Genetec: 2025 State of the Physical Security Report’ for the healthcare industry
Genetec has published the results of its ‘2025 State of the Physical Security Report’ for the healthcare industry. The report is based on insights from over 5,600 physical security professionals worldwide and includes data from respondents who work in or with the healthcare sector. It provides a comprehensive analysis of changing trends in physical security.
In light of growing security challenges and stricter regulatory requirements, a new data collection shows a clear trend toward the adoption of hybrid and cloud solutions for physical security infrastructure. According to the latest findings, 43% of healthcare organisations continue to operate entirely with on-premises systems – an indication of the industry’s traditionally cautious attitude towards cloud adoption. Nevertheless, hybrid and cloud models are gaining ground: 48.3% of organisations already use hybrid cloud solutions for their security infrastructure, while 8.7% have completely switched to cloud-based security solutions.
The momentum toward cloud adoption is clearly growing, with 68% of healthcare organisations planning to move a larger portion of their physical security data to the cloud within the next 18 months.
The healthcare industry’s approach to cloud adoption
‘The data in our physical security report underscores the gradual but strategically planned evolution of the healthcare industry toward hybrid and cloud-based security solutions,’ said Mark Feider, National Director for Enterprise at Genetec Inc. “Faced with complex compliance requirements and the need for scalable security solutions, healthcare organisations are turning to these models to balance control, cost and flexibility.“
Healthcare organisations are increasingly turning to hybrid and cloud-based solutions to reduce the need for local hardware and simplify maintenance across multiple locations. By combining locally operated and cloud-based security technologies, hospitals and medical facilities can comply with regulatory requirements, maintain data sovereignty and use their resources more efficiently.
The most important drivers for the adoption of hybrid and cloud solutions in healthcare include cost savings (62%), regular updates and software improvements (55%), fast and easy deployment (47%), disaster recovery (35%) and data sovereignty (32%).
Improved security measures in the face of growing threats
In addition to cloud usage, healthcare organisations will increasingly focus on advanced security initiatives in 2025.
Priority projects include the implementation of artificial intelligence and large language models (34%), access control systems (31%) and video surveillance (28%). Digital evidence management systems (DEMS) and incident management follow with 24% each.
These changing priorities are linked to an alarming rise in physical threats in 2024. For example, 46% of organisations reported an increase in assaults on employees, while 31% reported more injuries to visitors. In addition, 39% reported an increase in physical attacks on staff, and 36% reported an increase in internal theft. Burglaries and robberies were reported by 34% of organisations. The increased focus on security measures such as access control, video surveillance and DEMS reflects a proactive approach: innovative solutions are to be used to effectively protect patients and staff.
