The expansion of connected buildings and integrated security environments across the Middle East is bringing greater attention to physical access control. As access systems become more closely integrated with enterprise networks and building management platforms, securing the controllers that manage these systems is becoming an important part of infrastructure planning.
Mercury Security, a global provider of open-architecture access control hardware and an HID brand, examines these developments in its 2026 Trends in Access Controllers Report. Based on a global survey of 561 physical security and cybersecurity professionals, including respondents from the Middle East, the report explores how cybersecurity, interoperability, cloud adoption and emerging technologies are influencing controller procurement and long-term infrastructure strategies.
One of its key findings is that 32% of respondents say their existing controller systems lack cybersecurity features, up from 21% in 2025. Meanwhile, 74% report that coordination between cybersecurity and IT teams has become more complex.
Steve Lucas, Vice President, Sales, Mercury Security, said: “Organisations recognise the cybersecurity risks facing connected access control systems, but the infrastructure in place isn’t always keeping pace.
“As they look to modernise, users also want to protect existing investments. That makes interoperability increasingly important and puts more weight on choosing controller platforms that can address current security requirements while providing the flexibility to support what comes next.”
Modernising without replacing existing systems
Interoperability is a key consideration as organisations upgrade their physical security infrastructure. The ability to integrate new technologies with existing systems allows businesses to modernise without necessarily replacing entire installations.
Some 69% of respondents identified interoperability as critical to controller procurement, while 82% said backward and forward compatibility was important to future infrastructure planning.
Mobile credentials are also influencing purchasing decisions. Half of respondents are already using or planning to adopt mobile solutions, making compatibility with different access methods an important consideration.
Cloud readiness remains a challenge
Cloud connectivity is gaining importance in access control strategies, cited by 56% of respondents as a factor influencing controller purchases, up from 50% in 2025. However, only 41% said their existing controllers are cloud-enabled.
The difference points to a gap between demand and current deployment. For organisations managing multiple buildings and facilities, cloud connectivity can support more centralised access management. However, the transition also requires attention to cybersecurity and compatibility with existing systems.
The requirements are also changing as organisations consider more advanced security applications. Facial recognition was cited by 60% of respondents, while behavioural analysis and anomaly detection rose from 44% in 2025 to 56% in 2026.