European security trends: Cyber focus, AI caution, hybrid rise

Genetec has released its 2025 State of Physical Security Report, highlighting key trends and insights in the field of physical security.

The report is based on responses from more than 5,600 security professionals worldwide, offering a comprehensive analysis of evolving security operations. It outlines significant trends in Europe, including a focus on cybersecurity measures and cautious integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into physical security systems.

In Europe, 73% of organisations are prioritising cybersecurity education and strengthening measures in response to stricter data protection regulations. However, 47% of these organisations do not plan to integrate AI into their security operations by 2025.

The report identifies the replacement and migration of legacy systems as a top focus for end users looking towards 2025. Additionally, it highlights a reluctance towards cloud video storage, with more than half of European end users preferring not to store any video footage in the cloud, a figure notably higher than the global average.

Genetec's findings indicate a growing preference for hybrid cloud adoption among organisations seeking flexibility and control in their security operations. 43% of end users prefer hybrid cloud deployments within the next five years, as opposed to 18% favouring fully cloud-based solutions and 17% sticking to on-premises systems. This preference is also reflected by consultants and channel partners, with 66% planning to recommend hybrid deployments in the near future.

Christian Morin, Vice President of Product Engineering at Genetec, commented on the benefits of hybrid-cloud approaches: "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 Morin.

The report also reveals a shift in the role of IT departments, which are increasingly central to security systems decisions. Previously managed by specialised security departments, physical security systems now often fall under the purview of IT, largely due to the rise in cloud adoption and cybersecurity threats. 77% of end users indicate that physical security and IT departments collaborate closely. Additionally, IT teams are involved in over 50% of physical security purchasing decisions, according to the report.

"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," added Morin.

The report notes a growing interest in AI, with 37% of end users planning to implement AI-powered features in 2025, compared to just 10% in 2024. This reflects a strategic approach, with organisations aiming to refine threat detection and automate routine processes via intelligent automation.

Genetec collected data from a wide range of regions, including North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia-New Zealand, providing a diverse array of insights into the future of physical security.