A cyber-physical security strategy is key for the year ahead

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According to the latest security predictions from Avigilon, a Motorola Solutions company, it has never been more important to ensure security systems are cyber secure, as cyber crime continues to be a global issue and a driving force in the security, cyber security and information security trends of 2026. The company has shared its views in a new paper on the trends for the year ahead.

Avigilon states that almost 40% of breaches by external actors involve the use of stolen credentials and 32% of all breaches involve ransomware – the process of maliciously encrypting data and demanding a ransom to reinstate access. According to the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, cyber attacks cost commercial businesses in the U.S. $394,000 to $19.9 million per incident.

With the increasing use of connected devices, IoT, and AI technologies in security, safeguarding data both in motion and at rest is a crucial objective that will influence the development of new trends in security technology and cyber security.

Unfortunately, many businesses fail to sufficiently protect themselves from physical security threats, as well. The World Security Report found that over $1 trillion in revenue was lost by companies as a result of physical security incidents in 2022 alone, with one in four publicly-listed companies reporting a drop in their value following an incident.

Implementing a combination of physical security, cyber security and IT security technologies can provide a much-needed layer of protection to mitigate the risk from damaging breaches and threats.

While there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to security and every company has different needs, new high-tech cyber and physical security trends of 2026 can help businesses find new security technologies to protect their assets and uncover solutions to their most pressing challenges.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, businesses must remain up to date with the current cyber security and information developments of 2026 to adequately safeguard their security data and operations. The future of security technology is full of potential, but organisations must take proactive steps to ensure their data is safe and secure.

Cyber security technology helps defend business networks, data and devices from malicious attacks and fraudulent activity, working hand-in-hand with physical security trends to help ensure the protection of people and property. Network, application and information technologies all play an important role in how effective a cyber security strategy is. Common cyber security technology examples include encryption, ransomware detection, spyware monitoring, and IT security analytics.

In the past, cyber security technology trends were limited to new versions of antivirus and firewall software. However, the new security technology trends for 2026 point to more robust solutions equipped with AI and machine learning (ML).

Data security technology and IT security technology are cyber security practices and systems that protect information and networks from unauthorised access or disruption. This sector relies on both physical and cyber security measures. It is composed of a wide range of system control and protective measures used to safeguard critical information and infrastructure.

Effective information security technologies should detect and prevent unauthorised access to security data, protect the integrity of the data and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. In addition, they should protect against data alteration or destruction.

Generally speaking, the goal is to ensure that only authorised users have access to specific data and that it is protected from corruption. Examples of achieving these goals are technologies such as, network segmentation, firewalls, anti-malware software, data loss prevention software, and password protection and authentication.

Ultimately, information security technologies provide a multi-faceted approach that requires the use of specialised technologies and well-defined policies.

Most often, according to Avigilon, security system technology trends are driven by the latest vulnerabilities. No business wants to fall victim to a known hack or fail to stop a theft due to outdated security technology solutions. However, the company suggests that the emerging security technologies and trends of 2026 also reflect new ways organisations conduct their business. Economic and social trends often change people’s expectations of how and when they work, which can drive exponential advancements in security technology.

Some of the factors influencing new security system technology trends 2026, include, increased adoption of cloud-based security technologies, growth in the application of AI and machine learning, efficiency gains achieved from unifying security technology solutions, normalisation of hybrid and remote working creates dispersed teams, and, the growing sophistication of cyber-physical threats.

Using innovative technologies businesses can balance security and technology – IP security cameras and alarm systems are some of the most common security technology examples, but Avigilon suggests there are some additional tech-based corporate security trends beginning to impact modern physical security systems technology for 2026, the company lists its top five as follows:

1. Cloud based surveillance solutions – Security technology solutions managed through the cloud, such as cloud-based video security systems, also extends to maintenance and system availability tasks and is identified as one of the new security technology trends of 2026. Businesses receive real-time notifications to their mobile devices should a security camera malfunction or a server go down. With this, security teams can ensure that their systems are working to secure and safeguard people, assets and premises.

While cloud security has helped businesses accommodate flexible and hybrid work models, it also comes with risks. As businesses rely more heavily on cloud storage for their security technologies and devices, they must strengthen their security measures to protect against data loss and hacking threats.

2. Embracing AI and machine learning- The security industry is experiencing a surge in demand for artificial intelligence (AI) in cameras and comprehensive physical security systems. While cameras with AI video analytics are already being used in various applications, new security technology advancements are making AI more valuable for businesses that previously felt they didn’t need it.

3. Unifying security systems and centralised platforms – More organisations are implementing their existing systems into centralized platforms for a more comprehensive overview of their security network. Centralised platforms provide an integrated security hub for an organisation’s security assets, including physical hardware, software, communications, data and cybersecurity solutions, accessed from one location.

4. Predictive security analytics – Instead of just reacting to an alert, predictive security systems aim to forecast potential threats before they materialise. For example, the system might identify a pattern of behavior that, while not malicious on its own, is a known precursor to a cyber-attack or a physical breach. This allows security teams to move from a reactive to a proactive posture, allocating resources to high-risk areas or individuals and neutralising threats before they can cause damage. This proactive capability represents a significant leap forward in the future of security technology.

5. Cyber-physical systems (CPS) security convergence – This security trend recognises that a cyber-attack can unlock a physical door and a physical breach can grant access to an IT network. For this reason, security strategies must be holistic. This involves securing the devices, the networks they run on and the physical environment they monitor. Protecting this convergence point is a critical emerging security technology challenge, as attackers increasingly look for the weakest link, whether it’s digital or physical.

Finally, other trends recognised by Avigilon as important factors for the security industry in 2026 include:
● Adoption of zero trust architecture
● User behaviour analytics
● AI video analytics
● Smart sensor technology
● Mobile first technology
● Sustainability
● Biometric authentication