What happened?
The VdS Training Center is holding its new "Perimeter Security" conference for the first time on November 9, 2026, at the Hotel Pullman in Cologne. The event is aimed at everyone involved in the planning, operation, or further development of perimeter security concepts. The focus is on the VdS Security Guideline for Perimeter Protection (VdS 3143), which is expected to be released in a new version by the time of the conference and will be presented in detail on site. In addition to the conference, the VdS Training Center is also offering, for the first time, a two-day course on "Perimeter Security," with the first session scheduled for December 17–18, 2026, in Cologne.
The details
According to the announcement, the conference will address several key topics. In addition to presenting the new perimeter guideline, sessions will cover risk-based planning and proportionality, as well as how perimeter security fits into an integrated security concept that goes beyond traditional fence and gate solutions. Another focus will be on smart perimeter security and the question of what AI-based video analytics can actually deliver in practice—and where it remains mostly hype. The regulatory framework will also be addressed: the Critical Infrastructure Umbrella Act (KRITIS-Dachgesetz) and BSIG 3.0 (NIS-2), along with their implications for perimeter security, are fixed parts of the lecture program. Additional topics include the role of vehicle access protection, practical reports on perimeter security from operators of critical infrastructure, and the use of drones for perimeter surveillance in 24/7 operation with automated, centralized control.
Speakers announced include representatives from security consultancies, insurance companies, security service providers, and the German Foundation for Crime Prevention (Stiftung Deutsches Forum für Kriminalprävention). Using practical case studies, the conference aims to demonstrate how modern perimeter security solutions can be implemented in a cost-effective, risk-oriented, and standards-compliant manner.
The accompanying, Europe-wide recognized "Perimeter Security" training course provides in-depth background knowledge on the aspects addressed in the VdS 3143 guideline. Participants will learn about the components of perimeter detection systems and will be equipped to assess their effectiveness and practicality—including from a financial perspective. The course also covers knowledge on tender specifications and planning examples.
Context
Perimeter security typically forms the first line of defense against unauthorized access to a site and, according to the announcement, is becoming increasingly important in light of new threat scenarios and rising security requirements. For operators of critical infrastructure in particular, the regulatory environment is changing significantly due to the KRITIS Umbrella Act and NIS-2, requiring a reassessment of technical and organizational measures. The conference responds to this need by bringing together regulation, technology, and practical experience in a single format. The simultaneous introduction of an in-depth training course underscores the growing need for qualification in the field of perimeter security—from strategic planning to the specific tendering of relevant systems.
Practical tips
- Security officers and operators of critical infrastructure should keep an eye on the new version of the VdS Security Guideline for Perimeter Protection (VdS 3143) once it is published.
- Given the new regulations under the KRITIS Umbrella Act and BSIG 3.0 (NIS-2), it is advisable to engage early with the resulting requirements for technical and organizational measures.
- Those planning or issuing tenders for perimeter security concepts can benefit from the "Perimeter Security" training course to gain a well-founded technical and economic assessment of detection systems.
- Reviewing practical reports from other critical infrastructure companies can help align one's own protection concepts with risk-based and standards-compliant approaches.
Outlook
With this conference and the new training course, the VdS Training Center is expanding its offerings to reflect the growing importance of perimeter security in the context of critical infrastructure regulation. The target audience ranges from security planners and installers to plant security managers, insurers, experts, and government representatives. The industry is likely to be particularly interested in the presentation of the revised VdS 3143 guideline and the practical interpretation of the new legal requirements. The first training course date in December 2026, along with the conference in November, offer a concrete opportunity to become familiar early on with the upcoming requirements for modern perimeter security.
