MONTREAL – Genetec, a global provider of enterprise physical security software, has revealed an increasing shift towards hybrid and cloud adoption of physical security infrastructure in the health sector, according to a 2025 Physical Security Report.
Based on insights from over 5,600 physical security experts around the world, the report features data drawn from respondents working in the healthcare industry, providing a comprehensive analysis of evolving trends in physical security operations.
As the healthcare sector navigates the growing security challenges and regulatory requirements, the report's findings show that 43% of healthcare organizations still operate fully on-premises. However, hybrid and cloud models have gained traction, with 48.3% of organizations using some form of hybrid cloud solution in their physical security environment. 8.7% have completely moved to cloud-based security.
Momentum for cloud adoption is accelerating, with 68% of healthcare providers planning to move more physical security data to the cloud within the next 18 months.
Healthcare approach to cloud adoption
Healthcare organizations prioritize hybrid and cloud solutions to reduce their hardware footprint and simplify maintenance across multiple sites. By deploying a combination of on-premises and cloud-based security technologies, hospitals and healthcare facilities can maintain strict regulations and ensure data sovereignty while optimizing resource allocation.
“Our physical security report data highlights a gradual yet strategic move towards deploying hybrid and cloud security in the healthcare industry,” said Mark Fader, National Director of Enterprises at Genetech Inc.
Key factors for hybrid and cloud adoption in healthcare include cost reductions (62%), continuous updates and software enhancements (55%), speed and ease of deployment (47%), disaster recovery (35%), and data ownership (32%).
Prioritize enhanced security measures amid rising threats
In addition to the cloud, healthcare organizations prioritize advanced security initiatives in 2025, with top project focus areas such as AI, large language models (34%), access control systems (31%), and video surveillance (28%). Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMS) and incident management are closely behind at 24%, respectively.
These evolving priorities arise throughout 2024 amid the rise in physical threats. 46% of medical facilities reported an increase in employee injuries and a 31% increase to visitors, while 39% reported a surge in physical attacks for staff and 36% of insider theft. Breakdowns and robberies were also reported by 34% of the organization.
Efforts to focus on security initiatives such as access control, video surveillance, and DEM reflect a proactive attitude in embracing innovative solutions to protect patients and staff.
For more information about Genetec on healthcare security trends and cloud adoption, visit https://www.genetec.com/industries/healthcare.
