Gallagher’s 2026 Industry Trends Report calls out security’s next opportunity

HAMILTON, NZ – Global technology leader 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. 

“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.” 

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. 

Reflecting this shift, integration has emerged as the number one factor influencing security system decisions. Rather than focusing solely on individual features, organizations are prioritizing 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. 

“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.” 

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. 

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.