Hybrid cloud strategies gain traction in security sector

Genetec has released its 2025 State of the Physical Security Report, revealing trends in physical security operations based on responses from over 5,600 leaders in the field, including more than 100 from Australia and New Zealand.

The report identifies a marked increase in the adoption of hybrid cloud strategies among organisations in Australia and New Zealand as they seek flexibility and control in their physical security frameworks.

This approach is favoured by many due to its ability to manage critical data both on-premises and in the cloud. Despite this trend, 62% of end users indicated they were not currently employing any cloud technology in their physical security systems.

Projections show 38% of end users prefer hybrid deployments over the next five years, while 16% favour fully cloud-based solutions, and 19% plan to maintain on-premises systems.

The majority of respondents, 79%, cited continuous updates and software upgrades as their primary motivation for choosing hybrid solutions, with 64% highlighting cost savings.

Consultants and channel partners echo this preference for hybrid cloud strategies, with 71% planning to recommend such deployments within five years. This reflects a growing demand for adaptable models and a cautious approach to cloud adoption.

"There's no all-or-nothing with a hybrid-cloud approach. 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," said Christian Morin, Vice President Product Engineering, Genetec.

The report also highlights a shift in the role of IT departments, which have become more central to decisions regarding physical security. Previously managed by specialist security teams, the integration of cloud solutions and rising cybersecurity threats mean IT teams now play a key role in the acquisition and deployment processes.

According to the findings, 78% of end users report that physical security and IT departments now collaborate closely.

Over half of the respondents, comprising end users, systems integrators, and consultants, confirmed IT's active involvement in purchasing decisions for security systems.

Reflecting on these shifts, Morin added, "The evolving role of physical security is reshaping how organisations secure both their people and digital networks. 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 indicates a growing interest in AI, with 32% of end users planning to integrate AI-powered features into their physical security systems in 2025. This reflects a strategic approach to AI adoption, focusing on practical applications like threat detection and automating routine processes. However, concerns persist, with 50% worried about data usage and 55% expressing concerns about vendors adhering to ethical AI practices.

George Moawad, Country Manager – Oceania at Genetec, stated, "This year's State of the Physical Security Report suggests that end users are looking not just to deploy leading edge technology solutions but favouring vendors who they can trust with their valuable data to support new AI workloads in a hybrid computing environment."

"To achieve strong security in a hybrid cloud environment, IT teams will need to embrace new methods of managing physical security and rethink their approach to the challenge."

Survey responses were gathered from August to September 2024, with over 5,696 physical security professionals participating across various regions including Australia and New Zealand.