Gallagher’s Industry Trends Report highlights security’s “next opportunity”

Drawing on insights from end users, channel partners, consultants and technology stakeholders across the world, the 2026 report shows security continuing to evolve beyond traditional protection. As organisations look to simplify complexity and make more informed decisions, security systems are increasingly being recognised for their ability to support operational efficiency, compliance, accountability and business performance.

“This year’s report highlights a real opportunity for security,” affirmed Mark Junge, CEO of Gallagher Security. “Organisations are asking more strategic questions about how security can reduce complexity, create clarity and deliver value that reaches well beyond the security team.”

One of the most significant opportunities identified in the report is the growing role of Return on Investment (RoI) as a shared language between security leaders, executives, IT and operations. While confidence in measuring RoI varies, the findings suggest many organisations are already generating tangible value from their security systems through integration, data and automation. The opportunity now lies in better articulating that impact in ways that resonate across the business.

Reflecting this shift, integration has emerged as the foremost factor influencing security system decisions. Rather than focusing solely on individual features, organisations are prioritising connected platforms that unlock insight, improve efficiency and help to maximise the value of existing investments. For many, this represents a practical and achievable path towards stronger outcomes without significant disruption.

Expanding influence

The report also highlights how security’s influence is expanding as purchasing and strategy decisions increasingly involve IT, finance, facilities, HR, legal, and executive leadership. This broader involvement is opening new opportunities for security teams to contribute towards wider business objectives, all the while supported by solutions that place an emphasis on ease of use, strong support and clear communication.

“Security has a real opportunity to elevate its role,” continued Junge. “When security leaders can clearly communicate impact – whether that’s time saved, risk reduced or efficiency gained – it builds trust and enables stronger collaboration across the organisation.”

While adoption of cloud services, Artificial Intelligence-enabled tools and advanced analytics continues to grow, the report suggests the industry is entering a more mature phase of innovation. Organisations are increasingly focused on technologies they can trust, clearly understand and confidently deploy, in turn creating space for solutions that deliver practical and measurable outcomes rather than promise alone.

Next phase of opportunity

Taken together, the findings of Gallagher Security’s study point to an industry moving into its next phase of opportunity: one where security’s success is defined by impact, clarity and confidence.

The Gallagher Security Industry Trends Report 2026 provides a comprehensive view of the opportunities shaping security decisions in the year ahead, offering practical insight for leaders navigating complexity across people, technology and performance.