Adapt or fall behind: Why security needs both people and technology in the age of AI

After nearly 50 years in the security industry, I’ve seen this field evolve in ways many wouldn’t have imagined. From analog radios to real-time analytics, from paper logs to predictive AI — I’ve lived through it all. And if there’s one lesson that has carried me through the decades, it’s this:

Relevance is earned, not given.

The only way I’ve stayed current — and continue to lead — is by listening, learning, and adapting. Staying open to new ideas. Embracing the unfamiliar. Recognizing that no matter how long you’ve been in the game, the moment you stop evolving, you start falling behind.

That’s why I’m sharing this piece — not as a warning, but as a call to action. Because the security threats we’re facing today are not the same as yesterday’s. And the future? It’s coming fast — whether we’re ready or not.

Let’s talk about why adaptability and technological versatility are no longer optional — and how blending people with technology is the key to creating safer, smarter, more resilient organizations.

Why being tech-forward matters in security

In security, there’s no room for nostalgia. We’re not in the same world we were ten years ago — or even two years ago. Threats move faster, the scale is bigger, and the stakes are higher. If you’re not adapting, you’re exposing your people, assets, and reputation to unnecessary risk.

Being adaptable means more than being open to technology — it means learning how to work with it. AI, advanced analytics, smart cameras, cloud-based platforms — these aren’t replacements for people. They’re force multipliers.

When paired with well-trained professionals, these tools allow security teams to respond faster, make better decisions, and prevent incidents before they happen.

Real-world success stories: Humans + tech = better security

From retail to stadiums, organizations are blending AI with human expertise to outsmart modern threats — proving that the future of security is both high-tech and human.

1. Retailers fighting theft with AI surveillance

Retailers are losing billions to organized retail crime. In response, major brands like Walmart and Target have turned to AI-powered surveillance systems that monitor high-risk areas, track suspicious behavior, and alert security staff in real time.

These systems don’t replace store security teams — they support them by filtering noise and highlighting real threats. This hybrid approach has helped companies reduce shrink and increase employee safety without adding excessive labor costs.

2. Cybersecurity with AI: The ReliaQuest example

Tampa-based ReliaQuest is leading the way in AI-powered cybersecurity. Their platform, GreyMatter, integrates threat detection and response across physical and digital systems. It’s used by Fortune 500 companies, major healthcare systems, and critical infrastructure providers across the U.S.

What makes it work? A blend of AI and skilled human analysts. The tech filters and prioritizes the noise, so their teams can focus on what really matters — stopping threats before they cause damage.

3. Stadium security with smart weapon detection

NFL and college stadiums are now using AI weapon detection at entrances — especially for high-profile games and concerts. These systems can scan thousands of guests an hour without slowing down lines, identifying concealed weapons and alerting onsite teams immediately.

It’s not about replacing metal detectors or patrol officers. It’s about layering protection and using tech to do what humans can’t — monitor hundreds of entry points simultaneously without blinking.

As we talk about blending human intuition with emerging tools, I’m reminded of something General Stanley McChrystal once said:

“Technology has changed the nature of the battlefield, but not the nature of the warrior.”

The same is true in our industry. Tools may evolve, but it’s still people — alert, trained, and mission-focused — who ultimately make the difference.

Why colleges and universities must lead the charge

If there’s one environment that absolutely needs to modernize its approach to security, it’s higher education.

University campuses are open-access communities, full of movement, public events, and sensitive facilities. Add in mental health concerns, protest activity, and the rise of school-targeted violence, and you’ve got a complex risk landscape that traditional models can’t handle alone.

Other challenges unique to higher ed:

• Thousands of people across dozens of buildings

• Large-scale events, protests, and high-profile speakers

• High emotional and political tensions

• Cyber-physical threats (e.g., hacking access control systems)

No one person or department can monitor it all. That’s why colleges and universities need to embrace hybrid security systems — and fast.

Examples from campuses

Colleges and universities are embracing smart security — integrating AI, mass alerts, and cyber-physical systems to help campus police respond faster and more effectively to evolving threats.

• AI surveillance: Schools like MIT and the University of Southern California have implemented AI-powered video analytics to monitor campus activity and detect suspicious behavior in real time.

• Mass notification systems: Virginia Tech, learning from its past tragedy, has built one of the most advanced emergency alert systems in higher ed. Messages can now be sent across SMS, email, campus speakers, and apps within seconds.

