Emphasising proactive rather than reactive security shifts the focus from dealing with crises and damage control to prevention. Advantages of a proactive approach include cost efficiency, better business continuity, and fewer crises that draw attention away from strategic improvements. Staying ahead of threats is a core mission of the security department, and technology has evolved to enable security professionals to deliver on that mission better than ever. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How are security systems transitioning from reactive to proactive, and what is the benefit?

Multiple technology trends are transforming the physical access control market. There is a fundamental shift away from physical cards and keys toward digital identities — mobile credentials, digital wallets, biometrics, and cloud-native access platforms. These next generation access solutions are radically reshaping how buildings operate, protect staff, and perform functionally. At the same time, AI and analytics solutions are being layered onto these physical access control systems to support predictive threat detection and behavioural insights. Access data itself is becoming an asset for sustainability, space optimisation, and smart building initiatives. Risk, impact operations and experience The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues. The survey cites improving user convenience as a priority for nearly half of organisations, while 41% are focused on simplifying administration, and 28% struggle with system integration. These are not theoretical challenges, they are day‑to‑day friction points that add cost, increase risk, impact operations and experience, and, of course, must be addressed. HID Global’s commercial focus HID Global’s commercial focus is to help organisations digitise their access control — with mobile identities, biometrics, and cloud platforms — and then to use the data to deliver more value. “We are turning access control from an operational cost into a software-driven asset that improves efficiency, supports Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and even creates new revenue opportunities,” says Steven Commander, HID Global’s Head of Consultant Relations. The impact of digital transformation Digital transformation is the method of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials Digital transformation is in the process of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials to a software-driven, integrated experience. The transformation strengthens security while also improving user convenience — transforming the “pavement to the desk” journey. HID enables this shift through mobile credentials, biometrics, cloud-native platforms, and solutions that allow third-party applications to run on door hardware. “This helps customers turn access data into operational and commercial outcomes, while also improving the overall user experience,” says Commander.  Digital transformation in access control is not focused on chasing the latest trends. Rather, transformation is about turning software, data and integration into outcomes that matter to customers, says HID. “Security becomes stronger and more adaptive,” says Commander. “Operations become simpler and more cost‑effective. Experiences become seamless and consistent. Sustainability moves from ambition to action. And the financial case becomes clearer as efficiencies are banked and new value streams emerge.” The challenge of futureproofing with long lifecycles Given that physical security technologies will be in place for 15 to 20 years, it is important to plan for how systems can evolve over time. Considering how rapidly security threats, compliance standards, and user expectations change, 15 to 20 years is a long time. The decisions made at the beginning of a system’s lifecycle can either limit flexibility later (which will be costly) or enable long-term adaptability. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important Choosing products and platforms that are open, interoperable, and designed for updates can enable future-proof projects. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important.  In addition, systems built on open controller platforms — such as Mercury — enable organisations to switch software providers or expand functionality without replacing core door hardware. Architectural openness is key to system lifecycles and maximising the return on investment (ROI) from a chosen solution. Digital credentials and mobile access Flexibility and upgradeability should also be top of mind when it comes to endpoints like access control readers. While RFID cards are still commonplace, there is a clear trend toward digital credentials and mobile access. Readers that support both allow organisations to transition at their own pace, without committing to a full system overhaul. A long system lifecycle does not mean technology should remain static. Security, particularly cybersecurity, demands more frequent updates. Technologies that support firmware upgrades in the field extend the value of a deployment while helping organisations keep pace with emerging threats. In that sense, lifecycle thinking is not just about longevity — it’s about maintaining resilience and readiness over time. Applying biometrics and mobile identities Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction. Many organisations are now deploying biometrics to support fast, seamless access journeys, with adoption already around 39% in access control according to HID’s recent research.  In addition, 80% of organisations surveyed expect to deploy mobile identities within the next five years. Full technology integration enables tap‑to‑access without opening an app; the user journey becomes faster, safer, and more convenient. “It is where the industry is headed and we are at the vanguard of this,” says Commander.    Ongoing challenge of cybersecurity At HID Global, cybersecurity is embedded into everything, from corporate processes and development practices to the solutions they bring to market. “Our approach ensures that customers can strengthen their overall security posture, not only by deploying secure products but by benefitting from HID’s commitment to the highest industry standards,” says Commander. HID holds multiple globally recognised certifications, including ISO 27001, ISO 14298, SOC Type 2 and CSA STAR, which demonstrate their robust information security and cloud security practices. In addition, HID’s SEOS® secure chipset is independently SEAL-certified, providing one of the most advanced levels of protection available on the market today. “Ultimately, this means organisations are not just purchasing isolated secure products; they are implementing solutions developed and delivered within a comprehensive, cybersecure framework,” says Commander. “When deployed according to best practices, HID solutions enable customers to achieve the highest levels of resilience against evolving physical and cyber threats.” Developing green and sustainable solutions A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards Digital credentials align with the sustainable solutions that everyone wants. A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards. Over 550 million access cards are sold annually. This creates 2,700 tons of plastic waste and 11,400 tons of carbon, based on a PVC card weighing 5 grams.  