Effective security planning for financial institutions requires a holistic view of physical and digital threats, compliance with strict regulatory requirements such as MaRisk, BAIT, and DORA, and the implementation of integrated, manufacturer-independent security systems. This covers fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, and access control, planned by independent experts to minimise risks and guarantee operational resilience.

Comprehensive concepts for physical and digital security in the financial sector

Forward-looking, legally compliant security planning is essential to protect assets and secure customer trust. PLANATEL® offers independent expertise for exactly this purpose.

Key Takeaways

  • Holistic security planning for financial institutions must consider physical and digital threats in an integrated way and be continuously adapted.
  • Compliance with MaRisk, BAIT, and in particular DORA is of decisive importance for financial institutions, in order to guarantee legal compliance and operational resilience.
  • Manufacturer-independent planning by independent experts such as PLANATEL® secures optimal, future-proof, and cost-efficient security systems in line with DIN and VdS standards.

The financial sector has always been a preferred target for criminal activity, which is constantly evolving alongside advancing digitalisation and increasingly complex geopolitical circumstances. Financial institutions must protect not only enormous assets and sensitive customer data, but also the integrity of their systems and the continuity of their business operations. Security planning in this environment is therefore a task of the highest strategic importance, going far beyond the mere installation of technology. It requires in-depth analysis, precise concept development, and continuous adaptation to new threats and regulatory requirements. Independent, forward-looking planning is the key to sustainably strengthening a financial institution's resilience and operating successfully in the long term.

Article image: Sicherheitsplanung Finanzinstitut - hero

The multi-layered threat landscape in the financial sector

Financial institutions are exposed to a broad spectrum of threats that are constantly changing and growing in complexity. Cyberattacks represent one of the greatest challenges. According to a cybersecurity report for the first half of 2025, 40 percent of all repelled cyberattacks targeted banks and other financial service providers. Attackers use a variety of methods and vectors, from targeted attacks on network layers to the abuse of global cloud infrastructure to conceal their activities. BaFin confirms that the threat from cyber incidents remains considerable, intensified by geopolitical tensions, more complex IT systems, and the use of artificial intelligence.

Alongside digital risks, physical security remains a critical factor. Classic bank robberies, ATM bombings, vandalism, and skimming attacks remain real dangers, which can cause not only financial losses but also considerable property and building damage, as well as risks to residents and passers-by. Planning security systems must therefore pursue an integrated strategy that takes both digital and physical layers of protection into account. Inadequate protection in one area can quickly become a weak point for the entire system. The challenge lies in developing a robust, adaptive security concept that proactively counters these multi-layered threats while not impairing operational efficiency.

Security planning for financial institutions is inextricably linked to a complex network of statutory and regulatory requirements. In Germany, the Minimum Requirements for Risk Management (MaRisk) and the Supervisory Requirements for IT in Financial Institutions (BAIT), issued by the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), play a central role. MaRisk sets a holistic framework for the management of all material risks, while BAIT concretises these requirements for the field of information technology, by defining provisions for IT strategy, information security management, information risk management, and access rights management.

A significant innovation is the EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which has applied since 17 January 2025 and harmonises IT-security requirements for the financial industry across Europe. DORA aims to strengthen the digital operational resilience of financial undertakings and to avoid dual regulation, by gradually repealing BAIT entirely by 31 December 2026. Financial institutions must now manage their ICT risk in accordance with DORA and report serious ICT incidents. In the first three quarters of 2025, 525 serious ICT incidents had already been reported to BaFin, around 70 percent of which came from credit institutions. Compliance with these constantly evolving regulations is not only a statutory obligation, but also a decisive factor for reputation and customer trust. Independent planning ensures that all relevant requirements are taken into account from the outset and integrated into a future-proof security concept.

