7 Security Trends Redefining Buildings in 2026

Security threats and compliance requirements are continuing to evolve. 2026 is set to redefine how project management and architecture can protect people, assets, and operations.

Integrated security systems are transforming industries. Architects and building designers are monitoring security trends in order to create safer, smarter, and more resilient spaces.

Here are seven security trends already shaping the future of building security.

Trend 1: AI-powered CCTV

CCTV is essential for maintaining a building’s physical security. It provides 24/7 monitoring to protect staff, visitors, and assets from theft, vandalism, internal incidents, and accidents. Traditional CCTV, however, has limitations: footage must be physically monitored 24/7 and manually reviewed. With industry studies showing most footage is never watched, if not monitored in real time, CCTV is only really a deterrent, rather than an actual security measure.

In 2026, AI-powered CCTV is redefining surveillance. AI systems can be programmed to detect business-specific threats: from unattended objects and suspicious clothing to faces and unusual behaviours. Video is captured in real-time and transmitted to a network video recorder (NVR) or a monitoring centre for instant analysis and storage.

Architects and Project Managers will benefit greatly from systems that effectively combine traditional cameras with AI-powered automations. When designing busy or high-risk venues, such as airports, galleries, or concert arenas, AI-powered CCTV is critical.

For airports and busy transport hubs, having CCTV that can rapidly detect unattended suitcases allows them to be swiftly removed. For buildings where irreplaceable items are present, like jewellery shop, galleries and museums, having CCTV that can actively protect against theft and vandalism is vital. Finally, in large, busy venues like concert arenas where crowds often form, AI-powered CCTV lets building managers identify aggressive crowd behaviour or use facial recognition to spot potential threats before they become a danger. Once the risk is identified staff are alerted so they may respond immediately.

AI-powered CCTV technology will play an active role in helping venues comply with Martyn’s Law by providing an extra layer of protection against potential terrorist threats.

Expert Takeaway: AI-powered CCTV systems and technology will transform traditional CCTV from passive evidence-gathering recorders into active tools for risk prevention and safety management.

Trend 2: Remote Access Monitoring Security Systems

In 2026, remote access monitoring will reshape how businesses manage security by changing who can securely access systems, when, and from where. This shift reflects the evolving demands of modern buildings, which are increasingly designed with digital-first security infrastructure from the outset.

For designers and operators of remote or hard-to-access sites, like research facilities, remote access monitoring enables authorised users to securely log in and interact with security systems at any time. Rather than relying solely on on-site presence, business owners and managers gain flexible, permission-based access to live and recorded security data via smartphones, tablets, and computers.

Whether reviewing CCTV footage, verifying an intruder alarm activation, or auditing system activity, decision-makers no longer need to be physically present to maintain oversight of staff, assets, and operations. Importantly, remote access monitoring differs from traditional remote monitoring services: while Alarm Receiving Centres or Central Monitoring Stations may still respond to alerts, remote access monitoring ensures owners and managers retain direct, real-time access to their security systems and evidence when they need it.

This capability is increasingly essential for new builds. Accidents, asset damage, or disputes often occur when managers are off-site, but secure remote access allows them to immediately verify events and take informed action. For example, if a work van is damaged and responsibility is disputed, authorised personnel can remotely access CCTV footage to establish facts without delay. Beyond incident response, remote access monitoring supports compliance, liability management, and fair resolution of workplace issues, including harassment or misconduct claims. It also enables organisations to analyse footage over time, identify security “hot spots,” and proactively address vulnerabilities by allocating resources more effectively.

Expert Takeaway: Remote access monitoring provides instant control, evidence, and real-time insight at the convenience of the decision-maker making safety and risk management possible from anywhere, in real-time.

Trend 3: Touchless Access Controls

Access control is a vital layer in any building’s security, restricting entry to sensitive or high-value areas. In 2026, touchless access control options are growing. Businesses are utilising mobile credentials, wave-to-open sensors and retina scans for access. Post Covid, these systems are becoming standard when designing offices, warehouses, healthcare facilities, and education sites.

Beyond convenience, these systems protect valuable assets and sensitive information, ensuring that even when no one is physically present, restricted areas remain secure.

Expert Takeaway: OHEAP Fire & Security’s Managing Director Nicholas Heap advocates “Touchless access controls modernise entry protocols, strengthen identity verification, and make buildings easier to manage while enhancing overall security.”

“Touchless systems improve hygiene, streamline building flow, and reduce costly key replacements. It can allow managers to adjust access in real time, controlling entry by role, department, or location. It has increased security and reduced resource at the same time in our business.”

Trend 4: Biometrics Access Controls

Biometric access controls provide a unique, personalised layer of security. These systems operate by scanning unique identifiers such as fingerprints, facial recognition, retina scans, and voice patterns. They then match this information with a database of logged biometrics. For additional security, biometric information is often layered for a person, so several metrics must match to gain access.

Biometric access controls are particularly critical for high-risk environments such as prisons, airports, and banks. In prisons, biometrics help secure inmates whilst granting limited access for different stakeholders such as staff, visitors, and suppliers. Prison biometric access control prevents unauthorised access to areas where contraband could be held, or personal records are kept, and detect attempted smuggling. At airports, biometric boarding and access systems streamline passenger flow, fast-track lanes, and secure restricted areas by scanning a passenger’s passport and face to grant access.

Expert Takeaway: Biometric access controls go beyond standard entry management. They provide personalised, reliable, and tamper-resistant security for high-value and high-risk environments.

Trend 5: Martyn’s Law

Martyn’s Law, officially the Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025, came into effect at the end of 2025 to strengthen venue security. Introduced in response to the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, it ensures premises management teams accept responsibility for protecting large groups of people from acts of terror.

As of 2026, the law is split into two tiers based on occupancy. Smaller venues may focus on strategic CCTV coverage, while larger sites capable of holding over 800 people may need advanced measures such as AI-powered CCTV or fully integrated lockdown alarms to ensure safety.

Expert Takeaway: OHEAP Fire & Security continues to champion Martyn’s Law by advising and guiding businesses through the various security system options that help them to meet the unique requirements of their venues.

Trend 6: Lockdown Alarms:

Martyn’s Law has driven the wider adoption of lockdown alarm systems into new building designs. In 2026, these systems will play a central role in how business owners and security planners design comprehensive protection for retail centres, concert arenas, and healthcare or education facilities. These systems ensure compliance while safeguarding everyone on site against potential intrusion or terrorist threats.

Lockdown alarm systems provide rapid, coordinated responses during critical incidents such as terrorist threats or external hazards. Once activated via a central control panel, building occupants are immediately alerted through audible sounders, flashing beacons and clear audible instructions, directing people to designated safe areas. The system highlights the location of the activation, notifies responsible personnel via GSM communication and automatically escalates the incident through integrated signalling devices that contact security teams or the police. Together, these features ensure fast communication, reduce confusion and support effective incident management when time is critical.

Expert Takeaway: In high-risk scenarios, such as an attempted terrorist attack during school or hospital operating hours, lockdown systems protect the vulnerable and help manage and contain the threat.

Trend 7: Fully Integrated Security Systems

In 2026, fully integrated security systems are overtaking standalone solutions in both new building designs and retrospectively as new systems are installed into existing buildings.

Offering a strategic approach, these systems unify CCTV, intruder alarms, access controls, and fire alarms into a single, cohesive network. Unlike isolated systems, integrated platforms allow technologies to communicate, share data, and coordinate responses in real time, closing gaps and improving overall safety.

For large venues such as university campuses, integrated systems provide scalability and flexibility, enabling rapid responses without major disruption. For example, if a zone logs an unauthorised access attempt, the system can instantly pull relevant CCTV footage for operators, preventing security breaches.

Integration also gives building owners greater control: rather than manually aligning CCTV with access logs, the system automatically synchronises information, simplifying management and improving situational awareness.

Expert Takeaway: Integrated security provides data-driven decision making when it comes to safety and risk management. Integrated security systems protect entire sites, not just individual entry points, eliminating guesswork and making complex systems easier to operate.