Page 27 - SyI Quarterly - Q3 and Q4 Edition 2023

4. The Evolution of Protective Security

In much the same way as the industrial safety journey, the recent history of protective security evolution
has been shaped by various factors, including emerging threats, advancements in technology, and
evolving security strategies. Here is a summary of some key developments:

4.1. Rise of Cybersecurity. With the increasing reliance on digital systems and the increased
motivation and capability of cyber threat actors, cybersecurity has become a significant aspect of
protective security. The evolution of cyber risks, such as hacking, data breaches, and ransomware
attacks, has led to the development of specialised cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, intrusion
detection systems, encryption, and employee awareness training.

4.2. Enhanced Physical Security Measures. The evolution of physical security measures has focused
on improving deterrence, detection, and response capabilities. Advanced surveillance systems, access
control technologies, biometrics, and security screening technologies have become more sophisticated.
Integration with digital systems and analytics has allowed for better adversarial threat detection and
management.

4.3. Risk-Based Approach. There has been a shift towards a risk-based approach in protective
security, where security measures are tailored to specific threats and vulnerabilities. Adversarial risk
assessments, protective intelligence, and vulnerability management are used to identify and prioritise
security risks. This approach helps allocate resources effectively and focus on the most critical protective
security needs.

4.4. Increased Collaboration and Intelligence Sharing. The recognition of the interconnectedness of
security threats has led to greater collaboration among organisations and intelligence sharing between
private and public sectors. Information sharing platforms, public-private partnerships, and joint
exercises have improved situational awareness and facilitated coordinated responses to security
incidents.

4.5. Emphasis on Insider Threats: Organisations have increasingly recognised the potential risks
posed by insiders, including employees, contractors, and partners. Insider threat programmes and
monitoring systems have been developed to detect and reduce malicious activities or unintentional
security breaches from within the organisation.

4.6. Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Automation. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and
automation has brought new opportunities and challenges to protective security. AI-powered analytics,
machine learning algorithms, and automation technologies are being utilised to enhance threat
detection, video surveillance, access control, and incident response. However, the risks associated with
AI, such as algorithmic biases and vulnerabilities, also need to be addressed.

4.7. Focus on Resilience and Business Continuity. Protective security has increasingly embraced the
concept of resilience, emphasising the ability to withstand and recover from security incidents. Business
continuity planning, crisis management and emergency preparedness frameworks, and incident
response exercises are integrated into protective security strategies to minimise the impact of disrup-
tions and ensure the continuity of operations.

These are some of the notable trends and developments in the recent history of protective security
evolution. The focus on cybersecurity, enhanced physical protection, risk-based approaches,
collaboration, insider threats, AI and automation, and resilience reflects the ongoing efforts to adapt to
emerging threats and protect people, property, and information in an evolving hostile landscape.

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