As more physical systems now rely on Internet connectivity and local networks to operate, with IoT integrations and cloud-based systems among the top 2023 security trends, security convergence is more important than ever. The changes in the way businesses work, together with greater use of public cloud, highly connected supply chains and use of cyber-physical systems have exposed new and challenging attack surfaces, which leaves organizations more vulnerable to attack. Going a step beyond traditional approaches to security monitoring, detection and response can help manage this wider set of  risks.

One of the key pillars of security convergence is that both the physical security and cyber security teams within organizations share an objective — to secure critical assets. Although the two teams approach this goal from different perspectives, organizations can achieve the maximum level of protection by converging teams and systems. Organizations have now become more dependent on technology for their business than ever before and the re-alignment of teams may allow for better utilization of personnel resources. Hence, security professionals are expected to upskill their technical competency.

The role of a 21st Century Corporate Security & Risk Manager has now evolved at an exponential rate over the past years. No longer is security management restricted to solely concerned about tangible assets surrounded by walls, armed personnel and gates. Data is the new asset to be protected. In today's digital age, data is undeniably one of the most valuable assets an organization possesses as it holds the key to insights, innovation, and competitive advantage. However, as data's significance continues to grow, so do the threats to its security.

The challenges faced by global Corporate Security & Risk Managers during this advancement have become complex as the threats that enterprises are exposed to, such as cyber-attacks, require greater depth of knowledge relating to Physical and Digital Security strategies. As advances in technology have made physical/digital security strategies to be data/intelligence driven, 21st Century Corporate Security & Risk Managers are now expected to embrace relevance skillsets to combat the nature of current and future enterprise threats.

A greater breadth of knowledge and more holistic paradigms is highly required because RISK as a probability has now morphed into RISK as an accountability and managers are the incumbents. Business functions of Physical Security Managers have increased and require greater understanding of IT risk management, business continuity management and corporate governance.However, greater responsibility attracts greater reward as security managers now take their own seat on the Board, no longer in the shadows of facility managers or other departments.

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