Study results from Pro-Vigil show urgent need for action by companies

The physical security of companies will remain under considerable pressure in 2026. This is the conclusion of the latest study, The State of Physical Security Entering 2026, by US provider Pro-Vigil, which specialises in AI-supported remote video surveillance and hazard prevention. For the sixth time, the study analyses how crime, economic conditions and technological developments are affecting security strategies.

The key message of the study is clear: despite increasing awareness, security incidents remain at a consistently high level, while economic uncertainties create new risks for investments and protective measures.

Security incidents remain constant – with noticeable economic consequences

The survey of decision-makers from sectors such as construction, retail, vehicle sales and industry shows that physical security incidents continue to be part of everyday business life. In 2025, 88 per cent of respondents reported that incidents had either increased or remained at the same level as in the previous year. This confirms that the trend from 2024 remains virtually unchanged.

The operational impact of such incidents is particularly relevant. The most common consequences are:

• Property damage to facilities and infrastructure (27%)
• Loss or damage to inventory (21%)
• Project and operational delays (18%)

These figures illustrate that physical security risks are not just a protection issue, but a clear business factor.

Local crime and macroeconomic factors as risk drivers

Respondents cite external factors as the main causes of the rising number of incidents. Rising local crime (20%) and the general economic situation (16%) are identified as key drivers.

Looking ahead to 2026, 46 per cent of companies express concern that economic uncertainty could negatively impact their physical security situation. The following aspects are considered particularly critical:

• Inflation (22%)
• Unemployment (15%)
• Tariffs and trade barriers (14%)
• Interest rate developments (8%)

These factors have a double impact: on the one hand, they potentially increase the risk of crime, and on the other hand, they restrict budgets for preventive security measures.

Artificial intelligence: high potential, low penetration

A key element of the study is the assessment of artificial intelligence in physical security. Although the proportion of companies actively using AI in their security strategy has more than doubled since 2024 (from 7% to 15%), actual usage remains low.

At the same time, fundamental acceptance is growing significantly:

• 61% of respondents consider AI to be an effective tool for preventing physical security incidents.
• 29% are undecided.
• 60% say they do not currently use AI, while 25% do not know whether their systems contain AI.

This discrepancy between positive perception and actual implementation points to structural barriers, such as a lack of transparency, a lack of expertise or reluctance to invest.

Minimal strategic adjustments despite growing risks

It is noteworthy that only 23 per cent of companies have adjusted their physical security strategy in 2025. Many of the remaining respondents cite a subjectively low incidence of incidents or confidence in existing measures as reasons for this. However, this assessment is at odds with the overall high and stable incident figures.

Outlook for 2026: growing concern, increasing need for action

The outlook is characterised by uncertainty. 45 per cent of respondents say they are more concerned about crime today than they were a year ago. In addition, a narrow majority of 52 per cent expect the number of physical security incidents to continue to rise in 2026.

Conclusion

The results of the Pro-Vigil study illustrate that in 2026, physical security will increasingly be caught between rising threats and economic restrictions. Companies are being called upon to view security strategies more as an integral part of risk management. AI-based solutions in particular have proven potential, but have not yet been used consistently. Against the backdrop of increasing uncertainty, strategic inaction is likely to pose a relevant business risk in the future.