve overall safety. However, with these advancements come important questions and concerns, particularly around privacy and ethical use.
Take the recent news of facial recognition technology in retail. While it provides a valuable tool for theft prevention and enhances customer and staff safety, it also raises critical concerns about data handling:
- How is the data stored?
- Who has access to it?
- What safeguards are in place to make sure it is used responsibly?
These questions highlight the need for clear policies and open dialogue to address public apprehensions.
For instance:
- Creating and sharing clear, concise policies on how the technology is used and how data is carried out demonstrates a commitment to ethical practices.
- Educating employees and customers about the benefits, limitations and safeguards of facial recognition technology can also help build trust and foster understanding.
Adapting to these requirements not only avoids legal pitfalls but also demonstrates a commitment to protecting individuals’ rights.
2. Video Management Systems (VMS): From Passive to Proactive
LONG gone are the days when video systems were just about capturing footage.
Modern video management systems (VMS) are smarter, more adaptable and designed to integrate seamlessly into broader IT ecosystems. With cloud adoption, edge computing and AI-powered analytics, today’s systems are capable of much more than basic surveillance.
Suzette Po-Williams highlights a significant trend towards the integration of various security systems, such as alarm systems, access control and video management systems (VMS). She notes,
“The future is the video management systems… we have gone from the standard dialer to IP everything.”
Imagine a system that does not just capture a video but actively analyses it in real-time, identifying potential risks and alerting operators before issues escalate. This is not a distant vision; it is already happening in smart cities around the world. These systems are being used to monitor public spaces, optimise traffic flow and improve urban safety, providing lessons that benefit companies of all sizes.
It’s important to think beyond traditional hardware solutions when considering a VMS upgrade.
The latest VMS platforms offer the ability to integrate with existing technologies, providing a cohesive and scalable solution that grows with your needs. VMS solutions these days can be enhanced with services like CHeKT and Immix Talk Down service and other related offerings addressing the growing demand for proactive security measures in residential areas.
“While some have been pioneers in the convergence of security technologies, others are just beginning to catch up. At Central Monitoring Services (CMS), we have been steadily building our capabilities in alarm monitoring, access control and specialised services like remote video guarding and virtual patrol video verification,” Suzette adds.
By using the power of AI and cloud technology, companies can harness the full potential of their VMS systems. Whether that means linking with access control systems, using cloud storage for flexibility or deploying AI-driven tools for predictive analysis, modern VMS solutions are redefining the possibilities for security and beyond.
3. AI-Powered Video Surveillance, Smarter, More Predictive Security
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled video surveillance is altering perceptions of security. These systems now go beyond just recording footage, they are predictive, capable of identifying unusual behaviour and recognising patterns.
This evolution is transforming security operations and allowing companies and municipalities to tackle problems with a lower response time and improve safety, all while minimising response time.
Suzette says, “What truly excites me about AI is its ability to filter out false alarms. For instance, AI can distinguish between a cat and a real threat, saving valuable operator time.”
However, with these powerful capabilities come significant ethical concerns.
There are many and often conflicting ways to ensure AI systems are fair and unbiased. How can we prevent misuse? To responsibly deploy these technologies, partner organisations that commit to ethical AI deployment are essential. Good use of AI-based surveillance requires definitive auditing, unambiguous instructions on how to use the machine and a clear policy on how to use data in an AI-based platform to maintain public trust.
4. Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Your Smart Security Systems
With the increasing sophistication and integration of video management systems (VMS) with AI, robust cybersecurity has never been more critical.
As the trend of cloud-based technologies and AI-based applications grows, the cyberattack risk is considerably higher and therefore it would be of relevance to maintain a high visibility of digital security.
The good news?
There are proven best practices that can help keep your systems safe. Encryption, updates and user authentication are all important weapons in the securement of data as well as the strength and uncompromised nature of a security infrastructure.
It can be easy to assume that just having physical security in place like cameras and alarms will be enough, but in today’s world, that is no longer the case.
With the increasing numbers of companies utilising smart, interconnected technology, cybersecurity has to be every bit as important as physical security itself. After all, if your systems are vulnerable to cyber threats, everything else you are doing to protect your company can be at risk.
The reality is that if you are using advanced security technologies, you also need to be proactive about defending them against cyber threats.
Through the use of innovations such as encryption to safeguard data, ensuring system updates prevent misuse and the use of strong authentication tools to prevent unauthorised access, you are creating a strong line of defence that also protects the digital assets than the physical ones.
