Based on insights from over 5,500 physical security leaders worldwide (including end users and channel partners), the report looks at the security strategies organizations are putting in place to effectively navigate the realities of a changing industry. 990 people from EMEA & the United Kingdom participated in the survey.

Cloud adoption is picking up speed

The adoption of cloud-based solutions for physical security has been gradually increasing over the past decade, but it is now picking up speed. 44% of end users reported that more than 25% of their physical security setups are now either in the cloud or use a combination of cloud and on-premises solutions. This is a significant jump from the 24% reported in last year's survey. In EMEA & UK, 77%, expect that their physical security systems will either be deployed in the cloud or hybrid in the next 5 years.

Cyber concerns about the cloud are diminishing

Cyber concerns about cloud-based solutions are lessening significantly. In last year's survey, end-users considered perceived cybersecurity risks to be the primary factor discouraging their organizations from adopting cloud-based security systems. However, there seems to be a shift in attitudes. This shift underscores growing confidence in the capabilities of cloud solution providers to establish robust cybersecurity measures. As a result, respondents have relegated perceived cybersecurity risks to the sixth position among the factors deterring their organizations from adopting security systems in the cloud.

The future looks hybrid

It appears that most organizations will prefer a hybrid approach, combining both on-premises and cloud-based solutions. 60% percent of end-user respondents revealed that their organizations aim for a security deployment strategy that combines both. The transition to hybrid systems is already in progress, with 15% of end-users stating that their organizations are currently storing video surveillance data both locally and in the cloud, marking a notable increase from the 4% reported in last year's survey.

Genetec also asked respondents about the deployment of new technologies. 22% of respondents said they currently have Machine Learning, AI and/or large language modeling (LLM) applications integrated into their physical security environment. When asked which security technologies are prioritized, 36% said it is access control, 33% said cybersecurity tools are prioritized, and 28% responded video surveillance is a priority.

For more info, download the Genetec State of Physical Security Report: https://www.genetec.com/a/physical-security-report.