A new report reveals that 71% of businesses surveyed have not integrated artificial intelligence (AI) into their security strategy while 23% don’t know if they’re using AI.

Pro-Vigil recently published its The State of Physical Security Entering 2024 research report. The fourth annual report revealed that despite a quarter of businesses reporting increased physical security incidents in 2023, security strategies continue to remain outdated. This is especially evident when it comes to the adoption of and education in artificial intelligence (AI) as a component of physical security strategies.

For the report, the organization polled operations leaders across a range of industries including construction, dealerships (car/truck/boat/RV), retail and manufacturing, among others. 

Key report highlights

Businesses slow to adopt AI in security strategies

• While businesses reported a slight uptick in the adoption of remote video monitoring (RVM) services in 2023, 71% have not integrated AI into their security strategy. 23% don’t know if they’re using AI.
• 29% believe AI can be a helpful tool in the fight against crime, while 57% aren’t sure.
• 72% said they aren’t concerned about using AI.

Physical security incidents impact businesses’ bottom line

• 25% of respondents saw an increase in physical security incidents in 2023, close to the 28% reported in 2022 and 2021, up from 20% in 2020.

• 26% believe increased incidents can be attributed to a rise in local crime, while 23% say the economy is to blame.
• 32% of businesses said they experienced project delays because of physical security incidents, with 30% reporting damage to assets.

Perceptions of crime in the year ahead

• 55% of respondents are more worried about crime than a year ago.

• 87% predict the number of physical security incidents will increase or stay the same in 2024, with 27% believing that number will rise.