Verband für Sicherheitstechnik

What Verband für Sicherheitstechnik does

Verband für Sicherheitstechnik e.V. (VfS) is a Hamburg-based, registered non-profit association (eingetragener Verein) founded in the mid-1990s that operates as the central neutral communication platform for security and security technology in Germany. It serves four primary constituencies: critical infrastructure operators (KRITIS-Betreiber) in energy, water, transport, healthcare, and IT; security technology manufacturers and providers; security engineers and specialists seeking certification and continuing education; and government agencies and public institutions responsible for civil protection. The association's core activity is convening its 150+ member organizations through working groups (Arbeitskreise), research projects, discussion forums, standards participation in DIN and DKE, and expert contact points such as the Zentrale Kontaktstelle Zufahrtsschutz, which is also the German liaison for the international RSES credentialing body endorsed by the UK's NPSA.

VfS monetizes through three identifiable revenue streams: recurring membership dues from member companies and organizations, professional-services revenue from its Akademie seminar and webinar program (covering OSINT, NIS2, drone defense, video technology, and access management), and unit-priced sales of its proprietary handbook series — Handbuch Zufahrtsschutz (EUR 175), Handbuch Perimetersicherung (EUR 165), Handbuch Videotechnik (EUR 165), Handbuch Gefahrenmanagement-Systeme (EUR 165), Handbuch Elektroakustische Alarmierungseinrichtungen (EUR 135), and a complete bundle at EUR 499. Its flagship commercial event, the annual VfS Kongress (2026 edition in Berlin with Gold partners Axis, Deloitte, Siemens, and STUV), and the recently launched drone defense curriculum co-developed with DroneMasters Academy, are the most visible commercial assets beyond the membership base. As a non-profit, the organization does not raise external capital and operates with a small core staff of 1–10 employees.

Name

Verband für Sicherheitstechnik

Legal name

Verband für Sicherheitstechnik e.V.

Website

https://vfs-hh.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Verband für Sicherheitstechnik e.V. is a Hamburg-based German non-profit association that serves as the central neutral platform for security technology, serving critical infrastructure operators, security manufacturers, engineers, and government agencies through memberships, handbooks, and training.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Security Technology Association Services

akta.pro primary industry

Video Surveillance & Monitoring (CCTV, VMS, Remote Monitoring) (EDAEACAC)

Keywords

• Security technology association
• Critical infrastructure protection
• Security industry training
• Security handbooks publications
• KRITIS advisory services

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: VfS operates as a membership-based association with companies and organizations paying annual membership dues to access networking, training, and expertise services.
2. Training and Seminars: Revenue generated from in-house trainings, continuing education programs, and professional seminars covering security technology topics such as NIS2, OSINT, drone defense, and access management.
3. Handbook and Publication Sales: Sale of specialized technical handbooks covering Zufahrtsschutz (EUR 175), Perimetersicherung (EUR 165), Videotechnik (EUR 165), Gefahrenmanagement-Systeme (EUR 165), and bundled packages (EUR 499), plus handling charges.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

VfS operates as Germany's central and neutral communication platform for security and security technology, providing specialized handbooks, professional training seminars (Basic and Advanced webinars covering NIS2, OSINT, drone defense, access management, and video technology), the annual VfS Kongress in Berlin, and expert services including the Zentrale Kontaktstelle Zufahrtsschutz and KRITIS advisory guidance. The association's products and services are aimed at security technology users, engineers, manufacturers, critical infrastructure operators, and government agencies in both the public and private sectors.

