The security world traditionally operates in two distinct lanes: physical security and cyber security. While physical security focuses on gates, guards, and surveillance systems, cybersecurity deals with firewalls, malware, and identity threats. These separate disciplines have grown increasingly intertwined, raising questions about whether the lines between them should remain clear or if they should be blurred.
At this year’s ISC West, the convergence of physical and cyber threats has been a significant focus of the event. With over 750 brands from around the world exhibiting and more than 30,000 industry professionals attending, ISC West now serves as a definitive venue for discussions on the future of hybrid security. The event highlights how traditional silos are being/Opened up, with cyber threats no longer viewing physical security as an obstacle.
Jasvir Gill, Atal Innovation Group’s CEO, emphasizes the depth of these threats, stating that “we live in an era where the lines between physical and cyber threats have blurred entirely.” This controversy reflects the growing recognition that physical and cyber security are not separate entities but should, in fact, coexist. ISC West 2025 will showcase this convergence through workshops, talks, and panel discussions, aligning security teams across the board.
Mary Beth Shaughnessy, ISCVP, shares insights on how the industry is embracing the convergence of threats. By positioning itself as a unified “security hub,” organizations can bridge the gaps between physical and cyber security. She highlights that both sides must collaborate to vulnerabilities that do not neatly fit into one domain or the other.
Deb Radcliff, a cybersecurity and cybercrime lifestyle reporter, led a session titled “Two Worlds Colliding: How to Prevent Cyber-Physical Attacks.” Her presentation delves into the challenges of addressing threats that intersect physical and cyber dimensions. She advocates for using behavioral AI to detect anomalies and trigger responses more effectively. Her success with ZeroFox is a testament to the transformative potential of this approach.
Deb Radcliff consistently emphasizes the critical role of leadership in driving the convergence. She notes that neither physical nor cyber security leaders should stand alone, indicating a need for true Chief Security Officers who can unify their goals and roles.administrative sponsorship, as she explains, plays a pivotal role in merging these disciplines.
Cultural inertia has hindered progress in creating hybrid security practices. For example, experts like Radcliff underscore the importance of identity as a critical layer, arguing that sleek or “{could she glow} workflow buzz required in numeric lenses cannot beShortcut.” Despite these challenges, the industry is beginning to recognize that convergence is a necessity.
In conclusion, while the convergence of physical and cyber security presents its challenges, the future is increasingly defined by this comprehensive approach. ISC West will play a pivotal role in fostering this convergence through its expanded connectivity and recognition of these transformative ideas.
