The big security trends for 2023 according to ChatGPT

New Zealand Security Magazine - February-March 2023

2023 trends
What does ChatGPT say about this year's big trends in security?

Sick of the annual lists of security trends that populate your LinkedIn feed each New Year? Tired of seeing so-called ‘disruptors’ making the list year after year? Well, this year we’ve bypassed the experts and asked AI what are the key security trends for 2023!


Launched free to the public on 30 November 2022 by San Francisco-based OpenAI, ChatGPT has literally taken the world by surprise. By 04 December it was estimated that ChatGPT already had over one million users.

The AI-enabled chatbot has gained instant attention for its ability to create lucid and detailed content on any manner of topics based on user queries, and at the same time it’s drawn quick criticism over its accuracy and pandora’s box of ethical implications.

Given the press generated by ChatGPT, we at NZSM decided to put the chatbot through its paces by seeking responses to four security-related questions:

  1. What are the five key trends for physical security in 2023?
  2. What the five key things that customers of physical security services will be looking for in 2023?
  3. What are the five key challenges facing private security companies in 2023?
  4. What are the five key characteristics customers will be looking for in private security guards in 2023?

The answers are, well, questionable, but it was nevertheless impressive to witness how quickly the system was able to pull its responses together. Ultimately, ChatGPT’s answers are only as good as the information on the topic that’s already been published on the web, which makes them no better… and probably no worse!

It may be an even more interesting exercise to run the same query again in early 2024 to gauge how much the chatbot has learned over the course of 12 months.

Note: the remainder of this article is unedited text from ChatGPT.

What are the five key trends for physical security in 2023?

1. Intelligent Video Analytics: As cameras continue to become more and more advanced, intelligent video analytics is becoming increasingly important in physical security operations. These systems leverage the power of AI to detect and analyse patterns, making it possible to identify potential security issues in real-time.

2. Remote Surveillance: With the rise of mobile devices and broadband networks, remote surveillance technologies are becoming more accessible and prevalent. This allows for facility and personnel surveillance from anywhere, making it easier for security personnel to stay up-to-date on what’s going on.

3. Biometric Authentication: This is becoming increasingly important for physical security in 2023. Use of biometric authentication technologies (such as fingerprint, eye scanning, and facial recognition) is growing in order to heighten security and reduce false alarms.

4. Automation of Security-Related Processes: Automation of security-related processes is becoming increasingly important as more systems become connected to the internet. Automation can help to quickly detect and respond to security threats as they arise.

5. Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as physical security systems become more connected. Ensuring data and networks remain secure is key in 2023, as it’s likely that more security systems will be connected to the internet. Cybersecurity technologies such as advanced encryption and firewalls are becoming more and more common.

What the five key things that customers of physical security services will be looking for in 2023?

1. Enhanced Security: Customers of physical security services will increasingly look for advanced security measures such as biometric authentication, encryption, and intrusion detection & prevention technologies.

2. Proactive Security: Customers will be looking for companies that offer proactive security systems that are capable of detecting and responding to security threats in real-time, before they become a problem.

3. Scalability & Usability: As physical security systems become more connected, customers will look for systems that offer scalability and usability in order to meet their specific needs.

4. Reliability: Customers want to make sure that their systems are reliable, so they can trust that the security measures they have in place will work when they need it.

5. Cost-Effectiveness: Customers are always looking for cost-effective solutions and will increasingly demand more bang for their buck from physical security providers.

What are the five key challenges facing private security companies in 2023?

1. Cybersecurity: Private security firms must ensure they have the necessary cybersecurity measures in place in order to protect their systems and customers’ data from malicious actors.

2. Regulatory Compliance: Private security companies must remain compliant with various regulations and standards in order to avoid fines, lawsuits, and other legal repercussions.

3. Security Personnel Training & Retention: Private security firms will need to ensure their personnel are properly trained and certified in order to maintain a high level of security and safety. Additionally, retaining experienced personnel can be difficult due to a competitive job market.

4. Balancing New Technologies & Cost Effectiveness: Private security companies must balance the implementation of new technologies (such as AI) with cost effectiveness in order to remain competitive.

5. Data Integration: Private security firms often need to integrate data from disparate sources in order to provide real-time situational awareness. This can be a difficult challenge, and requires the correct tools and systems.

What are the five key characteristics customers will be looking for in private security guards in 2023?

1. Professionalism: Private security guards must demonstrate a professional and courteous demeanor at all times.

2. Verbal Communication: Good verbal communication skills will be essential, as they will need to be able to effectively communicate with clients, personnel, and other security personnel.

3. Knowledge & Experience: Private security guards will need to have a good understanding of security procedures, technology, and policies in order to effectively create and maintain an effective security plan.

4. Physical Ability: Security guards should also be physically fit and able to swiftly respond to security threats.

5. Flexibility: As technology advances and physical security needs evolve, private security guards should be able to quickly adapt and respond to changing scenarios.

RiskNZ