Therefore, digital credentials self-evidently reduce the reliance on plastic cards (helping reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% according to HID’s research), while leveraging access control system data supports energy optimisation by shutting down or reducing systems in unused spaces. Energy use and CO₂ emissions can be cut dramatically, showing how access systems can contribute to sustainability goals and green building certification. What is the latest in smart buildings? Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services. Real-time access data enables new services such as automated room bookings, HVAC control, lift/elevator calling, e-bike hiring, and so on. Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services The financial upside is clear; smart, digitally transformed buildings can deliver around 8% higher yields per square foot versus traditional office space. Operational savings accrue from reduced administration, the removal of card production and shipping, and lighter IT support. This creates a value cycle — better experiences drive adoption, adoption fuels monetisation, and monetisation funds further improvements. Achieving technology impact in the real world One standout project is One Bangkok – a $3.9 billion mixed used development in Thailand – which demonstrates the scale of what can be achieved when access control data is used for optimisation, particularly when it comes to monitoring facilities usage and occupier behaviours. By switching lights off or lowering the temperature in unused rooms, for example, the One Bangkok building demonstrates this potential with a 22% reduction in energy consumption, saving 17,000 MWh and 9,000 tons of CO₂ annually.  Sustainability is a key factor in contributing to how properties are valued. And sustainability extends far beyond digital credentials having a lower environmental impact than plastic cards.  Buildings with recognised sustainability certifications often command rental premiums of around 6%, and three‑quarters of security decision‑makers now consider environmental impact in their procurement assessments.

ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas showcased the latest advancements in security technology, offering security professionals a glimpse into the future of the industry. This year's expo highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and enhanced integration. The pioneering comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals to the Venetian Convention Centre.  Integration into unified platforms Several companies emphasised the importance of cloud-based solutions and the integration of diverse security components into unified platforms. For example, Brivo's Security Suite provides “everything in one platform” – not just access control. Customers only pay for what they use because the system is flexible and scalable from a single door to enterprise level applications. Brivo’s suite includes video, but the system can also tie in with third-party “partners.” Genetec's Security Centre allows for more frequent updates through the cloud. Milestone is undergoing a two-year transition to bring its Xprotect system into the future by incorporating Arcules and Briefcam into a video-as-a service product. Suprema introduced BioStar X, which integrates access control and video analytics into a single platform. AI and mobile credentials  Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West 2025 Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West – Eagle Eye Networks, SecuriThings, and Wesco. They join the three partners announced during the first year of Axis Cloud Connect – Genetec, Kone (elevators) and Milestone. AI and mobile credentials were still hot topics at ISC West 2025, but the conversation has evolved beyond amazement at the technologies’ capabilities and now centres on more practical aspects. From the theoretical to the practical “AI and mobility are still the ‘flavors de jour,’ but messages are evolving to manifest AI for better outcomes,” says Heather Torrey, General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas, for Honeywell Building Automation. The company has reframed its security portfolio to be very building- and business-focused, continuing to grow and evolve after the recent acquisition of LenelS2. “From the theoretical to the practical, we want customers to be part of the conversation so we can deliver AI that is meaningful to them, focusing on what’s most important,” says Torrey. Under Honeywell’s new ownership structure, “each part of the business can be more focused on customers’ needs,” she says. Honeywell continues its journey around mobile access and credentialing and migrating to cloud solutions. Innovations in Access Control Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems Access control remains a critical component of security systems, and ISC West 2025 showcased several innovations in this area. Acre is releasing “Gallery,” its version of the App Store for access control. DormaKaba is launching the Keyscan KC Series door controller with TCP/IP connectivity and enhanced features. Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems. Johnson Controls highlighted its C-Cure command centre and C-Cure IQ web client, offering a unified approach to access control and video. Hardware integrations for security panels For service provider Alarm.com, hardware products prepare a path to greater customer experiences, says Abe Kinney, Alarm.com’s Director, Product Management, who oversees hardware integrations for security panels, sensors, video, etc., and drives new product development. “We are looking to bridge the physical world to digital world,” he says. “We want to bring an advantage to our dealers that they can bring to customers.” Because Alarm.com’s customers pay a monthly fee, the products must be durable and economical, says Kinney. “It should work with no need for truck rolls.” The importance of longevity and flexibility Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation. In particular, longevity is important for the Alarm.com’s pro channel. There is also a growing emphasis on deterrence industrywide. Says Kinney: “We recognise that detection is part of it, but we need to prevent problems from happening in the first place. And the industry is re-evaluating.” When it comes to cloud intelligence, Eagle Eye Networks puts the emphasis on flexibility. They offer AI that can perform anywhere on the system infrastructure, on the camera, on their on-site bridge device, or in the cloud. They support their own AI and also any AI product from a third party. “We focus on what customers want from the data AI detects,” says Hans Kahler, Eagle Eye Networks’ Chief Operating Officer. Integration with other systems A timely alert from gun detection could save a life, but AI can also generate information that might be used and analysed later, such as point-of-sale information, dwell time, foot traffic, etc. “What people want is the ability to work with the data for business intelligence,” says Kahler. Integration with other systems provides new opportunities for customers: For example, a licence plate reader at a restaurant drive-thru could trigger customisation of the menu board digital signage based on the customer’s previous buying pattern. Relentless Innovation Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million SKUs for all its various brands, faked in 28 factories in the US Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million stock keeping units (SKUs) for all its various brands manufactured in 28 factories in the United States. Merely complying with regulations such as the “Buy American Act” is a monumental effort considering the massive product line, attendees heard at Assa Abloy’s Annual ISC West Breakfast focusing on compliance challenges in the security market. Meanwhile, back at the trade show booth, Assa Abloy focused on “relentless innovation” in every corner of its product line. Assa Abloy’s message: Innovation in security does not have to be about AI or automation. In fact, inventive approaches to products come in all shapes and sizes and at every level of the product portfolio, and innovation is happening faster than ever. For example, the Safebolt product from Securitech, a brand recently acquired by Assa Abloy, can quickly lock down existing doors with the press of a red button on a cylindrical or mortise lock. Temporary Systems to Secure Events Securing events is the focus of Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions, which specialises in setting up temporary security systems for conventions, trade shows, festivals, construction sites, parades, and other events. They can add technology to situations where previously mostly security officers were used, providing safety/security and enabling more efficient event operation.  “We can put cameras anywhere, whether they need power or not, use cell service or WiFi, a localised network or the internet, or whatever,” says Andrew LaMadrid, VP, Sales for Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions. Event operation and management IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past The focus is on easy implementation, flexibility, and fast setup and removal. “We look for a solution to solve each customer’s pain points,” says LaMadrid. They specialise in setting up and deploying surveillance cameras for safety/security and for event operation and management. Mobile surveillance is a relatively new “piece of our puzzle” when it comes to protecting high-profile events. “People are excited about what we can offer that’s new,” says LaMadrid. Unified Command Solutions has been around for about 12 years and was acquired by Allied Universal last summer. IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past, and visitors were very interested in those solutions, says Scott Switzer, IDIS CEO. “The progression of our product line has been tremendous,” he says. Last year, the IDIS booth offered only basic analytics, but this year they had 30 different advanced analytics including gun and aggression detection using the advanced solution “IDIS Vaidio AI.”  What Makes You Different? The most common question IDIS hears at their trade show booth is: “What makes you different?” The answer: They offer an end-to-end solution, including cameras; they manage, control, design from end-to-end; and there is no need for multiple integrations. The time needed to install an IDIS system is significantly less because of the simplicity. “We have customers we have supported and grown together for over 20 years,” says Switzer. The company previously deployed IDIS cameras under the Costar brand before the Korean IDIS brand was introduced into the U.S. (IDIS purchased Costar and changed the name to IDIS America.) “This has been a tremendous show for us; we are looking to build our momentum and let more people know about IDIS,” says Switzer. Managing real AI at the edge The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations Based in Prague, Czech Republic, and with U.S. offices in Pennsylvania, FF Group provides licence plate recognition for harsh environments. Using Axis cameras, they offer “managed real AI at the edge,” selling through a nationwide distributed network, says Alex Osypov, CEO and Founder of FF Group. Markets include parking lots, cities/municipalities, police, government, water systems, etc. The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations. They are looking to combine and correlate data including LIDAR, RADAR, etc. to exploit the advantages of “data fusion.” Osypov says: “The market is growing because we are involving other adjacent markets.” Unified platforms and advanced tools Several companies are focusing on enhancing security operations centres (SOCs) by providing unified platforms and advanced tools. Axon’s Fusus system “layers” onto existing infrastructure, tying together various sensors into a single interface for real-time monitoring and information sharing. Increasingly, enterprises have invested in a lot of technologies – ac, video, asset trackers – but none of it talks together. Fusus ties all the systems together so that operators no longer have to look at 10 different screens. Rather, there is a “single pane of glass” that shows everything and facilitates sharing of information with law enforcement.  Motorola also showcased its Security Operations Centre, which integrates hardware, software, smart sensors, communication radios, and broadband devices to streamline incident management.

