What will be the big topics of discussion at ISC West 2025?

Based on conversations with our customers and channel partners, we expect a major topic at ISC West 2025 will be the need for a flexible approach to deploying security infrastructure. End-users want solutions tailored to their needs, not systems that force them to choose between on-premises or cloud-only options. This is why hybrid-cloud solutions are gaining traction. They offer the best of both worlds — organisations can keep local infrastructure for high-demand sites, use the cloud for smaller or remote locations, and centralize everything for streamlined monitoring and management. Beyond flexibility, hybrid-cloud systems simplify maintenance and strengthen cybersecurity. With built-in tools for updates, threat detection, and compliance, they reduce the workload for security teams. We look forward to demonstrating the opportunities these solutions provide at ISC West this year.

One hot topic is the adoption of new access control methods including mobile credentials that integrate seamlessly with smart building technologies, scale easily and deliver the data for both access permissions and to enable flexible workspace usage management. Another increasingly popular access method is biometrics, especially for identity management within a multi-factor authentication (MFA) strategy for protecting critical areas. Organisations are also focusing on how to integrate these and other technologies with existing infrastructure using open platforms and through software-driven security solutions that unify management of physical and digital functions. Mobile access has been an important early example of how to bridge access to physical places and digital spaces using corporate apps and/or mobile wallets that have been integrated with open-architecture physical access control solutions (PACS). Wallet providers continue to learn just how “sticky” mobile-access applications can be for building brand loyalty as customers use their mobile devices repeatedly for daily access interactions.

Enterprises are facing a constantly evolving physical threat landscape exacerbated by geopolitical instability and an expanding attack surface of interconnected systems. Because of this environment, security teams are looking for more streamlined deployments of services in a standard program offering. At ISC West I expect to see conversations about the need to shift from traditional security integration frameworks to a more cohesive approach that combines emerging technology advancements with service models to ensure better security postures and maintain business continuity. It is more important than ever for security teams to develop a clear and impactful technological roadmap and demonstrate ROI for the business as threats to enterprises increase. As security teams are forced to prove their value continuously, I expect these conversations to extend well past ISC West and into the year ahead.

Discussions this year will focus on the products and practical pathways to achieve more intelligent, more effective security ecosystems. AI-driven security automation and real-time analytics are bringing us into a new era of connected security, but now that we are at the time when AI has matured and is delivering impactful results, we must think pragmatically about implementing solutions. With security threats growing more complex, the question is how we reach proactive, data-driven security that enhances protection while improving efficiency. Emerging automation technologies with AI-on-the-edge offer a key to identifying and acting on events at unprecedented scales. They will also increasingly offer operational efficiencies that deliver building lifecycle benefits beyond security. As security systems become more connected and predictive, businesses are seeking integrated, scalable solutions to stay ahead of evolving risks to prepare today for the threats of tomorrow.

The focus of discussions at ISC West 2025 will primarily centre around AI in both physical security and cybersecurity, the integration of cyber-physical systems, biometric technology, and emerging trending topics like drone use and robotics. Especially as drones become a bigger discussion in the security landscape, there will be a few educational panels on counter-drone security as we navigate the evolving application of airspace to enhance organisations' security postures. Another timely topic includes the elevation of the threat landscape, with conversations aiming to touch on the integration of real-time threat detection to enhance decision-making capabilities, as well as how to safely integrate AI into these systems. These technologies will help better protect physical and digital environments while also addressing privacy concerns. Refining security models and protocols will be another major focus to educate organisations on how they can adopt proactive measures to combat the increase of cyberattacks and physical breaches.

We will continue to see the top subjects of AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity. In addition, we will see new and diverse AI analytics and many technology companies offering unique AI ability and using video to support it. Currently, almost all of our customers are asking what AI can do for them beyond security with the video camera they have purchased now or in the past. As far as Cloud, this segment of the market is growing faster than the traditional video management system (VMS) market and was accelerated during Covid time. We have many IT departments that are responsible for managing more security portions of the company that are used for Cloud or recurring monthly revenue (RMR) types of purchases. Finally, Cybersecurity is consistently a top trend that continues to be requested as higher standards are being required by our customer base like FIPS-140-3, a U.S. government standard that sets security requirements for cryptographic modules.

I expect a big shift in conversations around security systems delivering more than just security. Businesses are increasingly looking for added value, whether that is leveraging access control data to optimise building operations, integrating HVAC and lighting for smarter energy management, or proving ROI beyond traditional risk mitigation. Security is no longer just about keeping people out – it’s about creating smarter, more efficient spaces, and I expect we will hear that theme repeated throughout the week. I also think we will hear about demand coming from End Users about needing greater control and ease-of-use from their systems. Organisations are operating in dynamic environments, and they need systems that can adapt. As security technology expands its functionality, it is also touching more stakeholders like finance teams, HR, and IT, all of whom need simple, intuitive ways to interact with these systems. Overall, I think the central theme of this year’s ISC West will be that the future of security is not just about better protection; it’s about delivering more value in ways that make sense for modern organisations.

At ISC West 2025, Xthings believes three major topics will dominate discussions. The primary focus will be on AI-driven security and threat detection. Artificial Intelligence continues to revolutionise security systems by enabling advanced threat detection and proactive response capabilities. Attendees can anticipate insights into how AI is being integrated into surveillance cameras, access control systems, and perimeter defences. Additionally, there will be significant attention on the ethical deployment of AI, ensuring transparency, minimising biases, and aligning with industry regulations. Another prominent topic will be the convergence of cybersecurity and physical security. As digital threats increasingly target physical infrastructure, there is a growing need for hybrid security platforms that bridge these domains. ISC West 2025 will likely feature discussions on safeguarding IoT-enabled devices, mitigating risks to smart buildings, and enhancing cloud-connected security systems. Finally, sustainability in security technology will take the spotlight. With organisations emphasising environmental responsibility, expect to see innovations in energy-efficient solutions, solar-powered surveillance systems, and recyclable security hardware.

To stay ahead, the security industry must embrace change — it’s the key to helping end users navigate mission-critical challenges. This will be driven by emerging technologies reshaping how security solutions are deployed and managed. Artificial intelligence is solving complex problems in ways that were unimaginable just five years ago, while cloud technology has unlocked new levels of scalability and flexibility. Open platforms are modernising core investments, ensuring that organisations can evolve without completely overhauling their existing infrastructure. Cybersecurity has also become an essential pillar of intrusion, with security leaders facing an increasing array of threats — from ransomware and data breaches to network vulnerabilities. These topics will be central to discussions at ISC West 2025, and we look forward to driving these conversations as part of our mission to propel the industry forward. Acre’s acquisition of REKS is a major step toward this goal, as it enables organisations to unify identity management, intrusion, and analytics into a single intelligent platform. By embedding real-time AI-driven insights, REKS enhances higher levels of situational awareness.

ISC West is one of the most telling shows of the year when it comes to industry trends. This year I expect to see companies finding ways to utilise intelligence to transform security operations from reactive to proactive and a strong emphasis on integrations and partnerships. The industry's leaders are recognising the potential of leveraging data not just for immediate response, but to anticipate future challenges and trends. Additionally, attendees of ISC West are increasingly seeking actionable insights that can be implemented within their own organisations. There will be a strong emphasis on creating ecosystems that foster seamless integrations among different systems and devices, ensuring a unified approach to security management. ISC West serves as the mainstage for discussions about the future of the industry and this year will be no different.