Navigating the Future of Security: Nextro’s Summary of Top Physical Security Trends for 2025 – from the Genetec Report

The security landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses in New Zealand.

1. Cybersecurity Takes Centre Stage

Cyber threats are on the rise, and businesses are responding by strengthening their cybersecurity measures. Genetec’s report reveals that 71% of businesses prioritised educating employees about cybersecurity best practices in 2024, compared to 61% in 2023. Additionally, 51% focused on refining user permissions and privileges, while 47% prioritised securing data storage.

The convergence of cyber and physical security is undeniable. IT departments are playing an increasingly influential role in physical security decisions, highlighting the need for seamless collaboration between these two critical areas.

2. Converged Security: Bridging the Gap Between Physical and Cyber

The boundaries between physical and cyber security are becoming increasingly intertwined, and businesses are recognising the need for a unified approach. Genetec’s State of Physical Security Report 2025 reveals a significant rise in the awareness and implementation of cybersecurity practices.

This shift is driven by the understanding that physical security systems are now deeply reliant on digital infrastructure. As a result, IT departments are playing a more influential role in managing and securing these systems, leading to greater collaboration between IT and security professionals.

• IT influence: Genetec’s report reveals that IT departments consistently rank above physical security departments in terms of involvement in buying decisions. In 2024, 51% of IT professionals prioritised deploying cybersecurity tools, compared to 27% of security and safety professionals. This highlights the growing influence of IT in physical security decisions.

This convergence of physical and cyber security is vital for building a robust security strategy that addresses the evolving threat landscape and protects businesses from both internal and external risks

3. Cloud Adoption Meets Reality

Cloud adoption in physical security has recently slowed down. A recent report found that globally, 38% of businesses already have over a quarter of their physical security deployment in a cloud or hybrid-cloud environment, which is a 6% decrease from last year.

 In New Zealand specifically, 62% of businesses have reported that they are not currently using any cloud for their physical security environments, partially due to the lack of local data centre infrastructure in the region.

Businesses are trending toward taking a more cautious approach, opting for hybrid deployments that balance the benefits of cloud scalability with the control of on-premises infrastructure. Those looking to fully migrate to the cloud are doing so by moving individual workloads to the cloud in an incremental fashion, minimising risk.

•  Data Security and Control: Concerns about data loss and control remain prevalent, particularly in the physical security domain. Businesses are keen on ensuring the security and integrity of their sensitive data while migrating to the cloud.  
• Long-term Outlook: Despite the slowdown, the long-term outlook for cloud adoption in physical security remains positive. As technology evolves and addresses concerns around cost and security, businesses will continue to explore hybrid-cloud solutions to enhance their security infrastructure.

4. Access Control and Video Surveillance Remain Paramount

For the fifth consecutive year, access control is the top priority for physical security departments. Video surveillance is a close second.

Genetec’s Physical Security Report 2025 emphasises the continued importance of access control and video surveillance in 2025. End users are looking to expand the functionalities of their access control systems, with 41% showing interest in visitor management, 39% in biometrics, and 37% in identity management.

For video surveillance, the focus is on replacing or updating cameras and video management systems (VMS) to incorporate new technologies like higher quality video, streamlined VMS interfaces, and intelligent video analytics.  

In 2024, many businesses implemented unified security solutions, integrating their access control and video surveillance systems. This has helped streamline security operations, enabling teams to manage both systems from a single platform, leading to improved efficiency and enhanced overall security. This trend is expected to continue into 2025 as businesses increasingly seek integrated solutions to optimise their security management.

5. The Rise of Data-Driven Decision-making

Businesses are gathering, using, and sharing security data to improve physical security and business operations.

Genetec’s Physical Security Report 2025 identifies a growing trend of using security data for strategic decision-making. Both end users and consultants recognise the increasing use of this data across key departments. Executive leaders view this data as crucial for achieving business objectives, emphasising the strategic value of physical security data.

What can data-driven decision-making improve?

• Situational Awareness: Real-time data and analytics can provide a comprehensive view of the security landscape, enabling quicker response times and proactive threat mitigation.  
• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Data-driven insights can help optimise security operations, reduce manual tasks, and improve resource allocation.  
• Reduced Security Risks: By analysing data trends and patterns, businesses can identify potential vulnerabilities and proactively address them, minimising security risks.  
• Better Decision Making: Access to accurate and timely data empowers informed decision-making, enabling businesses to align security strategies with business objectives and optimise resource allocation.  
• ROI: By leveraging security data for operational insights and business intelligence, businesses can maximise the value of their security investments and demonstrate a return on investment (ROI).  

6. Harnessing the Power of AI

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into physical security systems is a promising development. Businesses are exploring how AI can help streamline and automate security operations with 37% of businesses planning to explore the integration of AI in their physical security systems, an increase of 27% over 2024.

While the report acknowledges the potential of AI in physical security, it also notes that 27% of businesses are unsure how to deploy AI effectively. This uncertainty highlights the need for greater understanding and training on AI applications in physical security.

Despite this, those already using AI see its value in streamlining and automating security operations, particularly in tasks like automatically triggering events of interest, automating emergency response dispatch, and forecasting future threats.

7. Pragmatism and Value-Driven Solutions

In 2025, the physical security industry is demonstrating pragmatism and a renewed focus on operational excellence. Businesses are prioritising projects that enhance security and efficiency without introducing unnecessary complexity or costs.  

This trend involves:

• Seeking reliable, value-driven solutions that enhance security without unnecessary complexity or costs.  
• Focusing on technology that meets day-to-day needs while tracking innovative technology for future implementation.  
• Looking for real-world solutions that improve work and efficiency within budget constraints.  
• Prioritising hybrid-cloud deployments and a measured approach to finding strong use cases for new technology.  
• Focusing on ways to adopt new technology into existing infrastructure to improve operations, increase cyber resiliency, and deliver physical security more cost-efficiently.

At Nextro, we’re passionate about securing New Zealand and empowering New Zealand’s top businesses to thrive in a secure environment. Our expertise extends beyond physical security, encompassing a holistic approach that integrates cyber resilience and proactive risk management.

We leverage the latest technologies and industry best practices to fortify your organisation’s defences, safeguard your assets, and protect your people. Our team collaborates closely with you to develop tailored security strategies that align with your business objectives and address your unique challenges.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your access control systems, upgrade your video surveillance, or implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, Nextro is your trusted partner.

Ready to elevate your converged security posture and unlock your business potential? Contact us today to explore how Nextro can help you achieve your converged security goals.