Holistic needs analysis and risk assessment

Sound security planning always begins with a comprehensive needs analysis and a detailed risk assessment. This is not a one-off process, but a continuous cycle covering the identification, analysis, and evaluation of potential threats and vulnerabilities. First, all of the financial institution's assets worth protecting must be identified, from physical buildings and infrastructure to IT systems and data, through to business processes and brand image. Potential threats, both external (e.g. cybercrime, natural disasters, terrorism) and internal (e.g. human error, sabotage), are then systematically recorded, and their probability of occurrence and potential extent of damage assessed.

The risk assessment must take both quantitative and qualitative aspects into account. It is about identifying critical areas where the risk is unacceptably high and where targeted protective measures are required. One example is analysing the vulnerability of ATMs to bombings or skimming attacks, which requires a combination of physical security systems and intelligent video surveillance. Equally important is the assessment of cyber risks, particularly with regard to ransomware attacks, which experts predict will develop considerably further in 2025, by not only encrypting data but also being able to manipulate database entries ("data poisoning"). A precise risk assessment enables resources to be deployed efficiently and protective measures to be implemented where they deliver the greatest benefit and the greatest effect.

Article image: Sicherheitsplanung Finanzinstitut - mid

Planning integrated security systems to DIN and VdS standards

The effective protection of a financial institution requires the planning of integrated security systems that link various layers of protection with one another and are based on established standards and guidelines. PLANATEL® focuses here on the manufacturer-independent planning of system technology that meets the highest requirements for functionality and legal compliance. This includes:

  • Fire alarm systems (BMA): Fire alarm systems are planned strictly in accordance with DIN 14675 and DIN VDE 0833-2. These standards set out the requirements for the detailed engineering, structure, operation, and servicing of BMA, in particular where they must be connected to the fire brigade. VdS 2095, a guideline of the German insurers' association (Verband der Sachversicherer), supplements these standards with insurance-related requirements and is often contractually required, in order to guarantee a high degree of functional safety and reliability. A current draft standard, E DIN VDE 0833-1:2025-02, also provides for a comprehensive restructuring and further content development that puts even greater focus on the entire life cycle of a hazard detection system.
  • Intrusion detection systems (EMA) and hold-up alarm systems (ÜMA): The planning of these systems follows DIN VDE 0833-3 and VdS 2311. They serve to protect against unauthorised access and hold-ups, by triggering an alarm early and initiating appropriate measures.
  • Video surveillance systems: In accordance with VdS 2366, video surveillance systems are planned that not only serve as a deterrent, but also enable evidentially sound recording and can supply valuable business-intelligence data.
  • Access control systems: These regulate access to sensitive areas and are decisive for separating open and secured zones within a financial institution.
  • Security management systems (GMS): A GMS integrates all of the above security systems on a central platform, enables efficient control and coordination in the event of an alarm, and provides a comprehensive situational overview.

Planning these systems requires not only technical expertise, but also a deep understanding of the specific requirements and risk profiles of financial institutions. Through its manufacturer-independent approach, PLANATEL® ensures that the solutions chosen are optimally tailored to individual needs and offer maximum security combined with cost optimisation.

Manufacturer-independent concepts: independence for long-term success

The selection and integration of security systems in financial institutions is an investment with a long-term perspective. One of the greatest challenges is avoiding manufacturer dependency, which can lead to limited flexibility, higher costs, and potential security gaps. PLANATEL® therefore places the greatest value on developing manufacturer-independent concepts. This means that, when planning fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, and access control systems, we have no ties to particular manufacturers or product lines. Our recommendations are based exclusively on an objective assessment of the technologies available on the market, in terms of their performance, reliability, scalability, and compliance with relevant standards such as DIN 14675, VdS 2095, and DIN VDE 0833.

This independence enables financial institutions to implement the solutions best suited to their specific requirements, without having to compromise on functionality or future-proofing. We analyse the market, evaluate products and systems objectively, and develop tailored architectures that guarantee optimal integration of different components. This not only protects against unnecessary investment, but also secures the long-term maintainability and expandability of the systems. Avoiding manufacturer dependency is a central pillar of our consulting philosophy and a decisive factor for the resilience and economic efficiency of a financial institution's security infrastructure. Our more than 34 years of experience in independent planning confirm the value of this approach.

