SICUR 2026 makes the presence of women in the world of security more visible

The International Security Exhibition, SICUR 2026, organised by IFEMA MADRID, which is being held from 24 to 27 February, today highlighted the presence of women in the world of security. A study presented at the technical conferences held in parallel to the exhibition space. FORO SICUR hosted the meeting of the Women and Security Observatory in which the conclusions of the latest study were presented, among them that "mechanisms and measures should be implemented to accelerate the upward trend in the presence of women in the world of security and promote their attraction to this sector". Ana Aisa Biarnés, secretary of the Women and Security Observatory and manager of the Catalan Association of Security Companies (ACAES), explained that "the incorporation of women into local police forces, regional and state police forces, and the private security sector allows us to identify common patterns and significant differences, marked in all cases by a late, progressive and still insufficient incorporation".

In the field of local police, "the incorporation of women is characterised by a particularly slow and uneven development". While "regional and state police forces show a more homogeneous and sustained evolution between 2021 and 2025, with significant increases in the presence of women". However, "the current percentages remain moderate".

As for private security, Paloma Velasco, president of the Observatory and executive director of AES (Spanish Association of Security Companies), explained that "the data reflect an uneven growth according to professional profile, with more visible advances in management positions and in surveillance, but with clear stagnation in highly male-dominated specialities, such as private security guards". This internal segmentation "highlights the existence of specific barriers within the sector itself".

During the meeting, the results of the women's leadership mentoring programme were also presented. In this regard, Ana Aisa Biarnés pointed out that this programme "is important to give tools to women who have just joined the world of security so that they can develop their professional careers in this field".

AES, a driving force in the security sector

FORO SICUR also included another meeting that highlighted the role of the Spanish Association of Security Companies as a driving force in the sector and analysed some of the most sensitive areas for contemporary security. Filipe Joel de Almeida, regional leader for Portugal, Spain and Africa at TAPA (Transported Asset Protection Association), spoke of the importance of "increasing road transport and cargo security, as well as fostering supply chain resilience". In addition, he gave some data on crimes related to transport of goods recorded in Spain in the last two years (up to 31 December 2025): "There were 3,753 cargo theft incidents reported to TAPA EMEA; losses include attacks on means of transport and facilities; more than 60% of crimes targeted trucks; and crimes were recorded in all regions.

Alejandro García Martín, ambassador of the SEET Observatory, explained the characteristics of this participative space promoted by the AES Foundation, which "focuses on the public sector and its competences in terms of safety at events, shows, recreational activities and destination tourism". Its objectives include "exchanging experiences and promoting good practices; raising awareness in society and organisations; and generating and gathering knowledge on issues related to the application of security measures and digital enabling technologies".

Eduardo Cobas, from CoESS (Confederation of European Security Services) referred to private security as a strategic industry, highlighting the importance of continuity and protection in critical infrastructures and public spaces at European level. He stated that "the continuity of essential services requires real operational capacities"; highlighting the "relevance of the human and organisational factor, not only technical"; and warning about "the risk of uneven implementations at national level" and the "need for structured public-private cooperation".

Cybersecurity in IoT

At SICUR CYBER, Antonio Manzanares, from AINSE (Spanish Association of Security Engineers), referred to the importance of cybersecurity in the internet of things; he indicated that "there is currently a paradigm shift, where any IoT element becomes an entry vector for cyberattackers"; and advanced that "in the next 9 years the number of IoT devices in the world will double". He also recalled that "there is new legislation at European level which makes it compulsory to take measures in this respect".

Raúl Porras Martín, Chief Information Security Officer at Desico, provided "a new approach to cyber security applied to physical security teams"; he said that "what is being encouraged in all organisations is to have a highly interconnected mesh of cyber-physical systems"; and warned that "today's threats are the result of hybrid attacks targeting physical and cyber assets".

EXO CORNER, prevention of musculoskeletal disorders

In the EXO CORNER space, Mercedes Sanchis, director of Innovation in Occupational Health and Wellbeing at the Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia (IBV), pointed out that "exoskeletons can be very useful in tasks which, due to their own characteristics, involve an ergonomic risk, such as work carried out over the shoulder in painting ceilings, placing plaster casts or mobilising patients". IBV studies have shown that the use of exoskeletons in specific tasks "implies a decrease in muscle activity, which can lead to a reduction in fatigue and, consequently, in the risk of injury". In addition, Sanchis indicated that "it is necessary to carry out a prior study of the ergonomic demands of each case to determine whether the exoskeletons currently on the market can provide real value in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders".

Finally, in the ASEPAL Speaker's Corner on occupational prevention, the cycle of practical selection of personal protective equipment (PPE) continued, in this case related to respiratory protection and protective clothing.

SICUR 2026 continues tomorrow, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 February, celebrating its 25^th edition with a full technical agenda and more than 670 exhibitors from the Workplace Safety, Fire and Emergency Safety and Security sectors.