22 September 2026 - How safe do people in Germany feel? What risks are businesses concerned about - and how are they responding? The new Security Monitor (SiMon) 2026, presented today at the opening of Security Essen by the VDMA Security Systems Association, VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH and Messe Essen, provides answers. The representative study surveyed 4,000 members of the public and 1,000 business owners, managing directors and senior managers. One key finding is that the need for security in Germany has reached a record high. At the same time, the figures show that physical break-ins in particular pose a real threat to businesses and that many respondents see shortcomings in the protection of critical infrastructure. Businesses and private individuals are responding with specific security measures and investments.
Need for security continues to rise and remains at a high level
78 per cent of Germans say they have a strong need for security. This continues the trend of recent years: the figure was 73 per cent in 2024 and had already risen to 77 per cent in 2025. Security has thus become a consistently high social priority. The extent to which security is a pressing issue for many people and businesses is reflected in their experience of break-ins:
“The findings make clear that corporate security cannot be discussed solely in terms of cyber risks. Physical break-ins and theft remain a significant threat. Companies therefore need security concepts that address physical and digital risks in equal measure,” says Prof. Dr Frank Janser, Chairman of the VDMA Security Systems Association. “For the security industry, this means continuously developing existing solutions and intelligently integrating different technologies.”
Certification is now the most important trust factor
Verifiable quality is playing an increasingly important role when selecting security technology. For the first time, independent product certification is the most frequently cited purchasing criterion among private individuals, at 38 per cent. This puts it ahead of recommendations, smart home functions and other product features.
Businesses likewise rank certification first when making investment decisions: 29 per cent name it as an important criterion. Other relevant criteria are data protection, maintenance and the ease of integrating security technology.
“Anyone buying security technology needs to be able to trust that it will work reliably when it matters. The fact that, according to the Security Monitor, independent certification has become the most important source of trust across all target groups is therefore a clear signal,” explains Peter Schramm, Managing Director of VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH. “Tested quality builds trust because it makes performance transparent and comparable. Certification is therefore a key building block for effective protection - for businesses and consumers alike.”
Major doubts about the protection of critical infrastructure
Respondents see clear shortcomings in the resilience of critical infrastructure. 60 per cent of private individuals rate its protection against exceptional crises such as sabotage, war or large-scale outages as fairly poor or very poor. Around half of the business representatives surveyed also see a need for improvement.
Businesses have clear expectations of the state: 30 per cent regard improved state protection of critical infrastructure such as energy and water supplies, transport routes or communications as a measure that would also provide better protection for their own business.
“The Security Monitor reveals a dangerous discrepancy: businesses are being hit by break-ins to a significant extent, while at the same time there are serious doubts as to whether our critical infrastructure is adequately protected,” says Oliver P. Kuhrt, Managing Director of Messe Essen. “Particularly in view of the current threat landscape, businesses and critical infrastructure operators need to further develop their protection concepts. At Security Essen, around 500 exhibitors show how companies and infrastructure can be better protected - from video surveillance, intrusion protection and access control to networked and AI-supported security systems. Our ‘KRITIS Spotlight’ event at Security Essen provides additional input. Experts explain how critical infrastructure can be secured more effectively.”
Businesses continue to invest in their security
The risks perceived are already leading to concrete investment decisions by private individuals and businesses. Over the next twelve months, businesses plan to invest, among other things, in security cameras (29 per cent), intruder alarm systems (16.3 per cent), locking systems (15.5 per cent) and additional door security devices (15.5 per cent).
Burglary protection is also widespread in private households. Almost nine out of ten respondents have already implemented at least one corresponding measure. Motion detectors are particularly common, while mechanical and electronic security solutions are also used.
For people’s sense of security in public spaces, visible measures are particularly important. 57 per cent of respondents cite good lighting as the measure that gives them the greatest sense of security there. 45 per cent cite a visible police presence, followed by video surveillance at 39 per cent and security personnel or public order officers at 38 per cent. The results show that a sense of security comes from the interplay of design, human presence and security technology.
About the Security Monitor 2026
The Security Monitor was jointly conducted from 9 to 20 July 2026 by the polling institute “INSA Consulere” on behalf of VDMA, Messe Essen and VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH. The representative study is based on a survey of 4,000 private individuals and 1,000 businesses in Germany
About the partners
VDMA (Mechanical Engineering Industry Association)
The VDMA Security Systems Association represents the interests of more than 35 SME member companies in the fields of imaging/video, fire protection, safes, access control and systems.
The strategy of our association sets thematic priorities and is developed in close consultation with our member companies. In doing so, we aim to strengthen the sector, support companies in their specific concerns and inform customer groups in order to increase sales potential. Our focus is on regulation, standardisation and technology, as well as press and public relations, marketing and market information. We also actively promote the exchange of experience among our members, including through events such as workshops and information days.
Further information at www.vdma.eu
About VdS
VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH is one of the world’s most renowned institutions for corporate security. Around 500 experts offer a unique range of services for fire protection, security, cyber security and natural hazard prevention.
The VdS portfolio includes risk analyses, testing and certification, inspections of installations, information systems on natural hazards and a broad range of training programmes. As an independent company, VdS also sets international security standards through the publication of codes and guidelines.
Optimum protection for our partners is based on a globally unique protection concept whose reliability is built on 115 years of VdS experience and which brings together all aspects of loss prevention. Decision-makers around the world rely on VdS-tested effectiveness and security.
Further information at www.vds.de
Security Essen
Security Essen is the leading trade fair for civil security. At Messe Essen, exhibitors - including global market leaders, niche players, hidden champions, associations and institutions, as well as start-ups - present trade visitors with the latest solutions and innovations in areas including electronic and mechanical security, video, AI, drones, robotics, cybersecurity, perimeter and property protection, fire protection and security services.
As a cross-sector platform, Security Essen brings supply and demand together, sets standards and provides guidance for decision-makers in business, industry, retail, critical infrastructure, municipalities and the security sector. Security Essen will take place at Messe Essen from 22 to 25 September 2026.
Further information at www.security-essen.de
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