Transforming Security: The Shift to Cloud and Hybrid Solutions in the Middle East and Africa
Dubai, UAE – November 30, 2023—Genetec Inc. (“Genetec”), a prominent technology leader in unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, today unveiled the findings of its 2024 State Physical Security report. Based on insights from nearly 700 physical security executives—including end users and channel partners across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions, the report examines the security strategies organizations are implementing to adeptly navigate the evolving landscape of the industry.
Cloud adoption is accelerating
The uptake of cloud-powered solutions for physical security has been progressively rising over the last decade, but it is currently accelerating. According to the survey, 40% of end users indicated that over 30% of their physical security configurations are now hosted in the cloud or utilize a combination of cloud and on-site solutions. This marks a significant rise from the 24% reported in the previous year’s survey.
Concerns regarding cloud cybersecurity are waning
Fears associated with cloud-based solutions are substantially diminishing. In the previous year’s survey, end-users identified perceived cybersecurity threats as the principal factor hindering their organizations from adopting cloud-based security systems. However, there seems to be a transformation in perspectives. This change highlights a growing trust in the capabilities of cloud service providers to enforce robust cybersecurity protocols. Accordingly, in the 2024 survey, participants ranked perceived cybersecurity risks as the sixth most significant barrier to embracing cloud security solutions.
Channels foresee increased demand for hybrid and cloud solutions
Feedback from channel partners aligns with the notion that end-users are eagerly transitioning to cloud solutions. A notable 74% of channel partner respondents in MEA predict that a larger number of their existing clients will adopt cloud connectivity for security in the upcoming year. Furthermore, 35% of channel partners emphasized that they prioritize cloud-based solutions whenever feasible, and another 55% offer cloud-based options upon client request.
IT and physical security departments are becoming increasingly integrated
The rise in the adoption of cloud-enabled physical security systems has spurred an increase in cybersecurity threats, data management, and compliance obligations. Consequently, IT and physical security teams are becoming more interconnected, as evidenced by 65% of end-users reporting that the IT department has access to physical security data. As technology utilization expands and remote access from external networks becomes more commonplace, the collaboration between IT and physical security will continue to evolve.
A hybrid future is on the horizon
It seems that a majority of organizations will favor a hybrid strategy, integrating both on-premises and cloud-based solutions. Nearly 60% of end-user participants disclosed that their organizations are aiming for a security deployment approach that merges both. The shift toward hybrid systems is already underway, with 12% of MEA-based end-users stating that their organizations are currently storing video surveillance data both locally and in the cloud, a remarkable increase from the 4% noted in last year’s survey.
“The integration of cloud technology in the physical security domain is steadily gaining traction, with the future for most physical security solutions appearing to be a fusion of on-site and cloud-based options. For organizations in the Middle East and Africa, combining hybrid cloud technology with existing on-site resources enables them to respond promptly to new business needs. These are thrilling times for the industry as it adapts to change and embraces new methods of supporting clients in a dynamic environment,” remarked Firas Jadalla, Regional Director – Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Genetec.
