The business consultancy Deloitte surveyed politicians and business leaders on the state of cyber defense in Germany. The results are mixed.
Three-quarters of respondents see the threat to infrastructure as the greatest risk. At the same time, only 12 percent believe that those under attack are well prepared. The majority see the state as responsible. However, even in politics, only 37 percent believe that state powers are currently sufficient, and in the business world, the number is less than a quarter. Peter Wirnsperger from Deloitte says:
"Digitalization brings countless and invaluable benefits, but it also makes us vulnerable. However, the actors largely assess the situation realistically, and companies that see the government as having a duty are offering the state cooperation to improve its defense potential. Politicians, for their part, are making strong efforts to build effective defense structures—as is the military."
Digital risks and fake news
Almost all respondents agree on the threat level: 97 percent consider large-scale hacker attacks at least to very likely. Three-quarters are concerned about infrastructure and the threat posed by computer viruses. Beyond purely technical risks, a good two-thirds consider fake news a serious problem.
However, almost two-thirds of politicians and almost three-quarters of managers doubt that the state currently has the appropriate resources and regulatory framework for effective cyber defense.
Respondents want greater government involvement in cyber defense
Ninety-five percent of respondents would like to see a cyber defense center for the Bundeswehr. In the civilian sector, general support for a centralized digital defense center is around 60 percent. Only half support state counterattacks.
"The survey's opinion reveals many open questions—regarding responsibilities as well as legal issues. Clear definitions need to be developed nationwide as a prerequisite for concrete defense strategies. Companies, in particular, seem to need significantly more information on the matter."
says Katrin Rohmann by Deloitte. She therefore calls for greater exchange between public and private actors, as well as supranational cooperation.
