Security Industry Association (SIA) - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Security Industry Association (SIA) announced a major milestone in its SIA OSDP Verified initiative—that over 200 device models have been named OSDP Verified through the comprehensive programme, which validates device conformance to the SIA Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) standard. About SIA OSDP SIA OSDP is an access control communications protocol standard maintained by SIA to improve interoperability, add advanced functionalities and support an AES-128 encryption for security. Already in use by many leading manufacturers, the standard offers compliance with access control installations that require advanced security or are used in government per FIPS 201-3. Products that are OSDP Verified are displayed in the OSDP Verified Product List and can use the SIA OSDP Verified mark in their product marketing materials. With this milestone, security integrators, specifiers and practitioners now have a wider array of OSDP offerings to recommend, and buyers have the confidence products from the SIA OSDP Verified list have been third-party tested and perform within the requirements of the OSDP standard. Representing countries “Since its launch in April 2020, the SIA OSDP Verified programme has tested and validated 222 products from 32 companies and brands—substantial progress in six years, highlighting the market need and the programme’s success,” said Cameron Walker-Miller, director of standards and technology at SIA. “The programme now has representation in nine countries across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, and we’re seeing growing enthusiasm across domestic and international participation.” OSDP Verified product list and programme As of July 2026, 46 access control units and 9 peripheral devices have been recognized as OSDP Verified. In addition to the growth of the OSDP Verified product list and international adoption, IDmachines has been renewed as SIA’s testing provider for the OSDP Verified programme. The establishment of the SIA OSDP Verified programme was a response to the growing adoption of OSDP in the industry to provide an authoritative source of OSDP solutions and the market confusion for nonverified claims of product compliance with the OSDP standard. By becoming OSDP Verified and displaying the SIA OSDP Verified mark on their products, access control manufacturers can instill confidence in their customers that their devices have gone through rigorous testing as required by the OSDP standard. Benefits of SIA OSDP Verified Benefits of becoming SIA OSDP Verified include an authoritative listing of OSDP solutions; a consultative process that provides vendors with implementation and remediation guidance; a lightweight, nonpunitive programme with no annual membership fees; and continuous access to open-source testing tools and community feedback that promotes device conformance through the product life cycle.

The security industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation as organisations move beyond traditional video surveillance toward AI-driven “visual intelligence.” This shift reflects a growing demand for proactive, real-time security solutions that not only capture incidents but help prevent them. Once viewed primarily as passive recording tools, traditional video surveillance systems are rapidly evolving into intelligent solutions capable of delivering actionable insights. As a result, surveillance is no longer just about capturing evidence after the fact. It is becoming a strategic tool to actively protect people, assets, and operations. Delivering actionable insights This transformation is fuelling significant market growth. According to Markets and Markets, the global commercial security market is projected to reach $381 billion by 2030, driven largely by the adoption of AI-powered, proactive monitoring technologies. With an estimated 150 million installed cameras still operating as simple, reactive devices containing little to no intelligence, according to the Security Industry Association (SIA), there is a significant opportunity to upgrade the existing infrastructure to adopt AI powered proactive monitoring technology. “Businesses are realising that traditional surveillance creates operational blind spots, leaving room for missed threats, response delays, and costly false alarms,” said Wes Usie, president of CHeKT. “Security is no longer about watching video. It’s about understanding what’s happening in real time and taking action.” Next-generation platforms  A key driver behind this shift is the increasing focus on artificial intelligence and predictive analytics. AI is now the primary area of research and development investment for security solution providers, with predictive data analytics widely viewed as a critical component of next-generation platforms. These technologies enable systems to distinguish between real threats and harmless activity, dramatically improving response times and operational efficiency. The industry is also moving toward a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, where cloud-based, camera-agnostic AI platforms layer advanced analytics onto existing infrastructure. This approach allows