Cyber Attacks on the Rise in Saxony-Anhalt Yet Again
In a concerning trend, the State Office of Criminal Investigation in Saxony-Anhalt has reported an uptick in cyber attacks against official state institutions and companies. By December, a staggering 94 attacks had been recorded, as per the police's report in response to an inquiry. This figure represents a doubling of cybercrime cases registered by the police over the past four years.
Following a coordinated hacker attack that paralyzed websites of various ministries in several federal states, including Saxony-Anhalt, in April, subsequent attacks on the state's IT infrastructure have occurred throughout the year. While these attacks led to temporary disruptions in some systems, they differed in nature from those on the state portal. Due to ongoing investigations, the perpetrators of these attacks remain undisclosed.
The State Office of Criminal Investigation observes a professionalization in the execution of cyber attacks. The increasing network and digitalization of the economy, administration, and society in Saxony-Anhalt boost opportunities for attacks on the digital infrastructure. Experts assume a significant number of unreported attacks across Germany.
Cybersecurity Measures
To strengthen cybersecurity measures, Saxony-Anhalt is considering the investment in advanced security software for its computers. The recent cyber attack on the LKA's website in Saxony-Anhalt highlights the importance of regular system checks and updates against cyber threats. As a proactive approach to combat cybercrime, a local cybersecurity workshop was organized in Saxony-Anhalt, inviting experts and officials to discuss potential strategies and share information online.
Tackling Cyber Threats in Germany
Saxony-Anhalt, like other regions in Germany, is actively addressing the increasing number of cyber attacks through a combination of federal-state collaboration and strategic initiatives. The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has expanded its cybersecurity cooperation with various states to learn from threat intelligence, coordinate incident response, and create awareness programs for public sector employees.
BSI has entered into cooperation agreements with multiple states, including Saxony-Anhalt, to provide a constitutional framework for joint cyber defense efforts, strategic advisory services, and rapid response measures following cyber incidents. BSI is also addressing digital violence, which includes unauthorized access to smart home devices, misuse of digital vulnerabilities, and exploitation of location tracking features.
BSI-led initiatives prioritize consumer awareness, IT security training, and response strategies for digital violence victims. These initiatives include broad digital literacy programs to help individuals identify and mitigate digital threats. BSI also provides technical assistance to victims of digital violence, with the aim of providing greater technical expertise to combat digital violence effectively. Businesses are encouraged to implement protective policies for employees and integrate security-by-design principles in their products to prevent misuse.
Sources: - - [2] Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) Website:
