Sabotage, cyberattacks and hybrid threats are placing an increasing focus on the protection of critical infrastructure. At the same time, new legal requirements are presenting operators with additional challenges. Against this backdrop, Security Essen, taking place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at Messe Essen, addresses a highly topical issue. As the leading trade fair for security, it brings together around 500 exhibitors from 43 nations and demonstrates how energy and water supplies, transport, communications and other essential facilities can be effectively protected.
The broad range of solutions for protecting critical infrastructure is highlighted by numerous exhibitors in Halls 5 to 8. They will showcase technologies, products and services for various areas of critical infrastructure security – from site and perimeter protection, secure access and identity solutions, and detection and monitoring to situational awareness and control centres. Other key areas include cyber and OT security, alarm systems and crisis management, as well as resilience and consulting.
Strong partners for the protection of critical infrastructure
Companies with relevant expertise include Advancis Software & Services, Axis Communications, Johnson Controls, Salto Systems, Senstar, SySS, Telenot Electronic, Verkada and VdS Schadenverhütung. Visitors can use the opportunity to learn about different security approaches and compare them directly on site.
Thomas Taferner, Head of Sales and Marketing at Telenot Electronic, highlights the importance of Security Essen for the industry: “TELENOT is the perfect solutions partner for the physical security of critical infrastructure and similar facilities – and Security Essen, in turn, is the ideal platform for demonstrating this to operators and specialist companies. Our products and systems meet the required ‘state of the art’ standards for these sites, based on currently applicable guidelines and standards. As a leading German manufacturer of intrusion detection, fire detection and access control systems, we stand for the best possible protection of people and buildings – without compromise.”
The accompanying conference programme also addresses the current challenges. The KRITIS Forum on 25 September in Hall 5 will bring together operators of critical infrastructure and solution providers. The focus will be on how physical security, cybersecurity and operational technology can be combined into an integrated, holistic protection concept. The programme will cover a wide range of topics, from the current status of the KRITIS Umbrella Act and the obligations arising from it, to experience from ongoing operations and technological developments. Experts will discuss topics including resilience orchestration, intelligent perimeter protection, and the use of AI and video analytics in security control centres.
Resilience from the operator’s perspective
Maik Rimmasch from Stadtwerke Essen will provide insights from an operator’s perspective with his presentation, “Resilience Begins in Operations.” The IT security officer explains: “Resilience is not something that only matters when a crisis occurs; it is determined by day-to-day operations. For operators of critical infrastructure, the key is to identify risks at an early stage and to intelligently combine technical and organisational measures. The exchange at Security Essen is particularly valuable because it brings together operators, experts and solution providers.”
Additional impetus will come from the Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX), which is taking place in parallel for the first time. With more than 350 exhibitors from 28 countries, the new trade fair for the defence industry will bring together international industry players in Essen. Holding both events at the same time creates valuable synergies between the civilian security industry and the defence sector. This is particularly relevant to the protection of critical infrastructure, civil protection, crisis
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