The security world traditionally operates in two very different lanes. Physical security manages gates, guards, and surveillance systems. Cybersecurity handles firewalls, malware, and identity threats. Those lanes are merging, though—and the convergence is no longer optional. It’s urgent.
At this year’s ISC West, one of the largest and most influential security events in the United States, the spotlight is squarely on that convergence. With over 750 exhibiting brands and more than 30,000 industry professionals expected, the conference is positioning itself not just as a trade show, but as the definitive meeting ground for the future of holistic security—digital and physical, intertwined.
“We’re living in an era where the lines between physical and cyber threats have completely blurred,” says Jasvir Gill, CEO of Alert Enterprise. “Today’s threats don’t respect traditional silos—and neither should our security strategies.”
The Rise of Converged Threats
From ransomware campaigns that shut down building access systems, to IoT vulnerabilities that bridge physical and digital entry points, organizations are dealing with the reality that treating physical and cyber security as separate disciplines leaves dangerous gaps. That’s a core theme threading through ISC West 2025’s expanded educational tracks, keynote lineups, and panel sessions.
Mary Beth Shaughnessy, ISC event vice president, describes the mission clearly: to be a “one-stop shop for all security professionals—physical and cyber—where teams can come together, learn, and prepare for the challenges of an increasingly connected threat landscape.”
One of the standout sessions at ISC West that exemplifies this shift is “Two Worlds Colliding: How to Prevent Cyber-Physical Attacks,” moderated by investigative journalist and analyst Deb Radcliff. With a panel of high-profile experts including Gill, the session promises to dive deep into how organizations must address vulnerabilities that don’t fit neatly into one domain or the other.
“Cybersecurity is your resource. Use them,” Radcliff says bluntly. “Too many physical security teams still don’t fully understand the ways cyber teams can help identify risks to infrastructure—whether it’s building systems, medical devices, or even executive protection.”
Radcliff, a pioneer in cybercrime reporting, recounted real-world examples that underscore the stakes—like the 2021 Florida water treatment facility hack, where attackers used remote access software to try to poison a city’s water supply. The attack was only thwarted because physical operators noticed the anomaly and worked in tandem with cyber and law enforcement teams.
Identity as the New Security Perimeter
A major theme emerging from ISC West is the redefinition of “perimeter.” In a world where physical and digital access points are increasingly interwoven, identity becomes the critical link. Gill believes the convergence of physical and cybersecurity is being driven by the need to secure identity, context, and intent—not just assets.
“At Alert Enterprise, we’re using behavioral AI to detect anomalies in access—whether it’s a strange badge swipe or an unusual login,” he explains. “And then we automatically trigger responses based on real-time risk scoring. This isn’t just better security. It’s a smarter, more scalable model.”
AI and machine learning are not just optimizing cybersecurity—they’re transforming physical security, too. Predictive threat modeling, dynamic access control, and intelligent automation are becoming the norm for organizations embracing convergence.
Cultural Hurdles and Strategic Shifts
But while the technology is advancing rapidly, many organizations still struggle with cultural inertia.
“Cybersecurity leaders used to argue with physical teams over chain of command,” Radcliff says. “Now we know that neither can lead alone. What’s needed is a true Chief Security Officer who understands both sides and can unify the mission.”
Gill agrees, pointing to siloed teams, fragmented data systems, and outdated policies as key obstacles. “Executive sponsorship is crucial,” he says. “Without leadership support and a common vision, convergence efforts stall.”
Both experts emphasize that convergence isn’t about merging responsibilities, but about enhancing collaboration—giving each discipline the tools and visibility they need to detect, respond, and prevent threats together.
ISC West: The Industry’s New Convergence Hub
To support this vision, ISC West has expanded its cybersecurity and connected IoT pavilion, introduced a cyber hub sponsored by ZeroFox, and integrated RSA-curated educational tracks. Shaughnessy told me the SIA New Products and Solutions Showcase will highlight over 100 debut technologies—many blurring the line between physical and cyber applications.
Even the show’s social programming reflects its role as a connective hub, with events like the Gin Blossoms concert, a pub crawl, and the Career Zone for rising security professionals helping bridge generational and professional gaps.
“In the next 3 to 5 years, we’ll see physical and cyber security converge into a single discipline governed by identity, powered by AI, and managed through centralized policy engines,” says Gill.
Radcliff echoes that future-forward perspective with a hint of her storytelling roots: “The crossover between cyber and physical is already here. The question isn’t if your organization is ready. It’s who’s writing the playbook—and how quickly you can catch up.”
Bottom Line
As the attack surface grows more complex, ISC West is rising to meet the moment by reshaping how the industry thinks about defense. Threats don’t respect borders, so security can’t either. The future is converged—and it’s already underway.
