HID, a global provider of security solutions, releases its “2025 State of Security and Identity Report,” highlighting the growing trends of Mobile Credentials, Biometrics, AI, and Software-Centric Solutions. Organizations are leveraging these technologies to boost efficiency and reduce threat exposure. However, challenges related to integration, cost, and trust in AI must be addressed. The report emphasizes the need for flexible, interoperable, and innovation-ready security systems.
Singapore – HID, a leading global provider of identity and security solutions with over 30 years of experience, has unveiled its latest study, the “2025 State of Security and Identity Report.” This comprehensive report gathers insights from over 1,800 security industry stakeholders worldwide, including partners, end-users, and security and IT personnel. The report paints a picture of key trends that will drive the security industry in 2025 and beyond.
The survey was sent out to a substantial 308,878 recipients, with a 0.58% response rate, resulting in 1,802 respondents. Out of these, 851 were HID partners, and 951 were end-users of HID products or services.
Mobile Credentials, Biometrics, AI: The Three Pillars of Modern Security
The study reveals that businesses worldwide are undergoing a significant transformation in their approach to security, with emerging technologies playing a crucial role. Mobile Credentials, Biometrics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are emerging as primary drivers of innovation in the security landscape.
- Mobile Credentials on the Rise: The survey clearly indicates that Mobile Credentials are gaining significant traction, with 61% of security leaders identifying them as a top trend. However, while adoption is increasing, 84% of organizations still utilize a combination of Mobile Credentials and Physical Credentials (such as employee badges) for flexibility and compliance purposes.
“Mobile Credentials are increasingly becoming a vital part of physical access control,” said Prabhuraj Patil, Senior Director, Physical Access Control Solutions, ASEAN and India Subcontinent, at HID.
“However, the transition to a fully digital system will take time. Most organizations still need to maintain their existing systems alongside new ones to ensure operational continuity.”
- Biometrics Growing in MFA: Biometric technology is experiencing substantial growth, particularly in conjunction with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). The survey found that 73% of respondents utilize Biometrics as part of their MFA strategy, and 35% are currently using Biometric technology, while another 13% plan to implement it in the future.
“Biometric technologies, such as fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris scanning, are becoming key components of access control systems and identity verification strategies,” added Prabhuraj Patil. “They offer a highly secure and efficient method of authentication.”
- AI Driving Analysis and Threat Detection: AI is playing a critical role in analyzing data and detecting security threats. The survey revealed that 64% of security leaders are either extensively using, using in limited areas, or planning to implement AI-powered solutions for security purposes.
Unified Security Management and Open Platforms: The Keys to Flexibility
In addition to the three core technologies, the report highlights the importance of Unified Security Management and Open Platforms.
The study found that 67% of security leaders are taking steps to adopt software-driven security solutions. Additionally, 73% of customers of integrators and consultants are shifting towards more software-driven security solutions, driven by the need for flexibility, scalability, and easier integration with other software.
Meanwhile, more than half (50%) of security professionals view open solutions as “extremely” or “very” important to their organizations. 31% stated that open platforms facilitate easier integration with third-party solutions, and 30% said they offer greater flexibility in system upgrades and expansions.
Challenges to Address: Integration, Cost, Trust in AI
While the adoption of new technologies is growing, the HID report also identifies challenges that organizations must face:
- Integration Complexity: Integrating legacy systems with modern technology is a significant challenge, particularly in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, where 41% of respondents listed it as one of their top three challenges.
- Cost Constraints: The cost of implementing new technologies remains a significant barrier, especially in the APAC region, where 41% of respondents identified it as one of their top three challenges.
- Trust in AI: Concerns about AI security, privacy, reliability, accuracy, and the transparency of AI decision-making are significant barriers to AI adoption. 41% of global security leaders expressed concerns about these issues.
Channel Transformation and Sustainability: Two More Trends Not to Ignore
The HID report also mentions two other important trends impacting the security industry: Channel Transformation and Sustainability.
- Channel Transformation: The digital era is transforming sales channels, service delivery, and business operations. Most respondents (77%) feel they are adapting well to these changes, but challenges remain, including keeping up with rapidly changing technology, training staff, managing customer expectations, and balancing traditional services with new offerings.
- Sustainability: Sustainability is becoming a crucial factor in security decision-making. 75% of security leaders consider sustainability when selecting security solutions, 54% actively seek out energy-efficient technologies, 53% prioritize sustainability when upgrading existing systems, and 70% recycle or responsibly dispose of old physical access cards.
The Future of Security: Flexible, Interoperable, and Innovation-Ready
Ramesh Songukrishnasamy, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at HID, summarized the key trends and offered advice to executives and practitioners in the security industry:
“Organizations need to prioritize flexibility, interoperability, and innovation to navigate these challenges and fully leverage the opportunities presented by these new technologies.”
Mr. Songukrishnasamy added, “AI-Driven Analysis and Detection will be the most important trend in the next three years,” which aligns with the survey findings that AI is a top trend in all regions.
HID’s “2025 State of Security and Identity Report” paints a picture of a rapidly evolving security landscape. Organizations seeking success in the digital age must adapt and adopt new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce their vulnerability to threats. However, implementing new technologies comes with challenges that must be carefully managed. Prioritizing flexibility, interoperability, and innovation will be crucial for building robust and future-ready security systems.
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