Implementation support and quality assurance

The best security planning is only as good as its implementation. PLANATEL® therefore accompanies financial institutions not only during concept development and detailed planning, but also throughout the entire implementation phase. Our role as an independent consultant and planner does not end with the preparation of the tender documents. We actively support our clients in selecting qualified and certified installation companies capable of carrying out the installation of the planned fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, and access control systems professionally and in compliance with standards. In accordance with DIN VDE 0833-1:2025-02, responsible persons must be qualified, and only appropriately trained staff may work with the system. Only specialist firms with a DIN 14675 certificate may remedy technical defects on fire alarm systems.

During installation, we monitor compliance with the plan specifications and quality standards. This includes regular site inspections, checking the components used, and ensuring that all work complies with the applicable standards (e.g. DIN VDE 0833, DIN 14675, VdS 2095). A critical step is the acceptance of the installed systems. Here, we carry out detailed operational-principle tests, in order to verify the correct function of all components and compliance with the planned security concepts. Finally, a careful review of the final invoices is carried out, to ensure that the billed services correspond to the contractually agreed services and that no excessive costs arise. This comprehensive quality assurance minimises risks during implementation and ensures that the financial institution receives a security solution that meets the highest standards.

Continuous optimisation and life-cycle management

Security planning is not a static project, but a dynamic process that requires continuous life-cycle management. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, new technologies are coming onto the market, and regulatory requirements are changing. A security system, once implemented, must therefore be regularly reviewed, maintained, and adapted as needed, in order to guarantee its effectiveness in the long term. PLANATEL® supports financial institutions in developing maintenance and inspection concepts tailored to the specific requirements of the installed fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, and other security systems. E DIN VDE 0833-1:2025-02, for example, requires quarterly walk-throughs and visual inspections by the operator, as well as the immediate reporting and remedy of faults within 24 hours by certified specialist firms.

In addition, we advise on the strategic further development of the security infrastructure. This includes analysing new threats, evaluating innovative technologies, and planning upgrades or extensions, to keep the systems future-proof. An essential aspect is also cost optimisation across the entire life cycle of the systems. Through proactive management and forward-looking planning, not only can operating costs be reduced, but the service life of the systems can also be extended and unnecessary replacement investment avoided. Effective life-cycle management ensures that a financial institution's security investments retain their value and are continuously adapted to changing conditions, in order to guarantee the highest degree of protection.

The role of independent planning expertise: your advantage with PLANATEL®

Given the complexity and critical importance of security planning for financial institutions, working with an independent and experienced planning partner is of inestimable value. PLANATEL® has stood for exactly this expertise since 1992. As a planning and consulting company, we are 100 percent manufacturer-independent and financially independent. This guarantees that our recommendations are always objective and serve exclusively the interests of our clients. We receive no commissions from manufacturers or installers, which enables transparent and trustworthy cooperation.

Our more than 34 years of experience in planning complex infrastructure, including fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, and access control, puts us in a position to develop tailored, future-proof security concepts. We navigate safely through the thicket of regulatory requirements such as MaRisk, BAIT, and DORA, as well as technical standards such as DIN 14675, VdS 2095, and DIN VDE 0833. Our focus is not only on ensuring legal compliance, but also on optimising the efficiency and economic efficiency of the planned solutions. Through our comprehensive support from needs analysis to acceptance, we relieve the burden on management and IT staff, reduce risks, and contribute significantly to the operational resilience and long-term success of your financial institution. With PLANATEL®, you invest in security that builds trust and protects assets.

Article image: Sicherheitsplanung Finanzinstitut - bottom

Next step

Contact us for a non-binding initial consultation.

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

Frequently asked questions

What are PLANATEL®'s core tasks in security planning for financial institutions?

