Physical security is becoming a critical part of enterprise IT strategy, as Genetec Inc. calls on organizations across the Middle East to strengthen integration efforts amid rising cyber threats.

As digital transformation accelerates, governments and enterprises in the region are investing heavily in smart cities, critical infrastructure, transportation, energy, and large-scale developments. Consequently, these environments are becoming more connected and data-driven. Video surveillance and access control systems now operate on enterprise networks, requiring stronger protection.

Today, physical security systems run alongside core business applications and sensitive data. As a result, they have become part of the broader IT attack surface. However, many organizations still treat physical security as separate from IT. This creates gaps in network visibility and weakens overall cybersecurity.

Moreover, unsecured connected devices can act as entry points for cyber attackers. Without proper network segmentation and continuous monitoring, vulnerabilities in cameras, sensors, and access control systems may expose entire business networks to risk.

At the same time, the volume and sophistication of cyber threats in the Middle East continue to grow. Therefore, securing physical security systems is now essential for effective enterprise risk management.

“Organizations throughout the region are rapidly modernizing their infrastructure and connecting more devices than ever before,” said Hassan Makki, Area Sales Director at Genetec. “Physical security systems are now fully integrated into enterprise networks. They must be managed with the same cybersecurity rigor as any other IT asset. Strong collaboration between IT and physical security teams is essential.”

In addition, applying cybersecurity best practices can significantly reduce risk. These include strong authentication, regular software updates, encryption, and proper network segmentation. Close collaboration between IT and physical security teams also improves visibility, accountability, and consistent standards.

As the boundary between physical security and cybersecurity continues to narrow, integrating these systems into IT strategies will be key to building resilient and future-ready enterprises across the Middle East. Ultimately, organizations must prioritize physical security to safeguard their evolving digital ecosystems.

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