A threat and risk analysis for banks, supported by an external advisor, is a systematic process for identifying, assessing and managing risks that could endanger business operations, data integrity and financial stability. It is essential for compliance with regulatory requirements such as MaRisk, BAIT and the new DORA regulation, and for protection against cyber threats and physical hazards.

Independent expertise for robust security strategies and legal compliance in the financial sector

A sound threat and risk analysis, carried out by an independent advisor, is essential to identify and assess risks and implement effective protective measures.

Key Takeaways

  • A comprehensive threat and risk analysis is essential for banks as operators of critical infrastructure (KRITIS), to meet regulatory requirements (DORA, MaRisk, BAIT) and protect against cyber and physical threats.
  • Working with an independent advisor such as PLANATEL® ensures an objective assessment of the risk situation and the planning of manufacturer-independent, tailored security solutions.
  • Security strategies must be dynamic: continuously reviewing and adapting the threat and risk analysis, as well as fire alarm systems and IT security systems, is essential for long-term resilience.

The financial sector operates in an environment shaped by dynamic technological developments, intensifying cyber threats, and an ever denser regulatory landscape. Banks must therefore continuously and comprehensively assess their risk situation. A professional threat and risk analysis is the central instrument here. It makes it possible to identify weaknesses in the IT infrastructure, in processes and in physical security systems at an early stage and to take proactive measures. Given the complexity of these tasks, working with an experienced, independent advisor is often the key to success, not only to remain legally compliant but also to sustainably strengthen operational resilience.

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The importance of threat and risk analysis for banks in the current environment

As operators of critical infrastructure (KRITIS) under the BSI Act and the BSI-KRITIS Regulation, banks are subject to a heightened need for protection. Their services, from cash supply and card-based payment transactions to the settlement of securities transactions, are essential to the functioning of the community. A failure or impairment of these critical services would have far-reaching consequences for the economy and public safety. The threat and risk analysis is therefore not merely a regulatory obligation but a strategic necessity, to ensure business continuity and maintain customer trust. It forms the basis for effective risk management and the implementation of adequate security measures.

The analysis must go far beyond pure IT security and equally consider physical threats, organisational weaknesses and process risks. This requires a holistic view of the entire infrastructure and all relevant business processes. In its interpretive and application guidance on the Money Laundering Act (GwG) and the minimum requirements for risk management (MaRisk), BaFin stresses the need for an institution-specific threat and risk analysis that is regularly updated and captures and assesses all material risks. Without such a sound analysis, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of existing security measures or make targeted investments in resilience. PLANATEL® has been helping banks meet these complex requirements and develop a resilient security strategy since 1992.

Regulatory requirements: from MaRisk and BAIT to DORA and NIS2

The regulatory landscape for financial institutions is complex and constantly changing. In Germany, BaFin's supervisory requirements for IT (BAIT), which give further detail to the minimum requirements for risk management (MaRisk), were and remain central. They set a flexible, practice-oriented framework for institutions' technical and organisational IT setup, particularly for managing IT resources, information risk management, and information security management.

With the EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), which has applied since 17 January 2025 to almost all supervised institutions and companies in the European financial sector, a new, comprehensive regulation is taking effect, intended to harmonise IT security and operational resilience across Europe. DORA will gradually replace national frameworks such as BAIT; BaFin has already repealed ZAIT, VAIT and KAIT as of January 2025 and plans to fully repeal BAIT by 31 December 2026. In parallel, the NIS2 Directive will extend the range of companies affected from late 2025 and tighten cybersecurity requirements for critical and important entities, which include the financial sector. These developments require banks to continuously adapt their threat and risk analyses and security strategies, to remain legally compliant and protected against growing threats. An independent advisor helps manage these transitions and implement the new requirements efficiently.

Cyber threats and their impact on financial institutions

The financial sector is a preferred target for cybercriminals. According to a Myra Security report for the first half of 2025, 40 percent of all repelled cyberattacks targeted banks and other financial service providers. Attackers are using increasingly sophisticated methods, from ransomware and phishing to state-sponsored attacks aimed at maximum disruption or extortion. The damage caused by cybercrime in Germany for 2025 is estimated at around 202.4 billion euros, an increase of about 20 percent on the previous year.

The impact of such attacks can be devastating: data loss, system outages, reputational damage and significant financial losses. Particularly critical are attacks on the availability, integrity, authenticity and confidentiality of IT systems, components or processes that are essential to a bank's ability to provide critical services. The threat and risk analysis must therefore include a detailed examination of the current threat landscape and specific attack vectors. This includes analysing weaknesses in the IT infrastructure, in applications and among staff, since according to Verizon the human factor played a role in around 60 percent of data security breaches in 2024. PLANATEL® helps banks identify these complex cyber risks and plan robust defence mechanisms that go beyond purely technical solutions and also take organisational and process aspects into account.