organisations to modernise their security systems without costly hardware replacements, while enabling integrators to deliver high-margin, long-term managed services with continuous updates and improvements. Limitation of human monitoring At the same time, growing challenges with traditional security models are accelerating the need for change. False alarms, for example, have reached a tipping point. More than half of security users report experiencing at least one false alarm and 10 percent report five or more, according to Parks Associates. These excessive alerts are overwhelming law enforcement agencies, prompting many municipalities to require verified alarms before dispatch and imposing fines of up to $400 for repeated false alarms. Compounding the issue is the limitation of human monitoring. An IEEE study shows that when operators monitor multiple screens, up to 60 percent of events can be missed, highlighting the inefficiency of labour-intensive surveillance models. These gaps contribute to widespread dissatisfaction, with 35 percent of customers citing false alarms and system unreliability as key reasons for dissatisfaction or cancelling services, according to Parks Associates. Providing meaningful notifications “The traditional model creates alert fatigue, delayed response, and unnecessary costs,” added Usie. “When critical events are missed or misinterpreted, the consequences can be severe.” These challenges are reshaping expectations across both the residential and commercial markets. Residential customers are increasingly seeking “video-first” solutions that deliver reliable, real-time alerts and active deterrence. They expect systems to automatically filter out false alarms and provide meaningful notifications, not noise. In response, 42 percent of security dealers now offer video verification as a core service, according to the SIA 2025 Security Megatrends report. Visual intelligence platforms Meanwhile, commercial and enterprise organisations are redefining how they view security investments. No longer considered a sunk cost, security is now expected to deliver a measurable return on investment. Businesses are demanding multi-purpose visual intelligence platforms that go beyond safety to provide operational insights, support compliance, and optimise logistics. Proactive visual security offers a path forward. By leveraging AI-driven analytics and real-time verification, organisations can identify threats earlier, reduce false alarms, and enable faster, more effective responses. This not only strengthens protection but also delivers tangible business value. CHeKT is at the forefront of this evolution, delivering a proactive visual security platform with intelligence that transforms how security is monitored and managed. By combining real-time video verification with advanced analytics and a network of monitoring partners, CHeKT enables security teams to detect, verify, and respond to incidents as they happen and often before they escalate.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced a strategic partnership with nFACT, a platform that connects buyers and service providers through a trusted, curated marketplace for the commercial building trades. This partnership will enhance SIA membership value by prominently featuring SIA member companies and SIA-certified professionals on the nFACT platform, with verified member badges, certification indicators and algorithmic preference in buyer search results. Verified member badges Over the next 30 days, SIA member companies will be added into the nFACT platform, and once that work is complete, every SIA credential a member holds, such as the Certified Security Project Manager (CSPM) certification or Security Industry Cybersecurity Certification (SICC), will be surfaced on their nFACT service provider profile, with dedicated badges, search filters and algorithmic preference inside the platform. Integrators searching for subcontractors will be able to filter specifically for SIA-affiliated providers. Additionally, SIA members will receive discounted access to the platform and a direct path to the 27,000+ service providers in the nFACT database. Best service providers “SIA has been following the development of nFACT’s platform for some time, and we are proud to partner with them in this new initiative, which recognizes SIA membership, as well as our certifications and credentials, as top-tier factors in how users make decisions on the subcontractors and installation companies they work with,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “This partnership will strengthen SIA’s value proposition for both integrator and manufacturer member companies and professionals.” “For too long, security integrators have had no reliable way to find, vet and hire qualified subcontractors at scale, and for too long the best service providers in this industry, the ones who’ve invested in SIA membership and earned credentials like the CSPM and SICC, haven’t had a way to make those credentials work harder for them when it’s time to get hired. That changes today,” said Mark Bono, CEO and co-founder of nFACT. “We’re proud to put SIA credentials front and center, grateful to the SIA team for their partnership and excited about what we’re building together.”

