As 2024 comes to a close, SecurityInfoWatch.com has compiled the stories that resonated most with readers, highlighting the significant trends, industry shifts, and key acquisitions that defined the year. From major corporate moves to groundbreaking innovations, these articles captured the developments shaping the future of security.
Here’s a recap of the most-clicked stories of 2024, providing insights into the headlines that garnered attention and sparked discussions across the security industry:
Most Clicked News, Trending Articles and Multimedia
1. Dahua Technology divests North American operations: In early January, Dahua Technology announced plans to sell its North American division, Dahua Technology USA, to Luminys Systems, a subsidiary of Taiwan-based Foxlink. The strategic move aimed to strengthen the company’s position in the U.S. market amid regulatory challenges, such as NDAA-based technology bans. Dahua assured dealers and distributors of uninterrupted service and support during the transition. Later in the year, Luminys debuted three new products.
2. Bosch searches for a buyer for its security products business: Even though this story broke toward the end of 2023, readers kept clicking well into 2024. In a strategic realignment, Bosch Building Technologies announced it would sell its video surveillance, access control, intrusion detection, and communications product divisions while retaining its fire alarm business. Bosch is refocusing on systems integration, leveraging recent acquisitions like Paladin Technologies. As some industry experts speculated, Bosch’s product businesses mostly attracted interest from private equity, ultimately selling to Triton Partners in December 2024.
4. Convergint names Ann Fandozzi as CEO: Convergint Technologies announced Ann Fandozzi as its new CEO in February, succeeding Ken Lochiatto. Fandozzi, who brings a strong track record of leadership across multiple industries, aimed to build on Convergint’s growth and innovation in the security integration space. We caught up with Fandozzi for an exclusive 1-on-1 interview at ISC West 2024 in a special edition of the Security DNA podcast.
5. Pye-Barker discusses growth and vision at ESX: In another special edition of the Security DNA podcast, we caught up with Eric Garner, president of Pye-Barker’s Alarm Division and CEO of Mountain Alarm, who detailed the company’s growth strategy, including targeted acquisitions and its overarching “master plan” for expansion. Garner’s compelling personal journey in the security industry made this the most listened-to podcast of 2024.
6. Appropriate use of force for security officers: Security officers often face challenges in determining when and how to use force. This most-clicked article explored key factors, including the importance of de-escalation, proportionality, and well-defined policies to guide actions. It emphasized that force should be a last resort, highlighting the need for proper training, documentation, and understanding of legal boundaries to mitigate risks and liability.
7. Workplace violence programs now required: With new federal and state regulations emerging – notably in California – organizations must implement workplace violence prevention programs to comply with legal standards and protect employees. This article outlined the core components of these programs, including risk assessments, incident response planning, and employee training.
8. What the security industry can expect from Trump 2.0: This article examined potential outcomes for the security industry in a second Trump administration. It highlighted anticipated policy shifts, including trade restrictions, changes in cybersecurity regulations, and a focus on border security technology. The article discussed regulatory rollbacks, business-friendly tax incentives, and other potential implications for security manufacturers and integrators.
9. Allied Universal guard honored for heroic actions during library shooting: Frederick Tucker, a security officer with Allied Universal, received the company’s Ralph Day Memorial Security Officer Heroism Award at GSX 2024 for his courageous actions during a shooting at the Nashville Metro Public Library. On Aug. 10, 2023, Tucker’s quick response helped save a gunshot victim’s life and protect library patrons.
10. Everon CEO Dan Bresingham departs: Everon announced that CEO Dan Bresingham left the company and was replaced on a reportedly interim basis by industry veteran executive Tim Whall.
Most Clicked Mergers & Acquisitions
1. Honeywell acquires Carrier’s access solutions business: Honeywell finalized its acquisition of Carrier’s Access Solutions business in June, which included the LenelS2 brand. Following the acquisition, LenelS2 Global President and General Manager Kumar Sokka announced he was leaving the company to become the eventual CEO of Acre Security.
2. Resideo acquires Snap One for $1.4B: In April, Resideo made a huge deal to acquire Snap One, which was folded into the ADI distribution arm of the company. By combining ADI with Snap One's network of residential integrators, Resideo hopes to expand product access to integrators across the security, smart living, and audio/visual technology markets.
3. Google’s Wiz acquisition: An industry wake-up call: Experts saw Google’s July 2024 acquisition of Israeli tech startup cybersecurity company Wiz as a significant moment for the security industry, signaling the growing importance of cloud-native security and the rise of technology giants in the cybersecurity space. The move is expected to intensify competition in the cloud security sector, pushing smaller players to innovate and adapt.
4.Axon acquires Dedrone, expanding into the counter-drone market: The May 2024 acquisition enabled Axon to integrate Dedrone’s advanced drone defense systems into its portfolio, reflecting the growing importance of robotics and aerial surveillance in modern security operations.
5. Pye-Barker Fire & Safety acquires 21 more alarm/security companies: Pye-Barker continued to build out its national footprint in 2024, which included adding 21 alarm/security companies – some of which were long-time family-owned security businesses: CRIMPCO (Feb. 22); Alarm Specialists (April 30); ADS Systems (May 3); First Trust Alarm Co. (May 14); Southern Burglar and Fire Alarm Co. (May 16); Vermillion Systems (May 22); Security Solutions (May 29); Bates Security (June 11); Brightspeed Security Systems (June 18); AlarmTech (June 26); ABC Burglar Alarm Systems (July 18); Altronics Security Solutions (Sept.18); PEAK Alarm Co. (Oct. 1); DACSIS (Oct. 10); Systems Design Group (Nov. 1); Sonitrol New England (Nov. 12); Protect Alarms (Nov. 19); United Automation (Dec. 4); Security On-Line Systems (Dec. 5); Seacoast Security (Dec. 18); Moon Security Services (Dec. 19).
6.GardaWorld agrees to acquire Stealth Monitoring: GardaWorld shook up the monitoring industry in October when it entered a binding agreement to acquire Stealth Monitoring, a provider of remote video monitoring services. The acquisition aimed to meet the growing demand for proactive monitoring solutions.
7. Dean Drako acquires Cobalt Robotics: Brivo and Eagle Eye Networks leader Dean Drako announced at ESX 2024 that he had acquired Cobalt Robotics, a company specializing in autonomous robots for security and facilities management. Learn more about how the technology fits into his technology vision in the exclusive Q&A.
8. ASSA ABLOY acquires Level Lock: The September acquisition strengthened ASSA ABLOY’s position in the smart lock market, particularly in the connected home security space.
9.Identiv sale to Vitaprotech Group gives rise to reborn Hirsch brand: This deal, which closed just ahead of GSX 2024, united the Hirsch Electronics brand with Vitaprotech’s portfolio of security companies including TDSi, Protech, and Sorhea. Steve Humphreys, CEO of what is now the reborn Hirsch, explained the company’s going-forward strategy in an exclusive video at GSX.
10. Thoma Bravo completes Everbridge acquisition: Private equity firm Thoma Bravo completed its acquisition of Everbridge, adding to its investment in the growing field of safety and risk management technologies.
