Security in 2025 isn’t just about fancy technology or that security guard, Carl, walking around with a flashlight. It’s a higher stakes game of brains and bots. In 2025, modern security requires AI-enhanced solutions with a human touch. That’s where virtual security guards come in.
Whether you’re hoping to protect the front door of your new home or every building across your enterprise business, this guide will make sure you’ve got the right combination of security technology and human expertise. You’ll find out how virtual security guard systems protect property, optimize safety, and deter crime, all while staying within your budget. And, learn why popular names like Ring, ADT, and Securitas are failing when it comes to their emergency response.
In this Guide
- Definition: What are Virtual Security Guards?
- 5 Key Parts of Virtual Guarding
- Why Virtual Security Guarding is Essential
- The Benefits and Drawbacks of Virtual Security Guards
- Reduced Crime, Better Logging, Increased Safety
- Choosing a Service Provider
- Final Thoughts: Multifaceted Approach to Crime
What are Virtual Security Guards?
Virtual security guards are the combination of remote video monitoring and access control, and live security guards to protect properties in real time. Simply put, it’s a system that uses humans and advanced security technology to keep communities, commercial buildings, and businesses safe.
5 Key Parts of Virtual Security System
These systems are sometimes referred to as virtual security guards or virtual guarding systems. No matter what you call them, these solutions combine machine and human intelligence to safeguard residential communities, businesses, homeowners, and more.
That said, there are several ways in which you can construct your virtual security guard. Here are 5 important components of every system:
- Video Surveillance– Monitoring, recording, and logging video security footage. Video surveillance uses 2k, 4k, or HD security cameras to relay real-time video footage to video management systems (VMS). VMSs (or access control software) act as your security operations center (SOC) from where you or your human security guard can manage, monitor, and interpret the video.
- Access Control- These systems allow human security guards to monitor entrances, respond to emergencies, and analyze foot traffic data. Access control systems come in three types: on-premises, cloud, and hybrid.
- Two-way Audio Communication– Intercom systems with two-way audio communication technology allow you to deter and engage with intruders while working remotely. In an emergency situation, they give law enforcement a method of easily communicating with an intruder or bad actor.
- Motion Detection– Integrate alarms and sensors with your access control system to receive instand alerts and conduct AI-threat analysis. Motion detectors can be placed at the entrances of gated communities, near doors, or in highly secure rooms (e.g., a sever room or executive office).
- Security Guards– Human security guards should be trained and ready to respond in real-time. They analyze the information relayed by various technology systems and react accordingly.
Don’t Skip Out: Why is Virtual Security is Essential
“Save $10 by filling out our social security number survey,” “Congratz! Your long lost Nigerian-Prince-Uncle left you his fortune.” “Increase your muscles by 1000x!”
Protecting your community, commercial property, or business is a lot like dealing with spam email, but much more annoying. However, consider how much more dangerous and time consuming the processes of monitoring malicious emails or dangerous people would be without technology assistance. Without a spam filter, you’d have to manually weed through spam. Without a security technology, your guard team would have to conduct regular patrols, leaving unmonitored areas of your facility vulnerable.
Virtual security guards combine live human security with technology, so you can keep watch over every part of your facility, at all times. It’s technology with a human manager.
What are the Benefits of Virtual Security Guards?
We’ve covered what goes into building a virtual security guard system and the major reason it’s essential to have one in 2025. But it’s also helpful to understand the benefits and drawbacks of virtual guarding.
| Virtual Security Guards: The Benefits vs. The Drawbacks |
| Category | Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Cost | Long-term: Lower costs compared to on-site security guards | Short-term: The setup and installation will be more expensive due to equipment and software |
| Coverage | 24/7 monitoring across all areas, simultaneously | While human security guards may not see threats or be in the wrong locations, if your virtual security guard is not set up properly, it can have blind spots |
| Crime | Reduces crime | May be ignored or destroyed |
| Response | Easy to alert authorities | |
| Safety | Since human security guards monitor remotely, they will remain safe | Humans within the danger area will not receive immediate assistance |
| Integration | With API-integrated solutions like AI, analytics, access, and alarms, your workflows will be more streamlined | Complex systems may require on-going support from manufacturers |
| Logging | Create digital logs and video evidence for legal protection | |
Virtual security guards deter crime, improve coverage, and reduce costs by combining advanced technology with human oversight. It’s commonly used in parking lots, warehouses, construction sites, retail centers, and other locations that require 24/7 protection without the high expense of physical guard staffing.
Reduce Crime
Virtual Guarding can help deter or reduce crimes such as burglary, theft, and vandalism. In one meta-analysis study conducted by Northeastern and the University of Cambridge, video surveillance was found to reduce crime in parking lots by 51%.
