Security consulting in the financial sector covers the analysis, planning and optimisation of integrated security systems such as fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems and video surveillance. It ensures legal compliance with requirements such as DORA, MaRisk and KRITIS, minimises risk, and optimises cost through manufacturer-neutral concepts and independent project management.

Independent planning for robust security systems in a dynamic regulatory landscape

The financial sector faces a complex mix of rising cyber threats, physical risks and constantly evolving regulation. Strategic, independent security consulting is essential to protect value and secure future viability.

Key Takeaways

  • The financial sector faces a complex threat landscape that requires an integrated view of cyber and physical security.
  • Regulatory requirements such as DORA, MaRisk and KRITIS place high demands on the planning and operation of security systems, and their legal compliance must be ensured through independent expertise.
  • Manufacturer-neutral planning and consulting from PLANATEL® guarantees tailored, future-proof, cost-optimised security solutions free of manufacturer dependency.

The financial sector operates in an environment shaped by rapid technological progress, changing market conditions and an ever-denser regulatory landscape. At the same time, threats to the security of data, systems and physical assets are constantly increasing. Financial institutions are not only targets of cyberattacks but are also exposed to physical risks that can severely disrupt business operations. An effective security strategy must therefore be holistic, forward-looking and, above all, legally compliant. This is where specialised security consulting comes in, supporting decision-makers at banks, insurers and other financial service providers in developing and implementing robust security concepts.

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The multi-layered threat landscape in the financial sector

Because of their role as custodians of sensitive data and large assets, financial institutions are particularly attractive targets for criminal actors. The threat landscape here is multi-layered, ranging from highly sophisticated cyberattacks to physical break-ins and acts of sabotage. According to a 2025 survey by the consulting and software firm PPI, 64 percent of the banks and insurers surveyed see cyberattacks as their biggest challenge, ahead of digitalisation and deteriorating credit quality. These attacks can cause not only financial losses but also lasting damage to the trust of customers and partners.

Alongside digital risks, physical dangers must not be underestimated. These include break-ins and robberies, but also fire events or natural disasters that can impair the operational capability of critical infrastructure. Linking IT security and physical protection is becoming increasingly important, as attackers often exploit vulnerabilities at the interfaces between the two areas. Viewing cyber and physical security in isolation is therefore no longer appropriate. Financial institutions must adopt an integrated perspective to comprehensively protect their assets and ensure the resilience of their business processes.

Complexity is further increased by the need to equip a wide range of locations, from headquarters to branches and data centres, with consistent, effective security measures. This requires a detailed risk analysis that takes account of all potential vulnerabilities and threat scenarios and translates them into a coherent security concept.

Regulatory requirements: DORA, MaRisk and KRITIS as the framework

The financial sector is subject to one of the strictest regulatory regimes in the world. For security architecture, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), BaFin's Minimum Requirements for Risk Management (MaRisk) and the KRITIS Regulation are of central importance. DORA, in force since January 2025, aims to strengthen the digital operational resilience of financial undertakings in the EU and to set harmonised requirements for ICT risk management, the management of ICT incidents, and the management of third-party risk. For financial institutions, this means they must develop and implement comprehensive strategies for preventing, detecting and managing ICT-related disruptions and threats.

BaFin's MaRisk gives concrete form to the requirements for risk management and business organisation at credit and financial services institutions in Germany. In particular, AT 7.2 of MaRisk deals with the requirements for IT systems and the associated security measures. For securities institutions, BaFin also put the draft of the new circular "Minimum Requirements for Risk Management of Securities Institutions" (WpI MaRisk) out for consultation in August 2025, which takes account of the specific business models and risk profiles of smaller and medium-sized institutions.

In addition, many financial institutions fall under the KRITIS Regulation, as they are considered operators of critical infrastructure that is indispensable for supplying the general public. Under Section 8a(1) BSIG, they are obliged to take appropriate organisational and technical precautions to prevent disruptions to their information-technology systems. For the financial and insurance sectors, the KRITIS audit falls due in 2025. Compliance with these varied and constantly evolving requirements calls for sound expertise and continuous adaptation of security strategies.

