Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has changed the security situation in Germany.

• Danger posed by cyber attacks: There has been an increased risk since the beginning of the war.
• Increased hybrid threats: Germany is the target of Russian disinformation.
• Critical infrastructure a priority: Better protection against acts of sabotage.

Increased protective measures in cyberspace

Russian troops have been attacking cities and villages in Ukraine since they invaded a year ago. However, the threat has also significantly increased in cyberspace, both in Ukraine and beyond.

On behalf of the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI) is responsible for effectively protecting Germany’s IT systems, data and critical infrastructure from digital attacks. The protective measures have been increased since the war broke out. More awareness needs to be raised among potential targets of their vulnerability to cyber attacks.

New tools aim to help inform people about cyber attacks and make it possible to intervene in IT infrastructure that is used in an attack. This will help security agencies stop or at least mitigate serious cyber attacks.

In addition, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community is working to fundamentally improve the cyber security architecture. Germany needs to realign itself strategically and to invest significantly more in cyber security. This is also a result of the historic shift after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

• To ensure that authorities in Germany are able to counter cyber threats in a coordinated manner, the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) is to be expanded into a hub for federal and state cooperation.
• When it comes to critical infrastructure in particular, the Federal Government is enhancing the cyber resilience of small and medium-sized businesses.
• The Federal Office for Information Security is planning to set up a central information-sharing portal (BISP) to make it easier to exchange information on cyber attacks.

Countering lies with facts

Russia’s hybrid interference in Germany has increased significantly since its attack on Ukraine. Germany is a target of Russian disinformation.

The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community has responded quickly and set up an interministerial task force on disinformation. The Federal Government is resolutely combating the targeted spread of disinformation. The main priority here is countering lies with facts.

Prevention and public resilience also play an important role in the fight against disinformation. Awareness needs to be raised among the general public to encourage a more critical approach to information and sources, particularly on social media. The Federal Government also communicates regularly with social media providers and advocates for more transparent rules and stricter measures to combat the spread of false or misleading information.

Social Media-Apps auf einem Smartphone-Bildschirm (Larger version opens in new window) Source: picture alliance / M.i.S. | Bernd Feil

Better protection of critical infrastructure

Recently, the intentional severing of cables in two locations brought all trains in northern Germany to a halt for several hours. This incident and the sabotage of the two Nord Stream gas pipelines in autumn 2022 have increased Germany’s alert level. This is because disruptions to or failure of critical infrastructure can have dramatic consequences for Germany’s supply and security.

On behalf of the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community coordinates activities for the best possible protection of critical infrastructure in close cooperation with the competent ministries.

Measures taken by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community:

• The Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community has set up and is leading a Joint Coordination Task Force for Critical Infrastructure Protection. Objectives: sharing the latest situation reports on the threat level, structured dialogue between ministries and an ad-hoc group for relevant incidents.
• The Ministry is collaborating on a draft umbrella act for critical infrastructure protection: the aims are to identify critical infrastructures clearly and systematically so that threats can be better identified, to carry out regular risk assessments, to set minimum standards for operators, and to create a central system for reporting disruptions as well as an institutional framework.
• Protection of railway facilities and maritime infrastructure: more cameras, sensors and emergency staff for railway stations and facilities, and staff and material reinforcements for the Federal Police to protect maritime infrastructure.