The UAE’s National Encryption Policy is fundamentally changing how organizations approach physical security, pushing cameras, access control, and surveillance systems to be treated as essential digital infrastructure rather than isolated hardware. According to Steven Kenny of Axis Communications, this evolution shifts the focus from basic data protection to long-term operational trust. As physical security devices become increasingly integrated with corporate networks, cloud platforms, and mobile apps, they must now adhere to the same rigorous cybersecurity standards as any other enterprise IT asset, necessitating features like secure boot processes, signed firmware, and robust encryption.

This policy shift is forcing a significant change in procurement criteria, moving away from a traditional focus on performance and cost toward a model centered on lifecycle resilience. Buyers are now prioritizing factors such as vulnerability management, the ability to update cryptographic components, and long-term firmware support. Given that physical security assets often stay in the field for a decade or longer, the ability to adapt to future threats—including post-quantum readiness—has become vital. Ultimately, selecting a vendor now requires assessing their commitment to maintaining security and accountability over the entire lifespan of the technology, ensuring that systems remain resilient against the evolving cyber threat landscape.