Holistic security concepts: integrating fire alarm systems, EMA and video surveillance

An effective security concept in the financial sector goes far beyond looking at individual systems in isolation. It requires the holistic integration of various types of system technology, in order to exploit synergies and ensure seamless monitoring and response. This includes the planning and implementation of fire alarm systems (BMA), intrusion detection systems (EMA), video surveillance systems (VÜA) and access control systems (ZKS), which are ideally brought together in a higher-level security management system.

When planning fire alarm systems, compliance with standards such as DIN 14675 and VdS 2095 is decisive. VdS 2095, a guideline for automatic fire alarm systems, gives concrete form to requirements from higher-level standards and statutory provisions, to ensure a high degree of functional safety and reliability. For fire alarm systems required under building law, DIN 14675 and DIN VDE 0833 generally suffice. DIN VDE 0833-1, whose draft was updated in 2025, sets out general provisions for planning, installing, extending, modifying and operating hazard warning systems and emphasises the need for qualified specialist personnel and comprehensive documentation.

Intrusion detection systems and video surveillance systems must be designed to detect and deter potential intruders at an early stage while minimising false alarms. Modern VÜA increasingly use intelligent analysis tools to detect unusual activity. Access control systems regulate physical access to sensitive areas and must be flexible enough to adapt to changing requirements. Integrating these systems into a central security management system enables a fast, coordinated response to any security incident, improves situational awareness, and optimises the use of resources.

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The importance of independent planning for security systems

In the financial sector, where security is a critical pillar of business operations, choosing the right partner for planning security systems is of decisive importance. PLANATEL® has provided 100% manufacturer-neutral, financially independent planning and consulting here since 1992. This independence is a fundamental advantage, as it ensures that the recommended solutions serve exclusively the customer's best interests and are not influenced by sales targets or commissions. Unlike vendor-tied consultants, who often only know their own house's products, an independent consultant can objectively assess the full breadth of technologies and systems available on the market.

Manufacturer-neutral planning makes it possible to develop tailored concepts that are optimally matched to the specific requirements and existing infrastructure of a financial institution. This avoids unwanted manufacturer dependency and creates flexibility for future extensions or adjustments. PLANATEL® analyses the current state, carries out a detailed requirements analysis, and develops a target concept that takes account of both technical and economic aspects. This includes selecting the best-suited components for fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, video surveillance and access control, always in line with the relevant standards and guidelines such as DIN 14675, VdS 2095 and DIN VDE 0833.

This independence also extends to the tender and award process. PLANATEL® produces transparent specifications of services, evaluates bids objectively, and supports the selection of certified installer companies. This not only secures the quality of implementation but also leads to an optimised cost structure and avoids unnecessary expense that could arise from non-neutral consulting.

Challenges in modernising existing security infrastructure

Many financial institutions face the challenge of modernising security infrastructure that has often grown historically. Outdated systems, known as legacy systems, represent a significant brake on innovation. According to a study on Banking Trends 2025, 88 percent of experts see rigid process silos as a central obstacle to modernising legacy systems. These systems are often no longer compatible with modern technologies, make integration into higher-level security management systems more difficult, and may not offer sufficient protection against current threats. Modernisation is nevertheless essential to ensure legal compliance and increase resilience against new attack vectors.

The complexity of modernisation lies not only in technical integration but also in minimising operational disruption and ensuring continuous functionality during the changeover process. An inadequately planned replacement can lead to significant risks, from security gaps to downtime, which can be costly in the financial sector. PLANATEL® meets these challenges with a structured approach that includes a detailed as-is survey of existing systems, a comprehensive risk analysis, and the development of a step-by-step migration plan.

Particular attention is paid to the compatibility of new components with existing infrastructure, and a flexible architecture is designed that allows for future extensions. Careful planning and experienced project management ensure that modernisation proceeds smoothly, that security standards are maintained at all times, and that the financial institution benefits from a future-proof, high-performance security infrastructure. This also includes planning maintenance concepts that meet the new requirements of DIN VDE 0833-1:2025, which provides for a more concrete, practice-oriented regulation of servicing.

