Around 120 participants gather in Wolfsburg to discuss hybrid threats, the use of AI, standardisation and the further development of security technology

The security industry is undergoing a period of profound transformation. Digital threat landscapes, hybrid attack scenarios, artificial intelligence and rising cyber security requirements are changing both technologies and business models. It was precisely these developments that shaped this year’s General Assembly of the German Security Technology Association (BHE), which took place on 8 May 2026 in Wolfsburg.

Around 120 members used the event not only for formal association business, but above all as a platform for professional exchange, strategic discussions and networking within the security industry. Alongside presentations on hybrid threats and AI, the focus was on current association projects, personnel decisions, new cyber security initiatives and the further development of the corporate design.

Hybrid threats are reshaping security strategies

Geopolitical and technological risks were the focus right from the start of the event. In their presentation, Jan Gebauer and Jann Frieling from the Group Security Intelligence Office at Volkswagen AG highlighted the impact of hybrid threats on companies and critical infrastructure.

The focus was on changing risk landscapes due to the increasing interconnection of physical and digital forms of attack. Security strategies today must be conceived in a much more interdisciplinary manner, as traditional dividing lines between IT security, physical security and corporate resilience are becoming increasingly blurred.

The discussion thus highlighted an industry trend that is also gaining regulatory significance: security organisations must integrate cybersecurity, situational awareness, information protection and operational resilience more closely.

AI is evolving from a future-oriented topic into an operational tool

A second key focus was provided by the presentation from AI expert Marcel Pesch of academy4.ai. The focus was on the practical use of artificial intelligence in everyday business operations.

Pesch made it clear that AI is no longer merely a topic of innovation or the future, but is increasingly becoming an operational competitive factor. With the help of so-called ‘AI employees’, companies could automate everyday processes, speed up internal workflows and tap into new efficiency potential.

The focus was less on abstract visions and more on concrete application scenarios for routine tasks, knowledge management and process support. For medium-sized security companies in particular, the question of how AI can be integrated into existing organisational structures in a way that makes economic sense and is practical is becoming increasingly important.

Positive membership growth and continuity on the Executive Board

During the subsequent general meeting, BHE Chairman Axel Schmidt and BHE Managing Director Carl Becker-Christian provided an update on current developments within the association.

Particular emphasis was placed on the continued positive growth in membership. The association currently has around 1,270 member companies, thereby underlining its role as the central representative body for the security industry in German-speaking countries.

In addition to ongoing association projects, the agenda also included the Executive Board elections. Stephan Holzem was re-elected to his post, signalling the association’s commitment to continuity in its leadership.

Parts of the presentations shown during the event are available to member companies via the members’ area of the BHE website.

Honorary memberships recognise decades of commitment to the industry

A particular focus of the event was on recognising long-standing voluntary work within the association. The General Meeting appointed two individuals as new BHE honorary members in recognition of their exceptional commitment.

Michael Meissner has been one of the leading experts in the field of video security technology for many years. He has chaired the BHE Video Technical Committee for 16 years and has played a key role in the development of training courses, brochures and technical guidance. His project management of the revision of IEC DIN EN 62676-4, which defines application rules for video security technology, attracted particular international attention.

Manfred Endt, one of the best-known experts in intrusion detection technology, was also honoured. Endt served on the BHE Executive Board for 22 years and has been actively involved for almost 24 years as Chairman of the Intrusion Protection Technical Committee. His professional work ranges from publications and checklists to representing the interests of installers in standardisation bodies. Furthermore, for almost two decades he has been supporting the quality management certification of numerous specialist companies in his role as ZQMB.

Axel Schmidt expressly praised both honorary members for their long-standing personal commitment to security technology and the work of the association.

Modernisation of the brand identity

The association is also repositioning itself in terms of communication. At the general meeting, the BHE presented a revised corporate design.

As a first step, all BHE logos have been modernised. The aim of this ‘brand refresh’ is to achieve a contemporary visual evolution whilst maintaining high brand recognition.

The new logos will be introduced gradually in future publications, projects and communication initiatives. Member companies will have the opportunity to actively incorporate the logos into their external communications – for example on websites, in email signatures, brochures, advertisements or at trade fair stands.

The new logos are available in various printable file formats via the BHE website.

Greater focus on cyber security for video security systems

Another key focus of the event was the increasing cyber threat to IP-based video security systems.

In this context, the BHE referred to the webinar “Cyber Security in Video Security Systems (VSS)”, which will take place on 28 May 2026. The background to this is the growing importance of networked video and IoT systems within modern security architectures.

Whilst IP-based video security solutions offer high flexibility and convenient remote access options, they simultaneously significantly expand the attack surface for cyberattacks.

The webinar is based on the BHE paper “Cyber Security VSS” and covers typical attack scenarios as well as technical and organisational measures for hardening networks and end devices. The aim is to provide security companies with practical knowledge to enable them to realistically assess risks and develop economically viable security solutions.

This area is becoming increasingly strategically important, particularly in the tension between user convenience, connectivity and IT security – not least against the backdrop of regulatory requirements such as NIS2 and rising KRITIS resilience standards.

Networking remains a central function of the association’s work

In addition to the technical content, personal interaction also played a central role. Whether in conversations on the sidelines of the event, over dinner together, or during the supporting programme at the Planetarium and the Autostadt Wolfsburg – the General Meeting once again served as a platform for networking, exchanging experiences and initiating new collaborations.

Particularly in an industry undergoing significant technological and regulatory change, this direct dialogue continues to grow in importance.

The next BHE General Meeting has already been scheduled: it will take place on 23 April 2027 in Düsseldorf.