By Jason Crawforth, Protector of the Truth
Next week, I’ll be in New York City for Securing New Ground (SNG). SNG is where the industry’s best minds gather, so of course, I will be there too.
In all seriousness, this year feels different. The challenges we face are bigger, the pace of technology is faster, and the stakes are higher than ever. Security is no longer just about protecting physical assets or infrastructure — it’s about safeguarding truth, trust, and the very foundation of our society.
So why does SNG matter right now? Here are three reasons (and no, it’s not just because I love New York bagels):
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence
AI isn’t a distant future — it’s already here, transforming our world at a pace few anticipated. From predictive analytics to automation, it’s opening doors to powerful new capabilities: anticipating threats, accelerating response, and strengthening decision-making. The possibilities are exciting.
But (and there’s always a but), AI also carries a darker edge. Adversaries are weaponizing it to distort security data, like video surveillance footage, and create disinformation. Synthetic voices and deepfake videos blur the line between reality and deception. And when trust is compromised, the foundation of security begins to crack.
Protecting the Truth
Protecting data isn’t just about firewalls and passwords anymore. With disinformation, deepfakes, and AI “slop” on the rise, the real challenge is making sure the information we rely on is actually real.
When information can be fabricated convincingly, organizations need assurance that what they see can be verified and trusted. This shift requires us to think differently about security: not just in terms of keeping out intruders, but in ensuring the integrity of data itself is beyond question.
Additionally, evidentiary standards are evolving due to the rapid acceleration of AI video manipulation tools. The surveillance industry has been relying on cybersecurity frameworks that were cutting-edge a decade or two ago but struggle to keep pace with today’s evolving risks.
AI is not only changing the rules; it’s changing the playing field. By coming together to drive innovation and spark conversations about how we can protect our data as an industry, we have an opportunity to get ahead of the fight against AI-driven misinformation.
Collaboration Will Define the Future
Here’s the verifiable truth: no single company, technology, or leader can solve these challenges alone. Collaboration is the only way we’ll keep pace with both the threats and the opportunities.
That’s why SNG matters. It’s one of the few places where we can actually align on the issues that matter most: securing new technologies, protecting truth in the digital age, and ensuring security continues to be a force for good.
I’m truly looking forward to the conversations next week. My goal is to sit with fellow leaders to uncover new ways we can collectively advocate for safer, more responsible uses of AI. At the end of the day, we carry a shared responsibility: to ensure security technology reinforces trust — never diminishes it.
If you’ll be in New York, I’d love to connect, grab a coffee, hear your perspective, share ideas, and discuss solutions that secure our data and the truth itself.