European organizations prioritize cybersecurity amid stricter regulations
Europe is raising its game when it comes to cybersecurity, driven by an environment of stringent data protection laws and an increasingly sophisticated threat landscape. A staggering 73% of organizations are doubling down on cybersecurity education and bolstering their defenses. It’s a necessity in a world where a single breach can cost millions and crush reputations overnight.
What’s driving this? Stricter data protection regulations like GDPR have pushed companies to treat cybersecurity as a core business function rather than an afterthought. Organizations are focusing on training employees to recognize and mitigate threats, investing in comprehensive security measures, and keeping their systems compliant.
The complexity of modern threats means they need to stay ahead of attackers, not just react when breaches occur. For cybersecurity to be effective, it needs to be built on a solid foundation of culture, leadership, and accountability at every level.
Cautious adoption of AI in physical security
Artificial intelligence promises immense value in physical security, but European organizations are proceeding with caution, and for good reason. While 37% of companies plan to introduce AI-powered features like advanced threat detection and automation by 2025, a large 47% are holding back, opting to evaluate the risks and opportunities more carefully. Compare this to just 10% adoption intentions in 2024, and you see a clear upward trend, but not without hesitation.
AI in security can, and does already, cut both ways. It’s incredibly powerful for automating routine processes and detecting threats in real time, but it also raises concerns about transparency, data bias, and potential misuse. European organizations are wisely taking a measured path. They’re focusing on refining use cases where AI can genuinely add value without introducing unnecessary risk. This mindset of thoughtful innovation over blind adoption is what will ultimately create stronger, smarter systems.
Hybrid cloud solutions are now the preferred infrastructure
In Europe, 43% of organizations are leaning toward hybrid cloud deployments, far outpacing the 18% who favor fully cloud-based systems or the 17% sticking with on-premises solutions. This choice comes down to flexibility and control. Businesses can decide what data to keep in-house for tighter security and what to manage in the cloud for scalability and efficiency.
Christian Morin, Genetec’s Vice President of Product Engineering, put it well: hybrid solutions give businesses options without forcing them into proprietary systems. Companies can scale faster, streamline operations, and make smarter choices for their needs. Consultants are seeing this too—66% are recommending hybrid approaches to clients, recognizing the balance between cost-effectiveness and operational control.
“Hybrid is about practicality. It’s the right tool for businesses juggling complex demands, whether managing sensitive data or driving unified growth across geographies.”
IT departments take a central role in physical security decisions
The IT team is running the show when it comes to physical security. Over 50% of purchasing decisions for physical security systems now have IT’s fingerprints all over them, and 77% of companies report close collaboration between IT and security departments.
Why the shift? The rise of cloud and hybrid solutions has blurred the line between physical and digital security. Cyber threats don’t respect boundaries, and organizations need unified systems to stay protected. IT teams bring the expertise to design and implement solutions that integrate seamlessly across both domains, making them the natural decision-makers.
Christian Morin summed it up well: IT-led integration makes systems smarter, more resilient, and better equipped to adapt to new threats. Uniting IT and security, organizations are creating something bigger than the sum of its parts—a security ecosystem that protects people, assets, and data alike.
Legacy systems and cloud video storage trends
Modernization is at the top of every European organization’s agenda, with a particular focus on replacing outdated legacy systems. These older systems simply can’t keep pace with the demands of today’s interconnected, data-driven world. But modernization doesn’t mean diving headfirst into the cloud, and over 50% of organizations in Europe avoid cloud video storage entirely. That’s a notable divergence from the global average, highlighting a deep-seated caution about sensitive data management.
Why the hesitation? Storing video footage in the cloud introduces questions around privacy, compliance, and security. For many, the risks outweigh the benefits, especially when alternative solutions like hybrid deployments offer a safer middle ground. Through taking a more cautious approach, European organizations are managing modernization on their own terms and, as such, avoid unnecessary exposure while still improving efficiency.
In the race to 2025, the takeaway is clear: modernize what matters, but don’t lose control of the essentials. Prioritizes security without sacrificing agility.
