Gallagher Security global trends survey to uncover what’s next in security

The 2026 Security Industry Trends Survey is now open and designed to uncover the shifts, challenges and strategic priorities shaping the next era of security. From integrators and consultants through to IT professionals and end users, the survey is a unique opportunity to contribute insights and shape the future direction of the industry.

Gallagher’s 2025 report helped organisations around the world to better understand the changes sweeping across the security landscape. From a deep dive into mobile credentials through to revealing just how heavily trust and relationships influence end user decisions, the report served as a valuable planning tool for teams navigating digital transformation, budget pressures and new technologies.

“This survey and report are grounded in our belief that sharing knowledge freely makes the entire industry stronger,” explained Mark Junge, CEO at Gallagher Security. “Over the past year, I’ve heard directly from a number of security professionals about how useful the 2025 report was in shaping their strategy and contextualising change. That’s why we’re committed to making the 2026 report even more valuable and something from which the entire global security community can benefit.”

Key areas of focus

This year’s survey explores the shifting priorities, pressures and possibilities facing security professionals. Key areas of focus include:

*the leading security goals end users are prioritizing and the most common barriers holding them back 

*the practical challenges facing installations, system upgrades and broader digital transformation efforts 

*the evolving expectations around Artificial Intelligence in security and where the hype is (or isn’t) aligning with real-world planning 

*whether and how organisations are preparing for quantum threats 

*how security teams are redefining their value: from a traditional cost centre to a strategic business enabler

The 2026 Security Industry Trends Report, built on this survey’s findings, will be a freely available resource to help the industry think more clearly and act more confidently.

By virtue of participating, professionals at every level can help shine a light on what’s working, what’s changing and what still needs to be solved.

*Take part in the 2026 survey

2025 report

Gallagher Security’s Security Industry Trends Report 2025 draws attention to the critical need for exploring how human behavior impacts security solutions.

The document underscores a significant oversight in security research: a lack of focus on how end users, operators and non-decision-makers interact with security systems. In an industry driven by technological breakthroughs, the human element is frequently sidelined, leaving valuable insights untapped.

Meredith Palmer (chief product officer at Gallagher Security) notes that understanding customers’ expectations and day-to-day security concerns requires active and ongoing engagement to keep up with the evolving needs, pain points and requirements across their various industries.

“When you focus on the human elements,” said Palmer, “you can uncover surprising insights. One of the most interesting points that emerged from this year’s report was that a survey participant is using access control data to plan the cafeteria menu. It makes perfect sense. When your building is busiest, you want to make sure you’re properly staffed and order accordingly, but I don’t think many would think of using their security solutions to inform those decisions. It’s a perfect example of what can be achieved by paying closer attention to behavioural patterns.”

The report also outlines the risks of this research gap, including misaligned security solutions and unrealised technology potential. “Neglecting the human side of security can have significant consequences, including poorly understood user needs that lead to inefficiencies and even security gaps,” explained Palmer. “A system that’s too complicated for users to navigate, or one that fails to account for different use cases across industry verticals, could render even the best technology ineffective, which is why focusing on customer and behavioural research is critical.”

Partnership, support and trust 

Notably, the 2025 report reveals that end users overwhelmingly cite partnership, support and trust as the top factors impacting purchasing decisions, proving that understanding behaviours impacts more than system functionality: it also makes good business sense.

Palmer calls this understanding a foundational element of operations, but suggests that it’s often overlooked. “Among the diversity of perspectives present in this year’s report, one truth rings loud and clear: technologies will evolve, but the cornerstone of success will always be the value of relationships,” concluded Palmer. “Whether it’s with long-time partners or new voices shaping the future, the relationships we build are the foundation of everything we do.”