Genetec Inc., a prominent entity in enterprise physical security software, has unveiled insights pertinent to the healthcare sector from its anticipated 2026 State of Physical Security Report.
Drawing from a broad spectrum of physical security experts, including those affiliated with healthcare, the research illustrates a sustained preference for hybrid-cloud deployments within healthcare organisations. Additionally, there is a notable shift towards integrating access control, artificial intelligence (AI), and cross-departmental collaboration.
Hybrid-cloud deployments in healthcare
For healthcare institutions aiming to enhance flexibility, hybrid-cloud setups are preferred. A significant 59% of respondents emphasised continuous updates and software enhancements as the reason for adopting such systems, with cost efficiency (46%) and deployment speed (42%) following closely. The hybrid model's appeal is further solidified by its disaster recovery (40%) benefits and assurances of data ownership (37%), catering well to stringent regulatory and operational demands.
For healthcare institutions aiming to enhance flexibility, hybrid-cloud setups are preferred
“Healthcare organisations are taking a measured, strategic approach to modernisation,” remarked Dale Martin, Key Account Manager, Healthcare at Genetec. “Flexible deployment options support long-term planning and goals while allowing organisations to adapt as operational and clinical needs evolve.”
Enhancing security processes
The 2026 report highlights challenges faced by healthcare organisations, with training and upskilling personnel (42%), outdated IT infrastructure (40%), and talent acquisition and retention difficulties (38%) being at the forefront. These factors significantly shape their security aims and strategies.
AI is gaining momentum, with 49% of organisations planning to utilise it for streamlining security operations. Projections for 2026 highlight access control as a top priority (55%), accompanied by AI (40%) and video surveillance (39%). Additionally, 39% of respondents are prioritising collaboration with departments like human resources and facilities management, underlining the intertwined role of physical security within organisations.
Emerging Physical Security Threats
The report indicates a surge in physical security threats in healthcare settings
The report indicates a surge in physical security threats in healthcare settings, noting increases in physical attacks on staff (55%), verbal threats (52%), unauthorised access (50%), break-ins (47%), and internal theft (44%).
To mitigate these threats, healthcare organisations are broadening how security data is circulated across entities. Over half are integrating access activity data with other corporate systems, while some share alarms, incident notifications, and multimedia information. Concurrently, SOCs are adopting data from cybersecurity, intrusion monitoring systems, HR solutions, and external threat intelligence.
Beyond Traditional Security Roles
Healthcare providers are expanding the use of physical security data to achieve goals beyond conventional security.
Key objectives include enhancing safety and security (60%), boosting security team efficiency (52%), ensuring regulatory adherence (49%), and improving both employee and patient experiences (44%). Security data is also playing a role in managing occupancy and general departmental efficiency.
