Global technology company Gallagher Security has unveiled its 2026 Security Industry Trends Report, which identifies a rising potential for security to assume a more strategic, value-oriented role within organizations globally.
Based on insights from End Users, Channel Partners, Consultants, and technology stakeholders worldwide, the report outlines how security is shifting beyond traditional protective functions. Businesses now increasingly recognize security systems as tools to enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and improve business performance.
2026: A Strategic Opportunity for Security
Mark Junge, Chief Executive of Gallagher Security, emphasizes, “This year’s report highlights a real opportunity for security.” He notes a trend where organizations inquire about how security can simplify complexities, bring clarity, and deliver broad value beyond just the security team.
The Increasing Role of ROI
The report highlights a growing emphasis on ROI as a shared language among security leadersThe report identifies a significant development in the emphasis on return on investment (ROI) as a cohesive language amongst security leaders, executives, IT, and operations.
While confidence in measuring ROI varies, the findings indicate that many organizations have already achieved tangible value from security systems via integration, data leverage, and automation. The challenge now is to articulate this impact effectively across the organization.
Integration and Broader Influence
Reflecting the industry's evolution, integration has become the primary consideration in security system decisions. Rather than focusing exclusively on standalone features, organizations are favoring interconnected platforms that provide insights, enhance efficiency, and maximize the value of existing investments. This approach offers a practical route to improved outcomes with minimal disruption.
The report further reveals the expanding influence of security as IT, finance, facilities, HR, legal, and executive leadership increasingly participate in purchasing and strategy decisions. This involvement opens up new avenues for security teams to align with broader business goals.
Elevating Security’s Role
Junge further states, “Security has a real opportunity right now to elevate its role. 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 organization.”
Progressive Phase of Innovation
The adoption of cloud services, AI-enabled tools, and advanced analytics is on the rise, yet the report suggests that the industry is entering a more mature phase of innovation. Organizations prioritize technologies that are reliable, understandable, and deployable, focusing on solutions with practical, measurable outcomes rather than mere promises.
The findings collectively indicate that the security industry is poised for its next growth opportunity, where success is measured by impact, clarity, and confidence. The Gallagher Security Industry Trends Report 2026 is now accessible, offering a thorough overview of the opportunities influencing security decisions going forward, and providing practical insights for leaders facing complexities in people, technology, and performance.
Global technology entity Gallagher Security has released their 2026 Security Industry Trends Report, highlighting a growing opportunity for security to play a more strategic, value-driven role across organizations worldwide.
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 organizations look to simplify complexity and make more informed decisions, security systems are increasingly being recognized for their ability to support operational efficiency, compliance, accountability, and business performance.
2026 real opportunity for security
“This year’s report highlights a real opportunity for security,” says Mark Junge, Chief Executive of Gallagher Security.
“Organizations are asking more strategic questions about how security can reduce complexity, create clarity, and deliver value that reaches well beyond the security team.”
Role of ROI
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 organizations 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.
Report highlights
Reflecting this shift, integration has emerged as the number one factor influencing security system decisions. Rather than focusing solely on individual features, organizations are prioritising connected platforms that unlock insight, improve efficiency, and help maximize the value of existing investments. For many, this represents a practical and achievable path to stronger outcomes without significant disruption.
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 to wider business objectives, supported by solutions that emphasize ease of use, strong support, and clear communication.
Elevating security
“Security has a real opportunity right now to elevate its role,” Junge adds.
“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 organization.”
Phase of innovation
While adoption of cloud services, AI-enabled tools, and advanced analytics continues to grow, the report suggests the industry is entering a more mature phase of innovation. Organizations are increasingly focused on technologies they can trust, clearly understand, and confidently deploy, creating space for solutions that deliver practical, measurable outcomes rather than promise alone.
Taken together, the findings point to an industry moving into its next phase of opportunity, one where security’s success is defined by impact, clarity, and confidence.
Availability
The Gallagher Security Industry Trends Report 2026 is now available and 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.
