Smarter and Innovative Surveillance: 2026 Genetec Trends

By Anna Strickland, Intern at Kenton BrothersSmarter and Innovative Surveillance: 2026 Genetec Trends

Genetec was founded in 1997 with the vision to “protect the everyday,” and has amassed over 42,500 customers since then. Kenton Brothers has been proud to partner with Genetec to give our customers the opportunity to work with an innovative company that secured the #1 global position in the VMS (Video Management System) market in 2025.

After such a successful end to the year, Genetec has identified that the top 2026 trends are deployment, artificial intelligence, access control, flexible platforms, security data, operator-centric tools, and compliance.

Proactive Instead of Reactive Systems

Modern systems are becoming increasingly driven by analytics and AI. This shift requires less human monitoring, but can instantly alert to any unusual behavior. Instead of having to look through footage after an incident, this technology gives organizations the ability to react in real time.

Omnicast fits with anywhere, has a gradual path to the cloud, uninterrupted access, and a unified platform. Unification has become very important because the comprehensiveness of combining video, access control, intrusion management, and audio communications gives organizations the power to make better decisions. Combination also means paying a lower price to keep your organization safe.

Having a strong combination of data and video makes it possible to immediately identify an object or person, then finding that individual across multiple locations. Omnicast can also pinpoint exact times and movement- even including any nearby activity to paint the full picture.

Resource: Genetec Video Surveillance

How Omnicast Works to Support You

Smarter and Innovative Surveillance: 2026 Genetec TrendsGenetec has created a hybrid model that connects video and data. Businesses can store data on the cloud while including on-premise video storage, keeping data easily controllable. Omnicast is a part of Genetec’s Security Center, which is an open-platform that supports third parties and is how so many systems are able to work cohesively.

The system is built for scalability, so businesses can start as small as they want and expand as needed. There is minimal disruption as locations or features are added, and regular updates are completed to support the newest technologies. Kenton Brothers specifically works with clients to establish the best plan possible.

Resource: Genetec Omnicast

Cybersecurity and Privacy Measures

Genetec takes their multiple layers of protection seriously and is always improving to fight against evolving threats. They emphasize risk identification, develop new solutions, work only with trusted partners, and maintain transparent communication.

Cybersecurity is considered from the design stage. Only requiring one system makes their system easier to monitor and maintain. Genetec even created their own strict AI guidelines to comply with an ever-maturing technology. Another way they keep customer information safe is by contracting external partners to routinely attempt to penetrate their products so they can use those findings to improve the system. Even when an issue is found, it is quickly resolved.

Resource: Genetec Trust Center

Preparing for the New Generation of Technology

By combining Genetec Omnicast with Kenton Brothers’ decades of integration experience, organizations gain control and confidence. The new generation of security is about understanding and working ahead of threats. If you need help, we are here for you.

Are You Protecting Personally Identifiable Information When Using Open-Source AI?

Are You Protecting Personally Identifiable Information When Using Open-Source AI?By Zeph Martinez, Project Manager at Kenton Brothers

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a part of everyday life, especially when it comes to how we work. Tools like ChatGPT and other open-source platforms make it easy to brainstorm, edit papers, write code, and even revise complex policies. They’re convenient, accessible, and honestly, kind of fun to use. But here’s the thing: while we’re getting used to relying on AI for help, a lot of us might be overlooking something important… privacy. Specifically, the protection of Personally Identifiable Information, or PII.

This all hit me during a conversation with my wife one evening.

She mentioned she was using ChatGPT to help her rewrite a policy at work. I casually asked if she was being careful about what kind of info she was putting into the tool. She laughed and said, “Of course, I always double-check the documents and remove all personal and sensitive information before I paste anything in.”

That made sense. She’s experienced and understands the risks. But it got me thinking, what about the rest of us? What about people who don’t deal with privacy laws or sensitive data on a daily basis? How many people paste private information into AI tools without realizing the risks? All it takes is one mistake for something serious to happen.

The Hidden Risk of Sharing Too Much

So, what exactly is PII? Basically, it’s any kind of data that can be used to identify someone. This includes names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, Social Security numbers, financial info, and even things like medical records. And here’s the problem, when this kind of information is shared with AI tools, especially free and public ones, there’s no real way to know what happens to it afterward.

Some platforms store your inputs to “train” the model. Others may transmit the data through external servers. Most people don’t read the fine print, and that means they don’t realize they might be giving away more than they intended.

The consequences of mishandling PII are serious. Companies could face:

  • Violations of data privacy laws (like GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA)
  • Data leaks or breaches
  • Loss of customer trust
  • Legal and financial penalties

What’s even more dangerous is that PII isn’t always obvious. It might be tucked away in meeting notes, emails, HR records, or something as simple as a spreadsheet. AI tools are designed to pick up on patterns, so even vague or partial information can be pieced together. And if that data is exposed or stored improperly, it could be a serious problem.