• Cyber-physical integration: Many campuses are uniting IT and public safety under one roof to respond to hybrid threats like ransomware, data breaches, or unauthorized facility access.

These tools aren’t replacing campus police — they’re giving them the tools to act faster, smarter, and with more context.

Physical countermeasures still matter — but they’re not a silver bullet

While we embrace the digital evolution of security, we can’t forget the importance of physical protections — and I’ve seen firsthand how they’ve saved lives.

Ballistic window films, blast-resistant doors, locking systems, and emergency barricade devices have become increasingly common, particularly in schools, government buildings, and high-risk commercial properties. These measures are crucial for buying time during critical moments — delaying entry, slowing down an attacker, or containing a threat until help arrives.

I’ve worked with clients who’ve implemented ballistic film on entry-level glass, and while it doesn’t make the glass impenetrable, it gives people inside precious seconds to react — and that time can mean everything. These aren’t futuristic fixes — they’re real, tangible layers of protection.

But here’s the reality: Ballistic film can’t make a decision. A reinforced door won’t initiate a lockdown on its own. These tools need to be part of a coordinated strategy that involves trained personnel, technology-driven alerts, and clear protocols.

Too often, physical countermeasures are viewed as “set-it-and-forget-it” solutions — a box to check. But their effectiveness depends entirely on how they’re integrated into a larger, human-tech ecosystem.

Don’t go it alone: the value of expert partnerships

Adopting a hybrid security model doesn’t mean you need to figure it out alone. One of the smartest, most forward-thinking moves any organization can make is to bring in the right partners — experts who understand both the mission and the nuances of your environment.

Whether it’s designing a layered system, implementing AI tools, conducting vulnerability assessments, or training staff, outside specialists bring perspective, bandwidth, and best practices that in-house teams may not always have.

The key is working with those who don’t just show up to sell, but who show up to listen, collaborate, and evolve with you.

Becoming a trusted advisor — not just a service provider

In today’s noisy, fast-paced world, trust is your most valuable currency. Whether you’re a consultant, integrator, or running an internal department — being a trusted advisor means you’re not just solving today’s problems, you’re helping prepare for tomorrow’s.

That trust is earned by showing up consistently, staying informed, and leading with integrity. Some of the most meaningful partnerships I’ve had in my career weren’t based on contracts — they were built on honest conversations, mutual respect, and a shared goal of doing what’s right.

In my experience, trust isn’t built through transactions — it’s built through consistency and care. That’s why this quote by Simon Sinek resonates so deeply: 

“A team is not a group of people that work together. A team is a group of people that trust each other.”

Whether you’re leading a department, partnering with clients, or building a hybrid system, the foundation is always the same: trust first, technology second.

That’s where the real influence — and real change — happens.

Why the human-tech partnership works

Here’s what the human-tech threat multiplier consists of:

• Faster threat recognition

• Efficient response

• Scalability

• Predictive capability

Hybrid systems bring the best of both worlds — AI’s speed and scale, and human intuition and decision-making. Together, they allow us to do what neither could achieve alone.

Yes, there are challenges — but they’re manageable. Privacy concerns can be addressed with transparency and policy. False positives can be filtered with human oversight. Training needs can be met with planning and commitment.

None of these are reasons to hit pause. They’re just part of the process — and they’re all solvable.

People still matter more than ever

Let’s be clear: AI can analyze video feeds, scan ID badges, and send alerts — but it can’t de-escalate a confrontation, calm a panicked student, or make a gut decision when something just doesn’t feel right.

The human side of security — awareness, judgment, empathy, leadership — will never be replaced. It just needs to be empowered.

Final word: the time to evolve is now

Whether you’re a security executive at a Fortune 500 company, a campus safety director, or a contract provider — the writing is on the wall.

AI is here. Smart tech is here. Hybrid security is the future.

Those who resist innovation won’t just fall behind — they’ll put their people and organizations at risk. But those who lean in, learn, and lead with a human-tech mindset will set the new standard for what safety looks like in the modern world.

With nearly five decades in this industry, I’ve seen trends come and go. But the one constant — the one thing that’s kept me relevant — is my willingness to evolve. To listen, to learn, and to lead through change.

That’s how we stay ahead. That’s how we protect what matters.

Security still needs people — but people need to evolve.

And that evolution starts with mindset.