Artificial intelligence continues to evolve, reshaping the security landscape in ways that are both exciting and deeply impactful. As we look towards 2025, the possibilities feel almost limitless.
Below are the insights from Verkada’s experts, which paint an optimistic picture of what’s ahead for security technology. From AI-driven cameras to privacy-focused school systems, these advancements promise to make security more efficient, proactive, and inclusive. Yet, as with any innovation, the journey won’t be without its challenges. Ensuring accessibility, managing costs, and addressing ethical concerns will be essential as the industry moves forward.
AI in Security
Large language and vision models are already transforming security operations, but their full potential is just beginning to unfold. Yunchao Gong, VP of Engineering at Verkada, envisions a future where these models will slash investigation times and deliver insights previously thought unattainable. “Imagine being able to use natural language to search for a specific sound—like a breaking window—or identify actions, such as someone climbing a fence,” says Gong. “This isn’t just theoretical; it’s coming soon.”
These advances aim to enhance efficiency in critical moments where every second counts. But the road to implementation isn’t without hurdles. Large models require substantial computing power, and ensuring they deliver consistent results across diverse environments remains a technical challenge. Still, the potential to unlock faster decision-making and actionable insights marks a paradigm shift in security capabilities.
Cameras
The role of cameras in security systems is undergoing a quiet revolution. Traditional technologies often relied on basic motion detection or pre-set triggers. By contrast, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) now enable cameras to differentiate between authorised employees and unauthorised intruders in real time. Gong explains, “A CNN-powered camera doesn’t just capture images—it analyses them, instantly alerting security teams and even triggering automated actions like locking nearby doors.”
This level of real-time monitoring represents a leap forward in both accuracy and efficiency. However, as Gong notes, the real breakthrough lies in edge-based transformers. “These devices process data locally, reducing delays caused by cloud processing. In critical settings like hospitals, this can mean faster fall detection and immediate alerts,” he adds. While this technology holds incredible promise, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Edge computing demands robust infrastructure and careful integration into existing systems, which could slow its adoption in less tech-ready organisations.
2025 Predictions: Access Control and Education
Mobile credentials are poised to become the standard for access control across industries. Jake Leichtling, Director of Product Management, Access Control, notes that the ubiquity of smartphones has paved the way for this shift. “People already use their phones for everything from boarding passes to payments. Extending that functionality to access control feels like the natural next step,” he says. Technologies like Apple Wallet are simplifying the deployment of mobile credentials, making them more accessible for organisations of all sizes.
While the convenience is undeniable, there are lingering concerns about data security and digital equity. Not everyone owns a smartphone, and ensuring secure, inclusive systems will be critical as this trend accelerates. Leichtling believes these challenges are surmountable, adding that “the appetite for mobile credentials will drive innovation in areas we can’t yet imagine.”
Education
In education, the focus is shifting towards unified security systems that prioritise both safety and privacy. New standards like the ASIS International School Security Standard are encouraging schools to adopt comprehensive, cloud-based solutions that integrate cameras, smart locks, and panic buttons. “These systems don’t just enhance safety,” Leichtling explains. “They streamline operations, enabling faster, more coordinated responses to incidents.”
Privacy, however, is emerging as a cornerstone of school security investments. Features like automatic face blurring are becoming essential, ensuring that schools can protect students without compromising their privacy. Yet, this shift towards privacy-first technology raises questions about cost and scalability—particularly for underfunded schools. “Balancing advanced capabilities with affordability will be key to widespread adoption,” says Leichtling.
2025 Predictions: Intercoms
Intercoms are evolving from simple communication devices into sophisticated tools for security and visitor management. According to David Zhai, Lead Product Manager, Intercoms at Verkada, advancements in natural language processing and edge computing are expanding their capabilities. “Imagine searching for specific audio recordings by keyword or identifying a visitor by describing their appearance,” says Zhai. “This level of functionality isn’t just convenient; it’s transformative.”
These technologies promise to reduce friction in visitor management and improve overall security. However, as with other AI-driven tools, accuracy and reliability will be crucial. False positives or misidentifications could undermine trust in these systems, especially in high-stakes environments.
2025 Predictions: Sensors
Sensors are set to play a growing role in workplace safety, driven in part by new regulations like OSHA’s heat index requirements in California. Dominic Komarek, Product Manager, Verkada, highlights how sensors are expanding beyond traditional metrics like CO2 levels to monitor environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. “These technologies aren’t just about compliance,” he explains. “They’re about safeguarding employee health in an era of growing climate concerns.”
While the benefits are clear, implementing these systems on a large scale will require significant investment and adaptation. Organisations will need to weigh the upfront costs against the long-term value of enhanced safety and regulatory compliance.