Hanwha Techwin previews the Top 5 Video Surveillance Trends for 2022

13 Jan 2022

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The security industry cannot look ahead to 2022 without first acknowledging the significance of 2021: a year that changed every aspect of our daily lives, including how we socialise, work, communicate, and collaborate.

As the world started to emerge from an unprecedented global pandemic, organisations in every industry re-evaluated every aspect of their business, from how they interact with their customers to how they manage their workforces, and how they go to market.

Addressing security challenges

This new landscape has also created new types of security challenges. Employees, customers, and partners increasingly are working from remote locations, sharing and collaborating through disparate online networks, which may leave data vulnerable to theft.

And, as sites are monitored remotely, new public health and safety guidelines are governing how businesses operate. Here’s a preview of these trends and an assessment of how they will impact our industry in 2022:

1) AI edge computing/analytics: the proliferation of data and analytics is driving business decisions

Surveillance and security solutions are increasingly incorporating onboard analytics to deliver data

Surveillance and security solutions are increasingly incorporating onboard analytics to deliver data that can drive intelligent protection and monitoring. The role of on-board analytics will continue to expand significantly in 2022 and beyond, as customers combine edge computing and AI to achieve enhanced monitoring and search efficiency.

One industry report predicts that the total global edge computing infrastructure will be worth more than $800 billion by 2028.

Smart surveillance applications

The use of AI at the edge, especially with analytics based on deep learning algorithms, will form a key element in a range of “smart surveillance” applications. These include object detection and classification as well as the collection of attributes in the form of metadata all while reducing latency and system bandwidth requirements and enabling real-time data gathering and situational monitoring.

AI and edge computing will continue to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of network video surveillance systems, applying analytics (object, loitering, virtual line, and area crossing, detection to name a few) to monitor every type of area or situation. With AI and edge computing enabled by cameras being used across vertical sectors, users can conduct ‘pre-emptive detection’ and rely less on reactive monitoring - increasing safety and efficiency.

2) Vision-based surveillance systems are being integrated with AI

Analysts estimate the global AI-based surveillance and security market will reach $4.46 billion as soon as 2023

Network video surveillance systems are advancing from being simple monitoring devices to forming comprehensive solutions that can be applied in every vertical industry and market sector. The driving force behind this is AI technology integrated with systems at every level, a trend that is expected to see unparalleled growth. Indeed, industry analysts estimate the global AI-based surveillance and security market will reach $4.46 billion as soon as 2023.

The data generated by AI vision solutions using AI cameras as vision sensors creates meaningful business intelligence to help organisations gain a better understanding of their customers and their operations. Thermal imaging and body temperature detection cameras at public space entrances and lobby areas use edge-based AI algorithms to bypass non-human heat sources and reduce the frequency of false alarms.

Cloud-based solutions

Cloud-based solutions use people-counting algorithms to help store owners evaluate sales or floor design strategies, or heat-mapping to measure and avoid long checkout lines to increase customer satisfaction.

Similar applications and benefits can apply to traffic management or smart parking systems, logistics and distribution, or healthcare for critical area monitoring. Businesses can automate their security tactics, with the appropriate response already planned and ready to deploy.

3) The rise of the ‘as a service’ business model

‘Video Surveillance as a Service’, ‘Access Control as a Service’, are all terms being heard more commonly across the security industry. But what do they mean, and what are the benefits of an ‘as a service’ business model?

With the evolution and increasing maturity of cloud-based services, video surveillance manufacturers can transform into ‘Solution as a Service’ providers. Video surveillance system installers and integrators can provide solutions to their customers through cloud-based platforms, and then extend this model to every area of their business.

Public cloud application services

Companies can realise many benefits by business processes into a combined ‘as a service, or ‘aaS’ offering

The global market for public cloud application services is set to be a multi-billion-dollar industry in 2022. Companies can realise many benefits by packaging applications, infrastructure and business processes into a combined ‘as a service, or ‘aaS’ offering.

They can react quickly to rapidly changing market conditions, go to market faster with new products and services, and maximise the benefits of advanced analytics to enhance operations through meaningful insights all helping to create a unique competitive advantage. Using these models, organisations can tailor solutions more closely to their needs, instead of relying on off-the-shelf offerings.

VSaaS approach

An aaS approach can deliver scalability and cost-effectiveness, reducing capital expenditure by providing services under an operating expenditure framework, with services provided on a subscription basis.