The protection of your assets goes hand in hand with the protection of the physical and the digital side of your enterprise. Cybersecurity is not just an afterthought; it’s a key part of your overall security strategy. Making it a top priority means you are making sure that your systems remain reliable, safe and resilient to the growing number of cyber threats out there.
5. IoT + AI: A New Era of Real-Time Situational Awareness
The Internet of Things (IoT) and AI are driving innovation in the security industry.
Together, these technologies are creating a new level of situational awareness. IoT devices such as smart cameras, door sensors and baby monitors can now collect and transmit data that AI analyses in real-time.
It is like having a team of intelligent eyes constantly monitoring your surroundings, always on the lookout for something that does not belong.
For example, think about how smart homes use IoT-connected cameras to keep an eye on things. These cameras let you check in on your home while you are away, but they can also detect unusual activity, whether it is a door left open or even smoke in the air, and alert you immediately. With AI, these systems go one step further, learning to recognise patterns in behaviour.
Is someone lingering around your home?
Has there been a sudden shift in activity?
The system will flag that as suspicious, which enables users to act quickly.
But while these technologies make our environment smarter, they also raise privacy concerns. As IoT devices become abundant, companies need to stay on top of evolving privacy laws to make sure they are fully compliant.
Suzette expresses caution regarding the Internet of Things (IoT), stating, “Anything that can get on an Internet connection these days has its own risks.”
This means understanding data protection regulations like GDPR and making sure that the data collected from these devices is handled ethically. Keeping privacy top of mind is key to making these innovations work for you, not against you.
“A lot of these things can simply be avoided if you just tell people first,” Suzette stresses the need for clear regulations surrounding privacy and data protection.
6. Affordable and Accessible Security for Small Businesses
Security technology has traditionally been a big investment, often out of reach for smaller organisations, but even that is changing these days.
With the production of cloud-based security products and the amazing advances in AI, high-fidelity security has become more price- and access-effective than before.
This change has created great potential for small business owners.
They can now take advantage of AI-powered surveillance systems that can track and analyse real-time data, offer predictive analytics and quickly detect threats, all without the hefty price tag that used to be attached to enterprise-level security. Cloud-based systems further make these tools more accessible, thus avoiding the need for expensive hardware and making it possible for companies to meet their security requirements without shelling out a fortune.
With these advanced systems at their disposal, small companies can protect their assets, employees and customers just as effectively as larger organisations.
Security technology can be considered a luxury item, and thanks to innovations, it is now within reach for companies of different scales.
7. AI and the Future of Threat Detection: Real-Time Responses to Emerging Risks
AI is not only upgrading existing security systems but also reforming the ways we identify and react to new threats. With AI, security systems are now more proactive.
Rather than having to wait for a problem and then respond to it, AI can analyse large volumes of data in real-time and identify atypical behaviour, raise red flags, identify hazards and predict dangers in advance.
For instance, AI-based surveillance can detect deepfake videos attempting to breach a system, identify behavioural irregularities in a crowd or recognise trends that may signal emerging risks. The magic is in the capability to analyse dense amounts of data very fast, in such a way that companies and security forces become capable of reacting immediately before anything bad happens.
Advancements in hardware, such as 8k cameras and AI processors, are reaching the boundaries of what’s achievable. With these cutting-edge technologies, it is possible to achieve increased sharpness and detail, as well as rapid processing.
The result?
More accurate threat detection, faster responses and a greater ability to anticipate potential risks. As new types of threats like cyberattacks or physical security breaches continue to evolve, AI will play a critical role in keeping ahead of the curve.
For companies, adopting this technology at this time is the safest move towards tomorrow and can help pre-empt these threats even before they appear.
8. Edge Computing: Faster, Smarter and More Secure Surveillance
Edge computing is a force to be reckoned with in terms of security systems.
Edge computing allows the data to be analysed at the source right where it is being collected. This radically reduces latency, meaning security teams can effectively respond faster to threats with more precision.
For organisations that deal with massive amounts of data, edge computing is a dream come true. It simplifies operations, speeds up decision-making and reduces the strain on central servers.
Edge computing also improves privacy because processing of the data is done locally and not over networks, the risk of the data being intercepted or compromised is lower.
Edge computing enables video systems to be more secure, faster and also better able to meet modern security needs.
9. Solutions Designed for Unique Industry Needs
Security is not a one-size-fits-all concept.
Different industries have distinct needs, and that is where tailored AI solutions come into play. AI-driven video systems are becoming increasingly tailored, providing organisations in fields such as healthcare, retail and education with the flexibility to adapt security technologies to their specific needs:
- In healthcare, AI systems can help monitor patient behaviour, identify potential risks and provide early alerts, while ensuring compliance with stringent data privacy regulations.