PLANATEL® offers a comprehensive, independent planning and consulting service. This begins with a detailed as-is survey and needs analysis, followed by the target concept and detailed planning for integrated security systems such as fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, and access control. We prepare tender documents, support the award, assist with implementation, carry out acceptances, and review final invoices. Our aim is to develop legally compliant, manufacturer-independent, and future-proof solutions that strengthen operational resilience and optimise costs.

How does PLANATEL® ensure manufacturer independence when selecting systems?

Our manufacturer independence has been a cornerstone of our corporate philosophy since 1992. We are financially independent and receive no commissions whatsoever from manufacturers or installers. When selecting systems, we objectively analyse the entire market, evaluating technologies and products solely on the basis of their technical suitability, performance, reliability, and compliance with relevant standards such as DIN and VdS. This ensures that financial institutions always receive the optimal solution, precisely tailored to their individual requirements and remaining flexible in the long term.

What specific challenges arise in physical security planning for bank branches?

Alongside cyberattacks, physical threats such as robberies, ATM bombings, and vandalism are relevant. Modern security planning for branches must therefore provide a clear separation of open and secured areas, and integrate robust access controls, intelligent video surveillance, and effective intrusion detection systems. Data-protection aspects and creating a trustworthy atmosphere for customers must also be taken into account. PLANATEL® plans tailored concepts that meet these multi-layered requirements.

How does PLANATEL® take the new requirements of E DIN VDE 0833-1:2025-02 into account?

PLANATEL® continuously monitors the development of relevant standards and guidelines. The draft standard E DIN VDE 0833-1:2025-02, which provides for a comprehensive restructuring and further content development for hazard detection systems, is already being taken into account by us during the planning phase. This includes, in particular, the stricter requirements for staff qualification, complete documentation in the operations log, quarterly walk-throughs and visual inspections, and the binding regulation of change management. We ensure that all fire alarm systems and other hazard detection systems we plan fully meet future requirements.

How does PLANATEL® support cost optimisation for security systems?

Through a detailed needs analysis, we avoid over-dimensioning and unnecessary functions. Our manufacturer-independent tendering promotes competition among installers, leading to better terms. We plan systems that are efficient not only to acquire, but also to operate, across their entire life cycle, by relying on maintenance-friendly and energy-efficient components. We also scrutinise final invoices meticulously, to ensure that only services actually rendered and contractually agreed are billed. This leads to a sustainable reduction in the total operating costs for your financial institution.

What role does DORA play in security planning for financial institutions?

DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) is an EU regulation that has applied since 17 January 2025 and sets comprehensive requirements for the digital operational resilience of financial institutions. It harmonises IT-security regulations across Europe, gradually replaces BAIT, and requires the reporting of serious ICT incidents, in order to strengthen the resilience of the financial sector against cyber threats.

Why is manufacturer independence important when planning security systems?

Manufacturer independence in planning security systems is decisive for guaranteeing an optimal, tailored, and future-proof solution. It avoids dependency on individual providers, enables the selection of the best technologies on the market, and protects against unnecessary costs and potential security gaps. Independent planners such as PLANATEL® act exclusively in the client's interest.

Which standards are relevant for fire alarm systems in financial institutions?

For fire alarm systems (BMA) in financial institutions, DIN 14675 (structure and operation of BMA) and DIN VDE 0833-2 (supplementary requirements for BMA) are primarily relevant. In addition, VdS 2095 (guidelines for automatic fire alarm systems) is often required by property insurers, supplementing these standards with insurance-related aspects and increasing functional safety.

How high is the damage caused by cybercrime in the financial sector?

The financial sector is a prime target for cybercrime. According to a report for the first half of 2025, 40 percent of all repelled cyberattacks targeted financial service providers. The damage caused by cybercrime in Germany for 2025 is put at €202.4 billion, an increase of around 20 percent compared to the previous year.

Sources and further information