Cost optimisation and efficiency gains through strategic security planning

Implementing and operating security systems represents a significant investment for financial institutions. Strategic, independent planning by PLANATEL® makes it possible to optimise these costs while increasing the efficiency of security measures. This begins already at the requirements-analysis and target-concept stage, where unnecessary expense is avoided through a precise definition of requirements and the selection of suitable, appropriately sized systems. A neutral look at cost structures can uncover significant savings potential that has often grown historically and lacks transparency.

Manufacturer-neutral tendering and award processes promote fair competition among installers, leading to better terms and optimised pricing. PLANATEL® supports detailed bid evaluation and negotiation, to ensure the best possible price-performance ratio is achieved. In addition, maintenance and service contracts are critically reviewed and optimised, to lower long-term operating costs and ensure high system availability. The new draft version of DIN VDE 0833-1:2025, for example, provides that the previously quarterly inspections can be reduced to two servicing visits per year, which can lead to efficiency gains.

A holistic view of the security infrastructure also makes it possible to identify redundancies or inefficiencies that can be resolved through an integrated system architecture. Consolidating monitoring and control systems into a single security management system reduces staff training effort, simplifies operation, and increases response speed. This leads not only to direct cost savings but also to greater operational efficiency and improved overall security for the financial institution.

The financial sector is undergoing constant change, which also influences security strategies. Future trends such as progressive digitalisation, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of quantum computing present both new opportunities and significant risks. AI is already being used today by cybercriminals for highly sophisticated phishing and ransomware attacks, but it can also serve as a security enhancer, detecting suspicious patterns at an early stage and defending against fraud. Financial institutions must learn to integrate AI into their security concepts in a transparent, regulation-compliant and human-centred way.

The emergence of quantum computing carries the potential to break existing encryption methods, posing a significant risk to cybersecurity. Although quantum computing is still in the development phase, financial institutions must already begin protecting their data and engaging with post-quantum cryptography, in order to counter future threats. The NIS2 Directive and the KRITIS umbrella law, which are due to be fully implemented by 2025 and 2026 respectively, further extend and tighten the requirements for the digital and physical resilience of critical infrastructure.

PLANATEL® supports financial institutions in integrating these future developments into their long-term security strategies. This includes planning flexible, scalable security systems that can adapt to new technologies and threat landscapes. Through forward-looking consulting and consideration of industry standards and best practices, we ensure that the security infrastructure not only meets current requirements but is also equipped for the challenges of tomorrow.

PLANATEL®: your independent partner for future-proof security solutions

The complexity of security requirements in the financial sector calls for a partner who not only has deep technical knowledge but also understands the specific regulatory framework and offers an independent perspective. PLANATEL® has stood for exactly this expertise since 1992. With over 34 years of experience planning and consulting on complex infrastructure, we are the trusted point of contact for decision-makers at financial institutions who place high value on maximum security and legal compliance.

Our strength lies in our 100% manufacturer neutrality and financial independence. We receive no commissions from providers and can therefore objectively select the best solutions for our customers. This guarantees tailored planning of fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, access control and security management systems, optimally matched to your individual needs and applicable standards such as DIN 14675, VdS 2095 and DIN VDE 0833. We plan not only the systems but also develop comprehensive security and threat and risk analyses as well as building and building-protection concepts.

PLANATEL® accompanies you through the entire life cycle of your security systems: from the as-is survey and requirements analysis, through detailed planning and tendering, to implementation support, acceptance and invoice review. Our project management ensures on-time, on-budget delivery. Rely on PLANATEL®'s proven expertise to position your financial institution securely and for the future. We are your independent partner, consistently putting your interests first and helping you minimise risk and protect value sustainably.

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Next step

Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation.

PLANATEL®: Independent planning and consulting since 1992
Tel: 040 / 23 73 02-30
E-Mail: info@planatel.de

Frequently asked questions

What are the biggest security risks for financial institutions in 2026?

In 2026, cyberattacks, particularly ransomware and phishing, remain one of the biggest threats to financial institutions. There are additional risks from the growing integration of artificial intelligence, which offers attackers new tools while also creating new attack surfaces. Physical risks such as break-ins or acts of sabotage, often combined with cyberattacks, also remain relevant. BaFin also views risks from concentration in the outsourcing of IT services, and geopolitical tensions spilling over into the digital domain, as critical.

