Technological advancements are reshaping the security industry. 2024 and the years to follow will be filled with opportunities and challenges alike, such as the growing risk of cyber-attacks that comes with the increasing connectivity of our world.

This article reviews a few technological changes we can expect to see in the coming months and years which may influence the strategies of alarm receiving centres and other security companies. We’ll also cover some best practises for cybersecurity and sustainability (two areas of growing importance) – and some other tips.   

Alarm Monitoring Advancements

The global market for AI is forecast to be worth almost USD 2 trillion by 2030. AI will be used more within alarm monitoring in the near future, and it will continue to evolve.

AI will makes analytics more advanced, improving risk prediction and informed decision-making. Also, real-time video analytics and computer vision will be integrated more often with CCTV monitoring devices, improving situational awareness.  

Also, the Internet of Things (IoT) will play a more prominent role in monitoring this year and beyond, providing more comprehensive options for threat detection.

The IoT is a catalyst for the development of smart cities. According to Statista, the global smart cities market is forecast to be worth USD $104.8 billion in 2024 and by 2028, that value will reach USD 165.80 billion, a CAGR of 12.5%. The US market is expected to generate the most revenue in 2024 (USD 12.74 billion); Singapore and Korea are also ahead in implementing such initiatives.

With the continuous evolution of these technologies, ARCs must stay vigilant about the latest developments and the opportunities they present. We’ve looked at the above at-length before, so we’ll explore some more innovations below.   

5G in Alarm Monitoring

Analogue networks are being replaced in Britain and elsewhere. 5G provides a more robust alternative that can handle the volumes of data sent via IoT devices. It will therefore be a vital catalyst in the development of smart cities.

Here are several advantages of using 5G with security systems:

• Faster data transmission: 5G offers significantly higher speeds compared to its predecessors, leading to quicker responses to alarm events.
• Increased reliability: 5G networks are designed to be more reliable with lower latency, ensuring that signals are less likely to be dropped or delayed. Of course, this is crucial for alarm monitoring in particular, where every second can count in preventing or mitigating emergency situations.
• Improved battery life for devices: 5G technology is more efficient, potentially extending the battery life of wireless sensors and devices. This is particularly valuable for alarm systems that rely on battery-powered components, as it reduces the maintenance frequency and ensures that devices remain operational for longer periods.
• Advanced services and features: The high speed and capacity of 5G enables more sophisticated alarm monitoring services, such as the transmission of HD video in real-time.
• Greater flexibility and scalability: As 5G networks expand, they offer more flexibility in how a monitored alarm system can be deployed and scaled. This is especially beneficial for large-scale or complex installations in industrial sites or multi-building campuses, for example. In these environments, the robustness of 5G can support extensive sensor networks and data analysis needs.

Overall, this enhanced connectivity makes it possible to offer comprehensive and integrated monitoring services without the risk of network congestion.

Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) is growing rapidly in general, with more than 1.4 billion mobile AR devices currently in use – up from 0.4 billion just four years ago. It’s increasingly being integrated into alarm monitoring systems, offering innovative ways to enhance security.

AR enriches video footage with information about objects in the camera’s field of view. It can overlay sensor data directly onto a physical space when viewed through a smartphone or AR glasses, and any type of data can be displayed.

For example, consider the monitoring of environmental variables such as carbon monoxide. If an alert is triggered, the actual data can be superimposed, indicating which locations are most hazardous; in turn, this informs the response strategy.

It also applies in complex or critical environments, such as industrial sites. Here, it enhances safety by providing information on hazardous areas, the status of safety systems, or locations of personnel. This comprehensive view enhances situational awareness, allowing for a more coordinated and informed response to alarm events.

Telecare

With the rise in remote consultations with medical personnel, the market for telecare solutions is growing. In fact, the global healthcare IoT market revenue is due to reach USD 108.6 billion during 2024; in 2028, revenues are forecast to reach USD 167.7 billion, a CAGR of 11.47%.

Applications include the use of IP-enabled monitoring devices that check patients’ vital signs, and nurse call systems or personal alarms that vulnerable individuals can use to call for help. As a result, ARCs may see increased demand for such services and will benefit from using alarm monitoring software that can process such alerts. 

A Renewed Focus on Cybersecurity

With digital transformation and the IoT comes the heightened risk of cybersecurity threats. ARCs are now tasked with safeguarding an ever-expanding digital perimeter, so strengthening cybersecurity measures is paramount to protect both operational systems and client data.

