Generative AI and cloud-based security: A smarter, safer future for Europe

ISJ hears from Andreas Beerbaum, VP of Global Sales and Services, Physical Security, Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division.

In today’s rapidly evolving security landscape, Europe faces a growing array of challenges, from organised crime and terrorism to public safety concerns in urban environments.

The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) has highlighted the increasing complexity of security threats, which require innovative and scalable solutions.

As security teams across Europe look for ways to protect public spaces, infrastructure and people, Generative AI and cloud-based VMS are emerging as important technologies.

Traditional security systems, often reliant on human operators monitoring live video feeds, face significant limitations. Security personnel cannot realistically monitor hundreds – or even thousands – of cameras simultaneously.

This is where Generative AI steps in, offering a second set of “eyes” that work tirelessly in the background, analysing video feeds in real time to detect potential threats and alert teams before incidents escalate.

For example, in a bustling train station, Generative AI can detect individuals loitering in restricted areas, carrying suspicious objects, or displaying unusual behaviour.

By leveraging AI-powered video analytics, cloud-based VMS platforms can filter motion events and sample relevant video fragments.

These fragments are processed by the AI engine to generate metadata, which security teams can query using natural language prompts such as, “Identify any unattended bags in the past hour” or “Show all individuals entering restricted areas today.”

This capability is particularly valuable in high-risk scenarios, such as a terrorist threat situation or a large-scale public gathering.

Generative AI can integrate video feeds from multiple cameras across a city or region, providing a unified, real-time view of the situation.

This enhanced situational awareness enables faster, more coordinated responses by law enforcement and private security teams.

Post-Incident analysis

Beyond real-time monitoring, Generative AI plays a critical role in post-incident analysis.

Forensic investigations are significantly enhanced through AI’s ability to rapidly process large amounts of video data and respond to specific queries.

For instance, after a security breach at a major airport, investigators could ask the system to “Show all individuals who accessed the restricted baggage handling area in the last 24 hours.”

The AI not only identifies relevant footage but also provides contextual insights into the events, such as unusual activity patterns or suspicious behaviour.

Generative AI also supports incident reporting and training.

By automatically generating scene descriptions and identifying key details – such as entry points used by intruders or response timelines – AI helps organisations refine their security strategies.

These insights are particularly valuable for European cities hosting large-scale events, such as Oktoberfest in Munich or international football tournaments, where robust security planning is essential.

A scalable approach for Europe

Historically, video management systems have been deployed on-premises, requiring significant investments in infrastructure, maintenance and upgrades.

However, as security incidents grow in complexity and volume, the scalability and flexibility of cloud-based VMS solutions are becoming increasingly important.

This shift is particularly relevant for Europe, where cross-border collaboration and data sharing are critical for addressing transnational threats.

Cloud-based systems enable security teams to access real-time data and analytics from any location, fostering better collaboration across teams and jurisdictions.

For example, during a coordinated response to a multi-site incident spanning Germany and neighbouring countries, cloud-based platforms can provide a centralised view of all video feeds, ensuring seamless communication and decision-making.

In addition, cloud-based solutions align with Europe’s commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

By reducing the need for on-premises hardware, these systems lower energy consumption and carbon footprints – a priority for many European organisations striving to meet environmental goals.

Complex threat landscape

As Europe continues to face evolving security challenges, from organised crime networks to the risks posed by lone actors, the need for advanced, intelligent solutions has never been greater.

The ability to integrate generative AI into existing security infrastructures is particularly appealing to European organisations, where the protection of cultural landmarks, transportation hubs and public spaces is a top priority.

For example, a cloud-based system with AI-driven analytics could help monitor large-scale events, such as music festivals or sporting events, where crowd safety is paramount.

By identifying risks early – such as overcrowding, unattended objects or unauthorised access – security teams can take swift action to mitigate potential dangers.

The road ahead

The integration of Generative AI and cloud-based video management systems represents a significant step forward in the evolution of security technology.

For Europe, this shift offers the potential to address the region’s unique security challenges while adhering to its stringent privacy standards.

As cities across Europe continue to grow and host increasingly complex events, the demand for scalable, intelligent security solutions will undoubtedly rise.

Generative AI and cloud-based VMS platforms provide the tools needed to meet these demands, enabling organisations to enhance situational awareness, improve response times and streamline post-incident investigations.

While no system can guarantee the prevention of all incidents, the combination of AI and cloud technology offers a proactive, data-driven approach to security.

This not only helps protect people and property but also paves the way for smarter, more resilient cities across Europe.

By embracing these innovations, European organisations can build a safer and more secure future for all.

To learn more about cloud-based VMS with embedded Generative AI, visit: hxgnsecurity.com.

Andreas Beerbaum

Andreas is the VP of Global Sales and Services, Physical Security, for Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division and a key leader behind Octave, the proposed software spin-off from Hexagon AB.

Octave’s portfolio will help customers design, build, operate and protect more effectively, enabling clearer insights and better incident response.