Five Security Trends for 2016. Are You Prepared?

Security trends are more art than science; however, there are some definite trends that security planners must face in 2016.

While not all-inclusive, these five trends will have an impact on most enterprises this year:

1. Active shooter planning
2. Proliferation of technology
3. Election cycle
4. Gun ownership
5. Drones

Read on to learn more about these trends and what they mean for you and your organization. 

1. Active shooter planning

Active shooter planning will continue to be a top concern for the industry. While not a new phenomenon, each active shooter event raises the concern for preparedness. These events may or not be related to terrorism and often focus on sensitive topics such as mental health, religion, access to weapons, and the reliance on the potential to be the first responder. Run – Hide – Fight – will continue to gain momentum in theory, but faces practical and legal questions for the private enterprise.

2. Proliferation of technology

The proliferation of technology in the enterprise will continue to be a greater challenge. We have not figured out “Bring Your Own Device” or the internet of things. The Wall Street Journal got it right, every business is a technology business (emphasis added). Security planners will continue to struggle with protecting the enterprise. At the same time, a renewed reliance on traditionally physical security will occur as the enterprise realizes physical access is as important as logical access.

3. Election cycle

The election cycle will continue to have an impact on the security thought. Borders, fences, ISIS, drones, refugees, radicalized. These are all words being tossed around on the campaign trail in chunks built for a soundbite; however, they have serious planning implications for many organizations. As our collective end user becomes better informed of the risks they face, planners must be better prepared to protect them and mitigate the risks.

4. Gun ownership

Gun ownership is booming. Politics aside, there are more gun consumers and users than any time in our history. The reasons vary, but the implications are real. According to the FBI, 5.3% of active shooter events between 2000 and 2013 were ended by a non-law enforcement person carrying their own weapon. So, we know people are carrying firearms, likely in our offices without us knowing and against HR policies. As more organizations allow people to carry guns in the workplace (e.g. schools), we will struggle to develop policies that protect employees while limiting our liability.

5. Drones

Drones will continue to be on the front burner. It is expected over one million drones were sold last year. Security planners will be concerned with them in high security environments (surveillance, swarm attacks, and used as delivery vehicles), while other environments will be concerned with new forms of stalking, nuisance, and safety concerns.

How do we address these new threats?

The best way is to start with a strong security plan and build from it. Without a firm foundation, any response will seem reactionary and fragmented or disjointed.

That plan begins with a threat assessment that clearly identifies the threats faced by the organization and a planned response to mitigate them. While many are not as prepared as they would like, it is never too late to start.