In this Q&A, we speak with Security-Net member Abe Schwab, Vice President of Care Security Systems Inc., a seasoned security professional with deep experience helping organizations adapt to an evolving threat landscape. Abe shares his perspective on how customer security priorities are shifting beyond traditional “nuts and bolts” systems toward more integrated, technology-driven approaches and the growing trust in advanced solutions such as analytics, threat management, and cloud-based services.
How are your customers’ security priorities evolving, and what challenges are they most focused on solving today?
When it comes to evolving security priorities, one of the biggest shifts I see is that customers are becoming more open to, and more trusting of, the technologies available today that enable a more comprehensive security approach. In the past, the focus was very much on the basics: camera coverage, where video was recorded, frame rates, picture quality, and ensuring doors were locked with proper access control coverage. Those fundamentals are still important, but the conversation has expanded.
Today, customers are increasingly willing to adopt and trust advanced technologies such as weapons detection, analytics, threat management systems, and other response platforms that provide real-time notifications. That represents a major shift. Cloud technology is another example. Where the cloud was once viewed skeptically it has now become a critical part of modern security strategies. Many organizations are interested in moving to cloud-based and managed services models, where they can offload system management responsibilities through subscriptions rather than owning and maintaining everything themselves.
Overall, there is much greater acceptance of forward-thinking technologies that enhance and build upon the base security systems many organizations put in place 10 or even 15 years ago.
When evaluating new security technologies, what factors do you consider most important to ensure they deliver long-term value for your clients?
First and foremost, we want to avoid recommending technologies that could fail and ultimately reflect poorly on the entire security industry. I always ask myself whether a solution truly fulfills a real need or if it’s simply “cool” technology. The key question to ask is whether it meaningfully reduces risk exposure for the client.
Also make sure the technology is proven, reliable, and capable of delivering consistent performance over time. That means evaluating who the manufacturer is, how long they’ve been in business, and who else is successfully using the solution.
Finally, given the amount of mergers and acquisitions happening in the industry, due diligence is critical. Technologies are frequently folded into other manufacturers, and that can impact product roadmaps and support. I look closely at the company’s long-term vision: Do they have a five-year plan? Are they building for longevity, or positioning themselves for acquisition by a private equity firm? While there’s no way to guarantee outcomes, reviewing ownership history and investor behavior can provide valuable insight.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to organizations planning a major security technology upgrade?
My first piece of advice is to prioritize stability. Make sure the base system you select is backed by a company that will be there for the long haul and isn’t likely to disappear or fundamentally change through acquisition. Your core security platform should be something you can rely on for years to come.
Second, don’t be short-sighted. It’s important to choose a system that is scalable and flexible enough to grow beyond your immediate needs. If there’s any possibility that your organization or security requirements will expand, make sure the technology can support that future growth.
Finally, select the right partner and integrator that can support your needs today and well into the future. An organization like Security-Net, with strong resources, a national network, and deep technical expertise, brings the experience and support required at the local, national, and technology levels to ensure long-term success.