Physical security technologies are a prominent tool used by correctional facilities to provide a safe, secure, and controlled environment for staff, inmates, and the wider community. Among several functions, security technologies are used to prevent unauthorised access, to detect contraband, to monitor inmate movements and activities, and to protect staff. For security technology manufacturers, integrators and consultants, the corrections market presents distinctive challenges. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the unique aspects of the corrections market, and how should the physical security industry adapt?

Mesh Security, the company delivering the world’s first Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture (CSMA) platform, announces a $12 million Series A funding round led by Lobby Capital, with participation from S Ventures (SentinelOne CVC), and BrightPixel Capital. Mesh provides the execution layer for modern security operations, as enterprises shift toward unifying fragmented security investments into a single, interoperable system that reduces exposure and improves business resiliency at scale. Modern security operations Mesh Security provides the execution layer for modern security operations, enabling enterprises to run their security investments as a single, interoperable system at scale. Over the past decade, organisations invested heavily in best-of-breed stacks across identity, endpoints, data, cloud, SaaS, networks, and CI/CD. While individual tools improved, security as a system did not. The result has been consistent across the industry: too many tools, scattered security data, disjointed operations, and growing exposure that no single product can truly own. System-driven exposure elimination Mesh is not another security product. It operates as an execution layer that sits above existing security investments, unifying visibility, context, and control without agents or rip-and-replace. By transforming fragmented stacks into a single operational fabric, Mesh enables organisations to move from human-driven security operations to system-driven exposure elimination. Mesh’s platform is purpose-built to operationalise Cybersecurity Mesh Architecture (CSMA), as defined by Gartner, in real-world enterprise environments. While CSMA has emerged as the industry’s architectural direction, most organisations struggle to execute it in practice. Mesh delivers the missing execution layer, enabling cross-domain visibility and control across business units, subsidiaries, teams, and environments without disrupting existing investments. Broader market transition “For years, enterprise security has accumulated tools and data, but it never built an execution layer that connects them into a single operating model,” said Netanel (Neo) Azoulay, CEO and co-founder of Mesh Security. “Mesh was built to realise Cybersecurity Mesh by unifying context and control across best-of-breed environments, so security finally works as one system, without vendor lock-in.” This shift is being driven by a broader market transition. Security leaders face increasing board-level pressure to reduce risk, prove ROI, and operate faster, while legacy architectures were never designed for execution at scale. As a result, ‘platformisation’ is becoming a board-level mandate, and Cybersecurity Mesh is moving from theory to board-level priority. Complex production environments Mesh is already deployed in complex production environments, working alongside pioneer security platforms to enable enterprise-wide adaptive defense that historically never operated together. The company’s approach is resonating across the ecosystem, including collaboration with leading security platforms such as SentinelOne, and with enterprises seeking to unlock the full value of their existing security investments. “Mesh provides a clear way to understand where a security program stands,” said Bradley Schaufenbuel, VP and CISO at Paychex. “It helps identify the critical gaps that actually matter and drives the process of closing them. What stands out is that it doesn’t require replacing existing tools, it’s designed to make the security stack work as one system.” Growing enterprise demand “We’re thrilled to lead this investment in Mesh Security, as they pioneer the future of unified security operations and CSMA security,” said Buddy Arnheim, Founding Partner at Lobby Capital. “Mesh’s platform is uniquely positioned to help enterprises achieve true cybersecurity mesh architecture in an era of increasing complexity.” The new funding will be used to further advance Mesh’s autonomous, agentic capabilities, expanding how the platform reasons over cross-domain attack paths and enables system-level remediation, while scaling sales and customer support to meet growing enterprise demand. As Mesh enters its next phase of growth, the company remains focused on a single goal: enabling security teams to execute, not just observe. Rather than adding dashboards or alerts, Mesh is designed to eliminate exposure by design through autonomous, system-level execution.