PLANATEL® ensures legal compliance through in-depth knowledge of the relevant national and European regulations, such as DORA, MaRisk, WpI MaRisk and the KRITIS Regulation. Our planning always takes account of current standards and guidelines, including DIN 14675, VdS 2095 and DIN VDE 0833. We carry out detailed risk and threat analyses to ensure that all planned security systems meet statutory requirements and hold up under audit. Our independent position enables us to recommend the best and most legally compliant solutions in each case.

What advantages does an integrated security management system offer financial institutions?

An integrated security management system (GMS) offers financial institutions numerous advantages. It centralises the monitoring and control of various security systems such as fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, video surveillance and access control. This leads to improved situational awareness, faster response times to security incidents, and more efficient use of resources. By networking the systems, false alarms can be reduced and operational efficiency increased. A GMS also enables consistent documentation and reporting, which makes it easier to comply with regulatory requirements and increases audit security.

How does PLANATEL® handle manufacturer dependency in existing systems?

PLANATEL® addresses manufacturer dependency in existing systems through manufacturer-neutral analysis and consulting. We assess existing infrastructure objectively and develop migration strategies that allow legacy systems to be phased out or integrated step by step without disrupting operations. Our goal is to plan an open system architecture that promotes interoperability and makes future extensions or component replacements easier. This minimises the long-term risk of renewed manufacturer dependency and creates flexibility for the financial institution.

What role does physical security play in the context of digital resilience?

Physical security plays a decisive role in digital resilience, particularly in the financial sector. Physical attacks on data centres, server rooms or critical infrastructure can lead to IT system outages and data loss, even where cybersecurity is robust. The KRITIS umbrella law, due to be implemented by 2026, explicitly emphasises an all-hazards approach that takes into account technical as well as structural, personnel and organisational risks, and places the coherence between IT security and physical protection at its centre.

What role does DORA play in security consulting for the financial sector?

DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) has been in force since January 2025 and sets harmonised requirements for ICT risk management, the management of ICT incidents, and the management of third-party risk for financial undertakings in the EU. For security consulting, this means that concepts and plans for security systems such as fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems and video surveillance must take account of these requirements, in order to ensure digital operational resilience and legal compliance.

Why is manufacturer neutrality important when planning fire alarm systems for financial institutions?

Manufacturer neutrality in planning fire alarm systems (BMA) is decisive for financial institutions in obtaining an optimal, needs-based solution. It prevents manufacturer dependency, enables the selection of the best components on the market, and promotes fair competition in tendering. This leads to cost-optimised implementation and a more flexible, future-proof infrastructure that is not tied to a single provider's product range.

Which DIN standards are relevant when planning fire alarm systems in the financial sector?

When planning fire alarm systems (BMA) in the financial sector, DIN 14675 and DIN VDE 0833 are primarily relevant. DIN 14675 governs the structure and operation of fire alarm systems, while DIN VDE 0833 sets out general provisions for hazard warning systems. VdS 2095 must also be observed, as it contains specific guidelines for automatic fire alarm systems and is often required by property insurers to ensure a high degree of functional safety.

How does PLANATEL® support financial institutions with cost optimisation of their security systems?

PLANATEL® supports financial institutions with cost optimisation through strategic, independent planning. This starts with a precise requirements analysis to avoid over-dimensioning. Manufacturer-neutral tendering promotes fair competition among installers, leading to better terms. In addition, maintenance and service contracts are optimised, and inefficiencies in the system architecture are resolved through holistic integration, leading to reduced operating costs and more efficient use of resources over the long term.

Sources and further information

  • BaFin – Startseite
  • Aufsicht über Kritische Infrastrukturen im Finanz- und Versicherungswesen – BSI
  • Cybersicherheit und KRITIS im Finanzsektor – PwC
  • Cyber Security für die Finanzbranche – KPMG International
  • Cyber Security für Banken & Finanzdienstleister | Integrity360