Security firms must go digital or get left behind

IN a world where both physical and digital threats are rapidly evolving, the private security industry finds itself at a crossroads.

Traditionally associated with guards, patrols and surveillance cameras, security companies are now under immense pressure to innovate or risk becoming obsolete. Digital transformation is no longer a luxury or a buzzword; it is an urgent imperative.

East Africa has experienced significant economic growth over the past decade, with nations such as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda seeing increased urbanisation, infrastructure projects and digital adoption.

However, this growth introduces new, complex security challenges. Today’s threats are more sophisticated, hybrid and unpredictable, ranging from cyberattacks on critical infrastructure to coordinated physical breaches utilising real-time data. Criminals are leveraging technology faster than the industry responsible for stopping them.

In Tanzania, for instance, cybercrime is on the rise. The Tanzania Police Force reported over 3,731 digital fraud cases in 2023 alone- a 26.4 per cent increase from 2,951 in 2022. These crimes resulted in over 5bn/- in financial losses, primarily through mobile money and digital banking services, with only a small portion recovered.

Moreover, data from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) indicates that attempted fraud cases increased by 57 per cent across major telecom networks in the first half of 2024, underscoring the growing sophistication of cyber threats.

Security firms, particularly those specialising in physical security, must adapt to this new landscape by integrating smart technologies into their operations.

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The future of safety is not just boots on the ground; it is analytics in the cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the gate and data guiding every decision.

INTERPOL’s 2025 Africa Cyberthreat Assessment Report indicates that cybercrime now accounts for over 30 per cent of all reported crimes in Western and Eastern Africa, highlighting the need for modern, tech-enabled security strategies.

Clients today, whether corporate, government, or residential, expect far more than just a visible security presence. They demand realtime alerts, remote access to surveillance, data-driven reports and seamless integration with digital infrastructure.

In Tanzania, the rise of smart estates, gated communities and tech-enabled commercial buildings is also increasing the demand for systems such as biometric access, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking, CCTV with facial recognition and cloud-based monitoring dashboards.

Digital transformation enables security firms to achieve more with fewer resources. For example, AI-powered video surveillance can monitor hundreds of camera feeds and identify suspicious behaviour more quickly than any human operator.

Smart scheduling tools minimise reliance on manual rosters and lastminute redeployments. GPS tracking and geofencing ensure guard patrols are both efficient and accountable.

Security firms that adopt automation and remote monitoring tend to report reductions in operational costs and improvements in response times. Similar results are achievable in Tanzania and other African markets where labour costs may be lower, but logistical inefficiencies still persist.

One of the most underused assets in private security is data. Every alarm response, guard patrol, incident report and access log contain valuable insights. By digitising and analysing this data, companies can identify patterns, predict vulnerabilities and proactively enhance client safety.

For example, predictive analytics can help identify which buildings or times of day are most vulnerable to security breaches. Integrating Internet of Things (IoT) sensors with machine learning algorithms can assist in monitoring temperature, movement, or vibration in sensitive areas, crucial for industries like banking, logistics and data centres. Importantly, digital transformation is not just about tools; it is about people.

Security officers must be trained to operate smart devices, use digital reporting apps and interpret system alerts. This upskilling enhances professionalism and fosters trust.

Clients feel more secure when guards utilise tablets to log patrols or generate digital reports on incidents. It demonstrates transparency, reliability and a forward-looking brand image.

According to the PwC 2021 Global Digital Trust Survey, organisations that lead in digital and cybersecurity report significantly higher customer loyalty, faster incident response and greater stakeholder trust— qualities that security firms should aim to emulate. The shift to digitalisation, however, faces some resistance.

Some firms worry about the initial costs of adopting new technology. However, this shortterm view overlooks the long-term advantages, such as increased efficiency, reduced operational expenses, improved compliance and better client retention.

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There are also cultural barriers. Traditional managers may be hesitant about change, believing that physical presence equals effectiveness. However, digital tools do not replace people; they enhance their value. Guards supported by technology become more responsive, accountable and effective.

Global trends clearly show the future direction of the security industry. In the US and the UK, firms like ADT and Securitas have advanced beyond basic guard services to provide integrated security solutions that combine hardware, software and data intelligence.

In South Africa, technologyfocused companies such as Vumacam are utilising citywide surveillance networks and AI to address urban crime in Johannesburg.

Tanzania has similar potential as urbanisation and digital adoption accelerate. With mobile penetration surpassing 90 per cent and increasing investment in smart infrastructure, especially in cities like Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, the demand for advanced, techdriven security solutions is rising.

According to SGA Security Tanzania Assistant Technical Manager Mr Godfrey Lutare, forwardlooking security firms operating in Tanzania have begun integrating digital tools into their operations. Those that fail to adapt risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive and connected market.

The security industry has traditionally protected lives and property, but its role is changing. The threats we face are more sophisticated. The clients are more knowledgeable. The tools must become more advanced as well. Security companies that adopt digital transformation will not only remain relevant but will also lead.

Those that resist may soon be replaced by agile, tech-enabled startups that understand what modern protection truly needs: Speed, intelligence and integration.