Collaboration among universities to enhance digital security measures
Brandenburg, Germany - A five-year project aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across eight universities in the region has been launched. The initiative, funded by the Center for Digital Transformation of Brandenburg Universities, aims to protect these institutions from the increasing threat of cybercrime.
The participating universities include the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, the Film University Babelsberg, the universities in Eberswalde, Brandenburg an der Havel, Wildau, and the University of Potsdam. The Europa-Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder) and the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam are leading the project.
The primary goal of the project is for all participating universities to be officially certified according to established IT security standards. To achieve this, the universities will align their IT security processes with recognized standards such as ISO/IEC 27001, a widely accepted international information security management system (ISMS) standard.
The universities will also strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure by adopting best practices and security controls validated through official certification processes. This includes measures such as training, emergency exercises, and technical improvements.
The project's aim is not only to meet recognized cybersecurity standards but also to work together to better protect against cyber-attacks. By collaborating, the universities hope to leverage their collective expertise and resources to create a more robust and resilient cybersecurity framework.
Kathrin Fischer, head of the Central IT Department at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, stated that especially business partners could then trust that universities in Brandenburg have a high level of information security. This increased trustworthiness is expected to support not only security but also innovation in IT and related disciplines.
The project is expected to run until the end of 2029 with approximately 2.7 million euros in funding. By working together, the universities hope to ensure smooth operation of research, teaching, and administration through the establishment of information security structures. These measures are crucial in today's digital age, where the threat from cybercriminals is increasing.
In addition to the direct benefits for the universities, the project could potentially leverage cooperative frameworks and government support as part of broader digital and AI-driven initiatives in Brandenburg’s academic and research landscape.
This collective cybersecurity project reflects a strategic focus on improving digital resilience in the higher education sector in Brandenburg. By investing in cybersecurity, the universities are not only protecting their own institutions but also contributing to the broader digital ecosystem of the region.
The universities in Brandenburg, including the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg and the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, have launched a five-year project, funded by the Center for Digital Transformation of Brandenburg Universities, to enhance cybersecurity by aligning IT security processes with established standards such as ISO/IEC 27001. They aim to strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure through best practices, emergency exercises, and technical improvements to achieve official certification, and to collaborate to develop a more robust and resilient cybersecurity framework in the era of increasing cyber threats.
