How the emergence of AI (and AI agents with reasoning capabilities) could transform and disrupt the security industry

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and doesn't reflect any specific company or organization. External references inserted throughout the article on certain topics to provide context and explanations of terminology used.

Over the coming years, the security industry could undergo transformations we haven't yet fully realized. Artificial Intelligence (AI), which today seems both advanced and somewhat experimental, is likely on track to become a fundamental part of daily operations and services, potentially redefining our approach to security. In this article, I explore how I believe these developments could potentially shape the future of the industry.

Current AI adoption, usage, limitations and short-term developments

Before diving into the acceleration of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the security industry, it's important to understand the current AI landscape, including its adoption, usage, and limitations.

Most organizations have already developed and implemented some form of AI-enabled systems or processes, whether internally, customer-facing, or both. It’s becoming increasingly rare to find an organization without any active AI projects in their pipeline. Why is that? Because the benefits, current potential, and use cases of AI-enabled processes bring value to organizations and end-users in ways that were simply not feasible just a few years ago.

This growing adoption highlights AI's transformative influence across various sectors, including security, where its applications are beginning to reshape operations, enhance efficiencies, and pave the way for innovations that could redefine industry standards in the near future.

Understanding the current AI-landscape and its definitions

Currently, the AI used by most organizations falls under what is known as "Artificial Narrow Intelligence " (ANI) and are often referred to as "weak intelligence ". This type of AI excels at specific tasks but doesn't have the ability to generalize across domains. Tools like ChatGPT are prime examples of ANI; they can generate text or images based on patterns learned from large datasets but are limited to their specific functions. While powerful, ANI operates within a narrow scope and lacks the broader, human-like understanding that would characterize the next generation of AI, often referred to as "Artificial General Intelligence " (AGI), also referred to as "strong AI" or "human-level AI".

Within the security industry, many organizations are already leveraging ANI-based tools to optimize processes and tasks. These efforts are similar to those seen in other industries. However, as threats become more sophisticated, the tools we use to combat them must evolve. This is especially important in the security sector, where AI can be strategically utilized to enhance human elements that remain central to effective security work. By tapping into emerging AI developments, I believe the industry is on the brink of a new era in security.

A new frontier: How AI agents with reasoning capabilities could transform security

One of the most promising current developments within ANI is the introduction of "AI agents " with reasoning capabilities . These autonomous programs are designed to perform specific tasks without constant human intervention, while also analyzing, inferring, and making decisions based on complex data. In my view, these AI agents could represent a significant leap forward in the security industry.

How AI agents could redefine security operations

I expect the evolution in AI technology and capabilities to significantly enhance how security companies respond to threats, enabling faster and more accurate responses in an increasingly complex landscape. Initially, AI was used primarily for repetitive tasks, but I foresee it evolving into systems capable of making critical decisions independently, thanks to reasoning capabilities .

This shift is particularly promising for the security field, where advanced AI agents—like those anticipated from projects such as OpenAI’s Strawberry project —could make a substantial difference. Unlike traditional AI models that rely on predefined rules and static algorithms, AI agents with reasoning capabilities can adapt to new situations by analyzing large datasets, identifying patterns, and making real-time decisions based on their inferences.

For instance, in a large-scale security environment like an airport, AI agents could monitor thousands of data points—from video feeds to access logs—simultaneously, identifying patterns that might indicate potential security breaches. The true value, as I see it, lies not just in replacing human effort but in enhancing it by providing insights that lead to quicker, more informed decision-making.

AI isn’t here to take over our jobs; rather, it’s likely to help us perform them more effectively. Today’s AI tools follow predefined rules and algorithms, but AI agents with reasoning could autonomously handle tasks, adapting to new situations without constant human input. These advanced AI agents would function much like analysts, working around the clock to provide actionable insights, recommendations, and even automate processes, supporting their human counterparts within organizations.

Transforming Security Operations Centers (SOCs)

Security providers should, in my opinion, lead the way in developing and implementing AI-driven solutions within the security industry. In Security Operations Centers (SOCs), where officers monitor numerous security alerts, current systems can flag issues based on set parameters but often require human interpretation. AI agents with reasoning could take this further by analyzing data in real time, understanding the context and severity of alerts, and prioritizing them accordingly, enabling operators to focus on the most critical tasks.

Predictive maintenance

Another significant impact of AI agents could be seen in predictive maintenance. Today, maintenance is often scheduled at fixed intervals or in response to issues as they arise. AI agents could revolutionize this by continuously analyzing system data, predicting when maintenance is truly needed, and preventing failures, thus enhancing system reliability and reducing costs. Imagine technicians being sent to client sites to carry out preventive maintenance tasks at just the right time, reducing the risk of equipment failures—before they happen, but not too early either.

Optimizing the deployment of security personnel

When it comes to deploying security personnel, AI agents could analyze real-time traffic conditions, past incidents, and threat levels to optimize resource use, improve patrol routes, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall security coverage. Features like real-time geographical tracking of the fleet, combined with threat and risk assessments, could further refine staffing and dispatching strategies. I believe there are many similar ways both on-site and mobile guarding could be disrupted using AI agents.

