Security’s Next Opportunity: The Convergence of Physical And Cybersecurity

The traditional separation between IT security and physical security is rapidly fading. As organizations adopt a more holistic approach to safeguarding assets, solution providers can expand their expertise by integrating cloud-based physical security solutions into their portfolio.

We can all agree—physical security matters in IT. But did you know that physical security compromises are among the top root causes of data breaches?

Physical security plays a critical role in protecting IT infrastructure, including server rooms, data centers and employee access points. A physical breach, such as unauthorized entry into a server room, can compromise cybersecurity defenses, leading to data loss, compliance violations or operational disruptions.

Beyond access control, physical security ensures the availability and reliability of essential IT assets, such as power supplies, cooling systems and network equipment. Failures in these areas can cause system downtime and data loss, further emphasizing the need for IT leaders to address physical security with the same level of priority as cybersecurity.

The Interdependence Of Physical And Cybersecurity

The merging of physical security and cybersecurity isn’t a future trend—it’s already impacting the industry. Physical breaches can lead directly to data breaches. For instance, an unprotected server room can allow unauthorized personnel to install rogue devices, exfiltrate sensitive data or allow malware into the network. Hybrid attacks that combine both physical and cyber tactics are becoming more prevalent, highlighting the urgent need for an integrated security strategy.

Because physical and digital environments are interconnected, IT leaders must consider how weaknesses in one domain can impact the other. A stolen laptop, an unsecured network port or an unattended workstation can provide cybercriminals with an entry point into a secure network.

By adopting a unified approach, organizations can better strengthen their security posture and reduce risks associated with physical vulnerabilities. This approach opens the door to untapped opportunities for MSPs, as organizations search for cloud-based physical security platforms to replace their legacy CCTV.

Regulatory Considerations And Zero Trust

Other factors driving the need for a unified approach include regulations such as GDPR and CCPA, which mandate strict security measures for both digital and physical data protection. Many frameworks explicitly require physical security controls, including restricted access to data centers, video security monitoring, and protective measures for sensitive IT assets.

Organizations are shifting to a Zero Trust approach for physical security. Extending Zero Trust principles to the physical domain ensures that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive areas, reducing the risk of unauthorized intrusions. Zero Trust in physical security involves continuously verifying the identity of individuals accessing secure areas, monitoring their activities and limiting access based on the principle of least privilege.

Bringing Physical Security Into The Digital Age

By offering integrated, cloud-based physical security solutions—including access control, video security, environmental monitoring, and more—channel partners can help businesses achieve a more comprehensive security strategy.

Leading the way in development of integrated security is Verkada, with its family of cloud-enabled physical security solutions. Verkada not only enhances an organization’s security posture but also creates new revenue opportunities for solution providers.

To successfully leverage the physical security market, channel partners should:

1. Educate customers on the merging of physical security and cybersecurity
2. Partner with a leading cloud-enabled physical security provider
3. Offer managed security services that incorporate both physical and digital protections
4. Facilitate collaboration between IT and physical security teams within organizations

As the industry moves toward a cloud-enabled physical security model, solution providers that embrace this evolution will be well-positioned to lead in this expanding market.


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