2025 Industry Trends in IP Video Surveillance

By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

The IP video surveillance industry has been evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, edge computing, and cloud storage. As security concerns continue to grow, organizations are investing in cutting-edge surveillance technology to enhance their capabilities. Among the top players in this space, Hanwha Vision (formerly Hanwha Techwin) and Axis Communications lead the camera market, while Genetec and Milestone dominate in video management software (VMS).

Let’s explore some key trends shaping the industry and how these technologies are driving innovation.

1. AI-Powered Video Analytics

AI-driven analytics have become a major focus in IP video surveillance. Both Hanwha and Axis cameras incorporate AI-powered object detection, facial recognition, and behavior analysis, reducing false alarms and increasing the accuracy of alerts. These capabilities allow security teams to proactively respond to incidents and optimize monitoring efficiency.

A key industry trend is the increasing use of deep learning algorithms to improve the accuracy of AI-powered analytics. Traditional motion detection often leads to excessive false alarms, especially in dynamic environments. However, deep learning models can differentiate between humans, vehicles, and other objects with much greater precision, reducing unnecessary alerts and improving security response times.

Additionally, AI-powered cameras are now capable of detecting anomalies such as loitering, abandoned objects, or unusual crowd formations. These advanced analytics help organizations prevent incidents before they occur, shifting the focus from reactive to proactive security management.

Genetec and Milestone’s VMS platforms leverage AI to enhance forensic search capabilities, enabling operators to filter recorded footage based on object attributes like clothing color, vehicle type, or license plates. This drastically reduces investigation time and increases operational efficiency.

2. Cybersecurity in Video Surveillance

As cyber threats escalate, the security of IP surveillance systems has become a top priority. Manufacturers like Hanwha and Axis implement strong encryption, secure booting, and firmware authenticity checks to prevent unauthorized access and hacking attempts.

One of the most significant industry trends is the adoption of Zero Trust security models. This approach ensures that no device or user is automatically trusted, requiring continuous authentication and monitoring to mitigate potential threats. IP video surveillance systems are now being designed with multi-factor authentication (MFA), role-based access control (RBAC), and end-to-end encryption to enhance security at every level.

Furthermore, regulatory compliance is playing a larger role in the industry. Organizations must adhere to frameworks such as GDPR, NIST, and CISA guidelines, which require comprehensive audit logs, automated patch management, and vulnerability assessments. Genetec and Milestone have integrated advanced cybersecurity features into their VMS platforms, allowing users to detect intrusions, monitor system integrity, and respond to cyber incidents in real-time.

Another growing concern is the rise of ransomware attacks targeting surveillance networks. To counteract this, manufacturers are embedding anomaly detection and AI-driven threat intelligence into their systems to identify and neutralize potential breaches before they cause significant damage.

3. The Shift to Edge Computing

Edge computing is revolutionizing how video data is processed. Instead of transmitting all footage to a central server, cameras with built-in processing capabilities analyze data on the edge, reducing bandwidth usage and improving response times.

Hanwha and Axis have introduced AI-enabled edge analytics that can perform real-time event detection and alert security personnel instantly. This reduces the need for constant human monitoring and enhances overall system efficiency. Milestone and Genetec’s platforms seamlessly integrate with edge analytics, allowing users to manage alerts and recorded data efficiently.

4. Cloud-Based Video Surveillance and Hybrid Storage

The demand for cloud-based video surveillance solutions is growing as organizations seek scalable, cost-effective storage options. While fully cloud-based systems are not yet the standard for enterprise security, hybrid models—where footage is stored both on-premises and in the cloud—are becoming increasingly popular.

Genetec and Milestone offer cloud-ready VMS solutions that provide flexibility in storage and disaster recovery. Hanwha and Axis cameras are designed to integrate with cloud platforms, ensuring that critical footage remains accessible even in case of on-premise failures.

5. Integration with Access Control and IoT Devices

Modern security ecosystems require seamless integration between video surveillance, access control, and IoT sensors. Genetec’s Security Center platform and Milestone’s XProtect VMS provide extensive support for third-party access control systems, allowing organizations to link surveillance footage with entry logs, biometric authentication, and other security events.

Hanwha and Axis cameras support open standards like ONVIF, making it easier for businesses to integrate their surveillance systems with a wide range of security technologies. These integrations enhance situational awareness and improve incident response times.

6. Advancements in 4K and Multi-Sensor Cameras

The demand for high-resolution video quality continues to rise. Hanwha and Axis are pushing the boundaries with 4K, multi-sensor, and panoramic cameras that provide superior image clarity and wide-area coverage. These advancements reduce the number of cameras required for large installations, lowering infrastructure costs while improving overall surveillance quality.

Transformation

The IP video surveillance industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with AI, cybersecurity, edge computing, and cloud integration shaping the future of security. Hanwha and Axis continue to innovate in camera technology, while Genetec and Milestone lead the way in VMS advancements. Organizations looking to enhance their security posture must consider these trends when upgrading their surveillance infrastructure to ensure they stay ahead in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

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