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Physical security and fire alarm systems in bank infrastructure

Alongside cyber threats, physical risks represent an equally serious danger for banks. These include natural disasters, sabotage, burglary, vandalism and, in particular, fire. A fire in a data centre, a branch or a head office can not only cause immense property damage but also massively disrupt business operations and destroy critical data. Planning and implementing reliable fire alarm systems (BMA) is therefore an indispensable part of a comprehensive threat and risk analysis and security strategy.

Planning fire alarm systems in banks must strictly follow national and European standards, in particular DIN 14675, DIN VDE 0833-2 and the VdS 2095 guidelines. These standards define detailed requirements for the planning, design, installation, commissioning and operation of fire alarm systems, to ensure a high level of functional safety and reliability. They take into account, among other things, detection methods, alarm forwarding and measures to avoid false alarms. For banks, which often have to protect sensitive areas such as vaults, server rooms and customer areas, tailored concepts are required that take the specific circumstances and risk profiles into account. PLANATEL® plans fire alarm systems in a manufacturer-independent, financially independent way, meeting these high requirements and ensuring optimal protection of people and assets in bank infrastructure.

The role of the independent advisor in the threat and risk analysis

Carrying out a comprehensive threat and risk analysis at a bank requires specialised knowledge, deep experience and an objective perspective. Internal resources are often tied up with day-to-day business and cannot always fully guarantee the neutrality needed to assess an organisation's own structures. This is where the decisive role of an independent advisor becomes clear. An external expert such as PLANATEL® brings an unbiased view, making it possible to spot blind spots and identify risks that may have been overlooked internally.

The advisor's independence is of the utmost importance here. PLANATEL® has operated as a planning and consulting company since 1992 and is 100% manufacturer-independent and financially independent. This means our recommendations are based exclusively on the bank's best interests and are not influenced by potential commissions or partnerships with technology providers. We offer an objective assessment of existing IT, telecommunications and security systems as well as organisational processes. Our expertise includes interpreting complex regulatory requirements (MaRisk, BAIT, DORA, NIS2, GwG) and translating them into concrete, actionable measures. Working with PLANATEL® gives banks not only a sound threat and risk analysis but also strategic advice built on over 34 years of industry experience that fosters long-term resilience.

PLANATEL®'s methodology for a comprehensive threat and risk analysis

An effective threat and risk analysis is a structured process that runs through several phases to build a complete picture of a bank's risk situation. PLANATEL® follows a proven methodology based on long-standing experience and current standards. First, an as-is survey is carried out, in which the existing IT, telecommunications and security infrastructure, the relevant business processes and the organisational structures are recorded in detail. This includes reviewing documentation, interviewing key personnel and conducting on-site walkthroughs.

A comprehensive needs analysis is then carried out, assessing the identified risks and defining the bank's protection objectives. This takes into account both regulatory requirements (e.g. from DORA, MaRisk, GwG) and sector-specific best practices. Building on this, we develop a target concept proposing concrete measures to minimise risk and increase resilience. This can include optimising fire alarm systems to DIN 14675 and VdS 2095, implementing new access control systems, or adapting IT security architectures. Our detailed planning includes preparing specifications of services for tenders and supporting the award to certified installers. Throughout the process, we place great value on transparent communication and involving decision-makers, to ensure tailored, sustainable solutions.

Long-term strategies and continuous adaptation

A threat and risk analysis is not a one-off project but an ongoing process. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, new technologies are emerging, and regulatory requirements are changing. Banks must therefore establish a long-term risk management strategy and regularly review and adapt the threat and risk analysis. BaFin explicitly requires that risk analyses be continuously updated to reflect new developments, trends and ad hoc information.

PLANATEL® supports banks not only with the initial analysis and planning but also in developing strategies for continuously monitoring and optimising their security infrastructure. This includes planning maintenance concepts for fire alarm systems and other security systems, selecting suitable, certified installers, and supporting the implementation of new technologies. We advise on establishing robust processes for information risk management and IT contingency management that meet the requirements of BAIT and, going forward, DORA. Our goal is to help banks develop a proactive security culture that allows them to respond flexibly to new challenges and maintain their critical services even under adverse circumstances. With over 34 years of experience, PLANATEL® provides the expertise needed to successfully shape these long-term strategies.

Common mistakes in threat and risk analysis and how to avoid them

Despite the obvious necessity and clear regulatory requirements, mistakes repeatedly occur when carrying out threat and risk analyses at banks, undermining the effectiveness of the security strategy. A common mistake is an inadequate scope definition, where not all relevant areas, systems or processes are included in the analysis. This leads to blind spots and undetected weaknesses. Another critical point is failing to keep the analysis up to date. A threat and risk analysis, once created, quickly loses relevance in a dynamic environment if it is not regularly reviewed and adapted to new threats or organisational changes.

