Security Industry Association Releases New Report on Operational Security Technology

By Kara Klein, Associate Director of Marketing and Media Relations, Security Industry Association on March 25, 2025 |
OST report cover

Produced by cyber-physical security experts for SIA, this in-depth resource examines principles, challenges and mission-critical outcomes related to IT, operational technology and security.

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association (SIA) has released an impactful new resource – Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST. Authored by cyber-physical security experts John Deskurakis and Chris Lynch and developed with support from sponsors Allegion, M.C. Dean, ONVIF and Wesco, this in-depth report explores prominent types of operational security technology (OST) and their corresponding challenges, as well as best practices and strategies for optimal delivery.

This new report serves as beneficial reading for anyone who is installing security systems, as well as end users of security systems, including corporate security practitioners and business managers who are thinking about their security investments and want to gain a greater understanding of OST.

“SIA is proud to present this groundbreaking new report on the critical area of operational security technology,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Having a strong operational tech stack is key to mission success, and this thorough resource offers industry professionals and security technology consumers a deeper understanding of these technologies, which will help them grow their situational awareness, address gaps and prevent common mistakes.”

Key focus areas and elements of the report include:

  • A look at the growing global market demand for operational technology
  • The connection between operational technology, information technology and physical security
  • Definitions and key concepts within OST, including the types of OST that may be connected, integrated and automated within security
  • Common components and key elements of physical access control, video surveillance, detection, perimeter and environmental security and security management systems
  • Key considerations and questions for businesses to consider when rolling out new OST solutions

The report also cites a robust array of further recommended reading, including reference material relating to OST and physical security, OST best practices and strategy recommendations for managing OST systems.

Operational Security Technology: Principles, Challenges and Achieving Mission-Critical Outcomes Leveraging OST is available to download for free thanks to the generous support of our sponsors; access the report here.

About SIA

SIA is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with over 1,500 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members’ interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As the premier sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA GovSummit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industry’s top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking.