Perimeter security for critical infrastructure: Detecting unauthorised access at an early stage

Critical infrastructure such as energy facilities, airports and waterworks form the backbone of our society. Unauthorised access or tampering can not only cause economic damage, but also jeopardise the security of supply and the safety of people. The later an incident is detected, the greater the potential impact.

With SecuSite AI, Materna offers an AI-powered solution that analyses video data in real time, detects unauthorised access at an early stage and forwards security-related incidents for further processing in a targeted manner. In this way, traditional video surveillance is transformed into proactive perimeter protection that effectively complements existing security processes.

What happens if someone gains unauthorised access to your infrastructure?

Traditional video surveillance records incidents, but can only detect them in real time if security staff are monitoring the live feed. Modern cameras with edge AI improve the situation through automatic object detection and fewer false alarms.

SecuSite AI goes one step further: the platform integrates video analytics, access control and other sensor data to provide a consolidated overview of the situation. By connecting control centres, workflows and ticketing systems, relevant events are not only detected but also integrated into existing security processes. The result: greater transparency, faster response times and a higher level of security.

AI-powered video analytics for proactive perimeter surveillance

Our AI-powered video analytics solution, SecuSite AI, analyses video and sensor data in real time and automatically detects security-critical incidents at the perimeter. Unauthorised access, fence crossings or perimeter breaches are identified at an early stage, enriched with relevant contextual information such as time, location, zone or event type, and reported in order of priority. This transforms passive video surveillance into an active system that supports operational security decision-making.

By processing the data close to the source, latency can be reduced, bandwidth usage minimised and stable operating conditions ensured, even across large, distributed sites. At the same time, SecuSite AI can be integrated into existing security and IT environments, enabling alarms, escalations and follow-up processes to be routed specifically to control centres, security personnel or connected systems. The solution thus supports holistic perimeter protection – from early detection and assessment through to a structured response to security-related incidents.

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The combination of edge AI, rule-based sensor technology and modern vision-reasoning models (e.g. NVIDIA Cosmos) transforms video data into an intelligent analysis process: efficient at the local level, in-depth at the central level – for valid, context-based decisions.

Sensors & Triggers (Edge) – Rule-based activation on-site
– Combination of cameras, motion detectors, access control, etc
.– Defined rules trigger analysis and/or recording –
Focus solely on relevant situations
Event Filtering & Clip Creation – Intelligent pre-processing
– Selection of relevant events (no flood of raw data)
– Creation of short, focused video clips
– Initial structured description (metadata / tags)
Centralised AI Analysis (Cosmos Reason / Cosmos 3) – Scene understanding & context analysis
– Processing in the cloud or on secure customer infrastructure
– Vision reasoning models analyse:
– Relationships and interactions
– Sequences of events
– Anomalies and patterns
Context & recommended action – Interpreted events rather than raw data
– Automatic classification of the situation (e.g. security-relevant, critical)
– Reduction of false alarms
– Handover to control centre, systems or processes

Detection is not the end of the process. SecuSite AI helps to process detected incidents in a structured manner and integrate them into existing security processes. Events can be automatically documented, assessed and forwarded to the relevant departments or downstream processes. Furthermore, defined follow-up actions can be triggered automatically, such as creating a ticket, activating a workflow or deploying a drone or security robot to further assess the situation. The associated recordings can also be specifically accessed to classify incidents more quickly, track measures taken and make decisions based on reliable information.

In addition to immediate detection, SecuSite AI can also serve as a basis for further analysis. This allows security-related events, patterns and processes to be evaluated in a more targeted manner, for example to identify anomalies, vulnerabilities or opportunities for optimisation. In accordance with the applicable regulations on the storage and further processing of data, an analysis tool is available for this purpose that can be operated using natural language. Which analyses are appropriate and feasible in a specific context should be considered on a case-by-case basis and worked out in detail jointly.

Your benefits

Increased reaction speed

Unauthorised access is detected and reported immediately – before anyone can move freely around the premises.

Reducing the workload of security staff

Security staff are notified specifically when actual perimeter breaches occur, rather than having to monitor all cameras constantly.

Comprehensive documentation

Every access event is automatically logged, including the time, movement history and relevant details.

In-depth analysis & evaluation

Recurring patterns, such as repeated approaches or reconnaissance, become apparent and can be analysed.

