Security has always been a fundamental pillar of doing business, but today, the stakes are higher than ever. From corporate offices to retail stores, hospitals and schools, organizations are facing increasing threats — both physical and digital — that can lead to devastating consequences. Yet, many businesses still rely on outdated security measures that leave them vulnerable to security breaches, financial losses and reputational damage.

Artificial intelligence is transforming all industries and security is no exception. AI-powered threat detection is now redefining how businesses protect themselves, offering proactive and frictionless solutions that can prevent catastrophic events before they happen. The cost of ignoring and not embracing these advancements is simply too high.

The true cost of security breaches

When businesses think about security, they often focus on compliance and liability, but the impact of an incident extends far beyond legal repercussions. The hidden costs of ineffective security include financial losses, reputational damage, operational disruptions and, most critically, loss of human life in extreme cases.

• Financial losses: The economic impact of security failures is staggering. In retail alone, theft and shrinkage cost businesses nearly $100 billion globally each year, according to the National Retail Federation. Workplace violence and active shooter incidents can cost companies millions in lawsuits, workers' compensation claims, and increased insurance premiums.
• Reputational damage: A single security breach can shatter customer trust, leading to potentially irreversible reputational damage. In October 2023, genetic testing firm 23andMe experienced a data breach that exposed sensitive information of approximately 6.9 million users, including personal details and genetic data that was offered for sale on hacking forums. The financial fallout resulted in a $30 million payout to settle a class-action lawsuit. 
• Operational disruptions: Operational disruptions due to security incidents can halt operations for hours, days and weeks, leading to significant revenue losses. In July 2024 the world experienced a global IT outage caused by a faulty software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, affecting systems worldwide. Delta Air Lines was particularly impacted, canceling over 6,000 flights and estimating financial losses of $500 million.  While the threat was not malicious in nature, it nevertheless had the same impact. The incident not only disrupted air travel but also affected hospitals, banks, and media outlets globally, demonstrating how extensive the operational and financial repercussions of security breaches can be. 
• Employee and customer safety: The most devastating consequence of inadequate security is the threat to human life. In schools, hospitals, and public spaces, outdated or insufficient security systems fail to deter threats, prevent incidents, or enable swift responses in critical moments—turning what could be preventable tragedies into life-or-death situations. Effective security measures are not just about protecting assets; they are essential for safeguarding the well-being of every individual within these environments.

Aware of the risks above, businesses must ask themselves: Can we afford to rely on outdated security measures in today’s environment?

The AI factor

AI-powered security solutions, both cyber and physical, are revolutionizing the way businesses approach threat detection and prevention and provide real-time, automated and highly accurate detection of potential threats before they escalate.

In the case of on-premise security and weapons detection, machine learning and computer vision are able to instantly identify risks and reduce response delays.   AI-enabled systems also offer frictionless, non-intrusive screening, eliminating the need for invasive checks. Studies show that AI-assisted systems significantly cut response times by instantly alerting security teams to anomalies, which is crucial in critical situations. Best of all, AI continuously learns and improves which means it can AI-enabled security solutions can help businesses predict potential threats, optimize protocols, and enhance overall safety.

Securing security solutions

Securing an organization’s security systems is also crucial. If security systems are compromised, their effectiveness is nullified, leaving organizations vulnerable. Implementing robust encryption and cybersecurity protocols is essential to safeguard these systems. According to the HIPAA Journal, in 2023, 79.7% of data breaches were attributed to hacking incidents, a 30% increase in just four years. Not only that, but according to an IBM report the average time to identify and contain a data breach is 258 days! 

In addition to standard encryption, organizations must level up their compliance with more stringent security frameworks including: 

• Quantum computer-proof encryption to protect against decryption by super computers.
• System and Organization Controls 2 (SOC 2) compliance, to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity. 
• National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliance to protect against overseas cyber threats. NDAA compliance is required for organizations working with government entities, as it ensures that security technology does not contain components from untrusted manufacturers that could pose national security risks.
• Personally Identifiable Inforamation (PII) data Encrypted with keys that are not stored on the servers so that data is better protected. 
• Two-factor authentication (2FA) to help mitigate unauthorized access to systems with an extra layer of security.
• Self-destructing links further reduce the attack surface by ensuring that sensitive images are only accessible for limited period of time, such as 60 seconds, before expiring. This prevents long-term vulnerabilities. 

Employing comprehensive cyber security measures ensures that AI-enabled security systems remain not only effective but also resilient against emerging cyber threats.

Evolving threats require smarter AI

Hackers and malicious actors are already leveraging AI to exploit system vulnerabilities— making it imperative that businesses fight fire with fire. The solution? Smarter AI. By integrating and continuously training AI-powered security systems, organizations can enhance threat detection, prevent incidents before they escalate, and even anticipate future risks. As security threats become more sophisticated, companies that fail to evolve leave themselves, their employees, and their customers vulnerable. AI-driven security is no longer a luxury reserved for Fortune 500 companies—it’s a critical investment for any business that values safety, efficiency, and resilience. 

AI isn’t just the future of security; it’s the present, and businesses must proactively integrate it across operations to help protect human life and critical systems, and to stay ahead of ever-evolving threats.