For large retailers with hundreds of branches, operational challenges often feel familiar. Rising crime, staff shortages, tight margins and ageing infrastructure dominate boardroom conversations. Yet while many organisations focus on headline issues, smaller structural inefficiencies quietly drain budgets year after year. One of the most overlooked is keyholding and access management. The financial impact of traditional keyholding models is significant. Across large retail estates, annual costs can easily reach six figures before factoring in disruption caused by staff turnover, lost keys, emergency locksmith callouts or delayed alarm responses. Emergency locksmith callouts As pressures mount, smarter access control is emerging as a practical way to unlock savings while strengthening security. The hidden cost of staff turnover Low wages, long hours, limited career progression, customer abuse and the growing gap between pay and cost of living all contribute to instability at store level. In 2022, research by retail charity Retail Trust found that one in five retail workers, and one in three employees at the UK’s biggest retailers, planned to leave the industry altogether. Fast forward to 2025 and the problem has intensified. According to the State of the UK Hourly Workforce Report, 63 percent of hourly employees say they intend to leave their job within the next 12 months. Traditional keyholding methods High turnover has a direct and often underestimated impact on property and security costs. When employees leave suddenly, sometimes quitting on the spot, retailers face delays, operational disruption and the expense of replacing keys and locks. Multiply this across dozens or hundreds of stores and locksmith fees quickly escalate. Traditional keyholding methods, including store managers retaining keys outside working hours, offer little flexibility in these situations. Once a physical key is unaccounted for, the safest option is often replacement across the board, including keys held by security services for outsourced alarm response. Smarter access control, including the secure storage of keys at the point of need, removes this risk. Combat soaring theft By eliminating the need for individuals to carry keys off site, retailers can change access permissions instantly and remotely, as and when required. Valuable stock and internal risk Retailers have invested heavily to combat soaring theft. Security tags, locked cabinets, screens and on-site security guards have become common, particularly in supermarkets and high-value categories. Yet not all theft is external. Internal shrinkage remains a persistent issue, especially for small, high value stock like mobile phones stored in back-of-house areas. While keys may be kept in a safe, access often relies on shared codes, informal handovers and no clear audit trail. Securing internal storage areas During busy trading periods, keys are passed around to save time, leaving retailers exposed. Smarter key management solutions can bridge the gap between traditional locks and full access control systems. For example, SentriGuard is used by some retailers to secure internal storage areas, providing full traceability of access and activity. For many organisations, this offers a cost-effective way to increase accountability without overhauling existing infrastructure or installing a fully digital, hard-wired access control system. Alarm response and the true cost of crime Retail crime does not stop during trading hours. When alarms are triggered overnight, speed matters. Delayed access can lead to greater damage, prolonged store closures and lost revenue, costs that extend far beyond the value of stolen or vandalised goods. Limiting consequential losses Access control plays a critical role in alarm response. Secure, intelligent keyholding allows security services or police officers to gain rapid access without forcing entry, reducing damage and downtime. For stores carrying high value stock, the ability to respond quickly can significantly limit consequential losses. The benefits of smarter access control increasingly extend beyond loss prevention. One growing use case is after-hours deliveries. With secure keys stored at the point of need, delivery drivers can access stores outside trading hours to drop off goods without requiring shop staff to be present. Key management systems This reduces overtime, simplifies logistics and improves accountability through detailed access logs and delivery notes completed using the key access app. As Stuart Wheeler, Managing Director at Keynetics, explains, “One of our large retail clients originally purchased our smart key management systems for all their branches to improve security and alarm response. However, they soon began seeing additional benefits in other areas of operation, particularly after-hours deliveries. With keys available at the point of need at all times, drivers are able to gain access without delays while retailers retain full visibility of the process.” The financial case is compelling. Average keyholding costs sit at around £400 per site per year. For a retailer with 250 locations, that equates to £100,000 annually purely for keyholding services. By comparison, modern access control and key management systems can pay for themselves within a couple of years. Ongoing costs are largely limited to alarm callouts rather than fixed annual fees. Yet many retail property managers never reach this calculation. Daily operational pressures Faced with daily operational pressures, they are firefighting rather than forward planning. A smarter way forward Retailers will continue to face complex challenges, from workforce instability to rising crime. While no single solution can solve them all, smarter access control represents a practical and immediately actionable opportunity to reduce costs, improve security and streamline operations. In an industry where margins are tight and savings are hard won, unlocking efficiencies hidden in plain sight may be one of the smartest moves retailers can make.

