Counterintelligence, Economic Security and Security of Classified Material

Because of its location in the heart of Europe and its leadership in Europe, and as the home of many technology companies, Germany is an attractive target for foreign intelligence services. Countering foreign intelligence activities and illegitimate interference by foreign governments requires monitoring in all directions. Focusing solely on a pre-determined selection of foreign countries is not effective.
With advancements in communications and information technology, foreign intelligence services have altered the ways they operate. They increasingly use cyber attacks on networks and computer systems of government bodies, companies and research institutes in addition to more conventional intelligence-gathering methods. Spying on Germany involves human sources along with technical means, which significantly increases the potential threat. We have also noted a combination of analogue and digital paths of attack.
Not only large companies, but also small and medium-sized enterprises and research institutions are potentially rewarding targets for espionage, industrial espionage and sabotage. To avert such threats, the Economic Security Initiative was founded in 2016. It brings together security authorities, industry and the research community to develop tailored advice and assistance for all companies and research institutions in need of them.