2021 changed the business landscape forever, and created new security challenges. More people working remotely means more risk of data theft, and more remote monitoring of sites means new health and safety requirements.

Edge analytics are a buzzword in video surveillance. Simply put, edge analytics are video analytics on the ‘edge’ of the network, in the camera itself – and they’re getting increasingly powerful.

The worldwide microchip shortage was caused by chip manufacturers having to cut production or shut down during COVID-19, customers cancelling orders as demand for products dropped, and then an unexpectedly rapid rebound in demand that suppliers weren’t ready for.

More and more companies are migrating from traditional analogue CCTV systems to IP network-based solutions, which offer next-gen multi-megapixel ultra-HD cameras and allow users to monitor and manage the system and record, store and retrieve images from anywhere in the network using a PC or smartphone.

A recent report from the Security Research Initiative combines a triumphant tone with stark warnings. The survey, ‘Covid-19 and the implications for the security sector: what happened and what has been and is being learned?’ polled 500 industry professionals. 83% felt that security had performed well during the pandemic.

As the talent drought bites, countries across the world are feeling the pressure to work more efficiently.

AI-driven cameras are about to change the way we live and work for the better. The number of security cameras worldwide is predicted to reach a billion in 2021. The combination of AI and next-gen open camera technology will go far beyond security to transform every aspect of life – and not in a “Big Brother” way.

With concerns about crime – and insurance premiums – mounting, security services have never been more in demand. The UK security industry has grown by an average of 6.4% a year since 2016. But a new development is about to change the security landscape.

The fire and security sector has a massive gender imbalance. According to recent government figures, in England only 16% of all staff in fire services are women. And the security side is no better: a 2017 report found that only 11% of security professionals worldwide are women.