2025 Security trends in review: Are we on track?

As we head into the final quarter of the year, it's the perfect moment to pause and ask: Are the trends predicted for 2025 unfolding as expected?

The security industry is evolving at an extraordinary pace - but not always in a straight line. As new technologies emerge and global pressures intensify, organizations are rethinking the role security plays in business outcomes, workforce resilience, and digital transformation.

Earlier this year, the 2025 Security Industry Trends Report offered a snapshot of where the industry was headed, based on input from professionals across five continents and multiple sectors. Now, as we head into the final stretch of the year, it's worth checking in on how those predictions are holding up - and why it's important to contribute to the research that captures this unique moment in time.

Security as a strategic enabler: A trend that's taking root

One of the strongest signals in the 2025 report was a growing shift in mindset: security as a strategic business enabler.

Far from being seen solely as protective infrastructure, security systems are increasingly being used to drive business value. The report found that more than half of surveyed organizations were already leveraging their systems for non-traditional benefits, including:

• Operational performance and automation
• Data-driven decision-making
• Sustainability initiatives
• Integration with HR and facilities systems

This trend is clearly in motion. Organisations are seeking security solutions that contribute to broader goals, not just reduce risk. And while full-scale transformation takes time, many of the foundations - like cross-departmental collaboration and analytics integration - are already in place.

Modernization in motion - But not without friction

The call to modernize is loud, but the path forward isn't always clear.

Take mobile credentials: while they're gaining traction in some sectors, particularly in education, commercial adoption remains uneven. The report highlighted a telling gap: nearly half of consultants and channel partners expected mobile wallet adoption within a year, yet many end users still weren't ready to follow.

What's causing the drag? Familiar culprits like policy misalignment, infrastructure constraints, upgrade costs, and a persistent lack of education about what's possible and secure. These frictions also show up in other areas, such as cloud migration and hybrid deployments.

As we near the end of 2025, one insight remains clear: innovation alone isn't enough. Progress depends on practical pathways, clear communication, and trusted partnerships that can guide stakeholders through complexity.

People still drive technology decisions

Another trend that has only grown stronger through the year is the central role of people in technological decisions.

When asked what mattered most when selecting a security solution, respondents prioritized:

• End user support and training
• Ease of use across departments
• Access to trusted experts

In many cases, relationships and service reliability ranked higher than individual technical features. This holds true in today's climate, where trust, responsiveness, and clarity often dictate whether a project succeeds or stalls.

At the same time, staffing challenges continue to strain integrators and channel partners. High turnover and skills shortages are slowing implementation timelines and increasing the need for systems that are intuitive, supportable, and easy to scale.

Cloud, cyber, and the realities of IT alignment

Digital transformation is no longer on the horizon, it's here. But aligning security and IT strategies continues to challenge organizations.

The 2025 report revealed mixed views on cloud adoption. Some organizations embraced it for its flexibility, centralized control, and cost benefits. Others hesitated, citing cybersecurity concerns or logistical hurdles tied to legacy infrastructure.

Interestingly, some see cloud as a way to reduce IT dependency, while others worry it increases reliance. This divergence is still playing out, and it underscores a critical insight: alignment between IT and security teams is no longer optional - it's essential.

Especially as organizations move toward hybrid models, success will increasingly depend on shared governance, clear roles, and a collaborative mindset.

Innovation with context, not hype

As we check in on the final quarter of 2025, another message from the report rings truer than ever: innovation only matters if it meets real needs.

Organisations continue to move away from one-size-fits-all solutions, recognizing that successful deployments are shaped by infrastructure, compliance requirements, and cultural expectations. Whether you're in logistics, healthcare, or critical infrastructure, the most valuable technologies are those that flex to your environment, not the other way around.

This nuance matters. The industry's innovation focus is evolving from a race for features to a more thoughtful approach rooted in context, purpose, and people.

Looking ahead: Share your voice for 2026

If 2025 has been a year of recalibration, then 2026 could bring sharper clarity - but only if we continue listening and learning.

Gallagher Security's research team is now gathering input for the 2026 Industry Trends Report, and your perspective is essential. Whether you're a consultant, integrator, manufacturer, or end user, your voice helps shape a more accurate, inclusive view of where security is headed next.

Take the 2026 survey and contribute to the conversation.

The security industry isn't just reacting to change - it's driving it. With insights from professionals across the globe, this report aims to make sense of that movement and support smarter decisions for the road ahead.