Germany Inaugurates National Cyber Defense Centre To Protect Critical Infrastructure

By Author: eccuni
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Cyber security experts have often highlighted the implications of Internet-based attacks on critical infrastructure such as nuclear facilities, power grids, water supply, transportation, telecommunication, and banking institutions. Recent spate of attacks have re-emphasized that threat is imminent. Many governments are now realizing the importance of devising ways to safeguard critical infrastructure facilities from sophisticated attacks. United States (U.S), United Kingdom (U.K), Estonia, Austria, Australia, France and Netherlands are considering steps to strengthen cyber security.

Germany, known for its technical excellence and know-how is not immune to cyber-attacks. The country witnessed faster recovery from economic recession. The growing influence of Germany in the European region also makes it an attractive target for cyber-attackers. According to the country's Interior Minister, Germany suffers cyber-attack every two seconds. Cyber-attackers are constantly improvising their techniques to install malware, disrupt operations, gain unauthorized access, and steal information. Again, the cyber space has increased ...
... possibilities for espionage and information warfare. While attacks on critical government installations may result in disclosure of sensitive information related to national security, attacks on business and scientific institutions may result in loss of intellectual property. Recently, Germany inaugurated a National Cyber Defense Centre in Bonn. The purpose of creating Centre is to pool different resources from police, office of the civil protection and disaster assistance, and intelligence departments to secure critical infrastructural facilities from cyber-attacks. As of now the Centre has ten full-time employees. The Centre would help in enhancing coordination and information sharing between different agencies to prevent and counter security incidents.

German government decided to establish the Centre late last year after surge in cyber-attacks. Earlier, in the year, the country released a new cyber security strategy, which outlined plans to establish National Cyber Response Centre, and National Cyber Security Council. Effective coordination between different government, business, counter crime and intelligence agencies is crucial to deal with the ever evolving and frequent cyber-threats. Growing concern on cyber security has resulted in increased demand for skilled IT professionals qualified in IT degree programs, computer forensics, master of security science, penetration testing, incident management, and system and network administration among others.

Governments must place adequate emphasis on cyber security education to promote safe computing practices, adherence to security guidelines, password management, privacy protection, and incident management. E-tutorials, promoting online IT degree programs and advertisements in electronic media may help in improving cyber security awareness among Internet users. Government bodies and business organizations must also place high emphasis on regular training of the IT personnel. Adequate training of IT professionals is crucial to make them abreast of evolving security threats, attack mechanisms of cyber criminals, latest developments in the security industry, evolving security technologies and monitoring mechanisms. Regular workshops, mandatory certifications and online IT courses may help IT professionals in meeting their training needs. Information security professionals must ensure adherence to IT security policies to foster security conscious culture in organizations.

National Cyber Defense Centers must also coordinate with business organizations to evolve customized cyber security strategies for small and medium enterprises, and large organizations.