Hey crew,

This week’s headlines signal a clear shift. The industry is moving beyond hardware-first thinking and into an era defined by scale, data, and operational expertise. Major players are consolidating to build cloud-native platforms, consultants are expanding into system design and delivery, and new research underscores how tightly physical security is now intertwined with IT, cybersecurity, and enterprise strategy.

From landmark mergers to emerging protection models and long-term trend data, this edition highlights how physical security is maturing into a core business and risk function that demands coordination across technology, leadership, and operations.

Let’s dive in.

🧠 TOP OF MIND

A major merger taking place in the cloud security space: Brivo and Eagle Eye Networks announced a merger that will create the industries largest ‘cloud native AI physical security company’ The merger will combine Brivo’s name and access control portfolio with Eagle Eye’s cloud-based video surveillance portfolio.

A lengthy read for your morning coffee: Genetec released their annual State of Physical Security report for 2026, detailing key trends signaled across the industry. Keep reading to access the report and learn more.

A leading consulting firm expands into the equipment business: Strategos International announces a new Cyber and Physical Security division focused on physical security systems design, secure communications, surveillance technologies, and integrated threat detection and response solutions.

📚 ON ALERT EXCLUSIVE

Executive protection is no longer reserved for Fortune 500 leaders. Rising economic pressure, political tension, and social-media–driven extremism are pushing executive protection into the mainstream. Leaders across the private and public sectors are facing increased exposure to harassment, cyber threats, and real-world safety risks once limited to high-profile executives.

Big league problems, common man budgets. Mid-sized organizations and local leaders are encountering similar threat vectors without the budgets or infrastructure of large enterprises. As a result, many are adopting flexible approaches like travel protocols, residential security upgrades, social media monitoring, and on-demand protection services instead of full-time teams.

Executive protection is becoming a core leadership risk function. Organizations that assess threats early and scale protections strategically can reduce risk without overextending resources.

To learn more about this trend, click here.

🔎 INTERESTING FINDS

The State of Physical Security 2026 report from Genetec outlines key considerations heading into the new year. A common theme throughout the report is built around the convergence of physical, network, and cybersecurity functions.

What’s driving this shift: Rising system complexity, expanding data volumes, and the push for real-time decision-making are forcing physical security to scale beyond traditional tools and workflows, while pulling IT expertise directly into the center of physical security operations.

On Alert Takeaways: Security leaders who build strong IT partnerships, modernize away from legacy systems, and treat security data as a business asset in 2026 will have more influence, budget leverage, and operational impact than those who pushback against convergence from our IT counterparts.

✅ IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

An unexpected acquisition, a public commitment to government-backed design principles, and the launch of an AI-powered weapons detection system made headlines over the holidays.

🧠 Axis Communications becomes the first major player to publicly announce adherence to CISA’s ‘Secure by Design’ guidelines

💼 On the topic of AI, Athena Security announced their next-generation weapons detection system powered by artificial intelligence

💰 ServiceNow has announced a $7.8B deal to acquire OT security startup Armis, expanding the reach of the ITSM giant into the cyber-physical market.

👇 SEE YOU NEXT WEEK

Until next time!