Quorum Cyber reveals the extensive, but alarming findings of its 2026 Global Cyber Risk Outlook report. AI automation and Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) platforms have fundamentally altered the threat landscape, enabling nation-state actors to automate up to 90% of intrusions, and pushing vulnerability disclosures past 35,000 for the first time. Attackers abandon slow-encryption tactics, as evidenced by ransom demands in financial services exploding by 179%. Organisations face a stark reality: detection windows are shrinking, barriers to hacker entry are collapsing, and even modestly skilled criminals now wield capabilities once reserved for elite operators. Cyber risk considerations Insights from the 2026 Global Cyber Risk Outlook are derived from incidents and investigations observed across over 350 global organisations ranging in staff size from 10 to 10,000 throughout calendar year 2025. Highlighted report findings that need to reshape 2026 cyber risk considerations include: The number of newly formed ransomware groups increased by 30% in the year to October 2025 Global vulnerability disclosures rose 21%, surpassing 35,000 Early evidence of a nation-state group using AI agents to automate up to 90% of an intrusion Cybercriminals are increasingly shifting away from encryption toward faster, lower-cost data exfiltration attacks New white-label RaaS platforms enabling rapid launch of branded criminal operations Average ransom demands surged across multiple sectors, including 179% in financial services and 97% in manufacturing Nation-state threat actors associated with Russia, China, and Iran remain the top threats to the public sector, while North Korea-linked actors likely earned over $2 billion from cybercrime in 2025 Professionalised cybercriminal economy                “Over the past year, we have witnessed a marked acceleration in the capability and ambition of threat actors. The proliferation of AI-enabled tooling, combined with an increasingly professionalised cybercriminal economy, has lowered barriers to entry and expanded the reach of even modestly skilled actors,” says Federico Charosky, Quorum Cyber’s Chief Executive Officer. “This report distills the most significant developments observed across our intelligence, incident response, and counter extortion work, offering practical guidance to help organisations anticipate and mitigate emerging risks.” Strengthening cyber resilience In addition, the 2026 Global Cyber Risk Outlook includes companion reports focused on nine industry sectors, including energy, financial services and insurance, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, higher education, housing and construction, legal and professional services, manufacturing, public sector, and retail. Each companion report outlines sector-specific threat dynamics and practical considerations for strengthening cyber resilience. To help organisations interpret these findings and prioritise action, Quorum Cyber will host a live webinar on February 25 featuring Lesley Kipling, Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft, alongside Quorum Cyber’s Threat Intelligence leadership. The session will examine how evolving threat actor tactics intersect with modern cloud, identity, and AI-driven environments — and what security leaders should focus on to strengthen resilience heading into 2026. The 2026 Global Cyber Risk Outlook reflects Quorum Cyber’s Microsoft-first approach to security, informed by deep visibility into cloud, identity, and AI-driven environments. Founded as a Microsoft-first security services provider, Quorum Cyber is a long-standing member of the Microsoft Intelligent Security Association (MISA) and holds all four Microsoft Security specialisations: Cloud Security, Identity and Access Management, Information Protection and Governance, and Threat Protection.

Motorola Solutions announces the launch of Assist Suites, a portfolio of role-based AI for public safety solutions designed to deliver the right intelligence to the right person at the right time. Assist Suites synthesise multiple sources of data from across an agency - 911 audio, body and in-car camera footage, radio transcripts and more - into a unified thread of intelligence to help accelerate emergency response times, enhance safety and transparently support the highest levels of operational and reporting accuracy. The Dispatcher Assist Suite helps streamline 911 information intake and emergency dispatch and coordination, and the Responder Assist Suite helps enhance field officer safety and reduce the administrative burden of report writing. Flagship report-writing tool The suite’s flagship report-writing tool, Narrative Assist, cross-references an officer’s first-hand account with multiple sources of incident data to build a police report grounded by verified intelligence. Assist highlights discrepancies for the officer’s review to maintain human-led oversight and retains a clear audit log of all AI suggestions. Research reveals that nearly half of a call handler’s time on 911 calls is spent verifying information, while officers spend approximately 40% of their shift behind a keyboard rather than in the community. Assist Suites are designed to address role-specific challenges driven by the dual crises agencies face: a massive influx of data and a critical shortage of public safety personnel. Additional public safety “In public safety, time can be the difference between a successful outcome and a tragedy,” said Mahesh Saptharishi, executive vice president and chief technology officer, Motorola Solutions. “Assist saves time and time saves lives. Assist supports the specific needs of each emergency responder, seamlessly transitioning intelligence from one person to the next to improve accuracy, speed and safety.” The role-based suites recognize that AI’s value can significantly vary in the command center versus a patrol car. More suites will follow this year to support additional public safety and enterprise security roles.  