We Love AI. But Can We Trust It?

AI tools are incredibly useful. As students, professionals, or just curious people, we’ve all leaned on them at some point. They help us write faster, solve problems, and even explain complicated topics in plain English. The point isn’t that we should stop using them. But we should definitely be more thoughtful about how we’re using them.

If you’re part of a team or an organization, these are some questions worth asking:

  • Do we have clear policies around what can or can’t be entered into AI tools?
  • Have we trained people to recognize what counts as PII?
  • Are the platforms we’re using secure and compliant with privacy regulations?
  • Have we reviewed our current AI use to make sure it’s safe?
  • Are there safer alternatives available for sensitive work?

The bottom line is this: just because a tool is helpful doesn’t mean it’s harmless.

Why Policies and People Matter

The best way to protect PII in the age of AI is by building a culture that cares about privacy. That starts with clear policies. It doesn’t have to be a 100-page manual, but people should know what’s okay to share and what isn’t. They should know what PII looks like, and they should have someone to talk to if they’re not sure.

Training is just as important. You can’t expect people to follow rules they’ve never heard of. Regular check-ins, clear examples, and open conversations help build habits that stick.

Another big piece of the puzzle is the tools themselves. A lot of people default to free AI platforms because they’re easy to access. But there are safer, enterprise-level options that offer more control over data. Some companies are even building their own internal AI tools to avoid third-party risks completely.

It Starts with Awareness

What struck me about that quick conversation with my wife was how easy it was to overlook something big. She had the experience of recognizing the risk, but not everyone does. And the more we rely on AI, the easier it becomes to forget what kind of information we’re handing over to it.

This isn’t about fear, it’s about awareness. We all want to work faster and smarter. AI helps us do that. But if we don’t take a step back to ask, “Is this safe to share?” we might end up trading convenience for risk without even realizing it.

So maybe the real question isn’t “Should we use AI?” but rather, “Are we using it responsibly?”

AI and the Future of Physical Security: Continued Insights from ISC West 2025 & Kenton Brothers’ Strategic Vision

Continued Insights from ISC West 2025 & Kenton Brothers’ Strategic VisionBy David Strickland, COO of Kenton Brothers

The 2025 ISC West Conference in Las Vegas was a bold declaration: the future of security is being reshaped by artificial intelligence. But this isn’t change for the sake of innovation—it’s a necessary evolution. AI in physical security isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s transforming how we perceive threats, respond to them, and optimize protection strategies for people, property, and data.

For Kenton Brothers Systems for Security—a 128-year-old company proudly led by fourth-generation ownership—this is more than just a trend. It’s a call to action that aligns directly with our mission to deliver exceptional security solutions through a lens of integrity, partnership, and continuous innovation.

ISC West 2025: AI Dominates the Security Landscape

At this year’s show, the integration of AI with physical and cyber-physical systems was everywhere. From intelligent video analytics and predictive behavior models to smart access control systems and real-time situational awareness dashboards, AI is clearly no longer “coming soon”—it’s here and scaling fast.

Industry experts presented real-world use cases that demonstrated how AI:

  • Detects anomalies in real-time and triggers instant alerts.
  • Integrates with cloud video surveillance for smart remote monitoring.
  • Enhances perimeter defense through behavior recognition.
  • Identifies potential risks before they escalate—especially in enterprise environments.

While these tools are powerful, what matters more is how they are deployed and supported. That’s where Kenton Brothers shines.

Why AI Matters for Modern Threat Mitigation

Modern threats are adaptive. Whether it’s a physical intrusion, a tailgating attempt, or a cybersecurity breach triggered by a weak access point, organizations need tools that can learn, adapt, and respond faster than traditional systems.

AI fills this gap by offering:

  • Behavioral Intelligence: Systems can learn “normal” activity and immediately flag deviations—like someone loitering after hours or attempting to bypass access control in unusual ways.
  • Predictive Maintenance: AI monitors your systems, identifying problems before they become failures, reducing downtime and emergency service calls.
  • Cost Efficiency: By automating detection and analysis, AI reduces the need for 24/7 manual monitoring, cuts false alarm responses, and improves resource allocation.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Real-time and historical data help you create informed security policies, track compliance, and plan infrastructure upgrades with confidence.

Kenton Brothers: Where Heritage Meets High Tech

Since 1897, Kenton Brothers has stood as a trusted security partner to businesses, schools, municipalities, and enterprise organizations across the country. We’ve weathered five pandemics, two world wars, the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and more—not by staying the same, but by growing, adapting, and innovating.

