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Security at a Crossroads: How Organizations Balance Innovation and Risk
The access control industry is evolving rapidly, driven by cloud adoption, mobile credentials and edge computing. Mercury’s 2025 Trends in Access Controllers Report found that 72% of security professionals consider controllers a critical part of their access strategy, expecting stronger integration, real-time decision-making and improved cybersecurity.
Yet, embracing change means addressing new challenges. Organizations must navigate legacy system compatibility, emerging cyber threats and the need for long-term flexibility. The right balance of security, adaptability and future-ready design will shape the next era of access control.
Cloud-Connected, Locally Resilient
Cloud-enabled access control continues to gain ground, with 52% of organizations now using controllers that support cloud connectivity. Centralized management, real-time monitoring and streamlined software updates make cloud adoption appealing.
Still, complete reliance on the cloud remains unlikely. Security systems must continue to function even when network connections are disrupted. Edge-enabled controllers address this by processing authentication requests and enforcing policies locally, reducing delays and improving system reliability.
Mobile Credential Adoption Continues
More than half of respondents cited mobile credential support as a key factor in their controller selection. Mobile credentials offer clear advantages: they are less likely to be misplaced, easier to manage remotely and often more tightly linked to a user’s identity.
They also hold up well in terms of security. Most systems store credentials in secure areas of the phone’s hardware, not in the app itself. Data sent between the phone and the reader are encrypted, which makes it difficult to intercept or spoof. A controller that natively supports mobile credentials and can be updated via software with the latest protocols and capabilities serves to enhance a mobile credential strategy.
Interoperability and the Challenge of Legacy Infrastructure
Integrating new technology with existing infrastructure remains one of the biggest hurdles to modernization. The report found that 76% of organizations prioritize interoperability in controller selection, aiming for compatibility across diverse devices and systems. Backward and forward compatibility also weighs heavily in long-term planning, with 86% of respondents identifying it as a key consideration.
Controllers serve as a bridge between past and future technologies. They must work seamlessly with access readers, sensors, alarms and other security systems while supporting emerging protocols and integrations. This adaptability minimizes costly system overhauls and extends the lifespan of security investments.
Many organizations favor modular controller platforms that allow phased upgrades rather than full-scale replacements. This approach provides a smoother transition to new technology, ensuring security strategies remain adaptable as threats and operational needs evolve.
Cybersecurity in a Networked Security Ecosystem
With access control becoming more interconnected, cybersecurity remains top of mind. Nearly 90% of organizations track evolving security standards, recognizing that vulnerabilities in access controllers could expose broader enterprise systems to risk. Yet, 21% of respondents reported that their controllers lack critical cybersecurity protections.
Secure controller platforms address these risks with embedded safeguards, including encrypted communication, secure boot and hardware-based threat isolation. A structured software development process ensures that only verified applications run on these devices, reducing the risk of unauthorized code or exploits.
Regular updates and patches allow controllers to keep pace with emerging threats without disrupting operations. As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated, organizations need security frameworks that proactively address vulnerabilities rather than merely react to known risks.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Access Control
The industry is shifting toward more intelligent, more connected and highly adaptable access control systems. The ability to process data at the edge, integrate with enterprise-wide security platforms and support cloud-enabled management is reshaping expectations.
Intelligent controllers capable of running applications at the edge are redefining access control. By reducing reliance on external servers, this approach enhances system resilience, accelerates response times and enables real-time decision-making. Organizations can implement custom security logic directly within their infrastructure, creating dynamic, efficient solutions that evolve with their needs.
The Future Is Open
As technology advances, decision-makers must weigh the benefits of innovation against the risks of untested integrations and security gaps. Mercury’s 2025 Trends in Access Controllers Report highlights the need for controllers that deliver scalability, interoperability and cybersecurity. Access control is no longer just about opening doors. It will continue to play a growing role in protecting people, data and infrastructure across an increasingly connected world.
Download the full report here, or visit mercury-security.com to learn more.
