Entering 2022, the world is still not free from the new crown epidemic, but this does not prevent the security industry in the continuous change, adaptation and development, some trends even accelerated.
In addition to the traditional "physical security", artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things and other technologies are also rapidly developing applications in the field of security, the security industry is in the stage of redefining itself. It is shifting from just security and safety defense to encompass a broader range of activities that will expand safety while bringing a higher level of intelligence to communities, companies, and societies.
For the security industry in 2022 and beyond, Hikvision shares here some industry trend predictions and expectations.
1. Artificial Intelligence will be everywhere
Today, AI is very common in the security industry. More industry customers have recognized the value of AI and are finding new uses for AI applications in a variety of scenarios. In addition to ANPR, automated event alerts, and false alarm reduction, AI technology is being used for a wider range of applications such as personal protective equipment (PPE) detection, elderly fall detection, mine surface detection, and more. At the same time, we're also seeing increased collaboration across the industry, with security equipment vendors opening up their hardware products to third-party AI apps and launching open platforms for customers to create and train their own AI algorithms to meet customization needs.
Artificial intelligence has been one of the foundational technologies reshaping the security industry. Benefiting from the optimization of algorithms, as well as advances in semiconductor technology in recent years to improve computing performance and reduce the cost of chips, AI applications have gradually formed the basic functions and capabilities accepted by all sectors of the industry, and "AI will be ubiquitous" is becoming a reality.
2. AIoT will digitize and penetrate vertical industries
The security industry is becoming an important part of the IoT world as more and more security cameras and other security devices are connecting to the network, enriching its visual capabilities. It's clear that the boundaries of the security industry are blurring far beyond the realm of physical security. At the same time, the proliferation of AI technology is making connected devices intelligent "things" in the IoT world. The combination of AI and IoT, or AIoT as we call it, is taking the security industry to the next level, automating enterprise workflows and processes, and powering energy, logistics, manufacturing, retail, education, healthcare, and more
In our view, AIoT opens up more possibilities in the industry, and the adoption of security devices and systems is rapidly expanding. At the same time, additional sensing capabilities, such as radar, lidar, temperature measurement, humidity sensing, and gas leak detection, are being added to security devices and systems to make them more robust. These new devices are tasked with several tasks that just a few years ago required several different devices covering safety functions and other smart features for an evolving world.
3. Converged systems will break down data silos
Workers in both the private and public **** service sectors will seize the opportunity to get rid of obstructive "data silos". Fragmented and segregated data and information across different systems or groups creates barriers to information*** sharing and collaboration, and prevents managers from having a complete view of their operations. Here, the convergence of various information systems has proven to be an effective approach - hopefully enough to break down these silos.
It's clear that the trend in the security industry is to converge as many systems as possible, including video, access control, alarms, fire and emergency management, and more. In addition, more non-security systems, such as human resources, finance, inventory, and logistics, are being converged into unified management platforms to enhance collaboration and support management in making better decisions based on more comprehensive data and analytics.
4. Cloud-based solutions and services are critical
Like AI, the cloud is not a new trend in our industry, but it is an expanding one. From the small business market to the enterprise level, we can see this momentum driving more and more organizations to leverage cloud-based security solutions and services. As we are seeing now, this epidemic has accelerated the shift to cloud-based operations for individuals and organizations around the world.
All organizations want platforms or services that offer simplicity, manage as few assets as possible, and are as easy to set up as possible. That's where the cloud delivers. With cloud-hosted infrastructure, there is no need for local servers or software. Users can easily view asset and business status in real time, quickly receive security events and alerts, and complete emergency responses via mobile apps. For security business operators, the cloud can help them remotely help customers configure devices, fix vulnerabilities, maintain and upgrade security systems, and provide better value-added services.
5. Clear security imaging is standard in all weather, in all conditions, at all hours of the day or night
Image clarity and capturing detail 24/7, in all weather and in all conditions, is always critical for video security cameras. Cameras with Shimmer Imaging technology that render HD and full color images at night and in almost complete darkness are very popular in the market. We are seeing impressive technology in more camera models, including 4K, zoom and PTZ cameras. In addition, for clearer video security imaging in poor visibility (especially in bad weather), high-performance imaging sensors, ISP technology, and AI algorithms are being used to enable cameras to maintain clarity and field-of-view detail.
Speaking of imaging technology, the trend toward integrating multiple lenses in new cameras cannot be ignored. Single-lens cameras are limited in their ability to get more detail at longer distances and a full image over a wide area. They only do one or the other. However, by using two or more imaging lenses in a single camera, multi-lens cameras can provide both a panoramic view and a detailed zoomed-in view of the same large site. Applications including airports, ports, transit stations, parking lots, stadiums, and plazas will see these multi-lens cameras as a boon at every level.
6. Biometric access control will bring greater security and efficiency
Over the past few decades, authorized access control has moved away from keys, passwords, and ID cards, and is moving into the biometric era. The access control market is rapidly being dominated by biometric authentication, from fingerprint and palm print recognition to facial and iris recognition.
Biometric access control brings inherent advantages, such as greater security and efficiency, and high levels of security against forgery. They authenticate in seconds or fractions of a second and prevent unwanted physical contact. Iris, palm print, and facial recognition provide contactless access control, a hygienic practice increasingly favored due to the pandemic.
7. A zero-trust approach will be the focus of cybersecurity
With more security devices connected via the Internet than anyone thought possible, cybersecurity has become a huge challenge for the industry. The EU GDPR, China's data security law, and other major global markets have recently introduced stricter data security and privacy protection regulations, placing greater demands on cybersecurity. And in 2021, several landmark ransomware attacks targeting a variety of organizations have convinced us, in no uncertain terms, that companies across industries must strengthen their cybersecurity architectures and enhance their online protections.
So how do we address the growing problem of cybersecurity? The term "zero trust" has only become a buzzword in the last few years, although the concept was actually developed in 2010. Zero trust is a strategic initiative designed to prevent data breaches by removing the concept of trust from an organization's network architecture, and is rooted in the concept of "never trust, always verify". The concept has been widely embraced within the IT industry and is now slowly but surely making its way into the physical security arena, becoming an important part of the IoT world.
8. Green manufacturing and low-carbon initiatives will take a big step forward
Low-carbon initiatives are being emphasized by societies around the world. In the security market, we are also seeing low-power products becoming the preferred choice of customers, and the demand for solar-powered cameras is increasing.
At the same time, local laws, regulations, and policies that limit carbon emission standards for manufacturing companies are driving the industry to adopt more environmentally friendly practices in their day-to-day operations and production, including the use of more environmentally friendly materials, and the adoption of a variety of energy-efficient design manufacturing processes in their products. We are pleased to see that more and more manufacturers in the security industry are exploring "green" manufacturing and working to reduce their carbon footprint. It will take time, but the movement has begun. We expect to see significant progress in this area by 2022.
(This article was translated and compiled from the overseas edition of SecurityKnowledge.com by Frank Zhang, President of Hikvision's International Product and Solution Center)