For the sixth year, Pro-Vigil surveyed business leaders to understand the state of physical security across industries. This year’s findings reveal two powerful forces shaping the landscape: growing anxiety about economic instability and a dramatic surge in confidence around AI technology. Here’s what business leaders are saying about the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Nearly Half of Businesses Worry Economic Uncertainty Will Impact Security
As businesses plan for 2026, economic concerns are taking on new urgency in the physical security space. 46% of business leaders fear that economic uncertainty will negatively impact their physical security in the coming year, with inflation, unemployment, and tariffs topping the list of concerns.
This isn’t just abstract worry. When budgets tighten and businesses face difficult choices about where to allocate resources, security can become vulnerable. The data backs this up: rising local crime and economic conditions continue to be the leading factors driving increased security incidents year after year.
AI Reaches a Confidence Milestone
While generative AI tools like ChatGPT have captured public attention, AI has been quietly transforming physical security behind the scenes, powering remote video monitoring (RVM) systems that detect suspicious activity and accelerate response times.
The 2026 report shows that business leaders are catching on in a big way. 61% now believe AI can be a useful tool in stopping physical security incidents, a remarkable 25-point jump from just 36% in last year’s survey.
This shift represents more than growing awareness. It signals that AI has crossed a threshold from emerging technology to trusted solution. As adoption continues to grow and businesses see real-world results, confidence in AI’s ability to enhance security strategies is becoming the norm rather than the exception.
Incidents Expected to Rise
The outlook for 2026 is sobering: 52% of respondents predict physical security incidents will increase in the year ahead. Combined with economic pressures and ongoing concerns about local crime, organizations are facing a challenging environment that demands proactive thinking.
The good news? More businesses are recognizing that solutions exist, from AI-powered monitoring systems to comprehensive security strategies that deliver benefits beyond preventing theft and vandalism.
What’s Inside the Full Report
The State of Physical Security Entering 2026 digs deeper into these findings and more, including:
- How security incidents are impacting damage to assets, inventory, and project delays
- Which security technologies businesses are implementing, from video surveillance to RVM services
- How organizations are using video surveillance beyond security alone – including monitoring worksite conditions and foot traffic
- What’s preventing businesses from updating their security strategies
- Insights from 114 business leaders, primarily in construction and related industries
Ready to see how your security challenges stack up against industry peers? Download the complete report now to get the full picture: https://pro-vigil.com/resources/security-survey-report/.
Want to learn more about how Pro-Vigil can help secure your business? Contact us today.
