How to Spot ‘Unhealthy’ Security Ecosystems: Addressing Outdated Technology and Unprepared Staff in Education
Full article written by Mary Gates for Campus Technology, published April 2, 2026.
In a recent feature, Mary Gates, CEO of GMR Security Consulting Group, examines a critical but often overlooked issue in education: the presence of “unhealthy” security ecosystems on campuses.
The article highlights how many institutions operate under a false sense of security—relying on outdated technology, underfunded programs, and untested procedures that quietly erode readiness over time. Rather than catastrophic failure, these systems often decline gradually, with warning signs like delayed response times, disconnected technologies, and staff uncertainty surfacing well before a crisis occurs.
Mary emphasizes that effective campus security requires more than cameras and protocols. It demands continuous evaluation, including regular audits, scenario-based training, data-driven insights, and cross-functional collaboration. Without these efforts, even well-intentioned security programs can fall behind evolving risks such as active threats, mental health incidents, and increasingly complex operational environments.
The piece offers practical guidance for recognizing early indicators of system breakdown and outlines how institutions can strengthen their approach by aligning technology, policy, and people into a cohesive, proactive strategy.