NightDragon Market Report: Physical Security

The beginnings of physical security can be traced back to ancient civilizations where people used fortifications, guards, or natural barriers to protect valuables, communities, and territories. Today, we face new physical security challenges -school shootings, geopolitical risks, rising theft, impacts of natural disasters, and much more. Over the past 5 years, 60% of companies have encountered breaches in their physical security measures and 75% of companies place physical security as one of their foremost priorities.

The good news: we also live in an age of incredible physical security innovation. Systems today are often connected, integrated, automated, and cloud-based, allowing for increased security, seamless deployment, and faster information for emergency response. This can greatly improve physical security outcomes, even as risks rise and become more complicated.

Today, we can see that innovation playing out across six key areas, according to an AGC report:

• Access Control: Systems that manage who can enter or exit a physical space, ensuring only authorized personnel can enter (such as video surveillance)
• Emergency communication: Facilitate alerts and information during crises using tools like intercoms, alarms, and mass notification systems
• End-to-end solutions: Integrate multiple security functions into a single system, covering everything from surveillance to access control
• Operations Management: Managing security operations, including monitoring, reporting, and response strategies
• Remote Monitoring: Remote monitoring involves surveillance and security management from off-site locations
• Threat Detection and Response: Identifying potential security threats through various means, including surveillance technology, sensors, and analytical software

Each of these areas plays a critical role in the physical security world today, enhancing security and safety.