Securitas report: AI drives shift to smarter security

UNIONTOWN, Ohio—Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming physical security from a reactive function into a more proactive, intelligence-driven operation, according to Securitas Technology’s newly released 2027 Global Technology Outlook Report. 

Now in its ninth edition, the report draws on input from more than 16,000 clients across 19 countries, 600 security decision-makers, 26 technology partners and internal experts. The findings identify AI, cloud infrastructure, physical AI and cyber resilience as the trends expected to have the greatest impact on security programs in the years ahead. 

“Electronic security is more than just sensors and cameras,” said Doug Walsh, vice president of technology strategy. “Today it’s all about the data collection and usage, artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure, and how we bring all this together in some meaningful way.” 

AI moves from detection to decision-making 

According to Walsh, AI ranked as the top technology investment priority among surveyed customers, with more than 20% identifying it as their leading focus over the next 12 to 18 months. 

Executives said AI is evolving beyond traditional object detection into workflow automation, natural-language interaction and proactive decision support. 

“I think it lies in that agentic AI area,” Walsh said. “The ability for the systems not only to detect, but then to recommend and prompt for actions, initiating workflows.” 

Serdar Ince, global senior vice president, innovation & artificial intelligence, said organizations continue to face a common challenge: too much data and not enough personnel to effectively manage it. 

“They don't have enough people to manage all these systems, and they don't have enough people to look at all the alarms,” Ince said. “They're looking for solutions that can digest this data, help them manage it properly, and have that one pane of glass the industry has been promising for the last two decades.” 

The report also highlights growth in cloud-based security platforms. Walsh said 72% of surveyed organizations are now using cloud video surveillance, with cloud infrastructure serving as the foundation for AI-powered analytics, remote services and system integration. 

Executives cited threat detection, safety monitoring and alarm management as leading AI use cases delivering measurable value. 

Physical AI emerges as next frontier 

Interest in drones and robotics was among the report's more surprising findings. Roughly 10% of respondents indicated plans to adopt drone- or robotics-related technologies within the next 12 to 18 months. 

“We knew it was coming, but it was a pleasant surprise to see it confirmed,” Ince said. 

Walsh said rising concerns about unauthorized drone activity are also driving demand for drone detection technologies. About 7% of surveyed clients reported experiencing a drone-related incident. 

“When we were doing perimeter security, we'd be looking left, we'd be looking right,” Walsh said. “Now we need to look up.” 

Cyber resilience remains critical 

As security systems become increasingly connected, executives stressed that cyber resilience remains a top priority. 

“Every device is connected to the internet,” Ince said. “Everything is a target.” 

He urged organizations to focus on cybersecurity fundamentals, including firmware updates and monitoring manufacturer advisories for newly discovered vulnerabilities.  

Walsh pointed to cybersecurity awareness training, access governance and strong password management as additional best practices. 

Looking ahead, both executives said the industry's attention is increasingly turning toward the convergence of AI and autonomous technologies. 

“We had the IP revolution, we had the AI revolution, and we're approaching that physical AI revolution,” Ince said. 

Related: Securitas posts margin gains in Q1 but flags North America growth softness 

Photo courtesy of Securitas Technology