- In the retail world, AI-based analytics can be used to monitor customer behaviour, optimise store layout, deter shoplifters — and at the same time enhance customer service.
This mirrors the importance of security for people, property and assets, as discussed in our previous article here.
- In the education sector, smarter surveillance systems are being implemented to improve campus safety by detecting unusual activity and enabling early intervention. The proactive measures above provide a safer learning, working and visiting environment for students, staff and visitors.
Choosing AI solutions designed to their specific needs allows companies to optimise security and make their operations more efficient.
This level of customisation helps industries address security concerns in a way that is most effective for them. Whether it is about protecting sensitive data in healthcare or improving loss prevention in retail, the ability to tailor AI systems to your specific needs guarantees that your security strategy is as effective as possible.
10. Privacy: The Growing Priority in Security
With the evolution towards more sophisticated surveillance technology, privacy issues are receiving greater attention. With video systems and Internet-of-things (IoT) devices using artificial intelligence (AI) and collecting lots of data, organisations will need to think about how much data is being (i.e., accessed) employed and secured.
Transparency and ethical data practices are crucial and heavily rely on trust.
Suzette raises important concerns about privacy in the context of surveillance technology. She reflects on a past seminar where she was reminded of the right to privacy, saying, “You have a right to know what they’re doing with your data and your metadata.”
Audiences and staff are looking for assurance that their data and privacy are protected.
It is in the hands of organisations to be transparent and open about the functioning of their surveillance systems, data collection and data storage. Clear communication about data usage, regular audits and compliance with privacy laws like GDPR will be key to maintaining that trust.
Companies that are willing to put transparency and ethical data practices at the heart of their operations will not just protect customers’ privacy but also improve their trust in them.
Upholding integrity and implementing acceptable surveillance practices is the correct direction in the constantly changing world of digital safety.
As organisations become more and more under pressure to manage data privacy, those that embrace privacy first will be more prepared to deal with the likely future and sustain customers’ trust in 2025 and beyond.
The Security Space: Looking Ahead
The security industry stands at a pivotal crossroads with the technologies and trends of 2025 presenting immense opportunities to deliver safety improvements whilst warranting new responsibilities.
As these developments continue to arise, corporations and individuals need to enter this developing world thoughtfully.
The future of security is not simply the matter of implementing the newest technology, it is also concerned with how to select combinations and apply technologies in creating smarter and more effective solutions to satisfy not only the current needs but also future needs.
At Central Monitoring Services (CMS), we know that it can all feel like too much. That is why we’re here to help you make sense of the rapid changes taking place.
No matter your approach to adopting new technology, upgrading current security systems or to how to navigate these changes in the security market, we are your trusted partner and navigator. Our mission is to make sure that you enter this future in a manner that will improve your safety while preserving the harmony of individual privacy, freedom and confidence.
As the security ecosystem becomes more interconnected, adaptive and intelligent, the key challenge will be to ensure that these systems work for you efficiently, ethically and seamlessly. From artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled video-monitoring to edge computing and IoT-enabled devices. There are an unlimited number of ways in which situational awareness can be improved, response times can be optimised and overall protection can be enhanced.
However, with all these innovations, there is a task to ensure that the security eco-systems are used fairly, transparently, and responsibly.
As we move into 2025, CMS is committed to helping you navigate these changes, providing the expertise and solutions necessary to build a safer and smarter future.
Together, we can leverage cutting-edge technology to empower people and organisations and protect what matters most but to do so in a way that respects privacy and promotes trust.
Let’s start the security conversation.
- What challenges are you facing in today’s rapidly evolving security environment?
- How can CMS support you in overcoming them and creating a safer, more secure future for all?
We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Discover how Central Monitoring Services (CMS) can help secure and monitor your people, assets and property today
Central Monitoring Services (CMS) are the experts in residential, commercial and industrial security across Australia.
Australian-owned and operated since 1989, our team has more than 35 years of experience in the fire and security industries, yet it’s our high level of quality customer service that truly sets us apart.
At Central Monitoring Services (CMS), you’re not just another number. Rather, we make ourselves available to you, day and night, with our complete security, monitoring and technical support services.
For more information or to book a consultation, call 1300 655 009 or fill out our contact form today.
DISCLAIMER: This article’s contents are provided as general information only and not intended to be taken as advice or personal consulting in any form. These insights and trends are provided as just general assumptions and information, and are not to be misconstrued as guarantees as they don’t take into account your specific circumstances, the general economic situation or market shifts as time progresses. For more specific information, conduct your own research or speak to a security specialist for more bespoke advice to make decisions upon.
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