Over the last decade alone, we’ve expanded from $4 million in annual revenue to over $18 million—an average growth rate of more than 16% per year. This trajectory wasn’t fueled by flashy marketing—it’s the result of deep-rooted customer trust, forward-thinking leadership, and the delivery of real-world solutions that solve real-world problems.

Our embrace of AI is not a departure from our values—it’s a natural extension of them.

Continued Insights from ISC West 2025 & Kenton Brothers’ Strategic VisionIntegrity & Partnership

We don’t install systems and disappear. We build partnerships. Every AI-powered solution we design is customized for the client’s environment, risk profile, and budget. And we stand behind every installation with rigorous QA, documentation, and training.

We operate with full transparency—helping our clients understand not just what the technology does, but why it matters. We help security directors, COOs, and facilities managers become the heroes of their organizations by delivering measurable performance improvements.

Customer-Focused Innovation

AI isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some clients benefit from AI-enhanced video analytics and intelligent search filters. Others want biometric access control, AI-integrated emergency response plans, or predictive monitoring for critical infrastructure.

We build hybrid solutions that integrate these AI capabilities with traditional physical security components—cameras, door hardware, intrusion detection, intercoms, credentialing, and more. And every system is backed by a dedicated team that knows your name, understands your business, and is invested in your success.

Ongoing Support That Makes a Difference

Technology is only as strong as the people behind it. At Kenton Brothers, we believe that service is a core component of security. That’s why we offer:

  • 100% Paid Training for Our Technicians: This ensures that every team member—whether they’re installing a camera or configuring an AI algorithm—is operating at the highest level of competency.
  • Proactive System Health Monitoring: We offer managed services that allow our team to identify and address issues before you even know there’s a problem.
  • 24/7 Emergency Support: Security threats don’t wait for business hours. Neither do we.
  • Consultative Upgrades: As AI evolves, so do our recommendations. We make sure your system grows with your business—not against it.

Real Solutions for a Safer Future

AI is a tool. But tools only matter when they’re put to work effectively. At Kenton Brothers, we use AI not to impress, but to protect. Whether it’s reducing false alarms at a warehouse, enhancing emergency response at a K-12 school, or securing multi-site enterprise operations—we help our customers create environments that are not only safer, but smarter.

Our AI-integrated systems help:

  • Retailers prevent shrink through intelligent video and access control.
  • Healthcare facilities comply with HIPAA and protect staff from unauthorized entry.
  • Municipalities safeguard public infrastructure with real-time situational awareness.
  • Logistics hubs streamline traffic, improve gate operations, and enhance worker safety.

In every case, the goal is the same: to provide peace of mind through better technology and extraordinary service.

The Road Ahead: Guided by Values, Powered by Innovation

As we look forward to the next decade, Kenton Brothers is committed to staying at the forefront of the AI revolution—without compromising the values that brought us this far.

  • Ethics and dependability continue to guide every decision we make.
  • Continuous improvement means we’re always learning—attending shows like ISC West, conducting training, and adopting new technologies.
  • Employee focus means building a team that’s passionate, skilled, and empowered to solve tough challenges.
  • Customer focus means your goals become our goals.

Trust the Name That’s Stood for Security Since 1897

AI is changing the way we protect what matters. But at the end of the day, technology is just a tool. What makes the difference is the people, the process, and the promise behind it.

At Kenton Brothers Systems for Security, we’ve been delivering that promise for more than 128 years. And with the power of AI and a relentless commitment to service, we’re ready to help you secure the next 128.

Ready to learn how AI-powered security solutions can elevate your organization’s safety and efficiency? Let’s talk. Kenton Brothers is here to help you take the next step—strategically, ethically, and expertly.

Missouri Launches Safe Nations App: Governor Kehoe Urges Citizens to Report Suspicious Activity

By David Strickland, COO of Kenton Brothers

Missouri Launches Safe Nations AppJefferson City, MO – June 23, 2025 – Today, Governor Mike Kehoe encouraged Missourians to download and use the Safe Nations mobile app to report suspicious behavior directly to authorities, reinforcing his “If you see something, say something” approach to public safety.

“Whether it’s concerning behavior in public or troubling activity online, we all have a role to play. The Safe Nations app puts that power right in your hands,” Governor Kehoe stated.

The Governor emphasized that the app enhances Missouri’s security efforts by streamlining threat reporting and enabling rapid law enforcement response. Features of the Safe Nations app include:

  • 24/7 anonymous tips to the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC)
  • Photo, video, and location uploads with each report
  • Instant safety alerts and community notifications

Governor Kehoe highlighted multiple avenues to report, with or without the app:

The MIAC online portal and hotline at 1‑866‑362‑6422 are available 24/7 .
Local law enforcement and state troopers continue to monitor all reports.