The importance of staff involvement is also often underestimated. A threat and risk analysis is not a purely technical project; involving specialist departments, IT security experts and management is essential to obtain a realistic picture of the risk situation and build acceptance for the proposed measures. A lack of manufacturer neutrality when assessing systems can also lead to suboptimal or overpriced solutions. PLANATEL® addresses these challenges with a strictly structured approach that ensures a comprehensive scope definition, regular review cycles and close collaboration with all stakeholders. Our independent advice guarantees that the bank receives the best possible solutions tailored to its specific needs, free from external interests. This helps us avoid typical pitfalls and build a solid foundation for the bank's security.

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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

Which specific risks are considered in a threat and risk analysis for banks?

A comprehensive threat and risk analysis for banks considers a wide range of risks. These include cyber risks such as ransomware, phishing and DDoS attacks, which threaten the availability and integrity of IT systems. Physical risks such as fire, burglary, sabotage and natural disasters are also analysed. Organisational risks, such as inadequate processes or a lack of staff knowledge, as well as risks arising from money laundering and terrorist financing under the GwG, are also central components of the analysis. PLANATEL® also takes into account the specific risks that can arise from outsourcing IT services, to identify concentration risks.

How does PLANATEL® help banks comply with the DORA regulation?

PLANATEL® comprehensively supports banks in complying with the DORA regulation, which harmonises IT security and operational resilience in the European financial sector from 2025. We carry out gap analyses to assess how well existing systems and processes already meet DORA. Based on this, we plan the necessary adjustments to IT infrastructure, telecommunications systems and security systems. Our manufacturer-independent advice ensures that the implemented solutions are optimally tailored to the bank's specific requirements and efficiently meet the new regulatory requirements, avoiding duplicate regulation.

What does manufacturer neutrality mean in the context of threat and risk analysis and system planning?

Manufacturer neutrality means that PLANATEL® has no financial or contractual ties to particular manufacturers or providers when advising on and planning security and IT systems. This ensures that our recommendations are based solely on the technical and economic advantages for the bank. We select the best products and solutions available on the market, without being influenced by commissions or sales targets. For banks, this means transparent, objective and cost-efficient planning that ensures the best long-term performance and adaptability of the systems, whether for fire alarm systems, access control or IT infrastructure.

Which standards are relevant for planning fire alarm systems in banks?

For planning fire alarm systems (BMA) in banks, DIN 14675 and DIN VDE 0833-2 are primarily decisive. DIN 14675 governs the structure and operation of fire alarm systems and voice alarm systems, while DIN VDE 0833-2 contains specific provisions for fire alarm systems that ensure the protection of people and assets in buildings. The VdS 2095 guidelines are also relevant, particularly where insurers require a VdS-recognised fire alarm system. These guidelines give further detail to the requirements and ensure a high level of functional safety and reliability.

How does PLANATEL® help optimise existing security systems?

PLANATEL® offers comprehensive optimisation services for existing security systems at banks. This starts with a detailed analysis of current systems, such as fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems or video surveillance, to identify weak points and inefficiencies. We assess technical performance, compliance with current standards (e.g. DIN VDE 0833) and integration into the overall infrastructure. Based on this analysis, we develop concepts for technical and economic optimisation, for example by modernising components, improving interfaces or adapting to new threat scenarios. Our goal is to increase efficiency, optimise costs and ensure the bank's long-term security.

What is the difference between BAIT and DORA?

BAIT (supervisory requirements for IT) are national requirements set by BaFin for IT security at German financial institutions. DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) is an EU regulation that has applied Europe-wide since 2025, gradually replacing BAIT and other national IT circulars, to harmonise operational resilience.

Why are banks considered critical infrastructure (KRITIS)?

A failure could cause significant supply shortfalls or disruptions to public safety, which places them under the BSI Act and the BSI-KRITIS Regulation.

What role do fire alarm systems play in the threat and risk analysis for banks?

Fire alarm systems (BMA) are a critical part of physical security at banks. They protect people and assets, particularly in sensitive areas such as data centres. Their planning must strictly follow DIN 14675, DIN VDE 0833-2 and VdS 2095, to count as an effective protective measure within the threat and risk analysis.

How often should a threat and risk analysis for banks be updated?

A threat and risk analysis for banks should be updated regularly, as threats and regulatory requirements are constantly changing. BaFin requires continuous review and adaptation, to account for new developments and ad hoc information and to ensure the effectiveness of the security measures.

Sources and further information