Physical Security in 2024: Where are we on our journey to the Cloud?
Each year Genetec conduct their State of Physical Security Report, inviting end users, channel partners, installers, manufacturers, systems integrators and consultants to participate. The recently published fourth edition includes insight from over 5,500 industry professionals.
A key takeaway from this year’s report is what it tells us about the pace of adoption of cloud-based infrastructure for physical security systems and applications. Those who have spent 20 or more years in the industry will recall the last great technological transformation from analogue to IP-based video surveillance. It required a lot of careful planning and investment that was ultimately paid back through enhanced security and operational efficiencies.
With regard to the cloud, it appears we may now have reached an equally consequential tipping point for public space surveillance. Of course, different territories and organisations are moving at their own pace according to their situation, technology maturity and requirements. However, in all cases the ultimate direction of travel is clear. Pure or hybrid-cloud architectures have become the preference over fully on-premises hosted systems.
Surging Momentum: The gradual rise of cloud connectivity
Last year’s edition of our State of Physical Security report found that 58% of physical security systems were housed entirely on-premises with just 42% consisting of hybrid or pure cloud deployments. This year, just 33% are reported to be entirely on-premises with the other two-thirds leveraging cloud or hybrid cloud.
For many with a background in IT, the comparatively slow pace of adoption of the cloud in physical security must be somewhat surprising. Most other business functions are already further advanced in their digital transformation journey, with important business applications already entirely entrusted to the cloud. Surely those responsible for public space surveillance have the most to gain, especially from capabilities such as remote monitoring and streamlined secure data sharing.
There were, of course, many good reasons why physical security departments exercised more caution. It’s understandable that nobody wanted to make the literal safety of their people and facilities the guinea pig for their first foray into the cloud. The bandwidth-intensive requirements of physical security operations also meant it took a little longer for the cost-to-benefit ratio of moving applications to the cloud to make sense. We’re well beyond that point now.
It’s also true that the physical nature of physical security brought added complications. There’s still a need to procure, configure and maintain a substantial amount of hardware such as cameras and other devices. However, that shouldn’t detract from the massive benefits of moving to a situation where there are no or fewer in-house servers to maintain, install and secure.
With these barriers all lifted, the only real remaining blocker on widespread cloud adoption is a cultural fear of change. Even here we’re seeing encouraging signs.
In previous editions of our industry survey, cybersecurity risks were routinely ranked as a top deterrent for moving to the cloud. That has disappeared in this year’s edition, indicating greater knowledge and comfort in deploying cloud technology in ways that can enhance cyber resilience that could not be technically or cost-effectively achieved in-house.
There are simply too many benefits available for public space surveillance operators not to pay serious consideration to the cloud when it comes to plotting their next major upgrade. For example, the role often relies on the secure and timely sharing of data between different public, private and voluntary sector CCTV systems. That becomes almost impossible if everybody is reliant on their own disconnected on-premises systems. To achieve acceptable levels of operational efficiency, physical security professionals will increasingly need to follow the lead of IT departments and make the move towards the cloud.
Say Hello to Hybrid
Just as interesting as the pace of cloud adoption are the exact forms and purposes for which cloud solutions are being adopted. Last year, slightly fewer than one in four end users stated at least a quarter of their physical security environment is cloud or hybrid cloud. This year that figure has substantially risen to 44%. Equally, hybrid-cloud is now the model for the majority of companies of all sizes, accounting for 54% of those with 1-200 employees, rising to 64% in organisations of 201-10,000+ employees and 67% of those with 10,000+ employees.
The exact optimal set-up will of course vary for every organisation, application, and individual site. However, hybrid-cloud deployments are quickly emerging as the preference of most organisations as they seek to rationalise the costs, concerns, benefits and approaches to migrating to the cloud. In 2024 it’s still not uncommon for users to be running the majority using on-premises systems. But the lessons from 20 years ago are clear. Nobody wants to miss the tipping point, becoming the “analogue dinosaur” in an IP world. It makes sense to seriously consider the case for the cloud now and to ensure that systems are at least cloud-ready in order not to limit future upgrade options.
The Last Word
The pace of modernisation is accelerating, and the physical security function is catching up with other industries and departments in its adoption of the cloud. Ensuring organisations evolve to fully take advantage of these new opportunities will require strong leadership and effective management. Selecting the right technology for the organisation is vital, as are the related decisions about people and processes that will ensure it is put to good use.
Paul Dodds
Country Manager – UK & Ireland
