HID has released its 2026 State of Security and Identity Report, highlighting a transformative approach to identity management. Based on feedback from over 1,500 professionals in security, IT, and related fields, the research reveals a focus on building trust, enhancing protection, and preserving user choice in increasingly integrated physical and digital environments.
According to Ramesh Songukrishnasamy, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at HID, “Security leaders are clearly under pressure to modernise access and identity infrastructure, but our research shows they’re equally focused on the governance, protection and transparency that build lasting trust.” He emphasised that organisations excelling in the future will be those offering stakeholders a range of solutions while ensuring security remains strong.
Key trends defining the future of security
Identity Management as a Strategic Priority
A significant trend identified in the report is the prominence of identity management, with 73% of respondents selecting it as a top priority. There’s a definitive move away from isolated credential systems towards comprehensive identity governance, which encompasses both physical access and digital systems. This shift indicates a consensus on the need for platform consolidation, mainly focusing on friction reduction and compliance.
Rise of Mobile Credentials
Security improvements are now the primary driver for adopting mobile credentials (50%), rather than convenience (34%). Hybrid environments persist, with a substantial 84% of users maintaining physical credentials alongside mobile ones. This trend underscores the requirement for adaptable solutions catering to diverse user needs over time.
Biometrics in Access Control
The deployment of biometric technologies is widespread, with fingerprint (71%) and facial recognition (50%) leading the way. However, ethical and privacy concerns, which have surged from 31% to 67%, are prompting the implementation of safeguards and necessitate transparency in biometric deployments.
Real-Time Location Solutions Gaining Traction
Real-time location solutions (RTLS) are being increasingly integrated, especially within healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. Despite 42% of end users prioritising RTLS and 40% actively deploying it, challenges like costs (33%), privacy concerns (29%), and integration complexity (29%) remain significant obstacles.
Accelerating Convergence of Physical and Digital Identity
Unified identity solutions are becoming mainstream, with 75% of organisations having deployed or currently evaluating such systems. Single credentials spanning buildings, networks, and applications promise enhanced efficiency and security, though budget constraints (51%), complexity (37%), and skill gaps (34%) present challenges.
Growth of RFID Adoption
RFID technology is now seen as indispensable infrastructure. Active usage for asset tracking and inventory management is reported by 54% of respondents. Security leaders cite faster tracking (62%) and improved visibility (41%) as major benefits of RFID.
Shift Towards Integrated Platforms
The focus is increasingly on integrated identity and security platforms to improve visibility and resilience in complex settings. Despite this shift, integration complexity remains a barrier, affecting 52% of identity systems and 37% of physical-digital convergence efforts.
Ethical and privacy concerns are a significant consideration, with 67% of end users expressing worries about biometrics. Organisations are actively developing policies and governance frameworks to address these issues, indicating a mature approach to security decision-making.
The 2026 report provides varied insights thanks to its diverse data collection, spanning sectors like healthcare, education, government, and finance among others. This comprehensive perspective allows businesses to understand how decisions are informed by both strategic objectives and operational realities.
The report offers security and IT leaders an informed view of industry priorities, risk management strategies, and preparations for a future centralised around identity, ultimately guiding organisations toward making well-rounded security decisions.
