In light of increasing cyber and physical security threats, the integration of IT, cyber and physical security is becoming increasingly important. According to Avigilon, a Motorola Solutions company, in 2026 it will be more important than ever for security systems to be not only effective, but also cyber-resilient.
Increasing risks and economic consequences
Recent studies show that nearly 40% of security breaches by external actors occur via stolen access data, and 32% of all incidents involve ransomware attacks. In the US, such attacks can cost commercial enterprises between £394,000 and £19.9 million per incident. At the same time, physical security incidents caused over £1 trillion in damage worldwide, with a quarter of publicly traded companies reporting a loss in value.
Increasing connectivity through IoT devices, AI applications and digital systems makes holistic protection of data ‘in motion’ and ‘at rest’ essential. Companies must therefore combine both cyber and physical security measures to minimise risks.
Focus on cyber and information security
Cybersecurity technologies protect networks, devices and data from attacks and fraud. Typical measures include encryption, ransomware detection, malware monitoring and IT security analyses. Modern solutions increasingly use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to detect threats early and respond to them.
Information security ensures that only authorised users have access to critical data, that this data is protected from manipulation and that regulatory requirements are met. Technical measures range from network segmentation, firewalls, anti-malware solutions and data loss prevention to password protection and authentication systems.
New security technologies in 2026
According to Avigilon, trends in security technology are driven by current vulnerabilities and changing business models. Important factors include:
- Cloud-based security solutions: Video surveillance and alarm management via cloud platforms enable real-time notifications and flexible control, but increase data security requirements.
- AI and machine learning: Intelligent video analysis, pattern recognition and predictive algorithms increase the effectiveness of physical security systems and expand their areas of application.
- Centralised security platforms: The integration of all security solutions – from hardware and software to cybersecurity – into a central dashboard facilitates monitoring and control.
- Predictive security analyses: Systems detect potential risks before they occur and enable proactive resource planning.
- Cyber-physical security convergence: Cyber attacks can bypass physical security barriers and vice versa. Holistic strategies must protect devices, networks and the physical environment simultaneously.
Other relevant trends
In addition to core technologies, the following developments will also play a role in 2026:
- Zero-trust architectures
- User behaviour analysis
- Smart sensor technology
- Mobile-first solutions
- Sustainability in security
- Biometric authentication
Conclusion
The security landscape for 2026 requires an integrated, proactive approach that combines physical, digital and information technology security measures. Organisations must continuously update their systems to be prepared for complex threats. Cyber-physical security strategies are not only a protective factor, but are also becoming a key competitive factor in the digital age.