Applying aaS principles to video surveillance – resulting in so-called ‘VSaaS’ – can allow users to adopt cloud-based recording. This removes the need for on-site servers and allows organisations to rapidly deploy systems without the need for complex and time-consuming network configurations. Cameras and all devices can be centrally monitored and many network and system processes can be automated.

4) There is an increased focus on the responsible and ethical use of technology

As organisations have embraced digitisation, the ability to manage operations remotely and gain better insight through the data that systems generate has delivered greater value.

For many businesses, it has been nothing less than transformational. Yet as more of their operations move online, are managed remotely, and rely on the cloud, organizations must put robust cyber security strategies into place to protect the data that is proved so valuable to them.

GDPR and DDoS

Instances of cyber-attacks have increased during the pandemic, through phishing, online scams, and malware

According to Interpol, instances of cyber-attacks have increased dramatically during the pandemic, whether through phishing, online scams, and malware such as distributed denials of service (DDoS).

As a result, organisations are increasingly aware of their data protection responsibilities under measures such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and are looking for suppliers and partners that not only understand surveillance-related data privacy rules but can help ensure their data is kept safe at all times.

Addressing security concerns

While it is a US-based initiative, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is still of importance to many European businesses. National security concerns are spreading beyond the US, and governments around Europe are showing clear signs of hardening their stance.

On this basis, manufacturers vying for certain types of contracts, especially in the government sector or related to international trade, will need to enforce compliance across their operations and product lines if they expect to win new business opportunities.

5) The integration of technology is set to continue

Network technology and IoT will expand the applications for audio and video analytics and AI in a connected world.

Network technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) are already widely embraced but they will continue to disrupt the security camera market, enabling new advances in HD video streaming, even on mobile devices. These technologies will expand the potential applications for audio and video analytics and AI in an increasingly connected world.

On a broader level, there’s a massive upsurge in widespread digital transformation, with the key technologies driving this change including IoT and network as well as cloud computing, intelligent data, and AI.

Impact of AIoT

The IoT is expected to be positively impacted by developments in network technology, especially in terms of bandwidth and latency. Adding advanced network technology to cameras supports remote real-time video surveillance, the expanded use of mobile applications, and legacy network management. Artificial Intelligence Internet of Things (AIoT) can enable an almost unlimited array of potential opportunities, from open and integrated system/platforms to expanded device connectivity.

In short, 2022 will see the continued development of technologies such as AI to provide greater value to users, which in turn will create new business opportunities for installers and integrators. And, as AI is increasingly adopted at the edge – on camera – its benefits will reach a far wider audience and are set to transform the security market.

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In case you missed it

What change would you like to see in security in 2022?

Here’s a news flash: 2022 will be a pivotal year for the security industry. As we enter the new year, continuing change is a safe prediction for any fast-moving, technology-driven marketplace. Recent history confirms the ability of the security industry to shift and adapt to changing conditions and to provide an ever-expanding menu of technology solutions to make the world a safer place. Given that the new year will bring change, what will that change encompass? More to the point, what should it encompass? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the biggest change you would like to see within the security industry in 2022?

