Over the last two decades or so, the security industry in Australia has seen rapid growth. In fact, did you know that there are now more personnel employed within the security industry than there are the police? In fact, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in 2015, there were over 52,500 people working within the security sector, compared to just under 45,000 police.
So what caused the massive increase?
In a word…9-11…
The September 11th attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon in 2001 where 2996 people lost their lives pretty much-changed everything. After this date, there was a dramatic surge in interest in investment in private security companies, not only throughout the US but many other parts of the world including Australia. A large number of businesses including many larger corporations woke up to the fact that their security was woefully inadequate, not just from terrorist attacks but also from more ‘conventional’ criminal activity such as burglary.
In addition, and because of the rise of the World Wide Web, another threat was coming to the fore…cybercrime. Although Cybercrime is nothing new (the first computer fraud and abuse act was passed by US Congress in 1986) it has slowly been gathering momentum and by 2001, the very first Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks had been reported. This culminated in 2016 when hundreds of thousands of people and businesses (including banks, airlines, health services, and government agencies) throughout the world were left without internet access for hours. Nowadays, of course, it’s big business for criminals with bank account fraud (phishing) costing individuals and businesses millions of dollars per year. As a result, many companies are outsourcing their cybersecurity training needs to the private security industry.
Security Guards – The Changing Role
Before 2001, the main role of a security guard was very much the ‘night watchman’ or ‘gatehouse guard’ and involved protecting the physical assets of an employee from a number of hazards including unsafe work behaviour, criminal activity, employee theft, and illegal entry. Now in 2017, the role of a modern-day security guard has evolved to providing all aspects of base-line security including risk management, together with a five-star service. Gone are the days of big burly security guards armed with a walkie-talkie and a sneer. Now security guards are often seen as the first point of contact and are therefore seen as brand ambassadors.
Future of the Security Industry?
The advances in innovative technology will move security personnel from physical guarding to virtual guarding. Remote monitoring technology will develop further, allowing security companies to greatly improve the services they give to clients at a more competitive price.
View this post on Instagram
If you’re in need of a modern-day full-service security company, then look no further than MA Security. In addition to supplying security personnel for events, businesses and the protection of individuals, we also help with corporate security training, security risk analysis and concierge security. Contact us to talk about your requirements on 1300 020 406 today.