Enhancing risk management strategies

Incorporating AI into risk management strategies could significantly improve the ability to predict and prevent incidents before they happen, especially in how security providers assess client site risks. AI’s capability to process vast amounts of data could lead to more accurate threat identification and proactive risk mitigation. For instance, AI could compare similar site configurations, client segments, and historical incident data to recommend security measures best suited for a specific client.

Improving client relationships and customer service

AI also holds the potential to improve client relationships and customer service by providing real-time insights. It could generate detailed reports on key performance indicators like response times and system uptime, automating manual reporting tasks and improving transparency. Additionally, AI could assist clients with inquiries about contracts, site events, invoicing, and more, providing quick responses without needing to contact the regular client care team—or equipping the client care team with the best information available to serve clients effectively.

Integrating AI into electronic security systems

Incorporating AI into electronic security systems opens up even more possibilities. Autonomous AI agents managing local security operations—such as intrusion detection, access control, or CCTV systems—could significantly increase security levels and reduce human errors. Tasks that currently require human intervention, like firmware and software updates or adjusting system configurations, could be handled dynamically by AI agents, improving security operations at client sites while reducing the need for human involvement. Moreover, these agents could potentially develop new functionalities and system configurations that haven’t yet been imagined.

Strategic implementation, continuous improvement, and ethical considerations

To fully unlock AI's potential, a strategic approach to implementation will be crucial. Starting with projects that offer quick wins and building on those successes is essential. AI won’t be something that can simply be set and forgotten; it will require continuous refinement and updates to remain effective. This means regularly reviewing how AI is being used and making necessary adjustments. Importantly, organizations must be bold enough to invest in AI, not just as a one-off, but as a core part of their future structure, strategies, and operations.

By staying agile and adaptable, security companies can ensure that their AI investments continue to deliver value over time. Moreover, the iterative nature of AI deployment—where continuous learning and adaptation are integral—means that companies must remain flexible. AI systems won’t be static; they will evolve as they process more data and encounter new scenarios. Regular reviews and refinements of AI-driven processes will help companies stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain a high standard of service.

As AI becomes more embedded in security operations, maintaining a focus on data privacy and ethics will be crucial. AI systems will rely on vast amounts of data, and it will be our responsibility to ensure that this data is handled securely and ethically. Transparency with clients about how their data is used and steps to protect it, such as encryption and anonymization, will be essential.

Ethical considerations will also play a significant role in how AI makes decisions. Ensuring that AI systems act fairly and without bias will be critical. Regular audits and adjustments will be necessary to ensure these systems operate as intended. Bias in AI systems is a significant concern, particularly in the security industry, where biased decisions could have serious consequences. To mitigate this risk, security companies must conduct regular audits of their AI systems to identify and address any biases.

The future of AI in security: What to expect over the next 5-10 years?

Looking to the future, AI is likely to significantly reshape how companies approach security, particularly in their relationships with security providers. Over the next 5-10 years, AI is expected to become an integral part of how businesses protect their assets, data, and personnel, working in tandem with security providers to offer more advanced, tailored solutions.

One key development could be the progression from narrow AI , which specializes in specific tasks, to more generalized AI with advanced reasoning capabilities. This would allow AI systems to not only detect and respond to threats but also predict them, offering proactive security measures tailored to each client’s specific environment and risk profile. As AI continues to evolve, the possibility of reaching Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)—where AI systems can perform any intellectual task that a human can—might become a reality.

AGI would have the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, making it an invaluable tool in complex security environments where decisions need to be made quickly and based on a wide array of factors. For businesses, this could mean that their security providers can offer services that are not only reactive but also highly adaptive and personalized, responding to emerging threats in real-time and continuously optimizing security measures.

Looking further ahead, the concept of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI)—AI that surpasses human intelligence across all fields—though still theoretical at this stage, raises intriguing possibilities for the security sector. ASI could potentially revolutionize security operations by providing insights and solutions that are beyond human capability, enabling a level of security that is both highly efficient and exceptionally robust. For businesses, this could translate into near-zero downtime, ultra-precise threat detection, and the ability to foresee and mitigate risks long before they materialize.

However, with the power of ASI comes significant responsibility. The ethical implications of deploying such advanced AI in security must be carefully considered. While ASI could theoretically offer unparalleled protection, it could also introduce risks if not properly managed, including the potential for autonomous decision-making that might not always align with human values or legal frameworks.

As businesses explore these future possibilities, maintaining a human-centric approach will be essential, ensuring that AI enhances rather than undermines the core principles of security and ethics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the future of AI in security will likely be marked by a shift from reactive measures to proactive, predictive, and highly personalized security solutions. As businesses and their security providers continue to embrace these advancements, they will need to strike a balance between leveraging AI’s capabilities and maintaining the human judgment that is essential to effective and ethical security management. This balanced approach will be key to unlocking the full potential of AI in the security sector, ensuring that it delivers tangible benefits to both the security providers, and their clients.

The emerging technologies and developments we're witnessing these years (and even over the last couple of months alone) are truly exciting. But the future of security isn’t just about technology—it’s also about how we use that technology to make the world a safer place.

Portions of this article were developed with assistance from ChatGPT , while maintaining a focus on my own analysis, perspectives, structure and viewpoints.