Product overview

Verband für Sicherheitstechnik e.V. (VfS) is a professional association offering a portfolio of publications, training programs, and expert services focused on security technology and critical infrastructure protection. The core offerings include specialized handbooks (Perimetersicherung, Videotechnik, Gefahrenmanagement-Systeme, and the newly published Zufahrtsschutz in der Praxis), a comprehensive seminar and webinar program (Basic and Advanced levels covering OSINT, NIS-2, drone defense, access control, and video technology), and the annual VfS Kongress conference. Additionally, VfS operates as the central contact point for vehicle access protection (Zufahrtsschutz) and provides KRITIS advisory services through affiliated expert networks and working groups. The association also supports RSES certification for security engineers and specialists.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Handbuch Zufahrtsschutz in der Praxis Technical handbook providing guidance on vehicle access protection (Zufahrtsschutz) for practitioners, covering physical security barriers, perimeter protection, and norm-compliant access protection concepts for security technology users, planners, and engineers.
• Handbuch Perimetersicherung (2nd edition) Technical handbook (2nd revised edition) on perimeter security covering physical barriers, fencing systems, and perimeter protection strategies, developed by VfS experts and member organizations.
• Handbuch Videotechnik (2nd edition) Technical handbook (2nd edition) on video technology developed by VfS Working Group 3, covering video surveillance systems, implementation, and current state of practice.
• Handbuch Gefahrenmanagement-Systeme (3rd edition) Technical handbook (3rd edition) on hazard management systems developed by VfS Working Group 4, covering integrated security management platforms.
• Handbuch Elektroakustische Alarmierungseinrichtungen Technical handbook on electroacoustic alarm systems covering acoustic alarm equipment for security and emergency notification applications.
• Complete Handbook Bundle (Videotechnik, Gefahrenmanagement-Systeme, Perimetersicherung, Zufahrtsschutz) Bundled package of all four core VfS handbooks (Videotechnik, Gefahrenmanagement-Systeme, Perimetersicherung, Zufahrtsschutz in der Praxis) sold together at a discounted bundle price.
• VfS Akademie Seminar Program (Basic Webinars and Advanced Workshops) Comprehensive paid seminar and webinar program with Basic and Advanced tiers covering security technology topics including OSINT, NIS-2 directive, drone defense (Human Factors and Grundlagen der Drohnenabwehr), access control, video technology, KRITIS-Dachgesetz, and KRITIS regulations; delivered in-person at Hamburg and partner locations and via online webinars.
• VfS Kongress (Annual Conference) Annual paid professional congress held in Berlin featuring expert presentations on AI in security, KRITIS protection, NIS-2 implementation, and modern access protection concepts, with keynotes, panel discussions, exhibition, and networking.
• Zentrale Kontaktstelle Zufahrtsschutz (Central Contact Point for Access Protection) Expert service providing a centralized contact point in Germany for vehicle access protection (Zufahrtsschutz), offering guidance on norm-compliant, effective, and proportionate vehicle security barriers; affiliated with the international RSES program for certified specialists.
• KRITIS-Beratung und Leitfäden (Critical Infrastructure Advisory and Guidelines) Expert advisory service providing guidance, documentation, and published guidelines on Critical Infrastructure (KRITIS) protection, including the KRITIS umbrella law (KRITIS-Dachgesetz), sector-specific guidelines, and FAQ resources for critical infrastructure operators.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 30 years of operation as Germany's central platform for security technology expertise
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• RSES (Register of Security Engineers and Specialists)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSince 2018, VfS serves as the central contact point for RSES, an international organization for certifying qualified engineers and specialists in technical hazard defense. RSES is endorsed by the UK's NPSA and managed by the Institution of Civil Engineers, providing VfS members access to non-public security information and a global network of certified professionals.
• DroneMasters Academy GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCourse content for the 'Human Factors and Grundlagen der Drohnenabwehr' (Drone Defense) certification program was developed in collaboration with DroneMasters Academy GmbH, combining VfS's security technology expertise with DroneMasters' specialized drone defense knowledge.
• Axis Communications GmbHflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGold partner for the VfS Congress 2026 in Berlin. Axis Communications, a leading provider of network video solutions, sponsors the premier annual security technology conference organized by VfS.
• DeloitteflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGold partner for the VfS Congress 2026 in Berlin. Deloitte, the professional services firm, supports the annual congress as a premier sponsor, contributing to the professional dialogue on AI in security technology.
• Siemens AG, Building TechnologiesflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGold partner for the VfS Congress 2026 in Berlin. Siemens Building Technologies participates as a premier sponsor, bringing expertise in building automation and security systems to the congress.
• STUV Prison Solutions GmbHflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGold partner for the VfS Congress 2026 in Berlin. STUV Prison Solutions specializes in security solutions for correctional facilities, supporting the association's annual congress.
• AmeriaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver partner for the VfS Congress 2026 in Berlin, supporting the annual security technology conference.
• Protec-24 facility service GmbHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver partner for the VfS Congress 2026 in Berlin, providing facility security services expertise to the congress.
• Advancis Software & Services GmbHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze partner for the VfS Congress 2026 in Berlin, supporting the annual security technology conference.
• baroxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze partner for the VfS Congress 2026 in Berlin, contributing to the conference as a supporter.
• 450connectminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBronze partner for the VfS Congress 2026 in Berlin, supporting critical infrastructure connectivity discussions at the congress.
• H4 Hotel Berlin-AlexanderplatzminorOthersOfficial venue for the VfS Congress 2026, providing conference facilities and discounted accommodation rates for participants at EUR 129/night including breakfast.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• ISACA: ISACA is a global professional association for IT governance, risk, cybersecurity, and audit professionals, offering certifications such as CISM, CISA, and CRISC. It is comparable to VfS as a standards-and-certification body and is adjacent to VfS's OSINT and NIS2 training offerings.
• (ISC)²: (ISC)² is a global non-profit membership association for cybersecurity professionals, best known for the CISSP certification. It is comparable to VfS as a certification-driven standards body, and partially overlaps VfS's NIS2 and KRITIS cyber-physical security curriculum.

