Fight against cyber attacks: Elbe-Weser strengthens companies with a new working group

Fight against cyber attacks: Elbe-Weser strengthens companies with a new working group

In today's fast-paced world, companies are increasingly faced with threats that are not only digital, but also physical. In view of the alarming increase in cyber attacks and phishing attempts, the IHK Elbe-Weser has launched a new “Security & Defense Working Group” to better prepare companies in the region for these threats. How District newspaper weekly reported, the need for this initiative was particularly reinforced by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, which has increased the risk situation for numerous companies.

At a meeting at the Bundeswehr logistics school in Garlstedt, Siegfried Deutsch, deputy general manager of the IHK Elbe-Weser, emphasized the importance of exchanging information about current security issues. Entrepreneurs should network and take preventive measures to ensure their safety. Lieutenant Colonel Kai Prozeske from the Bundeswehr added that national resilience must also include the civilian economy in order to create a comprehensive security culture.

Rising threats in the economy

Developments in the security situation are worrying. Jörg Peine-Paulsen from the Lower Saxony Office for the Protection of the Constitution appealed to companies to review their processes and draw up emergency plans, especially for critical areas such as IT security and supply chains. According to a study by Bitkom and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, the damage caused by cybercrime in the German economy has increased to around 267 billion euros in 2024, an increase of 61 billion euros compared to the previous year. This sets Heise represents.

The study shows that 81% of companies have now fallen victim to data and IT theft in the form of industrial espionage or sabotage. Cyber ​​attacks cause over 67% of the total damage, which corresponds to around 179 billion euros. In addition, foreign secret services are responsible for 20% of attacks, with 70% of companies seeing organized crime as the main cause.

Cyber ​​resilience as the key to success

In order to meet the challenges, cyber resilience is essential. It describes the ability of organizations to prevent and recover from cyber incidents. How IBM emphasizes, comprehensive cyber resilience is crucial to maintaining business operations, especially in crisis situations. Companies must not only ensure the security of their data, but also develop and implement emergency plans.

The survey results show that only 37% of companies have contingency plans in place for supplier security incidents. In addition, 37% of companies recognize a lack of security awareness within their own ranks. A particularly alarming fact is that 65% of companies perceive cyberattacks as an existential threat, but only 53% feel well prepared for such attacks.

As part of the IHK Elbe-Weser initiatives, it is possible to prepare for crisis situations using an online checklist. Companies can find this resource at www.ihk.de/elbeweser/checkliste-kritik. Anyone interested can also register for the new working group directly with Siegfried Deutsch. The challenges are great, but with the right action and cooperation you can go into the future armed.