AI in Security: Your New Robot Sidekick, Not Your Replacement

Read the full article at The Sentry Post

As a veteran in the physical security world, I've seen the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) firsthand. Sure, everyone's buzzing about chat-bots and self-driving cars, but the way AI is changing our industry is truly mind-boggling. From facial recognition to advanced threat detection, it's clear AI plays a powerful role in modern security. Now, the big question on everyone's mind: are we security professionals destined to be replaced by a cold, unfeeling algorithm?

Well, let's put those fears to rest. I’m here to tell you, folks, AI is a phenomenal tool, but it's no substitute for the human touch.

Let's be real – AI is awesome at spotting patterns and anomalies. We dump insane amounts of security footage at it, and it can pick out a suspicious package or an unauthorized individual faster than you can say "perimeter breach." This is a massive advantage. Instead of mindlessly staring at blurry screens for hours, security teams can focus on responding to real threats identified by their trusty AI sidekick.

But, and there's always a but, AI lacks some…well…human qualities. Take intuition for example. Sure, AI can identify a masked person loitering suspiciously, but can it sense that something feels just off? An experienced security officer often has a sixth sense for trouble that a computer program can't replicate. See where I'm going with this?

Let's not forget complex problem-solving. Security situations get messy fast. Imagine an intruder triggers an alarm, cameras pick up unusual activity, and there's a potential security breach. AI can help gather the data, but an on-the-ground security team has to assess the situation in seconds, make critical decisions, and coordinate a response. That kind of rapid tactical thinking and adaptability is where humans shine.

Think of it like this: AI is the brain, we're the body. AI analyzes and alerts, but humans act decisively. It's a symbiotic relationship that makes us more efficient, not obsolete.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room. Other industries, like manufacturing and even customer service, are definitely feeling the pressure of automation. Industries are being redefined, and it's a genuine concern. But when it comes to security, human oversight and decision-making are absolutely irreplaceable. Could you imagine leaving the safety of something as critical as an airport or a corporate campus solely in the hands of AI? I hope not! A security breach could be catastrophic.

Plus, we're seeing a shift in security roles. AI frees up our time for the more strategic and interpersonal stuff. Building community relationships, fostering better communication – those are things a robot can't do (well, not unless it's one of those free thinking humanoid ones from the movie iRobot – who knows, that might be the future!).

So, let's raise a glass (okay, maybe just a coffee mug) to the human-AI partnership! The future of security isn't about replacement; it's about collaboration. AI makes us better at what we do, and that's something to celebrate.

This is an article written for The Sentry Post. Check out the site for more content!

About The Author:

Scott Ashworth is a physical security professional with experience leading security teams in the Sports, Entertainment, and Tech industries. Before his career in corporate security, Scott spent a decade in law enforcement, achieving the rank of Lieutenant over investigations for a police department in Metro Atlanta.

He holds a Bachelors of Science in Criminology, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Counter terrorism and Homeland Security. He has also obtained several industry certifications including, a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification from ASIS International, a Certified Sports Security Professional (CSSP) certification through NCS4 and the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) certification from ISC2.