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Almost every German company falls victim to a cyberattack from China or Russia

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Security researchers have announced that almost ten billion passwords have been published. This is said to be the largest leak of all time (symbolic image). © Jochen Tack/Imago

The number of cyber attacks on German companies is increasing. Almost every company is now affected.

Berlin – Attacks on companies have caused damage amounting to almost 267 billion euros in the past twelve months. This is the result of an analysis by the digital association Bitkom, which was presented in Berlin on Wednesday (28 August) and for which a good 1,000 companies from all sectors were surveyed. “The threat situation for the German economy is worsening,” said Bitkom President Ralf Wintergerst. “We also have to do more. Companies have to further increase their protective measures.” The previous record value of 223.5 billion euros in damages came from 2021.

Over 90 percent of German companies have been victims of a cyberattack

81 percent of companies were recently affected by data theft, espionage or sabotage, and another ten percent suspect this. In 2023, the proportions were still at 72 and eight percent. The perpetrators are increasingly being identified in China For the next twelve months, 90 percent of companies expect more cyberattacks, the remaining ten percent expect the level to remain unchanged.

The total damage rose by 29 percent to 266.6 billion euros in the last twelve months compared to the previous year. 70 percent (previous year: 61 percent) of companies attributed the attacks to organized crime. Foreign intelligence services were also named more frequently as perpetrators. 45 percent (42 percent) of the affected German companies stated that they could attribute at least one attack to China. Russia – which was still at the top last year – follows in second place with 39 percent (46 percent). Around two out of three companies see their existence threatened by cyberattacks, significantly more than in previous years.

Affected companies should be able to dial an emergency number in the event of a cyber attack

Sinan Selen, Vice President of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, said that practically every company is now affected. “Some people don’t recognize these attacks.” Awareness of the problem has increased, however. Companies are reporting the attacks, but often too late, only when the situation is already out of control. “It should work faster.” Ideally, there would be a well-known number for getting help – like 112 for the fire department.

International conflicts and the increasing formation of blocs around the world are shaping the security situation, Selen added. “And we are also seeing an even closer connection between digital and analogue attacks.” Significantly more sabotage of operational processes and systems has been observed. The security of supply chains must always be taken into account. “We see a considerable need for improvement here.”

German economy not prepared for cyber attacks: Few have emergency plans

Data theft usually included customer data, access data and passwords as well as intellectual property such as patents. However, emails were once again most frequently affected. Classic attacks, such as stolen IT or communications equipment, as well as documents, samples or components, have increased significantly. Companies must think about the digital and analog worlds together, said Bitkom President Wintergerst. The increasingly complex supply chains are a gateway for attackers.

According to Bitkom, only 37 percent have an emergency plan to respond to security incidents in the supply chain. The changed threat situation has led to companies spending more on IT security. They now spend an average of 17 (14) percent of their total IT budget on security measures.

Wintergerst said that companies are becoming more willing to cooperate. Artificial intelligence (AI) is not perceived clearly and has both positive and negative aspects. On the one hand, AI offers new opportunities for attack, but it can also help with defense. (wal/reuters)

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