IT security in Karlsruhe is well networked

If you need the fire department or emergency services, dial 112. If you want to call the police, dial 110. And if companies are threatened by an attack from the Internet, the Cyberwehr is on hand at 0800 – 292379347. Specialists from the field of IT security will then take care of the matter and help the affected companies to repair the damage caused.

On average, the cyber defense number is called once a day. “This definitely shows the need for such a service,” says Dirk Fox, Managing Director of Secorvo Security Consulting GmbH and board member of several organizations for protection against cybercrime. However, companies in the Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion need to be made aware of the emergency assistance provided by the cyber defense. “There are still companies that are not aware of what is on offer,” says Fox.

Since the start of the pilot phase in 2018, the Cyberwehr has been one of the flagship IT security projects in the Karlsruhe TechnologyRegion. Other facilities and institutions such as the Competence Center for Applied Security Technologies (KASTEL) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the IT Security Competence Center (KIS) at the Research Center for Information Technology (FZI), the DIZ I Digital Innovation Center and the Karlsruhe Security Initiative (KA-IT-Si) have joined forces to pool their expertise in the Karlsruhe IT Security Region.

Urgently wanted: Start-ups in the field of IT security

“In the past, everyone did their own thing. Thanks to the security region, we have a regular platform where we come together every few weeks,” says Fox. Especially in the field of IT security with its constantly changing challenges, regular exchange is of fundamental importance. Fox is generally satisfied with the composition of the security region. “We have a very broad spectrum,” says Fox. Basic research is represented by KIT and FZI as well as companies from the field of applied IT security. However, more start-ups in the field of IT security would be desirable. The CyberLab start-up accelerator from the CyberForum high-tech entrepreneur network has the necessary infrastructure to support young entrepreneurs with its IT security department. “However, there is a huge shortage of skilled workers and the industry pays horrendous salaries. That’s why start-ups are often quickly bought away,” says Fox, explaining the reason for the relatively small number of security start-ups in Karlsruhe.

Requirements have increased

In addition, the demands on experts in the field of IT security have risen steadily in recent years. Knowledge of networks, server security and data protection are now just as much a part of the industry’s tools of the trade as a flair for forensics. “It takes at least five years to get the full picture,” says Fox. And the cyber criminals are not lying around either, but are constantly looking for new ways and means of penetrating systems.

Important preparation for an emergency

Fox can no longer guarantee 100% protection against attacks from the internet. “However, prevention of a cyber attack is still very important,” he says. This is why companies should also regularly check their IT infrastructure for possible points of attack and raise staff awareness of the issue. However, today, preparation for an emergency is also an important pillar of a functioning security concept. Backup copies, separations and limitations will at least not paralyze the entire company in the event of an emergency. Fox: “It’s like an emergency power generator. You can’t prevent the power failure, but at least you can continue working with a little less power.”