HID has released its 2026 State of Security and Identity Report, highlighting how organizations worldwide are reshaping identity management strategies around trust, protection, and user choice.
The research, based on insights from more than 1,500 security and IT professionals, end users, and industry partners, reveals that identity convergence across physical and digital environments is now central to security strategy.
“Security leaders are clearly under pressure to modernize access and identity infrastructure, but our research shows they’re equally focused on the governance, protection and transparency that build lasting trust,” said Ramesh Songukrishnasamy, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at HID.
“The organizations succeeding in 2026 are those giving stakeholders meaningful solution choice while maintaining robust security.”
Seven Key Trends Shaping Identity In 2026
1. Identity Management Dominates Strategic Planning
Nearly three-quarters of respondents (73%) identified identity management as a top priority — the highest-ranked category in the study. Organizations are shifting from standalone credential systems to unified identity governance models spanning both physical access and digital systems.
The conversation has moved from whether to consolidate identity platforms to how to do so efficiently, compliantly, and with measurable ROI.
2. Mobile Credentials Reach Critical Mass
Mobile credential adoption is increasingly driven by security improvements (50%) rather than convenience (34%). However, hybrid credential environments remain the norm, with 84% of end users maintaining physical credentials alongside mobile deployments to support operational flexibility.
3. Biometrics Expand Beyond MFA
Biometrics continue gaining traction, with 45% viewing them as strategic. Fingerprint (71%) and facial recognition (50%) lead deployments.
However, ethical and privacy concerns more than doubled year-over-year — rising from 31% to 67%. This surge underscores the importance of transparency, safeguards, and regulatory compliance during biometric rollouts.
4. Real-Time Location Solutions Enter Mainstream
RTLS adoption is accelerating, particularly in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.
- 42% of end users identify RTLS as strategic.
- 40% report active deployments.
Yet challenges remain, including cost (33%), privacy concerns (29%), and integration complexity (29%). Additionally, 38% of partners report customer unfamiliarity with RTLS capabilities, highlighting ongoing education needs.
5. Physical And Digital Identity Convergence Accelerates
Unified identity solutions are moving mainstream, with 75% of organizations either deployed (29%) or actively evaluating (46%) converged identity platforms.
Despite strong momentum, barriers persist:
- Budget constraints (51%)
- System complexity (37%)
- Expertise gaps (34%)
6. RFID Becomes Core Infrastructure
RFID adoption continues to expand, with 54% reporting active use across asset tracking, inventory management, and loss prevention.
Once considered niche, RFID is now treated as foundational infrastructure. Leaders cite faster tracking (62%) and improved visibility (41%) as primary benefits.
7. Investment Shifts Toward Integrated Platforms
Organizations are moving away from point solutions toward integrated identity and security platforms to improve resilience and operational visibility.
However, integration complexity remains the primary challenge:
- 52% cite integration barriers for identity systems.
- 37% cite complexity in physical-digital convergence.
Ethics And Privacy Reach An Inflection Point
A defining theme of the 2026 report is the sharp rise in ethical and privacy concerns.
For biometrics alone, 67% of end users expressed moderate to high concern. As identity systems converge and location tracking expands, organizations are balancing enhanced protection with individual rights.
Many respondents report implementing governance frameworks, policy controls, and technical safeguards — signaling growing maturity in identity decision-making.
A Dual Perspective Across Industries
The report draws insights from industries including healthcare, education, government, finance, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. It combines feedback from both end users and solution partners, offering visibility into where strategy aligns with execution — and where gaps remain.
For security and IT leaders, the findings provide a grounded view of how peers are prioritizing investment, mitigating risk, and preparing for an identity-centric future.
HID powers the trusted identities of the world’s people, places, and things. Its solutions enable secure transactions, productive work environments, and seamless travel experiences.
Headquartered in Austin, HID employs over 4,500 people globally and operates in more than 100 countries. HID is a brand of ASSA ABLOY.
https://security.world/the-intelligence-gap-in-video-surveillance
External Links URLs:
https://www.hidglobal.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What Is HID’s 2026 State Of Security And Identity Report?
It is a global research study examining identity management trends, security investment priorities, and the convergence of physical and digital access systems. - What Is Identity Convergence?
Identity convergence refers to unified systems that manage physical access, digital authentication, and application access under a single governance framework. - Why Are Privacy Concerns Increasing In 2026?
Expanding use of biometrics, RTLS, and converged identity systems has elevated ethical and regulatory considerations, requiring stronger governance and transparency. - How Are Organizations Investing In Identity Solutions?
Businesses are shifting away from point solutions toward integrated platforms that deliver improved visibility, resilience, and centralized identity governance. - Who Should Read The Report?
Security leaders, IT executives, compliance officers, and identity architects seeking insight into peer investment patterns and emerging trust-focused strategies.