Security Products

By Karina Sanchez · November 2006

A Look Into the Future

AS many in the industry embarked on a trip to San Diego a couple of months ago for ASIS, it was quite evident that many professionals are concerned about one thing: their future. The security industry is dynamic, and there are both major and minor players creeping in and sliding out each year. What attendees notice first at major trade shows is the large number of exhibitors. What people don't expect or realize is that some of those exhibitors won't be there for the second go-around. It's unfortunate, but trends can fade fast and if you're not up to speed with what's needed by users or what your competition is doing, you're sure to lag behind, potentially putting your business and employees at a great risk.

It's unfortunate, but trends can fade fast and if you're not up to speed with what's needed by users or what your competition is doing, you're sure to lag behind, potentially putting your business and employees at a great risk.

Evident of this fact is the recent shock by IPIX to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The Reston, Va.-based company filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code on July 31 and ceased all operations until the new bankruptcy court ruling came down, allowing IPIX to generate revenue again from sources, including its Web site. Certain ex-IPIX employees have been temporarily rehired by the trustee to assist with these efforts. IPIX's signature product, the 360° Digital Immersive Video line, is ideally suited for retail store surveillance. Prior to the bankruptcy, IPIX successfully completed a pilot program with three Fortune 50 retail companies. Though cases like this aren't uncommon, they prove the value of competition and what it takes to just survive in the marketplace.

Taking a broad look at the industry as a whole and analyzing your contribution to it and its future may help you prepare for what's to come in the next five years. Though a recent 2005 study by Datamonitor estimates that the enterprise security market will grow from $16.9 billion in 2003 to $32 billion in 2007, there are still reasons to be concerned.

The IT Influx
There's no question that technology is the driving force of the future. And with the high-speed future comes high-speed threats. The responsibility of the security professional is to stay one step ahead of the IT machine.

"Part of our digital challenge is that everything changes," said Rick Withers, CPP, chief security officer for CentryTel, at ASIS.

Because technology is constantly evolving, there will constantly be loopholes to technological advancements, prompting malicious hackers to take advantage of unsuspecting users.

"With illicit profits from fraud and theft funding terror groups and organized crime, companies can no longer rely on reactive operations. Simply watching video and reacting to alarms won't cut it anymore," said Tim Ross, executive vice president of sales and marketing for 3VR Security. "Security professionals will increasingly become 'knowledge workers,' employing sophisticated video analysis and surveillance search technologies to proactively deter, detect and disrupt threats."

This, Ross said, is what drives effectiveness and productivity in other information-based industries. It is evident that receiving data in real time is increasingly becoming a priority for the consumer, and the more tech savvy a consumer becomes, the more that will be required of the security professional.

"We need to start thinking of where the consumer will drive the industry," said Kelly Kuchta, CPP, CFE, president of Forensic Consulting solutions.

Consumers today are requiring data instantly. They require automated and expedited services. And companies are already starting to notice the demand. In a world filled with Blackberrys, iPods and laptops, a professional of any kind is sure to find a future of instant accessibility.

The Offshore Advantage
Taking a trip abroad will have a lot more meaning in the near future. Places like India and the Ukraine are not only looking to attract tourists, but job opportunities, as well. Outsourcing work has quickly become a valued option for many businesses. A 2004 Gartner study estimates that more than 80 percent of all CIOs will be directed to outsource offshore at least a portion of their IT operations. As things stand today, many IT professionals have already lost their jobs to outsourcing, both within and outside the country.

With the amount of increased talent in the freelancing world, there's more of a motivation to employ workers on an as-needed basis rather than hire someone full time. Contract work is no longer seen as a risky career move, but more as a steadily increasing income generator.

What prompts companies to outsource offshore work is the cost advantage. In many countries, the cost of living is much cheaper than that in America. Therefore, there are cheaper wages in some international areas. What does this mean to a company looking to increase its ROI? It can get the same job done at half the price. And what does it mean to currently employed professionals? It'd be a good idea to analyze your worth to the company now and find innovative ways to increase that worth, making you a must-have to any future professional endeavors.

It's the Law
Regulations are popping up all around -- SOX, HIPAA, GLBA, FISMA. And either one or all will impact your business one way or another if it doesn't already.

"The legislative effect is ramping up the requirements of the security professional," Withers said.

IT will only increase in each person's daily life, prompting creation of federal regulations. As a business and as a security professional, it will no longer be an option to keep up with what's being regulated, but a requirement. For as automated as the world becomes, there'll always be a level of difficulty in understanding just how intricately things work and how you can be a part of that.

The security industry is constantly evolving and professionals in this industry must also evolve. Security professionals must work hard to create a place for themselves in the future. That goes without saying. But as the industry moves forward, it works to increase its earning potential now and in the future. That alone describes and industry at work.

This article originally appeared in the November 2006 issue of Security Products, pg. 10.

About the author

Karina Sanchez
Karina Sanchez is the former managing editor for Security Products magazine. She now freelances for Web publishers, trade magazines and corporations.