CONTENTS 2
3-4 6
7-8
EDITOR’S COMMENTS
Editor’s welcome and Contents Retail reality checks
When technology advances, can security keep up?
Data and AI – Disruption and opportunity is happening now
9-10 How security companies can embrace AI: 6 strategies for growth
11-12 Why transparency is vital in the AI era
13 14 16
What is the potential cost of a security incident to your business?
Retail security’s tech-powered evolution has set the precedent for smarter, safer streets
Learning from the Liverpool FC Parade Incident
17-18 Choosing the right cybersecurity strategy
19-20 Our Safer City – Destination City: Working in partnership to prevent violence against women and girls
21
CoLCPA University Outreach: UCL students gain invaluable security sector experience
23-24 Built for the threat: Getting body armour right is more critical than ever
25 26
Focus on a Security Officer and a Chartered Security Professional
UK National Audit Office guide on managing risk in government is launched
27-28 How has the convergence of cyber and physical security progressed?
30 32
UK Salary Survey 2025–26
Exercise Iron Titan: Multi-agency preparedness in London
33-34 Security Directory pages
© City Security magazine is published quarterly in partnership with the City of London Crime Prevention Association and the City of London Police. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine, copy or photography, may be reproduced in any form, electronic or in print, without prior written permission of the editorial committee.
unprecedented challenges and opportunities — not least the impact of artificial intelligence. In this edition, we explore transformative changes to technology and their impact on security.
A warm welcome to our summer issue T
he security sector currently faces
We open with an analysis of the recent wave of cyber attacks on retail giants Marks & Spencer, Co-op, and Harrods. The fallout from these attacks, including data breaches and operational disruption, highlights a critical lesson: security by design must be more than just a buzzword to achieve the secure architecture needed today.
Artificial intelligence is a recurring focus throughout this edition. We explore how data and AI are revolutionising security operations — improving performance, scheduling and KPIs; how AI is helping security companies grow business and communications; and the need for ensuring responsible use of AI.
We include a practical guide to developing a cybersecurity strategy. From understanding risk and embedding a culture of awareness to preparing for the worst and evaluating the benefits of Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs). Technology continues to be both a challenge and an enabler. We explore
Editorial Committee Editor: Andrea Berkoff
Executive Editor: Paul Eskriett MBE Chairman: Don Randall MBE Editorial
editor@citysecuritymagazine.com
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Project Pegasus, an innovative partnership between retailers, police, and government to combat retail crime through intelligence sharing and advanced analytics. The National Protective Security Authority’s new Asset Cost Estimation Tool (ACET) offers security managers a practical way to quantify the financial impact of security incidents, while the National Audit Office’s latest report provides guidance on overcoming challenges and managing risk in government operations.
A major theme this summer is the convergence of cyber and physical security. The launch of the Level 4 Protective Security Adviser Qualification in May marks a milestone in professionalising a holistic approach to protective security. In light of this, we examine the evolving role of chief security officers and chief information officers, who are increasingly tasked with driving this convergence. Our analysis assesses the progress and challenges in unifying physical and digital security strategies.
Our regular features include an update from Our Safer City, highlighting efforts to prevent violence against women and girls and domestic abuse.
As always, our aim is to share security know-how and good practice across all disciplines. Enjoy the summer edition.
Andrea Berkoff Editor
Advertising Jacob Holmes,Fellows Media T: 01242 259 244
jacob.holmes@fellowsmedia.com
Design & Production David Berkoff Berkoff Design
db@berkoffdesign.co.uk
For more articles check out our website
www.citysecuritymagazine.com
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