The State of AI in Physical Security: Key Insights for 2025
As we look toward the horizon of 2025, a recent survey by Pro-Vigil sheds light on the state of artificial intelligence (AI) in the physical security landscape. While 36% of business leaders believe that AI can enhance physical security measures, a mere 7% have actually integrated it into their strategic frameworks. This percentage remains virtually unchanged from 2024, which reported only a 6% adoption rate.
Growing Awareness but Slow Integration
Pro-Vigil’s fifth annual "State of Physical Security Entering 2025" report indicates a need for greater awareness and understanding of AI’s potential in physical security. A staggering 66% of respondents confirmed that their physical security strategies do not utilize AI, while another 27% were uncertain about its application. Jeremy White, Pro-Vigil’s founder, remarked, "Many businesses take a DIY approach to their security, only to find themselves overwhelmed when trying to incorporate AI into their solutions."
The challenge lies not just in understanding AI but also in the technical know-how needed for integration and customization for specific sites. Many organizations simply lack the data sets required for effective AI training, making the implementation process daunting.
Embracing Remote Video Monitoring
Interestingly, video surveillance trends from the survey reveal that 45% of businesses are utilizing AI-enabled remote video monitoring (RVM) services, compared to just 35% using traditional record-and-store camera systems. That means nearly 20% of organizations aren’t using any form of video surveillance.
White pointed out a common misconception among businesses: the belief that their current camera systems will provide adequate evidence in the event of a security incident. However, this often leads to a delayed response when it’s crucial to act promptly. “True crime deterrence needs proactive strategies, and RVM offers that level of immediacy,” White emphasized.
Among other notable findings:
- Nearly half (47%) of respondents reported installing security cameras in the past year, while 12% adopted RVM solutions.
- Additionally, organizations are leveraging existing video surveillance systems for other purposes, such as monitoring worksite conditions (39%).
Rising Security Challenges Ahead
With security incidents on the rise, 91% of surveyed leaders reported that incidents either increased or remained stable throughout 2024. Looking forward, 23% expect an uptick in such incidents, while 64% predict their status quo.
So, what can businesses do in response? White argues that RVM is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. "Video cameras alone won’t cut it—someone needs to be monitoring those feeds for any suspicious activity," he stressed. Furthermore, when asked about the impact of security incidents, 25% cited asset damage as a primary concern, followed by project delays (22%) and inventory disruptions (20%).
For five years, Pro-Vigil has surveyed leaders across various industries on the impact of physical security breaches and how they are addressing them. The data consistently shows that incidents harm businesses’ bottom lines, reinforcing the need for more robust security measures.
What’s Next?
Pro-Vigil’s survey was carried out in September 2024, with 163 respondents predominantly in management roles across diverse sectors like construction and retail. Approximately 57% of respondents represented smaller organizations with fewer than 100 employees.
As the landscape of physical security evolves, embracing AI and proactive measures like RVM could significantly enhance responses to emerging challenges. For businesses looking to protect their assets and ensure safety, integrating both technology and awareness is key.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