The implementation

1. Planning

Comprehensive advice on defining relevant areas and analysis objectives. Risk assessment: What events might occur and which processes should be prepared for? Development of escalation plans for anomalies, breaches and critical incidents.

2. Installation

We integrate the data streams with our platform in compliance with data protection regulations. The platform itself can be operated as a cloud service (on EU servers) or on-premises within your own infrastructure.

3. Development

Next comes the training of the artificial intelligence, which refines event detection and minimises false alarms. In addition, escalation levels are tested and the workflows that trigger them are refined.

4. Operation

The application is being put into live operation. Events are documented, video data is analysed, relevant events are reported and anomalies are flagged.

That’s why Materna

In KRITIS environments, it is not enough simply to detect anomalies. What is crucial is that a detected incident is turned into a robust process: with clear classification, rapid escalation, technical interoperability and traceable documentation. This is precisely where Materna’s strength lies. We combine AI-powered video analytics with integration expertise, regulatory knowledge and experience in complex security and IT environments.

Understanding KRITIS

We combine technological expertise with a clear understanding of the regulatory and operational requirements of critical infrastructure.

Integration rather than a stand-alone solution

Our platform integrates with existing security, control centre and IT systems, rather than creating new silos.

Self-sufficient operating models

Depending on the protection requirements, the solution can be deployed on-premises, at the edge, in a hybrid environment or in defined cloud models.

From detection to response

We consistently view video analysis as part of an end-to-end security and escalation process.

Audit readiness right from the start

Documentation, traceability and interoperable reporting processes are taken into account right from the start.

End-to-end support

We support you every step of the way, from defining the use case right through to safe, large-scale operation.

Let’s go into more detail

Our solution integrates seamlessly with existing camera, control centre and security processes. This means you can benefit from AI-powered detection without having to completely overhaul your existing systems.

The added value depends on the existing security infrastructure. If the system has previously relied solely on monitoring video streams, the benefits can be felt almost immediately after implementation. Automated detection reduces false alarms, eases the workload on the control centre and improves the quality of surveillance.

If cameras with AI capabilities are already in use, the added value stems primarily from integration with other systems and processes. SecuSite AI integrates existing security solutions, supports the automated assessment of events and reduces the workload associated with downstream tasks such as documentation, reporting or incident handling.

This solution is particularly useful for operators of large, sensitive sites or those that are difficult to monitor with staff, such as in the energy supply, water management, aviation or port logistics sectors. In KRITIS environments in particular, the benefits increase in line with the requirements for protection, traceability and responsiveness.

Traditional systems often merely document incidents rather than highlighting them in a timely manner. AI-powered video analysis helps to automatically detect relevant events and support security managers precisely when action is required.

Materna combines decades of experience in integrating complex IT and security systems with proven AI expertise and in-depth domain knowledge in the fields of security, defence and cyber security. Building on this foundation, we have developed a solution that seamlessly integrates AI-powered detection with existing security, reporting and documentation processes. Particularly in the KRITIS environment, it is crucial that incidents are not only detected, but can also be processed in a way that is traceable, interoperable and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Yes. Security zones, detection rules and escalation procedures can be tailored to site-specific requirements, processes and risk profiles. The result is not a standard, off-the-shelf system, but a perimeter security solution that is tailored to the actual operational environment.

Please feel free to contact us

Portrait von Ansprechpartner Marcus Goetting

AI-powered video analytics for proactive perimeter surveillance

How SecuSite AI detects incidents

How incidents are dealt with

What other analyses are possible

Increased reaction speed

Reducing the workload of security staff

Comprehensive documentation

In-depth analysis & evaluation

1. Planning

2. Installation

3. Development

4. Operation

Understanding KRITIS

Integration rather than a stand-alone solution

Self-sufficient operating models

From detection to response

Audit readiness right from the start

End-to-end support

How can perimeter security be integrated into existing security structures?

How quickly does AI-powered perimeter security deliver operational benefits?

For which organisations is AI-powered perimeter security particularly useful?

Why is traditional video surveillance often no longer sufficient for perimeter security?

Why is Materna the right partner for perimeter security in KRITIS environments?

Can the solution be adapted to individual security requirements?

Please feel free to contact us

Marcus Götting Leiter Competence Center IoT

Marcus Götting
Leiter Competence Center IoT