Red alert: Cyber ​​attacks threaten companies like never before!

Red alert: Cyber ​​attacks threaten companies like never before!

The threat of cyber attacks is taking on alarming proportions in Germany. Current reports from insurers and the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) show that the cyber threat situation has become more critical. The situation is getting worse, mainly due to the increasing professionalization of attacking organizations and the increasing spread of network-enabled devices, which offer new attack surfaces. Gesa Kimmerle from Hiscox emphasizes that the risk continues to increase, which is reflected in the statistics.

A study of the Cyber ​​Readiness Report shows that 60% of German companies have fallen victim to cyber attacks more frequently compared to the previous year. On average, each company records 49 attacks within 12 months. What is particularly alarming is that not only are critical infrastructures being targeted, but targeted economic espionage and misinformation are also increasingly playing a role. Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in particular are the focus of state-financed hacker groups, as Baloise and Hiscox report.

The role of artificial intelligence

Another defining point in the current cyber threat situation is the influence of artificial intelligence (AI). A BSI publication identifies that AI-supported applications, especially large language models, significantly reduce the hurdles for cyberattacks. This technology increases both the scope and speed of malicious actions and is used intensively, especially in the area of ​​social engineering. For example, targeted phishing emails can now hardly be distinguished from real messages, which pushes traditional detection methods to their limits.

Additionally, AI has the ability to generate high-quality phishing messages, even from people with limited foreign language skills. Initial proofs of concept show that AI can also be used to automatically create and mutate malware. While fully autonomous malicious AI agents are not yet available, parts of a cyberattack can still be automated. This presents companies with major challenges and requires a rethinking of cybersecurity.

Practical measures and recommendations

Insurers emphasize the urgency of continually updating security measures. Alte Leipziger recommends implementing an IT emergency and restart concept for companies with an annual turnover of 5 million euros or more. In addition, it is important that SMEs are informed about individual risks in order to take preventive measures. Employee training is seen as essential because people are the number one gateway for cyber attacks, as Brokamp from HDI explains.

In order to counteract the shortage of skilled workers in cybersecurity, close cooperation between business, science and politics is considered necessary. It is important to analyze the opportunities and risks resulting from generative AI language models and to develop strategies to strengthen cyber defense. Claudia Plattner, President of the BSI, advises companies to make cybersecurity a top priority in order to arm themselves against increasing risks.

In summary, it can be said that the need for action in cybersecurity is high. Developments in artificial intelligence require companies to be proactive and implement effective security strategies to counter future threats.

For further information on the risks and developments in cybersecurity, the reports from Cash Online and that BSI be consulted.