Genetec is urging organizations to strengthen identity and credential governance across physical security systems as AI-driven cyber threats continue to evolve.
As connected environments expand, relying solely on password updates is no longer enough to secure critical infrastructure.
AI Is Accelerating Cyber Risk
AI-powered tools are increasing the speed, scale, and precision of credential-based attacks. Systems that manage cameras, access control, servers, and cloud services are becoming prime targets.
Weak or poorly managed credentials—especially those tied directly to devices—can expose sensitive operations and create entry points for attackers.
“AI is changing the speed and scale of cyber risk,” said Mathieu Chevalier, Principal Security Architect at Genetec.
“Attackers can now move faster and are using AI to impersonate people, tailor social engineering attacks, uncover vulnerabilities at scale, and evade detection.”
Rising Threat Landscape
According to the Genetec Enterprise Physical Security in the Cloud Era research:
- 58.7% of organizations reported increased phishing and smishing attacks
- 41% experienced a rise in physical or cyber incidents
- 43.5% identified social engineering as a leading attack vector
These findings highlight the growing need for stronger governance across identity and access systems.
Moving Beyond Passwords
Genetec recommends a governance-first approach to identity management in physical security environments.
Strengthen Identity And Credential Controls
Organizations should:
- Eliminate default and shared credentials
- Implement passkeys and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Replace static passwords with certificate-based authentication
- Ensure centralized credential management and regular rotation
Align IT And Physical Security Teams
Closer collaboration between IT and physical security teams enables:
- Consistent security policies
- Improved visibility into access risks
- Faster and more coordinated incident response
Adopt Governance-First Security Practices
Physical security systems should be managed like other critical infrastructure, including:
- Regular access reviews
- Controlled system updates
- Partnerships with trusted technology providers
The Need For A Strategic Shift
As AI continues to reshape the threat landscape, organizations must move from reactive security practices to proactive governance. Identity and credential management is becoming a central pillar in protecting connected physical security ecosystems.
Genetec is a global technology company that has been transforming the physical security industry for over 25 years. Its solutions help enterprises, governments, and communities secure people and assets while improving operational efficiency and protecting privacy.
The company offers leading products in video management, access control, and automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), all built on an open architecture with cybersecurity at their core. Its portfolio also includes intrusion detection, intercom, and digital evidence management solutions.
Internal Links
https://security.world/ai-in-physical-security
https://security.world/zero-trust-access-control
External Links
https://resources.genetec.com/ebooks-reports/enterprise-physical-security-in-the-cloud-era
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why Are Passwords Alone No Longer Enough?
Because AI-driven attacks can quickly exploit weak or reused credentials, making traditional password-based security insufficient.
2. What Is Credential Governance?
It refers to managing and controlling how identities and credentials are created, used, monitored, and secured across systems.
3. How Does AI Increase Cyber Risk?
AI enables attackers to automate phishing, impersonation, and vulnerability discovery at scale, making attacks faster and harder to detect.
4. What Is The Role Of MFA And Passkeys?
They add additional layers of authentication, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
5. Why Should IT And Physical Security Teams Collaborate?
Because modern physical security systems are connected to enterprise networks, requiring unified security strategies and coordinated responses.
Source: genetec.com