2021’s most popular expert panel roundtable discussions

Topics that dominated our website’s Expert Panel Roundtable articles in 2021 included the effects of COVID-19, the benefits of mobile access, the upcoming potential of deep learning, and the future of access control cards. Our website’s Expert Panel Roundtable discussions in 2021 reflected some of the most timely and important topics in the industry. The very most clicked-on Expert Panel Roundtable discussion in 2021 considered the positive and negative effects of COVID-19. The second most popular was trends in perimeter security technology. Smart video solutions Here is a roundup of the Top 10 Expert Panel Roundtable discussions posted in 2021, along with a ‘sound bite’ from each discussion and links back to the full articles. Thanks to everyone who contributed to Expert Panel Roundtable in 2021 (including the quotable panelists named and linked below). The pandemic has impacted security in many ways, some we are just now realising" What are the positive and negative effects of COVID-19 to security? “The pandemic has impacted security in many ways, some we are just now realising. On the negative side, integrators were limited in their ability to access customer locations, posing significant challenges to supporting customers. Innovation was also halted in many sectors – such as AI and edge computing in healthcare. However, the pandemic increased awareness regarding the need for smart solutions that can aid in these types of crises. Smart video solutions have been identified repeatedly in the media as a potential pathway to better customer experience and increased safety.” – Alexander Harlass. Reducing false alarms What are the latest trends in perimeter security technology? “What’s really important in perimeter security is the minimisation of false alarms, not simply the potential detection of what might be an unauthorised person or object. In light of that, many systems now include alarm validation that can confirm an alarm event using a camera. The utilisation of AI-based technologies can further validate the accuracy of the alarm, making it as accurate and precise as possible. I anticipate seeing more cross-technological integrations to reduce false alarms, so that personnel in an alarm center spend as little time as possible in validating an alarm.” – Leo Levit. What will be the biggest security trends in 2021? “2021 will see artificial intelligence (AI) become more mainstream. There will be increased deployment in edge devices, including cameras, thermographic cameras, radar and LIDAR sensors, entry point readers, etc. Additional algorithms will be developed, greatly expanding the use and function as video surveillance transitions from a forensic tool to real-time analytics. This increases the value of these systems and helps create ROI cases for their deployment.” – Tim Brooks. Access control solutions Investments in tools and platforms to drive digital interactions have accelerated" What will be the security industry’s biggest challenge in 2021? “The security industry is traditional in the sense that it relies heavily on face-to-face interaction to do business with customers and partners alike. COVID-19 has put a hold on in-person meetings, trade shows, etc., and this trend is likely to extend throughout 2021. Virtually recreating these personal touchpoints, while cultivating and strengthening internal and external relationships, will continue to be both a challenge and opportunity for the security industry. Investments in tools and platforms to drive digital interactions have accelerated.” – Robert Moore. What are the challenges and benefits of mobile access control? “Mobile access control solutions are an exciting innovation in a market where the day-to-day user experience hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years. One area that has clear benefits and challenges is in improving the user experience. On one hand, physical credentials are expensive and a hassle to administer; however, they work reliably, quickly, and predictably. Mobile credentials are convenient in that everyone already has a smartphone, and you don’t have to admin or carry cards; however, when you’re actually standing at the door they need to work as well or better than physical credentials, or the benefits are lost.” – Brian Lohse. Attacking critical infrastructure What are the security challenges of protecting critical infrastructure? “It seems so often we hear about a new threat or cyber-attack in the news. Because of the rapid growth in technology over the last few years, cybercriminals are getting bolder and discovering new ways to attack critical infrastructure. One of the biggest challenges boils down to the capabilities of the operating security system and whether the organisation is aware of the current risks they face. Because there are so many points of entry for cybercriminals to target within critical infrastructure, it is vital that the security solution be prepared for attacks at every level.” – Charles (Chuck) O’Leary. They are more aware when they make physical contact with doors and interfaces" Which security technologies will be useful in a post-pandemic world? “People have become more sensitised to crowds and personal space. They are more aware when they make physical contact with doors and interfaces. As the pandemic subsides, these habits will likely remain for a majority of people." "Utilising AI-based cameras to accurately monitor the number of people in a room or in a queue will enable staff to take action to improve the customer experience. For example, AI-based analytics can quickly notify security or operations when people are waiting at a door and initiate 2-way audio for touchless access.” – Aaron Saks. Central monitoring station What is the potential of deep learning in physical security and surveillance? “Deep learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, enables networks to train themselves to perform speech, voice, and image recognition tasks." In video surveillance, these networks learn to make predictions through highly repetitive exposure" "In video surveillance, these networks learn to make predictions through highly repetitive exposure to images of humans and vehicles from a camera feed. That ability is ideal for use with drones patrolling perimeters seeking anomalies or in software that significantly reduces the number of false alarms reported to central monitoring station operators. Through use, the software continues improving its accuracy.” – Brian Baker. Valuable audit trail How soon will access control cards become extinct and why? “Access control cards will go the way of the dinosaur, but they still have some life left in them. For the short term, they have plenty of utility in minimum security use cases and leave a valuable audit trail. But for companies that are more technology-centric, particularly those with high value assets, we’re seeing demand for next-generation access control, which includes increased integration with video surveillance systems and professional monitoring services.” – Sean Foley. Which security markets are embracing touchless and contactless systems? “Touchless technology is not a new trend, but contactless systems and transactions have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the pandemic is over, it is likely public perception of what is hygienic and acceptable in public spaces will have changed. [We are] seeing an uptick in touchless access control systems in the education and flexible office space markets.” – Brooke Grigsby.