Real-time transcription Every second counts when someone dials 911, and research shows that 40% of 911 calls suffer from the inefficient exchange of information between roles. The Dispatcher Assist Suite provides real-time call transcription and scrolling translation to address language barriers that can add an average of 70 seconds to the call. Assist can highlight keywords like “gun” or “heart attack” and suggest immediate actions that allow call handlers to focus on faster and safer responses versus data entry. “Real-time transcription and call summary give telecommunicators the important parts of the 911 call in real-time to send to responders,” said Stephen Kennedy, Assistant County Administrator, Board of Sumter County Commissioners, Florida. “They aren’t losing anything, and they don’t have to lose time checking the details; it’s right in front of them.” Accelerating records documentation Additionally, Assist helps resolve non-emergency calls, which can account for 65% of call handlers’ workloads in some regions, keeping human attention focused on 911 crises. Officers report that about 40% of the time, incident details received en route differ from what they encounter on scene. The Responder Assist Suite helps give first responders a verified picture of the situation before they arrive. On scene, Assist enables voice-activated queries of an agency’s data for eyes-up situational awareness and safety in the field. Assist can also automatically tag evidence and redact sensitive subjects and objects to accelerate records documentation and support privacy. Significant administrative challenge Its Narrative Assist tool further helps solve the weight of report writing, a task that about 70% of officers identify as a significant administrative challenge AI can help address. Assist automates the critical process of cross-referencing the officer’s account with multiple data sources to verify facts and identify discrepancies, supporting the most accurate account of events. “Motorola Solutions has helped us step into modern policing and made our department a lot more efficient, easily saving us up to 40 hours a week with these AI technologies," said police sergeant Michael Sellner of the White Bear Lake Police Department, Minnesota. “We’ve seen Narrative Assist cut report writing time from an hour down to 15 minutes and Redaction Assist drop video redaction time from 35 hours to just one. The AI features in Motorola Solutions’ Responder Assist Suite allow our officers to stop staring at screens and get back to proactive policing.”

DeterTech, the official site security partner of Brentford FC, is proud to support an accredited Safe Haven established by the club at Gtech Community Stadium, reinforcing both organisations’ commitment to community safety and wellbeing. Located in Brentford FC’s west stand security hub on Lionel Road South, it will provide support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It will be managed by trained security staff and is open to any member of the public who feels vulnerable or needs help. Contacting emergency services Safe Havens are dedicated spaces of support that help people with their onward journey by providing various forms of assistance, such as contacting emergency services, phone charging facilities, calling a taxi, or reaching friends and family. Accredited by the Safer Business Network, shops, cafes, pubs, libraries, and other venues can also become a registered Safe Haven. “Our purpose at DeterTech is always to bring greater peace of mind to people and communities, every day. The Safe Haven campaign is one of many powerful examples of how we put that into action,” said Sarah Craig, Chief Marketing Officer at DeterTech. Various forms of assistance Brentford’s chief executive Jon Varney said: “We are a club that sits in the heart of the community and it is vital that we are able to support our fans and those living in the local area. In creating a Safe Haven space at our stadium, we are ensuring there is help available for anyone at any time of day.” “This builds on the wide-ranging work we are doing with fans and partners as part of our continued commitment to create inclusive and safer environments for women and girls, not just on a matchday but everyday.” Crime prevention sessions As the official site security partner of Brentford FC, this initiative is another way for DeterTech to assist Brentford FC’s commitment to fan safety and community wellbeing, following other events such as crime prevention sessions and free bike marking for fans on matchdays. Drawing upon DeterTech’s experience in risk management and deterrent technologies, DeterTech will support the Safe Haven team with resources and guidance to help Brentford FC deliver a safe and inclusive experience for all.

Chubbsafe, part of Gunnebo Safe Storage, in partnership with VOUROS O.E., has completed the tailor-made specification of safe storage solutions for a private compound of 13 luxury villas in the Cycladic Islands, Greece. The villas required reliable storage for jewellery, watches, and important documents across both private suites and administrative areas. Traditional high-grade safes, while secure, were considered heavy, difficult to position, and visually intrusive. Certified burglary resistance For this project, compact safes with certified burglary resistance were specified. With flexible anchoring options, their lighter construction allowed installation inside wardrobes and other discreet spaces without altering the properties’ structure or interior design. Says Georgios Vouros, Managing Director of VOUROS O.E: “The collaboration highlights a shift in the Greek luxury property market, where homeowners expect certified protection that blends seamlessly into refined interiors. Chubbsafes’ compact and discreet solutions meet this need by delivering proven burglary resistance without altering the design or structural features of the villas.” DIY friendly installation DIY friendly installation enabled minimal disruption to residents, drawing on the long-standing partnership, which began in 1956 when VOUROS first introduced Chubbsafes products to Greece, before coming a sole distributor in 1997. The project demonstrates how technology originally developed for banks and jewellers can be adapted to residential requirements, providing certified protection to EN 1143-1 and EN 1300 certified mechanical or electronic lock, all in a format suited to private homes. “Luxury homeowners want the same level of certified protection that professional institutions have relied on for years, but in a format suited to connected lifestyles,” Jolanta Derbich, Channel Development Manager Southern and Eastern Europe of Gunnebo Safe Storage concluded. “Our partnership with VOUROS combines global engineering expertise with local knowledge to deliver solutions that protect valuable possessions while fitting into residential environments.”

