Merging cyber security and physical security

Nick Smith at Genetec outlines eight things IT leaders should demand from physical security vendors

 

As cyber and physical security converge, organisations need to choose physical security vendors that align with their information technology (IT) infrastructure to keep people, data, and assets safe. For IT professionals responsible for protecting both digital and physical assets, making the right choice is critical.

 

Security vendor requirements

This checklist outlines what to demand from your next vendor, so your security can meet today’s threats and adapt to tomorrow’s.

 

1. Align security with business and IT strategy

A modern physical security solution should do more than monitor premises. It should be a strategic fit that enhances the broader organisational goals. Look for unified platforms that integrate video surveillance, access control, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), communications, forensics, and analytics.

 

Solutions that offer centralised management and real-time monitoring foster collaboration across security teams, compliance officers, and IT departments. This alignment informs decision-making and drives operational efficiency. Physical security systems also generate a rich stream of operational data, from facility usage trends to incident patterns, that can help improve safety protocols, optimise resources, and support cross-functional insights.

 

2. Ensure technical compatibility

A top-tier solution should complement your existing IT ecosystem, not complicate it. Favour open architectures that integrate smoothly with core systems like Active Directory, cloud platforms, and identity management tools.

 

Avoid vendor lock-in. Solutions should work with both existing and new deployments. Look for an open API framework that enables custom integrations with third-party tools, giving your team the flexibility to tailor the system to your needs.

 

3. Prioritise cyber-security and compliance

Security is non-negotiable. Your vendor should support end-to-end encryption and secure data transfer protocols to safeguard sensitive information. Compliance with global standards and regional laws such as GDPR, NIS2, ISO 27001, CCPA/CPRA, and the EU AI Act is essential.

 

Expect granular user controls—role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication, and comprehensive audit trails to ensure accountability. Vendors should demonstrate cyber-security maturity through SOC 2 Type II audits and certifications under ISO/IEC 27017 and ISO/IEC 27001. Look for transparency in their security posture and vulnerability management practices.

 

4. Demand reliability and performance

Your physical security systems must be reliable around the clock. Insist on solutions with high-availability configurations and clearly defined service level agreements (SLAs). Automated failover and disaster recovery capabilities should be built in.

 

Scalability matters, too. The system should handle growing data volumes and the deployment of new systems and facilities without sacrificing performance.

 

5. Evaluate cost and ROI

Understanding the total cost of ownership (TCO) is essential for long-term planning. Transparent pricing structures should encompass licensing, implementation, and maintenance costs, avoiding hidden fees. Look for solutions that deliver measurable ROI, whether through operational efficiencies, intelligent analytics, or risk mitigation.

 

A flexible, choice-driven approach can offer significant advantages by giving organisations the flexibility to adopt cloud services at their own pace while continuing to use existing on-prem infrastructure. This model provides both technical and financial flexibility, enabling tailored deployments that align with your specific environment and budget.

 

Rather than a one-size-fits-all model, the right vendor should help you design a solution that fits your operational needs today and can scale as those needs evolve. Flexible licensing models (subscription or perpetual) can help align expenditures with financial planning.

 

6. Assess vendor reputation and support

Vendor stability and reputation matter. Choose a partner with a proven track record and a strong presence in the global physical security market. Examine case studies across various industries to gauge the vendor’s ability to meet diverse security requirements.

 

Comprehensive support and maintenance offerings are equally important. Look for 24/7 technical assistance, dedicated customer portals, technology partnerships, vendor cybersecurity track record, and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement through regular software updates.

 

7. Focus on implementation and user adoption

Deployment should be collaborative and minimally disruptive. The best vendors will work with you to develop a detailed implementation plan and timeline. Prioritise vendors that offer structured change management support, such as phased deployments, hands-on training, stakeholder engagement, and user feedback loops. Empower your teams with robust documentation and training resources to drive adoption and long-term success.

 

8. Conduct risk assessment and pilot testing

A proactive approach to risk is essential. Your vendor should provide clear vulnerability management and incident response protocols. Pilot programs are invaluable. Insist on the ability to test the solution in your environment before a full deployment. This allows you to validate performance, compatibility, and usability under real-world conditions.

 

 

Long-term impact

Selecting a physical security technology vendor is a strategic decision with long-term impact. For IT leaders, the goal is to choose a partner whose solutions integrate seamlessly with your ecosystem, support regulatory compliance, and scale with your organisation’s evolving needs.

 

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Nick Smith is UK Country Manager at Genetec

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and Inside Creative House