As 2022 dawns, the world continues to suffer from the pandemic. But the security industry has, without a doubt, continued to evolve, adapt and grow despite things. Several trends have even accelerated. Beyond traditional “physical security”, a multitude of frontiers such as AI, cloud computing, IoT and cybersecurity are rapidly being put in place by entities large and small in our industry.

By all appearances, the security industry is redefining itself. It moves from simple security and safety protections to a broader scope of activity that will expand security while bringing new levels of intelligence and sustainability to communities, businesses and societies.

Here, Hikvision would like to share some thoughts and expectations on key trends that are likely to affect the security industry in 2022 and maybe even further into the future.

1. AI will be everywhere

Nowadays, artificial intelligence is quite common in the security industry. More and more industry customers have recognized the value of AI and found new uses for AI applications in various scenarios. With RAPAN, automated event alerts and false alarm reduction, AI technologies are used for broader applications, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) detection, fall detection for the elderly, detection from the surface of mines, and much more.

Meanwhile, we’ve also seen increased industry collaboration, with security manufacturers opening up their hardware products to third-party AI applications and launching open platforms for customers to create and train their own security algorithms. ‘AI to meet personalized needs.

AI has been one of the fundamental technologies to reshape the security industry. Benefiting from the optimization of algorithms, as well as improved computational performance and lower cost of chips due to the advancement of semiconductor technology in recent years, AI applications are gradually forming basic functions and capabilities accepted by all sectors of industry, and we foresee an even stronger trend to assert that “AI will be everywhere”.

2. AIoT will digitize and invade industry verticals

With more security cameras and other network-connected security devices, the security industry is becoming an important part of an IoT world, enriching its visual capabilities. It is evident that the boundaries of the security industry are blurring, going far beyond the arena of physical security.

Meanwhile, the popularization of AI technology is enabling connected devices to become smart “things” in the IoT world. The combination of AI and IoT, or as we call it, AIoT, is taking the security industry to the next level, automating business workflows and procedures and contributing to transformation of various verticals such as energy, logistics, manufacturing, retail, education, healthcare, etc.

From our perspective, AIoT offers more possibilities for the industry with rapidly expanding applications for security devices and systems. Meanwhile, more perception capabilities such as radar, lidar, temperature measurement, humidity detection and gas leak detection are added to security devices and systems to make them more powerful. These new devices take on a multiplicity of tasks that just a few years ago required several different devices, covering both security functions and other intelligent functions for an ever-changing world.

3. Converged systems will break down data silos

Workers in private companies and public service sectors would jump at the chance to get rid of obstructive “data silos”. Data and information scattered and isolated in disparate systems or groups creates barriers to information sharing and collaboration, preventing managers from seeing a holistic 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 – the trend in the security industry has been to make efforts to converge systems as much as possible, including video, access control, alarms, fire prevention and security management. emergencies, to name a few. In addition, more non-security related systems, such as human resources, finance, inventory and logistics systems, are also converging into unified management platforms to increase collaboration and help management take better decisions based on more comprehensive data and analysis.

4. Cloud-based solutions and services will be essential

Like AI, the cloud is not a new trend in our industry, but it is a growing trend. From small business markets to enterprise levels, we can see the momentum driving more and more businesses to take advantage of cloud-based security solutions and services. And as we still see today, the pandemic has accelerated the shift to cloud-based operations for individuals and businesses around the world.

All businesses want simple platforms or services, with as few assets to manage as possible and as easy to configure as possible. This is precisely where the cloud delivers. With a cloud hosting infrastructure, there is no need for a local server or software. Users can easily check the status of their assets and businesses in real time, quickly receive security events and alarms, and perform emergency response simply using a mobile app. For security operators, the cloud allows them to remotely help their customers configure devices, fix bugs, maintain and upgrade security systems, and provide better value-added services.

5. Crystal clear security imaging will be standard

Maintaining image clarity and capturing detail around the clock, in all weathers and conditions, is always vital for video security cameras. Cameras with low-light imaging technology that render high-definition, color images at night and in almost completely dark environments have been very well received in the market. We see the impressive technology applied to more camera models, including 4K, varifocal and PTZ cameras.

Additionally, for clearer video security imaging in low visibility conditions, especially severe weather, high-performance imaging sensors, ISP technology and artificial intelligence algorithms are used, allowing the cameras to maintain clarity and detail of view.

Speaking of imaging technology, the trend of integrating multiple lenses into new cameras cannot be ignored. Single-lens cameras are limited in their ability to get more detail at greater distances and get a full picture in large-scale locations. They just do one or the other. But by using two or more imaging lenses in a single camera, multi-lens cameras can simultaneously provide panoramas and detailed, magnified views of the same large site. Applications such as airports, ports, transit stations, car parks, stadiums and plazas will see these multi-lens cameras as a boon across the board.

6. Biometric access control will bring increased security and efficiency

Over the past few decades, authorized access control has moved away from keys, PINs and ID cards. We now find ourselves entering the age of biometrics. The access control market is rapidly being taken over by biometric authentications, from fingerprint and palm print recognition to facial and iris recognition.

Biometric access controls bring inherent benefits, such as increased security and efficiency with reduced forgery. They verify in seconds – or fractions of seconds – and prevent unnecessary physical contact. Iris, palmprint and facial recognition offer contactless access control, an increasingly preferred hygienic practice due to the pandemic.

7. Zero trust approach will emphasize cybersecurity

With more security devices connected to the Internet than anyone could have ever imagined, cybersecurity has become a huge challenge in the industry. More stringent data security and privacy regulations have recently been introduced in major global markets, such as EU GDPR and China’s data security law, imposing higher requirements in cybersecurity. And in 2021, several historic ransomware attacks against various companies have convinced us unequivocally that companies in all sectors must strengthen their network security architecture and strengthen their online protections.

So how do you respond to growing cybersecurity concerns? Although the concept was developed in 2010, the term “zero trust” has become a hot word in recent years. A strategic initiative that developed to prevent data breaches by eliminating the concept of trust from an organization’s network architecture, Zero Trust is rooted in a “never trust, always verify” philosophy. The concept has been widely accepted in the IT industry and it is now slowly but surely moving into the realm of physical security as it is gradually becoming an important part of the IoT world.

8. Green manufacturing and low-carbon initiatives will make great strides

The consensus is there: low-carbon initiatives are valued by companies around the world. In the security market, we have seen low-power products become the preferred options for customers, and demand for solar-powered cameras is increasing.

Meanwhile, local laws, regulations and policies that restrict carbon emission standards for manufacturing companies are pushing industries to adopt more environmentally friendly practices in their day-to-day operations and production, which includes using more environmentally friendly materials and adopting more energy-efficient designs in products. manufacturing process. More and more manufacturers in the security industry are exploring “green” manufacturing and are committed to reducing their carbon output. Although it will take time, the movement has begun. Significant progress is expected in this area in 2022.