Direct peers

• BDSW Bundesverband der Sicherheitswirtschaft: BDSW is the German federal association for private security service providers (guarding, alarm response, cash-in-transit). It is comparable to VfS as a German security industry association engaging with regulators and standards bodies, though it focuses on guarding services rather than technology products.
• ASIS International: ASIS International is the largest global membership organization for security management professionals, offering certifications (CPP, PSP, PCI), standards, and chapter-level events. It is highly comparable to VfS as a professional body advancing standards and education across the security industry, with international reach that VfS aspires to through RSES.
• BHE Bundesverband Sicherheitstechnik e.V. BHE is the leading German trade association for security technology installers and manufacturers, covering intrusion, video, access, fire, and perimeter systems. It is directly comparable to VfS as a sister association targeting overlapping German security technology stakeholders — BHE is even listed as a VfS member organization.

Regional players

• The Security Institute (UK): The Security Institute is the UK's leading professional body for security practitioners, offering chartered status, CPD, and certification. It is comparable to VfS as a professional/security certification body and is the UK counterpart most relevant to VfS's RSES partnership.
• Sicherheitsnetzwerk München: Sicherheitsnetzwerk München is a Bavarian security industry network cluster connecting manufacturers, integrators, and end users. It is comparable to VfS as a regional industry networking and event organization focused on the German security market.

Broad incumbents

• ZVEI - Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie: ZVEI is the German industry association for the electrical and electronics industry, including security, building, and industrial automation product segments. It is comparable as a broader German industry association engaging with DIN/DKE on standards that overlap VfS's perimeter and video technology scope.
• TÜV Verband (Verband der TÜV e.V.): TÜV Verband is the umbrella association of the German TÜV testing, inspection, and certification bodies. It is comparable to VfS as a German standards and certification ecosystem actor; TÜV entities work alongside VfS members on KRITIS conformity assessments.

Others

• DIN - Deutsches Institut für Normung: DIN is the German national standards body on whose committees VfS holds seats. While not a peer in membership terms, it is a comparable ecosystem player around standards development, publications, and working group infrastructure that VfS engages with directly.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/verband-f-r-sicherheitstechnik-e-v
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@VerbandfuerSicherheitstechnik

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Verband für Sicherheitstechnik