1. Hyper-connected infrastructure will intensify the need for cybersecurity

Today’s infrastructure is more connected than ever. Sensors, smart locks, and remote equipment help teams work faster and with greater precision. But every connection also introduces a potential entry point for cyber threats.

What once required physical access can now happen remotely, and sometimes through devices managed by external partners. This shift places growing importance on two essentials:

Protection at every layer

Security now needs to follow the entire journey of your infrastructure, from the devices installed in the field to the platforms that coordinate everything centrally. Each layer plays a role, and each one needs the right level of protection to keep operations resilient.

Clear visibility of every connected asset

As networks expand, it becomes harder to track what is actually connected. Operators increasingly need a real-time view of devices across regions to spot unusual behaviour early and keep full control of their environment.

2. Cybersecurity: Responding to threats that move faster than ever

Ransomware, supply-chain breaches, and credential theft continue to rise, not only targeting IT, but also the operational environments that keep essential services running. Attackers now use automation and AI to scale their impact, making early detection and rapid response crucial.
This is leading to growing interest in approaches that strengthen resilience without adding unnecessary complexity, such as:

• earlier detection of abnormal activity
• stronger separation between IT and OT
• more secure, auditable access to remote or unmanned sites

These measures help organisations respond faster and maintain reliability even when confronted with evolving threats.

3. Regulations: Compliance that supports long-term resilience

Regulatory frameworks such as NIS2 and Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) are prompting operators to reassess governance, reporting practices, and expectations for supplier security. Rather than being treated as a standalone requirement, compliance is increasingly seen as part of building a more resilient organisation.
We are seeing a growing emphasis on:

• traceable, auditable access
• defined processes for identifying and managing incidents
• stronger evaluation of supplier security practices

These efforts contribute to a clearer, more structured approach to security across the organisation.

4. Geopolitics: Flexibility in hosting and data residency

Geopolitical dynamics and evolving data-sovereignty rules are influencing how operators think about hosting. In sensitive or regulated environments, having more control over where data is stored, and who can access it, is a core requirement, not an option.

Hybrid hosting models are drawing attention because they provide balance: local installations offer control and stability, while cloud capacity supports scalability when needed. This flexibility helps operators adapt to uncertainty without compromising reliability.

5. Artificial Intelligence will become a practical tool, not a futuristic promise

AI continues to advance, and operators are beginning to explore its practical value in real-world environments. While adoption remains measured, several applications show potential:

• identifying anomalies in access patterns or environmental conditions
• supporting predictive maintenance
• automating parts of reporting and analysis

When combined with edge computing, AI can help teams respond more quickly while keeping sensitive processing closer to the source. The focus is on practical improvements, enhancing human decision-making rather than replacing it.

What this means for operators

Across all sectors, security is becoming more integrated into operational strategy. It is increasingly viewed not only as a protective measure but as a foundation for continuity, compliance, and efficient management.
Operators are showing interest in solutions that are:

• scalable and suitable for distributed environments
• designed with cybersecurity in mind
• transparent and auditable
• flexible enough to adapt to regulatory and geopolitical expectations

This shift reflects a broader move toward more resilient, future-ready infrastructure.

How ALCEA supports this evolution 

At ALCEA, we engage closely with operators to understand their specific challenges and constraints. Our role is to develop solutions that fit real-world environments, solutions that combine reliability, clarity, and long-term value.

• ALWIN provides a unified foundation for monitoring and access management.
• CLIQ brings together mechanical robustness and digital intelligence for secure, traceable access.
• ABLOY BEAT supports keyless access where connectivity and operational flexibility are essential.
• ALCEA GATEWAY enables secure communication between connected devices and evolving infrastructures.
• InVue provides keyless padlocks for critical infrastructure sites, enabling controlled access and clear visibility of access events, particularly in telecom and data center environments.

We continue to focus on integrated security that helps operators maintain control, simplify daily operations, and respond with confidence as new challenges emerge.