Issue link: https://resources.genetec.com/i/1316272
State of Physical Security 2020 Genetec Inc. 13 Take-aways for 2021 Prioritize cybersecurity Cybercrime is expected to continue to accelerate in 2021 with the rise of work-from-home and the growing adoption of IoT. Physical security professionals need to get ahead of this risk. Cyberattacks on businesses are inevitable and physical security systems are a known attack surface that can offer an entry point to an organization's network and data. It is time to proactively partner with IT to understand the true limits of the security perimeter and work with cybersecurity experts to develop proactive cyber security governance and processes. In 2021, it will be more critical than ever that attention and resources be shifted to cyber hardening initiatives to address rising threats. Make way for the cloud Over the last decade as cloud technology has matured it has become the backbone of business. In 2020 its operational value and security advantages have been successfully put to the test as employees went remote and our lives and business practices moved online. Looking forward into 2021, businesses and governments will continue to make leaps in cloud adoption and physical security departments will need to keep up with these advancements. Cloud and hybrid cloud offer advantages such as data protection, system flexibility, performance, and cost savings. These are both near-term (2021) and long-term opportunities the industry needs to evaluate. For those just starting this journey, there is no one-size-fits-all answer but looking at the steps taken by others toward hybrid cloud and/or cloud-based services is a good place to start. Leverage technology in innovative ways If we can draw one lesson from 2020 and these survey results, it's that the physical security industry needs to remain nimble so it can adapt to an evolving situation in its facilities and communities. As the industry prepares for 2021, decision makers should continue to think practically about technology investments. By working closely with integration partners and manufacturers, physical security professionals can select and deploy useful new tools but also repurpose and adapt existing investments to meet new challenges. 1 3 2