GSX panel to explore AI-driven disruption in security

YARMOUTH, Maine—Artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity threats and changing customer expectations are reshaping the physical security industry. 

Those themes will take center stage during “Disruption Unlocked: How AI, Cybersecurity and Innovation Are Reshaping Physical Security,” an educational session scheduled for Sept. 15 at GSX 2026 in Atlanta.  

The panel will feature Jeffrey Slotnick, CPP, PSP, president of Setracon; Kasia Hanson, CEO of KFactor Global; and Don Morrow, founder and CEO of HighlandTech. The discussion will examine how emerging technologies are changing the security landscape and what organizations can do to adapt.  

Consumer expectations driving change 

According to Hanson, the session grew out of conversations about how the security industry is responding to rapid technological change, particularly the convergence of physical security, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. 

“We're really moving to a new point in the industry,” Hanson said. “Every industry is going through it, especially with AI. AI is opening up more risk with cyber. We're hoping to unpack how the industry can surround itself with the right knowledge and take away strategies to become a disruptor.” 

While AI is often viewed as a major catalyst for change, Slotnick believes customer expectations may be the biggest disruptor. 

“People are able to go home and see how seamlessly their devices connect and interact with each other," he said. "Eventually they're going to ask this industry, ‘Why can't I have that?’” 

Slotnick called on vendors to improve interoperability and reduce complexity for end users. 

“I am of the opinion that our industry needs to be a plug and play industry,” he said, “where I can take whatever physical security device I want, plug it into a network, it handshakes and we move on.” 

Understanding the technology 

Slotnick also warned organizations against embracing emerging technologies without understanding them. 

“Too many people throw around acronyms without having the depth of understanding needed to speak cogently on the subject,” Slotnick said. “Really dive into artificial intelligence, machine learning and agentic AI and learn what they are and their applications to the physical security industry.” 

Focus over hype 

For organizations hoping to lead disruption rather than react to it, Morrow said the first step is identifying specific business problems AI can help solve. 

“Identifying the right use cases and training needs is the most valuable action end-user organizations can take right now,” he said. 

Morrow added that manufacturers face increasing pressure as AI lowers software development barriers and accelerates competition. “The moat is shrinking monthly as development costs shrink,” he said. 

Amid the rapid pace of change, he urged organizations to avoid chasing every new AI trend.  “Your biggest leverage is focus,” Morrow said. “You must make calculated decisions about what you and your team should focus on.” 

Preparing for what's next 

Hanson said the industry must be prepared for the cybersecurity risks accompanying greater AI adoption. 

“I think AI in general is kind of that disruptor in the industry,” she said. “The disruption is moving faster than anyone in the industry can move, and the risks that are associated with that are cyber related.” 

For Slotnick, one of the biggest challenges facing security leaders is keeping pace with technologies that are already transforming other sectors of the economy. 

“Other industries, including the medical field, supply chain and building automation systems, have already adopted artificial intelligence, machine learning and agentic AI,” he said. “Read and learn how they are using these tools and how the lessons learned can impact the security industry.”