The importance of physical-cyber convergence in security

With more physical operations like visitor, property and security management controlled or influenced by digital technologies, the merging of physical and cyber security is becoming a critical consideration for businesses wishing to defend against hybrid physical-cyber attacks.

Convergence not only provides an avenue to strengthen existing defenses, it also supports vital knowledge-sharing between internal physical and cyber security teams. By prioritising convergence, organisations of all sizes position themselves to better-address novel threats.

The current cyber threat landscape

Criminals have not overlooked the increasing integration of physical and digital infrastructure in the business world. In FY24-25, the Australian Cyber Security Hotline experienced a 16% increase in reports of cyber-incidents, while attacks rose by almost 50% globally in Q1 2025.

While Australia is yet to suffer a cyber-physical incident of the same scale as the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack that struck America in 2021, significant incidents like the 2022 Optus data breach illustrate the potential for a future incident to bring severe consequences.

The case for physical-cyber convergence

Despite cyber-attacks increasing year-over-year, only a small number of modern businesses have chosen to pursue full-scale security convergence. While figures specific to Australia are not presently available, data suggests only 20% of all businesses run converged operations.

Reasons to delay convergence may differ by organisation; some leaders might feel limited resources are better-allocated elsewhere, others may have a lack of knowledge or expertise.

However, in most cases, the long-term benefits of convergence far outweigh the challenges.

Improved threat detection

In a converged system, threats across cyber and physical spaces can be observed from a single platform. Operators can identify small anomalies, understand how they might impact wider systems and engage informed responses without needing to access separate feeds.

Faster incident responses

Convergence removes silos between cyber and physical systems to help operators engage faster, more coordinated incident responses. IBM research suggests that organisations who choose to integrate security tools detect cyber incidents 72 days faster than those who don’t.

Enhanced knowledge-sharing

By pursuing physical-cyber convergence, businesses empower internal physical and cyber security personnel to upskill in each other’s practice. Increased knowledge-sharing enables teams to develop security measures that can reliably address both cyber and physical risks.

Best practices for successful physical-cyber convergence

Physical-cyber convergence is the key to safeguarding increasingly interconnected systems against hybrid security incidents, but successful convergence requires careful consideration.

To create, implement and maintain an effective convergence security strategy, business leaders and internal security personnel must work together to identify and adhere to a few best practices.

Identify appropriate equipment

Physical security devices must support open integration to be successfully leveraged in a converged environment. For example, prioritise ONVIF-compliant cameras like the Pelco Sarix Enhanced 4 Series that support open integration with wider management platforms.

Prioritise open communication

To successfully protect converged systems against hybrid attacks, both physical and cyber security professionals must be involved in the planning of security measures. Adjustments in one system could expose weaknesses in another, so no decisions should be made in a silo.

Establish unified response plans

Just as converged security measures should be planned as a team, responses must always be enacted together. Physical and cyber security teams must develop and test standardised response protocols for threats of all types that factor both teams into each procedural step.

Pursue continuous improvement

Attackers, increasingly bolstered by malicious AI tools, regularly uncover new ways to exploit existing security measures. An effective convergence strategy will be built on a foundation of continuous improvement that empowers operators to regularly test and enhance protections.

Looking forward

While full-scale physical-cyber convergence is still relatively rare, recent reports suggest that more global businesses are beginning to explore converged practices. In a 2025 report, 77% of respondents revealed their organisation’s physical security and IT departments now work collaboratively, with 50% saying this extends to purchasing decisions for security equipment.

For Australian businesses, amidst rising cyber-attacks and increasing digital transformation, a new approach to security management may prove invaluable. By pursuing physical-cyber convergence, modern businesses position themselves to proactively address novel threats.

About Pelco

Pelco, a global leader in security hardware, engineers devices that help set a new standard for security, safety and operational efficiency. Its specialized cameras and sensors are purpose-built for a range of environments. Pelco devices are built on an open platform and can easily integrate with new or existing security systems.

Learn more at Pelco.com.