How does security innovation impact the skillsets operators need?

Cybersecurity, cloud migration, AI, machine learning, and analytics have become an integral part of the physical security ecosystem. Security operators are starting to evaluate current processes and adjust according to new capabilities. If an operator used to spend a lot of time reviewing videos, they may be able to find results more quickly with AI forensic search tools. This frees up the operator to pursue other tasks, or complete investigations faster. More importantly, new technology may allow the operators to filter through noise and proactively respond to incidents. Intelligent cameras, combined with a unified system, give operators the ability to develop new workflows. They’re now able to collect, share, and analyse data, spot important trends, collaborate with different stakeholders, and work more effectively as a team. 

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, operators must now be proficient in using new technologies to manage increasingly complex systems. They need to stay up to date with the latest tools and techniques to navigate the rapidly changing security landscape. Advancements in AI allow security operators to operate at scale, automating repetitive tasks and enabling them to focus on the more human aspects of security management—such as critical decision-making and customer interaction. As automation handles low-value tasks, operators need to develop skills that add value beyond what AI can deliver, such as emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and situational awareness. The adoption of cloud-based security platforms means updates and new features can be rolled out quickly, demanding a higher level of adaptability from security operators, as they adjust to continuous changes and improvements in the systems they work with. Additionally, modern security systems generate vast amounts of data, making data analysis and interpretation essential skills. 

As AI reshapes video surveillance by improving threat detection and predictive analysis, it also poses the risk of manipulated AI-generated content. Today more than ever before, security personnel must have access to tools that ensure the authenticity and integrity of the data they rely on. Organisations face complex security threats, and security pioneers need to have a high level of confidence in their data when making critical decisions. Emerging technologies, like those that ensure the integrity of video data, give security assurance that their information is accurate and trustworthy. This improves operational effectiveness and enables more precise decision-making. Equipped with the right solutions, security teams can consistently work with the most reliable information and be more effective in their daily roles. 

It's not a secret that security operators, officers, and analysts who work within a global security operations centre (GSOC) are drowning in video feeds and alarms. It's also not a secret that these positions have some of the highest turnover rates in the industry. Being inundated with repetitive and mundane tasks and being tied down by low-impact and time-consuming work (like clearing false alarms or sensors causing additional noise) can lead to intense frustration, complacency, burnout, and much more. We've made a big bet that technology innovation in a GSOC environment will help elevate the role of the security operator beyond what it is today while reducing the noise that has a detrimental effect on the security team. By reducing noise and leveraging intelligence-driven technology across the GSOC, operators can level up their roles on the team, transitioning to analyst roles and strategic thinking about how to better use threat intelligence and assess risk to keep employees, assets, and customers safe. 

Whether you’re a distributor, integrator, or an end user, every wave of technological innovation requires a learning curve. For security operators looking to upgrade their physical security systems with AI-enabled applications for enhanced threat detection and response capabilities, the learning curve has seemed to steepen in recent years. Especially as standardised methods of alarm classification, like AVS-01, have raised the bar for threat verification and system performance, it will be vital that manufacturers, distributors, and other industry thought pioneers prioritise accessibility to technical training and technical support to remove barriers to building new systems and make sure security professionals stay current with the latest technology upgrades.  

It’s no longer enough for security professionals to have traditional certifications. When security pioneers look for candidates, they’re now favoring those with skills such as how to leverage AI – and how to protect against its risks. They’re interested in coding skills to automate a range of security operations tasks as well. They want people who are aware of business risks and processes, the daily needs of the average employee, and how security aligns with all that (or not). As we look ahead, one area that will become more significant is data privacy and the required security safeguards. In part because of the rise of generative AI, Canada and other jurisdictions are enacting laws on the transparency and handling of data being fed into AI models. That will demand a greater understanding of data discovery, classification, and protection – to ensure customer data is secure and used responsibly at all times. 

Technology innovation is happening at a breakneck pace. In this environment, it is crucial to keep reading about the new developments and to try out that new technology. For security professionals, it is important to understand the new technology in terms of how it can benefit the organisation and to learn to evaluate whether this new technology has the capability necessary to do so.

From an access control point of view, the role and knowledge base of security operators and officers are constantly evolving due to ongoing development and other technological advancements. Modern access control systems are often part of a much bigger ecosystem of business solutions for many companies and organisations, so their use alongside other core business systems is essential knowledge for today’s security operators and officers. In many instances, good user interface design has led to systems that are, on the whole, easier and more intuitive to use, but as the complexity of these systems grows, so does the knowledgebase required of their operators.