Here are several ways ARCs can enhance their cybersecurity practices:

• Regular security audits: It’s important to conduct comprehensive security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities. This includes penetration testing, vulnerability scanning, and risk assessments to evaluate the resilience of networks, software, hardware, and physical security measures.
• Implement strong access controls: Robust access control measures ensure only authorised personnel can access sensitive data and critical systems. This includes the use of multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and the principle of least privilege (i.e., limiting access rights for users to the bare minimum necessary to perform their job functions).
• Secure communication channels: Organisations should use encryption for all communications, both internal and with external entities like the emergency services, in order to protect against eavesdropping and data manipulation. (Also use encryption for stored data.)
• Regular software updates and patch management: Keeping all software up to date with the latest patches is essential. This includes operating systems, applications, and security tools. Of course, if your alarm monitoring software is cloud based, it will always be up to date automatically.
• Compliance and regulatory adherence: Stay informed about and comply with relevant industry standards and regulations, such as ISO 27001 for information security management.  
• Vendor and third-party risk management: Make sure that any third-party vendors and partners adhere to rigorous cybersecurity standards and have the appropriate accreditations awarded by regulatory bodies.
• Adopt a zero trust security model: Such models treat any network traffic as potentially hostile and therefore, any inherent trust is removed from the system. Common measures used under this model include continuous verification and the principle of least privilege.  
• AI-powered threat detection: Another helpful application of AI, this brings intelligent automation to the process of detecting potential cyber-attacks, helping organisations to stop hackers in their tracks.
• Training: Continuous training and development are crucial in equipping teams with the skills needed to handle emerging security challenges. ARCs should invest in comprehensive training programs that cover technological updates, cybersecurity best practices, regulatory changes, and emergency response protocols. As such, the workforce will be capable of delivering superior service.

Sustainability Practices                                   

As businesses globally are called to adopt more sustainable practices, ARCs are no exception. Implementing eco-friendly measures, such as reducing energy consumption, opting for digital over paper, and recycling, are some fundamental steps to take.

But that’s not all – there will likely be more demand for environmental monitoring solutions, as more organisations will be tracking their energy and water consumption as well as emissions. GeminiSense is future-proof, able to swiftly process alerts from any device.

Regulatory Compliance

The regulatory landscape for ARCs is continuously evolving, and new laws and standards will likely be introduced to address the complexities of modern security needs. Of course, compliance is not just a legal obligation but a cornerstone of trust between ARCs and their clients. Staying informed about and adhering to these regulations ensures operational integrity and protects against potential legal consequences.  

Partnerships and Collaboration

Forming strategic partnerships with technology providers, law enforcement, and other security agencies helps enhance the effectiveness and breadth of security solutions ARCs can offer and strengthens their credibility.

Working with the Emergency Services and Security Agencies

Collaborating with the emergency services can involve establishing direct lines of communication and protocols for information sharing. This helps ensure that incidents are reported and responded to more swiftly and effectively. (Of course, certification is an important first step in working with the emergency services.)

Collaborating with other security agencies and law enforcement allows for better situational awareness and intelligence sharing. This can include sharing information about potential threats, criminal activities, and emerging security trends. Such collaboration enables ARCs to better prepare for and mitigate security threats, enhancing their overall security posture.

Collaboration can also lead to joint training exercises, enabling both parties to better understand each other’s operations and capabilities, thus streamlining the response process.

Partnering with Technology Providers

Partnering with technology providers gives ARCs access to the latest innovations. This can include state-of-the-art alarm systems, surveillance equipment, cybersecurity tools, and automation software.

Access to these technologies enhances the ARC’s ability to detect and respond to incidents more efficiently and broadens their service offerings beyond their traditional scope. For example, our solutions enable organisations to monitor far more than CCTV, as we support alerts from any sensor or device. ARCs can attract a wider client base as a result.

Finally, technology partners can offer valuable insights and support in integrating new technologies into existing systems, ensuring seamless operation and maximising overall effectiveness.

Conclusion

As we look beyond 2024, it’s clear that the future of any Alarm Receiving Centre hinges on its ability to adapt and innovate.

Adopting new technologies helps ARCs to enhance their monitoring capabilities and offer more precise, efficient, and reliable services. However, technology is not the only consideration as we move further into these complex times. Implementing sustainable practises, maintaining compliance, and certifying/re-certifying is key for gaining client trust; forming strategic partnerships also assists here, and enhances overall performance.

GeminiSense is designed with the future in mind. It works alongside the latest innovations, giving ARCs all the tools they need to serve an evolving client base. For a closer look at what it can do for your organisation, book a demo today.