- Many Germans express apprehension towards potential cyber assaults.
Cyber Anxiety on the Rise: The German Population's Fear of Cyber Attacks and Cyber War
In a digital age, fear of cyber attacks has become a familiar concern for many, and Germany is no exception. A representative survey by the Digital Association Bitkom found that 61% of participants are worried about cyber attacks aimed at disrupting, sabotaging, or destroying infrastructure, facilities, or companies[1]. Among these, 24% view these attacks as "certain" and 37% consider them "likely."
Conversely, 16% of respondents express "no fear," and 19% consider cyber attacks as "unlikely." The survey, conducted ahead of the Munich Security Conference, surveyed 1,115 people in Germany aged 16 and above[1].
Navigating Cybersecurity Threats: A Lack of Preparedness
The survey revealed that many Germans fear that authorities and administration are unprepared for these digital threats. A mere 23% believe that public administration, as well as authorities like police, armed forces, and other institutions, are well-equipped to counteract cyber attacks[1].
When asked about potential threats, respondents named countries such as Russia (98%) and China (84%) as major concerns, followed by North Korea (44%) and the US (32%)[1]. Government institutions, foreign intelligence services (78%), organized crime (67%), political or religious extremists (59%), and individual criminals (41%) were considered the most significant threats[1].
Cybersecurity in Action: Addressing the Threat
As cyber attacks become more frequent and sophisticated, Germany is taking action to increase its cybersecurity efforts. Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst explains, "Germany is attacked digitally every day. The boundaries between cybercrime and hybrid warfare, between private and state actors, have become blurred. The threat level will intensify, so we must strengthen our national security, both traditionally and digitally – in authorities and administration, but also in critical infrastructure, and in companies"[1].
In response to this multifaceted threat, Germany has implemented various initiatives and policies to improve its cybersecurity:
- Emphasizing cyber resilience: The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has highlighted the importance of enhanced cyber resilience, particularly in the face of growing software vulnerabilities. Companies are advised to conduct threat assessments, perform penetration tests, engage in active network monitoring, perform vulnerability assessments, and implement network segmentation[2].
- Addressing hybrid threats: Germany is advocating for a stronger EU response to hybrid threats from Russia, which includes expanded sanctions and restricted access to Europe by Moscow's diplomatic missions. This response also encompasses measures to counter cyber, information, and sabotage campaigns[2].
- Data protection laws: Germany has aligned its data protection laws with the GDPR via the German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG). This decentralized system, which features multiple supervisory authorities for data protection, ensures consistency through the Data Protection Conference (DSK)[2].
- Securing elections: The BSI assists in protecting Bundestag elections from hybrid threats by offering information, assistance, and advisory services. These services span protecting social media accounts, digital identities, and websites, as well as enhancing observation, providing warnings, and conducting malware scans[2].
- Promoting awareness and education: The Federal Government is supporting public awareness and media literacy initiatives to improve individuals' ability to detect false information and reduce their vulnerability to disinformation. This includes targeted work across various age groups to promote media and information literacy[2].
- International cooperation: Germany values international cooperation in addressing hybrid threats, particularly within the EU. Dialogue with online platform providers is essential to limiting the dissemination of false or misleading information[2].
Private and State Actors Collaborate to Strengthen Cybersecurity
The private and public sectors are working together to enhance cybersecurity in Germany. Companies, led by the ONEKEY report, are encouraged to strengthen their cyber defenses by conducting various security measures, such as threat assessments, penetration tests, and vulnerability assessments[3].
State actors, including the BSI, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), play essential roles in safeguarding Germany from cyber threats. These agencies provide advisory services, conduct monitoring activities, and assist in incident response[3].
Ultimately, the collaboration between the private and public sectors, international partnerships, and a well-informed population will be key in strengthening Germany's cybersecurity and combating the ever-evolving challenges of cyber threats.
The Commission has released a survey indicating that many Germans believe public administration and authorities are insufficiently prepared to counteract cyber attacks [1]. Following the survey, the Commission has emphasized the importance of enhancing cyber resilience in companies and implementing various initiatives to improve Germany's cybersecurity.
