How can security professionals future-proof their skillsets?

In security, like most technology industries, the pace of innovation is very high – just look at the 750 booths at ISC West and all the new products being launched just at that show. Useful AI technologies that did not exist just 2 or 3 years ago are prevalent, and a lot of investment is going into cybersecure cloud solutions, new compression such as AV1, and much more. Staying on top of new technologies like this is essential for identifying any current or potential upcoming gaps in your own skills. In addition to industry associations like the Security Industry Association and ASIS International, many vendors provide robust learning opportunities, both online and in classrooms, as well as certifications. With that said, it is up to organisations to provide ample, continuous education time for their employees to continue to level up and thrive.

To future-proof their skillsets, physical security professionals must deepen their understanding of cybersecurity and AI, particularly as video surveillance systems become increasingly intelligent and interconnected. Modern IP cameras are vulnerable to the same threats as any other network endpoint. Professionals must know how to secure these systems through practices such as encrypted video transmission, strong password protocols, firmware management, network segmentation, and the use of devices conforming to standards like FIPS 140-3. AI is also transforming surveillance, from object recognition to behaviour prediction, requiring new competencies to configure these powerful applications correctly. For example, using AI to flag loitering demands not just deployment knowledge but an understanding of false positive mitigation and data privacy compliance. Staying relevant means mastering how these technologies intersect and work together to secure facilities and the network. Security pros who evolve from camera installers to cybersecurity-aware system strategists will lead the next generation of surveillance.

Today’s cybersecurity landscape has evolved significantly because of digital transformation, exposing organisations to novel threats and tactics across both physical and virtual environments. With the emergence of new technologies like generative AI and quantum-resistant cryptography, security professionals must seek out continuous learning opportunities to stay ahead. Physical security teams, for example, will need to be more agile than ever before, constantly re-evaluating systems, testing for vulnerabilities, and learning from inevitable setbacks that may arise from a digitally enabled new era of cybersecurity. In tandem, organisations should prioritise mentorship, training programs, and opportunities for open dialogue to foster enhanced development internally. It is crucial to adopt a culture of innovation where risk mitigation, intrapersonal knowledge-sharing, and innovation mesh together. Professionals can thereby ensure they are not only protecting assets but also enabling safe technological advancement, effectively preparing themselves and their organisations for a rapidly changing future.

Future-proofing a career in physical security is not just about knowing the latest technologies — it’s about understanding how to apply them in meaningful ways. Too often, organisations invest in powerful systems but barely tap their potential, like buying a "Ferrari" but driving it like a "Pinto." Even teams that start strong can fall behind if they don’t keep current with upgrades, new features, and evolving applications. Future-ready pioneers must also recognise that today’s systems — cameras, access control, RFID tagging, VoIP — are more than just security tools; they’re business platforms that can improve operations, compliance, and facilities management. Delivering greater value means thinking beyond security silos and asking better questions: How can this technology help other departments? What features are we underusing? How can the data we collect fuel faster, smarter decisions? At our firm, for example, we are rethinking the role of emerging technologies within security operation centres (SOCs). Security today demands predictive thinking and faster action. AI is reshaping the landscape at unprecedented speed, and the professionals who succeed will be those who evolve with it: staying curious, always learning, and forever imagining new possibilities for what security technology can achieve.

Future proofing skillsets requires a cross-disciplinary approach to growth and development. The evolving landscape suggests physical and cyber security will increasingly converge, requiring expanded knowledge and understanding of this space. And at the same time, the reliance on using data, analytics, and insights to drive strategic business decisions will become more important, requiring new skills in new platforms. But futureproofing is not all about technical skill development. Power skills (traditionally called “soft skills”) will become a critical currency as they are really what enables businesses and their people to thrive. Ironically, soft skills can be the hardest to develop! A commitment to curiosity and a passion for self-led learning will be essential. Strong communication skills, and effective stakeholder engagement will also be important – maybe even more so as emerging technologies play a bigger role.

Physical security professionals must transform from traditional hardware operators into architects of the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT) ecosystem to future-proof their skillsets. At Xthings, our vision of making "Every Thing Better" through AI and IoT combines Anviz cloud-based access control, ULTRALOQ smart locks, and Ulticam Edge AI cameras to create intelligent, predictive security environments. The essential skills revolve around understanding AI-driven automation and real-time threat analysis. Our Edge AI cameras do not just record—they analyse patterns, detect anomalies, and predict incidents before they occur. Security professionals must learn to configure these AI models, interpret behavioural analytics, and design automated workflows that respond intelligently to security events. This includes mastering API integrations, understanding interoperability standards like Matter, and thinking in scenarios rather than individual devices. We have designed our AIoT ecosystem to balance edge computing with cloud intelligence, addressing both privacy concerns and analytical depth. Security professionals need to understand when to process data locally versus leveraging cloud analytics for cross-site intelligence. The future belongs to security professionals who embrace a holistic approach—making security seamless, intelligent, and proactive through the power of AIoT.