Specifically Speaking: Zack Brunette talks adapting to threats and evolving technologies

LARSKPUR, Calif.—Zack Brunette, founder and CEO of ZBeta, calls data centers a “rapidly evolving space and growing portfolio of business for us,” making it pivotal for the firm to keep up with emerging technologies to secure these mission-critical facilities of clients.  

“It’s been interesting to watch how the security challenges in this sector have evolved alongside technology,” he explained. “The stakes are high - data centers are the backbone of AI and modern digital operations. That means security has to be dynamic, adaptable and deeply integrated into the broader operational strategy. Our work in this space has focused on ensuring that security measures protect these critical facilities appropriately while supporting their efficient scaling.”  

Most of ZBeta’s work still centers around the management of physical access and the detection of and responses to unauthorized access attempts, but unmanned aerial vehicles - UAVs or drones – are adding a new dimension, Brunette says. The firm has established a drone security practice and is actively piloting and evaluating C-UAS systems and sensor solutions. 

“We have seen increased interest in strategies and solutions for not only dealing with drone threats but also for leveraging drone technology for the protection of properties,” he stated. “Mitigation approaches and options are still limited and impacted by statutes and regulations. Both threat factors and opportunities posed by UAV will only grow over time.”  

As part of Security Systems News’ monthly column Specifically Speaking, the following is an exclusive Q&A with Brunette:  

SSN: What kinds of systems do you design/specify, and what services does the company provide? 

BRUNETTE: We focus on creating integrated solutions that enhance physical and digital security and ensure not only that these components work together as seamlessly as possible but that they also integrate with business and risk priorities and the physical environment. Our goal is always to align security measures with real-world operational needs. 

I believe it’s our commitment to business enablement, our delivery capability, and commitment to future-proofing strategies that has resonated with our clients.  

SSN: What vertical markets does the company specialize in?  

BRUNETTE: We work across several vertical markets, including cloud computing, e-commerce, consumer electronics, critical infrastructure, higher-education, biopharma, high-worth.  

SSN: Can you talk about what new or emerging technologies you are seeing or specifying today? 

BRUNETTE: There is no shortage of other new and evolving technology offerings that present both great potential and challenges to effective implementation, including mobile credentials, facial authentication access control and, of course, AI.  

We realize that our ability to stay current, be fully informed, and best serve our clients requires a purpose-built environment, dedicated resources, and a next-level knowledge base. We have increasingly gone hands-on in our evaluation of these new and emerging technologies. 

SSN: What is your view on the industry moving forward? 

BRUNETTE: We have remained security focused as a business - meaning we have not bolted on other building technology offerings or engineering disciplines to our core competencies. This depth and focus is a part of what our client base values. So, we remain very positive and growth minded about the future of our profession and industry.  

We have increasingly integrated cybersecurity perspective, expertise and services into our approach. OT cybersecurity is now an integral part of our physical security consulting practice - we can’t effectively do one without the other. The need for sound physical security solutions remains as relevant as ever.