ZeroEyes, the creators of the first AI-based gun detection video analytics platform to earn the full US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, announces that its AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform has been deployed by New Jersey’s Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District to protect students and faculty against gun-related violence. The district serves approximately 1,800 students and 350 staff members across two four-year public high schools: Indian Hills High School and Ramapo High School. Located in Bergen County, New Jersey, the district educates students from the suburban communities of Franklin Lakes, Oakland, and Wyckoff.   Multilayered security approach ZeroEyes complements the district’s multilayered security approach, which also includes a school resource officer (SRO), modernised public address system, enhanced camera infrastructure, strobelight alerts, and more. "Our leadership team, in collaboration with our Board of Education, is constantly exploring new approaches and ideas to stay ahead of potential security issues and enable the best possible response to a school-based threat,” said Charlie Wolff, District Security Coordinator and School Safety Specialist, Ramapo Indian Hills Board of Education. “Partnering with ZeroEyes allows us to take our video surveillance system to a whole new level. At Ramapo Indian Hills, our primary goal is to create a safe learning environment for every student, and we achieve this through an ongoing cycle of security evaluation, implementation, and refinement.” Intelligent situational awareness ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to law enforcement and local security teams as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. “We’re proud to support the Ramapo Indian Hills Regional High School District in its mission to provide a safe, secure learning environment,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and cofounder of ZeroEyes. “The district’s decision to implement ZeroEyes demonstrates their dedication to prioritising security and enabling their students to focus on their education.”

Gunnebo Safe Storage has worked in partnership with Capital Vaults to install its high security SafeStore Auto Maxi at Sibaya Entertainment Kingdom and Casino, designed to provide clients with secure, automated access to their valuables. The SafeStore Auto Maxi Solution was seamlessly designed within a certified EN 1143-1 Grade VII vault at a high-security site for a pioneer Casino complex in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. As a protected, discreet facility where customers can store and retrieve possessions at any time without relying on staff, the solution enables the maintenance of the highest level of physical protection. Multi-layered authentication “This project demonstrates how SafeStore Auto can provide secure and convenient access to valuables without the limitations of traditional safe deposit services,” stated Theo Moodley, of Capital Vaults. “Gunnebo’s automated system is housed in a certified EN 1143-1 Grade VII vault and combines robotics with rigorous identity verification to give users confidence their belongings are protected at all times.” SafeStore Auto Maxi is an automated safe deposit system which operates entirely within a certified strong room and always remains closed and secure, eliminating the need for staff interaction during access. Multi-layered authentication ensures only the authorised user can call up their safety deposit locker and the installation has been further strengthened by a proprietary six-eye protocol. The vault is completely isolated from external networks and does not require an internet connection, reducing the risk of hacking or data breaches. Significant sentimental value Located within the broader security perimeter of a major entertainment complex, the site benefits from constant surveillance, controlled entry and exit points, and on-site security teams, while offering customers complete privacy once inside the private suite where the locker is delivered. Access is always available, allowing clients to deposit or retrieve items whenever they choose. Items commonly stored include jewellery, documents, luxury watches, precious metals, digital wallets, and family heirlooms; these are possessions that are often irreplaceable or hold significant sentimental value. Advanced vault technology Gail Carew, Sales Director of Gunnebo Safe Storage South Africa added: “Capital Vaults turned to Gunnebo for a secure, automated alternative to conventional safe deposit boxes. Through a close partnership, we combined our SafeStore Auto technology with a certified high-security vault to deliver 24/7 access in a secure environment.” The success of the installation highlights how advanced vault technology can be adapted to local requirements while adhering to international certifications for burglary resistance. As demand for private secure storage continues to grow, Gunnebo Safe Storage expects similar solutions to play an increasing role in providing individuals with peace of mind and uninterrupted access to their most valuable possessions.