It is important for Kiwi businesses to keep abreast of emerging global trends in physical security, cybersecurity, and workplace operations. The technology that underpins many of these trends is converging. 

Nextro’s latest blog post covers the top physical security trends to watch in 2023, including the rise of AI-driven security solutions, the importance of cybersecurity and secure remote access, and the convergence (or blending) of IT and physical security teams. Read more to learn about these key trends and how they can help your business stay secure and increase operational efficiency.

Physical Security Trends for 2023

Physical security is a crucial aspect of any organisation’s operations. With technology constantly evolving, Kiwi businesses must keep on top of the latest trends to ensure that their systems are up-to-date and secure. In 2023, we can expect to see the continued change that will shape the industry.

#1 Labour shortages will drive greater demand for unified security solutions 

One of the most significant trends in 2023 is the continued shortage of labour across all industries, including physical security. According to a survey conducted by Genetec, 50% of physical security teams faced human resource challenges in 2022. To ensure adequate physical security with fewer staff, organisations are re-evaluating their technology stack. Investing in modern physical security technologies will position the security team’s culture as a leading edge, helping to attract younger, more tech-savvy physical security recruits in a competitive job market. 

#2 Modernising access control will take precedence 

Access control is a crucial part of physical security. Upgrading access control and intrusion detection systems will allow organisations to eliminate weak points in legacy systems and better defend against cybersecurity threats. In 2023, we can expect to see more organisations upgrading their access control systems to deliver a host of built-in cyber defences, higher levels of automation, and streamline access control tasks. 

#3 Hybrid-cloud deployments will grow alongside demand for cloud-connected appliances 

Hybrid-cloud deployments are gaining traction across the physical security industry, with 66% of organisations expected to move to managing or storing more physical security in the cloud over the next two years. As businesses rationalise their costs, concerns, and approach to migrating to the cloud, we can expect an increase in demand for ready-to-deploy hybrid-cloud appliances. These devices will provide more flexibility to meet site-specific requirements and streamline access to the latest innovations. 

#4 Implementing better cybersecurity measures and defences will be a priority 

With rising concerns about cybercrime, organisations are looking for new ways to implement and maintain robust cybersecurity strategies. Implementing better security measures and automated cyber defences will be a priority. This includes replacing legacy equipment, using intelligent maintenance tracking tools and metrics, relying on external help to adapt security architecture planning, and standardising on cybersecurity-minded vendors. 

#5 Extracting physical security data will push digital transformation forward 

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation on a global scale. In 2023, extracting intelligence from physical security systems will become central to roadmap discussions. According to a Microsoft-Accenture survey, 75% of respondents believed DX of physical security would generate a meaningful return on investment (ROI). As these initiatives expand, success relies on aggregating data from various sources and quickly making sense of data to make informed decisions. 

#6 Blended IT, and physical security teams will be essential 

With the expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the growing demand for mobility, vulnerabilities in security will increase. It is crucial to bridge the divide between physical and IT security to manage network security solutions effectively. To achieve this, many organisations will seek solutions that provide a consolidated view of physical security and cybersecurity. We’ll see more collaboration and even fully blended IT and physical security teams, which will enhance efficiency, streamline global security operations, and improve business processes. 

#7 Organisations will embrace remote work and space utilisation data 

The pandemic has led to a slow uptake in back-to-office work, and many organisations are embracing a hybrid work environment to remain competitive. As a result, the office footprint is changing in significant ways. Many are downsizing or looking for ways to repurpose unused spaces while also supporting new office demands such as more hotdesking, team collaboration, and wellness amenities. To achieve this, organisations will need to adopt advanced security solutions that provide insight into space utilisation and support remote work policies. 

The above trends will shape the physical security industry in 2023. Businesses in New Zealand must prioritise investment in modern technology to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that their security systems are up-to-date and secure. At Nextro, we are committed to helping our clients stay ahead of these trends and navigate the ever-evolving and converging worlds of physical and cyber security. 

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With the increase in crime across Auckland, local Business Associations are looking for the best way to protect their businesses, staff  and local communities.  

Remuera Business Association has engaged Nextro to manage and support its Genetec & Axis video surveillance and license plate recognition system to enhance safety across the shopping precinct.

The system has unique and frequently-used features such as visual tracking and quick search, which enable security operators and Business Association staff to quickly detect, track and deal with safety or security issues in real-time.

NZ Police are able to access and view the Remuera cameras in an emergency. This allows them to rapidly assess the situation and deploy appropriate resources. Watch the video of Martyn Levy, Nextro’s Managing Director, explaining how this system works and how it helps keep the Remuera community safe.

Interested to know more? Please get in touch here.

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Nextro praised for innovation, market-leading finance models, and redefining the delivery of managed network & security services in the New Zealand market

The 2022 Ruckus ANZ Mini Dogs Partner Conference has concluded in Hobart with NZ-based Nextro taking out an important channel award.

