A new report from Genetec shows that hybrid cloud deployments and AI are becoming increasingly important within physical security. IT departments are also playing a growing strategic role in this area.
Genetec has published the 2025 State of the Physical Security Report. The report, based on a survey of 5,600 professionals worldwide, highlights key trends in physical security.
Hybrid cloud and AI on the rise
Adoption of hybrid cloud continues to increase, with 43 percent of end users saying they will prefer this model within five years. Consultants support this shift, with 66 percent recommending hybrid deployments. In contrast, only 18 percent prefer fully cloud-based solutions, while 17 percent remain fully on-premises.
The hybrid strategy is valued for flexibility and control, as it allows companies to manage data and applications both locally and in the cloud. Integrated systems are especially popular in the Benelux and Scandinavia. Only 22 percent of end users there work with separate systems, compared with 40 percent in Europe.
In addition, the report points to the growing interest in AI. By 2025, 37 percent of end users want to implement AI-based functionalities, up from 10 percent in 2024. Organizations are mainly focusing on practical applications such as automated threat detection and process optimization.
IT plays crucial role in decision-making
Physical security is increasingly becoming a responsibility of IT teams. According to the survey, physical security teams and IT departments are already working together in 77 percent of cases. More than 50 percent of respondents said IT plays a key role in security systems decision-making.
The rise of hybrid and cloud solutions, combined with increased cyber threats, is driving this development. IT provides an integrated approach, merging physical and digital security. This makes security systems more flexible and better prepared for changing threats.