‘Somewhat prepared’: SSN news poll examines integrator challenges, priorities for 2025

YARMOUTH, Maine – Security system integrators expect to have their work cut out for them in the coming year, according to a recent SSN News Poll. 

When it comes to challenges to address in 2025, 41.67% of responses said that recruiting and retaining skilled labor is top of mind. Another 33.33% chimed in with their concerns about the rising costs of equipment and installation, and 25% said they worry about adapting to evolving cybersecurity issues.  

Regulatory issues and supply chain worries didn’t earn anyone’s vote, but that’s just a matter of priority, according to one respondent. 

“Staffing, cyber and regulatory items are all top priorities, but when you can only choose one you go with the toughest item,” they wrote. 

Another respondent added: “The proposed tariffs are probably going to be the biggest obstacle in '25 for any company.” 

As for how prepared integrators might be to tackle some of those challenges, 75% of respondents admitted they felt only somewhat prepared, with one respondent pointing out a lack of federal response to address major issues, especially when it comes to cybersecurity. 

“Hacking of security systems using frequency jammers is increasingly used by thieves in well documented cases, yet the U.S. security industry is not tackling this issue, whereas solutions are widely deployed in Europe,” they wrote. 

Half of respondents did say that strengthening cybersecurity measures should be the top priority of integrators in 2025. 

“Like our borders, if systems are not safe from hackers and hostile foreign entities, we will suffer mightily,” one respondent wrote.