Nextro, the New Zealand managed network and security services provider, was awarded the Ruckus Channel “Best of Breed” title for its platform innovation and managed service model successes in the New Zealand market over the last year.

The award recognises Nextro’s customer wins and project delivery achievements in the hospitality, crowded-places security and large-scale facilities markets deploying and integrating Ruckus switching and WiFi equipment across New Zealand.

“This award is solid recognition for Nextro’s engineering and solutions teams’ accomplishments over the last 12-18 months. Nextro has continued to innovate and operate secure corporate and building services networks delivering clarity and certainty for its customers,” said Martyn Levy, Nextro’s Managing Director.

Nextro’s managed networks secure and support corporate and building services operations applications such as voice, secure cloud connectivity, video surveillance, intrusion detection, access control, and building management systems.

“Martyn and the team at Nextro are being recognised for the innovative approach they take to creating a holistic managed service proposition, providing the perfect combination of market-leading hardware solutions, cutting-edge innovation, and an industry-leading finance model. Nextro is redefining managed services on Ruckus-based networks in the New Zealand market,” said David Fenner, ANZ Regional Sales Manager, Ruckus Networks.

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Keeping people safe in crowded places – New Zealand’s Crowded Places StrategyIt is clear, following the Christchurch attacks, that New Zealand is not immune from the risk of significant terrorist attacks. Within a year of these attacks, the New Zealand Government, via ODESC and the DPMC, published the New Zealand Counter-Terrorism Strategy.  

New Zealand’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy is about “working together to prevent terrorism and violent extremism of all kinds in New Zealand, while ensuring the systems and capabilities are in place to act early and respond when needed.” 

A key pillar of the Counter-Terrorism Strategy is the just-released Crowded Places Strategy. This strategy’s purpose includes ensuring that businesses, communities and local councils have awareness and access to the tools they need to keep people safe in crowded places. You can download a copy of the Crowded Places Strategy here. 

Crowded Places are defined as ‘locations that large numbers of people access easily and predictably. They include sporting arenas; transport hubs and public transport; buildings and offices; schools, shopping centres; restaurants, hotels, theatres and other entertainment venues; community festivals and markets; houses of worship; tourist attractions; and civic spaces. Crowded places also include open spaces like busy urban streets, parks and pedestrian malls’. 

The Crowded Places strategy is intended to define a consistent approach to protecting crowded places throughout New Zealand. It introduces guidelines and tools to help owners and operators of crowded places reduce the chance of an attack occurring, and lessen its consequences, using methods that are proportionate to the threat. 

Generally, the strategy and published documentation helps owners and operators of Crowded Places to: 

1. better understand how to Deter, Detect, Delay and Respond to an attack;
2. conduct self-assessments of the risks of an attack at their location or event; and
3. assess the appropriate level of protective security needed.

The government has released some very useful and detailed guides to assist businesses, communities and councils to enhance their site security. These include:

• Self-Assessment Tool – This tool focus helps you understand how attractive your site might be to an attacker. It lists factors that attackers are likely to consider when looking for a target; 
• Assessing Your Protective Security Tool – This document lists ten areas of focus to help you consider factors that attackers take into account when they are looking for a target. It also helps you consider how to best protect the site from attack and how to make improvements.
• Detecting Hostile Reconnaissance – This guide provides an overview of the potential indicators and protective security measures that could be considered when developing or reviewing security plans and measures to mitigate the tactic of conducting hostile reconnaissance and rehearsals in advance of an attack against a specific target. 
• Security Audit Tool: This document is designed for those with some security knowledge to help them: check which security matters are relevant to the type, size and risk profile of your crowded place, and its attractiveness to would-be attackers; identify any security gaps that you need to resolve at your crowded place; record the actions you plan to take to resolve security gaps. 

The key messages underlying the release of Crowded Places Strategy are that:

1. New Zealand is not immune from terrorist attack;
2. All New Zealanders have a role to play in keeping crowded places safe; 
3. Owners and operators of crowded places have a particular responsibility to ensure protective security measures are in place as part of their emergency planning and health and safety practices; 
4. Now is the time to review your site’s and organisation’s security posture, risk profile, and vulnerabilities – and to make a plan to mitigate those risks.  

The Nextro team is expert at providing solutions that enhance security at Crowded Places. These include video surveillance solutions, as well as secure building services and security operations networks supporting CCTV, access control, panic alarms, and connectivity to NZ Police. 

We have designed, deployed and currently manage security and network solutions for Crowded Places such as shopping & business precincts, hotels, restaurants, and ethnic community centres throughout New Zealand. 

If you need help with enhancing the security at your facility, or would like to discuss the type of security enhancements that you might need, please get in touch.

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