March is Women in Security Month, a time dedicated to celebrating and promoting the contributions of women in the security field—particularly in cybersecurity. This observance aligns with Women’s History Month, providing an opportunity to reflect on the progress made and the work still needed to advance gender equity in security. Evolving role of women in security The security industry has witnessed a steady increase in women's participation. According to ISC2 Research in its “Women’s Role in Filling the Workforce Gap” report, women make up an estimated 20 to 25 percent of the security industry. Promisingly, younger generations are entering the profession at higher rates, with 26 percent of working professionals under 30 identifying as women. The security industry has witnessed a steady increase in women's participation The research tells us that women are thriving in a variety of roles, from engineering and system administration to sales, marketing, and project leadership. Key factors driving this transformation include mentorship programs, male allies advocating for gender equality, and cultural shifts recognising the unique perspectives and strengths women bring to security challenges. These efforts are fostering more inclusive environments and ultimately strengthening the industry. The value of diverse perspectives in security Security is not a one-size-fits-all industry—each organisation and facility has unique needs that require varied perspectives. Greater representation of women has introduced fresh approaches to problem-solving, fostering collaboration and driving innovation. By integrating diverse viewpoints, security professionals can create more effective solutions that better address end-user needs. Industry support for women’s professional growth SIA's WISF offers subcommittees such as NavigateHER, SupportHER, and UpLiftHER Organisations like the Security Industry Association (SIA) and ASIS International have established networking platforms and initiatives to support women in security. Events such as the Security LeadHER Conference provide valuable professional development and networking opportunities. Companies are also investing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiatives, hands-on training, and recruitment programs to attract more women into the field. Additionally, SIA's Women in Security Forum (WISF) offers subcommittees such as NavigateHER, SupportHER, and UpLiftHER, which provide pathways for engagement and growth. Challenges women in security face Despite progress, challenges remain. Many women still feel it necessary to repeatedly prove their expertise, take on additional informal responsibilities, or carefully navigate workplace dynamics. Imposter syndrome can be another hurdle, even for accomplished professionals. However, women in security are addressing these challenges by setting boundaries, advocating for themselves, and supporting one another through mentorship. By excelling in leadership and technical roles, women are reshaping outdated perceptions and advocating for more inclusive workplace policies. Steps industry pioneers can take To further support women in security, industry pioneers could: Provide targeted professional development and career advancement opportunities. Foster strong, supportive communities that recognise and mentor women. Implement structured mentorship programs that connect experienced professionals with newcomers. Promote workplace flexibility to help employees balance personal and career commitments. Actively challenge biases and advocate for meaningful change within organisations. Advice for women entering the security field Here are key pieces of advice for women considering a career in security: Own Your Expertise – Have confidence in your knowledge and skills. Seek Out Mentors & Allies – Connect with supportive professionals who can guide your career. Build a Strong Network – Join organisations like ASIS Women in Security, SIA Women in Security Forum, or Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), and attend industry events to expand your connections. Speak Up & Take Space – Confidently share your ideas and challenge outdated norms. Develop Resilience & Advocate for Yourself – Push past biases, demand the respect you deserve, and negotiate for fair salaries and promotions. Keep Learning & Stay Ahead – Continually build your expertise to stay competitive in the evolving security industry. The future of women in security As the security industry evolves with technological advancements and global changes, opportunities for women will continue to expand. Women are not just participating in the industry’s growth—they are shaping its future. With growing mentorship programs, male allies advocating for gender equality, and ongoing cultural shifts, the focus is no longer just on breaking barriers but on building bridges to new opportunities.

The days of being reactive are over. That’s right, we as an industry, can no longer afford to be reactive. As threats evolve, the need for proactive security is critical. While traditional methods, including physical barriers and security personnel, are still necessary, the future of our approach is built on the backs of emerging technologies.  Substantial vulnerabilities As an industry, we’ve operated reactively for decades, it has been common for security teams to address threats only after they occur. The growing risk landscape proves that this approach has significant limitations. Human oversight, delayed responses, and the inability to monitor large areas have exposed substantial vulnerabilities.  Emergence of AI AI enables real-time monitoring, advanced data analysis, and more accurate risk detection Times are changing though and it’s largely due to the emergence of AI. AI is revolutionising the security landscape by making technology smarter. It enables real-time monitoring, advanced data analysis, and more accurate risk detection. This ensures a higher level of security and safety, minimising potential incidents' impact while enhancing overall safety.  Focus on strategic aspects AI's ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately is, quite frankly, a game-changer. It can identify patterns and anomalies that can provide stakeholders with critical insights to respond in a more prepared manner. By automating routine tasks and highlighting potential issues, AI also allows operators to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of security management, rather than responding to false alarms.  The future is AI  The future of security lies in AI. The Security Industry Association (SIA) has recognised AI as one of the top security megatrends in 2024. However, the challenge is not adopting AI, it is about effectively using it to enhance security.  AI can enhance video surveillance by improving object detection and enabling real-time, informed responses AI systems can easily integrate with existing infrastructures, providing a layered defence that combines traditional methods with more modern technology. For example, AI can enhance video surveillance by improving object detection, reducing false alarms, and enabling real-time, informed responses. This ensures that security measures are adaptive, scalable, and capable of addressing the evolving risk landscape.  