Experts say artificial intelligence has transformed surveillance and risk management into proactive systems, but warn that human control and data ethics must remain central to its deployment
Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way security systems function — turning passive monitoring into predictive intelligence. Across industries, AI-enabled surveillance, behaviour analytics, and automated access control are redefining how threats are detected, prevented, and mitigated. Yet, security experts caution that technology is only as effective as the humans guiding it and the data it consumes.
In today’s world, CCTVs no longer simply record; they anticipate. Experts believe that the convergence of AI, analytics, and human vigilance is enabling a paradigm shift in threat management, where prevention outweighs post-incident action.
From Surveillance to Situational Awareness
Major General Sanjay Soi (Retd), Executive Director of the Centre for Defence Analysis & Homeland Security Research, said security has entered an era where cameras think before crimes occur. “CCTVs have evolved from being passive recorders to proactive systems capable of predicting, analysing, and issuing timely warnings before incidents happen,” he said. “Prevention is always better than cure.”
Extending that thought, Colonel Abhijit Singh, Country Security Coordinator – India, Aga Khan Development Network, spoke of how AI enhances efficiency and awareness through real-world applications. Describing its role in managing high-footfall spaces like museums and schools, he said AI-driven cameras help monitor crowd density, detect behavioural anomalies, and even assist in emergency evacuation. “Using AI, we could assess visitor behaviour, reorganise museum layouts for safety, and identify potential defacement risks. The same technology helped track harassment patterns in schools and reduced intrusion attempts in manufacturing plants by over 80 per cent,” he explained.
In the financial sector, AI is redefining access control and compliance. Major Ranjen Bhatia (Retd), Manager – Security at Punjab National Bank, explained how the technology is improving vigilance at vaults, branches, and ATMs. “AI never gets tired; humans do,” he said. “From authorising vault access through facial recognition and OTP verification to alerting police when someone enters an ATM with a weapon, AI has helped drastically reduce theft and robbery attempts.”
For the renewable energy industry, where facilities often span vast and remote areas, AI brings predictive intelligence to the field. “CCTVs are our eyes,” said Sohanpal Yadav, DGM – Security & Vigilance, Avaada Energy. He explained how AI-driven systems can detect unusual gatherings or recognise blacklisted individuals near sites. “Technology must be complemented by trained personnel. The smarter the tools, the sharper the team must be,” he noted, emphasising that training and continuous upskilling of guards remain crucial for an effective response.
While AI’s benefits are immense, experts also flagged concerns about its misuse. Lt Col Dinesh Singh (Retd), Head – Regional Fire Safety & Security (North & East), Brookfield Properties, warned that AI’s power must be balanced by governance. “The risks lie in bias, misinformation, and misuse of data,” he said. “If data quality is poor or algorithms are biased, systems can trigger false alarms or miss real threats. Moreover, privacy concerns and mass profiling must be tightly regulated.”
He added that AI should be seen as a co-pilot rather than a replacement for human judgement. “It’s for us to provide the emotion, context, and ethics that technology lacks,” he said, underscoring the need for responsible deployment.
As experts concluded, the message was clear: AI is no longer just a tool for reaction but an enabler of prediction and prevention. However, as organisations integrate AI deeper into their security frameworks, the human element, ethical judgement, situational interpretation, and empathy must remain the command centre of every system.
The panel discussion took place at the 2nd edition of the BW Security World Conclave & Excellence Awards 2025 in New Delhi and was moderated by Major General Sanjay Soi (Retd), Executive Director – Centre for Defence Analysis & Homeland Security Research, Movastacon Foundation, and Special Director – Binary Global.