Identity and access management in 2022 - what will the future look like?

As we enter into 2022, there is still a level of uncertainty in place. It’s unclear what the future holds, as companies around the world still contend with the COVID-19 pandemic. Remote working has been encouraged by most organisations and the move to a hybrid working system has become ‘business as usual’, for the majority of businesses. Some have reduced their office space or done away with their locations altogether. Following best security practices With all this change in place, there are problems to deal with. According to research, 32.7% of IT admins say they are concerned about employees using unsecured networks to carry out that work. Alongside this, 74% of IT admins thought that remote work makes it harder for employees to follow best security practices. This need to manage security around remote work is no longer temporary. Instead, companies have to build permanent strategies around remote work and security. The coming year will also create a different landscape for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs). Here are some key predictions for next year and what to start preparing for in 2022: The reality of SMB spending around security will hit home SMBs had to undertake significant investments to adapt to remote working SMBs had to undertake significant investments to adapt to remote working, especially in comparison to their size. They had to undertake significant digital transformation projects that made it possible to deliver services remotely, during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve seen a shift in mindset for these companies, which are now more tech-focused in their approach to problem solving. According to our research, 45% of SMBs plan to increase their spending towards IT services in 2022. Around half of all organisations think their IT budgets are adequate for their needs, while 14.5% of those surveyed believe they will need more, to cover all that needs to be done. Identity management spending to support remote work For others, the COVID-19 pandemic led to over-spending, just to get ahead of things and they will spend in 2022, looking at what they should keep and what they can reduce their spending on. Areas like identity management will stay in place, as companies struggle to support remote work and security, without this in place. However, on-premise IT spending will be reduced or cut, as those solutions are not relevant for the new work model. Services that rely on on-premise IT will be cut or replaced. The device will lead the way for security We rely on our phones to work and to communicate. In 2022, they will become central to how we manage access, to all our assets and locations, IT and physical. When employees can use company devices and their own phones for work, security is more difficult. IT teams have to ensure that they’re prepared for this, by making sure that these devices can be trusted. Wide use of digital certificates and strong MFA factors Rather than requiring a separate smart card or fingerprint reader, devices can be used for access using push authentication There are multiple ways that companies can achieve this, for example - By using digital certificates to identify company devices as trusted, an agent, or strong MFA factors, like a FIDO security key or mobile push authentication. Whichever approach you choose, this can prevent unauthorised access to IT assets and applications, and these same devices can be used for authentication into physical locations too. Rather than requiring a separate smart card or fingerprint reader, devices can be used for access using push authentication. Understanding human behaviour Alongside this, it is important to understand human behaviour. Anything that introduces an extra step for authentication can lead to employees taking workarounds. To stop this, it is important to put an employee education process in place, in order to emphasize on the importance of security. The next step is to think about adopting passwordless security, to further reduce friction and increase adoption. Lastly, as devices become the starting point for security and trust, remote device management will be needed too. More companies will need to manage devices remotely, from wiping an asset remotely if it gets lost or stolen, through to de-provisioning users easily and removing their access rights, when they leave the company. Identity will be a layer cake Zero Trust approaches to security Identity management relies on being able to trust that someone is who they say they are. Zero Trust approaches to security can support this effectively, particularly when aligned with least privilege access models. In order to turn theory into practical easy-to-deploy steps, companies need to use contextual access, as part of their identity management strategy. This involves looking at the context that employees will work in and putting together the right management approach for those circumstances. For typical employee behaviour, using two factor authentication might be enough to help them work, without security getting in the way. How enterprises manage, access and store identity data There will also be a shift in how enterprises manage, access, and store that identity data over time For areas where security is more important, additional security policies can be put over the top, to ensure that only the right people have access. A step-up in authentication can be added, based on the sensitivity of resources or risk-based adaptive authentication policies might be needed. There will also be a shift in how enterprises manage, access, and store that identity data over time, so that it aligns more closely with those use cases. Identity management critical to secure assets in 2022 There are bigger conversations taking place around digital identity for citizenship, as more services move online as well. Any moves that take place in this arena will affect how businesses think about their identity management processes too, encouraging them to look at their requirements in more detail. Overall, 2022 will be the year when identity will be critical to how companies keep their assets secure and their employees productive. With employees working remotely and businesses becoming decentralised, identity strategies will have to take the same approach. This will put the emphasis on strong identity management as the starting point for all security planning.