The commercial security landscape is changing.  

Regulatory updates, rising public expectations, and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats are forcing businesses to rethink their approach to security.

In 2025, staying compliant and competitive means going beyond a few cameras and a lock-and-key system. Modern businesses require integrated, intelligent tools, technologies and strategies to keep ahead of evolving threats and optimise operational efficiency.

Your challenge?

Balancing the urgent need to invest in your security with the risk of overspending on solutions that won't stand the test of time. You want the confidence to safeguard your organisation, without worrying about draining time and resources on the wrong priorities.

That’s why we’re covering the 7 commercial security trends you need to know in 2025. We’ve organized them into three categories - top, growing and emerging priorities - to help you allocate your budget and resources with clarity.

By understanding these trends, you’ll be better equipped to navigate risks, seize opportunities, and turn today’s security pressures into next year's competitive advantage.

Top Priorities (The sooner you can address these, the better)

Combining physical and cyber security measures

Physical and cyber security threats are becoming more intertwined, with a threat or attack in one domain able to bleed into the other. For example, a break-in could give criminals access to sensitive customer data, while a cyber-attack could give bad actors valuable insight into breaking into your sites.

Because of this blurring of boundaries, we’re seeing organisations adopt a more holistic, unified security strategy that combines both physical and cyber protections. By following suit, you can expect streamlined processes, improved efficiency, reduced costs, greater resilience and enhanced threat detection.

Data privacy, compliance and ethics

Data privacy laws and regulations – such as GDPR – are only getting stricter, leaving organisations exposed to larger fines and punishments for non-compliance.

To protect yourself, ensure your business has clear policies and procedures for managing customer, employee and partner data. Key strategies might include encryption, access controls, employee training, vendor management and breach response plans.

This is about more than staying legally compliant, it’s also about building customer trust, reducing risk and giving your business a competitive edge.

Growing Priorities (These should be near-term focuses for your business)

AI-driven surveillance

Thanks to innovative AI solutions, it’s never been easier to monitor and protect your commercial space.

AI tools can analyse your CCTV footage in real time, effectively distinguish humans from objects, flag unusual or questionable behaviour, and automatically alert you to potential incidents. By embracing these tools, you can improve business resilience, reduce incidents and minimise false alarms.

While adoption of these tools is patchy, early adopters are already reaping the rewards, such as improved operational efficiency, quicker response times, and more proactive threat detection.

Cloud-based security

A game-changer for large and multi-site businesses, cloud-based security products provide a flexible and scalable solution for overseeing your business.

We’re seeing more systems migrating to the cloud, giving organisations remote oversight and access to footage from anywhere in the world.

Centralising your security in this way can simplify the management of your organisation and its risk, but it’s essential to do your research on the reputation of your chosen providers.

A proactive, not reactive security mindset

We’re seeing many commercial business and property owners switch from thinking reactively to proactively about their security.

Advanced AI tools and analytics make early threat detection and intervention possible, meaning you can prevent breaches before they even occur. And doing so could save you thousands in costs and damages to property, reputation and efficiency.  

Emerging priorities (These are options to budget for in 2026 and beyond)

Integrated security

One centralised security ecosystem – including video, access, fire and physical barriers – will provide a more comprehensive security solution for your business. It will simplify day-to-day management, improve oversight and collaboration across teams and be more user-friendly for your staff.

The complexity of combining every security system and product you have (and will have) makes it more of a long-term project, but one worth keeping in mind as your security evolves.

Enhanced access Control

Biometric scanners – such as facial recognition or fingerprints – mobile credentials, and touchless entry systems aren't critical to securing your business. But they do offer a convenient, streamlined way to manage entry and access.

By removing your reliance on keys and access cards that could be lost or duplicated, these measures will strengthen your security. They also provide greater agility and scalability as you grow and expand, improve employee experience, and will boost credibility with customers, partners and the public.

Steps for Moving Forward

So, where do you go from here?

To begin implementing these trends and advancements in commercial security, we’d recommend:

·         Performing a risk assessment – making sure to cover both physical and cyber threats

·         Prioritising new systems and products that are scalable – this way you can add features and capabilities later, without requiring a full system overhaul

·         Embracing cloud-based solutions where possible – but be sure to pay attention to vendor reputation and reliability when doing so

·         Keeping your finger on the pulse when it comes to regulatory developments surrounding AI and data privacy.

In 2025, security is about so much more cameras and locks - it’s about combining physical and cyber protections, integrating AI, and embracing scalable, unified solutions.

Focus on your top priorities today, begin preparing for the near-term trends, and keep an eye on emerging innovations. By acting proactively now, you will protect your business, build trust and turn security challenges into your key differentiators.

Security is an investment in your future resilience. By taking it seriously now, your business will be ready for whatever comes next.

For more help building an agile security strategy that embraces both external trends and internal priorities, please get in touch with the team today.