Don’t react, anticipate  One of AI's most significant benefits is its ability to provide proactive insights. AI can predict potential breaches by analysing behaviour patterns and detecting anomalies allowing security pioneers to do something before an event happens. This shift, from reactive to anticipatory measures, marks a significant advancement in asset protection and risk management.  AI systems can also continuously analyse data and distinguish between everyday events and real-world threats. It’s AI's continuous learning capabilities that mean the systems can adapt and improve over time to become more accurate and efficient in threat detection and response.  Save money, scale on demand  Contrary to common belief, adopting AI technologies will not put a security department over budget. It may be surprising, but these solutions offer cost-effective and scalable alternatives to traditional security measures. An initial investment in AI technology can result in substantial long-term savings (and ROI) by reducing the need for physical infrastructure and on-site security personnel.  Customisable solutions The ability to scale and customise AI solutions makes them an efficient choice for enhancing perimeter defence AI systems are also inherently scalable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different environments. This ensures the system can evolve with emerging threats and technological advancements without requiring a complete system overhaul. The ability to scale and customise AI solutions makes them a practical and efficient choice for enhancing perimeter defence. How’s that for staying within budget?  Embrace the possibilities  Integrating AI into perimeter security is the future of proactive and intelligent security. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect even more refined solutions that are predictive, autonomous, and capable of directly addressing new and emerging threats. We’re experiencing an exhilarating transformation as AI becomes more trusted, precise, and advanced on multiple levels. This evolution is bigger than pilots and small, low-profile deployments. AI in perimeter security For instance, France is preparing to deploy AI-powered video surveillance as it gears up to host the 2024 Olympics, part of its efforts to detect sudden crowd movements, abandoned objects, and suspicious activities. Think about the sheer scale of that project.  We’re finally moving forward, and staying one step ahead must be our priority. But this shift requires a significant change in mindset. Are you ready to make the change?

Enterprise security directors often count on an integration firm to handle jobs ranging from day-to-day activities to long-term, technology-laden projects. However, before entering a relationship, you must know what's reasonable to expect from an integrator – as not all are created equal. Here are some tips that might make the selection process easier. Completing comprehensive classwork An integrator's experience working in an enterprise environment is an obvious consideration. Ideally, that experience fits well with your business. Any enterprise experience is a plus, but local, state, and federal regulations create precise yet very different rules for securing a utility instead of a hospital. That's also true for university campuses, manufacturing facilities, and many other operations. Many manufacturers offer certifications awarded after completing comprehensive classwork and testing Look for certifications indicative of an integrator's commitment to staying on top of industry changes. Organisations such as ASIS International and the Security Industry Association offer certifications showing an integrator's team members have mastered security principles and skills. Many manufacturers offer certifications awarded after completing comprehensive classwork and testing. Also, ensure an integrator sells and services equipment that integrates with your current security systems. Using multiple systems for the same function is less efficient. Project update meetings Go beyond an integrator's slick brochures and websites to ask tough questions about previous experience. How would the integrator handle a hypothetical situation in one of your facilities? Ask the integrator if there will be one project manager for all jobs. And ensure that person handles all interactions with security subcontractors. Ask if the integrator provides regularly scheduled project update meetings. It's frustrating to wonder how your project is progressing. Ask if the integrator's team can work during the hours and days that result in the least interference to your daily operations. Ask for onsite system training to save time and eliminate travel costs. Gathering sensitive data Look for an integrator with proven experience working with an enterprise IT department A malfunctioning component may be more than an inconvenience – it may be a severe security threat. You need to know how quickly your integrator can respond when things go wrong. Ask about available service plans. And consider the embedded staff approach in which the integrator places employees on your site full time to handle day-to-day and emergency activities. Much of the security equipment – video, access control, intercoms, visitor management, and more – is wireless and dependent upon networks operated by your IT department. Network-based devices provide more opportunities for hackers to gather sensitive data or cause critical equipment to malfunction. Don't trust your security operations with an Integrator unfamiliar with at least basic cybersecurity principles. Look for an integrator with proven experience working with an enterprise IT department. At a minimum, ensure the integrator can set and change security device IP addresses and port locations. Certifications from providers such as Cisco, Microsoft, and IBM indicate an understanding of various IT technologies. Potential security partners Knowledgeable integrators work with the well-encrypted Open Supervised Data Protocol (OSDP), now an internationally recognised standard. Run from any integrator who suggests operating an access control system with used Wiegand technology offering no encryption between cards and readers. It's easy for hackers to capture data and clone a working credential. Technology moves at a rapid pace. Your modern system of a few years ago may be long-of-tooth. You need an integrator capable of bringing new and innovative ideas to the table. You want an integrator who conducts in-house testing of new products, not relying solely on a manufacturer's claims. You want an integrator capable of thinking outside the box to solve a complex security problem. These ideas are just a start in assessing an integrator's value to your enterprise operation. However, they will help you sort through potential security partners to find one that best meets your needs.