SIA New Member Profile: Virtual Guarding

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member Virtual Guarding provides a modern physical security platform by integrating video surveillance, access control and sensor technology with the human intelligence of licensed security officers. The company is headquartered in Bay Shore, New York, with virtual guard operators stationed remotely throughout the United States, and supports global clients on a 24/7 basis.

SIA spoke with Steven McCory, sales director at Virtual Guarding, about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

Steven McCory: Virtualguarding.com was born out of customer need and the anticipated future of video analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). As we watched our sister company’s integration business grow and the systems their customers managed grew, we started to realize the need for a more analytical approach to keeping people and properties safe. Watching video and waiting for incidents has never been a great approach, but it was often the only approach. AI and the constant improvements in technology have changed that. We started out utilizing off-the-shelf software to respond to events at our customers’ sites while simultaneously developing and testing our own platform.

We were staffing a command center in Bay Shore, New York, 24/7 until we were able to completely convert to our own cloud-based software platform. This change allowed us to change our business model and employ service-disabled veterans throughout the country to remotely respond to incidents at our customers sites 24/7 based on the AI identifying that a guard is needed to intervene at a site or call in first responders for more serious events. Today we are guarding all types of properties, including medical, housing, logistics, industrial and retail.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings/company unique?

SM: Our business offers a range of innovative solutions and services in the security industry:

• Virtual Guarding: Our advanced platform revolutionizes physical security by seamlessly integrating video surveillance, access control, and sensor technology with expertly trained operators. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive coverage and real-time monitoring of client facilities.
• Virtual Concierge: We provide virtual concierge services that enhance the security and convenience of residential and commercial properties. Our virtual concierge solutions offer personalized assistance, visitor management and remote monitoring, ensuring a seamless experience for residents and tenants.
• Virtual Package Delivery: With our virtual package delivery services, we offer secure and efficient package management solutions for residential and commercial buildings. Our technology-enabled systems track deliveries, manage package storage and provide notifications to recipients, enhancing security and efficiency.
• Virtual Gatehouses: Our virtual gatehouse solutions leverage advanced analytics and software-driven approaches to enhance access control and security at gated communities, industrial facilities and commercial properties. With virtual gatehouse services, we provide real-time monitoring, visitor authentication and remote access management.

What makes our offerings and company unique is our proprietary analytics and software-driven approach, which sets us apart from traditional security methods. By harnessing the power of technology, we deliver real-time alerts, cost-effective solutions and unparalleled security coverage. Additionally, our commitment to tailoring services to meet the specific needs of each client and our focus on serving all market sectors further differentiate us in the industry.

What is something we might not know about your company – or something new you are doing in security?

SM: One aspect of our company you might not be aware of is our commitment to employing disabled American veterans. We believe in giving back to those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and we’ve found that their unique skills and experiences translate seamlessly to providing stellar and reliable security services. By harnessing their dedication and expertise, we’re able to enhance our ability to secure our clients’ facilities and properties, providing peace of mind to all stakeholders involved.

What is your company’s vision, and what are your goals for the security industry?

SM: Our company’s vision is to revolutionize the security industry through innovative virtual guarding solutions. We aim to enhance and optimize existing security systems by leveraging cutting-edge analytics and technology, including virtual guarding, virtual concierge, virtual package delivery and virtual gatehouse solutions.

Our primary goal is to provide our clients with highly effective security solutions while also significantly reducing their costs. We believe that our advanced analytics and virtual guarding technologies can deliver cost savings of up to 75% compared to traditional security methods.

In the short term, we are focusing on regional efforts to bring our solutions to the market and establish ourselves as a leader in virtual guarding services. This involves working closely with local clients to understand their specific security needs and tailor our solutions accordingly.

Looking ahead, our goal is to expand our reach and impact by entering the channel market and onboarding value-added resellers (VARs). By partnering with VARs, we can extend our reach to a wider audience and empower more businesses to benefit from our innovative security solutions.

