Genetec has shared the results of its 2025 State of the Physical Security Report. Based on insights from over 5,600 physical security leaders worldwide (including end users, channel partners, systems integrators, and consultants), Genetec said the report offers a comprehensive analysis of evolving trends in physical security operations.

As organizations evaluate cloud solutions for physical security, the report finds most are prioritizing a hybrid strategy that aligns with operational needs, budget constraints, and storage requirements. This pragmatic and flexible deployment approach allows critical data and applications to be managed both on-premises and in the cloud, according to the announcement.

According to the report, 43 percent of end users envision hybrid deployments as their preferred approach within the next five years, compared to just 18 percent favoring fully cloud-based implementations and 17 percent planning to remain fully on-premises. The report finds this preference for hybrid-cloud is echoed by consultants and channel partners, with 66 percent of consultants planning to recommend hybrid deployments in the next five years.

“There’s no all-or-nothing with a hybrid-cloud approach,” said Christian Morin, vice president, product engineering, Genetec. “Businesses remain in total control of how they deploy their systems across various locations. With an open ecosystem, they can implement the best technology — whether on-premises or in the cloud — that meets their business needs and avoid unnecessary compromise, without ever being locked into proprietary solutions. This allows them to deploy, scale, and upgrade systems faster, streamline processes, and strengthen their security posture in the most efficient and effective ways.”

A decade ago, Genetec said physical security systems in large organizations were typically managed by personnel in specialized security departments. However, the report finds that the increasing adoption of cloud and hybrid-cloud solutions, the rise in cybersecurity threats, and the need to align physical and digital security have led IT teams to take an increasingly prominent role in influencing the acquisition and deployment of physical security systems.

According to the report, 77 percent of end users say physical security and information technology (IT) departments now work collaboratively. Additionally, IT departments are taking on an increasing role in the buying process, with over 50 percent of end users, systems integrators, and consultants reporting that IT teams are now actively involved in physical security purchasing decisions.

“The evolving role of physical security is reshaping how organizations secure both their people and digital networks," Morin said. “With IT at the forefront of implementing cloud and hybrid solutions, physical security operations are becoming more resilient, data-driven, and adaptable to evolving threats." 

The report reveals a significant rise in the interest toward AI adoption in physical security, with 37 percent of end users planning to implement AI-powered features in 2025, up from just 10 percent in 2024. This heightened interest aligns with a strategic, purpose-driven approach. With 42 percent of end users seeing AI as a tool to streamline security operations, organizations are focusing on practical applications, such as refining threat detection and automating routine processes, with intelligent automation as the ultimate goal.