6 Key Technology Trends Shaping Security in 2025

(L-R) > JOHAN PAULSSON - CTO - Axis Communications, MATS THULIN - Director Core Technologies - Axis Communications, THOMAS EKDAHL - Engineering Manager - Axis Communications

As the year progresses, it’s time to reflect on the technology trends poised to shape the security sector over the next 12 months. The rapid pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing down, bringing both familiar developments and fresh challenges to the forefront.

Revisiting Familiar Trends with New Dimensions

Some trends are natural continuations of previous advancements. Artificial intelligence (AI), for example, remains a cornerstone of innovation in the security industry. However, new considerations and applications are emerging, requiring careful attention. Other trends represent a revival of topics that had temporarily faded from focus, bringing them back into the conversation with renewed relevance.

Regulatory Responses to Technological Innovation

Governments and regional bodies are working hard to keep pace with technological advancements. Key areas such as AI, cybersecurity, privacy, and the resilience of critical systems will dominate regulatory agendas. While these aren’t highlighted as standalone trends, they remain critical factors that every organization must address proactively.

Opportunities Amidst Change

Embedded within these trends are significant opportunities for the security sector. For customers, this translates into enhanced capabilities, increased flexibility, improved efficiency, and greater overall value. The ability to adapt and leverage these advancements will be a defining factor in maintaining a competitive edge.

Hybrid Solutions: The Path to Flexibility

Hybrid architectures, combining edge, cloud, and on-premise technologies, have become the default choice for security solutions. These architectures offer organizations the freedom to tailor their systems based on technological, legal, and ethical requirements.

Whether driven by regulatory demands, cost considerations, or data control concerns, hybrid solutions provide unparalleled flexibility. They enable organizations to store, analyze, and manage data in a way that aligns with their unique needs while supporting scalable system architectures.

AI Advancements: Balancing Efficiency and Evolution

AI development continues at an unprecedented pace. Deep learning is now a staple of security analytics, while generative AI is rapidly maturing. However, the high computational demands of these technologies have sparked debates about balancing cost, energy consumption, and environmental impact with the value they deliver.

Efforts to optimize AI models without compromising quality are accelerating. As AI technologies integrate more deeply into hybrid architectures, their application across the security value chain—from object recognition to natural language interaction—will transform operations. Future advancements may even allow generative AI to function efficiently on surveillance cameras, unlocking new possibilities for proactive security measures.

Expanding Beyond Traditional Security Applications

The integration of advanced computer vision, audio, and access control technologies is revolutionizing safety and security. AI-powered analytics enable quicker, more accurate responses to incidents. Beyond traditional use cases, sensor-generated data is finding applications in operational efficiency and business intelligence.

This cross-functional potential underscores the importance of collaboration within organizations. For instance, video data initially captured for security purposes can inform decisions in areas like customer experience, sustainability, and process optimization.

Renewed Focus on Image Quality

While image quality has always been a priority, its role is evolving with the increased reliance on AI and analytics. High-resolution images enable more accurate object recognition and generate richer metadata, enhancing the effectiveness of security solutions.

Improved image quality also drives efficiency. A single high-resolution camera can cover areas that previously required multiple devices. However, maintaining image quality remains crucial, as even minor obstructions can impact analysis.

Long-Term Value Through Software Support

High-quality hardware continues to improve, with longer lifespans and greater performance capabilities. However, the true value of these devices lies in ongoing software support. Regular updates not only enhance functionality but also ensure robust cybersecurity, extending the overall lifespan of the hardware. Investing in hardware with comprehensive software support reduces the total cost of ownership, offering a more efficient and effective solution over time.

Technology Autonomy: A Competitive Advantage

Customers need to drive technological innovation for safety, operational efficiency, or sustainability. Vendors with greater autonomy over their core technologies are better positioned to meet these demands. By owning foundational technologies, vendors can design products tailored to customer priorities while maintaining security by design. This independence also mitigates risks from global supply chain disruptions, ensuring timely delivery of solutions.

Looking Ahead: Shaping the Security Sector in 2025

The trends shaping 2025 highlight the transformative potential of technology in the security sector. From hybrid solutions to AI advancements and beyond, these developments promise to redefine efficiency, flexibility, and value. Discussing these trends will be essential to harness their full potential. We look forward to exploring these opportunities with all of you.