Security weekly review: DNA Act, AI integration and regulatory challenges shape the industry
The security technology industry faces significant periods of upheaval: regulatory requirements such as the DNA Act and the NIS2 Directive are forcing adjustments, while at the same time artificial intelligence and biometric technologies are finding their way into alarm systems, video systems and access control. The weekly review summarises the most important developments.
DNA Act: Euralarm warns of transition periods that are too short
The European association Euralarm has raised the alarm – quite literally. The upcoming network migration under the DNA Act (Directive on Network and Information Security) threatens to pose a considerable challenge for alarm systems. While the EU requirements provide for a transition period of two years, Euralarm is calling for a seven-year transition period for critical alarm services.
The background: many alarm receiving centres and security systems are still built on older network technologies. Too short a deadline endangers operational reliability and could lead to downtime. For operators of alarm systems this means putting their systems to the test and developing modernisation plans right now. Read more: [DNA Act: Euralarm Demands 7-Year Transition Period for Alarm Systems]
VdS Security Conference 2026: focus on AI and biometrics
A look into the future: the renowned VdS Security Conference takes place on 18 and 19 June 2026 in Cologne and is already setting the focus today on the topics of the coming years. According to the announcement, AI-supported systems, biometric methods and the 2G network shutdown are on the agenda.
Particularly relevant for practitioners: the 2G shutdown is no longer a futuristic scenario, but an immediate reality. Alarm systems that still communicate via 2G modules must already have been migrated by then. The combination of AI and biometrics also shows that intelligent security systems will in future not only react, but act preventively. [VdS Security Conference 2026: AI, Biometrics and the 2G Shutdown]
Perimeter protection 2026: KRITIS and NIS2 as central drivers
A clear trend is emerging at the Perimeter Protection Congress 2026: the strict separation between physical security and IT security is a thing of the past. For operators of critical infrastructure (KRITIS), integrating both areas is becoming mandatory – driven by the NIS2 Directive and national implementations.
What does that mean in concrete terms? In future, video systems must be documented in an audit-proof manner, updated regularly and integrated into a comprehensive security concept. Purely physical solutions without a cybersecurity component will no longer be sufficient for KRITIS operators. Operators should already be checking whether their video surveillance and other security systems are designed in a NIS2-compliant way. [Perimeter Protection 2026: KRITIS and NIS2 Shape Security Requirements]
The evolution of access control: intelligent systems on the rise
The classic RFID card is a thing of the past. Modern access control systems are developing into networked, intelligent security platforms. AI algorithms make it possible to detect suspicious access patterns, while biometric methods such as facial recognition and fingerprint make user identification more secure.
Practical added value: intelligent access systems can communicate with video security, alarm technology and security personnel – creating genuine end-to-end security solutions. At the same time, they enable preventive measures through real-time analysis. Companies that modernise their access control are therefore investing not only in access control, but in a strategic security instrument. [The Evolution of Access Control: From RFID to AI-Powered Systems]
Conclusion & outlook
The industry is at a turning point: regulatory requirements (DNA Act, NIS2) are forcing investment and modernisation. At the same time, technological development – AI, biometrics, networked platforms – offers opportunities for more innovative and more effective security solutions. The central insight: those who act now instead of reacting will remain competitive.
Security professionals are advised to:
- Start taking stock: Which systems still use outdated technologies (2G, old RFID)? Where is action needed?
- Check NIS2 compliance: Are video systems and access control adequately documented and protected?
- Attend conferences: Events such as the VdS conference provide orientation for future investments.
- Talk to manufacturers: Clarify which modernisation paths make sense for existing systems.
Those who seize the opportunities can make security more intelligent, more efficient and better matched to the threat situation in future.