Ultimately, our vision is to redefine the security industry by providing unparalleled security solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with cost-effective strategies, ultimately ensuring the safety and peace of mind of our clients.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

SM: Advanced analytics, AI and cloud optimization.

What are your predictions for the security industry in the short and long term?

SM: In the short term, we can expect to see continued advancements in AI-driven technologies within the security industry. These technologies will play a significant role in enhancing efficiency, accuracy and effectiveness across various security applications, including virtual guarding, threat detection, access control and surveillance.

Furthermore, there will likely be an increasing emphasis on integrating AI with other emerging technologies such as Internet of Things devices, cloud computing and data analytics to create more comprehensive and intelligent security solutions.

In the long term, AI will indeed continue to be a driving force in the security industry; however, it’s important to recognize that AI will not replace human intelligence but rather complement it. Human oversight and intervention will remain crucial for decision making, context understanding and operational optimization.

Additionally, as the security landscape evolves and becomes more complex, there will likely be greater collaboration and integration among various stakeholders, including security companies, technology providers, government agencies and end users. This collaboration will be essential for addressing emerging threats, navigating regulatory challenges and ensuring the responsible and ethical use of AI-driven technologies in security applications.

Overall, in both the short and long term, AI will be a key enabler of innovation and advancement in the security industry, working in tandem with human expertise to create more robust and effective security solutions.

What are the biggest challenges facing your company and/or others in the security industry?

SM: The biggest challenges facing companies in the security industry, including those involved in virtual guarding, often revolve around staying ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. As technology advances, so do the methods and tools available to both security professionals and those seeking to bypass security measures – this creates a constant need for companies to innovate and adapt to new threats and vulnerabilities.

Additionally, the increasing complexity of security threats, such as cyberattacks and physical intrusions, requires security companies to continuously improve their capabilities and expertise – this includes not only technological proficiency but also a deep understanding of security protocols, regulations and best practices.

One way to address these challenges is through education and training. By investing in ongoing education and training programs, companies can ensure that their personnel are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills needed to effectively address emerging threats. This not only enhances the company’s ability to provide top-notch security services but also demonstrates to clients the company’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

Ultimately, by leveraging education and training to showcase the capabilities of current offerings in the market and adopting a proactive approach to security, companies can better navigate the challenges of the global market and provide enhanced security through Virtual Guarding’s solution to their clients.

What do you enjoy most about being at your company – and in the security industry?

SM: What I enjoy most about being in my company and the security industry is the opportunity to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence. It’s incredibly fulfilling to showcase innovative solutions to end-users that truly make a difference. At the end of the day, knowing that our efforts contribute to fostering a positive impact and providing peace of mind to clients by securing their facilities is incredibly rewarding.

What does SIA offer that is most important to you/your company? And what do you most hope to get out of your membership with SIA?

SM:

• Enhanced Credibility: Membership in a reputable industry association like SIA can enhance Virtual Guarding’s credibility and reputation within the security industry and among clients.
• Access to Resources: Virtual Guarding can gain access to a wealth of resources, tools and expertise that can help improve your virtual guarding services and grow your business.
• Networking and Collaboration: Membership provides opportunities to network with industry peers, potential partners and clients, which can lead to new business opportunities and collaborations.
• Industry Insights: Staying informed about the latest trends, technologies and best practices in advanced analytics and other providers through SIA’s educational resources, events and publications.
• Advocacy and Influence: Have a voice in shaping policies and regulations that affect the security industry, ensuring that Virtual Guarding interests are represented and protected.

How does your organization engage with SIA? What are your plans for involvement in the next year?

SM: We plan to get involved with groups including SIA’s Utilities Advisory Board and the Veterans in Security community. I was fortunate to be recognized in the 2023 25 on the RISE Awards. We also plan to attend industry events and explore speaking and sponsorship opportunities through our SIA members. Our sister company is also a longtime SIA member.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.