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The State of IT Security in Germany in 2020

As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, cybercriminals have been taking advantage of the situation to spread malware and scams. According to a report by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), the state of IT security in Germany in 2020 was marked by an increase in cyberattacks and data breaches.

Cybercrime on the Rise

The BSI’s annual report found that there were over 400,000 reported cybercrime incidents in Germany in 2020. The majority of these incidents were related to phishing, ransomware, and other types of malware. Additionally, the report highlighted the growing threat of dark web marketplaces, which have become a hub for illegal activities such as drug trafficking and child pornography.

Organized Criminal Groups Behind Most Cyberattacks

According to the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), the majority of cyberattacks were perpetrated by organized criminal groups. The BKA also reported an increase in cases related to child sexual abuse material and illegal drug trafficking.

German Government Takes Action

In response to these threats, the German government has strengthened its efforts to combat cybercrime. In April 2020, the BKA launched a new department dedicated to combating cybercrime, which will work closely with international partners such as Europol to disrupt dark web marketplaces and bring criminals to justice.

Europol Disrupts Illegal Activities Online

Europol also played a significant role in disrupting illegal activities online. In January 2021, it announced the takedown of DarkMarket, the world’s largest illegal dark web marketplace. The agency also disrupted the notorious Emotet malware, which was responsible for stealing sensitive information from millions of computers worldwide.

Conclusion

The German government is committed to protecting its citizens and businesses from cyber threats, and will continue to work with international partners to combat this growing problem.

Image: A close-up view of a COVID-19 vaccine vial on a blue background.

Sources:

Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) - “The State of IT Security in Germany in 2020”
Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) - “Cybercrime in Germany: Trends and Threats”
Europol - “DarkMarket: World’s largest illegal dark web marketplace taken down” and “World’s most dangerous malware Emotet disrupted through global action”