By Chris Skinner, Security Technology Director
The cloud offers a number of advantages, but not every facility is ready for a full migration.
The cloud represents the delivery of computing services like storage applications and processing power over the internet, as opposed to relying on local hardware.
Based on data from IoT Analytics, IoT device count increased by 13% in 2024 along, and research from Science Direct found they have introduced new cybersecurity vulnerabilities, representing a growing need for secure, robust cloud security implementation.
As the capabilities of security technology continue to grow, more facilities should consider transitioning from an on-premises solution, to hybrid or direct-to-cloud implementations.
While the industry is trending towards cloud adoption, direct-to-cloud, hybrid and on-prem solutions each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
On-Prem
On-premises systems use local servers and analog devices that may appear more secure, but often include vulnerabilities from dated equipment and offer fewer capabilities compared to hybrid and cloud solutions.
At face value, an on-prem solution may seem like a more secure option, since there are fewer cybersecurity risks posed by edge devices like cameras and access points, but they are outweighed by the disadvantages in physical security.
Hybrid
Hybrid solutions take advantage of cloud connectivity, along with an on-prem server for local storage.
Ideally suited for medium sites with between 10 and 100 devices, hybrid solutions are perfect for enterprise customers with multiple sites as well as organizations with limited IT and security staff.
The transition to systems like these is being driven by strategic design opportunities, as well as increased scalability, according to the Genetec 2026 Physical Security Survey.
In fact, 39% of respondents cited scalability in their decision-making process, with another 39% citing redundancy.
While hybrid solutions include local servers, unlike on-prem solutions, they are not reliant on them, meaning facilities are more prepared for downtimes and outages.
Cloud
Direct to cloud systems have no local servers, although some edge devices like cameras may have their own local storage.
These systems allow for increased connectivity with options like remote access and third-party integrations.
While they are currently best suited for smaller facilities with 1-10 devices, those parameters will continue to grow as the technology improves.
Direct to cloud systems are ideal for IT and security professionals who are looking to avoid the responsibility of on-site servers, or who want enterprise-level capabilities without the accompanying price tag.
Cybersecurity
Cloud and Hybrid systems offer advantages but without the correct partners, they can also represent cybersecurity risks.
If cloud-connected edge devices like cameras and access points are not configured correctly, they can create additional points of failure and network vulnerabilities.
Risks like cybersecurity compliance and oversight must be addressed at the earliest stages of design. A camera with default credentials can be just as much of a risk to a facility as a physical compromise.
Devices like these need to be credentialed, with frequent changes to passwords and multi-factor authentication to ensure that bad actors cannot use them to access your network.
Systems that are in compliance with industry standards will also encrypt any stored data both at rest and in transit to ensure any information a malicious user accesses is useless to them.
Solutions from Tech Electronics’ partners like Avigilon Alta and Genetec SaaS are certified through both SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001, ensuring your data is secure.
For more information on whether your facility is ready for cloud migration, and what steps need to be taken to secure your system, schedule a consultation.
