such as the cost-of-living crisis, geopolitical tensions, hostile state attacks and extreme weather. New legislation covering anything from fraud and consumer harm through to public order has been coming into play along with the 2023 National Risk Register shared with business by Government.


Alongside this, we have emerging technologies and the opportunities and significant risk that come with these, such as AI to the Internet of Things for instance. My own specialism of threat intelligence is continually looking forward and forecasting – horizon scanning – and these challenges are amplifying.


As such the SyI needs to adapt to this changing threat landscape to ensure our members, partners and stakeholders receive support from a body that represents the whole of our industry. The SyI will build on our strong foundations and ensure we are resilient enough to keep delivering an excellent service and membership experience and, importantly, continue to grow, develop, and influence across the commercial and government sectors. At our annual conference our Vice Chair and interim CE talked through our three-year strategy which underpins this, and alongside this strategy we will be working with our SIGs to examine the challenges and play an important part in setting and maintaining standards within our sectors.


Our industry is growing and developing and as the professional body representing it, the SyI looks forward to continuing in support all those who work so courageously and diligently within it.


The Security Institute is the UK’s largest professional membership body for security professionals, with over 4,700 members.


Membership of The Security Institute gives credibility, enhances career prospects, provides a network of excellent contacts, and offers continual professional development and a wide range of networking opportunities. Join us!


ASIS UK Chairman Letitia Emeana


If we consider what 2023 has been like, I can only say we are certainly going to see more


challenges in the global environments we operate in; the geopolitical, climate change and economic situations will continue to provide a test for our security teams to navigate and our businesses to overcome. However, with advancements in the technology spaces, I certainly see more benefits coming from proactive analytics across the camera estate.


Combining all camera systems to strengthen © CITY SECURITY MAGAZINE – WINTER 2023


cyber controls and share data can leverage improved business benefits and support proactive interventions rather than responding to reactive situations; the further possibilities that open integrations offer are very exciting. Access to more mobile connected devices will provide improved motivation and response from our frontline security officers and move away from static positions where risk allows, and, in turn, the officers become a more approachable, knowledgeable, and accessible security team at the operation level.


Geo-fencing and officer positioning can alert the closest officer to respond or the most qualified if this is a safety request. The data in the system is the key, so the controls, cyber and ethics considerations must be fully mapped, communicated, and strengthened to support this move.


I also believe the senior security managers at businesses must commit to getting back to the “shop floor” and again work with teams to understand the subtle changes the past three years have had on people, operations and assets.


The need to network with colleagues, peers and thought leaders is critical during this period of transformation, and to be immersed in the impacts of the horizon risk of 2024 will ensure we can bring back those considerations and learn to further improve the ability to withstand the shocks that will certainly come our way in 2024.


City Security Council Chairman


Ashley Fernandez I believe that 2024 will


present a blend of challenges and opportunities


that will continue to reshape the way we approach security. As we know, the multifaceted aspects of our fluid and evolving sector continually demonstrate the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors and the concept of security convergence, which is only set to grow and develop further.


Technological innovations, particularly in AI and machine learning, will continue to redefine our practices. We already see predictive analytics, facial recognition systems, and autonomous security drones becoming integral to threat detection and response. The relentless rise of cyber threats drives significant investments in robust cybersecurity measures. Quantum-resistant encryption and blockchain technologies could emerge as crucial safeguards for protecting sensitive data, especially as digital security solutions become more prevalent.


Since the Covid pandemic, our working practices continue to evolve, with remote work becoming the new norm, necessitating stronger security protocols for remote access


www.citysecuritymagazine.com > continued on page 16.


and data protection. Looking at recent events both within the UK and abroad, we must also consider environmental factors, like extreme weather events and natural disasters, and the challenges these bring to physical security infrastructure. Adaptations, such as reinforced buildings and climate-resilient data centres, are essential in our enhanced future preparedness.


One of the most significant shifts in our sector is the increasing focus on collaboration between the public and private sectors. Recognising that security challenges often transcend organisational boundaries, a partnership between government agencies and our sector is vital. This collaboration not only strengthens collective defence against security threats but also fosters the exchange of knowledge, resources, and best practices, aligning with Martyn’s Law and enhancing public security.


Security convergence, the integration of physical and digital/technical security, is at the heart of this transformation. By converging security disciplines, we can create a more robust and adaptable security ecosystem, mitigating risks and responding more effectively to complex threats.


In summary, I think 2024 will see continued technological innovation, cybersecurity resilience, adaptations to remote work, and the crucial implementation of Martyn's Law, along with a growing emphasis on public- private collaboration and security convergence. As an industry, I know that we will remain agile, forward-thinking, and prepared to embrace new innovation and solutions, and will continue to foster collaboration and partnerships.


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