In theory, obviously placed cameras and sensors will deter criminal behavior. They will see the technology, understand that they’re being monitored or recorded, and leave. Though this isn’t always the result, HD cameras can act as a deterrent while also assisting with monitoring general foot traffic.
Better Video Logging
Video cameras are your best friend when logging crimes – just as a convenience store owner in Duncanville, Alabama. In June 2025, a thief cloaked in a Scooby Doo suit broke into a convenience store. The store’s surveillance footage captured the Scooby Snack thief’s furry disguise, and authorities were able to arrest him. Similarly, if a disgruntled employee retaliates after being laid off, video can help document their actions.
Video security cameras can help remote security guards track who is coming and going from your community or commercial facility as well. This can help with managing foot traffic or preemptively stopping a crime.
Increased Safety
Virtual guarding systems enhance both community and commercial safety by combining smart technology with real-time human oversight.
Residential Community Security
Components like gates, intercoms, and AI-powered video monitoring reduce unauthorized access, detect suspicious behavior, and enable early intervention through live voice-down warnings. These features deter common issues like trespassing, vandalism, and package theft. For the people operating in these secured spaces, virtual guards provide a sense of safety and comfort.
Commercial Security
For commercial properties, virtual guarding offers cost-effective protection for everything from retail centers to warehouses. AI analytics can detect unusual activity in restricted areas and prevent internal theft or after-hours break-ins. Many access control systems allow security teams to customize time-based access privileges and distribute them on key cards or digital mobile credentials. These credentials can be very defined, limiting entry to a designated area and time frame. Together, these tools reduce liability, protect assets, and provide continuous coverage.
How to Choose the Best Security Guard Services
You can have the best technology in the world, but without reliable support problems will continue to occur. When looking for a reliable virtual security guard provider here are some characteristics to consider:
Live Security Guards You Can Trust
SafeTouch sets the industry standard with a guaranteed response time of under 45 seconds. That means when a threat is detected, a trained security operator takes action within seconds. Our remote security guards will issue live voice warnings, verify the incident, and dispatch emergency services if needed.
In contrast, major providers like Ring, ADT, and Securitas often fall short on speed and real-time intervention. Ring, for example, relies heavily on user-triggered alerts or app-based notifications. Response times vary, often 60 seconds or longer, and intervention is limited unless paired with paid monitoring plans.
Securitas uses physical guards for security, which can mean much slower, variable response times depending on location, staffing, and the size of the property. There’s often no immediate remote intervention until a guard arrives on-site.
Reliability
Choose a provider with a track record of reliable service and industry knowledge. Too often, we want the inexpensive option. The people you’re keeping safe and the properties you’re monitoring deserve more.
It’s important to vet each provider and make sure that they’ll guarantee your security will be up and running when you need it most. It should go without saying, frequent malfunctions and technical issues will leave you exposed.
Price
Consider the overall cost of the system, including any upfront fees and ongoing maintenance costs. Make sure to compare prices from multiple providers to ensure you are getting the best deal.
Virtual vs. Traditional Security Guards: Which is Better?
Remote security guards or traditional security guards? Almost undoubtably, you’ll arrive at this question during your security journey. While there isn’t a straightforward answer, evaluating your security needs will help you determine the best fit for you.
On the plus side, virtual security guards are generally more cost effective than traditional security guards, as they do not require the same level of staffing or training. Additionally, virtual security guards cover a much wider area because they do not need to be physically present to do their job. This can be especially useful for businesses that need to secure large properties or multiple locations.
However, traditional security guards have some advantages as well. For one, they can physically intervene in the event of an emergency or security breach, which virtual security guards cannot do. Additionally, some people may feel more reassured by the presence of a human security guard, as they can provide a sense of authority and reassurance.
Ultimately, the choice between virtual security guards and traditional security guards will depend on your community or business’ specific needs.
The Multifaceted Approach to Crime Prevention
Surveillance cameras alone are not enough to prevent crime. In a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) researchers concluded that while installing security cameras was associated with a 13% reduction in crime, there were many sites that showed no benefit of camera presence.
Cameras alone will not necessarily make you community or commercial security any better. Instead, it requires an integrated approach. Virtual guarding systems are solutions that bridge the gap, giving security teams a multi-faceted way of keeping people, data, and properties safe.
With over 30 years of industry experience, SafeTouch installation experts will help you assess, purchase, install, and monitor your security. Whether you’re installing a virtual guard system, shopping for HD security cameras, or in need of human security guards, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 888.985.SAFE (7233) to speak with a SafeTouch expert today!