This announcement comes amid rising national and state-level security concerns following recent U.S. military actions. Governor Kehoe said today’s appeal for civic vigilance builds on Missouri’s “Safer Missouri” public safety plan, which launched in January with six executive orders to bolster law enforcement, improve crime reporting, and increase funding for regional anti-crime task forces .

What Missourians Should Do Now:

Download the Safe Nations app (available on iOS and Android).
If you see something that doesn’t seem right, report it immediately—including nonviolent online threats.
Include details: location, timing, description of suspicious behavior, photos/videos if safe and possible.
You can also call the MIAC 24/7 tip line at 1‑866‑362‑6422 or visit the report portal.

Why It Matters

Missouri Launches Safe Nations AppSpeedy response: Real-time citizen reporting helps law enforcement act swiftly.
Community involvement: Every Missourian becomes part of the safety network.
Deterrence: Knowing the public is alert deters potential threats.

Governor Kehoe reaffirmed: “This is about safeguarding our communities. We need eyes and ears. Our strength lies in unity and vigilance.”

For more information on Safe Nations, reporting options, or the Safer Missouri initiative, visit the Governor’s official website.

Contact:
Office of Governor Mike Kehoe
Phone: (573) 751‑3222
Email: press@gov.mo.gov

AI Takes Center Stage at ISC West 2025: Transforming Security with Intelligence and Integrity

By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

AI Takes Center Stage at ISC West 2025: Transforming Security with Intelligence and IntegrityThe 2025 ISC West conference in Las Vegas underscored a pivotal shift in the security industry: the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into physical security systems. This transformation is not merely technological, but strategic, redefining how organizations approach threat detection, response, and overall security management.

The Rise of AI in Physical Security

AI’s prominence at ISC West 2025 was unmistakable. Sessions like “AI in Physical Security: Beyond Traditional Surveillance” highlighted how AI enhances surveillance systems through advanced analytics, facial recognition, and behavior analysis. These technologies enable security systems to not only detect threats but also predict and prevent them, shifting from reactive to proactive security measures .

Another session, “Driving Intelligence: How AI and Technology Are Transforming Remote Video Monitoring,” discussed the integration of AI with cloud technologies to revolutionize remote monitoring. This combination allows for real-time awareness and faster response times, significantly improving incident management and prevention.

Cyber-Physical Security Convergence

AI Takes Center Stage at ISC West 2025: Transforming Security with Intelligence and IntegrityThe convergence of cybersecurity and physical security was a recurring theme. As organizations increasingly adopt digital transformation initiatives, the integration of AI-driven software and sensor solutions becomes critical. Sessions like “The New Landscape for Cyber-Physical Security: AI-Driven Software and Sensors” explored how these technologies are reshaping security systems to better protect people, facilities, and data assets This convergence addresses the growing need for hybrid security platforms that bridge the gap between digital and physical threats, ensuring comprehensive protection in an increasingly interconnected world.

Cost Efficiency Through AI Integration

One of the significant advantages of integrating AI into security systems is cost efficiency. AI-powered analytics reduce the need for constant human monitoring by automating threat detection and response. This automation not only lowers labor costs but also minimizes false alarms, reducing unnecessary expenditures on emergency responses.

Moreover, AI enables predictive maintenance of security equipment, identifying potential failures before they occur. This proactive approach reduces downtime and maintenance costs, ensuring that security systems remain operational and effective.

Kenton Brothers Systems for Security: Embracing Innovation with Integrity

AI Takes Center Stage at ISC West 2025: Transforming Security with Intelligence and IntegrityAt Kenton Brothers Systems for Security, we’ve been at the forefront of security innovation for over 128 years. Our commitment to delivering remarkable solutions is rooted in our core values of integrity, excellence, and customer focus.

We leverage AI technologies to enhance our security offerings, integrating advanced analytics into surveillance systems to provide real-time threat detection and response. Our approach ensures that clients receive tailored solutions that address their unique security challenges while optimizing operational efficiency.

Our participation in ISC West 2025 reaffirmed our dedication to staying ahead of industry trends and adopting technologies that align with our mission. By embracing AI and other emerging technologies, we continue to provide our clients with innovative, reliable, and cost-effective security solutions.

Looking Ahead: The Future of AI in Security

The insights gained from ISC West 2025 make it clear that AI will continue to play a crucial role in the evolution of security systems. As technology advances, we anticipate further integration of AI into various aspects of security, from access control to emergency response.

At Kenton Brothers, we remain committed to exploring and implementing these advancements, ensuring that our clients benefit from the most effective and efficient security solutions available. Our legacy of excellence and innovation positions us to lead in this new era of intelligent security.

For more information on how Kenton Brothers Systems for Security can help you harness the power of AI in your security strategy, contact us directly.